Crete holidays

How to reach Crete

Flight time: Flights to Crete from London and other UK regional airports take around 4 hours, give or take 10 minutes, depending on your arrival airport (Heraklion or Chania).

Transfer time:

• Heraklion Airport is within a 10-minute taxi or 20-minute bus ride from the city centre.

• Taxiing from Chania Airport to Chania takes about 25 minutes, roughly 45 minutes by bus.

Price:

• Taxis from Heraklion Airport to the city centre cost around €20; one-way bus tickets €2.50.

• Travelling from Chania Airport, expect to pay around €25 for a taxi to Chania and €2.50 for a bus ticket.

Weather and best time to visit Crete

The right time for your Crete holidays depends on what kind of holiday you want: beach, adventure or culture.

• April to June sees temperatures ranging from 20°C in April to 28°C in June, dwindling rainfall from 26 to 1mm, and lots of sunshine, from 8 to 12 hours daily. These months are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor pursuits like hiking and rock climbing, though you’ll likely want to hold off on swimming until at least May when sea temperatures average 19°C.

• July to August are perfect for beach holidays: dry (rainfall is virtually non-existent), hot (30°C on average, though it does cool down in the evenings) and sunny (12 to 11 hours of sunshine daily). Prepare for crowds.

• September to October is a little cooler, 27 to 24°C, a little less sunny, 9 to 7 hours daily, and a little rainy, more so in October at 51mm, but much less crowded. With sea temperatures hovering around 24°C, these are excellent months for swimming and water sports.

• November to March is Crete’s low season. Weather-wise, it’s wet (averaging 75mm of rainfall per month) and windy but cool rather than cold (about 17°C) with spells of sunshine (four hours daily, until March when it ups to 6). You’ll need to hone in on the larger cities, towns and villages for accommodation, but you’ll have the island’s beaches and the Minoans pretty much to yourselves.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Greek is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

• Currency: The currency used in Greece is the euro (€).

• Getting around: Public buses connect major towns and tourist sites. For short journeys, single bus tickets start from €1.20; you’ll pay a surcharge if you purchase onboard. Car rentals are priced around €30–€50 per day.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 230V, and the plug type is the European two-pin plug.

• Time zone: Crete operates on Eastern European Time, 2 hours ahead of GMT, and observes Daylight Saving Time.

Where to stay during your Crete holiday

Crete offers a wide range of accommodation options tailored to different types of travellers. Whether you're seeking vibrant nightlife, family-friendly resorts, or tranquil retreats, there's a perfect spot for you. Here’s a guide to some of the best areas to stay in Crete.

Chania

Chania is a beautiful town known for its Venetian harbour, old-town charm, and vibrant nightlife. It’s an excellent base for exploring western Crete’s stunning beaches and historical sites.

• Best for: First-time visitors and nightlife enthusiasts.

• Highlights: Venetian Harbour, Chania Old Town, and Samaria Gorge.

Explore our holidays to Chania.

Malia

Malia is renowned for its lively nightlife, making it a popular destination for younger travellers. The town also offers beautiful sandy beaches and historical sites like the Minoan Palace of Malia.

• Best for: Party-goers and history buffs.

• Highlights: Malia Strip, Minoan Palace, and Watercity Waterpark.

Check out our cheap holidays to Malia.

Elounda

Elounda is a luxurious resort area famous for its upscale hotels and stunning views of the Mirabello Bay. It’s perfect for those looking to indulge in a relaxing and sophisticated environment.

• Best for: Luxury travellers and couples.

• Highlights: Spinalonga Island, Elounda Beach, and premium spa resorts.

Discover our holiday packages to Elounda.

Hersonissos

Hersonissos offers a mix of lively nightlife, family-friendly resorts, and beautiful beaches. It’s a versatile destination suitable for a variety of travellers.

• Best for: Families and nightlife seekers.

• Highlights: Star Beach Water Park, Cretaquarium, and vibrant nightclubs.

Explore our holidays to Hersonissos.

Matala

Matala is famous for its unique caves and relaxed, bohemian atmosphere. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to unwind and enjoy a more laid-back vibe.

• Best for: Couples and solo travellers.

• Highlights: Matala Caves, Red Beach, and annual Matala Beach Festival.

Check out our holiday packages to Matala.

Sissi

Sissi is a quaint fishing village offering a peaceful and authentic Cretan experience. It’s ideal for those looking to escape the busier tourist spots.

• Best for: Couples and tranquillity seekers.

• Highlights: Sissi Harbour, Milatos Cave, and local tavernas.

Discover our holidays to Sissi.

Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos is a charming town with a beautiful lake and bustling waterfront. It offers a blend of cultural activities, shopping, and nightlife.

• Best for: Culture enthusiasts and families.

• Highlights: Lake Voulismeni, Archaeological Museum, and Kitroplatia Beach.

Explore our holidays to Agios Nikolaos.

Heraklion

Heraklion, Crete’s largest city, is a vibrant urban centre with rich historical sites and lively markets. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a mix of city life and cultural exploration.

• Best for: History buffs and city lovers.

• Highlights: Knossos Palace, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and Venetian Walls.

Check out our holiday packages to Heraklion.

Stalis

Stalis offers a relaxed beach holiday with a long sandy shoreline and plenty of amenities. It’s a great spot for families and those looking for a laid-back atmosphere.

• Best for: Families and beach lovers.

• Highlights: Stalis Beach, local markets, and beachfront cafes.

Discover our holidays to Stalis.

Agia Marina Nea Kydonias

Agia Marina is a lively resort area close to Chania, known for its beautiful beach and vibrant nightlife. It’s a favourite among younger travellers and families alike.

• Best for: Nightlife enthusiasts and families.

• Highlights: Agia Marina Beach, local shops, and beach bars.

Explore our holidays to Agia Marina Nea Kydonias.

Platanias

Platanias is a popular resort village near Chania, offering a wide range of accommodation and entertainment options. It’s ideal for those looking for a lively yet family-friendly environment.

• Best for: Families and nightlife seekers.

• Highlights: Platanias Beach, War Shelter of Platanias, and numerous restaurants and bars.

Check out our holiday packages to Platanias.

Rethymno

Rethymno combines historic charm with modern amenities, making it perfect for families and couples. The old town, with its Venetian harbour and fortress, is a must-visit.

• Best for: History enthusiasts and families.

• Highlights: Rethymno Old Town, Fortezza Fortress, and long sandy beaches.

Discover our holidays to Rethymno.

These diverse destinations across Crete ensure that every traveller finds their perfect holiday spot. Whether you’re looking for excitement, relaxation, or cultural exploration, Crete has it all.

Best things to do in Crete

Holidays to Crete offer endless possibilities: soak up the sun at one of the island’s many beaches, have a close encounter with marine life, get cultured at museums and archeological sites, trek through diverse landscapes or pamper yourself at a spa. For a more detailed guide, check our Things to do in the Crete article.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Balos Lagoon: Located on the northwestern tip of Crete, Balos Lagoon is famous for its turquoise waters and stunning scenery. Accessible by boat or hiking, it’s a must-visit for its panoramic views.

• Seitan Limania Beach: Nestled between cliffs on the Akrotiri peninsula, the adventurous hike down is rewarded with a stunning beach scene.

The best districts

• Chania Old Town: This district has charm in spades, stunning views, Venetian architecture, bustling markets and a picturesque harbour with numerous cafés and restaurants.

• Rethymno Old Town: Home to a Venetian citadel with panoramic views of the town and sea, Ottoman mosques and baths and a warren of alleyways and narrow streets to get lost in.

• Matala: A hippy backpacking haunt in the 1960s, now a modern tourist resort, Matala’s main claim to fame is its ancient artificial beachside caves with rock-cut rooms.

Parks and gardens

• Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete: Located near Chania, a 20-hectare showcase of fruit trees, ornamental plants and aromatic herbs sublimely backdropped by the White Mountains.

• Maravel Gardens: On the outskirts of Rethymno, these gardens pack a nasal punch with over 2,500 medicinal and aromatic herbs.

Museums

• Heraklion Archaeological Museum: Must-see for its collection of Minoan artefacts, especially the enduringly enigmatic Phaistos Disc.

Historical monuments

• Knossos Palace: Located 5km south of Heraklion and indelibly linked with King Minos, his mythical labyrinth and Theseus and the Minotaur, this is hands down the most famous archeological site in Crete despite over-zealous restoration and reconstruction.

• Arkadi Monastery: The Renaissance architecture is reason enough to visit, but the monastery has a fascinating, if tragic, history. During the Cretan revolt of the 1860s, hundreds of men, women and children sought sanctuary here; when the Turks besieged the monastery, they blew themselves up with stored gunpowder kegs rather than surrender.

Day trips in the area

• Spinalonga Island: This small island was once a leper colony and is now a fascinating historical site. Boat tours from Plaka and Elounda take you to explore the ruins.

Activities for families in Crete

Whether exploring ancient ruins or splashing and sliding, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained on your Crete holidays.

• Swimming pools: Family-oriented resorts on Crete tend to have one or more kids’ pools.

• Playgrounds: The best playgrounds tend to be at resorts, such as Lyttopia Playground at the Lyttos Beach Hotel in Analipisis.

• Aquariums and zoos: CretAquarium in Gournes, near Heraklion, offers 60 tanks filled with over 200 Mediterranean and tropical species, audio-visuals and a VR experience, where you can come face-to-face with a 24m whale. Part aquarium, part reptile rescue centre, Aquaworld Aquarium in Hersonissos offers a more hands-on experience, from fish feeding to snuggling up with snakes.

• Interactive museums: The Natural History Museum of Crete in Heraklion is a solid bet for even reluctant mini-museumgoers; if the dinosaurs, dioramas, tech and science displays don’t manage to snag their attention, the earthquake simulator is bound to win them over.

• Theme parks: Get lost in a Minotaur-themed maze or climb over and under lasers to capture Helen of Troy inside a Trojan Horse at Labyrinth Theme Park, just outside Hersonissos. Or have a prehistoric adventure at Dinosauria Park in Gournes, with over 50 animatronic dinosaurs.

• Waterparks: Turn into a big kid at one of Crete’s waterparks like Acqua Plus in Hersonissos or Watercity near Heraklion.

Free things to do in Crete

The island hosts year-round festivals with free events, and if you are happy to slum it with a beach towel, you won’t have to spend a cent at the beach.

• Museums: Most museums charge a nominal admission fee, but the Greek National Football Museum in Chania, packed with football memorabilia, including the Euro 2004 cup, is a welcome exception.

• Annual festivals: Experience local culture at a Cretan festival, such as the Rethymno Renaissance Festival held in July and August or the week-long Wine Festival of Dafnes in July.

• Archeological sites: South of Kissamos, the ancient city of Polyrrinia and the ruins of Falassarna are free to visit.

• Beaches: Crete has hundreds of public beaches. For pinkish sands and shallow waters, try Elafonissi; for a tropical island feel, visit Preveli.

Wellness in Crete

• Spas and thermal baths: Resort spas, such as the Mitsis Royal Mare in Anissaras, offer luxurious treatments, including hydrotherapy.

• Traditional body care: Many spas in Crete offer treatments inspired by ancient Greek practices, including massages and body wraps using locally sourced herbs and oils.

• Yoga and meditation centres: Agios Pavlos is a popular location for wild yoga.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: Crete is famous for its hiking trails, including the challenging Samaria Gorge, an 18km trek through dramatic landscapes ending at the Libyan Sea, and the scenic 11km Imbros Gorge. The E4 European Walking Path also runs through the island, between Kissamos and Kato Zakros.

• Water sports: Enjoy water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing and paddleboarding at beaches like Agia Pelagia, Elounda and Kouremenos.

• Scuba diving and snorkelling: The clear waters around Crete are ideal for diving and snorkelling. Dive centres in Chania, Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos offer courses and excursions.

• Rock climbing: Crete’s rugged terrain provides excellent rock climbing opportunities. The cliffs of Kapetaniana and Agiofarago are popular spots.

• Cycling: Numerous cycling routes take you through scenic countryside and along coastal roads.

• Bird-watching: Crete’s wetlands and mountainous areas are perfect for bird-watching. Look out for species such as the Griffon vulture.

Best beaches to visit during your Crete holiday

Crete is renowned for its diverse and beautiful beaches, each offering unique experiences suited to different types of travellers. Here are some of the best beaches to explore during your holiday in Crete.

Best beaches for families

• Elafonissi Beach: Famous for its pink sand and shallow, warm waters, Elafonissi Beach is perfect for families with young children. The beach is part of a protected nature reserve, ensuring a safe and clean environment with amenities like sunbeds, umbrellas, and canteens.

• Falassarna Beach: This long, sandy beach offers clear, shallow waters ideal for swimming and playing. It’s well-equipped with beach volleyball courts, sunbeds, and nearby cafes, making it a convenient spot for families.

• Stalis Beach: Known for its sheltered, shallow waters, Stalis Beach is a favourite among families. The calm sea and quieter atmosphere make it an excellent choice for those with young kids.

Best beaches for water sports

• Falassarna Beach: Besides being family-friendly, Falassarna is also a top destination for water sports enthusiasts, offering activities such as jet skiing, surfing, and paragliding.

• Plakias Beach: Located on the southern coast, Plakias Beach is popular for windsurfing and diving, with consistent winds and clear waters creating ideal conditions for these sports.

• Kouremenos Beach: Near Sitia, Kouremenos Beach is renowned for windsurfing, attracting enthusiasts from around the world due to its favourable wind conditions.

For a more active holiday, don't miss our guide on water sports in Crete.

Best beaches for couples

• Balos Lagoon: This picturesque lagoon offers stunning views, turquoise waters, and a serene environment, making it perfect for a romantic day out. Couples can enjoy a quiet picnic on the sandy shores or take a scenic hike to admire the panoramic views.

• Matala Beach: Known for its historic caves and artistic atmosphere, Matala Beach provides a charming setting for couples. The beach's unique history and nearby tavernas offer a relaxing and romantic experience.

• Preveli Beach: With its palm forest and freshwater river, Preveli Beach offers a unique and romantic setting. The secluded atmosphere and stunning natural beauty make it an ideal spot for couples looking to escape the crowds.

Best secluded beaches

• Seitan Limania Beach: Tucked away in a narrow fjord-like inlet near Chania, Seitan Limania is a hidden gem. The beach requires a bit of a hike to reach, but the effort is rewarded with stunning scenery and clear, tranquil waters.

• Agia Roumeli Beach: Located near the end of the Samaria Gorge, Agia Roumeli Beach is often less crowded and offers a serene environment with dark sands and beautiful views, perfect for those seeking solitude.

• Kedrodasos Beach: Close to Elafonissi, Kedrodasos Beach is favoured for its secluded setting and pristine natural environment. Surrounded by juniper trees, it offers a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle.

Best naturist beaches

• Red Beach: Near Matala, Red Beach is popular among naturists. The beach is relatively isolated and known for its red-hued sand and clear waters, providing a peaceful and accepting environment.

• Kedrodasos Beach: In addition to being a secluded retreat, Kedrodasos is also popular with naturists. Its remote location and natural surroundings ensure privacy and tranquillity for visitors.

These beaches provide a variety of experiences, from lively and bustling spots to serene and secluded retreats. Whether you're looking to surf, sunbathe, or explore, Crete’s beaches offer something for everyone, ensuring a memorable holiday by the sea.

Local dishes in Crete

From sweet, flaky pastries to tangy, creamy soft cheese, you’ll make lasting food memories on your holidays to Crete.

Some typical dishes

• Dakos: Cretan salad made with barley rusks, tomatoes, myzithra (or feta cheese in tourist eateries), whole olives, capers and olive oil.

• Staka Me Ayga: A traditional breakfast dish, poached or fried eggs served on top of Staka (a sort of buttery cream mixed with flour).

• Sfakianopita: Similar to Indian Paratha, Sfakianopita is unleavened dough kneaded with myzithra and pan-fried.

Meat dishes

• Lamb with stamnagathi: A Cretan lamb fricassee with local green radish.

• Antikristo: A shepherd’s dish – quartered, skewered and salted lamb slowly barbecued over an open flame.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Psarosoupa: A filling fish soup made with the freshest catch of the day and a medley of vegetables.

• Ahinosalat: An island delicacy, sea urchin roe drenched in olive oil, lemon juice and a soupçon of seawater.

Sweets and desserts

• Kalitsounia: Sweet pastries made with myzithra cheese and flavoured with cinnamon and lemon zest.

• Patouda: Sugar-dusted, flaky, half-moon-shaped pastries filled with honey-sweetened nuts, dates, sesame seeds and spices.

Local drinks

• Tsikoudia: Or Raki by another name, this potent Cretan spirit is traditionally distilled from grape pomace in October and November and usually served neat as either an aperitif or a digestif.

• Rakomelo: This winter warmer is made by mixing Tsikoudia and honey and spicing with cardamoms, cinnamon or cloves.

• Cretan wine: The island produces some excellent wines, particularly reds from the Liatiko and Kotsifali grapes.