For an unforgettable holiday with a fabulous Greek flavour, the charming island of Crete has it all. The largest island of Greece is a favourite with holidaymakers and it's not hard to see why. Crete holidays offer a fantastic range of things to do, whether you love full-on getaways with adventure-packed days, or laid-back beach breaks.
The gorgeous Mediterranean climate is one of the reasons why Crete holidays are so popular. Spending time on one of the picturesque sandy beaches is the perfect way to enjoy the blissfully warm summer temperatures of 26°C. The hard part is choosing which beach! Balos beach on Crete’s west coast is breathtakingly beautiful and a real favourite, while Matala in the south is full of character thanks to its mosaic-like cliffs and enchanting caves.
If you want a break from sunbathing, get involved in the beach watersports such as scuba diving, water skiing and windsurfing. To see Crete from a different perspective, take an exciting boat trip around the island, hike up the rocky terrain, or perhaps a wine tasting excursion will be more your style! To enjoy the local culture on your holiday to Crete, visit the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion, or for a unique experience, head out to the iconic Samaria Gorge National Park to admire the beautiful White Mountains.
But which resort will you choose on your Crete holiday? Among the most popular resorts are Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Hersonissos, Malia and Rethymnon. The port of Agios Nikolaos is one of the most photographed parts of Crete and is filled with chic cafes, bars and restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Greek cuisine.
Elounda has everything you could possibly wish for on a chilled Crete holiday, yet there are a wide range of activities to get involved in, from boat excursions to sunbathing on the beautiful sandy beach. Then there's the famously lively resort of Malia which has so much more to offer than just a thriving nightlife - soak up the sun on the white sandy beach, or visit the Old Town if you fancy embracing the local culture.
Here at Hays Travel we have over 40 years of experience in booking unforgettable trips, and we offer a wide range of holidays to Greece and the Greek Islands, so there's something for every kind of holidaymaker. We have also been voted the UK’s Best High Street Travel Agent, and great value and customer service are our specialty - so why not speak to a member of our team to start planning your perfect Crete holiday!
THINGS TO DO ON YOUR CRETE HOLIDAY
Like any Greek island, holidays in Crete start with the beaches and with water based activities such as windsurfing, water skiing, boat trips and scuba diving. Make the most of the rugged terrain and stunning scenery with walking, horse riding, cycling or a Jeep safari. Sample the local wines on a wine tasting excursion.
For culture, head for the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion or visit the Minoan Palaces in Knossos and Phaesos. There's plenty of retail therapy to be had on Crete holidays, with the cities of Heraklion and Chania offering a fabulous mix of chain and local independent stores. Chania is also close to the spectacular Samaria Gorge, which cuts through the soaring White Mountains.
Nightlife on Crete is varied and depends greatly on the resort you choose to stay in. Malia, Hersonissos and Agios Nikolaos offer bustling bars and late night clubs, with Malia being a particular hot spot for clubbing, similar to Zante holidays. Heraklion and Chania are packed with cosmopolitan clubs, international DJs and trendy bars.
If you’d prefer a quieter Crete holiday, enjoy a meal in a taverna in peaceful resorts like Gouves, Elounda or Sissi. There’s no need to venture far either as many hotels offer shows and entertainment in the evenings, as well as serene pools to enjoy through the day.
FOOD & DRINK IN CRETE
Greek cuisine is at its best when served on the terrace of a typical taverna and there are plenty of these on Crete holidays. Enjoy all the Hellenic favourites, from Meze to Moussaka, made with delicious fresh vegetables, herbs and olive oil. Most hotels and resorts also offer an array of international cuisine, from Italian and Oriental to Indian and fast food. Larger resorts have British style pubs for those who like a familiar taste of home on their holiday to Crete. All inclusive hotels offer great value for money and are ideal for those who like to eat at their hotel. Ouzo is the Greek national spirit, but don't miss a taste of the locally produced wine.