Airports & Ports

If you are planning a holiday to Crete, understanding the island’s entry points is essential for choosing the best route of arrival. Many travellers wonder how many airports there are in Crete, Greece: Crete has three primary commercial airports (two major international airports and one smaller domestic airport), as well as major passenger ferry ports that connect the island to mainland Greece and the Cyclades.

Our curated Chania Airports & Ports Guide provides key transit details, terminal locations, local bus transfers, and taxi options for Chania International Airport (CHQ) and Souda Bay Ferry Port, as well as an overview of Crete’s broader transport hub network.

How Many Airports Are in Crete, Greece? (Airports Map & Overview)

Crete is served by three passenger airports distributed across the island from west to east:

• 1. Chania International Airport “Ioannis Daskalogiannis” (CHQ) – Western Crete: Located on the Akrotiri Peninsula (14 km from Chania town), CHQ is the main airport for travellers visiting Chania, Rethymno, and western Crete’s famous beaches (Balos, Elafonisi, Falasarna). It operates year-round domestic flights to Athens and Thessaloniki, plus extensive international charter and direct flights across Europe from April to October.
• 2. Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” (HER) – Central Crete: Located 3 km east of Heraklion city, HER is the busiest airport on Crete, handling the majority of international charter flights, long-haul arrivals, and connections to central and eastern Crete. Note: The new international airport at Kastelli (currently under construction) will eventually replace Heraklion Airport.
• 3. Sitia Public Airport “Vitsentzos Kornaros” (JSH) – Eastern Crete: Located in far eastern Crete near Sitia town, JSH primarily operates domestic flights to Athens, Alexandroupoli, and neighbouring Aegean islands (such as Karpathos and Kasos), alongside select seasonal domestic charters.

Major Passenger Ferry Ports in Western Crete

For travellers arriving by sea or planning island-hopping trips, western Crete features two key maritime gateways:

• Souda Port (Chania Ferry Terminal): Located 6 km east of central Chania, Souda Bay is Chania’s primary passenger ferry terminal. Anek Lines and Blue Star Ferries operate daily overnight sailings connecting Souda to Piraeus (Athens) year-round, with additional daytime routes in summer. Souda Port also hosts international cruise ship calls.
• Kissamos Port (Kavonisi): Situated in western Chania prefecture, Kissamos Port offers seasonal passenger ferry routes connecting Crete to Kythira, Antikythira, and Gythio in the Peloponnese.

Need transport from the airport or port to your accommodation? Compare local car hire agencies on our Chania Car Rentals Directory or check public bus connections in our Chania Local Transport Guide.