Choose the Best Airport in Crete, Greece

Updated On: February 25, 2024 by   Eman Sameh

Crete is the biggest island in Greece and is popular for travellers seeking stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. When planning a trip to this enchanting island, it’s essential to carefully consider which airport to fly into based on your specific itinerary and preferences. 

The island has three main airports: Heraklion International Airport, Chania International Airport, and Sitia Public Airport. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to choosing the right airport in Crete, offering insights into the options, transportation, and proximity to key attractions. 

Which Airport in Crete is the Best Option for You?

Crete is served by three primary airports, each catering to different island regions. These airports connect Crete to numerous domestic and international destinations, making it easily accessible for travellers. Learn about these airports and choose the right one for you. 

Heraklion International Airport

Heraklion International Airport is the main airport on the island of Crete, Greece. It is the second busiest airport in Greece after Athens International Airport. The airport is about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) east of the main city centre of Heraklion. It is named after Nikos Kazantzakis, a philosopher and the writer of the Zorba the Greek. 

Airlines Serving Heraklion International Airport

The airport has two terminals for passengers: Terminal A and Terminal B. Terminal A is used for domestic flights, while Terminal B is used for international flights. The airport also has a cargo terminal. The airport is served by several airlines, including Aegean Airlines, Sky Express, Bluebird Airways, Air Greece, and Minoan Air. The airport offers flights to cities all over Greece, as well as to other European countries, the Middle East, and Africa.

Amenities

The airport has several transportation options for passengers to get to and from the city centre, including taxis, buses, and car rental services. Additionally, there are various parking options for those who choose to drive to the airport. Inside the terminal, passengers can find a wide range of restaurants and cafes offering both local and international dishes, as well as shops selling souvenirs, clothing, and travel essentials.

Currency exchange services are also available for travellers needing to convert their money. The airport provides assistance services and facilities for passengers with reduced mobility to ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience. This includes specially designed restrooms, ramps, and elevators throughout the terminal.

Chania International Airport (CHQ)

CHQ serves the western part of Crete and is situated near Chania, providing convenient access to the region’s popular destinations. The airport is located about 14 kilometres east of Chania’s city centre and is easily accessible by car, taxi, or public transportation. 

From CHQ, travellers can explore the beautiful beaches, charming towns, and historic sites of western Crete, including the famous Samaria Gorge, the old town of Chania, the stunning beaches of Balos and Elafonissi, and the archaeological site of Knossos.

Airlines Serving Chania International Airport

CHQ offers both domestic and international flights, connecting Crete with various destinations in Europe and beyond. Among the airlines that serve Chania airport are Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Sky Express, Ryanair EasyJet, TUI Airways, Eurowings, Air France, Lufthansa, Condor British Airways, and Norwegian Air Shuttle. 

Amenities

The airport has basic facilities such as cafes, restaurants, car rental services, and shops, making it convenient for passengers to relax and prepare for their journey. With its convenient location and range of flight options, CHQ is a popular choice for travellers visiting the western part of Crete. 

Sitia Public Airport (JSH)

Sitia Public Airport is a small regional airport in the eastern part of Crete, Greece. The airport is named after Vitsentzos Kornaros, a Cretan poet. CHQ is a hub for tourists visiting the island, as it is located within close proximity to the city of Chania and its historic charm, as well as the stunning beaches and resorts along the coast. 

Airlines Serving Sitia Public Airport (JSH)

The airport is mainly used for domestic flights, with a few seasonal international flights. Among the airlines that serve Sitia Airport are Jet2, Easyjet, Ryanair, Wizz Air UK, Aegean Airlines, British Airways, and Lufthansa Sky Express. 

Amenities

With its modern facilities and services, CHQ ensures passengers a comfortable and efficient travel experience. The airport is well-equipped to handle the increasing number of visitors to Crete, and its strategic location makes it an ideal portal to the western part of the island. 

Direct Flights to Crete from Major European Cities

Several major European cities, such as London, Paris, and Berlin, operate direct flights to Crete, connecting the island to a wide network of international destinations. For example, from London, several airlines offer direct flights to Crete, including British Airways, easyJet, and Ryanair, with flights departing from airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted. 

From Paris, Air France and Ryanair operate direct flights to Crete, with departures from Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports. And from Berlin, airlines like Lufthansa, EasyJet, and Eurowings offer direct flights to Crete, flying out of Tegel and Schönefeld airports. Additionally, cities like Amsterdam, Madrid, Rome, and Frankfurt also offer direct flights to Crete, providing convenient travel options for European travellers looking to visit this popular Greek island. 

Connection Flights to Crete

For travellers coming from regions with no direct flights to Crete, connection flights through major European hubs like Frankfurt or Amsterdam are available options. These hubs provide connections to Crete via airlines such as Lufthansa, Aegean Airlines, and KLM. Travellers can also consider connecting through Athens, which has frequent flights to Crete operated by Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air.

When booking a connection flight to Crete, travellers should ensure that there is enough time between their flights to make the connection. It’s also a good idea to check if the airline offers a through-ticketing option, which can make the connection process smoother.

Attractions Near Heraklion International Airport (HER)

Being the main airport in Crete, it is near many famous attractions, such as:

• Heraklion Lighthouse: A delightful historical Mediterranean site. 
• The Sanctuaire Tripartite: It is a small Minoan shrine, known as the Tripartite Shrine, located at the Palace of Knossos on the island of Crete. It is named for its three chambers, which are arranged in a row. The shrine is believed to have been built during the Middle Minoan period (around 2000-1500 BCE). The central chamber is the largest, and two smaller chambers flank it. The walls of the chambers are decorated with frescoes, and there are also several cult objects that have been found in the shrine, such as pottery, figurines, and seals.
• The Two-tailed Mermaid Embroidery: A mural is a street art piece located at Pediados 85, Iraklio 712 01, Greece.
• Archaeological Museum of Heraklion: The museum houses a vast collection of artefacts from the Minoan civilisation, including frescoes, sculptures, pottery, and jewellery. It is one of the most important archaeological museums in Greece.
• Palace of Knossos: It is the largest and most famous Minoan palace. It is located on the north coast of Crete, about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) south of Heraklion. The palace was constructed around 1900 BCE and was destroyed around 1450 BCE. It was the centre of the Minoan civilisation, which flourished on Crete from about 2700 to 1450 BCE.
• Rocca a Mare Fortress: This restored fort, which was built by The Venetians in the 16th century, has magnificent views and artefacts on display.

Attractions Near Chania Airport

• The Lighthouse of Chania: It is a Venetian lighthouse originally built in the 16th century and later modified by the Egyptians in 1839. It is located at Chania 731 32, Greece. It has a 4.8-star rating on Google Maps.
• The Old Venetian Port: It is a charming and historic harbour located in the western part of Crete, Greece. The port is lined with colourful Venetian buildings, and the harbour itself is filled with traditional fishing boats and yachts. You can explore the Venetian fortifications, including the Firkas Fortress and the Venetian Arsenals. 
• Kalamaki Beach: It is a popular tourist beach on the south coast of Crete, Greece. It is a long beach with golden sand and shallow waters, suitable for families with children. The beach is also known for its beautiful sunsets.
• Iguana Beach: It is a compact sandy beach offering umbrella rentals and refreshments. It has a 4.3-star rating on Google Maps and is located at Agioi Apostoli.
• Souda Bay on the Akrotiri Peninsula: Souda Bay is a large, natural harbour located on the northwest coast of the Greek island of Crete. It is situated on the Akrotiri peninsula, a British Overseas Territory. The bay is about 15 kilometres long and 2 to 4 kilometres wide, with a depth of up to 50 metres. 

Choosing the best airport to fly to Crete, Greece, depends significantly on the attractions you plan to visit. The timing of your visit is also crucial, as many flights to and from these airports are seasonal. However, many tourists find it comfortable to fly through Heraklion, which is the main airport in Crete. So, plan ahead, pack your luggage and be ready for some lovely time in Crete.