You can take a ferry from the port of Piraeus (Athens) to either Souda (Chania) or Heraklion. There is a regular overnight ferry service and the ships depart each evening around 8:30 PM and they take approximately 10.5 hours to complete the journey, arriving at their destination at about 6.00am. During the summer there is also a high speed catamaran that runs between Piraeus (Athens) and Rethymnon, that takes about 4.5 hours.

Travelling by ferry is generally cheaper than flying and can be quite an adventure. For those on a budget you can go deck class, and for those of you who require a little more comfort sleeper cabins can be bought with bunks for either 2 or 4 persons (best to book in advance). The ferries have cafes, bars and restaurants, and some have entertainment areas and occasionally a swimming pool. An overnight summer sailing is the cheapest option but you might prefer to avoid weekends and travelling at the beginning or end of Greek holidays as the ferries can then be very crowded. Particularly during the winter, stormy weather can cause the ferries to be delayed of cancelled, whereas planes can fly in almost any weather. For ferry schedules and prices, go to:

Minoan Lines: www.minoan.gr/kriti
Anek Lines: www.anek.gr/en/
General Ferry Enquiries: www.greekferries.gr