Crete is becoming increasingly accessible beyond the traditional summer season, with Transavia France set to keep its Paris–Heraklion connection operating during the winter months.
The French airline has included Heraklion in its 2026/2027 winter programme, offering up to four direct flights per week from Paris Orly. The addition gives travellers from France another opportunity to reach Crete during a period when the island is typically quieter, while providing a direct air link between the two destinations outside the peak holiday season.
The winter service was confirmed during a meeting between the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) and Transavia France at IFTM Top Resa 2026 in Paris. The discussions also explored opportunities to further develop travel between France and Greece throughout the year.
For Crete, the extended connection comes at an interesting time as the island continues to attract visitors looking beyond the conventional summer escape. Cooler temperatures, archaeological sites, mountain villages, local food traditions and a strong year-round cultural identity give the destination a different character once the busiest months have passed.
The move also forms part of a wider expansion of Transavia France’s presence in Greece. The airline had already introduced winter services to Thessaloniki, while cooperation with the GNTO has included promotional campaigns in France highlighting Greek destinations served by the carrier. In 2026, the two sides worked together on 14 co-marketing initiatives.
For French travellers, the new winter schedule makes a spontaneous break in Crete more accessible, while for the island’s tourism industry, continued international air access creates another opportunity to build demand beyond July and August.
With direct flights from Paris continuing into the cooler months, Crete is adding another chapter to its growing year-round tourism story.
