Heraklion Cruise Ship Port Guide

How to get to the port, by air, train, road

Getting to Heraklion port is quite simple with several transport choices. The Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport sits just 5km from the port, with regular flights coming in from major European cities and other Greek locations.

You’ll easily find taxis and shuttle buses running between the airport and port throughout the day.

• KTEL buses link the port with Heraklion’s centre and other spots around Crete
• Airport shuttles run every half hour in busy season
• You can hire cars at the airport or in the city
• Taxis work round the clock, taking about 15 minutes from airport to port

While there aren’t any trains to Heraklion, the roads are well-connected and easy to navigate.

If you’re driving, you won’t struggle to find parking near the cruise terminal.

Port Parking Options

There are plenty of good parking spots around Heraklion’s cruise port. The main port car park has 200 spaces with round-the-clock security cameras and it’s just 100 metres from the cruise terminal. Long-term parking here costs £8 per day.

If you want to save a bit of money, try the council car park on Ikarou Street – it’s £5 a day, but you’ll need to walk about 10 minutes to the terminal.

For covered parking, the Port Authority garage charges £10 daily and runs a shuttle bus to your ship.

You can find private car parks near the port entrance with valet parking for £12-15 per day. Just remember to book ahead if you’re travelling in the busy season (June-September) – spaces get snapped up quickly, especially in the main port car park.

Local Transport & Transfers

Getting around from Heraklion’s port is quite straightforward. You can walk to the city centre in about 10 minutes, but if you’d rather not walk or need to go further, you’ve got plenty of choices.

There’s a regular public bus every 15 minutes between the port and city centre – it’ll cost you £2 for a single journey. Outside the cruise terminal, you’ll find licensed taxis with set prices to popular places (£15 to Knossos Palace, £20 to the airport).

If you’re staying at a hotel, many run their own shuttle services in the busy summer months – just ring them beforehand to sort it out.

For groups or if you want a guaranteed pickup, there are private transfer firms with air-conditioned cars.

Top tip: During the busy summer season, it’s worth booking your taxi or private transfer ahead of time to get better prices.

Port Terminal Facilities

The Heraklion cruise terminal has the basics you’ll need as a passenger. Inside the main building, you’ll spot toilets, a tourist information desk and a small waiting area.

If you need cash, there’s a currency exchange counter and an ATM. You can connect to free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, though it can be a bit patchy.

There are benches dotted around where you can sit whilst waiting for your ship or tour. During peak season, you might find a few snack sellers and a coffee cart within the terminal.

If you’ve got mobility issues, you’ll be pleased to know the terminal has wheelchair-friendly entrances and toilets.

You’ll need to go through security at the main entrance when you’re heading back to your ship. Right outside the terminal building, there’s a taxi rank where you can grab a cab.

Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day

Pop into Heraklion’s sights in a single day before your cruise sets sail. You can easily walk to all the good bits from the port, as everything’s nice and close in the old town centre.

• The Archaeological Museum is a 15-minute walk from the port – it’s got the best Minoan bits and bobs you’ll find anywhere.
• Nip over to Koules Fortress right by the harbour entrance – brilliant views of the city and sea from up there.
• Take a wander through Lions Square to see the lovely old Venetian fountain and grab a proper Greek coffee.
• Have a mooch around the Central Market on 1866 Street for some Cretan goodies – think herbs, olive oil and local crafts.

Top tip: Get back to the port at least two hours before your ship leaves. No one wants to be running for the gangway!

Walks near the port

Several nice walks are right by Heraklion’s cruise port. The most popular one runs along the seaside promenade, from the Venetian Fortress to the city centre. The well-kept path gives you lovely Mediterranean views whilst passing old fortification walls.

For a bit of culture, wander east from the port into the old town’s narrow streets. You can stroll down 25th of August Street, which links the port to Lion Square, going past traditional shops and cafes.

If you fancy seeing local life, head west through the fishing harbour, where you’ll spot colourful boats and seafood tavernas. The walk up to Jesus Bastion is worth it too – you’ll get brilliant views of both the port and Heraklion’s skyline.

Dining and Shopping

Finding brilliant food and shops near Heraklion’s cruise port is a breeze. The lively streets around the port have proper Cretan food and local shops you can walk to easily.

Popular spots for food and shopping include:

• 1866 Market Street – full of local spice shops, proper delis, and souvenir stands
• Lions Square – where you’ll find traditional tavernas cooking Cretan favourites like dakos and souvlaki
• Freedom Square – with modern cafes, pastry shops making fresh bougatsa, and smart boutiques
• Korai Street – packed with jewellery stores, leather goods shops, and family-run restaurants

Most places open early for cruise passengers, and lots of restaurants have English menus.

You can pay by card in most spots, but smaller shops might want cash.

Accommodation near the port

Want to stay near the port after trying the local food? The Lato Boutique Hotel is just 200 metres away, with modern rooms looking out to the harbour and a restaurant up top.

The GDM Megaron Hotel is just as close, with posh rooms and lovely art deco architecture.

If you’re watching your wallet, Hotel Life has clean, simple rooms within a 5-minute walk from the port.

The Kastro Hotel sits nicely between budget and luxury, with freshly done-up rooms near both the port and city centre.

Fancy your own space? Port House comes with proper kitchenettes and roomy living areas.

All these places are handy for both the cruise terminal and Heraklion’s main sights.

Tips for First-Time Cruisers from The Port

Getting about Heraklion’s cruise port is simple when you know what’s what. The terminal sits roughly 2km from the city centre, and shuttle buses run every 15 minutes. Best to be back at the ship half an hour before sailing time to stay on the safe side.

Handy bits to know:

• Always carry your cruise card and photo ID – you won’t get back on board without them
• Get an offline map of Heraklion on your phone, as the port’s Wi-Fi isn’t great
• Sort out your money on the ship – the port’s exchange rates tend to be pricier
• For local tours, stick to the proper operators at the terminal’s info desk rather than people selling on the street

Keep an eye on your ship’s daily schedule for exact sailing times and any changes to the timetable.

Customs & Immigration at The Port

Immigration at Heraklion’s cruise port is quite simple for most visitors. Have your passport and cruise card handy when you get off the ship. If you’re from the EU, you can use your national ID card, but everyone else needs a valid passport.

Customs usually takes between 5-10 minutes per person. You’ll spot separate queues for EU and non-EU citizens, with signs in English and Greek.

If you’re bringing items above the duty-free limits or any restricted goods, you’ll need to tell the customs staff. The port’s immigration team does random security checks, so keep your papers within reach during your visit.

Since Greece is in the Schengen Area, you won’t need extra visas if you already have a valid Schengen visa.

Local Currency & Payment Options

When you’re in Heraklion, you’ll need euros (€) to get around. Most shops, restaurants and taxis take both cash and major credit cards, but it’s worth having some euros handy for smaller bits and local sellers.

You can spot plenty of ATMs near the port and in the city centre. Money exchange places at the port tend to give worse rates than bank ATMs, so best to plan ahead.

Useful money bits for Heraklion:

• Keep some small euro notes (€5-€20) for taxis and market shopping
• Cards with chips work really well – most places take Visa and Mastercard
• Let your bank know you’re travelling to avoid any card issues
• Having about €100 in cash each day should cover your basics

While most restaurants will let you pay by card, the traditional tavernas and street food sellers usually want cash.

Emergency Contacts

Keeping safe in Heraklion means knowing the right emergency numbers. For any emergency, ring 112 – it’s the European emergency number that works for police, ambulance and fire services. You can use it from any phone, even mobiles without a SIM card.

If you need specific help, ring 100 for police, 166 for medical emergencies, or 199 for the fire department.

Having trouble near the cruise terminal? The Port Authority’s number is 108. The closest hospital to the port is the University Hospital of Heraklion (+30 2813 402111).

It’s smart to keep your cruise ship’s emergency contacts with you, and pop your country’s Greek embassy number in your phone just in case.

History of The Port

The story of Heraklion’s port stretches back 4,000 years as Crete’s main maritime gateway. Thanks to its brilliant spot in the Mediterranean, it was a massive trading centre from Minoan times right through the Roman, Byzantine and Venetian eras.

• The Venetians built the impressive Koules fortress in the 16th century to keep the Ottomans at bay.
• Under Ottoman control (1669-1898), the port became well-known for shipping local goods like olive oil and wine.
• The port took quite a beating during World War II, but got a proper upgrade in the 1950s.
• By 1960, Heraklion had made its mark as a popular stop for international cruise ships.

These days, it’s a lively harbour that sees more than 150 cruise ships dock each year – a proper mix of old-world charm and modern port facilities.

Environmental Initiatives at The Port

Heraklion Port takes its green efforts seriously these days.

You’ll spot solar panels on top of the terminal buildings, which power daily operations with clean energy. Their clever waste management setup sorts and recycles all the rubbish from cruise ships properly.

When ships dock here, they must follow strict rules about their emissions – either using low-sulfur fuel or plugging into the port’s power supply.

Electric vehicles buzz around moving cargo and passengers, which means far less pollution. The port keeps a close eye on the marine life and water quality too.

They’ve recently switched to LED lights everywhere and planted loads of greenery along the walkways where people stroll.

Accessibility Information for Disabled Passengers

The Heraklion Port terminal is fully set up for disabled passengers. You’ll find flat entrances throughout the main building, with smooth, wide paths that work well for wheelchairs. The port staff are here to help with mobility gear and special transfers.

• Wheelchair-friendly toilets on both floors
• Fast-track boarding lanes and special seating areas
• Lifts between floors with Braille buttons
• Borrow a wheelchair for free (book ahead)

If you’re coming with a mobility device, let your cruise line or the port authority know 48 hours before you arrive.

There are dedicated parking spaces for disabled passengers in the drop-off area, just 30 metres from the main entrance. You can bring service animals into all areas with the right paperwork.

Cruise Insurance and Medical Facilities at The Port

You’ll want proper travel insurance that’s good for cruises when leaving from Heraklion Port. Your policy should include medical evacuation, trip cancellation and emergency medical cover whilst in Greek waters.

The cruise lines generally won’t let you get on board without showing valid insurance papers.

There’s a simple medical centre with trained staff near Terminal A for small emergencies and first aid. It’s open whenever cruise ships come and go.

If something serious happens, the University Hospital of Heraklion is just 4.5 kilometres down the road. The port’s medical team can sort out quick transport there if you need it.

Keep your insurance cards and important medical documents with you, and tell your cruise line about any health conditions you have before you set off.

Families: Child-Friendly Services and Activities

Travelling with kids? Heraklion Port’s cruise terminals have plenty of family bits and bobs to make your life easier.

Terminal A has family loos with baby changing tables and a play area for the little ones. Pop by the information desk to grab free activity books and crayons – they’re brilliant for keeping children busy whilst waiting.

Family facilities at the port include:

• Pushchair hire at both terminals
• Children’s corner with telly showing cartoons
• Family seating spots with kid-sized furniture
• Baby station with bottle warmers and basic supplies

If you fancy going into town, the port’s tourist office has maps showing nearby kid-friendly places.

The Natural History Museum and CretAquarium are just a quick taxi journey away – both are brilliant for families.

Local Cultural Highlights and Events

Beyond the family-friendly spots, Heraklion’s buzzing cultural scene gives you a proper taste of genuine Cretan life straight from the port.

You’ll catch regular shows of traditional Cretan dancing at the Cultural Centre, usually with local musicians playing their lyra and laouto instruments. In summer, the Heraklion Summer Festival brings brilliant outdoor concerts and plays to historic spots around town.

Pop by in August for the Wine Festival, where you can try regional wines and watch how they’re made.

Come September, the Kernos Festival shows off traditional crafts, whilst the weekly farmers’ market near the port lets you get stuck into local food culture.

Street performers and artists often set up along the harbour walkway, making the port area quite lively.

Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port

The best time to sail from Heraklion is between April and October, when the weather’s lovely and ships run regularly. During these months, you’ll get nice temperatures and very little rain – brilliant for seeing the port and nearby spots.

Worth keeping in mind when you’re planning:

• May-June has warm weather and fewer tourists, with temperatures between 20-25°C (68-77°F)
• July-August is proper hot, hitting 30°C (86°F), and gets rather packed with tourists
• September-October brings mild weather and smooth seas, great for swimming and beach days
• Winter months (November-March) have fewer cruises running and the sea can be rough

If you want decent weather without paying top prices, book your trip in the quieter months of May-June or September-October.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Typical Wave Conditions and Sea Stability at Heraklion Port?

Heraklion’s waters are typically smooth as silk – a bit like a mill pond most days. The sea stays fairly calm with small waves, though you might see some choppier bits when the north winds pick up in winter.

Can Passengers Store Luggage at the Port Before Official Check-In Time?

No storage lockers at the port, I’m afraid. Best to hang onto your bags or ring your cruise company about dropping them off early if you get there before the official check-in time.

Are There Any Local Boat Tours Available Directly From the Cruise Port?

Fancy a boat trip? You’re in luck – plenty of local boat companies run straight from the port. They sail out daily to nearby beaches, little fishing spots and beautiful bits of the Cretan coast.

What Percentage of Cruise Ships Typically Dock Versus Anchor at Heraklion?

Most cruise ships – around 80% – can pull right up to the dock at Heraklion’s port. The other 20% typically drop anchor offshore. When it’s really busy or several ships turn up at once, more might need to use tender boats to get passengers to shore.

Does the Port Have Private VIP Lounges for Premium Cruise Passengers?

Sorry, but this port doesn’t have private VIP lounges. Though there’s a passenger terminal with basic facilities, posh cruise guests usually stick to their ship’s fancy lounges instead.