Compare Crete flights

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and one of the most perennially popular; as a result, there is a good choice of Crete flights connecting the UK with airports in Heraklion and Chania. Like other destinations in Greece, Crete is most popular with British holidaymakers during the summer, but it’s a great destination from May to October.

Crete sits in the Mediterranean Sea, south of the Greek mainland, and its popularity comes from a combination of ancient culture, lovely beaches, lively nightlife and dramatic mountain scenery.

The busiest time for British visitors to Crete is during the school summer holidays from mid-July to August, and this is the point in the season when prices are highest. These aren't the highest prices of the year, however – those come over winter, when seasonal flights have stopped and only expensive indirect services are available.

If you need to travel during the summer peak, don't restrict your search to low-cost airlines; British Airways has some cheap Crete flights out of London Gatwick, particularly if you are prepared to accept awkward flight times.

Outside of peak season, prices are lower. The shoulder seasons of May and June, and September and October, offer cheaper flights and fewer tourists, but still promise warm and sunny weather.

UK airports with direct flights to Crete include London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester and Birmingham. Direct flights between the UK and Crete average between 4 hours and 4 hours and 10 minutes, whether you’re flying to Chania or Heraklion.

Indirect flights with stops vary from 5 hours 10 minutes to more than 13 hours; they are rarely any cheaper than direct flights, and only worth taking if you have to fly in winter.

As you'd expect from Greece’s largest island, Crete is a diverse destination that attracts all sorts of travellers. If ancient history is your thing, be sure to check out the Palace of Knossos, the seat of the ancient Minoan civilisation, with ruins dating back to the second millennium BC.

There’s more history to discover at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of the finest museums in Greece, with artefacts spanning several thousand years.

If you like your trips to be more spontaneous, consider hiring a car. That way, you can take in lively beach resorts like Agios Nikolaos, the mountains of the interior, and the white beaches that fringe the coastline – all at your own pace. Take a look at our Crete holidays page for more ideas, and to search for package deals.