Traveling to your favourite Greek destinations has just got easier, as multiple new flights have been introduced by budget-friendly airlines.
As the sun rises over the Acropolis, planes are arriving at Athens airport. 181 flight arrivals today alone, including 9 from UK airports, and it’s only February. From March onward flight routes will increase, with some airlines starting their summer schedules earlier this year. With more spring flights direct to the islands in 2023, you can start your house hunting early. Flights and accommodation are cheaper in the earlier months. Also, temperatures will be more comfortable for travelling around to view property.
If you are looking for a holiday home, a location with a long flight schedule is favourable. Especially if the 90 day rule applies to you. You’ll be able to fit in long stays in the spring and autumn months, and avoid the heat of July and August. Spring is a wonderful time to be in Greece and from April the temperatures can be in the 20s centigrade.
Find homes in Greece via our property portal.
Which airlines fly to Greece?
Easyjet will be flying even longer over summer!
Easyjet is the most well-known airline flying to Greece. However, Jet2, TUI, British Airways, Ryanair and Wizz air all fly direct to airports in Greece.
Direct flights from London to Greece are numerous, but the highest frequency and cheapest flights depart from London Stansted (STN), London Gatwick (LGW) and London Luton (LTN) airports. There are several flights arriving at Athens International Airport daily, and from there you can get flights to the islands or hop on a ferry at Piraeus Port.
Ryanair provides a regular service from London Stansted to Athens and Thessaloniki, while easyJet offers departures from London Gatwick. In addition, WIZZ Air operate from London Luton to Athens and British Airways do non-stop flights from Heathrow.
A longer season for 2023
Easyjet’s 2023 summer season has got longer for many destinations. Some of the following destinations in Greece, have flights starting as early as 11th March. Here is the Easyjet schedule from London (all airports) to Greece, for 2023: Crete 11th March – 7th November, Rhodes 11th March – 6th November, Santorini 17th March – 4th November, Corfu 26th March – 7th November, Kalamata 1st April – 29th October, Kefalonia 27th March – 29th October, 28th Kos March – 29th October, Mykonos 26th March – 28th October, Preveza 26th March – 28th October, Volos 28th June – 30th September, Zante Zakynthos 1st April – 29th October. Thessaloniki has winter flights, but they increase to daily from 24th March. Easyjet also have flights to Greece from Manchester and Bristol.
New flights Bristol to Chania
Easyjet will fly from Bristol to Chania from 27th June – 2nd September 2023. They will operate flights twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays with fares from £43.
Chania, Crete
Bristol – make your way to Crete.
Chania airport is about 23 minutes drive from the town centre. Chania is on the northwest coast of the Greek island of Crete. It is known for its 14th-century Venetian harbour and waterfront restaurants. At the harbour you can walk the sea wall to the 16th-century lighthouse and see model ships at the Nautical Museum. Shopaholics will love the cobbled streets lined with shops selling clothes, ceramics and local artwork. The most spectacular beaches at Balos and Elafonissi are not the easiest to get too, but are well worth a visit. Property for sale in Chania include a village house near the harbour for €250.000.
New flights Edinburgh to Santorini
Easyjet flights will operate on Tuesdays from 6th June 2023, with fares from £39.99.
Santorini
Santorini airport is 10 minutes drive from Fira Santorini and 22 minutes from Oia. Santorini is one of the Cyclade islands located in the Aegean Sea. The white cube-shaped houses that distinguish the two main towns, Oia and Fira, are perched atop cliffs overlooking an underwater caldera (crater). From these cities the view extends over the sea to small islands to the west and over the beaches made of black, red and white volcanic stone. Tiny apartments needing renovation can be found on Santorini for as little as €95,000. A more livable apartment can cost from €120,000.
New flights Belfast to Rhodes and Corfu
Easyjet to launch flights from Belfast to Rhodes twice weekly from 3rd June – 28th October. There are also flights scheduled from Belfast to Corfu from 26th March – 29th October.
Rhodes
The airport is 25 minutes drive from Rhodes town, 20 minutes from Faliraki, 56 minutes from Lindos. Rhodes is the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands and is well known for its beach resorts and ancient ruins. Rhodes medieval city is the best-preserved fortified city in Europe. Nowadays, the charming old city has a huge mix of Greek, Ottoman and Italian heritage that has shaped the look and feel of the city. Plus, the great cuisine! A must see in Rhodes town is the Street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Master. If you want to see a pretty Greek village go to the pedestrianised village of Lindos and walk up to the acropolis. But, if you seek a lively beach resort, Faliraki is the place for sun and nightlife. A three bedroom villa on Rhodes can cost in the region of €295,000.
New flights Liverpool to Corfu
Easyjet to do Sunday flights from Liverpool to Corfu 4th June – 22nd October.
Liverpool – Corfu just became easier to reach!
Corfu
Corfu airport is less than 10 minutes drive from the town. Corfu is the most northerly of the Ionian Islands. From 1386 to 1797 Corfu was held by the Venetians. Then, it was under British rule from 1815 to 1864. Corfu Town, is a maze of cobbled alleyways and elegant Venetian-era buildings. The UNESCO-listed old town is guarded by two imposing 16th-century fortresses. There are lovely beaches at Kassiopi, Paleokastritsa and Glyfada.
New flights from New York to Athens
From 11th March, Greece will welcome this year’s first direct flight from the United States. Delta Air Lines will be the US carrier to officially open non-stop connections from American airports to Greece for 2023 with its New York JFK – Athens flight.
Currently, Emirates runs all-year round daily flights from Dubai to Newark Liberty International Airport via Athens. 56 flights per week have already been scheduled for 2023 from the US and Canada to Athens. 33 minutes drive from Athens airport is Piraeus port, where you can travel by ferry to many of the islands. The closest are those in the Saronic Gulf: Aegina, Agistri, Hydra, Poros and Spetses.
Athens
It is a 32 minute drive from Athens airport into the city centre. It’s hard to imagine, but Athens’ illustrious history stretches back more than 3,000 years. The Acropolis is one of the world’s most breath-taking ancient ruins, with its Parthenon temple perched high on a rocky crag watching over the city. Athen’s exceptional museums display fascinating artifacts uncovered at local sites. When you want a stroll in an area with a Greek village ambiance check out the The Pláka district, with it’s lovely bougainvillea-trimmed houses, restaurants, and shops. Property for sale in Athens start at €50,000.
New flights Dublin to Kos
Aer lingus is beginning flights from Dublin to Kos on 22nd March 2023. Ryanair don’t start their flights from Dublin to Kos, until 2nd May 2023.
Kos
Dublin – Kos is calling!
Kos town is 23 minutes drive from the airport. Kos is a popular island of the Dodecanese archipelago. Famous for its beaches, the island also offers many historic landmarks. Interesting sites include the Sanctuary of Asclepius (Asklepieion), the Ancient Agora, the Fortress in Antimachia, and the Venetian Castle in Kos Town. Popular activities on Kos are windsurfing, diving and cycling. Apartments for sale on Kos start at about €120,000.
New flights Cardiff to Greece
TUI will offer direct flights from Cardiff to many parts of Greece starting in May 2023. Destinations include: Corfu, beginning 5th May; Kefalonia (2nd May); Zante (26th May); Crete (28th May); Kos (3rd May) and Rhodes (3rd May). Tui also fly from London, Birmingham and Manchester to many airports in Greece.
When is the cheapest month to fly to Greece?
The cheapest months to fly to Greece are February, March, April, and October. On average prices range from £31 to £69 return during these months. They can reach four times this amount in July and August.
How long is a flight from the UK to Greece
The average flight time between London and Athens is 3 hours and 49 minutes. Flights to Thessaloniki 3hr 25m, Corfu 3hr 12m, Chania 3hr 59m and Heraklion 4hr 01m.
Greece’s airports
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) in the southern capital of Athens and Thessaloniki Makedonia Airport (SKG) in the north receive the most flights from London to Greece. Eleftherios Venizelos International lies about 12 miles (20 km) outside Central Athens while Thessaloniki Makedonia is situated about eight miles (13 km) from downtown Thessaloniki.
Greek Island airports
There are at least 14 Greek islands that have connections with international destinations, mainly in Europe. Popular islands with international airports include Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu.
Flying to Greece in the winter
Many of the islands are very quiet in winter and holiday villages close their restaurants. Therefore, airlines often cut their direct winter flights. However, you can still fly to Athens and get internal flights to some of the islands that have larger towns and a bigger resident population. Such as Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, and Corfu. Aegean Air offer many flights to various islands throughout the year. So, why not “Escape the winter cold with an extended trip to Greece”.
Compare flight times
When comparing prices between airlines, also look at the departure and arrival times. The cheaper flights are more likely to have departure times very early in the morning, or arrivals late at night. Therefore, you may find it necessary to spend what you saved on an overnight stay at an airport hotel. Use a different airline for the outward and return journey if the times work better.
Save money on weekday flights
When booking a holiday let or hotel in Greece, hosts may specify Saturday as the changeover day. But, once you have your own place in Greece, you will be able to come and go as you please. Sometimes, you can save hundreds, by selecting a flight midweek. By looking on the calendar view of airline websites you can find the best prices. You can also plan short or long stays. Even popping over for a long weekend.
Take less luggage
Once you have your own property in Greece you will be able to fully benefit from the cheapest fares offered by low-cost airlines. Why pay for that extra case, when you can keep clothes at your own property and travel light. When you have your own property in Greece it makes it so much easier to just pop on a plane and escape to your own peace of paradise any time you wish.
