Transport from Crete (Chania) to Santorini
 

Hi all,

I'm looking for transportation from Crete to Santorini on 9/16. I'll be in Chania, but I understand that there are limited to no option from Chania to Santorini, so I will have to go to Heraklion.
I've looked at
Fast ferry - www.HellenicSeaways.gr
Slow ferry - http://www.seajets.gr/index_eng.html
Flight - http://www.skyexpress.gr/

Fast ferry - costs 62Euros (business class only, no economic class available unfortunately)
Slow Ferry - No ferries available for that day
Flight - 82 Euros

I want to ask you all if these are all of my optoins. Also, should I book this ferry ASAP or should I wait until I get there? If I book a ferry, how do I get hold of the tickets (agent or courier it to US)??

Thank yoU!!!

Yes, it's true, there are no ferries from Chania to Santorini, you must go to Heraklion for that.

To correct a misconception: The Seajet is a fast ferry not a slow ferry.

Sky Express is certainly a viable option but be advised that their capacity is only 19 passengers and baggage allowances are smaller than on a normal-sized plane and they are enforced strictly. Read the fine print.

If you book the HS FlyingCat 4 using the Hellenic Seaways website's booking function, you can just opt to pick up your tickets in Heraklion in their office at the port. There's no need to spend more money to have them delivered to you. I recommend that you book now and don't take the chance on the ferry being booked later on when you need tickets.

thanks brotherleelove!
I had read somewhere that seats open up closer to depature date for ferries. Is this true? If so, do I have a shot at getting economy class through the Hellenic Seaways ferry?

Not true in the sense that some seats are held back for sale at a later date, if that's what you mean.

"do I have a shot at getting economy class through the Hellenic Seaways ferry?"

You won't know until you try. September isn't the busiest time of year so theoretically it's possible to buy tickets on the day you travel. It just depends on whether or not you want to risk it.

if I decide to take the 9:45 ferry from heraklion, would I need to leave Chania the night before and a stay in Heraklion for a night? Or will I be ok leaving Chania in the morning to get to Heraklion on time for my ferry?

There's an early-morning bus at 5:30 that leaves Chania in plenty of time for you to make the ferry (with a connection in Rethymnon), but if you have any interest in seeing the Palace of Knossos just outside of Heraklion you'll have to catch the bus sometime the day before. The trip from Chania to Heraklion takes about 3 hours and the bus stop in Heraklion is only a 5-10 minute walk to the ferry port.

http://www.bus-service-crete-ktel.co...ine=1&lg=2

We will also be taking that ferry a few days later - Sept. 30. We are staying with friends near Rethymnon and they advised us that it wouldn't be a problem to get tickets the morning of our trip at that time of year. However, based on BLLs suggestion I just went through the online booking process. I am surprised that the Economy fair is so high (84 euro for two tix one way). So my question is what's the difference between business and economy class? Its only a 2 hour or less ride so I don't think we need the upgrade. And also, should we book now to get the cheaper rate?

Here are photos of the difference between Economy and Business Classes.

http://www.ferries.gr/hfd/fc4-gallery.htm

Business Class is one deck above Economy Class. I read a posting recently that said if you're in Business Class you will disembark last. This makes sense since access to Business Class is through the Economy Class cabin.

"should we book now to get the cheaper rate?" Prices remain the same all year long, but if you meant book now to get the Economy tickets before they're sold out, late-September is not very busy, you can wait if you don't want to commit now.

Thanks BLL, I can't believe how much info you have seemingly at your fingertips. I guess to save 40 euro the economy seats will suit us just fine! But we'll wait to get the tix just in case we need to change plans slightly.

Brotherlee,

We do have interest in seeing Palace of Knossos. Would you recommend renting a car to see the palace or are buses convenient? If buses are a good option, what time should one plan on leaving Chania the day before in order to make it to the palace on time (before it closes)?

Also, is the Hellenic office right by the port or should we factor in additional time to pick up the ferry tickets?

Thanks!

p.s. I'm in the process of finalizing transportation. My next objective is to figure out accommodations. I've read through other threads and copied down a few of the recommendations. May post a new thread for clarifications. Thanks for all your help!!

There are frequent buses to Knossos, you don't have to rent a car. Just find a travel agency near your hotel and they'll help you. Knossos is not far outside of Heraklion.

It takes about 3 hours to get from Chania to Heraklion, so you should take a morning bus, check in to a hotel and then get to Knossos comfortably by 1 or 2 PM at the latest. It's open until 6PM, 3PM on Sundays.

The ferry ticket office is at the port.

Ferry b/n Heraklion and Santorini information much appreciated.

Does anyone know: if we buy tix online and the weather/winds prevent the scheduled Hellenic Seaways Flying Cat crossing, what happens to those prepaid tix?

Many thanks.

You will be issued new tickets at the port office for the next available ferry, or you can apply to the HS website for a refund since you used a credit card online. Just don't expect your refund right away. It will probably take more than one correspondence and several weeks to make it happen

Brotherleelove, thank you very much; You are an amazing resource!!!

You, or anyone else, we will be in Chania for a few days beginning 7 October,with a car rental, and I'm reading about the lovely beach at Elafonisi, but wonder about the "daily boat service...in summer" and whether or not we could get there, is it from Palaiochora, if we made the drive? Is it worth the journey?

We are also figuring that from Chania to Knossos for an excursion with travel time is the better part of a day, and do you recommend hiring a guide when we get to the site, or "doing it" ourselves with our DK guide and other notes?

I do want the 4 of us to have some experience of a tiny town/little taverna for lunch somewhere, someplace during our several days based in Chania. I"ve also read about Phaestos, but that looks like a much longer day and I can't know for sure how long daylight will last those October days.

Any advice, suggestions are most welcome. We are NOT going to take a day for the Samaria Gorge hike, that I know.

Thank you, thank you!!!

If you were going to drive to Paleochora, you'd be as well to drive direct to Elafonissi.

Knossos and the Museum in Iraklion- or as much of it as is open- are a good day.

As to a guide, it really depends. We've done it twice without- once with the Blue Guide which is easily the best for serious archaeology- and once with some cheap rubbish they sell there.

I think the Blue Guide experience was teh best; but I have an archaeology obssessed husband and we'd already done it twice, so maybe not the best example.

To MFK59 --

PErsonally I think the elafonisi thing is chancy in October and a long day anyway.

A Good alternative is close to Chania for several of your interests. VAMOS is a traditional village about 20 Km east, inland... has kept its essence by a shop selling local crafts and produce, also activities! they sponsor short hikes (3-4 hours) with picnics, or drinks/snacks after. DIfferent walks daily; e-mail or phone for Oct. Schedule. Links:
http://www.vamossa.gr/content/view/15/12/lang,english/
http://www.vamossa.gr/content/view/15/12/lang,english/


Also nearby are 2 shore towns -- Khalives and Almerides (a little smaller) with tavernas for enjoyable swim, sunbathe, & lunch or dinner..
http://www.vamossa.gr/content/view/18/15/lang,english/

From Almerides (see map) a short walk (4 km = 2.2 miles)or drive inland & uphill is Gavelohori, a very Cretan village, with a folk museum I am told.

Click on this map and it gets HUGE so u can see every road & village:
http://66.29.86.75/crete-maps/Crete-eot.png

Regarding Knossos--do you plan to drive there AND back to Chania as a day trip?? You CAN do it (E75 is a big modern road) but it WILL be tiring (6 hrs R-t). About the site; I think hooking up w a guide at the gate would help -- but QUIZ him/her about credentials (license) and DON'T allow him/her to delay you 45 mins just to pick up more sign-ups.
Happy planning!

A PS to MFK59 --

I really think that since your query has NOTHING to do with the header topic you should not "piggyback" on such a query but ask a question of your own with an informative header such as "Chania days trips PLUS Knossos -- help please".

I nearly passed over this thread and missed your inquiry because I am so weary of repeated questions about transport to Santorini.

Just a tip for future trips!

Thanks to you, travelerjean and sheila, both for your suggestions and your posting advice!!

We plan to go to Knossos the morning we leave Chania to spend the next 2 nights at Elounda area; to avoid that long drive back, correct!!

I had read about Vamos and have the site already and appreciate the village recommendations.

We will probably skip Elafonisi beach; seems too far for the day; and have pretty much decided we'd spend a day relaxing in Chania old town, the harbor, etc. and maybe go to Vamos at most that day for several hours, since it's so close.

Much appreciated, again, your posts.

We leave on Thursday.