Heraklion Travel Tips

Traveling Heraklion to West Crete

by Diane
Australia

Hi,

We will be flying into the airport in Heraklion mid-morning in July and leaving from that airport mid-morning, 7 days later.

So we have 7 days and 6 nights in Crete. We plan to rent a car at the airport. I have put together an itinerary for my family (2 adults and 2 teens).

Could you please give me advice?

Day 1 - arrive mid-morning at Heraklion airport and drive to Knossos to explore. Drive to Rethymnon that afternoon to explore and stay overnight in Rethymnon.

Day 2 - Drive to Chania and explore Chania, go to Falasarna Beach and stay in Chania

Day 3 - take a one day tour from Chania to Balos, stay in Chania

Day 4 - drive to Elafonisi Beach and stay in Paleochora?

Day 5 - go to the Samaria Gorge or do that on Day 4?

Day 6 - drive to Archanes and sleep the night there

Day 7 - fly out of Heraklion mid-morning

Thank you so much for any advice that you can offer and any advice about accommodation for a family of four!

West Crete Itinerary - Old Towns and Beaches

Yiasas Diane,

Your itinerary sounds marvellous. We have simply added notes and suggestions to your itinerary below. We have provided options on accommodation, to choose according to your budget. You have a wonderful trip planned and we trust you will enjoy it and will love getting to know Kriti.

Day 1
Arrive mid-morning at Heraklion airport
Pick up your hire car
Drive to Knossos 7 km. Allow 2 hours to explore
Drive to Rethymnon (81 km) that afternoon to explore and stay overnight in Rethymnon
Sounds great, see our mini guide to the west of Crete for an alternative route from Knossos to Rethymnon, a little bit off the beaten track, 145 km.
In Rethymnon stay in the old town
Stay at Avli Lounge Apartments (luxury option)

Or Afroditi Hotel (mid range)

Day 2
Drive to Chania 61 km
Explore Chania
Visit Falasarna Beach 51 km
Stay in Chania old town
Stay at Madonna Studios

Or Helena Hotel (mid range)

Day 3
Take a one day tour from Chania to Balos Lagoon
Stay in Chania Old Town

Day 4
Take a one day tour from Chania to Samaria Gorge
Stay in Chania Old Town

Day 5
Drive to Elafonisi Beach 134 km return
Stay in country guesthouse near Kissamos – Kaliviani Traditional Hotel

Day 6-
Drive to Archanes 175 km direct
Choose to visit on way:
• Georgioupoli Beach with little chapel
• Lake Kournas
• Agreco Traditional Farm
• Agia Pelagia Beach for a final swim
Stay Archanes Village
Stay at Villa Archanes

Day 7
Drive Archanes to Heraklion Airport 16 km
Drop off hire car
Fly out of Heraklion mid morning

Diane, we have listed below some info pages you might find useful, it seems you may have found many of them on our site already.

Bon Voyage! Kalo Taxidi!

Knossos Palace

Mini Guide to West of Crete

Rethymnon Town

Accommodation in Rethymnon Town

Chania Town

Chania Accom

Falasarna Beach

Day Tours

Elafonisi Beach

Georgioupolis Beach

Lake Kournas

Rural Accom Chania
Agia Pelagia Beach

Archanes Village



Bon Voyage! Kalo Taxidi!

Heraklion Airport Taxi to Hora Sfakion Crete

by Karen
(UK)

I am planning to travel from Heraklion Airport on Sept 21 to Loutro. Arriving 2.05pm

How long will a taxi take from the airport to Chora Sfakion? I would like to catch a ferry from Chora Sfakion to Loutro.

Sfakia Taxi from Heraklion Airport

Yiasas Karen,

It will take over 2 hours, best to allow for 3 hours travel time.

Best to pre-book and be sure - Taxis in Crete

The ferries from Chora Sfakion (also known as Sfakia) are run by Anendyk - see timetable here

Ferries depart Chora Sfakion for Loutro in the evening during high season but please double check for September, as services will be reduced.

Heraklion is located in the central north of the island, on the north coast. The airport is about 4.5 km from the town. Loutro is located in the south west of the island, in the region named Chania. The distance from Heraklion Airport to Chora Sfakion is about 150 km and includes crossing the mountains on good, but steep, roads. It is totally possible to take a taxi from the airport to Chora Sfakion and take the ferry to Loutro in one day, as detailed above.

Another option, for other travellers, might be to take local buses, if you have a little more time, and include a stop in Chania town.

Take a taxi or the local bus from Heraklion Airport to the Central Bus Station, which is for regional buses, located down by the port in Heraklion about 4.5 km from the airport. Bus cost will be less than €5 and taxi less than €15.

Then take the regional bus to Chania, the capital of the region of the same name, which sits on the north coast of Crete in the west, about 140 km west of Heraklion. These bus services leave regularly, cost is less than €15 and the trip takes 2 hours and 45 mins.

This beautiful town has a very interesting history and the old town can be explored for hours, including the old Venetian walls and old Venetian harbour, beaches, museums and narrow winding lane ways. Stay overnight in the old zone and soak up the atmosphere, perhaps hear some traditional Cretan music at an outdoor taverna.

For a budget accommodation in the old town we suggest Pension Eva. Alternatively, Casa Delfino is an exquisite stylish accommodation in the old zone of Chania.

In the morning, you could take the local bus from Chania to Chora Sfakion, these buses leave about four times a day, cost is less than €15 and the trip takes about 1 hour and 40 mins. This is a really interesting journey into the heartland of Crete! You could take a taxi for this part of the trip, it would be less than €110.

Once you arrive in Chora Sfakion, you could stay a very comfortable night there upon arrival or departure if you choose, and visit some of the beautiful beaches near the village. The Livikon Hotel is affordable and comfortable and run by a local family.

Ferries depart from Chora Sfakion to Loutro, Agia Roumeli, Sougia and Palaiochora. You can also get to Gavdos Island from here.

In summer there are about many ferries a day from Chora Sfakion to Loutro. The trip takes about 20 minutes. You can also organise a local water taxi to take you on this trip. In Loutro, we suggest the small hotel Villa Niki as it is set back a little from the harbour side.

Make sure to check the bus and ferry timetables online and with your hotel before you depart, especially in spring and autumn and winter when the services are much reduced!

More info for your holiday:

Heraklion Airport

Getting Around in Crete - including pre-booked taxis

Local Buses in Crete – Info

Chania Region

Chania Town info

Chora Sfakion

The Region of Sfakia

The village of Loutro


Bon Voyage! Kalo Taxidi!

Heraklion Airport to Panormos

by Emma
(Sheffield, UK)

Hello!

We fly into Heraklion airport on June 19 at 13:55 - we are wondering which is the best way to get to Villa Kynthia in Panormos?

A taxi is quite expensive, but if it is much faster and easier then it it may be worth it. Is it easy to catch a bus direct from the airport to Panormos and then back to the airport on the day we leave?

Can you recommend a bus company?

Thanks so much for your help!

Bus or Taxi to Panormos Crete

Hi Emma, it is easy either way. For peace of mind you can pre-book a taxi online, see our page about getting around in Crete.

To take the bus you would need to take the local bus from Heraklion Airport to Heraklion Bus Station A, which is near the port and 3.8 km from the airport. Here you change and get the bus to Rethymnon, which would drop off near Panormos on the national road.

See our page about bus travel and KTEL which is the local bus company.

From Heraklion to Panormos on the bus would be less than 7.60 Euro

More info on Heraklion Airport here...

More info on Getting Around in Crete here...

See the info on booking a transfer here...

You can put in your airport (Heraklion) and your destination (Panormos) and see exactly how much the transfer will be, based on the number of passengers, the date and time of arrival.

You can also put in your destination hotel by searching by the name ‘Villa Kynthia’ and it will come up to give you an accurate quote.

Villa Kynthia is a small, pretty guesthouse with a secluded, leafy courtyard in traditional style, large trees and shady spots, a delicious pool and gourmet treats, less than 500 metres from the relaxed sandy beaches and tavernas of Panormos. With wooden floors, wood-panelled ceilings and arches, this feels like the 18th century mansion that it is, beautifully restored and brought up to date to modern tastes.

Looking Around
To the east are the five sandy coves of Bali Beaches with protected waters, clear vision and perfect for snorkelling or diving, there is a scuba school there. Inland are the villages of Perama and Angeliana. In Angeliana visit Dalabelos Farm with olive groves, vineyards, fruit orchards and participate in the farm activities or classes such as cooking, bread-making and pottery.

Dining Out
Try the Anchor taverna overlooking the seaside, or Kastro, Fanari or Geronymos tavernas. For cocktails and another good view try Vinzi Cafe Bar by the bay. In Rethymnon town try Zefyros or Em Plo, both by the water.

Kalo Taxidi! Bon Voyage!

Kolymvari to Heraklion for Early Flight

by Sue
(South Africa)

Hi, great site, thanks.

We are staying in Kolymvari with a hired car and need to catch a 7am flight from Iraklion in the morning.

Is it OK to drive on the road E75 if we have a very early start (3am or thereabouts)? Any tips very welcome. Thanks again.

Kolymvari to Heraklion Airport Crete

Hi Sue, yes it would be fine to do this and it would be best to leave at least 3 hours for the drive, however it should be just over 2 hours.

If you want to sleep in Heraklion the night before we suggest the Lato Hotel which is nice and central or if you would prefer a rural retreat try Archanes Village which is very handy to the airport.

More info on Heraklion Airport here...

More info on Getting Around in Crete here...

See the info on booking a hire car here...

Kolymbari or Kolymvari in Greek Κολυμβάρι is a lovely seaside village on the north-west coast of Crete, in the Chania region.

See more about the Chania region here...

This village sits at the start of the Rodopou Peninsula, just 25 km from Chania town.

See more about Chania town here...

Kolymbari was a fishing village and although it does have a beach, it is not as popular as nearby beaches of Platanias or Maleme. It makes a great spot to sit for a while and dip into the sea every day, or as a base for exploring the rest of Chania.




For Greek traditional food in style by the water, try Palio Archontiko (pictured), one of the favourite restaurants along the seafront in town, where Vasilis and Maria will welcome you. Try the prawns, any of the seafood, you will be in heaven by the Med.

From here you can visit:

Kastelli-Kissamos

Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa

Falasarna Beach

Elafonisi Beach

Agia Irini Gorge

Paleochora Town

The White Mountains

Staying in Heraklion is a good option and the Lato Hotel is our favourite because it is close to the port, to 25 August Street, to Koraii cafe bar district and easy enough for a taxi to the port or airport. We always found the service here excellent, be sure to ask for a room with a view over the old port.

If you want a quieter night in a relaxing country village, try Archanes Village which is 14 km from the International Airport. Here you will find the grace and charm of an old mansion Arhontiko Studios, fully restored with modern tastes kept in mind whilst honouring history. With the private courtyard and rustic stone walls, you will sleep peacefully before your departure.

Kalo Taxidi! Bon Voyage!

Heraklion to Kissamos Transport Options

by Dominic
(England)

Hello....we are spending 2 nights at the Hotel Iraklio from 12 April until 14 April

On 14 April we need to travel to Kissamos and are staying at the Galini Beach until 30 April.

We have had quotes for taxi transfers.

We are considering a bus ride to Kissamos....is carrying two suitcases a problem?

I am a little uncertain about hiring a car but I haven't found anywhere that does one day hire.

On the return journey to the airport on 30 April I don't know the best way to do it...our plane leaves at 21.45

Any advice you can offer, or if you are aware of anybody who can take us in both directions, would be welcome.

Kindest regards

Dominic

Heraklion to Kissamos Return

Hi Dominic,

Well, you have a few options, sure the bus is an option and local buses are air-conditioned coaches that are very comfortable, so taking two suitcases on the bus is not a problem. From your hotel you need to get to Bus Station A. This is less than 2 km, and very affordable in a taxi which should be around 3 Euro.

Take the regional bus which travels to Chania (via Rethymnon). Double check the timetables (below) for the date you will be travelling, the earliest departure seems to be 5.30 am and there is a bus every hour costing €7.60

The journey to Rethymnon is one and a half hours, you could leave your luggage at the bus station and have a lovely walk through Rethymnon old town. Then the journey from Rethymnon to Chania is one hour costing €6.20

Then you will need to change at the bus station in Chania (there is only one), for a bus to Kastelli. This bus leaves every hour or so and the trip takes one hour and fifteen minutes, costing €4.70. The total trip should cost less than €20 each and under four hours of direct travel time. With connections it will take longer.

Of course, you could also take a walk through Chania or have lunch in Chania, but you might want to save this for another day, as you will be staying only 40 km away, and this would make a lovely day trip from Kissamos.

Also we suggest you speak to Ioannis Kokkinakis at Balos Travel in Kissamos, who may be able to assist you further, perhaps with local hire car options, and timing to get back to Heraklion for your departure flight.

More on local buses here...

More info on Heraklion Airport here...

More info on Getting Around in Crete here...

See info on booking a hire car here...

See more about the Chania region here...

See more about Chania town here...

Kalo Taxidi! Bon Voyage!

What to do in Heraklion

by Lisa

Hi, we are visiting Crete next week and have a couple of questions.

Q1: If we wanted to walk the Samaria Gorge is this too far to do as a day trip from Heraklion?

Q2: We have 5.5 days in Heraklion before we meet up with friends. As the hotel is booked we don't really want to spend more money by staying overnight elsewhere. What do you suggest we do to enjoy our 5 days?

Exploring Heraklion in Crete

Hi Lisa,

Thank you for your query. We have plenty of suggestions as to how to enjoy the town of Heraklion and its surroundings...

Day One
I would suggest spending a day enjoying walking the streets of Heraklion, taking in the harbour, the central markets and the many cafes, tavernas and restaurants. More information and suggestions about walking around Heraklion

During this day you could easily visit the world famous Heraklion museum, or better still you could make a dedicated day for visiting both the site of Knossos and the museum.

Day Two
Visit Knossos, you can catch the bus to and from Knossos, which is 5 km from Heraklion. Or you could take a Knossos day tour, be picked up from your hotel, guided around the Palace and explained the mysteries of ancient Crete, then dropped off at your hotel.

Day Three
Yes, you can walk the Samaria Gorge during your stay. You can do it independently however it is a one-way walk with logistical arrangements that make this a challenge, and it needs time. You can catch the local bus to the entry point of the gorge, and then catch the boat back from the village at the end of the walk, Agia Roumeli, then take another bus back to Heraklion. This is time consuming and not possible to do in one day.

Alternatively, you can take a guided day tour of Samaria Gorge. You will be picked up at your hotel, guided throughout the day, picked up by boat at the south end of the gorge, take a ferry, then get transferred back to your hotel.

Day Four
If the weather is warm enough for the beach or diving, you have a few options. You could spend the day at the beautiful Agia Pelagia, only 20 km from Heraklion, or you could even go diving off Dia island. You can arrange a boat trip from the harbour of Heraklion to this protected, pristine island where you will be able to dive.

Day Five and Other Options
Of course if you hire a car, your options are endless. Car hire information. You could pop into the village of Dafnes (18 km from Iraklion) and try the many local wines on offer in this wine region.

You could drop into Fodele (30 km from Iraklion), the supposed birth-place of El Greco. Here, you can see the hand-made traditional crafts and textiles of Crete made by the local women and perhaps sip a coffee in the old plateia. Or you could visit the Aquaworld Aquarium, or Phaistos or Matala Beach in the south.

Enjoy your time in Crete!