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Holidays to Crete
If you want lashings of sun, sea and souvlaki then Crete holidays should be at the top of your list. Situated in the southern Aegean Sea, this Mediterranean hotspot is the largest of the Greek islands. There’s no shortage of postcard-perfect Blue Flag beaches to spend lazy sun-soaked days on, but if you want to explore historical Greece at its most beautiful, you’ll be spoilt for choice here. Whether you want to chill out in Aghios Nikolaos, relax in the sun-kissed resorts of Chania and Bali or party all night in buzzing Malia, Crete holidays tick every box.
Crete holidays are a magical combo of vibrant cities, whitewashed villages and heavenly beaches and there is self-catering, full board and luxury holidays to suit every budget.
A Guide to Crete Holidays
Agios Nikolaos, in the north-eastern area of Lassithi, is one of Crete’s most popular resorts thanks to its great choice of safe, Blue Flag beaches. The north is also home to the Heraklion region, which boasts amazing beaches in resorts like Stalis and Hersonissos.
In the west, Rethymnon and Chania have the best sandy stretches.
Visit Heraklion
The capital of Crete, Heraklion, traces it's beginnings back to the 9th century so it has plenty to please history buffs, including the old city walls, Koules Fortress and the stunning Venetian Palace.
But it’s a bustling modern city too with plenty of great shops and restaurants
Activities
Crete’s two waterparks have enough thrills and spills to keep adrenalin addicts happy all day long. Aquaplus near Hersonissos boasts black holes, an aqua slalom and a crazy river. Watercity in Anopolis has 36 pools and slides.
Seaside thrill seekers are also well catered for with a great choice of scuba diving and watersports.
Caves, Islands and Lakes
Don’t miss the chance to visit the former leper colony of Spinalonga Island, and if you haven’t read it, bring along Victoria Hislop’s Spinalonga-set novel The Island as your beach read.
Crete is also home to beautiful lakes including Lake Voulismeni in Agios Nikolaos and over 3,000 caves including tourist favourite Dikteon.
Boat trip to Scenic Loutro
Escape the crowds and take a boat trip to beautiful Loutro village on the south coast. This quiet, protected cove has a pebble beach, laidback tavernas and traditional blue and white sugar-cube shaped houses tumbling down to the water’s edge.
The land of Windmills
Lassithi Plateau, located 900m above sea level in the Diktian mountains, stretches across 25,000 sq km of gardens and almond trees. This scenic idyll is interrupted only by the tinkling of goat bells and makes its way into all the guidebooks thanks to the hundreds of pretty white windmills that dot the landscape.
Indulge in Wine Tasting
Cretans have been making wine for more than 3,500 years and Europe’s oldest vineyard was unearthed in the Kato Zakro area. Today, local growers are receiving worldwide recognition for their produce so head to one of the vineyards near Chania or Heraklion for a day of wine tasting.
Don't leave without trying one of the white wines such as Vilano and Vidiano or the popular red wine Romeiko.
Shopping
Visit the ancient and still bustling Agora, the cross-shaped, covered market at Chania built around 1911, and wander through the town’s colourful quayside for trinkets to take home.
Check out the weekly street markets, particularly at Odos Minoos, for some local flavor, picking up Cretan honey and olives from Odos Hatzi Michali Yannari. If you visit at the end of the tourist season in October you can find some great jewellery and leather bargains.
A Guide to Crete Holidays
Crete Beaches
Agios Nikolaos, in the north-eastern area of Lassithi, is one of Crete’s most popular resorts thanks to its great choice of safe, Blue Flag beaches. The north is also home to the Heraklion region, which boasts amazing beaches in resorts like Stalis and Hersonissos.
In the west, Rethymnon and Chania have the best sandy stretches.
Visit Heraklion
The capital of Crete, Heraklion, traces it's beginnings back to the 9th century so it has plenty to please history buffs, including the old city walls, Koules Fortress and the stunning Venetian Palace.
But it’s a bustling modern city too with plenty of great shops and restaurants
Activities
Crete’s two waterparks have enough thrills and spills to keep adrenalin addicts happy all day long. Aquaplus near Hersonissos boasts black holes, an aqua slalom and a crazy river. Watercity in Anopolis has 36 pools and slides.
Seaside thrill seekers are also well catered for with a great choice of scuba diving and watersports.
Caves, Islands and Lakes
Don’t miss the chance to visit the former leper colony of Spinalonga Island, and if you haven’t read it, bring along Victoria Hislop’s Spinalonga-set novel The Island as your beach read.
Crete is also home to beautiful lakes including Lake Voulismeni in Agios Nikolaos and over 3,000 caves including tourist favourite Dikteon.
Boat trip to Scenic Loutro
Escape the crowds and take a boat trip to beautiful Loutro village on the south coast. This quiet, protected cove has a pebble beach, laidback tavernas and traditional blue and white sugar-cube shaped houses tumbling down to the water’s edge.
The land of Windmills
Lassithi Plateau, located 900m above sea level in the Diktian mountains, stretches across 25,000 sq km of gardens and almond trees. This scenic idyll is interrupted only by the tinkling of goat bells and makes its way into all the guidebooks thanks to the hundreds of pretty white windmills that dot the landscape.
Indulge in Wine Tasting
Cretans have been making wine for more than 3,500 years and Europe’s oldest vineyard was unearthed in the Kato Zakro area. Today, local growers are receiving worldwide recognition for their produce so head to one of the vineyards near Chania or Heraklion for a day of wine tasting.
Don't leave without trying one of the white wines such as Vilano and Vidiano or the popular red wine Romeiko.
Shopping
Visit the ancient and still bustling Agora, the cross-shaped, covered market at Chania built around 1911, and wander through the town’s colourful quayside for trinkets to take home.
Check out the weekly street markets, particularly at Odos Minoos, for some local flavor, picking up Cretan honey and olives from Odos Hatzi Michali Yannari. If you visit at the end of the tourist season in October you can find some great jewellery and leather bargains.
Essential Information
Getting Around
Travelling by bus or car
Passports and Visas
Health and Safety
Vaccinations
Crete’s two airports are based in Heraklion and Chania. If you’re not picking up a hire car it’s a good idea to pre-book a taxi transfer online. As Crete is a big island with lots to explore, many tourists hire a car but it’s not essential as Crete has a great bus service and plenty of taxis. Moped hire is popular in resorts but remember to wear a helmet. Also, you can get around the island by ferry.
Travelling by bus or car
The towns of Chania and Herkalion both have excellent bus services. Further afield, Greece’s KTEL bus service provides an efficient service all over the island and it’s usually easy to find English speaking staff.
Car hire is a popular option for exploring Crete. Pick up your car from the airport to save on transfer costs and drive on the right. Roads are generally good but can be sparsely signposted in rural areas.
Passports and Visas
British citizens don’t need a visa to travel to Greece but a valid passport is a must. For more information and advice, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/entry-requirements or the Foreign Office at www.fco.gov.uk/en/
Health and Safety
Medical and travel insurance are essential for travel to Greece. Check your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) card is up to date for emergency hospital treatment. For more info, see www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/health
Vaccinations
Vaccinations aren’t necessary to travel to Greece but your immunisations should be up to date. Visit your GP before your holiday for any specific medical advice you may need.
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