Explore Crete island

Holiday Resorts in Crete - GREECE

Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands, is a land of dramatic mountains and gorges sheltering pretty harbours, golden sandy beaches and a fascinating abundance of history and legends. Venture inland to discover almost hidden villages and visit the impressive Minoan Palace of Knossos. The arrival of tourism a mere three decades ago must have passed virtually unnoticed by the local population and even today, there are dozens of towns and villages and miles of unspoilt countryside which remain completely unaffected by this latest in a long line of invaders - nowadays friendly ones. There's a corner of Crete to suit everyone's taste, from sleepy harbour front villages to bustling cosmopilitan resorts.

Rethymnon
Sprawling around a sleepy fishing harbour against a backdrop of craggy hills, there's a real medieval feel here, and thus is very similar to the Old Town of Pollenca in Mallorca. There are narrow winding streets, arched doorways, bouganvillea bedecked houses, a picturesque fishing harbour and a magnificent Venetian fortress. There are a number of lively bars and quaint tavernas as well as great shops and markets around the harbour and in the old town. Here you will find a large number of excellent restaurants to suit all pockets and tastes serving everything from fast food to fresh fish. The town also has one of the largest sandy beaches on the island, laced by palm trees and linked by a stretch of rocky coastline to the smaller town of Panormo. The distance from Heraklion and Chania Airports is approximately 80 km.

Hersonissos
One of Crete's largest and most beautiful beaches lies alongside a choice of shingle and rocky coves. There's also some good shopping and an aterpark for a great family day out. As the sun sets the resort centre comes to life with teeming tavernas, bars, pubs and discos fringing the harbour's edge.

Elounda
The lovely village of Elounda with its pretty harbour full of pretty fishing boats and the large man-made sandy beach enjoys a very relaxed traditional feel. This resort is well known for its excellent array of watersports. The nightlife is fairly low key but there are several friendly bars, plenty of tavernas and even a couple of small discos. Agios Nikolaos with an extensive nightlife is only a short drive away.

Malia
(60 minutes from Heraklion airport). Has archaeological sites, 2km of golden sands, watersports helped by the sea breezes and a non-stop nightlife. Featuring an attractive old town district, it's a favourite for the younger crowd.

Bali
Originally a little fishing hamlet, Bali has grown into a bustling tourist village whose whitewashed houses cling to the tree-clad hillsides overlooking the fishing harbour and the sea. There are several tiny sand and shingle beaches and the village offers a variety of restaurants and beachside tavernas, a couple of little shops and even a disco. The distance to Heraklion airport is 50 kilometres

Kokini Hani
(30 minutes from Heraklion Airport). Kokini Hani possesses two really beautiful beaches that are gentle and ideal for families. The nighttime entertainment is good, but if you want to liven things up, Heraklion isn't very far away and has loads of discos and bars.

Agia Pelagia
Only 14 miles from Heraklion airport this small resort has gradually developed in recent years. For those who want to have sea, sand and the option of tranquility then this resort is perfect. The sandy beach has most water sports available and is good for swimming and the general area is popular for walking. For the evening there are a number of good local tavernas and restaruants as well as a few bars.

Gouves
Between Hersonissos and Heraklion you can find the friendly relaxed beach resort of Gouves, only 12 miles from the Airport. This resort of Gouves is devided in 2 parts: Kato Gouves and Pano Gouves. Pano Gouves is typically Greek. Kato Gouves is the small tourist area with a boulevard where you will find a selection of restaurants, tavernas and bars. The centre is small but has a good atmosphere and sandy beaches.

Kalamaki / Platanias
(45 minutes from the Airport to Kalamaki, 60 minutes from the Airport to Platanias). Both resorts have fantastic beaches and all amenities are close by. If you're in need of a good shopping trip or an evening at the disco, Chania Town is a short bus ride away and has a very lively harbour

Georgioupolis
(70 minutes from the Airport). This resort is in north western Crete, a small village that has fantastic wide beaches and excellent deep blue waters with a lot of watersports on offer. The centre has charming tavernas, the chapel of St. Nicholas, a small harbour, and nightlife on the outskirts of the village. There are amazing walks to be taken around the countryside, a swim in Crete's only lake, Lake Kournas, and many mythological sites