The main port of entry is Heraklion, and direct flights operate to there from many UK and continental European airports during the summer season (approximately April to October).

Outside of the summer season, flights are available to Heraklion via Athens. There is also a limited, year-round service between Athens and Sitia domestic airport.

To find cheap flights to Heraklion, select your preferred departure airport on the map above, then click on "SHOW FLIGHTS". If no map is displayed in your browser, click the link for "Cheap Flights to Heraklion, Crete". If you click on "SHOW FLIGHTS" without selecting an airport, you will be presented with a list of flights to Heraklion from all UK airports. After you click on "SHOW FLIGHTS", you will be able to change your departure country/airport, and select your own language and currency.

• Private taxi (up to 4 people sharing)
• Private minibus (up to 8 people sharing)
• Rented car
• Public transport (see Bus Information below)

For a more leisurely arrival in Crete, a number of ferry services are available. Direct services between Pireus (the port of Athens, port code TZE) and Heraklion (HCR) are run by a number of companies. The service is frequent and comparatively fast, taking under seven hours.

The most convenient port for Makry-Gialos is Sitia (port code SIT), around a thirty minute drive away on the north coast. During the summer only, a twice-weekly island hopping car ferry service is available, with journey times of over 8 and 16 hours.

For those who are completely averse to air travel, it is possible to reach Makrigialos overland from the UK in 5 days, using trains, ferries and busses (and it has been done, at least as far as Heraklion).

Bus travel in Crete, operated by KTEL, is inexpensive, clean, comfortable and safe, using a fleet of modern coaches. Travel from and to Heraklion, with a stop at the airport, is via Ierapetra, where there is a change of bus. It is also possible to take a bus from the airport to Agios Nikoloas, with a change of service for onward travel to Ierapetra. Locally, there is a service between Ierapetra and Makrigialos, and the Ierapetra - Sitia service also stops here.

East Crete Bus Timetables

• Heraklion Services
  • Heraklion - Agios Nikolaos (2nd box)
    Heraklion - Ierapetra (3rd box)
• Ierapetra Services
  • Agios Nikolaos - Ierapetra (2nd box)
    Ierapetra - Makrygialos (12th & 13th boxes)

If you want more independent travel during your stay in Makrigialos, there are a number of options. You can of course rent a car through South East Crete Holidays, picking up at the airport or locally. If your requirement is to visit a specific spot outside town you might consider using one of the local taxis.