Flight from Athens to Crete

by Virali
(Mumbai, India)

Hi

I'm from India and I'm planning a honeymoon trip to Greece. We want to visit Crete and Santorini.

If I take a flight from Athens to Crete (as the ferry would take too long), will I be allowed to take all my luggage on the domestic flight? (Athens-Crete) It seems most domestic carriers have weight restrictions on the luggage. I don't really want to spend on taking my bags on the flight. On my Mumbai-Athens flight I will be allowed 25 kg per person.

Also...

I thought of doing it in this order.

• Arrive in Athens and immediately take a flight to Crete
• 4 days in Crete and then take a ferry for Santorini
• 4 days in Santorini
• Take a ferry to Athens and spend 2 nights in Athens

Does this itinerary make sense to you? Are there any changes/ suggestions you can give me?

I know you would prefer that I do entire trip - 10 days in Crete but this is all I have and can't miss Santorini.

Perhaps I could I do it the other way around? i.e.
• Athens to Santorini (ferry)
• Santorini to Crete (ferry)
• Crete to Athens (flight)

But important thing to know for me is about the luggage weight allowed on Greek domestic carriers.

Flights Athens to Crete and Itinerary

Hi Virali,

We can understand that you would like to clarify the weight restrictions before planning this journey. The two most common domestic air carriers in Greece are Aegean and Olympic.

The weight allowances on Aegean Airlines are 32 kg for Business Class and 20 kg for Economy. See Aegean Airlines info here

The weight allowances on Olympic Airlines are listed as 20 kg for Economy and 25 kg for Premium Economy. See OA info here

It sounds as if you need to book special class or pack only 20 kg each.

Now onto your itinerary, it sounds wonderful and we don't mind you seeing beautiful Santorini!

Yes, it is possible to transfer easily from an international flight to a domestic flight to Crete, within Athens Airport 'Eleftherios Venizelos'. Allow at least 2 hours for transfer, 3 hours to be safe. There are many flights a day to Crete as early as 7.00 to 22.00. It is a 50 minute flight.

See airport transfer info here

There are two airports to choose from for your arrival into Crete. Chania or Heraklion. We suggest Chania because you will depart from Heraklion later...

It is also possible to take a flight from Athens to Santorini or of course, Santorini to Athens so you may consider this for your forward or return journey (rather than ferry). The benefit of this is that you avoid the transfer from Pireaus port to centre of the city which can be tiresome, and the ferry journey which is 4-5 hours.

The ferries from Santorini (Thira) to Athens are many and have varied routes. There are various islands which may be included on the route. One can travel from Thira to Pireus port which is closest to the centre of the city. One can also travel via Rafina port which is much closest to Athens airport.

Considering all these variables, we have put together a suggested day by day itinerary for you below. There is no correct answer and of course it is simply for your consideration, and may depend upon the flight or ferry availability or connection times when you proceed to booking stage.

We are not sure of your budget preference for accommodation so we have included suggestions in mid-range hotels, again simply for your consideration. In Chania and Rethymnon we suggest staying in the old towns. In Santorini we suggest staying in both Fira and Oia. In Athens we suggest staying in Plaka, near the Acropolis.

Itinerary Crete to Santorini

Day One
Arrive Athens International Airport
Transfer to domestic flight to Crete
Arrive Crete – Chania
Stay Chania Old Town
Stay Villa Venezia

Day Two
Explore Chania Old Town
Stay Villa Venezia

Day Three
Transfer to Rethymnon
Stay Rethymnon Old Town
Stay Palazzo Rimondi

Day Four
Transfer to Heraklion
Visit Knossos Palace
Stay near Port
Stay Hotel Lato

Day Five
Fast jetboat to Santorini (Thira)
Depart 8.20am
Arrive 10.40am
Stay Santorini
Stay Fira
Stay Pantelia Suites

Day Six
Stay Santorini
Stay Fira
Stay Pantelia Suites

Day Seven
Stay Santorini
Stay Oia
Stay Aethrio Hotel

Day Eight
Stay Santorini
Stay Oia
Stay Aethrio Hotel

Day Nine
Depart for Athens (flight or ferry)
Stay Athens
Stay A for Athens Hotel


Day Ten
Stay Athens
Stay A for Athens Hotel

Information pages you may need for this itinerary:

Accommodation in Crete

Crete to Santorini

Santorini Accommodation

Athens Info

Bon Voyage! Kalo Taxidi!