Today Netferry takes you on a journey to the Greek island of Crete, exploring things to do on holiday with your kids! You can reach the island either by plane or why not make it into an adventure aboard a ferry! There are many ferries from mainland Italy, connecting with Patras and from there are connections to Athens Piraeus. From Piraeus there are frequent ferries to Crete, taking about nine hours, arriving at Chania and Heraklion, the two main ports on the island.

The island of Crete is located in the middle of the Mediterranean, just south of mainland Greece and has a fascinating ancient history. A family holiday to Crete is an excellent choice as there's plenty for everyone, to make the time you spend with your family unforgettable! You can have fun chasing pirates on deserted beaches, go looking for turtles and run at breakneck speed along the stretches of fine white sand. Then it's time for some more adventure on dry land with day trips to monasteries and churches on the cliffs, exploring the winding streets and alleys in Crete's little towns and villages, play among the colourful houses and immerse your children in the sounds and scents of this magical island!

The best place to begin is in Heraklion, with the Palace of Knossos and the archaeological museum; you can buy one ticket for both locations. You kids will be fascinated by the story of Minos and the Minotaur, of Daedalus and Icarus and Ariadne's thread. These fabulous myths are what made the island of Crete so famous, and they appeal to adults and children alike! Please note that the best way to get around with babies is in a papoose, as it's challenging to manoeuvre prams up and down the stairs. The museum is well set out and engaging; featuring ancient jewels dating back to the Minoan era.

Lake Kourna is another excellent place to stop off, its postcard-perfect, full of pastel shades and emerald green water with shades of blue. You can hire pedal boats on the lake so get the most of the trip, and there are plenty of tavernas to stop at for a tasty Cretan lunch, all catering for little ones too. 

While you are here, you will undoubtedly take a trip to the beach, and Crete features Elafonissi, one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. The sand at the Elafonissi lagoon has pink hues, formed from fragments of shells and corals. The whole family can take a dip together in the beautifully clear water.

There are also some fantastic beaches on the little islands off mainland Crete; you can take a local ferry here onboard boats with pirate flags! They depart from Kissamos, and the first stop is Gramvousa, an island with a pirate history! In addition to the tales of pirates, you can enjoy beautiful colours of the crystal clear waters. Next stop on the pirate tour is Balos, a paradise on earth! With white sands and turquoise, green, and blue sea, its a fabulous location!

Ferries to Crete

On the Netferry website, you will find all the information you need to get to the island of Crete by ferry. Our online booking site will provide you with all of the information about departure and arrival times, shipping companies and ticket prices. Buy your ferry ticket to Crete on the NetFerry website fast and securely!

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