Crete, the largest island in Greece, is not only a beautiful destination in itself but also a great starting point for exploring other nearby islands. The island’s central location in the Aegean Sea makes it an ideal hub for island hopping, with many of the smaller islands accessible by ferry. In this article, we will explore some of the islands that can be reached from Crete by ferry.

Santorini

Santorini is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations in Greece, known for its stunning caldera views, picturesque villages, and beautiful beaches. Although it is not located very close to Crete, it is still possible to reach the island by ferry. There are several ferry services that operate between Crete and Santorini, with journey times ranging from around 2.5 hours to 5 hours depending on the route and type of ferry.

Mykonos

Mykonos is another popular Greek island known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and picturesque architecture. It is located in the Cyclades island group, and although it is not as close to Crete as some of the other islands on this list, it is still possible to reach it by ferry. There are several ferry services that operate between Crete and Mykonos, with journey times ranging from around 4.5 hours to 7.5 hours depending on the route and type of ferry.

Gavdos

Gavdos is a small island located south of Crete and is known for its pristine beaches and untouched natural beauty. It is the southernmost point of Europe and is accessible only by ferry. Ferries to Gavdos depart from the town of Paleochora on the south coast of Crete and take around 1.5 hours to reach the island.

Dia Island

Dia Island is a small, uninhabited island located just off the coast of Crete. It is known for its crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches, and underwater caves. Dia Island can be reached by ferry from the town of Heraklion on the north coast of Crete, and the journey takes around 1 hour.

Chrissi Island

Chrissi Island, also known as Gaidouronisi, is a small island located off the southern coast of Crete. It is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unique ecosystem. The island is accessible by ferry from the town of Ierapetra on the south coast of Crete, and the journey takes around 1 hour.

In conclusion, Crete is not only a beautiful destination in itself but also an excellent starting point for exploring other nearby islands. The islands listed above are just a few of the many destinations that can be reached by ferry from Crete, making it a perfect base for island hopping in the Aegean Sea. Whether you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, stunning views, pristine beaches, or untouched natural beauty, there’s an island nearby that is sure to fit the bill.

Koufonisia

Koufonisia is a small island complex in the Cyclades that consists of two main islands, Ano Koufonisi and Kato Koufonisi. The islands are known for their beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere. Ferries to Koufonisia depart from the town of Naxos on the north coast of Crete and take around 4.5 hours to reach the islands.

Ios

Ios is a beautiful island located in the Cyclades that is known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and picturesque villages. It is a popular destination for young travelers and partygoers, but it also has something to offer for everyone. Ferries to Ios depart from the town of Heraklion on the north coast of Crete and take around 3.5 hours to reach the island.

Spinalonga

Spinalonga is a small island located off the northeast coast of Crete. It is known for its well-preserved Venetian fortress, which was built in the 16th century to protect the island from Ottoman attacks. Ferries to Spinalonga depart from the town of Elounda on the north coast of Crete and take around 15 minutes to reach the island.

Paximadia Islands

The Paximadia Islands are two small islands located off the southern coast of Crete. They are known for their beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unique geological formations. The islands are accessible by ferry from the town of Matala on the south coast of Crete, and the journey takes around 30 minutes.

Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos is a beautiful coastal town located on the northeast coast of Crete. Although it is not an island, it is still worth mentioning as it is a popular destination for tourists and has a small island located in the center of its picturesque harbor. The island, known as Agios Nikolaos Island or Spinalonga Island, is accessible by boat from the town and is known for its well-preserved Venetian fortress and beautiful views of the surrounding sea.

In summary, Crete is a great starting point for exploring the many beautiful islands that can be reached by ferry. Whether you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, or well-preserved historical sites, there’s an island nearby that is sure to meet your needs. So, if you’re planning a trip to Crete, make sure to include a visit to at least one of these beautiful islands on your itinerary.