Getting to Crete, the largest Greek island, can be done by both air and sea. Here's a guide on how to reach Crete:
By Air
Crete has three main airports: Heraklion International Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis" (HER), Chania International Airport "Ioannis Daskalogiannis" (CHQ), and Sitia Public Airport (JSH). Here's how to reach Crete by air:
International Flights:
Book a flight to either Heraklion or Chania airport from major international airports.
Several airlines, including Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, easyJet, and TUI Airways, operate direct flights to Crete from various European cities.
Prices for international flights can vary depending on the airline, time of booking, and travel season.
Domestic Flights:
If you are already in Greece, you can book a domestic flight to Crete from Athens International Airport or Thessaloniki International Airport.
Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air offer regular domestic flights to both Heraklion and Chania.
Domestic flight prices can range from around €50 to €150, depending on the airline, availability, and time of travel.
By Sea
Crete is well connected to mainland Greece and other Greek islands through ferry services. Here's how to reach Crete by sea:
Ferries from Mainland Greece:
Ferries operate from several ports in mainland Greece, including Piraeus (Athens), Rafina, and Gythio, to the ports of Heraklion and Chania in Crete.
Major ferry companies servicing these routes include Minoan Lines, ANEK Lines, and Blue Star Ferries.
The ferry journey from Piraeus to Heraklion usually takes around 8 to 9 hours, while from Piraeus to Chania, it can take approximately 7 to 8 hours.
Prices for ferry tickets from mainland Greece to Crete range from €30 to €60, depending on the ferry operator, accommodation type (economy, deck, or cabin), and season.
Ferries from Other Greek Islands:
Crete is also connected to other Greek islands, such as Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, and Kos, by ferry.
Ferry companies like SeaJets, Golden Star Ferries, and Anek-Superfast Ferries provide regular ferry services between these islands.
Ferry prices for inter-island travel vary depending on the distance, ferry operator, and accommodation type, ranging from €30 to €70.
It's important to note that schedules and prices for flights and ferries may vary depending on the season, weather conditions, and specific providers. It's recommended to check the official websites of airlines and ferry companies or use online platforms like Skyscanner, Expedia, Ferryhopper, or Let's Ferry to find the most up-to-date information, compare prices, and book your preferred mode of transportation to Crete.