Getting from Anafi to Crete

If you are heading to Crete from Anafi you are making your way from one of the most remote islands in the Cyclades to the largest island in Greece, with ancient Minoan sites, mountain gorges, excellent food and a coastline that stretches for hundreds of kilometres.

Take the ferry

There is a direct seasonal ferry from Anafi to Heraklion in Crete running in summer on the wider Blue Star route. The service runs a limited number of times per week and takes around 3 to 5 hours depending on the vessel and stops. It is one of the most practical direct connections from Anafi to Crete and avoids going through Athens entirely. Alternatively, take the overnight ferry from Anafi to Piraeus and board the overnight Piraeus to Crete ferry, which takes around 8 to 9 hours.

Getting there by air

Both Heraklion and Chania have airports with daily connections from Athens. Anafi has no airport. Taking the ferry from Anafi to Santorini, flying to Athens and then Athens to Heraklion or Chania takes around 50 minutes on the second leg. Total journey time is around 5 to 6 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the direct seasonal ferry from Anafi to Heraklion when the schedule works for your dates. At around 3 to 5 hours it is one of the most practical direct connections from the island and avoids Athens entirely. If the timing does not align, take the ferry from Anafi to Santorini and fly to Crete via Athens. If you are traveling with a car, the overnight ferry from Anafi to Piraeus and then Piraeus to Crete is the practical choice as it takes your vehicle directly to the island.