Updated: July 2026 · Prices and times are indicative — check and book on Ferryhopper or the operators' sites before you travel.
Reaching Crete by ferry from Piraeus
The main crossing is the overnight ferry from Piraeus, the port of Athens, to Heraklion or to Chania (Souda port, 7 km from town). It takes about 8 to 9 hours: you board in the evening, sleep in a cabin and step off at dawn, rested and without losing a day. The long-standing companies are Minoan Lines and ANEK/Attica (Blue Star); the ships are proper comfortable ferries, with cabins, reclining seats, restaurants and an outside deck. It's also the only practical option if you're bringing your car from the mainland.
Fares & booking
Fares depend on the season, the type (deck seat or cabin) and how early you book. As a rough guide, expect from around €35-45 for a seat and noticeably more for a private cabin; adding a vehicle raises the bill significantly. Book early for summer and weekends, when cabins sell out fast. The simplest way to compare timetables and prices across all companies is the Ferryhopper app, or the operators' own sites. Indicative 2026 prices — check before you book.
Fast ferries to Santorini and the Cyclades
In summer, fast ferries link Heraklion to Santorini in about 2 hours (SeaJets, Minoan, Golden Star), and continue on to Ios, Naxos, Paros and Mykonos. This is what makes the Santorini day trip from Crete possible — doable, but tiring and tightly timed: you 'see' Santorini more than you live it. The ferry alone costs, as a guide, €50-80 one-way on a fast boat, less on the slower option. These links are seasonal and weather-sensitive: keep some slack and book ahead.
The south-coast boats
In the south-west, part of the coast simply has no road: you move around by small local ferry (Anendyk company). The line connects Chora Sfakion, Loutro (a car-free village), Agia Roumeli — the exit of the Samaria Gorge — Sougia and Paleochora. It's essential for completing the Samaria hike: you walk down the gorge to Agia Roumeli, then the boat reaches Sfakion or Sougia, from where a KTEL bus takes you back. These boats are also the only access to otherwise unreachable beaches and coves.
Gavdos, Europe's southernmost island
For the adventurous, Gavdos is reached by Anendyk ferry from Chora Sfakion or Paleochora, in 1 to 3 hours depending on the route and weather. Service is daily at the height of summer, cut to a few days a week in the shoulder season, and cancelled outright above 6 Beaufort. The island is wild, backpacker and naturist in spirit, with few amenities: come self-sufficient, with cash, and keep your dates flexible — the return can be delayed by wind. Cape Tripiti marks the southernmost point of Europe.
Practical tips
A few useful habits: book early in high season, especially for a cabin or with a vehicle. Always keep a day's margin before a return flight, as crossings — especially the fast ones and those in the south — can be cancelled in strong winds. Get to the port well ahead, with ID. Ferryhopper centralises timetables, prices and e-tickets for most Greek companies. And remember that Souda (Chania) and Heraklion are the two main arrival ports from the mainland.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Crete by ferry?
By the overnight ferry from Piraeus (Athens) to Heraklion or Chania (Souda), in about 8-9 hours, with cabins. Companies: Minoan Lines, ANEK/Attica (Blue Star). It's also the way to bring your car from the mainland.
How long is the ferry from Piraeus to Crete?
About 8 to 9 hours for both Heraklion and Chania (Souda). You board in the evening and arrive at dawn. Fast daytime ferries mainly run between islands, not from Athens.
Can you get to Santorini from Crete by ferry?
Yes, in summer: a fast ferry Heraklion-Santorini in about 2 hours (SeaJets, Minoan, Golden Star). The ferry alone costs, as a guide, €50-80 one-way. The day trip is doable but tiring.
How do you get out of the Samaria Gorge?
On foot to Agia Roumeli (on the roadless south coast), then by Anendyk boat to Chora Sfakion or Sougia, from where a KTEL bus takes you back. You need to factor the boat ticket into your timing.
Can ferries be cancelled?
Yes, especially fast ferries and south-coast boats, which are wind-sensitive (Gavdos links are cancelled above 6 Beaufort). Always keep a margin before a return flight.
Where do you book ferries in Crete?
The Ferryhopper app compares timetables and prices for most Greek companies and sells e-tickets; otherwise, directly on the operators' sites. Book early in summer.