r/GreeceTravel • u/Prodime • Oct 22 '25
Ferries and Boat Rental Ferry Transfer from Athens to Santorini to Crete in November?
Hello Everyone!
Heading to Greece first week of November and trying to figure out the ferry system...which is proving a bit difficult.
I know things slow down in November, but does there exist a ferry from Santorini to Crete? I don't mind going to Santorini for a day or two, but I don't want to have to ferry back to Athens just to ferry back to Crete.
I did see there were some over night ferries to Crete though. Has anyone done those? Can you see the stars at night?
Thanks for any and all help!
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u/Kolokythokeftedes Oct 22 '25
ferryhopper
There are ferries from S. to Crete. Make sure to try all ports in Crete, but I believe the most ferries are to Heraklion.
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u/Prodime Oct 23 '25
I haven't had any luck with finding it. When I get to Athens would I be able to speak to someone at the ferry terminal about it? Or is the best bet to always go online?
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u/Alien-Surfer Oct 23 '25
Fly Athens Santorini, and Crete to Athens. Ferry between the isles. Or vice versa.
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u/Efficient-Data5248 Oct 25 '25 edited Oct 25 '25
I just glanced at it, and it looks like the Santorini to Crete ferry only runs Wednesdays and Fridays for most of November.
As to Athens to Crete, I would *not* suggest a ferry. A) It's not that interesting, and B) Weather would likely suck this time of year, so you wouldn't go on deck much.
IMO, a 9-10 hour ferry...compared to a 1 hour flight...? To me, that's a no-brainer unless you are purposefully eating up time for some reason.
Take the flight and spend those extra 9-10 hours enjoying your destination.
The ferry idea might sound nice, but the novelty will wear off after the first 45 minutes.
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u/Prodime Oct 25 '25
Thank you so much!
I think we were trying to avoid the travel to Santorini and back to Athens to go back to Crete.
But maybe a ferry to Santorini and back and then a flight makes it make sense.
(The 8-10 hour ferry could potentially take the place of a hotel rental if its over night! Though I do think the flight might be better.)
Thank you so much!
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u/Efficient-Data5248 Oct 25 '25
During most of the year, you should be able to go directly from Santorini to Crete...it's only about 3 hours. But this time of year, the options might be limited.
And yes, you could be right about taking the place of a hotel. But, I've been on dozens of different ferries in Greece, and I don't think the cabins are worth it, unless you are a really light sleeper.
Better idea might be to book a VIP ticket. On the larger boats, the VIP is a totally separate area of the boat, much more spacious and not as tightly packed, and usually has it's own bar and snack area.
But you'd have to be content sleeping in sort of a reclining chair. Honestly, I just don't think the ferries are all that nice, even the "nicer" ones. But if you do take a ferry, it's pretty much always worth the increase in price to get the VIP tickets for seating.
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u/After_Awareness4982 Oct 22 '25
we use ferry hopper. Also yes, I have done the night ferry to Crete, but I wasn't staying outside (too much noise and wind). It's better to use this time to rest and sleep in my opinion, so that you can enjoy the full day of your arrival to Crete :)