Heraklion to Palaiochora After 8pm

by Jackie
(California)

If the ferry arrives in Heraklio at 8pm, can we travel to Palaiochora that night?

Or must we stay in Chania or elsewhere? En route?

Our destination is Palaiochora to visit Elafonisi.

Getting to Palaiochora, Crete

Hi Jackie,

Well, it is physically possible but it would not be the best idea.

It is 210 km from Heraklion to Palaiochora. The wide and large national road travels from Heraklion to Rethymnon and then to Chania. This is a trip of 140 km. The roads from Chania to Palaiochora are windy and scenic, travelling through gorges. Best that this portion of the trip is done in the day time.

You can pre-book a transfer from Heraklion to Chania and stay in the Old Town, have breakfast there and enjoy the historical character, then make your way to Palaiochora mid-morning. The trip from Heraklion to Chania is 140 km and would take around 2 hours by car and on a pre-booked transfer would cost around €145

You may just make the last bus to Chania which departs from Bus Station A in Heraklion down by the port, at 9.00 pm. This trip takes 2 hours and 45 minutes and costs around €14.

It would be best to take a taxi from the port to Bus Station A for around €5. If your ferry is delayed or if the taxi is delayed getting to the Bus Station, you might miss this bus. Check the timetables here, in peak summer there may be a later bus than this. See more about Crete regional bus timetables here

You have the option to stay in Heraklion and take the full journey the next day, or perhaps stay in Rethymnon or Chania to break up the journey. We have suggestions for good accommodation in each location to help you decide.

In Heraklion, we suggest the Hotel Lato because it is a boutique hotel with great service, very close to the port and the bus stop, with lovely views over the old fishing port and fortress.

In Chania, we would suggest the Madonna Studios because they are small and located in the atmospheric old quarter, very close to the harbour.

In Palaiochora, we suggest the Aris Boutique Hotel because it is small, central and run by a local family.

Palaiochora is a great town/village, big enough to have loads of different restaurants and some nightlife, yet small enough to retain its village character.

There are many beaches to visit within walking distance, and of course you can take boat trips to Elafonisi. These leave daily in season. More info from Selino Travel in Palaiochora.

You might also want to consider a boat trip to Gavdos Island, a remote island with untouched beaches, boats depart from Palaiochora as well.

Info pages for this trip:

More about Heraklion here

See more about Rethymnon town here

Info on Chania here

See more about Palaiochora here

Have a great trip!

Kalo Taxidi! Bon Voyage!