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How to Get to Crete

How to Get to Crete

Crete

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HomeEuropeGreeceCreteTourist InformationHow to Get to Crete

How to Get to Crete

How to Get to Crete
You can get to Crete either by air or by boat. Crete has two international airports (Chania International Airport and Heraklion International Airport) as well as a national one at Sitia with connections to other transport hubs in Greece. For transportation from and to the airports you can check out the website of the local public transport. Taxis are also available at the airports. Similarly, the two major ports of the island are also in Chania and Heraklion, but there are also four smaller ones: Kissamos, Rethymnon, Agios Nikolaos and Siteia.

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Heraklion International Airport (HER)

Heraklion International Airport (HER)

Heraklion International Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis" is the primary airport on the island of Crete and is the second busiest airport in Greece. The airport of Heraklion is only 5 kilometres from the city of Heraklion and 65 kilometres from Agios Nikolaos. A new airport for Heraklion, located 39 kilometres to the south-east of the city at Kastelli, is under construction. It is scheduled to open by 2027. The new airport will replace the current Heraklion International Airport as the hub for central Crete.

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Passport & Visa

Passport & Visa

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Greece and may travel with a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling, once it is implemented (expected from late 2026). For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle Eastern, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.

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Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit

Crete boasts one of the best climates in Europe, with an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. Generally speaking, there is a temperate Mediterranean climate, although during winter there is usually snow in the mountains. Winters in other parts of Crete are relatively mild, while spring, autumn and summer are sunny and warm, or even hot. The rainfall is concentrated from autumn until spring and is more frequent in the western part of the island. Summer is, of course, peak season in Crete. The best time to visit is probably during shoulder season, namely in April, May, September and October, when the temperatures and the weather are good for beach days and sightseeing, but the touristic spots are not too crowded.

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Agios Nikolaos Cruise Port

Agios Nikolaos Cruise Port

Cruise ships dock right in the centre of Agios Nikolaos. The small town with ancient history serves as a hub to the thirty or so small villages and settlements in the Lassithi region. The rural areas close to the port are experiencing rapid growth, especially in alternative forms of tourism. The most alluring tourist attractions include the small island Agioi Pante, the archaeological museum and local fairs. Lake Voulismeni — now a lagoon right next to the post — features a small park, traditional fishing boats, cosy cafes and even an amphitheatre.

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Chania Crete Cruise Port — Port of Souda

Chania Crete Cruise Port — Port of Souda

Cruise ships stop about 6 kilometres (20 minutes by bus) from Chania, in the neighbouring town called Souda. Most ships tender. You can use a hop-on hop-off bus or a small tourist "train" to go between the port and the city centre. The buses are right outside the terminal. Take the opportunity to explore the charming medieval town, some of the best beaches in Greece, ancient castles and the unique natural landscapes. Restaurants, free city WiFi, bars, shopping malls and traditional tavernas are at your disposal.

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Heraklion Cruise Port

Heraklion Cruise Port

Cruise ships will dock at the port. The city provides convenient shuttle buses to the passenger terminal, which is only 15 minutes away from the city centre. The walk is quite nice, but you can always take a taxi, too. Regularly scheduled ferries serve the routes to the Greek islands Ios, Paros, Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini. There are also daily ferries to Piraeus-Athens in mainland Greece. Heraklion offers a plethora of museums, summer art festivals, numerous historical sights, great cuisine and fun nightlife.

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Pharmacy

Pharmacy

Normal opening hours of the pharmacies are the same as shops during week days. On Sundays they are generally closed. Each pharmacy has a notice in the window showing which ones are open out of normal hours and the address where they're located. Here are some pharmacies located in the main cities: Kaniadakis Anthony pharmacy Odos Kassanon 203, Heraklion, Crete +30 2810 239 923 Pharmacy Mpitsaki-Verigakis Πλατεία 1866 και, Kriari 45, Chania, Crete +30 2821 092 447 Pharmacy Michail Papadakis Adelianos Kampos 59, Rethymno, Crete +30 2831 071 431

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