6-hour plan
6-Hour Layover at Heraklion Airport — What to Do
Six hours at HER is the sweet spot: enough time to eat well, shower, nap in a lounge or even head into Heraklion’s Old Town.
- 1
Arrival & Transit (30 min)
Exit your plane, follow Transit signs, clear transit security on Level 3.
- 2
Lounge or shower (2 h)
Relax in an airside lounge, or freshen up at the shower facilities (where available).
- 3
Eat local (1 h)
Try bougatsa, a Cretan breakfast or souvlaki at the food court.
- 4
Old Town visit (optional)
If you hold a valid Schengen visa (or don’t need one), Heraklion’s Old Town and Venetian harbour are about 15 minutes away by bus or taxi.
- 5
Shopping & return to gate (1 h)
Duty-free on Level 3, then head to your gate 60 min before boarding.
Pro tips
- →Re-clearing security on return takes 20–40 min during peaks.
- →Buffer 90 min before departure if you leave airside.
- →Pet relief area is on Level -1 (arrivals).
People also ask
Yes, if you hold a valid Schengen visa or don’t need one. Allow 3 hours before departure to return through passport control and security.