How to get to Crete Island

How to get to Crete

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and is a popular tourist destination. There are several ways to travel to Crete, including by plane, by ferry, and by car:

By plane: The main international airport in Crete is Heraklion International Airport, also known as Nikos Kazantzakis airport, which is located about 5km east of the city of Heraklion. There are many direct flights to Heraklion from major cities around Europe, as well as some seasonal flights from other countries.

By ferry: There are several ferry companies that operate routes between the Greek mainland and Crete. There are regular ferries that connect the ports of Heraklion, Rethymno and Chania with the port of Piraeus (Athens) and other Greek islands. The trip from Piraeus to Heraklion can take around 7-8 hours by conventional ferry, and 5 hours by high-speed ferry.

By car: If you plan to travel to Crete by car, you can take a ferry from the port of Piraeus to the port of Heraklion or Chania. Cars are also allowed on some of the ferry routes to Crete from other Greek islands. Keep in mind that during the peak tourist season, it can be difficult to find space for cars on the ferries, so it's a good idea to book your ferry tickets in advance.

Once you arrive in Crete, the most common way to travel around the island is by bus, as Crete has an extensive network of bus routes that connect all major cities and towns. There are also car rental and taxi services available, as well as local buses and ferries that connect the cities and towns with the smaller villages, the beaches and some of the nearby islands.

Crete is a large island, and the best way to explore it will depend on your budget, time frame and personal preferences. If you want to see the most of the island it is recommendable to rent a car, otherwise, you can take the bus or use a taxi and explore the towns and villages on your own. Also, you can organize tours to get a better sense of the island, it's culture and the natural beauty of it.