Minoan Lines (member of the Grimaldi Group) is a leading Greek ferry company best known for connecting the Port of Piraeus (Athens) with Crete (Heraklion & Chania) and the Cyclades Islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos). The flagship ultra-modern cruise ferries Knossos Palace and Festos Palace operate high-speed year-round daily overnight crossings to Heraklion, while the high-speed catamaran Santorini Palace services seasonal Cycladic routes. Vessels offer luxury en-suite cabins, pet-friendly accommodation, VIP lounges, vehicle garages, and fine dining.
Founded in Crete in 1972 and currently operating under the Grimaldi Group umbrella, Minoan Lines is synonymous with premium maritime transit in Greece. Featuring some of the fastest, largest, and most luxurious cruise ferries in the Mediterranean, Minoan Lines delivers daily passenger and freight connections between Athens, Crete, and the Aegean archipelago.
Minoan Lines booking terms
Primary Route Networks
| Route sector | Departure port | Arrival port | Avg. duration | Primary fleet / vessels |
|---|
| Crete | Piraeus (Athens) | Heraklion (Crete) | 8.5 – 9 hrs (Overnight/Day) | Knossos Palace, Festos Palace |
|---|
| Crete | Piraeus (Athens) | Chania (Crete) | 8 hrs (Overnight) | Minoan Lines fleet |
|---|
| Cyclades high-speed | Heraklion / Piraeus | Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos | 2 – 6 hrs | Santorini Palace (Catamaran) |
|---|
| Adriatic connections | Ancona / Brindisi | Igoumenitsa / Patras | 8.5 – 22.5 hrs | Grimaldi Group synergy |
|---|
Piraeus to Crete connections (Heraklion & Chania)
Minoan Lines maintains the premier daily maritime link between Athens and Crete:
Piraeus – Heraklion: Served daily by the twin flagship cruise ferries Knossos Palace and Festos Palace. Offers convenient overnight sailings departing late evening and arriving early morning, alongside daytime departures during summer peak periods
Piraeus – Chania: Overnight connections linking Piraeus directly with Western Crete's main port
Cyclades high-speed summer routes
During the summer season, Minoan Lines deploys its state-of-the-art passenger and vehicle catamaran, Santorini Palace:
Heraklion to Cyclades: Connecting Heraklion directly to Santorini, Paros, Mykonos, and Syros
Piraeus to Island links: Fast island-hopping connections linking Athens with key Cycladic hubs
Adriatic Sea synergies (Italy – Greece)
In partnership with parent company Grimaldi Lines, Minoan Lines passengers can book combined international tickets connecting Italian ports (Ancona, Brindisi) with Western Greece (Igoumenitsa, Patras).
Note: Schedules may change from season to season, so get an updated timetable through our search engine with the latest changes on schedules, tariffs, and availability.
Onboard facilities & accommodation
Minoan Lines' Palace class ferries are designed to cruise-ship standards, providing high-end amenities for long-distance travel:
En-suite cabins: Options range from Deluxe Suites to 2-bed, 3-bed, and 4-bed interior (AB) and ocean-view (AA) cabins
Pet-friendly accommodation: Specially designated pet cabins featuring hard surface flooring, alongside onboard kennel facilities
VIP & air-seat lounges: Reserved aircraft-style reclining seats in quiet, air-conditioned indoor lounges
Dining & entertainment: À la carte gourmet restaurants, self-service cafeterias, lounge bars, open-deck swimming pools (seasonal), wellness/spa facilities, duty-free shops, and Wi-Fi access
Essential travel information & port guides
Port gates at Piraeus Terminal
Passengers embarking from the Port of Piraeus should proceed to the following designated gates:
Port check-in procedures & timelines
Loyalty program & passenger discounts (Minoan Bonus Club)
Minoan Lines offers a structured reward program for frequent travelers:
Tier levels: Standard, Premium, and VIP memberships
Member benefits: 10% to 20% ticket discounts on passenger and vehicle fares, free upgrade vouchers, and reward point redemption for complimentary tickets
Pet policy & transport regulations
Pets are permitted in dedicated Pet Cabins or onboard kennels
Valid pet health passports and rabies vaccination certificates must be presented at check-in
Pets must remain on a leash and muzzled when moving through open-deck areas
FAQs about Minoan Lines
Which routes are operated by Minoan Lines in Greece?
Minoan Lines operates primary year-round routes connecting Piraeus (Athens) to Crete (Heraklion and Chania), as well as seasonal high-speed Cyclades connections (Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos) via Santorini Palace.
Where do Minoan Lines ferries depart from in the Port of Piraeus?
Minoan Lines vessels to Crete (Knossos Palace & Festos Palace) depart from Gates E2 and E3 at Piraeus Port, while high-speed Aegean sailings depart from Gates E6 and E7.
Can I travel with a vehicle on Minoan Lines ferries?
Yes, all Minoan Lines vessels, including both the Palace class cruise ferries and the high-speed Santorini Palace catamaran, feature garage decks accommodating cars, motorcycles, campervans, and vans.
Does Minoan Lines allow pets on board?
Yes, Minoan Lines provides dedicated Pet-Friendly cabins, onboard kennels, and pet-designated open deck areas. Advance reservation for pet accommodation is required.
What is the crossing duration from Piraeus to Heraklion with Minoan Lines?
The standard overnight crossing between Piraeus and Heraklion takes approximately 8.5 to 9 hours, with ships arriving at the destination early in the morning.
Our fleet
Minoan Lines, one of the most modern and fastest car-ferry operators in the Adriatic and in the Aegean Sea, welcomes you on board its vessels for an unforgettable crossing experience.
All routes are covered by modern vessels and offer great passenger services, decks, and cabins as well as the option to travel with your caravan!
Minoan Lines fleet & ferry types
Minoan Lines conventional all-weather fast ships carry cars, passengers and freight between Italy-Greece and in Greek domestic routes, providing a year-round service. Enjoy the comfort of Minoan Lines by choosing one of the bellow ferry types and arrive safety and relaxed to your destination!
Cuise Europa
Cruise Olympia
Festos Palace
Knossos Palace
Mykonos Palace
Santorini Palace
