Crete – Greek Diaspora Travel
Heraklion International Airport
Heraklion International Airport Crete
Heraklion International Airport in Crete, also known as “Nikos Kazantzakis” Airport, is the second busiest airport in all of Greece! Located in the capital of island, it services the towns of Agios Nikolaos, Malia, Hersonissos, Stalidaa, Elounda, as well as the capital – Heraklion.
The airport is named after one of the greatest Greeks in modern literature – Nikos Kazantzakis, who was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature on nine separate occasions. His work includes Zorba the Greek, Christ Recrucified, Captain Michalis, and The Last Temptation of Christ.
History of Crete’s Heraklion International Airport
Crete’s Heraklion International Airport first opened in 1939 and temporarily ceased operations during WWII. In 1947, the first terminal was built and in 1953 the first upgrades were made to the runway. In 1971, further upgrades were completed, allowing the airport to receive its first international flight.
The latest upgrade to Crete’s Heraklion International Airport
In 2017, Crete’s Heraklion International Airport was voted as the worst airport in Europe. This was predominantly as a result of its small size, leading to large crowds and long queuing lines during summer.
In 2018, Hellenic Duty Free Shops agreed to invest a total of 55 million Euros in upgrades. The initial upgrade to the Duty Free and departure area was completed in under six months without disrupting the operation of the airport. The upgrades to Crete’s Heraklion International Airport will provide a new departure hall on the ground-level.
Although you can get to Crete via ferry, the island’s distance to the mainland and most other popular islands, make flying the best option to reach Crete. Click here to compare flights to Crete’s Heraklion International Airport.
Destination – Heraklion Crete
Make the magnificent island of Crete your next travel destination and fly into the Heraklion International Airport. Here you can experience the land of Europe’s first civilization – the Minoans. Visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the nearby Palace of Knossos. While in Crete, make sure to also visit the historic Venetian port towns of Chania and Rethymno. Other worthy destinations on the island include Agios Nikolaos, Elafonisi, Balos Beach, Vai Beach, and Spinalonga island.
Are you thinking of visiting Crete?
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