Getting from Anafi to Heraklion

If you are heading to Heraklion from Anafi you are making your way from one of the most remote islands in the Cyclades to the capital of Crete, with the Palace of Knossos just 5 kilometres from the city centre and one of the finest archaeological museums in Greece.

Take the ferry

There is a direct seasonal ferry from Anafi to Heraklion 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. It is one of the most practical direct connections from Anafi and avoids going through Athens entirely. Outside of summer the connection goes via Piraeus.

Getting there by air

Heraklion has an international airport with daily connections from Athens. Anafi has no airport. Taking the ferry from Anafi to Santorini, flying to Athens and then Athens to Heraklion 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 and enjoyable 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 Heraklion via Athens. If you are traveling with a car, the overnight ferry from Anafi to Piraeus and then Piraeus to Heraklion is the practical choice as it takes your vehicle directly to Crete.