Crete is a beautiful island located in the Mediterranean Sea. It is considered the largest island in this part of Europe. Thanks to its ancient sights, it is famous throughout the world.
With the mainland of Greece, and the whole world, the island is connected by sea, as well as by air. Here it is very well developed.
Despite the fact that sea voyages are very tempting, still the majority of tourists use planes for movement, because they are less tiring and take a tolerable amount of time.
The island receives more than six million people annually. The most famous Greek island is so popular due to its favorable climate, long summers, famous sights (as mentioned above), as well as clean beaches. More than a hundred aircraft land on the island daily.
How many airports in Crete?
This question can be called the most popular. There are three airports in Crete, but the most popular of them is Heraklion, it is he that accepts most of the flights. Then comes Chania Airport. Domestic flights land in Sitia.
To understand how the map of Crete's airports looks exactly, just look at the photo.
Heraklion Airport
The airport of Crete, whose name is Heraklion, is located in the central part of the island. More than five million passengers pass through it annually. He is engaged not only in international flights, but also domestic. This became possible due to the fact that there are two terminals, as well as two runways.
This air harbor began to fully exist in 1939. As you know, that year the war began, so this airport terminal in those years took exclusively German and Italian aircraft.
The terminal began to operate fully in 1946, after the end of the war.
Over the years of its existence, this Crete airport called Heraklion has been reconstructed several times and also restored. But nevertheless, despite this, in modern times it is difficult to accept such a large passenger flow. Of course, this is most noticeable in the summer, as during this period charter flights are added to regular flights.
Heraklion Airport Facilities
The airport complies with all international standards. Below is a list of what it can offer passengers as a service:
- Lovely, bright and comfortable waiting room.
- Games room for children and teenagers.
- Racks with the necessary information, round-the-clock help desk.
- 24-hour medical center. Here visitors can be given first aid, as well as advise about the flight.
- Exchange office. The current rate, as well as available currencies, must be viewed on the airport website.
- Lots of restaurants, bars, and cafes.
- Car rental. A very popular service among travelers and locals. A beautiful passenger car can easily brighten up your trip. It is believed that it is at this airport the lowest rental price.
Location of Heraklion Airport
This terminal is located six kilometers from the center of the capital of Crete. This airport can be easily reached from anywhere in the island by comfortable buses or taxis.
Chania Airport
Another airport in Crete is called Chania. In importance on the island of Crete, he takes second place. It accepts international and domestic flights. In addition, it is here that the most popular low-cost airlines land.
The airport also accepts the Greek Air Force in addition to regular passengers.
At the disposal of the airport there are two runways. Their length exceeds three kilometers.
The airport began functioning in 1967, when the construction of the first passenger terminal with two parking lots was completed. Only eight years later, the terminal begins to receive some international flights. In 1996, the second passenger terminal opens.
Chania Airport Location
The airport is located in the western part of the island, on the Akrotiri Peninsula. Buses run to the central part, and stops are located at the airport terminal. In addition, you can use a taxi or car rental. The trip will take about twenty minutes.
Airport Services
There are practically no differences from Heraklion Airport. Everything complies with the standards. I would also like to note the presence of duty free in the territory where you can find a decent range of traditional products of the island.
Sitia Airport
This airport is considered the third most important on the island. He is engaged in servicing domestic flights.
He began to work more than thirty years ago - in 1984. In 1993, the air harbor moved to a new building with a control tower. A building quite modern for those years was erected here, ten years later an improved runway was built. Its length is a little over two meters.
Despite the fact that the airport building is quite small, it has everything you need. For travelers, there is a 24-hour medical center and a help desk. In addition, there are various restaurants, bars, and cafeterias.
If you want to relax a bit, you can use the lounges.
Location of Sitia Airport
Sitia Airport is located in the eastern part of the island, just five kilometers from the city of the same name Sitia. You can get to the point you need using a rental car or taxi. Since Crete is quite small, the cost here will be acceptable.
In this part of the island there are a lot of ancient attractions, beautiful monuments, as well as beautiful beaches. Moreover, all this can be found not only in Sitia itself, but also in its environs.
Conclusion
The island of Crete is quite small, but at the same time accommodates three airports, so it can receive more and more tourists from different parts of the world.
We are sure that the flow of travelers will increase over the years and will have to build a fourth airport in Crete or expand existing ones.