Transportation7 min read

Flights to Crete 2026: HER vs CHQ Airports Explained

George K.

Crete Travel Specialist

August 7, 2026

Which Crete airport should you fly into? Heraklion (HER) vs Chania (CHQ), airlines, transfer times and when to fly open-jaw.

Crete has two main international airports:

Heraklion (HER)

Best for Knossos, central/east Crete, Elounda. Largest flight network.

Chania (CHQ)

Best for west Crete beaches, Samaria, Balos, Elafonissi.

Open-jaw tip

Fly into one, out of the other, and rent a car one-way — the classic Crete road-trip move.

Transfers

See airport transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions

HER or CHQ for first visit?

CHQ if beaches/gorges are priority; HER if Knossos and east Crete matter more.

Plan with us: Crete guides · ferries · car rental · AI planner.

Featured partner

🏠 Crete partner

Kipos Hotel

Rethymno Old Town

Boutique hotel in the heart of Rethymno, overlooking city gardens with views of the Venetian Fortezza. Smart rooms, winery tastings, and a short walk to the beach.

4.8 (80)

View Options

Topics covered

#Crete#Flights#Airport#HER#CHQ#2026

Ready to Explore the Crete?

Join thousands of travelers who discovered their perfect Crete adventure with our AI-powered platform.

Start Planning Browse Regions

Free to useNo booking feesAI-powered

Stay Updated

Get travel tips and exclusive deals

Written by

George K.

Crete Travel Specialist

Part of the Discover Crete editorial team, locals who ferry, hike, eat and write about these islands every season.

Touristas AI

Turn this article into a real trip

Ask Touristas AI to build ferries, hotels, activities and transfers around the exact islands you just read about, live prices, live inventory.

Keep reading

Crete 7-Day Itinerary: West to East in One Week (2026)

A practical 7-day Crete itinerary by rental car: Chania, Balos and Elafonisi, the Samaria Gorge, Rethymno, Heraklion and Knossos, finishing in Lasithi.

George K.·May 20, 2026

12 min

Itineraries

Crete 10-Day Itinerary: The Complete Island Road Trip (2026)

A relaxed 10-day Crete road trip covering Chania, the west-coast beaches, the Samaria Gorge, the south coast, Rethymno, Heraklion, Knossos and eastern Lasithi.

George K.·May 18, 2026

13 min

Itineraries

Crete in 3 Days: A Short Break Done Right (2026)

Only have a long weekend on Crete? A focused 3-day plan for either the west (Chania) or the centre (Heraklion) without rushing.

George K.·May 15, 2026

7 min

Beaches

The Best Beaches in Crete (2026): Where, When & How to Get There

A guide to the best beaches in Crete — Balos, Elafonisi, Falassarna, Preveli and Vai — with access, parking and the best time to visit each.

George K.·May 22, 2026

10 min

Beaches

Hidden Beaches in Crete: Quiet Coves Away From the Crowds

Skip the crowds at Balos and Elafonisi. Lesser-known Crete beaches — Glyka Nera, Loutro, Agiofarango, Kedrodasos — that reward a short walk or boat ride.

George K.·May 12, 2026

8 min

Transportation

Ferries to Crete: The Complete 2026 Guide

Everything about getting to Crete by ferry in 2026: overnight routes from Piraeus to Heraklion and Chania, operators, prices and booking tips.

George K.·May 25, 2026

9 min

Flights to Crete 2026: HER vs CHQ Airports Explained

Heraklion (HER)

Chania (CHQ)

Open-jaw tip

Transfers