Travel to Crete

Getting to the island

The island of Crete has 2 major international airports:

Daskalogiannis Airport Chania (CHQ) is the sixth busiest airport in Greece. It receives domestic flights from Athens and Thessaloniki all year round, as well as seasonal flights from many European countries during summer. The flying time from Athens to Chania is about 45 minutes. Upon your arrival, it is a good idea to take a taxi for your transfer, since the airport is located near Souda Bay, 14km away from the Chania Town centre and 32km from Platanias. If you prefer the bus, you will have to take one bus from Chania airport to Chania Town and then another bus from Chania Town to Platanias. Travelling to the Venue by car will take approximately 35 minutes (32km).
Nikos Kazantzakis Airport Heraklion (HER) is directly connected to Athens International Airport (airport code: ATH) with several daily domestic flights run by Aegean Airlines, and Sky Express Airlines. The flight duration from/to Athens is about 35min. During the summer period, there are also many direct scheduled airline connections from major European cities as well as many charter flights from most European countries. Travelling to the Venue by car will take approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes (153km).

It is also possible to fly into Athens International Airport (ATH) and catch a ferry boat to the island. Here are the major operators that cruise from Athens (Piraeus) to Chania or Heraklion:

Taxi / Car / Public Transport

Once you arive to Crete, you will need transportation to the Venue. As there is no rail service in Crete, the choices are taxi, renting a car or taking the bus:

Getting a taxi is probably the easiest of the three as taxis are abundant and right outside the airport terminal.
Renting a car is easy too as there are several points within the airport that you may do so. Moreover, GPS navigation covers the entire island.
Travelling by bus in Crete requires a sence of adventure. Even though busses will take you anywhere on the island, you may have trouble with routes and timetables. There are two operators for inter-city travelling:

- - KTEL Chania
  - KTEL Heraklio

Driving in Crete offers a unique chance to discover diverse landscapes, villages, and ancient ruins at your own pace. To ensure a smooth journey, remember these key points:

Prioritize Road Safety: Safety is paramount. Ensure you have both your driver’s license and a valid international driver’s license. Familiarize yourself with local traffic rules, including varying speed limits on different road types. Be cautious on narrow, winding mountain roads, and watch for crossing goats and sheep.
Respect Local Etiquette: Driving defensively is crucial, as Greek drivers tend to be confident and assertive. Avoid unnecessary use of the horn, and always yield to pedestrians at designated crossings.

By following these guidelines, you’ll have a safe and enjoyable driving experience while exploring the beautiful island of Crete.

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