Best Way to Crete from the West Coast of Turkey

by Lisa
(New Zealand)

My husband and I are from New Zealand and we are planning 4 to 5 days in Crete next August.

We have a week planned in Istanbul and we then plan to head down the coast ending up either Marmaris or Bodrum.

Can you please suggest how we get to Crete?

We are then planning to stay near Rethymnon and we will not have a car. We will fly from Heraklion to Athens to return home.

Many thanks in advance
Lisa

Bodrum to Rhodes to Crete

Generally, you take a ferry from any of the islands in the Dodecanese south to Rhodes then a ferry to Crete.

Yes, you can make a connection via Bodrum across to Kos. The Bodrum Express runs very frequently and takes 1 hour to cross, cost about 30 Euro.

Or you can take a ferry from any of the islands in the Dodecanese to Kos, then across to Santorini (duration 5 hours), then to Heraklion (duration 2 hours).

As you also mention, Marmaris is a good point to cross, this trip goes across to the beautiful island of Rhodes, the sailings depart very often and the trip takes about an hour and 10 minutes.

Or you could choose to depart for Rhodes from Fethiye, again the crossings are frequent and take about an hour and 45 minutes.

The ferry trip from Rhodes to Crete takes 13-14 hours and prices start from around 30 Euro for a deck seat. Another good option is to fly from Rhodes to Heraklion in Crete with Minoan Air, this flight takes about 1 hour and costs around 70 Euro.

It really depends on your travel style and whether you want to make the most of the journey and stay on some beautiful Greek islands along the way, or if you are perhaps pressed for time and just need to get across to Crete quickly.

It would be a good idea to stop over in Santorini, unless it is July or August as it gets way too busy and expensive, even so, it is so very beautiful it would be a shame to miss it – more information on Santorini here...

If you book ahead you can still find some good prices for accommodation in Santorini, we suggest staying in Oia as it really has spectacular views...

More information is here on our Rhodes page...

And another question and answer about getting from Turkey to Crete here which may help also...

Kalo Taxidi! Bon Voyage!