Heraklio Crete Travel Tips

Ferry from Heraklion to Rethymnon

by Elaine, UK

Hi, we will be spending 4 weeks in Crete at the end of August.

We are looking at varying our travel and wondered if it possible to get a ferry from Heraklio to Rethymnon?

Heraklio to Rethymnon & South Coast Ferry Options

Hi Elaine,

No, there is no ferry for this route, you will need to find land transport. You can get a local bus or a taxi or a pre-booked transfer.

The distance from Heraklion town to Rethymnon town is 80 km. On the bus it takes about 1 hour and a half and the trip costs less than 15 Euro.

KTEL Bus Timetables Crete

In a taxi it takes around one hour and price is approx €75.00 - €95.00

You could pre-book a transfer for peace of mind:

Pre-book a taxi transfer in Crete

See more about Getting Around in Crete

Ferry Trip in the South of Crete

As you have four weeks, you could consider a very interesting alternative trip in the south of Crete, using ferries. In this way you will get to see some small seaside villages that are accessible only by walking or ferry, and take some relaxing days by the beautiful beaches there.

If you generally travel in a west to east direction, you could start at Palaiochora on the south-west coast and travel by ferry to Sougia, Agia Roumeli, Loutro and Chora Sfakion, where you could take a local bus to Chania or Rethymnon to continue your journey.

In this way, you also have the chance to visit the beautiful remote island of Gavdos, south of Crete. We have included this as a day trip below, yet you may want to stay overnight there also.

Your itinerary for this part of the journey would be similar to the one we have prepared below; you can of course choose how many nights to stay in each village.

July and August are high summer season.

As you will be travelling in August, everything will be running at full service schedules as this is summer season. In shoulder and low season, of course in winter, it is a lot colder and the services are reduced. Always check the schedules for the correct date before departing.

We have included mid-priced accommodation suggestions for this trip. Accommodation in July and August can be quite hard to find in these small villages, so it pays to book ahead. In shoulder season and low season, this is not the case and you will be able to take a more relaxed view towards accommodation. Having said that, if there is a particular guesthouse or rooms you would prefer, book ahead in shoulder season, so that you are not disappointed.

Day One
Arrive Palaiochora
Stay at the Aris Boutique Hotel

Day Two
Day Trip to Elafonisi Beach
Or
Day Trip to Gavdos Island
See Maria at Selino Travel in Palaiochora
Stay Paleochora
Stay Aris Hotel
Stay at the Aris Boutique Hotel

Day Three
Take the Ferry from Palaiochora to Sougia, departs at 8.30am, duration 40 mins €9 per adult
Or
Walk to Sougia, 14.5 km, duration 6 hours
Stay in Sougia
Stay at Galini Studios

Day Four
Take the Ferry from Sougia to Agia Roumeli, departs at 9.00 am, duration 40 mins
Stay Agia Roumeli
Stay at Agia Roumeli Hotel
Agia Roumeli Hotel

Day Five
Walk the Samaria Gorge
Stay Agia Roumeli
Stay at Agia Roumeli Hotel
Agia Roumeli Hotel

Day Six
Take the ferry from Agia Roumeli to Loutro, departs at 8.30, duration 40 mins, €6 per adult
Or
Take the ferry from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion, departs at 8.30 am, duration one hour or so
Go directly to Chania or Rethymnon on the bus
Or
Walk to Loutro, 13 km, duration 5 hours
If Stay Loutro
Stay Villa Niki
Villa Niki

Day Seven
Take the ferry from Loutro to Chora Sfakion, departs at 9.30, duration 20 mins, €5 per adult
Take the bus to Chania or Rethymnon

The company that runs ferries on this route is called Anendyk and their website has all the details that you need to plan a journey in south-west Crete: www.anendyk.gr

Taxi boat services are also available in every port at your own convenience.

Information for this itinerary:

Palaiochora (includes Gavdos Island)
Sougia
Agia Roumeli
See more about Samaria Gorge here
Loutro
Chora Sfakionalso known as Sfakia

The walking paths noted above are part of the E4 European Walking Path in Crete

So, there you have a completely different idea for alternating your travel styles and exploring the beautiful, remote southern beaches of Crete!

Kalo Taxidi! Bon Voyage!

One Week Road Trip from Heraklion Crete

by Sacha

Hello, We will be in Crete for a week and fly in/out of Heraklion.

We'd like to visit archaeological sites, ruins, places of interest and natural wonders. We are picking up a car for the trip from the airport.

We also like authentic tavernas and cosy / interesting family run places to stay as opposed to large package holiday hotels.

Please send some ideas for an itinerary. We don't mind staying in different places each night.

Thanks!

Road Trip in Crete

Hi there,

We have put together our best thoughts that include your ideas into two great itineraries which are off the beaten track, that is they take back roads and less common paths through the real inland Crete.

Here you will discover archaeological sites, ruins, nature at its best, small villages humming with life, tavernas with fresh local food, genuine interest and hospitality from the locals, and much, much more.

Both these trips commence and finish in Heraklion.

One week exploring Western Crete...

Mini Guide for Exploring Eastern Crete...

Each trip can be taken and changed to meet your needs, and each is totally independent. There are good, small family owned guesthouses, pensions and places to stay, suggestions for side trips and plenty of local knowledge packed into each mini-guide...

The guide to the west of Crete includes:

• The Minoan Palace of Knossos - Archaeological Site
• Zaros Village - a pretty mountain village
• Amari Valley - drive through the lesser used mountain and valley roads from Heraklion to Rethymnon
• Old Town Rethymnon - explore the cross roads of history in the old town lane ways
• Lake Kournas - an option to visit this cooling lake
• Old Town Chania - choose to visit this old zone or stay in smaller villages
• Samaria Gorge or Agia Irini Gorge
• Balos Lagoon
• Topolia Gorge
• Elafonisi Beach

The mini-guide to the east of the island visits:

• Knossos Ancient Site and wine country
• Lasithi Plateau - fresh mountain food
• Dikti Cave - also known as Psychro Cave
• Elounda - on one of the prettiest bays of Crete
• Spinalonga Island - with a turbulent history
• Agios Nikolaos - a thriving modern town
• Sitia - a very Cretan town with its own pace
• Kato Zakros - a tiny beachside enclave near the ruins of the Minoan Palace of Zakros
• Zakros Palace
• Vai Beach and Palm Forest
• Kritsa mountain village

Have a good trip!

Kalo Taxidi! Bon Voyage!

Athens to Heraklion Flights

by Mr Snowdon

I have a 7 night holiday from 21-28 August in Stalis.

I would like to fly to Athens on the 22nd early flight and get the last flight from Athens to Heraklion on the same day in order to watch a Europa football match.

Please could you advise flight times?

Evening Flight Athens to Heraklion

There are several flights daily from Athens to Heraklion with Olympic Airlines. The last ones depart late in the evening. Check with Aegean and Olympic.

See more about Getting to and from Crete here

Stalis is a beach resort 30 km to the east of Heraklion Airport. Upon arrival at this late hour, it would be best to take a taxi, or even better, arrange a pre-booked taxi, from the airport to your destination.

Pre-book a taxi transfer in Crete

See more about Getting Around in Crete

Stalis is preferred by beach lovers, and is part of the busy resort area which continues along the north coast and includes Hersonissos and Malia. Getting away from the coastal area, you can explore more of the history, nature and culture of Crete.

Not far from here is the archaeological site of Malia, one of the four Minoan Palaces on the island, a culture which dates back to 2000 BC, one of the first civilizations in Europe.

A village to visit 10 km inland from here is Mochos, where most of the original residents of Stalis – Stalida came from, there was never a permanent settlement here, but the villagers of Mochos visited the coast in summer. Already the height of the hills gives you a nice lookout.

Continuing on for 7 km, you will come to the pretty village of Krasi, where a lovely, huge old plane tree dominates the central plaza or plateia. This is a good shady spot to come on hot summer days. The name of the village means ‘wine’ so you see, there is a hint of some of the local tasty products you could choose to sample whilst sitting under the tree.

Continue on from here to visit the Lasithi Plateau, with many good choices available for lunch, and places to visit or sit and relax in the cooler mountain air...part of the Dikti Mountains.

Close by to this plateau is a large cave which is worth exploring. Psychro Cave also known as Zeus Cave, if you drive up you will enter Lasithi Plateau and follow signs to the cave, at the car park you might be offered a donkey ride up to the cave. This is not really necessary because it is only a short walk...so unless you are feeling particularly romantic, best to give it a miss...the cave is quite modest, with a height of 15 metres, three chambers and good formations, structured pathways and a wonderful history.

Information for this trip:

Heraklion Airport

Heraklion Town

Beaches of Crete

Malia Palace Crete

Lasithi Plateau

Dikti Mountains

Kalo Taxidi! Bon Voyage!

Where to Stay Near Knossos, Crete

by Salvatore
(Italia)

Hi, let me first congratulate with you for your beautiful website. I looked at the questions and I have not found the right solution for me. I therefore ask you some advice.

I will go to Crete from the 6th to 18th of September for a tour of the archaeological sites. I will arrive at 5 pm in Heraklio.

I would avoid an accommodation in the city and devote myself to the visit of Knossos and the archaeological museum the 7th. Could you recommend a simple hotel or a bed & breakfast just outside Heraklion, maybe in Knossos?

Thank you very much for your attention

Kind regards
Salvatore

Accommodation Near Knossos

Hi Salvatore,

Thank you for your kind words and we are glad you enjoy the website. We agree it is nice to avoid the busy town if possible, especially if your interest is in archaeology.





We suggest going directly from the airport to the small village of Archanes, as this only 16 km and will take you into the country.

This village is only 7 km from Knossos and 14 km from Heraklion.

In Archanes we suggest the Archontiko Studio, itself a historic building, beautifully restored.

In this way you will be rested and rejuvenated before visiting Knossos, which is a big site and needs a full morning or an afternoon to do it justice. We suggest getting there early to avoid the crowds, or ideally visiting in the off season, such as you are doing, September can still be a little crowded, so go early to avoid the queues.

We suggest taking a break in Heraklion town for lunch, and if possible, visiting the museum on a different day, because the collection is vast and best to be visited with a clear mind the next morning.

Heraklion has many lovely pedestrian streets with good cafes, tavernas, restaurants and bars and the market on 1866 Street is a marvellous collection of local fresh produce and artisanal crafts. Don’t miss the area named Koraii, where you can relax and enjoy the hottest part of the day with a frappe and perhaps a game of tavli.

See more information here

Heraklion Region

Heraklion Airport

Heraklion

Archanes Village

Archontiko Studios

Minoan Palaces of Crete

Palace of Knossos

Tips for Visiting Knossos

We have a number of detailed history pages about Crete, for your information:

Ancient History of Crete - From 7000-3700 BC...

Ancient History of Crete - From 3700-600 BC...

Arthur Evans – Restorer of Knossos

We also have comprehensive history pages with outlines of each of the major archaeological sites including the four Minoan Palaces, Phaistos and Gortys.

Kalo Taxidi! Bon Voyage!

Question From Marijke

Is the beginning of October good to visit? Will it be out of busy season?

I am a solo traveler, besides Heraklion and Knossos what would you recommend I visit?

I have about 7 days and would like to take it easy and also relax and just lap up the Greek way of living.

October is A Good Time to Visit Kriti

Hi Marijke,

Yes October is a good time for a solo traveler to explore Crete. We suggest you take the local buses which are really comfortable and safe and efficient.

I travelled all the way around the island in September and October as a single female traveller on the buses, it is fantastic as there are not too many crowds and the water is still warm for swimming.

I would recommend you see some beaches and the pretty towns of Rethymnon and Chania. After seeing Knossos and Heraklion take the bus to Agia Pelagia and stay by the beach. Then take the bus to Rethymnon and stay within the walls of the old town. There is a lot of history to soak up here.

Then take the bus to Chania and explore the old town, there is a lot of history and culture and everything else to soak up here.

Take local buses to nearby beaches such as Agii Apostoli or Maleme and then back to the old town for the night, enjoy the tavernas around the old port in the evening.

From here you could take a day tour to Balos or Elafonisi Beach or take the local bus. From here you could take a day tour to Samaria Gorge in early October the park is still open, but closes mid-October.

To soak up the local way of life, choose a village and visit, perhaps Kastellos which has a great taverna and seek out their cooking lessons (all year). www.castellotaverna.com

You will have a really good visit to Crete in 7 days in October! Kalo Taxidi!

Only 2 nights in Crete near Heraklion

by Erica
(Toronto)

My boyfriend and I (28-30yr olds) are flying into Heraklion the morning of Aug 6th and leaving on Aug 8th.

Since I only have a limited time there where is the best area to stay?

I am looking for nice beach, relaxation, some fun night life, good food, etc...

Agia Pelagia Crete - Near Heraklion

Hi, there is a lovely beach not far from Heraklion on the north coast of Crete called Agia Pelagia.

It is really pretty with beautiful clear waters and bays.

It is a seaside village that has grown to provide many tavernas and a few bars and nightclubs right down by the water. Some of them are pretty funky.

This would be a good place to stay if you only have two days on the island as it is close to the airport (23 km) you could maximise your enjoyment.

Agia Pelagia Beach

Be careful when you book accommodation not to book too far from the beach as the hills get steep really quickly and you don't want the hassle of walking up and down to the beach too far.

From here you can still go out to the cafe bar zone of Heraklion - it is called Koraii and its really a good buzz.

Also from here you can visit other beaches, mountains, Zeus Cave, Fodele Village and Knossos Palace. it just depends what you want to fit into your 2 days visit. You can just enjoy the beautiful beaches at Agia Pelagia, swimming and water activities including diving. There is really good water clarity here.

More info pages:

Beaches of Crete...

Mountains of Crete...

Zeus Cave...

Fodele Village...

Heraklion Town...

The Palace of Knossos...

Tips for visiting the Knossos Archaeological Site...

Staying in this location will make it very possible to visit Knossos. This site is one of the most popular attractions on the island and one of the sites you really must see if you are coming to Crete. In summer it gets really busy and there can be long queues, so we always suggest starting really early, to avoid crowds and the heat, and dedicating at least 2 hours to your visit. History buffs will want longer than that, because it is quite a large site.

Accommodation

If you do decide to stay in Agia Pelagia, there are many accommodation options, below we suggest a luxury option and a cheaper option. Of course, there is everything in between available in the bay.

The Out of the Blue resort is a leafy, green, garden resort set on a spectacular peninsula over looking Agia Pelagia Bay, with a variety of types of accommodation to choose from, many restaurants and bars, its own beach access and luxury spa. This is one of the most beautiful locations for a luxury resort in Crete...

Aquarius Apartments, are charismatic and charming in a village full of modern apartments. Good value and close to the beach.

Kalo Taxidi! Bon Voyage!