Travel from Piraeus to Chania, Heraklion and Sitia with passenger and vehicle ferries rooted in Crete and now operating within Attica Group.
Choose a destination and travel date to compare currently available sailings and accommodation.
Departure times, intermediate calls, ships, fares and availability can change. Confirm the complete itinerary shown for your selected date.
ANEK Lines has a particularly close association with Crete. The company was founded in 1967 after Cretans came together to improve the island’s maritime connection with Piraeus, and its first ship, Kydon, entered the Piraeus–Chania route in September 1970.
Today, ANEK Lines continues as a ferry brand within Attica Group following the completion of the merger by absorption on 4 December 2023. Its consumer website shares Attica Group’s booking, account, loyalty and mobile-app environment with Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways and Superfast Ferries.
The current ANEK destination programme is focused on Crete: Chania in the west, Heraklion in the centre of the north coast and the less frequent connection to Sitia in the east. These are substantial sea journeys rather than short island hops, so the choice between economy accommodation, a numbered seat and a private cabin can make a major difference to the trip.
Chania and Heraklion are the principal daily connections. Sitia is a much less frequent service, and longer itineraries may include intermediate island calls. Always use the live result for the definitive departure, arrival and duration.
The Chania route is a core ANEK connection, normally using the port of Souda for arrival in western Crete. Current operator guidance describes daily service and a journey from about 9 hours 25 minutes.
Heraklion is served daily, with current operator information showing a crossing from about 9 hours 50 minutes. It is a central gateway for Knossos, north-coast resorts and journeys across much of Crete.
Sitia is the specialised eastern-Crete option. Current destination information shows up to two services a week and a journey from about 15 hours 25 minutes, making itinerary detail and cabin availability especially important.
This schematic summarises the three representative current route groups described above. It is not a complete network map or timetable; the live operator booking result is definitive.
For journeys to Crete, use the map mainly to compare where each arrival port places you for the rest of the trip. Chania via Souda is the natural gateway to western Crete, Heraklion gives central access across the north coast and Sitia can reduce the onward drive into Lasithi and the far east when its less frequent sailing fits your dates.
Start with the port that best matches your first night or final destination, then compare the live departure time, intermediate calls and accommodation shown for that sailing. On an overnight crossing, the choice between economy space, a numbered seat and a cabin can matter as much as a small difference in the fare.
Ferry schedules can change because of seasonal planning, weather, port instructions or operational vessel changes. Avoid planning a tight onward connection solely from an illustrative map.
The choice of arrival port affects far more than the ferry fare. Crete is a large island, so selecting Chania, Heraklion or Sitia can save several hours of driving after disembarkation.
Greece’s largest passenger port is extensive. Check the departure gate on the ticket, allow time for port traffic and do not assume every Crete sailing leaves from the same berth.
Explore Greek ferry destinations
The ferry port is at Souda, east of Chania city. This is the natural arrival point for the Venetian harbour, the White Mountains and western beaches such as Falassarna and Elafonissi.
Discover Crete travel ideas
Heraklion combines a city-centre ferry port with access to Knossos, the north-coast resort belt and roads heading both east and west. It can be the most practical all-island entry point.
Browse Mediterranean destinationsBecause the Sitia sailing is much less frequent, compare the complete trip rather than the sea crossing alone. A more frequent Heraklion arrival plus a road transfer may sometimes suit your dates better; on other journeys, arriving directly in eastern Crete can remove a long drive.
Accommodation options vary by ship and sailing. On a journey of roughly ten hours or more, it is worth comparing the comfort, privacy and arrival-time benefits rather than choosing solely by the lowest headline fare.
The lowest-cost option normally provides access to public lounges and open decks without an assigned private room. It can suit flexible travellers on daytime services.
Best considered forBudget travel and shorter-feeling daytime departuresA reserved reclining seat gives you a defined place for the crossing and more certainty than relying on general lounge seating, while remaining below cabin pricing.
Best considered forSolo passengers and travellers who do not need a bedInside cabins provide beds and private space without a window. They can offer the best balance between sleep, privacy and price on a night sailing.
Best considered forOvernight rest at a lower cabin priceOutside cabins add a window or sea view. Two-, three- and four-berth arrangements may appear depending on the vessel and available inventory.
Best considered forCouples, families and travellers valuing natural lightDesignated pet cabins are offered on relevant ships and must be reserved in advance. ANEK’s conditions allow a maximum of two pets in a pet cabin.
Best considered forPassengers who want their animal in permitted cabin accommodationSpecially designed cabins and accessible public areas are listed on the principal ships. Their number is limited, so reserve through the operator well before travel.
Best considered forPassengers requiring an adapted room or advance assistanceSearch early for summer weekends and school-holiday dates. A cabin category can sell out even when passenger and vehicle space remains available, and a last-minute upgrade should never be assumed.
The precise mix depends on the assigned ship, but the principal ANEK vessels are designed for long-distance passenger journeys rather than basic transport alone.
Elyros, Kissamos and Asterion II list self-service and à la carte dining as well as café/bar service. Opening arrangements can vary by departure.
Indoor lounges and café/bar areas provide places to meet, read or relax. Several vessels also list an open-deck bar.
Wi-Fi packages are available on supported sailings. The @sea portal can add music, games, weather, route tracking, menus and destination information.
Gift-shop facilities are listed on the main fleet. Stock and opening times depend on the ship and the operational programme.
Elyros lists a kids’ corner, while family cabins and public spaces help families divide a long crossing into more manageable stages.
Telemedicine service is listed across the published fleet. Passengers with health or mobility needs should still notify the operator before travel.
Images in this section are from FerryEU’s general ferry-travel library and illustrate facility types; they are not presented as photographs of a particular ANEK vessel. Confirm the facilities on the ship assigned to your sailing.
Crete is particularly well suited to ferry travel with a vehicle, but correct booking details and the operator’s safety rules matter. Pet and assistance arrangements should also be settled before reaching the port.
ANEK’s conventional passenger ferries have substantial vehicle decks. Enter the correct category and dimensions, including roof boxes, bicycle racks, trailers or anything that changes the booked length or height.
Alternative-fuel vehicles must be declared. Current Greek-route conditions limit electric and rechargeable-hybrid battery charge to 40%, and LPG or natural-gas tanks to 50% of capacity.
Pets must be declared when the ticket is issued so that a free animal ticket is created. Each passenger may travel with up to five pets, subject to the published rules and available space.
The main vessels list accessible cabins, accessible public areas, lifts or escalators and wheelchair storage. Availability is limited, and the operator asks passengers to reserve suitable accommodation in advance.
A Crete ferry is straightforward when the practical steps are completed early. The main risks are arriving at the wrong gate, omitting a vehicle or pet detail, or leaving ticket collection until too close to departure.
Names must match identification. Declare discounts, accommodation, vehicle dimensions, alternative fuel and pet details before payment.
The published web check-in window runs from 48 hours until two hours before departure. Save the ticket to more than one device or print a copy.
If using an authorised Greek port agent instead of an e-ticket, the operator says collection should take place at least two hours before departure.
The general conditions set a one-hour minimum for both foot passengers and vehicle travellers. Add more time in summer or when unfamiliar with Piraeus.
Passengers leave the vehicle before embarkation and the driver loads it. Take everything needed during the crossing because garage access is restricted.
ANEK is especially relevant when you want a conventional passenger ferry from Piraeus to Crete, need to take your own car, or prefer an overnight journey that can replace a hotel night and a domestic flight. The ferry also removes normal airline baggage constraints and makes it easier to carry equipment for a longer island stay.
The best route depends on the whole itinerary. Chania is usually preferable for western Crete, Heraklion for the central and northern road network, and Sitia for an infrequent but direct eastern-Crete arrival. Compare the port transfer, driving distance after arrival, cabin cost and actual arrival time—not only the base passenger fare.
When ANEK and another Attica Group brand appear around the same dates, compare the complete booking result carefully. Brand, ship, route pattern and facility availability are related but not interchangeable.
The current ANEK consumer site features Chania, Heraklion and Sitia in Crete. Chania and Heraklion are the main daily links, while Sitia is much less frequent. Historical ANEK routes should not automatically be assumed to remain bookable under the ANEK brand.
Current operator destination information gives a journey from about 9 hours 25 minutes to Chania, from about 9 hours 50 minutes to Heraklion, and from about 15 hours 25 minutes to Sitia. The live itinerary may be longer because of route pattern, intermediate calls, weather or operational changes.
Yes, subject to availability and correct booking. Select the actual vehicle category and enter dimensions that include permanent or temporary additions. Motorhomes, caravans and trailers use more deck space, so an inaccurate booking can cause a fare adjustment or boarding problem.
Alternative-fuel vehicles must be declared. Current conditions state that electric and rechargeable-hybrid batteries should not exceed 40% charge. LPG and natural-gas tanks must not exceed 50% capacity. Damaged batteries, tanks or supply systems can prevent embarkation.
For an overnight crossing, a cabin can provide a bed, privacy and a better start after arrival. Inside cabins are generally the value option; outside cabins add natural light or a sea view. Families, pet owners and passengers needing an accessible room should book early because suitable categories are limited.
The operator allows e-ticket web check-in from 48 hours until two hours before departure. Present the e-ticket with valid identification at boarding. Passengers collecting tickets from an authorised Greek port agent are instructed to do so at least two hours before departure.
The published minimum is one hour before departure for both foot and vehicle passengers. FerryEU recommends building in more time during peak season, when collecting tickets, travelling with a large vehicle, requesting assistance or using Piraeus for the first time.
Only a specially designated pet cabin permits animals in cabin accommodation. Pets are not allowed in ordinary cabins or indoor public areas such as restaurants and bars. Pet cabins and kennels must be booked in advance, and owners must carry the required health documents.
@sea is an onboard digital portal accessed through the ship’s Wi-Fi environment on supported vessels. Published features include internet access, music and podcasts, children’s games, weather information, real-time route tracking, destination information and restaurant or bar menus.
The current official ANEK fleet page lists Prevelis but labels it “idle”. It is therefore included on this page for accurate fleet context, not presented as a ship travellers should expect on a current ANEK departure.
Check current routes, dates, passenger accommodation and vehicle availability for your journey from Piraeus.
Piraeus
Overnight crossings
Crete
