Crete Holidays

With records dating back millennia, Crete is chock-full of ancient ruins and sites, as well as lush natural wonders worth exploring. Here are some of our favourite activity ideas:

• Samaria Gorge: Trek past geological wonders, abandoned churches and fields of wildflowers along this dramatic hiking route stretching 16 km down to the sea. Located in Samaria National Park in western Crete, the epic Samaria Gorge winds its way between walls of rock that climb almost 300 metres, with the narrowest part of the ravine (known as the Iron Gates) tapering just 4 m. Keep an eye out for kri-kri, a rare goat species native to Crete.
• Knossos: The capital of Minoan Crete, Knossos, is believed to be the oldest city in Europe. Located just south of Heraklion, this Bronze Age site features in Greek mythology as the seat of King Minos, and is made up of a wealth of ancient wonders. Explore the Palace of Knossos, complete with its own Throne Room, and admire the adorning frescoes, many of which were painted 4,000 years ago – the frolicking dolphins and charging bulls are a couple of our favourites.
• Dikteon Caves: Delve into the eerie Dikteon Caves to discover the birthplace of Zeus (king of the Greek gods). Filled with stalagmites, stalactites (including one famous formation named the Mantle of Zeus) and an underground lake, it’s easy to see why this ethereal cave is the stuff of legends.
• Majestic monasteries: If you like nosing around age-old sacred structures, this one’s for you. The Holy Trinity Monastery (complete with swathes of resident cats) is a 17th-century abbey with three trademark domes. Inside, its piece-de-resistance is its blue ceiling gilded with sparkling golden stars. Another worth visiting is Arkadi Monastery, founded by the Byzantine emperor Arcadius in the 5th century. Surrounded by vineyards, olive trees and oaks, this pretty priory is now a Greek national sanctuary.
• Heraklion Archaeological Museum: To fully understand the oldest civilisation in Europe, a trip to one of the oldest museums in Greece is a must. Explore each of the 20 rooms – handily laid out in chronological order – to get close to unique Minoan artefacts, from jewellery to vases, weapons to armour and artistic masterpieces.

Aside from Crete’s many attractions and thriving beach resorts, the island is home to pretty towns and villages equally worth exploring. With cobbled alleyways, pastel-painted exteriors and café culture at its best, they’re perfect for whiling away an afternoon soaking up local life.

• Rethymnon: With remnants of the Roman and Palaeolithic periods on every corner, this well-preserved, photogenic old town has no shortage of things for culture vultures to sink their teeth into. Wander narrow cobbled streets and get swallowed by the past at the Fortezza or Rimondi Fountain, admiring Renaissance mansions, churches and arches as you go.
• Spinalonga Island: This tiny island northeast of Crete has seen a lot in its lifetime, from Venetian rule and Ottoman occupation to Arab raids and hosting a leper community. Catch a boat to the island to explore its intriguing stories, from its secluded fortress to Pirate Barbarosa’s Cave and the sunken city of Olous.
• Loutro: Escape the tourist crowds by hopping on a boat (or rambling across the hills) to this cut-off fishing village on the south coast. This hidden gem lined with white-washed buildings is the perfect place to kick back, relax and simply enjoy the views.
• Chania: Despite being one of the biggest cities on the Greek islands, Chania is small enough to mooch about on foot, exploring maze-like alleys lined with historic buildings. Explore the picturesque Venetian harbour (built in 1320), the old lighthouse and the Agora marketplace, and enjoy drinks on the water at the dry docks.
• Agios Nikolaos: Sitting partially atop the ruins of the ancient city of Lato pros Kamara, Agios Nikolaos on the east of the island of Crete is rich with history and charm. Promenade around Lake Voulismeni, ringed by boats, coffee shops and restaurants, or take lunch by the water, coupled with a stint of people watching.

Characterised by cliff-face drops, swathes of powdery sand and inviting crystal-clear waters, Crete’s 1,000 km coastline is chock-a-block with beautiful sandy beaches. Here are a handful worth checking out:

• Elafonisi Beach: The pink-tinted sands at this southwestern beauty draws sun-seekers to its shores year after year. Get there early to reserve a sunbed on the beach and spend the rest of the day floating in the warm, lagoon-like waters that are no more than knee-deep. You could even walk through the shallow wake to the tiny islet of Elafonisi to find a sunbathing spot on the sand dunes.
• Balos Beach: Equally as paradisiacal as Elafonissi, Balos Beach is wedged between the two capes of Gramvousa and Tigani. The journey down to the beach is, in itself, an adventure, but once you’ve arrived, all you have to do is sink into white sands, paddle in vivid waters brimming with colourful fish and soak up the sultry sun. Just remember to pack a picnic as there are no cafés or restaurants here.
• Falasarna Beach: On the west coast of Crete, where the Gramvousa Peninsula joins the mainland, you’ll find Falasarna Beach, another coastal spot blessed with pink-hued sands. Enjoy the views from above by paragliding from the rugged hills framing the beach, ride the waves on a surfboard, or head here in the evening to watch the sunset – a daily spectacle of fiery reds, oranges and golds.
• Vai Beach: Experience the Caribbean in Greece at this eastern beach, which also happens to be one of Europe’s largest palm groves. Sitting at the end of a dusty coastal track, this undeveloped stretch will treat you to pristine (and peaceful) blond sands, clear waters and ample shady spots beneath the huge palm leaves. Don’t forget your snorkel!
• Seitan Limania: One of the most unusual beaches on the island, Seitan Limania is set in a canyon, bordered by rugged, rocky cliffs. Laze on the sand (joined by a local goat or two), wade into glistening shallow waters or take the leap and try cliff jumping.

Dubbed the party capital of Greece, Crete is no lightweight when it comes to nightlife. Awash with bars, pubs, lounges, clubs and discos, there’s no limit to what you can get up to when the sun sets. Here are some of the top places for late-night antics:

• Malia: This popular party destination is a hit with young revellers from across Europe thanks to its huge choice of clubs, discos, pubs and daytime nautical festivities. Find your (drunken) sea legs on the Malia Booze Cruise or head to Help Bar – said to be the home of the fishbowl cocktail – before dancing the night away at one of Malia’s finest nightclubs. Candy Club, Zig Zag Club and Camelot Castle Club (the largest club in the resort) are some of the best.
• Heraklion: Heaving with students, Crete’s capital is a haven for night owls. The clubs, many of which are located in the Korai Quarter or near the harbour, tend to get going after 1 am, but you can start your night earlier at one of the city’s many bars. Almyra Seaside offers top-notch views of the coastline while Wets & Drys Speakeasy Bar mixes up moreish tipples in a quirky 1920s setting. For live music, head to Jailhouse Rock, or for experimental cocktails in the ruins of an early 20th-century building, make for Xalavro Open Bar.
• Agios Nikolaos: Not into raucous partying? You may prefer spending your nights in Agios Nikolaos, with a glass of wine and sunset views. Sip on happy-hour drinks at Alexandros Rooftop Cocktail Bar, where hanging plants and shrubs add to the homely atmosphere, or get familiar with the locals at Ellinadiko, a popular hangout that only plays Greek music. For drinks by the water, book a table at Bajamar – the most stylish among the harbour-front bars, this one’s known for its magnificent sea views.
• Hersonissos: With more than its fair share of beach clubs, Hersonissos is the place to go for all-day drinking and outdoor bars. New York Beach Club, located on the main strip in town, has ample outdoor seating and a huge cocktail menu, while Star Beach – a waterpark by day and techno disco by night – is famous for its foam parties. Not your vibe? Sink pints and belt out some karaoke tunes at Irish pub, Blarney Stone, instead.
• Chania: From quaint cafés hidden down Old Town alleyways to elegant bars and cosmopolitan nightclubs lining the waterfront, Chania has nightlife options for all tastes. Watch super-skilled bartenders at work at Peacock Tail Bar, boasting one of the most extensive cocktail lists in Greece, or sway along to live bands at Bassoon Jazz Bar, tucked away inside a 15th-century Venetian building. If you don’t want the night to end, finish up at Mylos Club, where you’ll join throngs of partygoers dancing along to DJs from across the world.

Greeks and Cretans love showcasing their food, and you’ll find an exceptional array of restaurants to try their delicious delicacies. From backstreet tavernas serving handed-down recipes to farm-to-table fine-dining eateries and waterfront diners, it won’t be hard to find somewhere good to eat in Crete.

• To Antikristo, Perivola: Named after the simplest and most traditional way of cooking, To Antikristo is a no-frills restaurant serving classic dishes slow-roasted for 4-8 hours over a wood fire. There are no imported ingredients on the menu (not even Coca Cola), meaning you’re guaranteed to get a true taste of Crete.
• Palazzo Al Mare, Chania: Aside from its lovely al fresco terrace overlooking the harbour, this fine-dining waterside restaurant is famed for its fresh seafood and high-quality local ingredients. Opt for tarama mousse or oysters for starters, followed by a big bowl of Cretan pasta packed with veg, basil and mizithra cheese.
• Herb’s Garden, Heraklion: Dine on grilled octopus, Greek meatballs and sweet baklava, with a side helping of panoramic city views, at this balcony restaurant in the Cretan capital. Don’t forget to try the Greek coffee and homemade ice cream.
• Parasties, Heraklion: Another trendy venue in Heraklion is Parasties, also named after a traditional Cretan cooking technique. Chow down on generous slabs of meat served on thick chopping boards or crispy Cretan snails, and sip on fruity vino from the ample wine list.
• Pelagos, Agios Nikolaos: Tucked away along a side street, this low-key bohemian-style spot adorned with lanterns and chandeliers is the perfect place for a romantic meal. Start your meal with a basket of daily baked bread before tucking into some of the freshest fish in town, accompanied by a crunchy Greek salad.

Crete’s mountainous terrain, thriving coastline and strong culture make for an abundance of unique ingredients and mouth-watering delicacies you’ll find nowhere else in the world. Here are some of our favourites:

• Olive oil: It’s well known that Greek olive oil is some of the best in the world, and luckily for you, all dishes in Crete are prepared, cooked and served with it. Learn about how this liquid gold is made at Terra Creta HQ, the home of Cretan olive oil. You’ll be taken through every stage of the process, from harvesting to bottling, before tasting different varieties.
• Raki: Sipped slowly from shot glasses and paired with mezes, olives or barley rusks, raki – known locally as tsikoudia – is a native spirit with a cult following. Cross the salt-pan causeway to Kanali Taverna in Elounda to try a glass of the island’s favourite tipple.
• Cretan cheeses: You may have tried Greek feta or halloumi, but Crete’s signature cheeses are something else altogether. Made from sheep or goat’s milk (or both), each cheese has its own distinct style and flavour. Graviera is a harder cheese that’s sweet when new but nutty after ageing, while Kefalotiri is a hard sheep’s cheese with a strong, salty flavour. Myzithra is a mild whey cheese typically used in Cretan cheese pies, the sweet version of which is finished off with a drizzle of local honey.
• Fried snails: We know what you’re thinking, but it’s not only the French that eat them! Chochlioi boubouristi, or fried snails, is a delicious Cretan delicacy where snails are covered with flour, fried in hot olive oil and then doused with wine or vinegar. Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it!
• Gamopilafo: Taken from the word ‘gamos’, meaning wedding, this decadent rice dish is typically served at weddings but can be found in eateries across Crete. It’s made up of rice prepared in a meat broth (usually goat, lamb or rooster),finished with a generous squeeze of lemon juice and salty butter.

Beyond Crete’s inviting beaches and jam-packed all-inclusive resorts, the island has endless activities for young and old, should you wish to venture further than your hotel gates.

• Wacky water parks: Go wild for slides, rides and games at one of Crete’s family-friendly waterparks. With over 50 attractions, Acqua Plus Water Park is the largest and most popular in Crete, with daredevil slides like the Kamikaze and the Snake Kids Waterslide suited to tinies. There are even land games and activities like table tennis, bouncy castles and pool tables.
• Animal encounters: Or why not slow things down in Hersonissos at Aquaworld Aquarium, one of only a handful of aquariums in Greece? As well as getting a glimpse of local sea life, you’ll have the chance to get up close to all sorts of reptiles – from iguanas to snakes and tortoises – many of which have been rescued.
• Interactive museums: Give the kids an insight into Cretan folk culture and traditional trades at Lychnostatis Open Air Museum. Dotted with authentic houses fronting as a farmhouse, a distillery and various merchant workshops, these buildings give you a glimpse into local trades like weaving, ceramic making, and wine and olive pressing.
• Prehistoric crowd-pleasers: Still not sold? Head to Dinosauria Park, a fun and educational gem filled with animatronic dinosaurs from the Mesozoic era. Go digging for fossils, care for injured dinos at the Dinosaur General Hospital and handle ‘real life’ dinosaur eggs. If the kids aren’t impressed by that, we don’t know what will.
• Outdoor adventures: Immerse the kids in Greek mythology at Labyrinth Park, a Minoan-themed amusement park in Hersonissos. You’ll delve into Crete’s history and legends through a range of fun activities like mini golf, quad biking, archery and pottery making – and, at the centre of it all, a huge labyrinth.

Romantic boutique hotels with secluded private beaches, intimate foodie hideaways and fairytale fishing villages with friendly locals – Crete is the ideal holiday destination for loved-up couples seeking a sunny getaway.

• Pampering spa days: A romantic retreat to Crete can be as slow-paced as you like. For a little slice of heaven, book into Amirandes Elixir Alchemy Spa. Using organic plants and aromatic herbs from Crete’s local flora, you won’t find treatments like this anywhere else.
• Tours on two wheels: Stretch your legs with an unforgettable bike tour around the Lassithi Plateau, a dreamy destination where 10,000 white windmills carpet the green landscape. Dotted with orchards and sturdy stone farmhouses, the scenery is like something out of a painting.
• Visits to vineyards: Crete’s winemaking traditions hark back centuries, so there’s no better place to find your new favourite bottle of vino. Manousakis Winery, in the hills of Vatolakkos, hosts tours and tastings of its homegrown syrah and grenache. Wander around the vineyard’s spectacular gardens and fragrant orange groves, or, for the ultimate night out, book their Dinner Under the Stars experience, where you’ll enjoy a multi-course menu made with ingredients grown only a few metres away.
• Explore on horseback: Gallop through Crete’s rugged landscape on a fairytale horse-riding trip. You’ll visit various locations throughout the island, but the best bit is sauntering through the sand along the Rethymnon coastline. With Zoraida Horseriding, you can even choose to swim with your horse.
• Waterside walks: Loved-up escapes don’t have to be flashy or expensive – as proven by a simple wander around Elounda. Filled with never-ending white-sand beaches, emerald waters and cosy bars, this tranquil coastal village has all you need to get lost in each other’s company.