These 12 Top Greek Islands With Airports Make Island Hopping Easy
Some of the links might be affiliate links and, at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission. See our disclaimer for more info.
Greece boasts a string of picturesque islands that continue to rank among some of the most beautiful places in the world. However, before you draft that itinerary, you want to ensure that the island you select is easily accessible. Luckily, a good number of the Greek islands have local and international airports, making it easier for you to fly in and out. Unless you are after the off-the-beaten-path, these 12 Greek islands with airports will make your transport much easier.
Crete
Save this!
Being the largest and the most populous island in Greece, Crete has three airports you can fly in and out of. The Chania and Heraklion Airports offer regular trips to and from Athens, which take approximately 45 minutes. You can also fly to other Greek islands and to many major European cities via these airports.
The third airport, Lassithi (Sitia), only offers local flights to Athens and other Greek islands during summer. And yes, many major European airlines fly these routes. Take advantage of this high accessibility and experience the iconic pink Elafonissi Beach, tour Chania Old Town, explore the ancient civilization in Knossos, and visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Read also: Must-Visit Greek Islands
Rhodes
The Rhodes International Airport (Diagoras) conveniently serves Rhodes Island. Many airlines fly in and out of Rhodes Airport, including Olympicair, Aegeanair, British Airways, Lufthansa, Ryanair, Transavia, and Germanwings.
Fly into Rhodes and explore the majestic Acropolis of Lindos, the medieval streets of Rhodes Old Town, swim and bask in the crystal clear waters and beaches like Faliraki, Tsambika, and Anthony Quinn Bay, explore the valley of Butterflies, and even take a boat trip to neighboring islands such as Symi and Halki, which are absolute picturesque hidden gems.
Read also: Best Island Beaches in Greece
Mykonos
You can fly into Mykonos through Mykonos-Manto Mavrogenous Airport. The international airport serves both local and international flights. You can use Delta, Swiss, American and British Airways to fly from different locations in the US to Mykonos. Mykonos is one of the most sought-after islands in Greece – and for a good reason.
It is the perfect getaway for travelers to explore its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and picturesque Cycladic architecture. Ensure you see and experience Paradise Beach, Super Paradise Beach, Psarou Beach, Agios Ioannis Beach, the windmills, and Panagia Paraportiani.
Read also: Famous Greek Landmarks
Paros
Paros National Airport has daily local trips to Athens that are around 40 minutes long. You can use Sky Express, Aegean Airlines, and Olympic Air. You, however, may have to use a ferry if you need to come from other islands to Paros.
Paros is a picturesque island known for its charming villages, beautiful beaches, and stunning Cycladic architecture. While in Paros, don’t miss the crystal-clear waters of Paros’ beautiful beaches, such as Golden Beach, Santa Maria, Kolymbithres, and Pounda Beaches. Also, be sure to explore the stunning fishing village, Naoussa.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options
Read also: Gorgeous European Small Towns
Santorini
Santorini, one of the most popular and most-visited Greek islands, is served by the Santorini International Airport (Thira). The island receives daily flights from Athens International Airport. However, seasonal flights come in from over 20 European cities, the Middle East and other international destinations.
Santorini is known for its picturesque views, colorful sunsets in Oia, the unique Red Beach, the Pristine Perissa Beach, and breathtaking architecture.
Read also: Insta-Worthy Places in Europe
Naxos
Naxos is the largest and most visited island in the Cyclades. It can be accessed via a 40-minute flight from Athens through Naxos National Airport Apollon. You can also catch flights to and from Astypalaia and Syros from this airport.
Naxos is famed for its breathtaking beaches, ancient ruins, and scenic landscapes. It is also known for its serenity. If you want an escape to unwind, take that flight and relax on some of the island’s calm beaches, such as Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, Plaka, and Mikri Vigla.
Read also: Quirky Places in Europe
Milos
The Milos Island National Airport is near Plaka, the island’s capital. The airport only receives local flights from Athens. You may, however, use a ferry from other islands. Milos is loved for its dramatic yet picturesque coastline and stunning beaches.
Some must-visit beaches include Sarakiniko, Firiplaka, Tsigrado, and Paleochori. Visiting Milos is also an excellent opportunity to tour charming fishing villages such as Klima, Mandrakia, and Firopotamos. Ensure you see and experience the breathtaking panoramic view from the Ancient Theatre of Milos.
Read also: Top European Beaches
Syros
Syros Airport (Dimitrios Vikelas Airport) is near Ermoupolis, the island’s capital. Syros’s airport is a national airport that receives flights only from Athens. The flights are fewer in other seasons but are increased in summer.
Sky Express is the only airline that flies to Syros, and the journey takes approximately 35 minutes. To get the most out of your Syros trip, explore the stunning neoclassical architecture and relax on its pristine beaches, such as Galissas, Kini, and Azolimnos Beaches.
Read also: Top European Spring Destinations
Zante
Zante (Zakynthos) is home to the world-famous Navagio Beach and the elusive and endangered Caretta Caretta turtle species. The Zakynthos International Airport (also called Dionysios Solomos Airport) serves the island. You can fly to Zakynthos from Germany, the UK, France and Italy.
Locally, you can fly in from Heraklion, Corfu, Cephalonia, and Athens. While in Zante, experience the dramatic and staggeringly beautiful Shipwreck Beach, The Blue Caves, and Laganas Bay. While you can do many water activities in Zante, a must-do is taking boat rides around the coastline to discover the hidden coves.
Read also: Pocket-Friendly Beach Destinations in Europe
Corfu
The International Airport of Corfu (Ioannis Kapodistrias) receives local flights from The International Airports of Athens and Thessaloniki. These flights last around an hour. There are also seasonal international flights that come in summer.
Enjoy the island’s beautiful beaches, including Paleokastritsa, Glyfada, Agios Gordios, and Canal d’Amour, renowned for their golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and stunning natural landscapes. Also, discover Kerkykra’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the majestic Old Fortress of Corfu.
Read also: Top European Beach Destinations
Cephalonia
Cephalonia (or Kefalonia) has an international airport that is alternatively called Anna Pollatou Airport. This airport has direct flights to Athens, Zakynthos, and Preveza international airports. There are also flights from several other airports across Europe.
Cephalonia is recognized as one of the most beautiful islands in Greece. A must-see in Kefalonia is Myrtos Beach, renowned for its turquoise waters, white pebbles, and dramatic landforms and cliffs. Also, explore Assos (a picturesque village), the underground Melissani Cave, and the irresistible fish village called Fiskardo.
Read also: Budget European Destinations
Skiathos
Skiathos International Airport (also called Alexandros Papadiamantis) receives local flights from Athens and Thessaloniki, which last around 1 hour. In summer, Skiathos receives charter flights from abroad. Some of the must-sees in Skiathos include the postcard-worth Lalaria Beach, Koukounaries Beach, and Agia Paraskevi Beach.
Consider hiking on the scenic Kastro trails, visiting the Monastery of Evangelistria, and catching the sunsets at breathtaking sunset views from Old Port, Bourtzi Fortress, and Agia Eleni Beach.
Read also: Awesome Natural Wonders in Europe