Best Greek Airports For A Beach Vacation

what airport for beach in greece

Greece is known for its beautiful beaches, and its islands are popular destinations for tourists. The largest and busiest international airport in Greece is the International Airport of Athens, which is located near the city centre of Athens. This airport is connected to all other airports in Greece and also has direct flights from most European capitals and some smaller European cities. The second-largest international airport in Greece is the Airport of Thessaloniki, which is popular among those vacationing in the northern part of the country. Other notable international airports in Greece include those in Heraklion, Santorini, and Mykonos, which serve several seasonal flights from abroad. For those looking to visit the beaches of Greece, there are several islands with international airports that offer direct flights from abroad, including Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Skiathos, Corfu, and Kefalonia.

Characteristics Values
Biggest airport in Greece International Airport of Athens
Second biggest airport in Greece Airport of Thessaloniki
International airports in Greece Heraklion, Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Kos, Skiathos, Corfu, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Naxos, Paros, Chania, Heraklion, Lassithi (Sitia)
National airports in Greece Milos, Paros, Naxos
Beach islands in Greece Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Skiathos, Corfu, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Naxos, Paros, Chania, Kalamata

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International Airports in Greece

Greece has several international airports, which serve both domestic and international flights, and national airports, which serve only domestic flights. The largest and busiest international airport in Greece is the International Airport of Athens "Eleftherios Venizelos", located near the city centre of Athens. This airport is easily accessible by bus, suburban railway, or metro from the city centre. It is also connected to all other airports in Greece and receives direct flights from most European capitals and some smaller European cities. Intercontinental direct flights between Athens and the US, Canada, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Tunisia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates are also available. Athens International Airport serves as the main gateway for the majority of foreign visitors arriving in Greece, who then catch connecting flights to the Greek islands or take ferries from the ports of Athens.

The second-largest international airport in Greece is the Airport of Thessaloniki, a popular entry point for those vacationing in northern Greece. Thessaloniki is also Greece's second-largest city, known for its Byzantine walls, historic architecture, and vibrant waterfront. The city is home to numerous museums, including the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki.

Other notable international airports in Greece include Heraklion, Santorini, and Mykonos, which serve several seasonal international flights and can get quite crowded during the summer. These airports, located on Greek islands, allow direct access from several locations outside Greece without the need for a connecting flight in Athens. However, travel between the islands often requires a ferry crossing, which tends to be cheaper than plane tickets.

In addition to the airports mentioned above, there are other international airports in Greece, such as those on the islands of Rhodes, Kos, Skiathos, Corfu, and Kefalonia, and Lefkada. These airports offer varying levels of connectivity to destinations within Europe and beyond during the peak season.

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National Airports in Greece

Greece has several international airports, which serve both domestic and international flights, and national airports, which only serve domestic flights. The latter are generally smaller and are located on various islands and a few mainland cities. Most national airports serve domestic flights directly from Athens, and a few from Thessaloniki.

The largest and busiest international airport in Greece is the International Airport of Athens "Eleftherios Venizelos", located near the city centre of Athens. This airport is connected to all other airports in Greece and also receives direct flights from most European capitals and some smaller European cities. Intercontinental direct flights between Athens and the US, Canada, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Tunisia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates are also available.

The second-largest international airport in Greece is the Airport of Thessaloniki, which is a popular entry point for those travelling to the northern part of the country. Other notable international airports include those in Heraklion, Santorini, and Mykonos, which serve several seasonal flights from abroad.

While not all Greek islands have airports, there are several national airports located on islands such as Paros, Naxos, and Sitia (Crete). Paros National Airport, located 10km from Parikia and Paros Port, only serves flights to and from Athens. Naxos Airport, situated 4km from Naxos Town, also only serves flights to Athens. Sitia Airport, located on the eastern coast of Crete, is a smaller airport that operates during the summer months, serving charter flights from various airlines.

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Airports in Greek Islands

Greece has several international and national airports. The biggest airport in Greece is the International Airport of Athens, located just outside the capital. It is easily accessible by bus, suburban railway, or metro from the city centre. Athens International Airport receives the majority of foreign visitors arriving in Greece. From there, most visitors take a connecting flight to the Greek islands or travel to the islands by ferry from one of Athens' ports. It is worth noting that most airports in Greece are not connected by direct flights, so you will usually need to get a connecting flight in Athens or use alternative means of transportation such as a bus, train, or ferry.

International airports in Greece include those in Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Santorini, and Mykonos, which tend to get busy during the summer months due to their service of several seasonal flights from abroad. These international airports on the Greek islands allow travellers to fly directly from several locations outside Greece without needing to take a connecting flight in Athens. Popular islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Skiathos, Corfu, and Kefalonia usually have ferry crossings connecting them, which tend to be cheaper than plane tickets.

Some of the Greek islands with national airports include Naxos, Paros, and Milos. Naxos Airport is located 4 kilometres from Naxos Town and currently only serves flights to and from Athens. Paros, another island in the Cyclades, also has an airport with flights to and from Athens. Milos, also in the Cyclades, is a popular island with over 70 stunning beaches and the famous Sarakinikio rock formations.

Other notable airports in the Greek islands include those in Lefkada, Samos, and Zakynthos (also known as Zante). Lefkada is a quiet island in the Ionian Islands group, connected to the Greek mainland by a causeway. The island has an international airport with flights to many European destinations during the peak season. Samos Airport has been praised for its ample seating and shaded areas just outside the terminal building. Zakynthos is one of the most famous Greek islands, with an airport that served almost 2 million visitors in 2019.

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Airports with nearby beaches

Greece has several international and national airports, making it easy for travellers to visit its beautiful beaches. The largest and busiest international airport in Greece is the International Airport of Athens "Eleftherios Venizelos", located near the city centre of Athens. This airport is a hub for domestic and international flights, connecting to all other airports in Greece and serving direct flights from most European capitals and some smaller European cities. From Athens, travellers can catch a connecting flight to the Greek islands or travel to one of the ports of Athens to take a ferry.

The second-largest international airport in Greece is the Airport of Thessaloniki, a popular gateway for those vacationing in northern Greece. Thessaloniki also offers direct flights to some of the Greek islands.

For those looking to vacation on a Greek island with the convenience of a nearby airport, here are some options:

  • Mykonos - Mykonos Airport, officially known as Mykonos-Manto Mavrogenous Airport, serves both local and international flights. Mykonos is known for its stunning town, iconic windmills, vibrant nightlife, and some of the best beaches in Greece, including Kalifatis Beach and Elia Beach.
  • Santorini - Santorini has an international airport with flights available all year round and a wider range of destinations during the summer months. The island is famous for its iconic views in Oia and Fira, and its black sand beaches in Kamari and Perivelos.
  • Crete - As the largest and most populous Greek island, Crete has three airports: Chania, Heraklion, and Lassithi (Sitia). Chania and Heraklion offer regular trips to and from Athens, taking approximately 45 minutes. Crete's capital, Heraklion, is known for its ancient civilisation in Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Chania, the former capital, is nicknamed the "Venice of the East" and is located on the island's northern coast. The city is sought after for its beaches, historic centre, and architectural heritage.
  • Kefalonia - Kefalonia, also known as Cephalonia, has an international airport called Anna Pollatou Airport, with direct flights to Athens, Zakynthos, and Preveza. Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia, is located on the island's west coast and is a 12-minute drive or a short bus ride from the airport. The island is known for its picturesque capital, stunning beaches, and the famous Myrtos Beach, with its turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs.
  • Naxos - Naxos Airport is located 4km from Naxos Town and offers flights to Athens, with a flight time of 40 minutes. Naxos Town is known for its winding streets leading to Kastro Castle and the beautiful St. George Beach.
  • Lefkada - Lefkada is a quiet island in the Ionian group, connected to the Greek mainland by a causeway. In peak season, Lefkada's international airport offers flights to many European destinations, including the UK. The island boasts stunning beaches with soft white sand and crystal-clear waters.

These airports offer convenient access to some of Greece's most beautiful beaches, making them ideal destinations for travellers seeking a seamless combination of transportation and beachside relaxation.

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Airports with connecting flights

Greece has several international airports that serve domestic and international flights, and national airports that only serve domestic flights. The largest and busiest international airport in Greece is the International Airport of Athens "Eleftherios Venizelos", located near the city centre of Athens. This airport is connected to all other airports in Greece and also receives direct flights from most European capitals and some smaller European cities. Intercontinental direct flights between Athens and the US, Canada, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Tunisia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are also available.

Most international airports in Greece are located on the Greek islands, allowing travellers to fly directly from several locations outside Greece without having to get a connecting flight through Athens. However, if a flight from Athens is required to reach an island, the travel time is usually between 40 and 60 minutes. Some of the international airports located on the Greek islands include Santorini, Mykonos, Heraklion, Kos, Skiathos, Rhodes, Corfu, and Kefalonia.

The island of Santorini can be reached by flights all year round, with a larger number of destinations available during the summer months. Santorini is known for its world-famous views in Oia and Fira, as well as its black sand beaches in Kamari and Perivelos. Mykonos is another popular island destination, known for its iconic windmills and vibrant nightlife. Mykonos can be reached from many destinations worldwide, including Athens, Thessaloniki, and various airports in the UK. The island boasts some of the best beaches in Greece, including Kalifatis Beach and Elia Beach.

In addition to the international airports, there are also national airports in Greece that serve domestic flights. One example is Naxos Airport, located 4km from Naxos Town. Naxos Town offers stunning beaches such as St George Beach and Agios Prokopios. Flights from Naxos Airport are currently limited to Athens and are run by Sky Express, Olympic, Aegean, and Voleta. Paros, another island in the Cyclades group, also has a national airport with flights to Athens.

Frequently asked questions

Some Greek islands with airports that are known for their nice beaches include:

- Mykonos

- Santorini

- Crete

- Rhodes

- Kefalonia

- Naxos

- Paros

The biggest airport in Greece is the International Airport of Athens, located just outside the capital's city centre.

If you're travelling to a Greek island, it's likely that you'll need to get a connecting flight at Athens airport or take a bus, train, private transfer, or ferry. If you're looking for a quiet island, Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a causeway. Chania, Crete, is a short drive from an airport and has beautiful beaches.

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