Planning your trip from Athens to Crete is not an easy task because there are many options and decisions involved. This long guide thus aims to make your journey much easier by giving all of the basic information needed for making your travel experience smooth and enjoyable, whether by air or sea. We’ll go through the pros and cons of flying versus ferry travel to Crete from Athens and offer some useful tips for your journey.
Flying to Crete
The quickest way to reach Crete from Athens is to fly, for those who want to spend the least amount of time on the way. There are three major airports on the island: Heraklion International Airport (HER), Chania International Airport (CHQ), and Sitia Airport (JSH). Most international and domestic flights pass through Heraklion and Chania.
Flights from Athens to Crete are operated by the following companies: Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, and Sky Express. The flight does not take too much time—from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the final destination in Crete.
Most airlines will allow one carry-on and one checked bag per passenger. Of course, it’s always best to confirm directly with the airline you are flying for their specific policies. Some of the budget airlines charge for checked baggage, so make sure to include that in your calculation of total cost.
Flying is one of the most frequent flights you’ll get, especially during peak tourist seasons. You can find several flights a day, which thus also allows for flexibility in your travel plans. Being the usual thing, though, it’s good to pre-book in advance, more especially during summer when rates could be more acceptable and available.
Ferrying to Crete
For the more relaxed traveler, one who might be equally excited by the journey and not just the destination, this may make traveling to Crete by ferry a very good choice. The most common ports for Athens are Piraeus, Rafina, and less frequently Lavrio, while in Crete these are Heraklion, Chania (Souda), and Rethymno.
Some of the firms that operate on this line are Minoan Lines, ANEK Lines, and Blue Star Ferries. Again, travel time may vary appreciably depending on the type of ferry and the route. By conventional ferry, the journey takes about 8-10 hours, and by high speed ferry, it takes about 6-7 hours.
The greatest asset of a ferry ride is the fantastic view one can get of the Aegean Sea. Most ferries have inside seating areas, restaurants, bars, and even swimming pools on board when it is big enough. There is also a possibility of booking a cabin for more comfortable sleep during overnight journeys.
Bookings are advisable in advance, more so during the peak summer season. Today, most companies have online booking systems that help make the process easy. Note that ferry schedules are subject to alteration due to weather conditions; therefore, any updates on your journey could be prudent.
Making the Best Choice: Plane vs. Ferry
The choice of either air or sea would largely depend on personal preference, budget, and choice of travel. The comparison of major factors is given here:
Speed: Flying is definitely faster; with an hour taken by it compared to 6-10 hours taken by ferry.
Cost: Generally, ferry tickets are more affordable than flights, especially when you consider traveling by vehicle. However, with possible cabin costs for overnight ferries and comparing against budget airline deals, this price gap could narrow down considerably.
Comfort: Ferries provide much more space and the opportunity to enjoy outdoor decks. Flights are quicker but more confined.
Luggage: Ferries generally have more allowance for bags and vehicular carrying capacity, something almost impossible to do with flights.
Landscapes: One can get fine views of the sea from a ferry ride, and a journey by ferry is more romantic.
Schedules: Flights are more frequent, hence offering greater flexibility, while ferry schedules are fewer, especially in the off-season.
Consider priorities: if time is of the essence, you may want to fly. If you want to save money, enjoy the journey itself or have a vehicle to transport, the ferry could be the way to go.
Getting to and from the Airports/Ports
In Athens:
- Athens International Airport (AIA) is very well connected to the city center with the metro, bus, and taxi. The metro is usually the most practical; it takes approximately 40 minutes to the city center.
- Piraeus Port can be accessed by metro, bus, or taxi from central Athens. The metro is often the easiest during peak hours.
- Rafina Port can be reached from both central Athens and directly from the airport by bus.
Crete:
- Heraklion Airport: There are frequent buses into the city center. Taxi services are also available.
- Chania Airport: It is well linked to the city by public buses and taxi services.
Heraklion, Chania, and Rethymno ports are typically within walking distance from the city centers; however, there are always taxi services available for those with large quantities of luggage.
It’s worth mentioning that Crete is one of the most popular places to rent a car in Greece. This may prove to be very flexible in discovering the island. Most companies renting cars have desks at both the airport and near the ports.
Tips when traveling with luggage and vehicles
Be careful with airline baggage restrictions to avoid extra charges. Most airlines will let you bring one carry-on and one checked bag, but weight maximums vary.
Many ferry companies have higher allowances when it comes to luggage, but it is still better to pack efficiently, especially if you plan to use public transport at your destination.
In case you are traveling to Crete with a vehicle, then ferries are the only way out. Car ferries allow one to drive his vehicle onto the boat for shipping. It is important to ensure that one books in advance during peak season since places of vehicles get sold out very fast. Prices for vehicles vary in size and type; hence, one should consult the company for appropriate prices.
Also, if you are on the decision of flying to Crete and renting a car instead of taking your own, this is a better option for most people. This will help one to avoid the longer ferry ride. That also excludes the price of transferring your vehicle on the ferry.
Best Time to Visit Crete
Crete boasts a Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and mild winters. The best time for visiting Crete largely depends on your taste and the kind of experience you want to have.
Spring—from April to mid-June—and autumn—from September to October—are considered the best time for those who prefer milder temperatures and fewer crowds. During these seasons, the weather is practically always fine for sightseeing and most outdoor activities, and the temperatures vary from 15°C to 25°C—59°F to 77°F.
Summer—mid-June to August—is peak tourist season. The weather is hot, often above 30°C (86°F), ideal for beach lovers. This, however, is the most toured time and is invariably the most expensive, with inflated accommodation and airfare prices.
Winter is the low season in Crete, from November to March, and it will be cooler, with temperatures from 10°C to 15°C; however, compared with most of Europe, it is much milder. It’s a good season for budget travelers who want to experience cultural sites without summer crowds. Be aware that many tourist facilities can run reduced hours or even close this time of year.
Traveling from Athens to Crete has many alternatives suitable for people’s tastes and budgets. Whether one goes for the quick service of a flight, or savors the journey on the sea by ferry, planning will be important for this travel. Be sure to consider such factors as the timing, luggage requirements, and your intended activities in Crete. With its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and warm hospitality, Crete is sure to give you the best Greek island experience any way that you wish. Safe travels!
