Arrival by Ferry
Crete is accessible by ferry from Piraeus (Athens) and some islands — a real alternative to flying, especially if you are coming with your own car or motorhome.
Piraeus → Heraklion
Minoan Lines and ANEK Lines/Blue Star Ferries operate daily overnight. Departure Piraeus: 21:00, arrival Heraklion: 6:00. Duration: about 9 hours. The ferries are comfortable: restaurants, bars, outdoor decks, and cabins. Prices: deck passage from 35€, inside cabin from 55€, outside cabin from 75€, car transport from 70€.
Piraeus → Chania (Souda)
ANEK Lines/Blue Star Ferries operate daily overnight to Souda (7 km east of Chania). Similar times and prices as the Heraklion route. From Souda port to Chania: bus (1.50€) or taxi (12€).
Island Hopping
From Crete, you can reach the Cyclades (Santorini: 2h with high-speed, from 50€; Mykonos: 4.5h), Rhodes (via Karpathos), and Milos by ferry. The high-speed ferries (SeaJets, Hellenic Seaways) mainly depart from Heraklion. Tip: Santorini as a day trip from Heraklion is possible — but stressful. Better: add 2–3 days.
Book ferries: ferryscanner.com or directferries.de compare all providers and routes. In the high season (July/August) book early — especially if you are taking a car!
