Do you dream of owning a home on a Greek island, but would rather avoid connecting flights and ferries? Well, you could cut your journey time right down, by choosing to buy a property on an island with an international airport.
As well as savvy property buyers, airlines are also investing in the Greek islands. They have been increasing flights, opening more routes and lengthening the summer season. Thus, making it even easier to make frequent trips to your home in the sun.
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Athens International Airport
The biggest international airport in Greece is located on the mainland, right outside the capital. Athens International Airport receives the majority of foreign visitors arriving in Greece, many of whom catch connecting flights to the Greek islands. In some cases, they head to the ports of Piraeus, Lavrio or Rafina to catch a ferry.
However, there are some islands that receive flights direct from a selection of European airports. If you live near one of these, you will benefit from having just one direct flight to your Greek island home. Even if your local airport doesnโt have a direct service, you could still consider using European airports for connecting flights, rather than changing at Athens. For example, Lufthansa fly from New York to Heraklion, Crete, with just one stop at Frankfurt.
More flights from America into 2026
Transatlantic connectivity to Greece has continued to improve over the past two seasons, with Athens International Airport firmly established as the main gateway for travellers arriving from North America. Major US carriers now view Greece as a core Mediterranean destination rather than a short, peak-summer market.
During the 2025 summer season, multiple airlines operated frequent non-stop services between the United States and Athens, including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines and Norse Atlantic Airways. Routes from key hubs such as New York and other major US cities have increased overall seat availability compared with pre-pandemic years, while helping to spread demand more evenly across the season.
Canadian demand has also remained strong, with Air Canada continuing to operate direct services from Toronto and Montreal to Athens.
Flights from the UK in 2025 and beyond
The UK remains Greeceโs largest European source market, with direct flights to Greek island airports available from a growing number of regional airports as well as London. For example, Liverpool, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leicestershire, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Bournemouth, all offer flights to Heraklion airport on Crete. The airlines serving these routes include Jet2, British Airways and EasyJet.
In recent seasons, Jet2 has expanded from new UK bases like Bournemouth and Luton, increasing the number of direct routes to islands including Crete, Rhodes, Zakynthos and Corfu. Meanwhile, Ryanair has added services from Bournemouth to Chania, Crete and Rhodes.
International airports
While some Greek islands receive only domestic flights, 12 islands have International Airports that receive direct flights from a selection of cities in Europe. These include several really exciting cities, that you may consider taking a break in as part of your trip. Vienna, Milan, Rome, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brussels, Paris, Frankfurt, Prague and Salzburg, to name a few.
In some cases, you can fly direct to one island, then make a short ferry crossing to a smaller neighbouring island. Therefore, it can be worth looking at all the route options and checking with each airline website for updated routes and deals on ticket prices.
12 Greek islands with international airports
1. Crete, Chania (CHQ) and Heraklion (HER)
Crete is one of the most popular islands to buy property, both for holidays and year-round living. Chania (La Canea) is a lively city, with a history that encompasses, the Minoan civilisation, Romans, Venetians, Genoese and Ottomans. Nicknamed the Venice of the East, Chania is a very sought-after location due to its architectural heritage, historic centre and beautiful beaches. Could it be your new home from home?
Flights to Chania
Chania airport is 15 kilometres from the city, and receives flights from 24 countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany and Sweden. Airlines flying direct to Chania (CHQ) include Ryanair, Aegean Airlines and Sky Express. EasyJet and Ryanair flights from London commence in spring and generally run until the start of November. Alternatively, the port of Souda has ferry connections from the port of Piraeus.
Heraklion is a great place to start your exploration of the island of Crete. Knossos Palace and Phaistos Palace are nearby and there are great beaches, hiking trails and villages to discover. Your life on Crete could include, hiking in the Samaria gorge, eating out at tavernas, gazing at stunning sunsets and strolling around fortresses and historic streets.
Flights to Heraklion
Heraklion is the second-busiest airport in Greece. The island of Crete receives flights from 32 countries, through Heraklion airport ‘Nikos Kazantzakis’. Numerous flights also arrive from Athens and Thessaloniki every day. In the summer of 2024, Heraklion Airport served more than 4.6m passengers. This represents a 4.5% increase compared to 2023. Fortunately, work is underway on a new Heraklion airport that, once fully established, is expected to serve 18m passengers. The planned opening is in 2028, with 19 boarding gates and new modern facilities. Airlines and accommodation providers have been keen to extend the summer season on Crete.
2. Corfu (CFU)
Corfu has ancient ruins, blue seas and gorgeous beaches. At traditional tavernas, you can dine on fish and while away several hours drinking and chatting with friends. Corfuโs fine buildings have influences from the Venetian, French, and English cultures. On a stroll around Corfu town you can see two fortresses and discover why its old town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Scattered around the countryside and along the coast are many picturesque villages. This is a great island for those thinking about retiring to Corfu.
Flights to Corfu
Corfu International Airport is one of the best connected in Greece, with direct seasonal flights from a wide range of European countries, including the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy and Malta.
UK routes are operated by several airlines, including EasyJet and Ryanair, with services typically running from spring through to autumn.
3. Kefalonia (EFL)
The magical landscape of Kefalonia is sprinkled with picturesque villages, mysterious caves and stunning beaches. Azure and turquoise waters are backed by lush vegetation, pine forests and cliffs. The coastal villages of Assos and Fiscardo will charm you with their colourful old buildings and waterfront cafes. And when you want to do some shopping, there is the town of Argostoli with its long promenade.
Flights to Kefalonia
Kefalonia is served by direct seasonal flights from the UK, with airlines such as EasyJet and Ryanair operating routes to the island. Services typically run from spring to autumn, with schedules reviewed and adjusted each year.
Kefalonia International Airport is conveniently located close to the islandโs main town, with Argostoli around a 15-minute drive away, making it easy to reach key residential and resort areas shortly after landing.
4. Kos (KGS)
Located in the Dodecanese, Kos has several historical and archaeological places of interest, such as the Ancient Agora, the Roman Odeon, Asclepieion, the Venetian castle of Antimachia and the Nerantzia castle. Kos Town is a tapestry of sights from different time periods and civilizations. A walk around the streets of the port and the Old Town is one of the most popular pastimes on the island. Here, you will also find shops, bars and cafes.
Flights to Kos
The airport is just nine minutesโ drive from the seaside town of Kardamaina. Kos Town is about 30 minutesโ drive.
5. Lesvos (MJT)
As you view Lesvos from the sea, you will believe you have arrived at your dream island. You’ll see stone houses with red tiled roofs, castles on hilltops, blue painted fishing boats and villages nestled amongst the green hills. Mytilene is the main town and port on Lesvos. It is the artistic, commercial and industrial centre, and boasts historic buildings, museums and churches.
Flights to Lesvos
You can fly to Mytilene airport on Lesvos direct from London, Manchester and Birmingham England. You can also fly from Brussels, Amsterdam, and Prague. The airport is about 20 minutesโ drive from the town.
6. Mykonos (JMK)
Mykonos captivates visitors with its whitewashed houses, blue window shutters and small churches that nestle along its picturesque streets and alleys. As well as being a scenic destination, the island is known for its superb shopping and dining scene, plus its lively nightlife. Whether you are looking for a quiet island home or you want to party, Mykonos caters for everyone.
Flights to Mykonos
Mykonos airport is considered the tenth busiest in Greece. EasyJet does flights from London Gatwick. You can also fly to Mykonos from Munich, Geneva and Paris. On the other hand, you can fly to Athens or a nearby island (Paros, Naxos, Syros, etc.) and reach Mykonos by ferry. The distance from Mykonos airport to the main town of โChoraโ is only four kilometres (2.5 miles).
7. Lefkada – Airport of Preveza/ Aktion (PVK)
Lefkada (Lefkas) has beautiful beaches and coves and a turquoise-blue sea. There are mountain villages to visit, as well as the seaside villages of Vasiliki and Nydri. The capital and main port is Lefkada Town. Here you can see the Castle of Agia Mavra and some interesting museums. Places to visit include the waterfalls of the Dimosari gorge and the mills of Dimosari.
Flights to Lefkada
Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a bridge, with the nearest airport at Preveza-Aktion being easy to reach by road. Flights from the UK, the Netherlands and Germany usually run until November.
While there are direct flights to Aktion-Preveza airport, it is also possible to plan a journey to the island of Corfu, Athens or Kefalonia, and from there reach Lefkada by ferry. Drivetime from Preveza airport to Lefkada town is about 20 minutes.
8. Rhodes (RHO)
Rhodes is known as โThe Island of the Knightsโ, due to its rich history and culture. Among the islands’ spectacular sights are the Palace of the Grand Master, the Street of Knights in Rhodes Old Town and the Acropolis of Lindos. The medieval Old Town of Rhodes is one of the biggest and best-preserved in Europe.
Flights to Rhodes
Around 21 countries fly to Rhodes International Airport. These include France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and all the major UK airports. The airport is located about 16 kilometres from Rhodes Town.
9. Samos (SMI)
Samos is a pretty island in the Eastern Aegean Sea. Along the island’s coastline, you can discover traditional villages, historic landmarks and amazing beaches surrounded by nature. If you love walking, youโll enjoy the trails around Samos, which pass forests, waterfalls and secluded coves. The town of Samos has a one-kilometre-long waterfront with neoclassical buildings. Samos is also a great base for island hopping and is very close to Turkey.
Flights to Samos
You can fly direct to Samos from Hamburg in Germany and Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The airport is about 20 minutesโ drive from Samos town.
10. Santorini (JTR)
Pictures of Santorini are constantly seen across social media. When you go there, you canโt stop yourself from taking photos and sharing the magical views and sunsets at Oia village. Seeing its white cube houses, blue domes, whitewashed terraces and windmills set against the blue of the sky is incredible. There are more breathtaking sights to see too, such as the volcano and red beach.
Flights to Santorini
Santorini continues to be served by direct flights from the UK, with airlines such as EasyJet and Ryanair operating seasonal services from London.
As the island is in a seismically active region, periods of increased geological activity are monitored closely by the Greek authorities. If youโre planning a trip, itโs sensible to check official travel advice and airline updates before you travel, particularly outside the peak summer season.
11. Skiathos (JSI)
The small island of Skiathos is the most popular in the Sporades. It attracts thousands of visitors to its amazing beaches, nightlife and picturesque town. Special sights include the tiny Bourtzi peninsula and the wild beauty of the sea caves. There are monasteries, churches, museums and a magic forest with centuries-old trees. With 60 beaches, you are spoilt for choice for places to swim.
Flights to Skiathos
Skiathos is served by seasonal direct flights from the UK, with airlines such as EasyJet operating services from London Gatwick. Routes typically run from late spring through to early autumn, with schedules adjusted each year based on demand.
12. Zakynthos (ZTH)
Make your home on Zakynthos (Zante) and you will be in good company. The Caretta caretta sea turtles lay their eggs on the beaches here and swim in the sea caves. The coastline is stunning, with beautiful beaches including the famous Navagio Shipwreck beach. Zakynthos Town has elegant architecture influenced by the Venetians, French and English colonisers. Now also popular with young people, the island offers a lively nightlife.
Flights to Zakynthos
EasyJet and Ryanair start scheduling flights to Zakynthos from London starting in spring. Flight times are around three hours and 25 minutes.
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