Crete
Greece’s largest island with world-class beaches, ancient ruins and authentic villages for families and couples
Deals from £367ppBest Deal of Crete
Overview
Things To Do
Deals
Travel Guide
Holidays to Crete offer the perfect blend of beach relaxation, history and authentic Greek culture. As Greece’s largest island, Crete stretches from the lively Venetian towns of Chania and Rethymno to the resort-lined north coast and quieter southern shores.
With over 1,000km of coastline, Crete is known for its Blue Flag beaches, crystal-clear waters and varied landscapes—from rugged mountains to fertile valleys. The Mediterranean climate ensures long, sunny summers and mild winters, making it a reliable year-round destination for UK travellers.
Whether you’re planning an all inclusive beach escape, a cultural getaway, or an active holiday exploring gorges and ruins, Crete delivers variety without compromise.
✨ Why Visit Crete
- Exceptional variety: beaches, mountains, cities and villages in one island
- Long summer season with reliable sunshine from April to October
- Rich history including Minoan, Venetian and Ottoman influences
- Family-friendly resorts with shallow beaches and waterparks
- Excellent food scene with authentic Cretan cuisine and local wines
- Direct flights from multiple UK airports
🌴 What Makes It Special
Crete stands apart from other Greek islands due to its sheer scale and diversity. You can explore ancient ruins in the morning, relax on pink-sand beaches in the afternoon and dine in a Venetian harbour by evening. Its strong local identity—seen in food, music and traditions—gives Crete a more authentic feel compared to smaller, more resort-focused islands.
📍 Key Areas to Explore
- Chania Region – Scenic beaches, Venetian harbour and access to Samaria Gorge
- Heraklion Region – Cultural hub with Knossos Palace and lively nightlife
- Rethymno Region – Charming old town with a relaxed, authentic atmosphere
- Lasithi Region – Luxury resorts, quiet beaches and boutique escapes
🏞️ Nature & Outdoor Activities
- Hike the Samaria Gorge from Omalos to Agia Roumeli
- Cycle through the Lassithi Plateau’s windmill-dotted landscapes
- Explore Imbros Gorge for a shorter scenic trek
- Take a boat trip to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon
🏖️ Beaches
- Relax on Elafonissi’s pink sand shores
- Swim at Balos Lagoon’s shallow turquoise waters
- Visit Vai Beach with its unique palm forest
- Watch sunset at Falassarna Beach
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Taste local wines in Heraklion vineyards
- Try dakos salad and Cretan cheeses in mountain tavernas
- Enjoy grilled meats and seafood in Chania harbour
- Sample local honey and olive oil products
🎉 Nightlife & Entertainment
- Bar-hop along Hersonissos strip for lively nightlife
- Enjoy cocktail lounges in Chania Old Town
- Dance at beach clubs in Malia
- Attend local festivals and live music events
📸 Instagram-Worthy Spots
- Capture Balos Lagoon from above
- Photograph Knossos Palace ruins
- Sunset at Chania Venetian harbour
- Palm trees at Vai Beach
- Spinalonga Island views from Elounda
Best Value Deals
🌟 All-Inclusive Holidays
Crete has one of the strongest all-inclusive markets in Greece, with the north coast resort corridor from Hersonissos to Malia and the separate Rethymno strip offering the highest concentration of UK-facing properties. The Aldemar Knossos Royal (Hersonissos, five-star beachfront), Iberostar Creta Marine (Rethymno) and the Grecotel Club Marine Palace (Panormo) are among the most consistently booked by UK operators. Expect from £499pp including flights in shoulder season (May or October), rising to £849–1,100pp in July and August.
👨👩👧👦 Family Holidays
Crete is one of the Mediterranean's most family-friendly islands. Waterworld Waterpark in Hersonissos and Limnoupolis Water Park near Chania provide full-day activity options; the shallow sandy beaches at Georgioupolis and Rethymno town beach are safe for young children. The Grecotel Creta Palace (Rethymno) and the Star Beach Village (Hersonissos) have the most comprehensive kids' club and waterpark facilities. Chania's Venetian old town and the Samaria Gorge engage teenagers on longer stays.
💎 Luxury Holidays
Elounda and Agios Nikolaos on the northeast coast form Crete's most exclusive resort enclave. The Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel, the Blue Palace Elounda (an MGallery five-star with private pool villas above Mirabello Bay) and the Domes of Elounda — Autograph Collection are the headline addresses. For boutique luxury in the west, the Domes Noruz Chania and the Casa Delfino in Chania's Venetian harbour offer a smaller-scale alternative; rates from £400 per room per night in peak season.
⏰ Last-Minute Deals
Crete's large direct-flight capacity from the UK — serving Heraklion (HER) and Chania (CHQ) from over 15 British airports — creates genuine late-availability supply outside school holidays. Savings of 20–30% against brochure rates are realistic within 3 weeks of departure in May, June and October. July, August and Greek Orthodox Easter (dates vary annually) fill early; book at least 3 months ahead for peak summer and always check the Orthodox Easter calendar before booking spring travel.
Why Book with us:
💰 Low deposits from £49pp
📅 Flexible payment plans with balance due 6 weeks before travel
🛡️ ATOL Protected — your money and flights are fully safeguarded
✏️ Free amendment window on selected packages
📞 UK-based customer support, 8am–11pm every day
📅 Best Time to Visit Crete
- April – June: Warm weather, fewer crowds, ideal for sightseeing
- July – August: Peak summer, hot and lively
- September – October: Best balance of weather and quieter resorts
- Winter: Mild but quieter, more suited for cultural trips
🏨 Where to Stay
- Families: Hersonissos, Rethymno
- Couples: Chania Old Town, Agios Nikolaos
- Luxury travellers: Elounda, Elafonissi resorts
- Budget travellers: Malia, Heraklion outskirts
🚗 Getting Around
- Hire a car for exploring remote beaches and villages
- Public buses connect major towns and resorts
- Taxis are widely available but can be expensive for long distances
💡 Travel Tips
- Book popular attractions like Samaria Gorge early in peak season
- Carry cash for smaller tavernas and villages
- Sun protection is essential in summer months
- Explore inland villages for authentic experiences
Map Of Crete
Top Experiences
Balos Lagoon Escape (Kissamos, Chania Region)
Turquoise shallows and white sandbars—one of the most photographed beaches in Greece.
Pink Sands of Elafonissi (Elafonissi, Chania Region)
Shallow, Caribbean-like waters ideal for families and relaxed beach days.
Chania Old Town Evenings (Chania, Chania Region)
Venetian harbour dining, boutique shopping and sunset cocktails.
Explore Knossos Palace (Heraklion, Heraklion Region)
Walk through Europe’s oldest civilisation at this iconic Minoan archaeological site.
Hike Samaria Gorge (Omalos, Chania Region)
A dramatic 16km canyon trek through Crete’s wild landscapes.
Top Hotels In Crete
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Travel Information
Everything You Need To Know Before You Jet Off To Crete.
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