One of the cheapest ways to visit Crete is by ferry. The island is linked mainly with Piraeus and a few islands of the Cyclades. The greek fleet is of a high standard and the shipping companies offer their services on a daily basis.
Minoan Lines
Minoan Lines is one of the most luxurious and trustworthy shipping companies of Greece, covering the Adriatic and the Aegean sea. Its ferries leave the Piraeus port every day for Heraklio, Crete. On board you will find specialized services that meet the modern lifestyle such as Wi-Fi, spa, fitness center, conference center etc.
Minoan lines offers a special discount for large families, children 4-16 years old and college students. Moreover by using the low fare calendar option you will have the chance to book your tickets on time and with the lowest price availiable! Throughout the year the company announces special offers and collaborations on its website.
In short, for Minoan Lines the phrase “Have a good journey” is not just a wish … it’s a promise!
ANEK Lines
The company won the price “Passenger Line of the year 2008” for offering high quality services to the people who chose to travel with ANEK. Since then though, a lot of time has passed and the standards as not as high as they used to be. Both crew and public areas look “old and tired”, with only the cabins still keeping their good shape. However ANEK remains a reliable company, offering good services in good prices.
By becoming an ANEK member you will enjoy discounts, free tickets and exclusice privileges. Traveling to Chania and Heraklio from Piraeus takes about 9 hours, with the ferries leaving the bigest greek port at 21:00 and arriving to Crete early in the morning. In case you will choose to travel with ANEK you must know that you will have a 20% return discount, special prices for children and 4 bed cabins.
You can see all the routes and special offers here.
Superfast ferries and Bluestar ferries
The Attica group owns two shipping companies, Superfast and Bluestar which leave from Piraeus every night, arriving at the port of Heraklio and Chania the next day. The fleet is of a high standard, offering quality services to all travelers. Both companies share the SeaSmiles programme, which is especially designed to offer you exclusive privileges, unique gifts, special offers and promotions. The ferries usually depart from Port Gates E3 & Ε2.
You can see the online offers and book your tickets online here.
Aigaion Pelagos
The Sister company of Anek Lines, Aigaion Pelagos, operates the following routes, with ships from Anek Lines and Hellenic Seaways. You can book your tickets from the ANEK website.
Destinations:
1 Piraeus – Milos – Santorini – Anafi – Heraklio – Sitia – Karpathos – Halki – Rhodes.
2 Piraeus – Milos – Santorini – Anafi – Heraklio – Sitia – Karpathos – Halki – Rhodes.
Seajets
Seajets is the only company traveling from Cyclades to Heraklion, Crete.
With a fleet of 11 ships, Seajets has the largest network of highspeed ships in the Aegean interconnecting 17 ports with 140 connections, promising you comfort and safety on board. With a total capacity of over 8.500 passengers and 1.450 vehicles Seajets is your ultimate link to the Cyclades and Crete. With an addition of 3 new ships in its fleet, this year Seajets offers you even more options to reach you favorite destinations, 7 months a year, for an everlasting summer.
Visit the official website.
Tales of Crete 