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Holidays to Crete
Crete Travel Guide
Whether you're seeking a family beach holiday, romantic escape or a fun-filled week in the sun with friends, Crete holidays tick all the right boxes.
Crete is an undeniably beautiful part of the world. The north is home to sun-drenched sandy beaches, whilst the rugged, cliff-lined southern coast is dotted with secluded coves. In between, you'll find pretty villages, olive groves and soaring mountains cleaved by deep gorges. The Samarian Gorge is the biggest of these canyons, and hiking through it is of Crete's 'must-do' activities.
Crete is an undeniably beautiful part of the world. The north is home to sun-drenched sandy beaches, whilst the rugged, cliff-lined southern coast is dotted with secluded coves. In between, you'll find pretty villages, olive groves and soaring mountains cleaved by deep gorges. The Samarian Gorge is the biggest of these canyons, and hiking through it is of Crete's 'must-do' activities.
Crete scores highly when it comes to beach resorts. On the northern side of the island, the lively Malia is a favourite for party-lovers thanks to its trendy bars and clubs. Agios Nikolaos, whilst quieter than Malia, is a watersports hotspot and also offers a good selection of harbour-side restaurants, cafes and bars. Some of the best hotels in Crete can be found nearby. Rethymno is more family orientated, with a sandy beach that goes on for kilometres and a long, palm-lined promenade.
Things to do in Crete - The Highlights
The birthplace of Europe's first advanced society, the Minoans, Crete has a rich cultural history. You'll find traces of this bygone civilisation across the whole island. Visit the ruins of the Minoan palace of Knossos, the Venetian fortress of Rethymno, Byzantine chapels and monasteries, the Venetian port of Chania in the west and the historic capital city of Heraklion in the north.
Best time to visit Crete
Weather in Crete
Crete's long peak season runs from mid-April right through to October.
July and August are the reserve of sun worshippers only - it's not uncommon for temperatures to soar well over 30°C.
September and October continue to offer perfect beach weather - with temperatures comfortably hovering around the mid-to-late-20s.
May, June, and September are also good times to go - outside of the school holidays Crete hotels often reduce prices, meaning it's possible to pick up a good deal on accommodation.
July and August are the reserve of sun worshippers only - it's not uncommon for temperatures to soar well over 30°C.
September and October continue to offer perfect beach weather - with temperatures comfortably hovering around the mid-to-late-20s.
May, June, and September are also good times to go - outside of the school holidays Crete hotels often reduce prices, meaning it's possible to pick up a good deal on accommodation.
Rainfall (cm)
Dining in Crete
Cretan cuisine is among the healthiest in the world; the epitome of the Mediterranean diet we're all told to follow. Local cheeses, Cretan olive oil, freshly caught fish and vine-wrapped meze dishes are just a few of the treats on offer. The local wine's worth sampling, too.
Where to stay in Crete
The Lasithi Area - East of the island
Bustling towns of Agios Nikolaos and Elounda deliver ample sunbathing and shopping opportunities. After dark, the harbour at Agios Nikolaos is a fashionable hangout spot, with a good selection of bars and tavernas. There are several five-star hotels nearby including Daios Cove.
Rethymnon - North of the island
With bragging rights to some of the best sandy beaches on the island, this area is popular with families. The shores are lined with sun-loungers, cafes and tavernas, and there are lots of watersports to try. Rethymnon's old town is impressive - brimming with Ottoman and Venetian architecture, and a large castle, built in the 1500s to protect the town from raiding pirates.