Greek Islands with Airports
Exploring the Greek islands is a dream for many, and understanding which ones have airports can turn that dream into a smooth, unforgettable journey. Whether you’re heading for sun-drenched beaches, charming villages, or ancient ruins, flying directly to your island of choice can save time and add convenience. Greece boasts over 200 inhabited islands, but only a select number offer airport access. These islands provide varying degrees of connectivity—from international terminals welcoming global travelers to smaller domestic hubs linking you to Athens or Thessaloniki.
Knowing which Greek islands have airports is crucial when planning your itinerary. This guide offers an in-depth overview of every island that has airport facilities, so you can choose your destination wisely based on ease of access, flight availability, and travel priorities.
Why Knowing Which Greek Islands Have Airports Matters
Airports make remote locations accessible. While Greece’s ferry system is robust and scenic, it can be time-consuming and weather-dependent. Airports, on the other hand, offer reliable, fast, and often affordable access, especially from mainland cities or international points of origin.
Travelers who value efficiency, comfort, or have limited time to explore will find flying to be an ideal alternative. Moreover, some islands like Santorini and Mykonos have seasonal international flights, making them gateways to other lesser-known spots.
Popular Greek Islands with International Airports
Santorini (Thira National Airport – JTR)
Santorini is iconic for its whitewashed buildings and caldera views. Its airport receives both domestic flights and seasonal international routes, primarily during summer. It’s one of the busiest island airports, especially with romantic travelers and cruise ship tourists.
Mykonos (Mykonos Island National Airport – JMK)
Equally famous and stylish, Mykonos is a hotspot for partygoers and luxury travelers. Its international airport offers summer charters and scheduled flights from various European cities.
Crete (Heraklion HER & Chania CHQ Airports)
Crete, Greece’s largest island, has two major airports. Heraklion caters to most international arrivals, while Chania also serves many European routes. These airports make exploring the island’s rich archaeological sites and beaches much easier.
Rhodes (Rhodes International Airport – RHO)
Located in the Dodecanese, Rhodes is steeped in history and sunshine. Its airport handles international flights nearly year-round and connects well with Athens.
Kos (Kos International Airport – KGS)
Kos combines beautiful beaches with ancient ruins. The island has an efficient airport receiving flights from across Europe during the high season.
Lesser-Known Greek Islands with Airports
Skiathos (Skiathos Island National Airport – JSI)
Though small, Skiathos is famous for its runway that’s just meters from the beach, offering a thrilling experience. It also connects to Skopelos and Alonissos via ferry.
Zakynthos (Zante) – ZTH
Part of the Ionian Islands, Zakynthos is loved for the shipwreck beach and turquoise waters. Its airport supports seasonal international travel and regular domestic flights.
Kefalonia (EFL)
This lush Ionian island welcomes visitors via Kefalonia Airport, serving domestic flights and seasonal charters from the UK, Italy, and more.
Lesvos (Mytilene International Airport – MJT)
This large Aegean island is connected via its airport to Athens and occasionally other European destinations during peak seasons.
Chios (JKH)
Chios remains off the beaten path but has an airport with regular domestic flights, making it accessible yet serene.
Greek Islands with Smaller Domestic Airports
Paros (PAS)
This Cycladic gem offers an airport that primarily handles domestic flights from Athens, great for a quick hop over.
Naxos (JNX)
Though less developed, Naxos has a charming airport that connects to Athens. Ideal for families and beach lovers.
Milos (MLO)
Volcanic Milos, known for its lunar-like landscapes, has a small airport offering Athens-bound flights.
Skyros (SKU)
This under-the-radar island in the Sporades has limited flights but provides a peaceful retreat with unspoiled beaches.
Karpathos (AOK)
Situated between Crete and Rhodes, Karpathos has an airport with a mix of domestic and seasonal international connections.
Islands with Military or Special Use Airports
Lemnos (LXS)
Lemnos has both military and civilian airport functions. Domestic routes operate regularly, but international traffic is rare.
Ikaria (JIK)
Ikaria, known for longevity and relaxed lifestyle, has a domestic airport with regular flights from Athens.
How to Plan Flights to Greek Islands
- Use Athens as a Hub: Most Greek island flights originate from Athens International Airport (ATH).
- Check for Seasonal Routes: Many islands offer international flights only in summer.
- Book Early for Summer: July and August flights get booked fast—plan in advance.
Airlines Serving Greek Islands
- Aegean Airlines / Olympic Air: Covers most domestic routes.
- Sky Express: Expands coverage to lesser-known islands.
- Seasonal Charters: From TUI, Ryanair, easyJet, and others in summer.
Tips for Traveling Between Greek Islands with Airports
- Island Hopping by Air: Not all islands are directly connected to each other via flights.
- Combine Flight + Ferry: Fly into a major island and ferry to nearby smaller ones.
- Use Multi-city Bookings: Fly into one island and out of another for better flexibility.
FAQs
Which Greek island is easiest to fly to from the UK?
Corfu, Crete, Rhodes, and Santorini have direct flights from major UK airports during summer.
Are all Greek islands accessible by plane?
No, only a select few have airports. Others require ferry connections.
Is it cheaper to fly or ferry to Greek islands?
It depends on the season. Ferries can be cheaper, but flights save time and are more reliable in bad weather.
What’s the busiest airport among the Greek islands?
Heraklion in Crete is the busiest, handling millions of tourists annually.
Can you fly between Greek islands?
Yes, but options are limited. Most flights go through Athens or Thessaloniki.
Do the smaller islands have taxis or public transport from airports?
Some do, but availability may be limited—consider booking transfers in advance.
Conclusion
Knowing which Greek islands have airports makes a world of difference in planning your Aegean adventure. Whether you’re chasing sunsets in Santorini, diving into history in Rhodes, or discovering the wild charm of Ikaria, air travel unlocks a seamless and delightful way to explore these magical destinations. With so many well-connected islands to choose from, all that’s left is to pack your bags and book your flight.
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