Getting from Crete to Rhodes

If you are heading to Rhodes from Crete you are making one of the great Aegean journeys, from the largest island in Greece to the largest of the Dodecanese. Rhodes has a medieval walled city built by the Knights of Saint John that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe. Lindos and its acropolis are magnificent. The beaches on the east coast are long and good. The island is large enough to absorb its enormous visitor numbers and still have quiet corners, and the contrast with Crete in character and feel makes it one of the more rewarding back to back island combinations in Greece.

Take the ferry

There is a direct ferry from Crete to Rhodes running year-round, departing from Heraklion and taking around 9 to 12 hours depending on the vessel and the stops along the way. The overnight service is the practical approach, departing in the evening and arriving in the morning. The route also stops at Karpathos and Kasos along the way on some sailings, which is worth knowing if you want to add either island to your itinerary. Book ahead in July and August.

Getting there by air

Both Crete and Rhodes have airports. Direct flights from Heraklion to Rhodes take around 50 minutes, making this one of the most effortless inter-island connections in Greece without going through Athens. In Greece, airlines do not operate many direct inter island flights but this is one of the exceptions. Check availability as the service is seasonal.

Your best option

Fly if the direct Heraklion to Rhodes service is running for your dates. At 50 minutes it is hard to beat. If the flight is not available, the overnight ferry from Heraklion is a comfortable option on the larger vessels and you arrive in Rhodes in the morning ready to go.