Crete

Crete is the largest island in Greece and is an exceptionally beautiful region that combines rare natural beauty, Mediterranean culture, and a rich history. Due to its significant geographical location, it has served as a crossroads for various peoples and cultures, as well as a target for conquerors.

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History of Crete

Minoan Period: The Minoan period spans from 2600 BCE to 1100 BCE and can be divided into three periods: the Early Minoan period from 2600 BCE to 2000 BCE, the Middle Minoan period from 2000 BCE to 1580 BCE, and the Late Minoan period from 1580 BCE to 1100 BCE. The name of the first European civilization originates from King Minos, the mythical ruler of Crete.
Byzantine Era (330-1204 / 10th century CE): Crete was an autonomous province of the Byzantine Empire, with Gortyn as its administrative and religious center. During this period, piracy diminished, and trade flourished, allowing for the reconstruction of temples. Christianity arrived early with the visit of Apostle Paul in 63 CE. His disciple Titus managed to spread it throughout the island.
Venetian Rule (1204-1669 CE): When the Crusaders conquered Constantinople in 1204, Crete was sold to the Venetians. The Genoese attempted to maintain control, but Venice ultimately prevailed. Many new buildings were constructed in Heraklion during this period, including the Palace of the Dukes, the Basilica of Saint Mark, and the Loggia. After the fall of Constantinople to the Turks in 1453, many Greek nobles came to Crete. The Monastery of Saint Catherine became a center for culture, theology, philosophy, music, and literature.
Ottoman Rule (1669-1898): The Turkish rule of the island was perhaps the worst period of its existence. Approximately 60,000 men captured Chania in 1645, Rethymno in 1646, and the entire island except for Heraklion by the end of 1648. On September 27, 1669, the city finally fell to the Turks after a siege that cost 117,000 Turkish lives and 30,000 Cretans and Venetians. In 1897, Greek forces and volunteers reached Crete and began liberating the island with the intention of unifying it with the rest of Greece.
Autonomous Crete - Modern Period: The battles ceased in 1898 after the massacre that occurred in Heraklion. The Great Powers - Britain, France, and Russia - recognized the autonomous "Cretan State" under the rule of Prince George, with eventual union with Greece. The Cretan Revolution in Theriso in 1913 led to the unification of Crete with Greece.
1941-1945 CE: The Cretans are renowned for their resistance against the Germans during World War II. In May 1941, thousands of German paratroopers landed on the island and encountered fierce resistance.

Beaches in Crete

Frangokastello: It is a beautiful destination in Crete, located in the municipality of Sfakia in the southwest of the island. This beach is unique, with the castle serving as a stunning backdrop. The waters are very shallow, making it ideal for families and children.
Glyka Nera: Located in Sfakia, you can access it either by boat from Loutro or via the European E4 hiking trail. The landscape during the descent is impressive, with steep cliffs rising above the shore. The waters are crystal clear, and the tavern perched on a rock in the sea is remarkable.
Dymata Beach: Located 7 kilometers east of Sougia, it is an isolated beach with a dramatic landscape and unique cliffs formed by the sea's waves. In Cedar Forest, in the southwest beaches of Crete, you will find a beach with a tropical character, featuring cedar trees and sand reminiscent of tropical shores.
Elafonisi: The beach is next to Cedar Forest and boasts turquoise waters, pink sand, and a stunning landscape. This beach has gained great popularity and is considered a terrestrial paradise.
Other beautiful beaches in Crete include Balos with its Gramvousa Castle, Falassarna with its white and red sands, Agia Anna Beach in Gavdos with its turquoise waters and unique African character, Ammoudi Beach in Agios Pavlos with its impressive sand dunes, and Souda Beach in Plakias with the refreshing breeze often blowing on the shore. Lastly, the Triopetra Beach in Asterousia stands out with its crystal-clear waters and fine pebbles.

Sights in Crete

Below, we present a list of the most interesting places you can visit in Crete:

Venetian Walls of Heraklion: The ancient walls surrounding the old harbor of Heraklion offer amazing views and are home to the unique Lion of Saint Mark.
Old Town of Chania: The picturesque streets and old Turkish and Venetian houses in Chania create a magical atmosphere.
Minoan Ruins in Malia: Discover the ancient ruins and the wealth of Minoan history in Malia.
Samaria Gorge: Hike through the legendary Samaria Gorge and enjoy the stunning nature.
Loutro: Visit a seaside village that maintains a traditional atmosphere.
Arkadi Monastery: Explore the Arkadi Monastery and uncover the history of Crete.
Panagia Kera: A small Byzantine church with impressive frescoes and stunning views of Mirabello Bay.
Spinalonga: Visit the uninhabited island of Spinalonga with its unique beauty.
Matala: Enjoy the famous Matala beach with its crystal-clear waters and traditional taverns.
Knossos: Explore the impressive ancient palace of Knossos and the mysterious Minoan history.

These places are just a small taste of the richness of Cretan nature and history that you can discover on this beautiful island.

Crete: Ferry tickets and schedules from and to Crete

Crete is one of the most popular destinations in Greece and is connected by ferry with Piraeus, the Cyclades and other islands, depending on the season and the available ferry schedules. The main ports of Crete that serve ferry routes are Heraklion, Chania, Sitia, Rethymno and Kissamos.

Through booktickets.gr, travellers can search for ferry tickets to Crete, compare available routes, prices, departure times, travel duration and ferry companies, and choose the most suitable option for their trip.

Ferry tickets to Crete

Ferry tickets to Crete vary depending on the port of departure, the port of arrival, the ferry company, the type of vessel, the passenger seat category and the travel period. On the Piraeus - Crete routes, passenger fares may vary significantly, while there are also options for cars, motorcycles, cabins and numbered seats.

Early booking is very important, especially during the summer months, public holidays and long weekends, as demand for ferry routes to Heraklion, Chania and Sitia increases significantly.

Ferry schedules from and to Crete

Ferry schedules from and to Crete are mainly operated through the port of Piraeus. The most popular ferry connections are:

Piraeus - Heraklion
Heraklion - Piraeus
Piraeus - Chania
Chania - Piraeus
Piraeus - Sitia
Sitia - Piraeus
Piraeus - Kissamos
Kissamos - Piraeus
Crete - Cyclades, mainly through seasonal or summer ferry routes

The frequency of ferry routes changes depending on the season. The Piraeus - Crete routes operate throughout the year, while during summer there are usually more available departures.

Ports of arrival and departure in Crete

Port of Heraklion

Port of Heraklion is one of the most important ferry ports in Crete and serves regular routes from and to Piraeus. It is an ideal choice for travellers who want to visit central Crete, Knossos, Hersonissos, Malia, Agia Pelagia and the southern part of the island.

Port of Chania

The port of Chania, located in Souda, mainly serves ferry trips from and to Piraeus. It is suitable for travellers who want to visit Chania, the old Venetian harbour, Balos, Falassarna, Elafonisi and western Crete.

Port of Sitia

Sitia is located in eastern Crete and is a useful option for travellers who want to reach areas such as Vai, Palekastro, Makry Gialos and Ierapetra. Ferry schedules to Sitia are usually more limited compared to Heraklion and Chania, so it is important to check availability in advance.

Port of Rethymno

Rethymno mainly serves seasonal or special ferry connections, depending on the period. It is a practical option for travellers who want to reach the central part of Crete, between Chania and Heraklion.

Port of Kissamos

Kissamos is located in western Crete and may serve ferry routes to Piraeus or nearby island destinations, depending on the season and the ferry company’s schedule.

Ferry travel duration to Crete

The travel duration from Piraeus to Crete depends on the arrival port, the vessel and whether the route is direct or includes intermediate stops. In general, ferry routes from Piraeus to Crete usually take from around 7.5 hours to more than 11 hours, depending on the line and the type of ferry.

Night ferry routes are particularly popular, as they allow travellers to depart in the evening and arrive in Crete the next morning.

Ferry companies for Crete

Well-known ferry companies operate routes from and to Crete, such as Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, ANEK Lines, Hellenic Seaways and Seajets, depending on the route and the travel season.

The available ferry companies may vary by route, so searching through booktickets.gr helps travellers see in real time which vessels operate the trip they are interested in.

Ferry ticket prices for Crete

Ferry ticket prices for Crete are based on several factors, such as:

The port of departure and arrival
The ferry company
The type of vessel
The passenger seat category
The cabin option
Vehicle transportation
The travel period
Available discounts and offers

For a more economical trip, travellers can compare different departure times, ferry companies and available seat categories in order to find the best option.

Cabins and seats on ferries to Crete

On larger ferries travelling to Crete, there are usually different seat options, such as economy class, numbered seats, business class and cabins. Cabins are ideal for night trips, families, couples and travellers who want more comfort during the journey.

During periods of high demand, cabins may sell out quickly, so it is better to book several days or weeks before departure.

Transporting a car or motorcycle to Crete

Vehicle transportation is especially useful when travelling to Crete, as the island is large and many attractions are located in different areas. Travellers can transport a car, motorcycle or another vehicle, provided there is availability in the ferry garage.

Vehicle reservations should be made together with the passenger ticket in order to secure space on board.

Discounts and offers on ferry tickets to Crete

Ferry tickets to Crete may include discounts for specific passenger categories, depending on each ferry company’s policy. Common discount categories include:

Children
Infants
Students
Large families
People with disabilities
Permanent island residents, where applicable
Return ticket offers
Seasonal or early booking offers

Travellers should carry the necessary supporting documents, as they may be requested during boarding.

When to book ferry tickets to Crete

The best time to book ferry tickets to Crete is as early as possible, especially for trips from June to September. During the summer months, demand for Heraklion, Chania and Sitia is higher, while cabin and garage availability becomes more limited.

For trips outside the high season, there are usually more options, but it is still advisable to check ferry schedules and availability in advance.

Why book ferry tickets to Crete through booktickets.gr

Through booktickets.gr, travellers can easily organise their ferry trip from and to Crete. The platform allows users to search ferry routes, compare prices and choose the right ferry company based on travel duration, departure time and availability.

Online booking helps travellers secure their tickets in time, compare alternative routes and choose the best option for their trip.

Useful tips for travelling to Crete by ferry

Book early, especially if you are travelling during summer.
Check carefully the port of departure and the port of arrival.
Arrive at the port well before departure.
If you are travelling with a vehicle, allow extra time for boarding.
For a night trip, consider booking a cabin.
Check whether the ferry company supports web check-in.
Carry the necessary documents for any discount category.
Compare different routes before completing your booking.

Conclusion

Crete is connected by ferry with Piraeus and, depending on the season, with other island destinations, offering many travel options throughout the year.

With key ports such as Heraklion, Chania, Sitia, Rethymno and Kissamos, travellers can choose the ferry route that best suits their schedule.

Through booktickets.gr, searching and booking ferry tickets to Crete is fast, easy and convenient, with the option to compare prices, ferry companies and available departures.