If you’re heading to the absolutely dreamy Stella Island resort in Crete (lucky you!), there’s one small but important detail you do not want to overlook: which airport you fly into.
Trust me, it’s the kind of thing that seems minor when you’re daydreaming about overwater bungalows and lagoon-style pools — but it can seriously impact the start of your holiday if you get it wrong.
The Airport You Want: Heraklion (HER)
Stella Island is located in Analipsi, and the closest airport is Heraklion International Airport (HER). It’s only about a 20-minute drive from the resort — super quick and easy. A taxi will cost you around €35–€40, or you can pre-book a transfer if you want to be extra organised.
So far, so simple.
The Airport You Don’t Want: Chania (CHQ)
Here’s where people sometimes go wrong. There’s another airport on the island — Chania International (CHQ) — and it might come up cheaper when you’re booking flights. But don’t be tempted.
Chania is over 2 hours away from Stella Island, and if you end up flying there, you’ll either face a long, winding transfer or a very expensive taxi ride (we’re talking €150+). Not exactly the relaxing welcome you imagined, right?
It’s an Easy Mistake to Make
Crete is a big island, and if you’re not familiar with the geography, it’s easy to think either airport will do. But for this resort — and honestly, for your own sanity — fly into Heraklion. That way, you can be poolside, cocktail in hand, within half an hour of landing.