Dreaming of whitewashed villages, stunning beaches, and ancient ruins in Greece? You’re not alone! Greece is a top travel destination, and for good reason. However, the cost of flights can sometimes be a barrier to entry, especially if you’re flying from afar. If you’ve been searching for flights to Greece and feeling sticker shock, you might be wondering: Where To Fly Into Greece to save money and make your Mediterranean dreams a reality?
Direct flights to Greece, particularly to popular islands like Mykonos or Santorini, can be expensive, especially from long-haul destinations. But don’t let that deter you! Savvy travelers know that there are smarter ways to reach the Greek Isles without emptying your bank account. The secret often lies in choosing your arrival airport strategically and considering connecting flights through major European hubs.
Why Direct Flights Can Break the Bank
Direct flights offer convenience, but they often come with a premium price tag. Airlines know that travelers value direct routes, and they price them accordingly. If you’re flying from North America, for example, a direct flight to Athens or a Greek island can easily cost significantly more than flights with layovers.
For budget-conscious travelers, especially those coming from afar, exploring indirect routes is a must. This is where European hub airports come into play, offering a gateway to cheaper flights and onward connections to Greece.
The Smart Traveler’s Secret: European Hubs
The key to finding affordable flights to Greece often involves flying into a major European airport first and then catching a connecting flight to your Greek destination. Think of these hubs as your gateway to Greece and the rest of Europe.
London: A Perennial Favorite for Budget Travelers
London consistently ranks as one of the most economical European cities to fly into from North America and other parts of the world. The sheer volume of flights arriving at London Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) creates competition among airlines, driving prices down.
From London, a plethora of budget airlines like EasyJet and Ryanair offer incredibly affordable flights to various Greek destinations, including Athens, Thessaloniki, and popular islands like Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos, and Santorini. You can often find flights for less than the cost of a train ticket within Europe!
Frankfurt: A Central European Hub with Connections
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in Germany is another excellent option. As a major international hub, Frankfurt boasts a wide range of airlines and flight options. Similar to London, flying into Frankfurt and then connecting to Greece with a budget carrier or even a mainline European airline can be significantly cheaper than a direct flight all the way to Greece.
Other European Hub Options to Consider
While London and Frankfurt are often cited as top choices, don’t overlook other European hubs that could offer competitive fares:
- Rome (FCO): Italy’s capital is a popular tourist destination in itself and a major air travel hub. Flying into Rome and then taking a budget flight or ferry to Greece can be a scenic and cost-effective route.
- Paris (CDG): Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is another major international airport with numerous connections throughout Europe, including Greece.
- Amsterdam (AMS): Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam is known for its efficiency and connectivity, offering another viable entry point to Europe for onward travel to Greece.
Budget Airlines: Your Best Friend for Island Hopping
Once you’ve arrived at a European hub, budget airlines are your secret weapon for reaching Greece affordably. Airlines like EasyJet, Ryanair, and others specialize in low-cost, short-haul flights within Europe.
These airlines often fly to major Greek airports like Athens International Airport (ATH) and Thessaloniki Airport (SKG), as well as directly to many popular island airports such as:
- Crete: Chania International Airport (CHQ) and Heraklion International Airport (HER)
- Rhodes: Rhodes International Airport (RHO)
- Mykonos: Mykonos Airport (JMK)
- Santorini: Santorini (Thira) International Airport (JTR)
By utilizing these budget carriers, you can significantly reduce your overall travel costs and have more to spend on enjoying your Greek vacation.
Tips for Finding the Cheapest Flights to Greece
- Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates: Flying mid-week or during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) can often yield lower prices than peak summer travel.
- Consider Flying to a Major Hub First: As discussed, breaking up your journey with a stop in a European hub can dramatically reduce flight costs.
- Use Flight Comparison Websites: Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak allow you to compare prices from multiple airlines and travel agencies, helping you find the best deals.
- Check Airline Websites Directly: Once you’ve identified potentially cheaper airlines or routes on comparison sites, always check the airline’s official website for any deals not listed elsewhere.
- Be Open to Different Airports: Sometimes flying into a slightly less popular airport near your final destination can be cheaper. For example, if you’re heading to Crete, consider flying into Chania (CHQ) instead of just Heraklion (HER), or vice versa, and compare prices.
Conclusion
Traveling to Greece doesn’t have to break the bank. By strategically choosing where to fly into Greece – often opting for major European hubs like London or Frankfurt and utilizing budget airlines for onward travel – you can unlock significantly cheaper flight options. With a little planning and flexibility, your dream Greek island adventure is closer and more affordable than you might think. Start exploring those European hub options and get ready to say “Yiasas” to Greece!
