Holidays in Crete

The grand island of Crete has a wide appeal for everyone with its beautiful, calm beaches, an excellent array of exciting water sport, interesting historical buildings and sites, fabulous shops and markets and outstanding dining and evening entertainment options. Crete is the largest of all the Greek Islands and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Nestled in the southern Aegean Sea with a high mountain range crossing from east to west, Crete is an island of fertile valleys, steep gorges, glorious beaches and impressive mountainscapes. With endless olive groves, citrus trees and herbs such as wild basil and fennel, Crete offers fresh and tasty dishes using a lot of local produce and freshly-caught fish. Traditional tavernas offer the most authentic dining experience, whilst the seaside restaurants cater all tastes from low-key snacks to a more gourmet affair.

The beauty of Crete is its diversity; on one side you have dramatic mountain ranges with caves and gorges, olive and orange groves and wild flora, whilst on the other side you find long sandy beaches and isolated coves offering a perfect setting for a spot of bathing, water sport or romantic strolls.

The mountain villages and coastal towns on the east and west of Crete remain very much authentic and traditional with same families occupying the same houses for centuries. Characteristic old cream houses with colourful shutters and doors sitting alongside the sweet-smelling bougainvillea lined narrow streets create the typical picture of the more authentic Crete. There are of course larger holiday resorts with a wealth of activities available from dolphin watching to horse riding to wind surfing and paragliding. The nightlife varies from town to town with a good range of lively and more peaceful resorts on offer. Crete is well-known for its lively resorts such as the wild resort of Malia which is popular among young British holidaymakers.

The Crete architecture reflects the various influences over the centuries from Ottoman to Venetian. The Venetian especially left their stamp on the island’s culture and history after occupying the island for over five centuries. It is worthwhile to visit some of the island’s most important landmarks which include the Minoan Palace of Knossos, which was the political centre of the Minoan civilization; the Samaria Gorge, which is the longest gorge in Europe and perhaps the most popular tourist attraction in Crete; the Falasarna coastline with its beautiful long beaches and rock pools; the historical Preveli Monastery and the picturesque islet of Elafonissi, which feature nestling grounds for the magnificent sea turtles.

In addition to the standard tourist shops, local crafts including ceramics, leather goods, jewellery and embroidered linens are popular souvenirs. Local markets are lively and fascinating, and are definitely worth a visit. For those interested in history, there is a wealth of archaeological museums and old historical buildings to visit.

Elounda Transfers: Heraklion airport 1hr 5mins (by taxi)
Famous for its luxury hotels, Elounda still holds on to its character and old traditions Its pretty harbour adorned with colourful boats boasts breathtaking views of the bay of Mirabello. Busy in the height of the summer, there is a great selection of excellent fish tavernas, bars and shops and restaurants, around the square which overlooks to the picturesque harbour.

Agios Nikolaos Transfers: Heraklion airport 50mins (by taxi)
The cosmopolitan and sophisticated resort of Agios Nikolaos has always been a popular holiday spot and chic boutiques, trendy cafés and music bars, restaurants and clubs reflect the stylish atmosphere. Traditional charm and a lively feel balance well and make this resort a popular favourite for families and couples alike.

Hersonissos Transfers: Heraklion airport 50mins (by taxi)
Vibrant and lively, buzzing with life, Hersonissos is a cosmopolitan resort offering plenty of entertainment and a good nightlife. Complementing this cosmopolitan feel, is the picturesque harbour lined with a wide selection of bars, restaurants and clubs. Countless shops, chic boutiques, craft shops emerge through the streets and stay open well into the night.

Chania Transfers: from Chania airport: 30mins (by taxi)
Chania offers a varied choice of attractions. The picturesque Venetian harbour is the hotspot of the resort where you will find excellent fish tavernas, a huge choice of bars, cafés, restaurants and trendy clubs. Shopping opportunities are plentiful and include traditional craft and a busy indoor market.

Rethymnon Transfers: Heraklion airport: 1hr (by taxi)
A Venetian fortress, a gorgeous old town, a palm-lined promenade, a long sandy beach complete with water-sports, lively bars and tempting tavernas. The third larges city in Crete, traditional charm and modern life blend happily in Rethymnon. You’ll be perfectly placed to take in all the beauty and interest of Crete.

Georgioupolis Transfers: Heraklion airport: 1hr 30min (by taxi)
Gateaway from it all resort with a quiet and pretty fishing village, where time stands still in rural surroundings and authentic Greek hospitality. Boasting a golden sandy beach where you can laze around in the sun and let the day go by. The village square, centre of activity is surrounded by traditional tavernas, restaurants, bars and trendy cafes.

Crete, Resorts

Places to Visit in Crete , Greece

Agia Pelagia | Agios Nikolaos | Chania | Elounda | Georgioupolis | Gouves | Hersonissos |