When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Heraklion?
The peak season for travel to Heraklion is the summer, from June to August, when the temperatures are hottest and the island is full of life and visitors. For a quieter vibe and cooler temperatures, visit Heraklion during the shoulder seasons, from April to May and September to October. This is also a good time to find the cheapest flights to Heraklion.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Heraklion?
It’s best to book your return flights to Heraklion at least two months before departure to secure the best deals on fares. With Netflights.com, you can find cheap flights to Heraklion by comparing airfares and routes from the world’s leading airlines. Last-minute flights are sometimes available in peak season, and it’s worth checking regularly for airlines’ promotions and offers on Heraklion flights.
Flying to Heraklion Airport HER
Heraklion Airport (HER), also known as Nicos Kazantzakis Airport, is located five kilometres from Heraklion city centre, on the Greek island of Crete. It’s one of the busiest airports in Greece and serves around five million passengers each year.
British Airways operates direct flights to Heraklion from the UK, departing from London Gatwick Airport. Aegean Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss operate return flights to Heraklion with one stop on the way, departing from London Heathrow Airport, Manchester Airport and Bristol Airport. The connections are usually in cities such as Zurich, Frankfurt or Athens, and you may be required to switch airlines for the outward and inbound journeys.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
Heraklion Airport (HER) is a small airport with one terminal building. It serves international flights from major European cities and domestic flights from all over Greece. The arrivals hall is located on the same level as baggage reclaim. When you arrive at HER, you’ll find some useful facilities and services for travellers, including an information desk in the arrivals hall. There are also shops, cafes, baby-changing facilities, cash machines and a bureau de change. Car hire companies can all be found in the arrivals hall at the airport terminal.
Getting to the City from Heraklion Airport HER
You can travel to Heraklion city centre from the airport by bus, taxi or hire car. Bus number 78 connects HER with the bus station in central Heraklion, from the bus stop a short walk away from the terminal building. The taxi rank is located outside the arrivals area of the terminal building and the journey to the centre of Heraklion should take around 15 minutes, depending on traffic. If you prefer to hire a car, you’ll find the car rental companies in the arrivals hall and it’s worth pre-booking online using Netflights as demand can be high in summer.
Why Visit Heraklion?
Heraklion, also known as Iraklio, is the capital city of Crete and home to some of the island’s most impressive ancient sites. It attracts many British travellers each year, especially in the summer, for beach holidays and sightseeing. Kick off by exploring Heraklion’s rich history at the Archaeological Museum, where you can find a vast collection of antiquities from Crete housed in a 1930s Bauhaus building. Five kilometres south of the city, you can wander through the ruins of Minoan temples, houses, courtyards and frescoes at the impressive Palace of Knossos, Crete’s best-known attraction.
Back in the city centre, the Koules Fortress holds a fascinating exhibition of Venetian treasures brought up from shipwrecks in the local area, and from the rooftop, you can enjoy panoramic views of the island. Afterwards, refresh yourself with a coffee at one of the city’s atmospheric cafes and head to Heraklion’s lively street market, where you can pick up traditional Cretan products, such as raki, olive oil and herbs.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
British passport holders don’t need a visa to enter Greece, and you can stay for up to three months. The local currency in Heraklion is the euro and it’s a good idea to exchange some currency in advance so you have some cash when you arrive. There are also cash machines and currency exchange services available at Heraklion Airport when you arrive. Be aware that Greece is operating capital controls, so you can take out cash using a UK bank card up to a daily limit set by the Greek banking system, or your own bank’s daily limit, whichever is lower. Check for up-to-date advice before you fly.
