Getting from Andros to Crete

If you are heading to Crete from Andros you are making your way from the northernmost island 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 seasonal direct ferry from Andros 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 7 to 9 hours with stops along the way. It keeps the journey within the island network and avoids Athens entirely. Alternatively, take the ferry from Andros to Rafina, make your way to Piraeus and board the overnight Piraeus to Crete ferry, which departs around 9pm and arrives in Heraklion or Chania in the early morning after around 8 to 9 hours.

Getting there by air

Both Heraklion and Chania have airports with daily connections from Athens. Andros has no airport. Taking the ferry from Andros to Rafina, flying to Athens and then Athens to Heraklion or Chania takes around 50 minutes on the second leg. Total journey time is around 4 to 5 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Andros to Rafina, fly to Athens and then fly to Crete. It is the fastest and most practical approach. Choose Heraklion for central and eastern Crete, Chania for the west. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Andros to Rafina, drive to Piraeus and board the overnight Piraeus to Crete ferry, which takes your vehicle directly to the island and arrives in the morning ready to go.