Ferry from Diafani (Karpathos) to Sitia (Crete)

Diafani to Sitia takes around five hours with Blue Star Ferries on the Blue Star Chios, running southwest from northern Karpathos to eastern Crete with a call at Kasos on the way. It is a conventional ferry with a restaurant, lounges and deck space, and the crossing covers a genuinely empty stretch of the Aegean with little in sight for long periods.

Sitia is a relaxed port town on the northeast coast of Crete, noticeably less touristy than Heraklion or Chania and with a traditional Cretan feel. A Venetian-era fortress, the Kazarma, overlooks the waterfront. It works well as a base for eastern Crete, with Vai palm beach, the Zakros archaeological site and a string of quieter beaches within reach.

The service runs around once a week and only in season, so it needs building into a plan. The current timetable and fares are shown in the table below. Sitia has its own small airport as well as bus links west to Agios Nikolaos and Heraklion, which gives you options once ashore.

Weekly Diafani to Sitia Ferry Schedule

What each ferry company has published for the four weeks from 13 November 2026 to 10 December 2026: the days it sails and its departure times from Diafani.

Diafani to Sitia Ferry Fares

Hiring a car

Do you need a car in Sitia?

Yes, a car is genuinely useful here. Sitia sits about 130km, roughly two hours' drive, east of Heraklion, on the quieter side of Crete. A limited KTEL bus reaches the palm forest at Vai (28km) in summer, but a car gives easier access to Toplou Monastery and Sitia's beaches. Rental offices operate in Sitia town and at the small local airport; compare prices at Discover Cars.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Diafani to Sitia between 13 November 2026 and 26 November 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Diafani to Sitia ferry

• At ports with multiple berths, check which pier your ferry docks at on arrival – it is not always the same berth every trip.
• The meltemi is a reliable, predictable wind – sailors and ferry operators know its pattern well. It blows hard in the afternoon but often eases overnight.
• Some operators offer promotional fares in spring and autumn to fill sailings – worth checking their websites directly if you are travelling outside peak season.
• Some operators allow seat upgrades at the port ticket desk if higher classes have not sold out – worth asking if you arrive early.
• The eastern coast of islands (lee side) provides shelter from the meltemi; ports on the eastern shore of Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros are usually calmer.

Plan a journey

Search for a connection between any two Greek ports, including journeys that need a change.