Crete Travel Guide: All You Need to Know

Are you tempted to take an unforgettable holiday on the Greek Island of Crete ? Before you set off, Direct Ferries is happy to present you everything you need to know about the Island of Crete. It's time to get away, and live the experience of a lifetime... let's get started!

How can I get to Crete ?

Are you having trouble deciding which means of transport to use to get to Crete? Don't panic, we're here to help. You can get to Crete from another destination either by flying or by taking the ferry. Check out this guide, it will help you decide which option best suits your travel ideas.

Is it possible to fly to Crete ?

The fastest way to travel to Crete is usually by airplane. Crete has three commercial airports. Two of them, Chania (CHQ) and Heraklion (HER) are quite large and serviced by international flights. However, there also is a smaller airport on the island called Sitia (JSH). You can fly there on domestic flights only (from Athens for example).

Which is the best airport for my holiday in Crete?

The answer will depend on where you would like to go on the Island of Crete, as well as flight availability from your departure airport. All commercial airports on the island of Crete are located on the north coast of the island. Chania airport (CHQ) is on the western side of the coast, which is convenient for accessing destionations such as Kissamos. Heraklion airport (HER) is more central, whereas Sitia (JSH) is on the far east side of the north coast of Crete. Depending on where you wish to go on the island of Crete, you can select the arrival airport closest to your destination.

What are the benefits of taking the ferry to Crete ?

Sometimes, it's nice to take your time and not be hurried along. If you're not in a rush, you should consider taking the ferry to Crete instead of flying. Don't miss out on the beautiful view over the Aegean Sea on the way! Moreover, if you wish to spend a long holiday in Greece and to visit several islands, ferry crossings could be a huge advantage to help you get around. The ferry destination ports in Crete are Heraklion, Sitia, Kissamos and Chania.

Which ferry route to Crete is the busiest ?

The busiest ferry crossing to the island of Crete is the route between Athens (Piraeus port) and Heraklion, with 5 departures per day in high season. The jouney lasts between 8 hours and 45 minutes and 11 hours and 15 minutes. Generally, the tickets cost between £62 and £390 for foot passengers.

Which part of Crete should I visit for my holiday?

Crete is quite a large island, and different parts of the island are appreciated by tourists for different reasons. A lot of this depends on what exactly you would like to do duirng your holiday. The north-eastern area near Sitia is quite famous for its big beaches and all inclusive resorts. Chania is also famous for its beaches, but more for the natural beautify and authentic cultural side of the region. If you're an adventurer who wants to travel far off the beaten trail (hiking, camping), we recommend to try out the south coast of Crete.

What is the best time of the year to visit Crete?

The island of Crete mostly has a Mediterranean climate. This makes Crete a good travel option the whole year round for your holidays. If you're an avid sun-seeker, the high season between April and October is a great time to visit. It's also possible to visit Crete in the low season between November and March, when prices are generally more advantageous and there are fewer other visitors on the island. The low season is more mild, but you will have a chance to see the snowy peaks of the island's many mountains.

Is it possible to go hiking on the island of Crete?

The island of Crete is crossed by 3 different mountain chains, making it a hiker's paradise. Previously, the amount of trails was more limited. In the last few years however, a new network of trails has been created, mostly around Chania. If you want to go to Crete with the objective of hiking, we recommend that you go in autumn, as in summer it's usually very hot.

Is Crete expensive ?

Generally, the island of Crete is less expensive than its Greek counterparts such as Santorini or Mykonos, who have a reputation for being luxurious. If you're worried about your budget, you can adopt certain strategies in order to make your trip cheaper. For example, eating in local tavernas instead of restaurants, booking youth hostels instead of hotels and taking advantage of the many free activities available on the island. We also recommend that you book your accommodation and transport tickets in advance, as prices tend to go up at the last minute.

What are the best things to do in Crete ?

Are you looking for the best activities to do during your holiday in Crete? Don't panic, here is a table of all our favourite activities, as well as their price and the best way to get there.

Please note that prices aren't set, and can vary according to the season and availability. Please check all the details with the activity providers before booking an activity.