Restaurants & Cafés at Heraklion Airport

Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” (HER) has cafes, snack bars and a restaurant for a coffee, a quick bite or a proper meal before your flight. Most of the choice is airside, after security, with a cafe or two landside as well. Here is where to eat, what to expect, and how to time it around your flight.

Where can I eat at Heraklion Airport?

Food and drink is spread across the single terminal, with the main options airside in the departures area once you are through security. There is roughly one sit-down option plus several snack bars and coffee points, so you can grab something fast or sit down for a while before boarding.

Before security (landside)

In the public area there is a cafe with a bakery serving coffee, pastries and sandwiches — handy if you are early, seeing someone off, or want a bite before you check in. A small mini-market also sells cold drinks and snacks you can take through with you. It is the practical choice if you have not cleared security yet or your flight is at a quiet hour.

After security (airside)

Past security you will find the bulk of the food. This typically includes branches of the popular Greek fast-food chain Everest, with sandwiches, savoury pastries and coffee, along with a Greek-style snack bar and other coffee and light-meal points. This is where most travellers eat while waiting at the gate, so it can get busy at peak departure times.

Greek and Cretan things to try

Expect Greek staples: cheese and spinach pies (tyropita and spanakopita), fresh sandwiches, the sesame bread rings called koulouri, and sweet pastries. It is a good last taste of Crete before you fly, even though the airport range is smaller and simpler than what you find in town.

Coffee, Greek style

Coffee is easy to find both landside and airside, from a quick espresso to the iced frappé and freddo espresso that Greeks drink through the summer. There is usually a cold drink, juice or beer to hand too — useful for an early departure or to sit out a delay.

Dietary options and water

Vegetarians will find cheese pies, salads and sandwiches without much trouble, though dedicated vegan or gluten-free choices are limited, so bring your own if you have strict needs. Bring an empty bottle to fill after security to avoid paying airport prices for water, especially in the summer heat.

Prices and what to expect

As at most airports, prices sit a little above city levels and the choice is more limited, particularly late in the evening when some outlets wind down. It is a functional airport food offer rather than a dining destination — perfectly fine for a coffee, a pie and a sit-down before boarding.

Timing it around your flight

If you want to eat airside, clear security first — in peak summer the queues at HER can be long, so leave time. For a quick turnaround, or if outlets are closing late at night, the landside cafe or the mini-market is the safer bet. See the terminal guide for the layout and the lounge guide if you would rather wait somewhere quiet with refreshments included.

Frequently asked questions

Are there restaurants at Heraklion Airport?
Yes — mainly airside, with snack bars, coffee points and a sit-down option, plus a cafe landside.

Can I get food before security?
Yes, there is a cafe with a bakery and a small mini-market in the public area.

Is there Greek food?
Yes — Greek pies, sandwiches, coffee and snacks are widely available.

Is the food expensive?
Prices are a bit above city levels, as at most airports, with a smaller choice late at night.

Can I refill a water bottle?
Bring an empty bottle to fill after security and save on buying water, especially in summer.