Ferry from Diafani (Karpathos) to Heraklion (Crete)
7h 55m ยท 1 operator
Diafani to Heraklion at a glance
Ferries from Diafani (Karpathos) to Heraklion (Crete) are scheduled 2 times over the next 14 days, roughly one a week. Departures in that window are at 14:50. The crossing takes 7h 55m. The route is served by 1 operator: Blue Star Ferries. There are sailings on Sunday during the next fortnight. Operators have published this timetable as far as 25 October 2026.
Operators have published this route's timetable to 25 October 2026. Sailings beyond that date have not been announced yet.
Diafani to Heraklion Route Map
Diafani to Heraklio is a long southwesterly run with Blue Star Ferries aboard the Blue Star Chios, taking around eight hours with calls at Karpathos and Kassos or Sitia along the way. It is a conventional ferry, so there is a restaurant, indoor seating and open deck for what is a full working day at sea. The first stretch down the east coast of Karpathos is the scenic part.
Heraklio is the capital and largest city of Crete, a busy commercial and administrative hub with a Venetian old town at its heart. The Koules fortress stands at the old harbour entrance next to the restored Venetian arsenali, and the Archaeological Museum and the Palace of Knossos are the standard first stops. It is one of Greece's busiest ports and airports, so onward connections are easy.
Sailings on this pairing run around once a week and only in the summer months. The current timetable and fares are shown below. From Heraklio there are nightly ferries to Piraeus and frequent buses along the north coast of Crete.
Diafani to Heraklion Ferry Fares
No published fares for this route yet.
Weekly Diafani to Heraklion Ferry Schedule
The repeating pattern behind the dated timetable, without dates. Each row is one scheduled departure and the days it runs.
| Operator | Vessel | Days | Departs | Arrives | Duration | From | Season | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Star Ferries | Blue Star Chios conventional | 14:50 | 22:45 | 7h 55m | 2026-08-23 to 2026-10-25 | Book the Blue Star Chios sailing |
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Hiring a car
Can you rent a car in Heraklion?
Yes. Heraklion's ferry port sits about 1km from the centre, an easy walk or short taxi ride, and several rental firms have desks right at the harbour or nearby in town. The city itself is compact enough on foot, but a car pays off once you want to reach Knossos, the south coast or the Lasithi plateau, where buses run less often. Check rates at Discover Cars.
Next 14 days
Every scheduled departure from Diafani to Heraklion between 24 August 2026 and 6 September 2026.
| Date | Departs | Arrives | Duration | Vessel | Operator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 2026-08-30 | 14:50 | 22:45 | 7h 55m | Blue Star Chios | Blue Star Ferries |
| Sun 2026-09-06 | 14:50 | 22:45 | 7h 55m | Blue Star Chios | Blue Star Ferries |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do ferries run from Diafani to Heraklion?
Ferries from Diafani (Karpathos) to Heraklion (Crete) are scheduled 2 times over the next 14 days, roughly one a week. In that fortnight there are departures on Sunday. Operators have published this route's timetable as far as 25 October 2026, and nothing beyond that date has been announced yet.
Are there ferries from Diafani to Heraklion today?
No, there are no scheduled departures from Diafani (Karpathos) to Heraklion (Crete) today. The next sailing in the published timetable is on 30 August 2026, at 14:50. Departures fall on Sunday.
How many ferries run from Diafani to Heraklion this week?
1 sailing from Diafani (Karpathos) to Heraklion (Crete) is scheduled over the next seven days, typically 1 a day on the days it runs.
What time is the first ferry from Diafani to Heraklion?
Scheduled departures from Diafani (Karpathos) to Heraklion (Crete) leave at 14:50.
How long is the ferry from Diafani to Heraklion?
The crossing from Diafani (Karpathos) to Heraklion (Crete) takes 7h 55m.
Which ferry companies operate the Diafani to Heraklion route?
The Diafani (Karpathos) to Heraklion (Crete) route is served by Blue Star Ferries. Crossings run on conventional ferries.
Tips for the Diafani to Heraklion ferry
- Wheeled suitcases are harder to manage on steep gangways and across uneven quaysides than backpacks; a soft-sided bag with carry handles is a practical compromise.
- If you need a taxi on arrival at a small island, the queue can be long when a ferry docks – consider pre-booking or walking to your accommodation if it is nearby.
- Return tickets on the same operator are sometimes cheaper than two separate one-way fares – compare both options before confirming.
- Heraklion serves as the main gateway to Crete, with the legendary Palace of Knossos – the centre of Minoan civilisation – just a short drive from the city centre. The city's Archaeological Museum houses one of the most important collections of Minoan artefacts in the world, and wine tours into the surrounding region are a popular option.
Plan a journey
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