Which Crete Airport?
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Crete Airport - air travel to Crete Greece is via either
- Chania Airport or
- Heraklion Airport
You will need to choose which is the most suitable airport for you.
How Do I Choose an Airport in Crete?
When planning your flights to Crete, you will want to choose the airport which gives you the best options for:
- Flight availability and frequency
- Flight arrival and departure times
- The location of your accommodation; west or central or east
- Where you are flying from; within Greece or from Europe
- Cost of airfare based on your budget
- Availability and cost of transfers to your accommodation
- Travel plans before and after Crete
- Ferry connections
Crete Airport Information
Chania International and Domestic Airport (code CHQ) in the west
Heraklion International and Domestic Airport (code HER) in the centre
These pages include:
- Airport facilities and services
- Local bus information
- Accommodation suggestions near the airport
- Airport transfer options
- Maps and taxi fares
- Distances from main towns in Crete
Main Points of Difference
CHQ |
Chania is in the west of the island and closest to:
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HER |
Heraklion is in the centre of the island and:
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Heraklion Airport is located near the modern port and the Koules - Venetian Fortress, just 4.5 km from town and 7 km from Knossos Palace.
Visit Knossos Palace by taxi or bus easily from Heraklion Airport or Heraklion town. Allow 2 hours to visit the site, as the ruins and the stories are extensive and captivating.
Locations of the Airports
Below is a map of Crete with the airports and ports marked:
Transfers
Be met and escorted to your own private taxi or shuttle bus upon arrival.
Have peace of mind and lessen the stress of travel. Transfers are available to your hotel or destinations in Crete.
Taxis
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See our tips for taxi travel in Crete: |
Tips for Hiring a Car in Crete
As Crete is a large island 260 x 60 km, you will really benefit from hiring a car. Explore four mountain ranges, hundreds of beaches and stunning scenery, we have put together our car hire tips here.
Both airports offer a handy hire car options with excellent service.
Sight Seeing Tips
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Our tips to avoid that sinking feeling of missing out on the road trips of Crete |
Accommodation
Crete Airport - where to stay close to the airport.
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For your first night in Crete near Heraklion Airport, or for convenience upon departure, we suggest Villa Archanes in Archanes Village just 14 km from the airport. Feel like a local in this small yet character-filled village away from the hustle bustle of downtown Heraklion. Visit Knossos easily the next morning - it is just 7 km down a country road. Live in a traditional Cretan mansion dating from 1890, with all modern touches including a pool, and warm greetings. |
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Close to Chania Airport, a charming rural experience, we suggest Irida's House just 6 km from the airport, away from town, on the Acrotiri peninsula. This house is also close to Souda Bay where the ferries arrive and depart to and from Athens. The elevated view from this home is just magnificent. Suits 5 guests in a lovely bungalow garden house, only 8 km to the Old Town of Chania. This house exudes charm, with delightful modern yet rustic and quirky features making really feel like a home away from home. |
Just Walking Distance to the Beach
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Quickly get beyond the Crete airport gates and onto the beach! Ideal for relaxed, slouching around ...doin’ nothing ...holidays, just chillin’ by the bay... |
Cottages and Eco Houses
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Stay in a village to experience the real life of Crete, or in the countryside just outside a small village or town. |
Town Accommodation
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See our picks for where to stay in our capital towns of:
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Holiday Home Rental
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Our tips for villa rental all over Crete, to help you decide which airport to use, we suggest you choose your accommodation first. |
Spas and Wellness Retreats
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Go directly from your Crete Airport to relax in comfort and take a healthy holiday at one of Crete's world class Spa Retreats |
Getting Here
Crete Airport - the airline and ferry information here will help you to choose your preferred airport for arrival and departure in Crete.
Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines fly between Athens and both airports in Greece several times per day with a flight time of 1 hour.
Ferries from Athens to Chania or Heraklion depart daily with a duration of around 9 hours.
Ferries to Santorini depart from Heraklion with a short duration in summer season of around 2 hours, and longer in the off-season.
Car hire in Crete is a really good idea as it is a large island 60 km by 260 km. There is so much to explore.
When you book with our car rental partners - Rental Centre Crete - you are supporting a local company with excellent service and an easy online booking procedure. We are sure you will be well looked after by the team. Choose from hybrid or non-hybrid vehicles.
"We trust you have enjoyed these tips from the team at We Love Crete. Evíva!"
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