Crete to Athens Ferries - Are They On Time?

by Honeymooner

Hello,

I stumbled upon your blog/website and found it extremely helpful.

I am traveling to Crete as part of my honeymoon in June 2012.

I am landing at Heraklion via a ferry from Santorini at approx 20:00 on 28th June.

This has forced me to spend the night at Heraklion. This was further complicated with the hotel only offering me a special honeymoon package if I stayed for 3 nights, therefore, my checkout is on 1st July.

On 1st July, I shall be heading off to Chania and staying there on the 1st and 2nd of July.

Now, here is the main question. I have a flight out from Athens to Mumbai via Istanbul at 10:00 am on 4th of July.

I have the following 3 options:

1. Take a flight out from Heraklion on 4th July at 6am, arriving into Athens at 6:50am. However, this involves checkout from Chania on 3rd July, and spending the night in Heraklion.

2. Take a cruise from Chania Port on 3rd July night at 2100. This ferry docks at Piraeus at 5:30am the next day. This gives me ample time to reach Athens airport. However, this is under an assumption that ferries are decently punctual.

3. Fly to Athens on the 3rd July in the evening and stayover in Athens near the airport.

Now, I know about ferries schedule can change and in case I select the Chania ferry option, and if the ferry is cancelled due to bad weather, I can always book the morning Heraklion flight in an emergency and reach Athens Airport.

However, assuming conditions and weather being pleasant, how accurate are these docking times of Greek Cruise especially Anek Lines?

I am willing to take the risk if Greek ferries are generically punctual. If I reach the dock by even 6.00am and disembark by 6.30am and assume a 1.5 hour traveling time from Piraeus to Athens Airport, I still reach there by 7:30am.

Of course, this is filled with a lot of assumptions but you can help if whether this is plausible or not.

Ferries and Flights Chania to Athens

Hi Honeymooner,

I can see you have a lovely holiday planned for your honeymoon! This will be a special time!

It is your honeymoon and you can decide where you want to stay and for how long. This hotel looks very nice but it is in downtown Heraklion, which is not the most romantic city on Crete.

I would seriously reconsider this decision and stay somewhere near the beach or more atmospheric. If you want some suggestions just let me know.

In answer to your question, the ferries are generally on time however, even in summer, weather conditions do dictate their movements.

My opinion is that it is easier to fly in your situation. The flight time between Crete and Athens is less than one hour.

You could fly the evening before or the morning of your flight. I have noted the relevant flights below.

You would not need to return to Heraklion but could fly directly from Chania to Athens. If you and your partner would prefer peace of mind, you could stay the night before at the Sofitel Athens Airport, it is very nice.

Olympic Airlines with flights from Euro49
Tue, 03 Jul 2012 OA537 Depart Chania 20:20 Arrive Athens 21:10
Wed, 04 Jul 2012 OA533 Depart Chania 08:25 Arrive Athens 09:15

Aegean Airlines with flights from Euro39
Tue, 03 Jul 2012 Flight 347 Depart Chania 17:45 Arrive Athens 18:30
Wed, 04 Jul 2012 Flight 341 Depart Chania 07:00 Arrive Athens 07:50

Go to this page and click on 'Book Flights Here'
Cheap Crete Flights

About Sofitel at Athens Airport
Flights to Athens

Kalo Taxidi! Bon Voyage!