Smoking at Heraklion International Airport (Nikos Kazantzakis) – HER – 2026

Looking for a place to smoke at Heraklion Airport? HER is the main gateway to Crete and Greece’s second-busiest airport by passenger traffic during summer. Outdoor smoking areas are available.

Outside Terminal

Inside Terminal

Summer Season

Future Airport

Greece banned smoking in all enclosed public spaces under Law 3868/2010, which took effect in September 2010. This law applies to all airports, restaurants, bars, and workplaces throughout the country. Fines for individuals caught smoking indoors range from €50 to €500, while businesses that allow smoking can be fined up to €10,000. Despite Greece having one of Europe’s highest smoking rates (approximately 25% of adults), airports strictly enforce the ban with security and police monitoring. All Greek airports have designated outdoor smoking areas. E-cigarettes are treated the same as conventional cigarettes and are banned in all enclosed public spaces, though enforcement of vaping restrictions is less consistent than for traditional cigarettes.

Outside Terminal

• Outdoor smoking area outside the main terminal entrance on the departures level
• Additional area on the arrivals level near the exit and bus stops
• The open-air area near the short-term parking provides space during peak summer crowds

Inside Terminal

• No indoor smoking rooms at Heraklion Airport
• The terminal building is entirely smoke-free
• Gate areas have no post-security smoking access

Summer Season

• Heraklion is extremely busy during June-September with charter flights from across Europe
• Security lines can be long during peak summer departures
• Plan extra time for smoke breaks during the tourist season

Future Airport

• A new airport at Kastelli (approximately 40 km southeast of Heraklion) is under construction and expected to replace HER
• The new airport will follow the same Greek indoor smoking ban

Greece Smoking Regulations

Greece banned smoking in all enclosed public spaces under Law 3868/2010, which took effect in September 2010. This law applies to all airports, restaurants, bars, and workplaces throughout the country. Fines for individuals caught smoking indoors range from €50 to €500, while businesses that allow smoking can be fined up to €10,000. Despite Greece having one of Europe’s highest smoking rates (approximately 25% of adults), airports strictly enforce the ban with security and police monitoring. All Greek airports have designated outdoor smoking areas. E-cigarettes are treated the same as conventional cigarettes and are banned in all enclosed public spaces, though enforcement of vaping restrictions is less consistent than for traditional cigarettes.

Tips for Smokers at Heraklion Airport

• Heraklion Airport is very busy during summer tourism season. Security lines can exceed 30 minutes, so do not attempt a quick smoke break during a short layover between June and September.
• Crete’s warm Mediterranean climate makes outdoor smoking comfortable year-round. Summer temperatures often exceed 35°C, so stay hydrated.
• The terminal at HER is compact but can feel crowded during peak season. The outdoor smoking area near the departures entrance is your best option.
• A new replacement airport at Kastelli is under construction. When it opens, expect improved facilities but the same outdoor-only smoking policy under Greek law.