Ferry from Heraklion (Crete) to Paros (Parikia)

Heraklion and Paros sit at opposite ends of a proper stretch of open water, and this crossing is one of the few that links Crete directly to the Cyclades without a change of boat. It's a useful route for anyone stringing together a Crete-and-islands itinerary, since it skips the usual detour back through Piraeus. Check the schedule box above for the latest confirmed sailing dates before you book.

Ferries on this link run once a day through the season, so there's no need to weigh up a morning departure against an evening one -- you simply build your day around the single sailing. It's worth locking in your crossing a little ahead of travel in high summer, when island-hopping traffic through the Cyclades picks up.

Heraklion to Paros Ferry Fares

Weekly Heraklion to Paros Ferry Schedule

The repeating pattern behind the dated timetable, without dates. Each row is one scheduled departure and the days it runs.

Hiring a car

Can you rent a car in Paros?

Yes, and rental desks cluster right by the port in Parikia, most just a couple of minutes' walk from where the ferry docks. A car earns its keep here: nowhere on Paros is more than about 30 minutes' drive away, opening up marble-quarry villages and quieter southern beaches that the KTEL bus network doesn't reach directly. Compare local suppliers at Discover Cars if you'd rather not rely on the bus timetable.

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 Heraklion to Paros between 5 September 2026 and 18 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Heraklion to Paros ferry

• Arrive at Heraklion port at least 45 minutes before departure if you already hold an e-ticket – if you are travelling with a car, allow 60 to 90 minutes, as vehicles queue and board separately from foot passengers.
• Buy your ferry ticket online in advance rather than at the port – ticket kiosks at Heraklion only open a few hours before each departure, and Santorini's high-speed services sell out in summer.
• For the Santorini day-boats, SeaJets asks passengers to be at the terminal 30 minutes before sailing – expect heavy congestion and longer check-in queues on summer mornings.
• A compact headlamp or torch is worth packing; island paths and port areas are not always well lit, especially in the off season.
• In Paros, the charming fishing village of Naoussa on the north coast is the best place to eat fresh seafood at family-run waterfront tavernas. The main town of Parikia has an impressive Byzantine cathedral built from the marble of ancient temples, and the island's beaches – particularly Kolymbithres with its sculpted granite rocks – are among the most striking in the Cyclades.

Plan a journey

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