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EuropeEurope - Eastern Europe

Crete Cruise Port

Crete
Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, located in the Mediterranean Sea.

Ships in port today
No ships in port today
Safety rank
#490
of 1018 ports in the Europe
Today · high / low
91° / 66°
September normals
Crete cruise port
Europe - Eastern Europe
Crete
// Crete cruise port overview

The cruise port in Crete,
explained

Lat: 35.3°NLong: 25.1°ETimezone: Europe/OsloINTN code: CET

Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, located in the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for its stunning beaches, picturesque villages, and ancient ruins.

The island is home to a variety of landscapes, from the rugged White Mountains to the lush Samaria Gorge. Crete is also known for its delicious cuisine, which includes dishes such as dakos, a traditional Cretan salad, and moussaka, a classic Greek dish.

The island is also home to a number of archaeological sites, including the Minoan Palace of Knossos, the ruins of the ancient city of Gortyn, and the Venetian fortifications of Rethymno. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine, Crete is an ideal destination for travelers looking for a unique and memorable experience.

Ships visiting
1 line
1 ships call at Crete
Peak passenger day
3,660
cruise passengers ashore
Most ships dock at
7:00 AM
arrival for 100% of calls
// Departing soon

Upcoming cruises to Crete

1 cruise stops here in Crete during the next 12 months. These are the next ones to leave, by sail date.

Prices refreshed daily
Enchanted Princess
Enchanted Princess cruise ship
May 11, 2027Inside
Princess Cruise Line

Enchanted Princess, 32-night cruise departing May 11, 2027

May 11, 2027 · 32 nights
from: Trieste, Italy
$165/ night
$5,287 total
// Crete Cruise Port location

Where is Crete Cruise Port?

Crete cruise port is located in the city of Heraklion, the capital of the Greek island of Crete. It is situated on the northern coast of the island, just east of the city center. The port is easily accessible by car, bus, or taxi, and is a popular destination for cruise ships.

General location
Europe
Category
Europe - Eastern Europe
Coordinates
35.34°N, 25.14°E
Time zone
Europe/Oslo
Cruise port · 35.34°N, 25.14°E
Map data · OpenStreetMap
// Crete cruise port guide

What to do in Crete

A shortlist of places worth your hours ashore, grouped by the kind of day you want.

Ways to spend the day

3 themes
Theme 1

Beach Activities

Crete is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. From secluded coves to bustling resorts, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Whether you're looking to relax on the sand, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, or try your hand at watersports, there's something for everyone. With its stunning coastline, Crete is the perfect place to enjoy a day at the beach.

Theme 2

Cultural Experiences

Crete is a place of rich culture and history. From ancient ruins to traditional villages, there are plenty of ways to explore the island's past. Take a guided tour of the Minoan Palace of Knossos, explore the Venetian fortresses of Rethymno, or wander through the cobblestone streets of Chania. With its vibrant culture and fascinating history, Crete is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Theme 3

Hiking

Hiking is a great way to explore the natural beauty of Crete. With its rugged terrain, lush forests, and stunning coastline, there are plenty of trails to explore. From easy walks to challenging climbs, there is something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a full-day adventure, you'll find plenty of trails to explore in Crete.

Crete cruise port beaches

3 in our guide
B
Balos Beach (illustrative photo)

Balos Beach

Balos Beach is a stunning beach located on the northwestern tip of Crete. It is known for its turquoise waters, white sand, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The beach is surrounded by a lagoon and is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. It is also a great spot for bird watching, as the lagoon is home to many species of migratory birds. The beach is also known for its unique rock formations, which make it a great spot for photography.

F
Falassarna Beach (illustrative photo)

Falassarna Beach

Falassarna Beach is a stunning beach located on the western coast of Crete. It is known for its crystal clear waters, white sand, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The beach is surrounded by a lagoon and is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. It is also a great spot for bird watching, as the lagoon is home to many species of migratory birds. The beach is also known for its unique rock formations, which make it a great spot for photography.

E
Elafonisi Beach (illustrative photo)

Elafonisi Beach

Elafonisi Beach is a stunning beach located on the southwestern tip of Crete. It is known for its crystal clear waters, white sand, and pink hues from the crushed shells that make up the beach. The beach is surrounded by a lagoon and is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. It is also a great spot for bird watching, as the lagoon is home to many species of migratory birds.

// Crete fun facts

The Birthplace of Zeus

Crete is the birthplace of the Greek god Zeus. According to Greek mythology, Zeus was born in a cave on Mount Ida in Crete. He was raised by a goat and a nymph, and eventually became the king of the gods. He is often depicted with a lightning bolt in his hand, which is said to have been given to him by his father, Cronus.

The Venetian Influence

Crete has a long history of foreign influence, most notably from the Venetians. The Venetians ruled Crete from 1211 to 1669, and left behind a rich cultural legacy. This includes the architecture of the cities, the cuisine, and the language. Even today, many of the locals still speak a dialect of Venetian.

The Minoan Civilization

Crete is home to the Minoan civilization, one of the oldest civilizations in Europe. It is believed to have been established around 3000 BC and lasted until around 1450 BC. The Minoans are known for their advanced architecture, art, and trading networks. They are also credited with the invention of the first written language in Europe.

Crete cruise port shopping

3 in our guide
C
Crete Art Gallery (illustrative photo)

Crete Art Gallery

Crete Art Gallery is a great place to find unique souvenirs from your cruise. Located just a few minutes away from the cruise port, this gallery offers a wide selection of items, from traditional Greek souvenirs to handmade jewelry and art. You can find traditional Greek pottery, olive wood carvings, and even handmade jewelry crafted by local artisans. The gallery also offers a variety of clothing and accessories, including traditional Greek clothing and accessories. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they are always willing to help you find the perfect souvenir for your trip.

C
Crete Gift Shop (illustrative photo)

Crete Gift Shop

Crete Gift Shop is a great place to find unique souvenirs from your cruise. Located just a few minutes away from the cruise port, this shop offers a wide selection of items, from traditional Greek souvenirs to handmade jewelry and art. You can find traditional Greek pottery, olive wood carvings, and even handmade jewelry crafted by local artisans. The shop also offers a variety of clothing and accessories, including traditional Greek clothing and accessories. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they are always willing to help you find the perfect souvenir for your trip.

C
Crete Souvenir Shop (illustrative photo)

Crete Souvenir Shop

Crete Souvenir Shop is a great place to find unique souvenirs from your cruise. Located just a few minutes away from the cruise port, this shop offers a wide selection of items, from traditional Greek souvenirs to handmade jewelry and art. You can find traditional Greek pottery, olive wood carvings, and even handmade jewelry crafted by local artisans. The shop also offers a variety of clothing and accessories, including traditional Greek clothing and accessories. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they are always willing to help you find the perfect souvenir for your trip.

// Crete Cruise Port Terminals

Which Crete cruise terminal will your ship use?

Your cruise line assigns the pier — here's what each one means for your day ashore.

3 piers in Crete
Pier 1 of 3

Chania Cruise Port

Chania, Crete, Greece

Chania Cruise Port is located in the city of Chania, on the north-western coast of Crete. It is a popular port of call for cruise ships visiting the island and is the gateway to the many attractions of Crete. The port is well-equipped with modern facilities and services, including a passenger terminal, restaurants, shops, and car rental services.

Cruise pier (illustrative photo for Chania Cruise Port)
Pier 2 of 3

Heraklion Cruise Port

Heraklion, Crete, Greece

Heraklion Cruise Port is the largest port in Crete and is located in the city of Heraklion. It is the main port for cruise ships visiting the island and is the gateway to the many attractions of Crete. The port is well-equipped with modern facilities and services, including a passenger terminal, restaurants, shops, and car rental services.

Cruise pier (illustrative photo for Heraklion Cruise Port)
Pier 3 of 3

Rethymno Cruise Port

Rethymno, Crete, Greece

Rethymno Cruise Port is located in the city of Rethymno, on the north-eastern coast of Crete. It is a popular port of call for cruise ships visiting the island and is the gateway to the many attractions of Crete. The port is well-equipped with modern facilities and services, including a passenger terminal, restaurants, shops, and car rental services.

Cruise pier (illustrative photo for Rethymno Cruise Port)
Wi-Fi

Most hotels and restaurants in the area offer free wifi access. Additionally, there are several public wifi hotspots located in the port area.

Safety

Crete cruise port is generally considered to be a safe destination. The port is well-monitored by security personnel and the local police. Additionally, the port is located in a relatively low-crime area, so visitors should feel comfortable exploring the area.

Port address

Akti Koundouriotou, Heraklion 712 02, Greece

Crete cruise port car rental

Crete has a variety of car rental options near the cruise port. The most popular car rental companies in the area are Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, and Thrifty. All of these companies offer a wide selection of vehicles, from economy cars to luxury vehicles. They also offer a variety of services, such as GPS navigation, insurance, and 24-hour roadside assistance. Additionally, many of these companies offer discounts for online bookings and for long-term rentals.

Piers are assigned by the cruise line — check your ship's docking notice the morning you arrive.

// Weather

Crete Cruise Port Weather

Europe - Eastern Europe·30-year historical averages
Sep averages · Crete
76°
Avg · °F
Hot, mostly dry
High
91°F
Low
66°F
Rain
0.7 in
Excursions that suit this weather
// Year-round in Crete

Average monthly temperature and rainfall. This month is highlighted.

Avg temp °FRainfall in
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDECMONTHLY NORMALS · °F AND IN
// Crete cruise ship schedule

Crete Cruise Port Traffic Today

No cruise ships are scheduled in Crete today, Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Check the schedule for another date to see when ships are next due alongside.

Schedule updated

// Keep exploring

Popular ports in the Europe

Other ports cruisers visit most in the Europe.

// Questions

Crete cruise port, answered

The things cruisers ask most before a day ashore in Crete.

Where is Crete cruise port located?

Crete cruise port is located in Europe. Crete cruise port is located in the city of Heraklion, the capital of the Greek island of Crete. It is situated on the northern coast of the island, just east of the city center. The port is easily accessible by car, bus, or taxi, and is a popular destination for cruise ships.

Is Crete a good cruise port to visit?

Yes, Crete is a great cruise port. It is a popular destination for cruise ships, offering a variety of activities and attractions for visitors. The island is known for its stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and vibrant culture. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the island's history, culture, and natural beauty.

How safe is Crete cruise port for passengers?

Crete cruise port has a safety score of 8.3 out of 10, ranking #490 of 1018 ports in Europe. Crete cruise port is generally considered to be a safe destination. The port is well-monitored by security personnel and the local police. Additionally, the port is located in a relatively low-crime area, so visitors should feel comfortable exploring the area.

What is the weather like at Crete cruise port in September?

In September, Crete cruise port has average high temperatures of 91°F (33°C) and average lows of 66°F (19°C).

How many excursions are available at Crete cruise port?

There are currently 1,502 excursions and tours available at Crete cruise port, covering everything from guided sightseeing and cultural experiences to water sports and adventure activities. Book in advance to secure your preferred experience.

What are the top things to do at Crete cruise port?

Crete cruise port offers 3 featured activities and attractions. Popular highlights include: Beach Activities, Cultural Experiences, Hiking. Crete is known for its stunning natural beauty and its rich cultural heritage. It is a great destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. There are also plenty of historical sites to explore, including ancient ruins, monasteries, and castles. The island is also home to some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, with crystal clear waters and white sand. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of quaint villages to explore, as well as traditional tavernas and restaurants. No matter what type of experience you are looking for, Crete has something to offer.

Can I rent a car at Crete cruise port?

Crete has a variety of car rental options near the cruise port. The most popular car rental companies in the area are Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, and Thrifty. All of these companies offer a wide selection of vehicles, from economy cars to luxury vehicles. They also offer a variety of services, such as GPS navigation, insurance, and 24-hour roadside assistance. Additionally, many of these companies offer discounts for online bookings and for long-term rentals.

What is the WiFi situation at Crete cruise port?

Most hotels and restaurants in the area offer free wifi access. Additionally, there are several public wifi hotspots located in the port area.

Where is the cruise terminal at Crete cruise port?

The address of Crete cruise port is Akti Koundouriotou, Heraklion 712 02, Greece.

What is the Crete Cruise Port cruise schedule?

There are no cruise ships scheduled at Crete today. Use the cruise ship schedule above to check Crete on any past or future date.

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