Flying to Crete
Crete is easy to reach from many destinations across Europe and beyond, with a wide range of direct flights as well as connecting flights available throughout the year. During the summer season, flight options increase significantly, making it easy to find a route that suits your travel plans and budget.
Whether you're planning a relaxing beach holiday, a road trip around the island, or combining Crete with other Greek islands, flying is the fastest and most convenient way to get there.
Which airports does Crete have?
Crete has two international airports that are used by the majority of visitors.
Heraklion International Airport
Heraklion International Airport is located on Crete's north coast and is the island's busiest airport. It serves a large number of international and domestic flights, especially during the summer season.
Ideal for visiting:
- Heraklion Region
- Hersonissos
- Malia
- Agia Pelagia
- Rethymno
- East & central Crete
Chania International Airport
Chania International Airport is located in western Crete and is a popular choice for travellers looking to explore the island's western region. The airport offers numerous international and domestic connections, particularly during the summer months.
Ideal for visiting:
- Chania Town
- Agia Marina
- Platanias
- Kissamos
- Balos
- Elafonissi
- Western Crete
Which Airports Offer Flights to Crete?
During the summer season, there are direct flights to Crete from many airports across Europe and beyond. Both Heraklion and Chania are well connected and receive a large number of international flights, making the island easily accessible from a wide range of destinations.
Flight availability varies depending on the season, your departure airport and the airline, with the greatest selection typically available between April and October.
Flight schedules vary by season and airline. During the summer months, there are plenty of direct flights available to Crete from destinations across Europe. In winter, the number of flights is more limited and travelling via a connecting airport, often Athens, is more common.
If you live near a border or have multiple airports within easy reach, it can be worth comparing different departure options. Ticket prices, flight times and availability can vary significantly between airports.
When Is the Best Time to Book?
For the best fares, we recommend booking your flights as early as possible, especially if you're travelling during school holidays or the peak summer season.
Our experience:
• May, June, September and October often offer the best balance of pleasant weather, lower prices and fewer crowds.
• July and August are typically the most expensive months to fly.
• Popular departure days, especially Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, tend to sell out more quickly.
Which Airport Should You Choose?
The best airport depends on where you plan to stay on the island.
- Staying in Chania or Southwest Crete? Chania Airport is usually the most convenient option.
- Staying in Central, Eastern or Southern Crete? Heraklion Airport is often the better choice.
- Planning a road trip around the island? Both airports make excellent starting points.
Many travellers choose to fly into one airport and depart from the other. This can be a convenient option if you want to explore multiple regions of Crete without having to drive back to where you started.
Our tips:
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Crete is much larger than many travellers expect. Don't just compare flight prices, but also consider the travel time to your accommodation. A cheaper flight to Heraklion may not be the best deal if you're staying in Western Crete, and the same applies the other way around for Chania.
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Arriving late at night or departing early in the morning? Consider booking accommodation close to the airport for your first or last night. It can make your journey much more relaxed.
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Flight prices can vary considerably depending on the season and departure airport. If you have multiple airports within driving distance, it is often worth comparing all available options. Sometimes a slightly longer drive to the airport can result in significantly lower fares or more convenient flight times.
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Besides booking flights separately, package holidays can sometimes offer surprisingly good value, especially during peak season. It is often worth comparing both options before making your final decision.
Rent a car
on Kreta
We recommend renting a car for most trips to Crete. The island is best explored at your own pace, giving you the freedom to discover beautiful beaches, traditional villages, scenic mountain roads and hidden gems that are often difficult to reach by public transport.
Be sure to check out our Car Rental in Crete guide for practical tips, useful advice and everything you need to know before booking a rental car.
Stay Near the Airport
Arriving late in the evening or catching an early morning flight? Staying near the airport can be a surprisingly convenient choice.
After a long journey, it's often nice to avoid a lengthy drive and start your holiday feeling relaxed. Likewise, if you have an early departure, spending your final night close to the airport can make the end of your trip much less stressful.
Both Heraklion Airport and Chania Airport are surrounded by a variety of accommodation options, ranging from hotels and apartments to small boutique stays that are perfect for a night or two.
In The Crete Guide, you'll find our recommended airport accommodations, carefully selected for comfort, convenience and a smooth start or end to your trip.