Exploring Greece: Airports On The Islands

Greece has around 1,400 islands, of which 227 are inhabited. While not all of these inhabited islands have airports, there are several that do, making them easily accessible by plane. These include the islands of Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, and more. Some of these islands, such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes, have international airports with direct flights from various European cities and other international destinations. Others, such as Kefalonia and Zakynthos, have international airports with flights mainly during the tourist season. For those travelling from abroad, it is worth noting that the majority of airports in Greece are not connected via direct flights, and most of the time, a connecting flight or an alternative mode of transportation such as a bus, train, or ferry, will be required to reach the desired island.

Islands with international airports

Greece has 14 islands with international airports, which are ideal investment destinations as they attract many tourists. These airports serve both domestic and international flights.

Crete

Heraklion International Airport and Chania International Airport have direct flights from various European cities, as well as the Middle East. There is also a smaller airport in Lassithi, called Sitia Airport, which operates during the summer months.

Santorini

Santorini (Thira) International Airport has direct flights from major European cities, as well as the Middle East and other international destinations.

Mykonos

Mykonos International Airport has direct flights from various European cities and the Middle East.

Rhodes

Rhodes International Airport has direct flights from several European cities and the Middle East.

Corfu

Corfu International Airport has direct flights from various European cities.

Zakynthos

Zakynthos International Airport has direct flights from various European cities.

Kos

Kos Island International Airport has direct flights from several European cities.

Skiathos

Skiathos Island National Airport has direct flights from several European cities.

Kefalonia

The main airport welcomed 700,000 visitors in 2019, mostly during the summer months. Flights also operate year-round from Athens.

Zante/Zakynthos

Zakynthos airport had almost 2 million visitors in 2019.

Lemnos

Lemnos has a domestic airport with flights from Athens, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, and nearby islands. There are also charter flights from London-Heathrow during the summer.

Samos

Samos airport has been in operation since the 1970s and has been receiving a steady number of visitors since the mid-1990s.

Astypalaia

Astypalaia's airport only has domestic flights, mostly during the summer months.

Kalymnos

Kalymnos airport operates mostly during the summer months, with flights from Athens, Rhodes, and some nearby islands.

Karpathos

Karpathos airport is probably the busiest in the area after Rhodes and Kos, but with limited facilities. It has international flights from Italy, Scandinavia, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, and Serbia during the summer months.

Kasos

Kasos airport has limited flights from nearby Karpathos and Rhodes.

Leros

Leros can only be reached by air from Athens or nearby Rhodes, Kalymnos, Kos, and Astypalaia.

Mytilene

Mytilene International Airport receives half a million visitors. There are regular flights from Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as charter flights from other European cities during the summer.

Ikaria

Ikaria has a small domestic airport that connects visitors to Athens and nearby islands.

Islands with domestic airports

Greece has 13 regions, including nine on the mainland and four island groups. The country has approximately 1,400 islands, of which 227 are inhabited. Some of these islands can be reached by plane, while others can only be reached by sea. There is also one island that can be reached by car.

The Cyclades

• Milos
• Naxos
• Paros
• Syros

The Dodecanese

• Astypalaia
• Leros
• Kastellorizo
• Karpathos
• Kasos
• Kalymnos
• Kos

The North Aegean Islands

• Lemnos
• Chios
• Ikaria

The Argo-Saronic Islands

None of the Argo-Saronic islands have an airport, but they are very close to Athens and can be easily reached by ferry from Piraeus.

The Ionian Islands

• Kefalonia
• Kythira
• Skyros
• Zakynthos
• Corfu
• Lefkada

The Sporades

Skiathos

Islands with International Airports

The Cyclades

• Santorini
• Mykonos

The Dodecanese

Kos

The North Aegean Islands

• Samos
• Lesvos Mytilene

The Ionian Islands

• Corfu
• Zakynthos

The Sporades

Skiathos

Islands with Both Domestic and International Airports

The Cyclades

Mykonos

The Dodecanese

Kos

The North Aegean Islands

Samos

The Ionian Islands

Kefalonia

The Sporades

Skiathos

Ferry travel vs air travel

There are 227 inhabited Greek islands, and while some of these can be reached by plane, others can only be reached by sea.

Ferry Travel

Ferry travel is a great option for those who want to blend in with the locals and experience the classic start to a Greek summer. It's also a good choice for those who want to avoid feeling like a tourist. In addition, the journey by boat can help you get into holiday mode and switch off from everyday life. Ferries in Greece are generally safe, modern, comfortable, and pleasant to travel with. There are several notable ferry companies in Greece, including Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, Seajets, Minoan Lines, and Dodekanisos Seaways.

When booking ferry travel, it is recommended to:

• Use a ferry search engine to find convenient routes and timings.
• Browse routes and adjust your itinerary if possible.
• Book your ticket from either the search engine or the ferry company's website.

It is worth noting that ferry schedules for routes to the islands are usually released in late January or February, and that punctuality can be affected by windy days or sea conditions.

Air Travel

Air travel is a good option for those who want to get to their destination faster and begin their holiday as soon as possible. There are several notable airlines serving the Greek islands, including Aegean Airlines and Sky Express.

When booking air travel, it is recommended to:

• Use a flight search engine to find flight schedules and compare prices.
• Head to the airline's website to double-check the price and book your ticket.

It is worth noting that not all flights to the islands will be on large planes, and that layovers in Athens or other connecting flights may be required when travelling between islands.

Ferry Travel vs. Air Travel

Both ferry and air travel have their advantages and disadvantages. Ferry travel can be a more relaxing and scenic option, allowing passengers to experience the beauty of the Greek islands from the sea. It can also be a good choice for those who want to avoid the hassle of flying and the layovers that may be required when travelling between islands by air. However, ferry travel can be subject to delays or cancellations due to weather conditions, and it may not be the best option for those who are prone to seasickness.

On the other hand, air travel can be faster and more convenient, especially for those who want to maximise their time on the islands. It can also be a good option for those who want to avoid the potential discomfort of ferry travel, such as seasickness or delays due to windy conditions. However, air travel can be more expensive, and it may not offer the same level of scenic beauty as ferry travel.

Ultimately, the decision between ferry and air travel depends on the traveller's preferences, budget, and time constraints. For those who want to experience the beauty of the Greek islands from the sea and don't mind a potentially slower pace, ferry travel may be the best option. For those who prioritise speed, convenience, and avoiding potential delays, air travel may be the better choice.

Airports in the North Aegean islands

The North Aegean islands of Greece are some of the least visited and lesser-known islands in the country. There are seven main islands and nine smaller ones, as well as two small islands that belong to Turkey. The North Aegean islands are also some of the largest in Greece.

The airport of Lesvos, Mytilene International Airport, receives around half a million visitors. Sky Express and Olympic Air offer regular flights from Athens and Thessaloniki. There are also charter flights from other European cities during the summer.

Samos International Airport has been in operation since the 1970s and has maintained a steady number of visitors (300k-500k) since the mid-1990s. Samos is also known for being the birthplace of Pythagoras.

Lemnos is one of the most diverse Greek islands, with stunning beaches and unique local produce. It also has a connection to Australia and New Zealand due to the ANZAC forces of World War I and II. Domestic flights arrive from Athens, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, and nearby islands. There are also charter flights during the summer from London Heathrow.

Chios is a lesser-known destination with a small domestic airport offering connections to Athens, Thessaloniki, and nearby islands. Chios has over 60 stunning beaches, making it an excellent summer destination.

Ikaria island also has a small domestic airport with connections to Athens and nearby islands.

Airports in the Argo-Saronic islands

The Argo-Saronic islands are a group of islands that lie between the Argolic Gulf of the Peloponnese and the Saronic Gulf of Athens. They are the islands closest to Athens and are popular for sailing and weekend getaways. The islands are known for their unique characteristics, such as the impressive archaeological sites of Aegina, the picturesque villages of Poros or

The classy landscapes of Spetses and Hydra.

None of the Argo-Saronic islands have airports. The closest airport to the Argo-Saronic islands is in Athens, and from there, you can take a ferry to the islands.

Salamina

Salamina, also known as Salamis, is the largest island in the Saronic Gulf and is located close to the port of Piraeus. The island holds significant historical importance as the site of the great Naval Battle of Salamis between the Greeks and Persians in 480 BC, which prevented a Persian invasion of Greece. Today, Salamina is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, impressive Byzantine architecture, and archaeological discoveries, including a Mycenaean Acropolis and a Sanctuary honouring God Dionysus.

Aegina

Aegina is an important island in antiquity and has been continuously inhabited. It is the most fertile of the Argo-Saronic islands and is famous for its pistachio nuts. Aegina Town, the island's capital, features grand old buildings, a bustling harbour, and a sophisticated atmosphere. The island boasts substantial ancient remains, including the fifth-century Temple of Aphaea, one of the finest ancient temples in Greece, offering stunning views of Athens and the surrounding areas.

Agistri

Agistri is a small, tranquil island often overlooked by travellers. It is known for its lush pine woods, turquoise seas, quiet atmosphere, and vibrant nightlife that attracts young crowds from the mainland. Skala, the most important centre on the island, features beautiful beaches, modern developments, bars, and cafes.

Poros

Poros is a beautiful small island located in the heart of the Saronic Gulf, close to Aegina and Agistri. The main town of Poros stands on the slopes overlooking the Aegean islands and Galata. Poros Town is a picturesque settlement with hotels, shops, cafes, restaurants, and traditional tavernas. The island offers excellent opportunities for island-hopping, with convenient access to Aegina, Agistri, and Hydra.

Hydra

Hydra is one of the most atmospheric destinations in Greece, with a bustling harbour and narrow stone streets. It is unique as no vehicles are allowed on the island. Hydra has a sophisticated atmosphere and is known for its grand mansions, many of which have been converted into museums or exclusive boutique hotels. The island offers a mix of beautiful land and seascapes, as well as a rugged, mountainous interior that is little-visited.

Spetses

Spetses is the southernmost island in the Saronic Gulf and is a popular, upmarket escape for Athenians and foreign tourists. The island has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and can be reached from the port of Piraeus or the coast of the Peloponnese. Spetses Town is the largest settlement in the Saronic islands, featuring apartments, villas, luxurious hotels, and vacation rentals. The island offers excellent beaches, such as Kaiki and Agia Paraskevi, and historical sites like The House of Bouboulina, honouring a local heroine during the Independence War.

Frequently asked questions