Flying from Crete to Rhodes

We want to fly from Crete to Rhodes. We are wondering whether we should stay in a Heraklion hotel during our visit since it will be easier to catch the direct flight to Rhodes from that airport.

Is it better to get a hotel in Chania and then take a bus to Heraklion to catch the flight? I heard it is nicer to stay in Chania.

Staying in Heraklion or Chania

Yes, you can fly from Crete to Rhodes and it is a very convenient way to get to Rhodes, as it is just a short flight of around one hour's duration. Yes, direct flights do leave from Heraklion airport.

Heraklion Airport code is HER and Rhodes Airport code is RHO. Flights do leave from Sitia Airport in Crete during summer season. Sitia Airport code is JSH.

See more information here: Crete to Rhodes & Heraklion Airport

If you only have a short stay on Crete you will find more beauty and historic interest in Chania than in Heraklion.

Chania Town & Chania Hotels

Chania is 145 km from Heraklion airport and the trip is nearly 2 hours by car. You could also stay in Rethymnon which is closer to that airport and very beautiful. Rethymnon is 82 km from the airport and this trip should take just over an hour in the car or taxi.

Rethymnon Town & Rethymnon Hotels

In Rethymnon, you will find plenty of atmosphere within the walls of the old town, with narrow winding streets and Venetian architecture. We suggest staying in the old town to make the most of your stay.

Below we suggest some small beautiful hotels in Rethymnon Old Town:

Casa Moazzo

Avli Lounge Apartments

Palazzino Di Corina

Another handy option for accommodation the night before catching a flight to Rhodes is to stay in a small country village just 14 km from the airport. The village is named Archanes and is very pretty and quiet. In the village you will find plenty of cafes and tavernas. We suggest the Villa Arhontiko, which is comfortable accommodation in a renovated mansion, very characteristic of the area:

Villa Arhontiko - Archanes Village

There is actually plenty to see in Heraklion, the town has lots of interesting nooks and crannies that can be explored on foot because of the wonderful pedestrianised streets. And there is the Archaeological Museum, which has an impressive collection, the the site of Knossos Palace which is only 5 km from town. Of course, if you decide to stay in Heraklion, there are many good hotels and restaurants, just 4.5 km from the airport. We suggest a very handy boutique hotel with excellent service:

Lato Hotel - Heraklion

Kalo Taxidi! Bon Voyage!