Island Hopping to Crete: What to Know with AUTOWAY
- Ferries connect Crete with Santorini, Rhodes, Karpathos, and Kythira.
- Main ports: Heraklion, Sitia, and Kissamos—spread across the island.
- What’s the best way to explore after arrival? Car rental with AUTOWAY.
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Crete is your landing, not just a stop.
Many travelers reach Crete by ferry after touring the Cyclades or Dodecanese. Santorini, Rhodes, Karpathos, Kythira—they all link to Crete by sea. Once you arrive, you’ll notice this island is big. Public transport is slow. Taxis add up fast. If you want real freedom, pick up a car hire from AUTOWAY right at the port.
From Santorini: Fast ferries, new landscape.
Daily boats bring travelers from Santorini to Heraklion in summer. It’s a two-hour ride. When you land, the vibe shifts. Crete is larger, greener, and more local. Heraklion’s port is near the city center. Grab your AUTOWAY car and head west to Rethymno or east to Elounda. Either way, you’ll get more out of your time.
From Rhodes: Long trip, rich reward.
Overnight ferries link Rhodes to Crete three times per week in high season. Most arrive in Heraklion early morning. Step off, stretch, and hit the road. With a car, you can be swimming at Matala or hiking in Zaros by noon.
From Karpathos or Kassos: The quiet route.
These ferries stop in Sitia or Heraklion, depending on the day. Sitia is in eastern Crete—less touristed, more relaxed. Don’t wait for buses. With a rental, you can explore Richtis Gorge, Vai Palm Beach, or the hill villages inland.
From Kythira: Land in Kissamos, drive into nature.
Ferries from Kythira dock in Kissamos, west Crete. It’s a small port, close to Balos Lagoon, Falassarna Beach, and the mountains of Chania. Nothing here runs on a tight schedule—except you, if you’re stuck without a car.
Crete is not an island you cross on foot.