Getting from Antiparos to Crete

If you are heading to Crete from Antiparos you are making your way from a small quiet 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

The most practical sea approach is to take the short ferry from Antiparos to Paros, which takes 7 minutes from Pounta, and then board the seasonal direct ferry from Paros to Heraklion, which runs in summer and takes around 5 to 6 hours. This avoids going through Athens entirely and is one of the most enjoyable Cyclades to Crete connections. Alternatively, 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. Antiparos has no airport. Taking the short ferry from Antiparos to Paros, making your way to Piraeus and flying to Crete via Athens gives a total journey time of around 6 to 7 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the short ferry from Antiparos to Paros and board the seasonal direct ferry from Paros to Heraklion when the schedule works for your dates. It avoids Athens entirely and is the most enjoyable approach. If the timing does not align, make your way to Piraeus and fly to Crete via Athens. Choose Heraklion for central and eastern Crete, Chania for the west. If you are traveling with a car, take the short ferry from Antiparos to Paros, drive to Piraeus and board the overnight Piraeus to Crete ferry, which takes your vehicle directly to the island.