Crete is Greece’s largest island, roughly 260 km from west to east, so where you arrive matters. Pick the airport or port closest to the area you want to explore first. The wrong choice can mean three hours of driving on day one.
By plane
Crete has two main international airports and one small regional one:
- Heraklion (HER, “Nikos Kazantzakis”): the main gateway, in the centre of the north coast. Best for Heraklion, Hersonissos, Malia, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and the Lasithi region. A new, larger airport is being built near Kastelli to replace it.
- Chania (CHQ, “Ioannis Daskalogiannis”): on the Akrotiri peninsula, about 15 km from Chania town. Best for the west: Chania, Platanias, Kissamos, Balos, Elafonisi, Falasarna and the south-west coast.
- Sitia (JSH): a small airport in the far east with mainly domestic flights.
In summer there are direct charter and low-cost flights from most European countries; the rest of the year you usually connect through Athens.
By ferry
Overnight and daytime ferries connect Piraeus (Athens) with Heraklion and with Souda port near Chania. The crossing takes roughly 8–9 hours; a cabin on the night boat saves a hotel night and you arrive refreshed in the morning. In summer, fast ferries also link Heraklion with Santorini and other Cycladic islands, and there are smaller routes from Kissamos (west) and Sitia (east).
Which airport should I choose?
- Staying in Chania or Rethymno? Fly into Chania.
- Staying in Heraklion, Hersonissos or Lasithi? Fly into Heraklion.
- Planning a road trip across the island? Fly into one and out of the other. Rental companies usually allow one-way rentals within Crete.
Next: read Getting around Crete and Driving in Crete.
Updated: 2026-10-29
