Flights to Heraklion

Crete: fascinating history and beautiful landscape

Hardly any other holiday region has as much ancient flair as Crete, the largest Greek island. While a fascinating past accompanies travellers at every turn, at the same time they will find themselves surrounded by modernity in the vibrant cities and on the magnificent beaches.

When is the best time to holiday in Crete?
 

Crete is worth a visit all year round although winters can be wet, windy and cold. However, the island is particularly beautiful from early spring to late autumn. As early as March, the weather is perfect for a hike or mountain biking for example on the challenging Mega Trail between Thripti and Kavousi, in the Samaria Gorge or in the enchanting Butterfly Gorge near Ierapetra. From May onwards, the water is warm enough for swimming and the beaches will fill with visitors. Culturally, Crete has a lot to offer travellers all year round. Theatre performances can be seen at Nikos Kazantzakis open-air theatre, named after one of Greece's most important writers, or at the Festivalaki, the Cretan arts and culture festival in the summer.

How many airports are there in Crete?

There are two international airports on the island of Crete. Chania Airport is in the north-west of the island a few kilometres east of Chania. Heraklion airport is located near the ancient city of Heraklion and is better connected to other destinations and towns thorughout the island.

All that is required for entry is a passport. The cost of living is comparable to that in the UK and shopping at one of the colourful weekly markets in the picturesque villages is recommended and a good source of local food. Prices are lower here than in supermarkets.

Crete: getting around the island

You can travel to Crete directly by plane to Heraklion airport or fly to Athens and take a ferry from Piraeus. Popular flights are operated from Gatwick airport to Heraklion for example.

The bus company KTEL provides local transport from the airport to various towns around Crete. If you prefer to be independent, hire a car or moped. Some of the roads are a bit rough, but this is a good way to discover some of Crete’s hidden natural beauty, such as the enchanted beaches of the south coast. In terms of accommodation, Crete has something for every budget, from backpacker hostels to 5-star hotels.

Airport Heraklion (Crete) HER

Heraklion International Airport is the main airport on the largest Greek island of Crete. Together with the Greek island Gavdos, Crete is the most southerly point in the east of Europe.

Along with the airport Heraklion -"Nikos Kazantzakis", the second most important airport in Greece by passenger numbers, the island also has another airport to the west: Chania Airport and a small airport in the far east of the island: Sitia Airport. Heraklion airport is administered by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority, also responsible for monitoring Greek aerospace. Heraklion in Crete is a popular destination for scheduled and charter flights arriving from the UK. flights to Heraklion are operated from Birningham, London, Belfast and Manchester on a regular or seasonal basis for example.

• URL: Official website
• Parking: Yes; paid short and long-term parking; 500 spaces
• Nearby cities: Heraklion (5 km)
• Directions by car: The airport is east of the centre of the city, on the E75 towards Gouves.

Location

The airport was opened in 1939 and is about 1 mile east of Heraklion, the Europa Street 75 is signposted to the airport. Local bus routes towards Heraklion stop every day at the airport.