Best Islands Near Crete: A Travel Guide
Discover the best islands near Crete to visit for beaches, history, and easy day trips in Greece.
Crete is the biggest Greek island. It is a perfect place if you want to see the nearby islands. Many travelers also use Crete as a base to explore more of Greece, from famous archaeological highlights like a Knossos tour to culinary adventures such as tasting Minoan cuisine. You will find a lot of ancient places here, along with great beaches. Crete is also your way into new island trips close by. A strong system of ferries makes it easy and fun to travel from Crete to other islands. In this guide, you will see which islands near Crete are best to visit. It will help you plan your trip when you are in Greece.
Top Islands Near Crete to Visit
Are you asking about the best islands to visit near Crete and what makes each stand out? There are many places you can go, from the well-known Cyclades with their amazing views to the peaceful beaches of the Dodecanese. All these spots are just a short trip by ferry. A good way to see them is by island hopping. This way, you get to feel the special mood of each place. The closest islands have a lot for you and your group, like busy nightlife and quiet old villages. If you want a short trip for the day or maybe spend more time there, you can use the ferry from Crete to get started. That’s how you get to know the Aegean Sea. Keep reading to find the best Greek island for what you want to do next.
Santorini
Santorini is usually the top pick for many travelers. People know it for its high cliffs and lovely sunsets over the caldera. You may wonder if Santorini is a good island to visit from Crete. The answer is yes. The white and blue buildings there give you a beautiful scene that is hard to forget. It is one of the best places for couples and honeymoon trips. This volcanic island has a feel that is not like Crete. You will find some boutique hotels that offer great views. Getting to this island gem is easy.
The smartest way to go is by a fast ferry from Heraklion, and it will have you there in close to two hours. This short trip means you can even go just for one day. You can walk around the streets of Oia, stop at a winery, or relax on a one-of-a-kind black sand beach , or relax on a one-of-a-kind black sand beach. Many visitors also plan a trip from Crete to Santorini, since fast ferries make it one of the easiest Greek island day trips. This Greek island is very popular, so it is smart to get your ferry tickets early.
Naxos
If you want to go Crete island hopping, Naxos is a good pick. It is the biggest of the Cycladic islands and has ancient ruins, nice beaches, and small mountain towns. You will not find big crowds like on other islands. See the Portara, a large marble gate and hike up Mount Zas, or just relax at Agios Prokopios Beach. Naxos is a good place for families and people who like to stay busy. If you love history, you will also enjoy it. Villages like Apeiranthos let you see the real Greek island life. There is no ferry that goes straight from Crete, but you can get to Naxos by changing boats at Santorini.
The trip from Crete to Naxos is via Santorini. Santorini to Naxos takes about two hours. The island has many places to stay, and the prices fit different budgets. Naxos stands out because of its rich culture and beauty. It is a great Greek island to visit if you want a full and good trip.
Paros
What are the top islands to visit after staying in Crete? Many people will say Paros. This island is a great place because there are many things to do. Paros is known for its big beaches, fun nightlife, and small white villages. It is a good island for families or groups as there is a lot for everyone to enjoy. The towns of Parikia and Naoussa are known for their cafes by the water, old-style tavernas, and top bars. You can walk along the streets or do water sports at Golden Beach.
To get from Crete to Paros, most people take a ferry, and you often stop at Santorini on the way. The ride from Crete is four to six hours. The time you spend traveling will be worth it, as the place is great once you get there.
Milos
Milos is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, famous for its unique beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming villages. Taking a trip from Crete to Milos is a great way to add variety to your holiday, combining Crete’s culture with Milos’ stunning landscapes. When planning your trip from Crete to Milos, you’ll find two main options: regular ferries and high-speed catamarans.
Crete to Milos ferries are bigger and slower, taking about 5 to 8 hours. The ride is comfortable and steady, with plenty of space and extras like cafés, restaurants, and even small shops to keep you busy during the journey. High-speed catamarans are smaller but much faster, cutting the travel time down to around 3 to 4 hours. They don’t have as many amenities, and the ride can feel a bit bumpy if the sea is rough, but they’re a great choice if you want to get to Milos quickly. Since summer is the busiest season, it’s smart to book your ferry tickets in advance. Direct routes between Crete and Milos sell out fast, so planning early will save you the stress.
Karpathos
Are you someone who wants to find quiet places near Crete for your next holiday? Karpathos can be a good choice. It is in the Dodecanese island group. Here, you will see great views, nice beaches that are not crowded, and good spots for hiking. The island is not busy with many travelers. So, you get to feel calm and visit old villages the way you want. The main place for tourists is on the south coast. From there, you can see the whole island. You should visit Olympos, a mountain village. The people there still follow many old ways. You can eat fresh seafood at a taverna or relax on Apella Beach. A day here lets you see a more traditional part of Greece.
You can get to Karpathos by ferry from the ports of Heraklion and Sitia in Crete. The trip from Sitia takes about four and a half hours. This island gives you a quiet spot away from the busy Cyclades.
Ios
Ios is well known for its lively nightlife, and that makes it a good Greek island for young travelers and backpackers. It is in the Cyclades and there you will find all the usual things people like about these islands. You can see white-painted houses, churches with blue domes, and beaches with clear blue water. It is a great place for those who want to have fun and enjoy the sun. In the day, you get to try different water sports, go for a hike up to the windmills that are over the main town called Chora, or go on a boat ride. Mylopotas Beach is one of the top places people visit. It is good for relaxing, but you can also join a fun beach party there. Ios is popular for its lively nights, but this island has a cultural part too. There are some events where people celebrate Homer, the famous poet, who some say is buried on the island.
Getting from Crete to Ios is easy. You can take a ferry from Heraklion port. The trip takes about three hours. There are more ferry trips during the summer, so you have many options.
Mykonos
Mykonos is known as the place for glamour, fancy nightlife, and a lively feel. This Cycladic island has famous beach clubs, top restaurants, and great shopping spots. It is where you find people who love style and a good party. If you want to visit islands near Crete, you will see that there are not as many direct tours. But you can still plan your own trip with ease. Beyond the party, you can walk around the narrow streets of Mykonos Town. You can see the well-known windmills as well. Have a drink in Little Venice if you want to relax by the water. The island is close to Delos, that is a famous old site with many things to see. There are beautiful beaches like Paradise and Super Paradise. People know these for the sun, music, and fun feel.
There are no ferries that go straight from Crete to Mykonos. You need to pass through Santorini or Athens to make the trip. This trip can take about four to six hours, depending on how you go. The island has a lot of places to stay. You can find everything from simple rooms to top resorts.
How to Get from Crete to Nearby Islands
If you want to go from Crete to the other islands, you will need to use a ferry or boat. Most people travel this way. The main cities on Crete, like Heraklion, Chania, and Rethymno, each have a port that offers ferry rides. These ferries run often, most of all in the busy months from May to October. A ferry ride is the best way to begin your trip for island hopping in the area. High-speed and normal ferries go from Crete to the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands. The busiest port is Heraklion. It has the most trips. It is good to look at the schedules and get your tickets early. This is because times and seats can change. Below, you can see more about each route and other ways to travel.
Ferry Routes and Schedules
Ferry routes from Crete get you to many loved Greek islands. The biggest port to leave from is Heraklion. Ferries also leave at Chania, Rethymno, and Sitia. A few companies like SeaJets, Minoan Lines, and Golden Star Ferries run these trips. How do you get from Crete to the other islands by ferry or boat? You only need to book a ticket for one of these normal routes. In the summer, there are many trips every day to islands like Santorini and Ios. You can also go to islands like Karpathos or Paros, but the boats run less often there. Even so, they are trusted and run on time. How long the journey takes will change based on if you go by high-speed catamaran or a regular ferry.
Here is a table that shows some main ferry routes from Crete. This will help you get a good idea of your options when you want to travel around Greece.
| Departure Port (Crete) | Destination Island | Approximate Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Heraklion | Santorini (Thira) | 2 – 4 hours |
| Heraklion | Ios | ~3 hours |
| Heraklion | Mykonos (via stop) | 4 – 6 hours |
| Heraklion | Paros (via stop) | 4 – 6 hours |
| Sitia | Karpathos | ~4.5 hours |
| Kissamos | Kythira | ~4 hours |
Boat Tours and Excursions
Yes, if you like things to be planned, you can find boat tours and trips to islands close to Crete. A lot of local operators give day trip packages. They take care of the travel and planning for you. This makes it easy to visit another island. You do not need to sort out ferry times or plan things on your own.
These tours are great if you want to go to islands near the Cretan coast, like Dia or Chrissi Island. Many tours also combine coastal highlights with activities such as scuba dive Crete for those who love the sea. Most of them give you lunch, snorkeling gear, and someone to guide you and share information. This all adds up to a fun and full day. If you are in Western Crete, you can also find many well-liked boat trips that will take you to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island.
Here are some things you usually find on organized boat tours:
- The price includes the boat ride and sometimes the meals.
- The trip has guided tours where you see important places or natural spots.
- You get the chance to swim and snorkel in clear water.
- It is great for island hopping if you do not have much time.
Islands that are Part of Crete
Crete is the largest island in Greece, and beyond its coastline lie smaller islands that are just as captivating. Known for pink-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, ancient ruins, and unique landscapes, the islands near Crete are among the best day trips and excursions you can take during your stay. Chrissi and Elafonissi impress with their exotic colors, Spinalonga and Koufonisi reveal layers of history, while Balos, Dia, and Gavdos showcase natural beauty and local legends. Exploring these areas is also one of the best things to do if you’re planning Crete in summer holidays. Each island offers a different experience, from relaxing on golden shores to exploring archaeological sites or enjoying a laid-back escape.
Chrissi Island
Chrissi is a breezy island, ideal to escape from it all! An extremely clean island with exotic turquoise waters and slightly pinkish sand. The pink sand color comes from the crushed seashells. The remarkable Golden Beach is located on the northern part of the island, where the palette of blue prevails! There you will find sunbeds and umbrellas so you can enjoy your entire day gazing at the sparkling waters.
How to get there: Boats sail from Ierapetra daily from 10:30 am and return at 5 pm. The most exciting part is that you may even see dolphins on your way there!
Balos Island
Off the northwest coast of Crete, lays an exquisite sandy beach between the capes of Gramvousa and Tigani. Balos is unique, picturesque and with just one glimpse you will understand why it is the most photographed beach in Crete. It is often listed alongside other must-sees like Seitan Limania Beach Crete, both known for their incredible turquoise waters. Facing towards the small motor shipwreck and the 137 meters tall Venetian fort, Balos is famous for its crystal-clear waters and peculiar scenery. The natural beauty of this place is why the crowds favor Balos during the busy months of July and August.
How to get there: There are 3 main ways to reach the beach.
The first and most preferred way is to catch the morning boat from Kissamos.
In case you are not willing to arrive with the crowds and you have a vehicle that you can drive off-road, then drive from Kaliviani along the cape of Gramvoussa. After about 10 kilometers, you will be over the lagoon and we promise you that the view is simply breathtaking! From that point, there is a 1-kilometer stone path that will lead you straight to paradise!
The third and final option is possibly the least appealing, however in our opinion the most stimulating! Walk from Kaliviani for 3 hours to Gramvousa. Along the way stop at the charming church of St. George. Also, you may stop at the large cave where Christian women and children are used as their hiding spot. Unfortunately, they were discovered by the Turks and we slaughtered. Today, you will find a commemorative plaque in memory of those who tragically lost their lives.
Koufonisi Island
On this rocky and deserted landscape, the island of Koufonisi with its beautiful shimmering waters welcomes you. An interesting fact is that Koufonisi island was once called Lefki. Koufonisi has an exceptionally long history as in ancient times it was an important center of purpura (red dye coming from shells). Furthermore, archaeologists excavated a well-preserved ancient theater, ancient houses, workshops, and many more compelling findings.
How to get there: A slightly challenging island to reach, but it is worth it! Renting a private vessel from Makrigialos is the best way to sail to this island. These vessels sail to Koufonisi every day and can hold up to 10 passengers. Do not forget to bring sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen as this island does not have many trees, meaning almost any shade.
Elafonissi Island
An island that is situated near the main island of Crete, which is remarkably unique! Elafonissi is notorious for its pink sand and therefore, thousands of tourists flock there every summer to take famous pictures! The pink color is a product of colorful microorganisms that interact with the native seaweed. Elafonissi, is without a doubt one of the prettiest islands in the world, with a heartbreaking history. Its pink sands also make it one of the most famous Crete Greece beaches for photography lovers. On the highest point of the island, there is a plaque to remember the massacre of 1824 during the Greek War of Independence. In addition, there is a large wooden cross on the island to remind us of those who lost their lives trying to escape the sinking steamer in 1907. Today, the wreck is still on the seabed near the island.
How to get there: It is only less than 100 meters far from Crete and it is possible to walk there. Just make sure that the tides are right if you decide to walk across.
Spinalonga Island
Spinalonga island is one of Crete’s most beloved and famous attractions. Also, it is one of Crete’s most imperative archaeological sites. Spinalonga island was turned into a fortress in the middle of the 16th century and constituted one of the best examples of the Venetian defensive architecture. From 1903-1957 Spinalonga’s impregnable castle was turned into the last European leper colony. You will have the chance to explore the buildings from the Venetian, Ottoman, and Modern periods. Spinalonga will allow you to uncover the different historic faces of this incredibly special place.
How to get there: From the seaside village of Plaka, you can take a traditional boat that will have you on the island of Spinalonga in 10-15 minutes. There are many boats, and they depart all day!
Dia Island
The small island of Dia is only 11 kilometers off the coast of Heraklion. It is called Zeus’s island because based on mythology, he was the one who created Dia Island, so the ancient Cretans dedicated the island to him. Dia is a Natura 2000 protected area as its biodiversity is extraordinarily special! You will find wild rabbits and hawks. The gorgeous piercing bays that surround this small island, such as Kapari, Panagia, and Agrielia are all sublime! Apart from the dazzling nature, visit the quaint church of Holy Ascension with its blue roof. Furthermore, it is interesting to mention that Dia has 7 ancient shipwrecks! However, Cousteau in 1976 discovered squared and rectangular rocks in the seabed of Dia, that made up an artificial breakwater, known as the Cyclopean Walls. A final fact about Dia is that it was the biggest port of Knossos!
How to get there: Every day there are boats from Heraklion or Gouves that sail to Dia.
Gavdos Island
Gavdos is the southernmost point in Europe and has a huge chair on Cape Tripiti from where you can look towards Africa. This phenomenal ancient island played a critical role in Homer’s Odyssey. It is the site of Ogygia, where Kalypso kept Odysseus prisoner for 7 years! Gavdos is a magical island with strong magnetic fields. Legend has it that after the Chernobyl disaster, the Russian nuclear scientists went to Gavdos to be cured after they had been exposed to strong doses of radioactivity. The most impressive beach in Gavdos is Saint John, the most beautiful spots to see the sunset is from Faros and the best local dish is “tsigariasto”. You can find this gastronomical wonder in taverns overlooking the astonishing sea. The hippy vibe is all around the island, as travelers visit Gavdos to unwind and to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
How to get there: Take the boat from Paleochora or Sfakia in Chania.
Conclusion
Exploring the islands near Crete lets you see amazing places and feel the rich culture. Every place has something special. You can go to the lively beaches of Mykonos or the calm shores of Elafonissi. When you plan your trip, think about the different ferry routes and boat tours to make it easy to visit these islands. The islands be great if you want fun or just want to relax. Be sure to try the local food and learn about the culture as you move around. With all these choices, you will have good memories of your island-hopping trip. Have a great time traveling!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some lesser-known islands near Crete ideal if I want a quieter holiday?
For a quiet getaway, look at Gavdos, which is the southernmost place in Europe. The island gives you a wild and natural feel. Karpathos is also good, with clean beaches and old villages that are far from big groups of people. Both areas are more calm than the busy locations in Greece.
Are there day trips or organized tours to islands near Crete?
Yes, there are a lot of boat tours and day trips that you can join, mainly from Heraklion. These trips make it easy for people to visit close islands like Chrissi, Dia, or even Santorini. You do not have to worry about any planning. The tours are a good choice for those who want to do island hopping without much fuss. Many people in the tourism industry suggest them for a one or two-day visit.
What cultural experiences can I find on islands close to Crete?
You can find many interesting cultural experiences on the islands close by. Spinalonga lets you see its story as a leper colony and a place with old ruins. Karpathos is great for going to villages where people still follow old ways. A lot of islands, like Naxos and Mykonos (close to Delos), have old ruins that you can walk around and learn about.