Cheap Flights To Crete (HER) | 2026 Deals, Routes & Tips

Finding Cheap Flights To Crete

Note: Crete has two major international airports: Heraklion (HER) and Chania (CHQ). This guide applies to both, though Heraklion is larger.

Crete is served by Heraklion International Airport (HER) and Chania International Airport (CHQ). Both operate on a highly seasonal model, functioning as major tourist gateways with dense summer networks of direct European flights arriving into Crete and essential domestic connections from Athens, but with very limited winter schedules.

The most frequent and affordable flights to Crete are seasonal direct routes from across Europe arriving into HER and CHQ. During summer, both airports receive numerous flights from the UK, Germany, Scandinavia, France, Italy, and Eastern Europe. Year-round, the most vital connections are domestic flights from Athens (ATH) and Thessaloniki (SKG) to Crete. Heraklion also maintains a few more year-round international scheduled services than Chania.

The summer market is driven by European charter and low-cost carriers flying to Crete. TUI, easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, and Condor operate extensive seasonal networks into HER and CHQ. Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air provide the crucial domestic links from Athens and some year-round European routes to Crete. Sky Express operates domestic and some regional international flights into the island. Competition on popular tourist routes to Crete can be intense.

To secure cheap flights to Crete, book summer European flights 4-8 months in advance for package deals or 3-6 months for scheduled services into HER or CHQ. For domestic flights from Athens to Crete, book at least 4-8 weeks ahead, even in peak season. Both airports are much quieter from November to April, with far fewer options for arriving passengers. Flying mid-week can offer substantial savings to Crete. For winter travel or complex itineraries to the island, connecting through Athens is typically required. Choose Heraklion (HER) for the most flight options into Crete and Chania (CHQ) for access to western Crete.

Flight deals from Bologna, Italy to the Greek island of Crete | Secret Flying

March 31, 2023

Cheap Flights To Crete

Finding Cheap Flights To Crete

Bologna, Italy to the Greek island of Crete for only €24 roundtrip (Apr dates)

Non-stop from Budapest, Hungary to the Greek island of Crete for only €27 roundtrip (Oct dates)

Turin, Italy to the Greek island of Crete for only €20 roundtrip (min 2 pax) (Sep dates)

London, UK to Crete, Greece for only £17 roundtrip (Wizz members price) (Sep-Oct dates)

Non-stop from Milan, Italy to the Greek island of Crete for only €28 roundtrip (Oct dates)

Rome, Italy to Crete, Greece for only €19 roundtrip (Wizz members price) (Jun-Jul dates)

Sofia, Bulgaria to the Greek island of Crete for only €21 roundtrip (Jun dates)

Dublin, Ireland to Crete, Greece for only €15 roundtrip (Jun dates)

Oslo, Norway to Crete, Greece for only €23 roundtrip (Wizz members price) (May-Jun dates)