Explore Crete with ease: Your guide to airports in Crete for your perfect stay
Planning a trip to Crete and searching for the ideal Airbnb or B&B? At CreteTravelGuide.com, we simplify your Cretan adventure with a clear guide to airports in Crete. As Greece’s largest island, Crete boasts three main airports—Heraklion, Chania, and Sitia—each serving as a gateway to its stunning regions. Whether you land in Heraklion, Chania, or Sitia, this guide covers airport codes, locations, and how they connect you to your dream Crete holiday.
Heraklion International Airport (HER) – Central Crete hub
Heraklion International Airport (HER), also called Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, is Crete’s busiest airport, located just 5 km east of Heraklion’s city centre in Nea Alikarnassos. Handling nearly 8 million passengers in 2019, HER connects to over 75 destinations with airlines like Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, and British Airways. From April to November, you’ll find flights to major European cities like London, Paris, and Berlin, plus year-round domestic routes to Athens and Thessaloniki.
This shared civil-military airport has a single terminal and a 2,680-meter runway. While functional, HER’s outdated facilities—limited seating, poor signage, and basic restrooms—receive mixed reviews on platforms like Tripadvisor. A new, modern airport in Kastelli, 39 km southeast, is set to open in 2027 with a 94,000-square-meter terminal and 19 boarding gates. For now, HER offers car rentals (Avis, Hertz), cafes, duty-free shops, and ATMs. Taxis or buses easily take you to Heraklion, Malia, Hersonissos, or Agios Nikolaos, making it perfect for exploring central and eastern Crete.
Why choose HER? Ideal for visiting the Palace of Knossos or Heraklion’s Archaeological Museum.
Chania International Airport (CHQ) – Western Crete gateway
Chania International Airport (CHQ), named Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport, lies 14 km east of Chania on the Akrotiri Peninsula near Souda. Serving around 3 million passengers yearly, CHQ is Crete’s second-busiest airport. It offers year-round flights to Athens, Thessaloniki, and Paphos (via Ryanair), with summer charters from the UK, Germany, and Scandinavia.
As a civil-military airport, you might see Hellenic Air Force jets alongside passenger planes. CHQ’s modernised terminal includes car rentals, cafes, duty-free shops, and currency exchange, though it lacks full air conditioning, which can feel warm in summer. Taxis (around €30 to Chania city), public buses (€2.30, 7 daily trips), or private transfers make travel easy. CHQ is perfect for exploring Chania’s Venetian harbour, Elafonissi Beach, or resorts like Platanias and Rethymno.
Why choose CHQ? Best for western Crete’s scenic beaches and charming towns.
Sitia Public Airport (JSH) – Eastern Crete’s quiet entry
Sitia Public Airport (JSH), named after poet Vitsentzos Kornaros, is a small, charming airport just 1 km northwest of Sitia in Lassithi. Primarily serving domestic flights to Athens, Alexandroupoli, and Preveza via Olympic Air and SkyExpress, JSH also welcomes limited summer charters. Its 2,100-meter runway and 550-square-meter terminal, upgraded in 2015, offer basic amenities like a cafe, ATM, and kiosks. Free parking and taxis make it easy to reach Sitia, Agios Nikolaos, or Vai Beach’s famous palm grove.
Why choose JSH? Perfect for a peaceful escape to eastern Crete’s serene landscapes.
Which Crete airport suits your trip?
Crete’s airports cater to different travel plans:
- Heraklion (HER): Best for central and eastern Crete, close to Knossos and vibrant resorts.
- Chania (CHQ): Ideal for western Crete’s beaches like Balos and historic sites.
- Sitia (JSH): Great for a tranquil getaway in eastern Crete.
Visit CreteTravelGuide.com to explore airports in Crete, find tailored Airbnb and hotel listings, and discover travel tips curated by our Crete experts. Start your adventure with a smooth arrival!