Getting from Crete to Lesvos

If you are heading to Lesvos from Crete you are going to the third largest island in Greece and one of the most culturally rich, the birthplace of Sappho, an island of olive groves, ouzo distilleries and a capital at Mytilini with a Byzantine castle and one of the most enjoyable waterfronts in the northern Aegean.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Crete to Lesvos. The connection goes via Piraeus, with the ferry from Piraeus to Lesvos taking around 11 to 13 hours. Getting to Piraeus from Crete means taking the overnight ferry from Heraklion, making the total journey by sea the better part of two days. Flying is the only realistic option for most travellers.

Getting there by air

Both Crete and Lesvos have airports. Flying from Crete to Athens takes around 50 minutes and then Athens to Mytilini takes around 50 minutes, giving a total journey time of around 3 to 4 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Fly to Lesvos via Athens. It is the only realistic approach and the connection is straightforward. If a direct Heraklion to Lesvos service is available seasonally check before routing through Athens as it would save significant time.