Duty-Free Shopping at Heraklion Airport
Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” (HER) has duty-free and other shops in the airside departures area, after security. You will find the usual perfumes, spirits and tobacco alongside Cretan products that make good gifts — olive oil, honey, herbs and local sweets. Here is what to expect, how the tax rules work, and how to carry purchases through a connection.
Is there duty-free at Heraklion Airport?
Yes. The main duty-free store is run by Hellenic Duty Free Shops and sits airside, past the security check, so you shop once you are through into the departures area. There are also smaller retail and souvenir points, including a mini-market and gift stands, both landside and airside.
What can you buy?
- Perfumes, cosmetics and skincare
- Spirits, wine and local drinks such as raki
- Tobacco
- Sunglasses, watches and accessories from familiar brands
- Confectionery, snacks and travel essentials
- Cretan and Greek local products and souvenirs
Cretan products worth buying
Crete is known for its food, and the airport shops are a last chance to pick some up before you fly. Look for extra-virgin olive oil, thyme honey, dried oregano and other herbs, mountain tea, olives, and local sweets. These travel well, are hard to find at the same quality at home, and make more distinctive gifts than the standard duty-free lines. Olive oil in tins packs more safely than glass.
How do the tax rules work?
Genuine duty-free savings on alcohol and tobacco apply when you are flying to a destination outside the EU. For flights within the EU there is no duty-free on those goods, because of the single market, though the shops still sell them at ordinary retail prices. Separately, visitors who live outside the EU may be able to claim VAT back on some purchases made during their trip — keep the receipts and ask about tax-free (VAT refund) forms.
Prices compared with town
Airport prices are convenient but not always the cheapest. Big-name perfumes and spirits can be good value duty-free on a non-EU flight, while everyday snacks and drinks cost more than in a supermarket in the city. If you want quantity of Cretan olive oil or wine, a shop in town may be cheaper — the airport is best for a last-minute or hand-carried gift.
Liquids and hand-luggage allowances
Anything you buy airside, including bottles, can normally go in your hand luggage. If you have a connecting flight, keep the purchases sealed in the tamper-evident bag with the receipt inside, so they clear security at the transfer airport. The standard 100 ml liquid limit still applies to anything bought before security.
Opening hours
The airside shops open around the flight schedule, following the early-morning to late-evening pattern of departures in summer. In the quieter winter months the hours are shorter and fewer outlets may be open. If you are relying on buying something specific, do not leave it until the final call for boarding.
Frequently asked questions
Is there duty-free at Heraklion Airport?
Yes, airside after security, run by Hellenic Duty Free Shops, plus smaller shops.
Can I buy alcohol duty-free on an EU flight?
There is no duty-free on alcohol and tobacco for intra-EU flights, but the shops still sell them at retail prices.
What Cretan products can I buy?
Olive oil, honey, herbs, mountain tea, olives and local sweets are all good choices.
Can I take bottles bought here in my hand luggage?
Yes — keep them sealed with the receipt if you have a connecting flight.
Can I claim VAT back?
Non-EU residents may claim VAT on some purchases; keep receipts and ask about tax-free forms.