Crete Holidays 2025/2026

Getting To, From and Around Crete

Two Airports

One of the most important things to know about Crete is there are two main airports, Chania and Heraklion, and most airlines and tour operators flying to Crete will have direct flights from the UK into both airports. So it is very important to know which airport is closest to your hotel or resort, and which airport you're flying into. This is especially important if you book your flight and accommodation separately, so that you don't fly into the wrong airport or get an airport transfer from the wrong airport.

Chania airport (CHQ) is in the north west of the island and is best for resorts like Kalyves, Kolymbari, Gerani and Maleme, although generally has fewer flights. Heraklion airport (HER) is located on Crete's north coast and serves the eastern resorts like Malia, Gouves, Lyttos Beach and Analipsi.

Airlines & Tour Operators

Pretty much all of the main holiday and low cost airlines like British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2 and Wizzair fly to Crete from the UK, which takes around 4 hours, including from regional airports like Manchester, Glasgow, Belfast and Leeds Bradford. Some of the cheapest holidays to Crete can be booked as flight and hotel packages. And if you're worried about flying into the correct airport and booking the right airport transfer, it's better to book a package which includes airport coach transfers like with Jet2holidays or TUI, who are also ABTA and ATOL protected. Tour operators like easyJet Holidays, loveholidays and On The Beach can also offer some fantastically cheap holidays to Crete, however, check to make sure what is included, as your airport transfers in Greece may not be included.

Coach Transfers

A pre-booked, shared coach transfer is the most cost effective option for getting from the airport to your hotel. This can take the stress out of your journey and is included with some Crete holiday packages. Otherwise you can usually buy this when you book your holiday. If you're booking your flights and hotel separately, like with Ryanair flights and accommodation through Airbnb or Booking.com, you'll want to book your airport transfers separately.

Public Transport

Crete is actually the largest of the Greek Islands (it takes around 4 and a half hours to drive from west to east), and although there are public buses that will take you between some of the main towns on the island, the services aren't always that frequent or reliable.

Car Hire

If you love exploring and want lots of freedom to see more of the island, hiring a car can be the best option. You can easily book this in advance (best deals are usually pre-booked) and pick it up from the airport. Or once you arrive at your resort, your hotel staff or holiday rep can also help you book a hire car locally. Car hire can actually be pretty cheap on the island too, especially if you only need a little run-around.