Cheap summer flights to Greece: when to book and how to save (2026)
In summer 2026 there were fewer cheap seats to Greece. Eight ways to pay less for flights to Greece and the islands.
- Book in winter, and consider flying in June or September.
- Athens has the most flights; continue to the island by domestic flight or ferry.
- Compare the final price with luggage, and check packages and Haifa flights.
If you plan Greece in summer, don't wait for the last minute: supply from Israel is smaller than before. Pick a flexible date range, compare the Athens option and watch the flights page.
Why summer flights to Greece cost more
Summer is Greece's peak season, and demand from Israel is highest in the school holidays. According to PassportCruise (May 2026), supply in summer 2026 was lower than in previous years, mainly because Wizz Air had not returned to Israel and Ryanair no longer flies from Ben Gurion. Fewer cheap seats mean higher prices, so planning matters.
8 ways to find a cheap summer flight to Greece
- Book early. For July and August, book in winter. Island charters fill up fast.
- Fly in June or September. The sea is warm and prices are usually lower than mid-summer.
- Be flexible on dates. Moving a day or two can change the fare.
- Check Athens. Athens has the most direct flights all year, and often the most low fares. Continue to the island by domestic flight or ferry.
- Count the luggage. A cheap base fare without a bag can end up expensive. Compare the final price.
- Check flights from Haifa. Air Haifa has operated flights from Haifa to Athens and some islands, which also saves northerners the trip to Ben Gurion.
- Compare packages. Some island flights are sold only with a hotel, and sometimes a package is cheaper than booking separately.
- Watch the prices. On our cheap flights to Greece page, Yavanet updates the lowest fare from Tel Aviv to every Greek destination each morning and marks direct flights.
Where can you fly direct from Israel in summer?
In summer 2026 there were direct flights to Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete (Heraklion and Chania), Rhodes, Karpathos, Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, Kos, Lefkada and Kefalonia. Full list with airlines: Greek islands with direct flights from Israel.
Direct to the island or via Athens?
| Direct to the island | Athens and onward | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Fastest | Longer, depends on the connection |
| Price | Sometimes expensive in peak season | Sometimes cheaper overall |
| Flexibility | Few flights a week | Many flights a day |
| Risk | Low | Separate tickets need a buffer |
If you combine a flight to Athens with a ferry, check times and prices in our complete guide to ferries in Greece.
Tip: summer strikes
Greece sometimes has strikes that affect flights and ferries. Before you fly, check today's strikes.
FAQ
When is it cheapest to fly to Greece in summer? June and September are usually cheaper than July and August.
How far ahead should I book a summer flight to Greece? Book in winter, especially direct flights to the islands.
Why are flights to Greece expensive in 2026? According to PassportCruise, supply fell mainly because Wizz Air and Ryanair are not flying from Ben Gurion.
How do I see today's cheapest fare? On Yavanet's flights page, updated every morning with the lowest fare to each destination.
