lisabelina

Hello!
My husband and I are in the formative stages of planning a trip to Cyprus and Crete in October 2005. Does anyone know if ferries typically run from Cyprus to Crete in mid-October? We're planning to rent a car so a ferry would be preferable....
Thanks for all of your help!
Lisa

P_M

I can't answer your question about ferries, but I would like to offer some advice about taking a rental car onto a ferry. You cannot presume that you will be allowed to take a car from one country to another on the ferry. Many years ago my aunt and uncle rented a car in England and thought they were going to take the car to Ireland and back via ferry. When they tried to get the car on the ferry from England to Ireland, they were told this isn't allowed so they had to turn in the car, walk onto the ferry with luggage in hand, then rent another car in Ireland. When they came back into England, they had to go through this process again. They had not asked the rental agency if this was allowed, they just assumed it would be OK since they were picking up the car and returning it in England. This rule could vary from one agency to another, so be sure to ask.

Furthermore, here's another problem. I have not been to Crete but I have been to several other Greek islands and they drive on the right, so I assume Crete does the same. I have been to Cyprus and as I recall, they drive on the left. Therefore, it would be a lot smarter NOT to use the same car for those 2 islands, as it's much safer to have a car that is built for whatever side of the road they drive on. Be sure to look into these issues before making any further plans.

brotherleelove2004

As far as I have ever been able to determine there is NO ferry service between Cyprus and Crete or Rhodes. You will have to adjust your thinking to fly instead, and it will be necessary to fly back to Athens first to make the connection to Crete. There are no direct flights, but depending on which airlines/flight/airport you choose (Chania or Heraklion) it can take as little as 3-4 hours total.

lisabelina

Thanks so much! I'm glad that I asked since we need to make our travel arrangements soon to get frequent flyer tickets! Maybe we'll see Cyprus another time!
Lisa

P_M

I didn't intend to talk you out of Cyprus, I thought it was a lovely country. I only meant to say that taking a rental car from one country to another isn't always do-able, especially when those 2 countries drive on differnt sides of the road. I don't know where you are from, but the Cypriots seemed very happy to meet me since so few Americans make the trip to that country. But if you can't work it into this trip, I really hope you'll see it someday. Have fun whatever you do.

brotherleelove2005

It is not out of the question at all, there is a ferry from Girne (formerly Kyrenia) in the Turkish republic of North Cyprus to Tasucu in Turkey, you then travel to Marmaris and take the ferry across to Rodos greece, then a Lane lines ferry to Crete roughly 3x/week.
A rental car is not possible on this journey. You should also bear in mind the political situation if you have to cross from the South to the north of Cyprus.

brotherleelove2004

brotherleelove2005, have you taken the route you've suggested? For future reference to help others I'd like to know if it is actually possible in terms of the political situation to make such a journey. I've been to both Greece and Turkey and had no problem crossing borders, but I flew. I know that some have been questioned and harassed and some denied entrance to Greece once they've been to Turkey. I'm wondering just how prevalent this is. Do you know?

One reason I didn't bother to offer a route through Turkey as an option was the time factor. To get from So.Cyprus to No. Cyprus then back into Turkey to Marmaris or Bodrum to then catch a ferry to Rhodes and from Rhodes on to Crete is a very time-consuming journey I wouldn't wish on anyone unless there was absolutely no other option. I think it would take at least 3-4 days to reach Crete this way depending on relevant ferry timetables. In the long run flying would be much cheaper as well as way less time consuming.

lisabelina

Thanks for all of your help! I did find out that Cyprus Airways does have a direct flight between Larnaca and Crete and if all else fails we'll fly to Athens and then on to Cyprus. Thanks for the info on the left-hand driving...I think that we'll wait to rent in Crete!
I've noticed that the Cyprus forum doesn't have much updated info!
Thanks again! Lisa

P_M

YEAH!! I'm glad we didn't talk you out of Cyprus, I believe you'll enjoy it. I think your new plan to fly is a much better one. I know October 2005 is a long way off, but I hope you will post a report when you return.

brotherleelove2004

Hey, it's good to find out that there's a flight from Cyprus to Crete. Others will appreciate this as well.