On a recent trip to Crete, I went in and out of Heraklion Airport and was very surprised to discover that it was named Europe's worst airport by other travelers. Check out our Google reviews. Many negative reviews are shown, especially from people traveling during the peak summer.
Certainly, I traveled in June during my school term, so perhaps I was more tolerant of it. But even so, one recent traveler who visited the airport in May wrote:
Another person who flew from Heraklion last week wrote:
“I have never seen such confused, outspoken, incompetent staff anywhere. Rather than flying through this airport again, I would rather walk or swim. Those responsible for this airport should be put in prison. This is an airport crime.”
But it's certainly a small airport, but I thought it was still perfectly fine. It didn't take long to check in and get through security. The only hold-up was to discuss with desk staff if they had to pay for extra baggage. Fortunately, it was decided that there was no need to charge.
Through security, it's time to check out from tax exemption. There I bought some items for my family.
There are no many shops or food in Heraklion, but I was still able to grab the food before my flight.
And others who left a review claim their food is scary, but that was once again what I felt was OK (i.e., would someone expect great food from the small airport?)
Either way, it certainly wasn't the worst airport I've been to. That designation was sent to Marrakech Airport in Morocco, where I had to queue to enter the building and depart!
And while I was waiting for my boarding, I enjoyed the ocean views, and its speed was the standard for international flight fairies.
Heraklion airport is certainly dated, with its first opening in the 1930s, with the final major update held in 1972, and if you wanted something along the lines of Singapore Changi Airport, you would be very disappointed.
But I disagree that people who are doing it need to be “in prison” as one review reads.
I believe it's an overly hated airport, but I'd probably try to avoid flying in and out during the peak summer season.
