fbpx

New Airport and Highway Coming to Crete

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Table of Contents

Do you visit Crete often, or plan to buy a home in Crete, Greece’s largest island? The island will be getting a big upgrade. The Crete 2030 Development Plan includes 480 infrastructure projects, including new roads, hospitals, marinas, ports, and an airport.

 

New Airport in Crete

The Kastelli Airport is the most anticipated part of the project because it will handle millions of passengers per year and will create hundreds of jobs. The Kastelli Airport will replace the international airport of Heraklion, the “Nikos Kazantzakis Airport,” which is currently the second-largest airport in Greece and handles six million passengers every year.

© Heraklion Airport, Exact Layout Subject to Change

Where Will Crete’s New Airport Be?

It will be just a 25-minute drive from Heraklion.

 

It will connect the North and South of Crete through the North Road Axis (BOAK) and the South Road Axis (NOAK), with a new modern highway of two express lanes and one emergency lane in each direction. This is the first interconnection of North and South Crete with a modern road network. Before, the two areas were  meaning it will easier for you to travel back and forward between the north and south of the island.

 

The new airport will also connect travelers from Chania, Rethymno and Sitia in much shorter times.

 

When Will Crete’s Airport Be Ready?

The start of the operation will be in 2027, and there will be 19 boarding gates. 29 percent of the terminal is now complete. The runway is 43 percent complete. Pavement work is advancing to connect the airport with Crete’s main north-south road axes (BOAK and NOAK).

 

© Heraklion Airport, Exact Layout Subject to Change

Kastelli Airport Features

Mitsotakis calls it “the largest construction site of Greece – one of the largest airports built in the whole of Europe”. Among the features, one terminal building will be almost 100,000 square meters in size, with LEED SILVER certification. It is worth noting that the project focuses on the reduction of Co2 emissions. A museum space inside will feature Cretan history and mythology, with archaeological remains found during the construction on display.

 

The new airport will also have biometric and automated control procedures, facilities for entertainment, leisure, catering, prayer, baby and mother support, and more.

 

Crete Development Plan 2030

The whole Crete Development Plan 2030 will cost 7.7 billion euros and in addition to new infrastructure, it will improve agricultural production and sustainability. 191 million euros will be spent on upgrading the research facilities at the Hellenic Center for Marine Research (HCMR) and the Centre for Technological Research of Crete.

© Heraklion Airport, Exact Layout Subject to Change

About Crete

Crete is the largest island in Greece, with immense cultural and archaeological heritage, and gems like the Palace of Knossos. The environment in Crete is stunning, with spectacular beaches, gorges and mountains and Mediterranean olive groves and vineyards. Crete is the fifth most visited destination in Greece, and it ranks seventh in the world in terms of the number of tourists, according to data from the World Tourism Organisation.

New Roadway in Crete

The new motorway of Crete will be called “VOAK” and its building is already started. The construction is split into three parts: The eastern section (Neapolis to Agios Nikolaos), the middle section (Chersonissos to Neapolis), and the western section (Chania to Hersonissos). The Western section is, of course, the largest. The Eastern section will be completed first.

 

What Will Crete’s New Motorway be Like?

The new highway in Crete will become the most intelligent highway in the country, with some of the newest technology as well as “Motorist Service Stations” where you can rest, buy Cretan products, and eat at a cafe or restaurant. Some charging stations will be available for electric vehicles, and rest stops will be available next to the highway with toilets.

 

What are the Benefits of a New Motorway in Crete?

A new motorway in Crete means lower travel times. If you’ve spent a lot of time on Crete, you know that traveling long distances in Crete takes a lot of time. Tourists in many cases do not visit places far from their stay, exactly for this reason. The new road will help develop tourism further on Crete, while also make the road more safe.

What Are the Steps to Buying a Home in Crete?

Looking for something in particular?
BlogPurchase Tips

The 10 Most Common Misconceptions about Buying a Home in Greece

“I need to be a Greek citizen to buy a home in Greece, right?” “Don’t I need a Greek bank account to buy a home ...
Santorini Island
BlogPress Releases

Press Release: More Americans Searching for Vacation Homes in Greece Since November

The outcome of the recent U.S. elections is emerging as a “catalyst” for the surge in American interest in purchasing vacation homes in Greece. This ...
BlogLifestyle

The Best Greek Christmas Foods

Traditional Christmas Dishes in Greece The first picture that comes to mind when thinking of Greece is a sea view from an island in the ...
Digital Nomad
BlogIn The News

Greek Islands Promise Faster Internet Access

Greece is rapidly transforming its digital landscape, paving the way for a brighter future in connectivity. Once known for its slower internet speeds, the country ...
BlogIn The News

Capital Link 2024: Greece’s Economic Growth and Top Investment Opportunities

Greece is emerging as a top global investment destination at Capital Link’s 2024 Forum in New York City. This premier event highlights Greece’s economic revival, ...
BlogRegional Guides

Greek Mountains: The Best Villages

Winter is a time in Greece for hearty Christmas-time stews replace the summer salads, and new seasonal products start to appear, like mandarin oranges, wild ...

Compare Listings

Receive the latest news

Stay informed on the latest market insights, updates, tips and more

We’ll send you our best articles, expert insights and newest listings.​