Sitia Airport serves the eastern part of Crete, the least touristy and most authentic part of the island, approximately 1 km from Sitia city centre.
It is a small airport with limited connections, predominantly seasonal, serving as the access point for Vai palm beach and the remote beaches of the eastern coast.
How to get to Sitia Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to JSH
Parking near Sitia Airport
The parking, compact, is a short distance from the terminal.
Direct surveillance is lacking, but rates remain moderate.
How to get to Crete from JSH
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Sitia Airport
Some car rental operators have desks in the arrivals area, essential for exploring the eastern coast of Crete.
A driver's license, passport, and credit card in the renter's name are the required documents for the security deposit.
Hotels near Sitia Airport
The historic centre and the port
About 1 km from the airport, 5 minutes by taxi or a short walk with little luggage.
Best for: Travellers who want the port, the archaeological museum and the beaches of Sitia and Petras within walking distance.
- Among the shortest transfers in this guide: airport and centre almost coincide
- Port, seafront and archaeological museum a few minutes' walk away
- Small town: nightlife is limited compared with Crete's bigger tourist resorts
- Few direct flights: most connections go through Athens or Heraklion
Recommended hotels
- Casa di Cornaro Guesthouse in a historic house on Vitsentzou Kornarou street, a few steps from Petras beach and the Folklore Museum; among the most central properties in town. View availability
- Bellevue Apartments Apartments with a garden about 800 metres from Sitia beach, two minutes' walk from the seafront; a cheaper alternative to the historic centre. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is very small, consistent with the airport's limited and seasonal traffic.
The recommended safety margin for flights is 1-1.5 hours.
Map of Sitia Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. What is the Vai palm forest?
Europe's only natural palm forest, with an exotic beach surrounded by thousands of palm trees, among the most unusual attractions in eastern Crete.
Q. Why is eastern Crete less touristy?
It's more remote and less developed than the island's north coast, offering a more authentic experience away from the crowds.
Q. Does Sitia airport receive direct international flights or only domestic connections?
After the facility's expansion, the airport also hosts some direct international charter flights during the summer season, in addition to domestic connections with Athens: it still remains the smallest and least busy of Crete's airports.
Q. Is it worth renting a car in Sitia?
Yes, it's recommended for exploring eastern Crete's coast, which is less served by public transport than the rest of the island.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
