Getting from Crete to Katerini

If you are heading to Katerini from Crete you are making your way to a city at the foot of Mount Olympus on the Pierian coast of northern Greece, with the highest mountain in Greece rising above it and the archaeological site of Dion, the sacred city of the ancient Macedonians, just south of the city.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Crete to Katerini. It is a mainland city with no connection to the southern Aegean ferry network. Flying is the only practical option.

Getting there by air

Katerini has no airport. The nearest airport is Thessaloniki, around 70 kilometres to the north. Flying from Crete to Thessaloniki takes around 1 hour 10 minutes on the direct service from Heraklion, making this one of the more straightforward connections without going through Athens. From Thessaloniki Airport, Katerini is around 1 hour by car or bus to the south.

Your best option

Fly direct from Heraklion to Thessaloniki and take the bus or drive south to Katerini. The KTEL bus from Thessaloniki to Katerini runs regularly and takes around 1 hour. If you are planning to hike Olympus, the trailhead at Litochoro is a short drive further south from Katerini.