Crete has two International airports. One is at the east and the other at the west side of the island. A typical cost to travel from European cities is around 180€ (return) using a charted flight or 250€ if you prefer major airlines. National flights from Athens to other Greek cities start from 49€ (single) if your book early.

HERAKLION AIRPORT (code:HER)

Named after the famous written "Nikos Kazantzakis", Heraklion Airport offers daily charter flights from all over Europe during the summer season (March-October). British Airways also operate a two day per week return flight to and from London. It is also connected with all major cities of Greece (Athens, Thessaloniki, etc) with more than 6 flights per day.

CHANIA AIRPORT (code:CHA)

Chania Airport is located in area "Acrotiri", 6km from the city center of Chania (second largest city of Crete). This again operated international flights during the summer season and many daily flights to all major cities of Greece.

Useful Links

• Olympic Airways (Major Greek Airline)
• British Airways (Major British Airline)
• EasyJet (Low cost Airline / through Athens)
• Expedia (Online ticket agency)
• LastMinute (Online ticket agency)
• Aegean (Greek Airline / domestic flights)

All four cities of Crete have passenger and car ports. All ports are connected to Piraeus (Athens port, 5hrs travel), Thessaloniki (northern capital, 16hrs) and the small islands of Cyclades (like Santorini, Mykonos etc)

Most ships carry passengers and cars. The ferries are all brand new ships, very modern and comfortable. Chania and Rethymno also operates Catamaran ships which travel fast and provide excellent service.

There are three big companies that operate in Crete. ANEK Lines (Chania, Heraklion), MINOAN LINES (Heraklion) and HELLENIC SEAWAYS (Rethymno)

The ferries and catamarans are very good in timing and you want be surprised with delays.

Heraklion has a slightly bigger fare (35€ from Piraeus) while Chania is always the cheapest route (closest to Rethymno also). Rethymno has a more expensive ticket (60€) because of the catamaran but many times is worth it depending the travel connections you might have (you also avoid travel expenses to visit Rethymno from the other ports).

All ports are inside the cities so it is very easy to find taxis, busses or arrange for a rented car.

As with the airports, Olive Farm, offers arrangements to a rented car (waiting you at the port) for 110€ per week, taxis to and from Heraklion/Chania port for 60€ and taxi from Rethymno port for 5€.

Remember that all companies make very good offers during the summer season, like free children, free return, free car etc. Also note that during the winter season the tickets are a lot cheaper.

Useful Links

• Hellenic Seaways (Catamarans to Rethymno)
• Anek Lines (Ferries to Chania/Heraklion)
• Minoan Lines (Ferries to Heraklion)

NOTE: Chania port is also called "Souda Port".

NOTE: The shipping companies are changing their schedule and fares very often. Make sure to check their website for the latest updates.