Crete (Heraklion Area) holidays

As the largest of the Greek Islands, it’s no surprise Crete’s got a lot going on, whether you’re after a family friendly holiday, group getaway or romantic retreat. And that's certainly the case here on the eastern side, where adventure-ready mountains sit alongside neon-lit clubs, water parks and ancient Minoan treasures. Mega town Malia is where the party happens, Hersonissos is the perfect place for beach days and Rethymnon has a gorgeous harbour and Old Town to explore. Then there’s Elounda where things get a bit more swanky.

No. 3 – Tripadvisor’s Popular Destinations – World

Congrats to Crete! Thousands of happy holidaymakers have crowned this gorgeous Greek Island one of their favourite destinations.

Did you know?

We also fly to Chania on the western side of Crete! Culture-packed places like Chania Town and Rethymnon are as pretty as a picture, so keep your camera handy as you hop between Venetian harbours, emerald-green gorges and Minoan must-sees.

Check out Chania holidays

Crete Holiday Resorts

Gouves Waterpark Holiday Resort

Gouves, Crete (Heraklion Area)

Our rating

Based on 2531 reviews

Waterpark included
Close to the beach
Exclusive benefits for Family suites
Friendly atmosphere
Spacious rooms and suites

Alykes Apartments

Elounda, Crete (Heraklion Area)

Our rating

Based on 806 reviews

Excellent location
Great value for money
Friendly atmosphere

Domes of Elounda - Autograph Collection

Elounda, Crete (Heraklion Area)

Our rating

Perfect for families
New for Summer 2021
Magnificent views of Spinalonga
Extensive dining options
All suites and villas

Elounda Residence Hotel and Waterpark

Elounda, Crete (Heraklion Area)

Our rating

Based on 1399 reviews

Great value for money
Picturesque views
On-site waterpark

Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa

Analipsis, Crete (Heraklion Area)

Our rating

Based on 979 reviews

Perfect for adults
Excellent service
Luxurious accommodation
Great range of dining options
Chilled pool scene

Elounda Blu

Elounda, Crete (Heraklion Area)

Our rating

Based on 2055 reviews

New for Summer 2021
Stunning views
Beautiful architecture
Relaxing pool area
Close to the beach

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Language

Greek

Currency

Euro

Time difference

+2hrs

Cost of a beer

£3.10

3 course meal

£26.50

Flight times

4.5hrs

Beaches aplenty

Crete comes with can’t-beat swathes of beach-blanketed coastline to complete every holiday snap. You’re sure to find the perfect spot, whether you’re after superb sandy stretches for sunbathing, rocky coves for snorkelling or wind-swept waters for surfing. Aghios Nikolaos, Hersonissos and Malia compete for the best patches!

The great outdoors

Epic canyons, forested riversides and rugged peaks make Crete a playground for outdoorsy types. Hiking’s a firm favourite here, with trails snaking through sleepy villages and past secluded beaches. Prefer aquatic adventures? Head beneath the surface on a diving expedition – there are lots of ancient wrecks to discover.

Cretan cuisine

Foodies, rejoice. Crete’s a culinary haven – and thought to be the home of the best food in Greece! Herbs, wild greens, honey, cheese, fish and olive oil are just some of the fresh local produce used to embellish dishes like pies and roast lamb. Did we mention drinks? The local white wine’s a winner, but, if you’re brave, try the island’s famed tipple, raki – a fiery type of brandy!

Hersonissos

A brilliant beach, great nightlife and ancient ruins nearby make Hersonissos a big hit.

Gouves

Gouves is a resort of two halves – modern Kato Gouves is pure beach fun, and the mountain village of Pano Gouves specialises in sensational views.

Stalis

Tucked away between the non-stop liveliness of Malia and Hersonissos, Stalis is a laid-back little resort with one of the best beaches in all of Crete.

Aghios Nikolaos

You’ll find a permanently cheery feel to this resort, with plenty of sun beating down throughout the year.

Malia

Calling all party people! Malia’s a Mecca for fun in the sun, and each bay has its own lively beach bar, with resident DJs pumping out floorfillers throughout the day and well into the night.

Koutouloufari

This peaceful inland village has the best of both worlds – scenic views and a relaxed atmosphere just moments from a bustling coastline.

Elounda

Lose yourself in the rich blue sea. Jump in and get a snapshot of how Elounda does things.

Rethymnon – Heraklion

Unlock your own nugget of culture in this classy Cretan resort.

Agia Pelagia

Unmask the vast history of Agia Pelagia by starting at Knossos, the famous Minoan palace, and working your way back into town.

Sissi

When you look at its bigger, livelier counterparts, Sissi is pretty different.

Fodele

These sandy surroundings, glossy nearby waters and verdant parks boast a luxurious feel, but Fodele is a place of more traditional inland touches.

Piskopiano

Snuggled on Crete’s north-east coastline lies the charming little village of Piskopiano. It’s all whitewashed buildings and cobalt blue doors here, creating a striking scene against the rugged backdrop.

Beaches

You’ll find golden sands galore at the beaches surrounding Sidari, Acharavi and St George South. Sink your toes into unspoiled stretches on the island and top spots for windsurfing and other active watersports, too. Take a seat and stay long enough to watch the sun go down on these glorious patches.

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Gouves Beach

Gouves, Crete (Heraklion Area)

Located in the rocky foothills of Mount Ederi, Gouves Beach offers sheltered bays and golden sands. It has parasols and sunbeds for lounging and exciting water sports to keep everyone entertained. There’s a...

Aghia Marina Beach

Crete (Heraklion Area)

Smooth sands and bright blue seas is what it’s all about in Aghia Marina. This chilled-out resort opens up to an expanse of sunny spots, so put down a towel and relax, or take an afternoon stroll in the balmy...

Sights

A day trip to Corfu Town is a must. The UNESCO-listed Old Town dates back to 8th century BC, and comes with two forts, a clutch of medieval churches and plenty of leafy squares. See beyond to museums, palaces and castles too – it’s like a chapter from a history book.

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The Palace of Knossos

Crete (Heraklion Area)

The ancient ruins of the Palace of Knossos transport you back in time to Minoan Crete. Walk amongst the ruins and mingle through the remnants of the old Palace walls to appreciate the grandeur of the...

Aghios Nikolaos Harbour

Aghios Nikolaos, Crete (Heraklion Area)

Immerse yourself in the beautiful harbour surroundings of Aghios Nikolaos with a visit to one of the many bars, cafés and tavernas that line the waterfront. The food can be pricey, but well worth the...

Activities

For water-based fun away from the sea, there’s a wild waterpark complete with slides of all shapes and sizes, plus one awesome wave pool! But if getting active is at the top of your list, there are plenty of islands to explore by boat trip or biking route.

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Watercity

Crete (Heraklion Area)

Watercity is Crete’s largest water park. Located in the Anopolis Mountains, it boasts a mixture of rides, from steep drops to children’s slides If you’re a daredevil try the Cyclone Body Slide...

Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre

Hersonissos, Crete (Heraklion Area)

Get up close and personal with some of the most fascinating reptiles on the planet. Many of the creatures here were either injured or have been rescued, and now have a loving home at the Aquarium. Hands-on...

Eating and drinking

Follow your nose into one of the waterfront or hillside tavernas and you’ll discover a wealth of Greek treats. Two Corfiot delicacies to look out for are pasta dish pastitsada, as well as sofrito – beef cooked in white wine sauce. You’ll find some great eateries serving international dishes, too.

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Bakeries, cafés and small tavernas

Fodele, Crete (Heraklion Area)

The village of Fodele is known for its rustic charm, so eating and drinking here is a low-key, traditional affair. You can try delicious local dishes in the tavernas, and there’s a nice bakery. In the gift...

Cretan cuisine

Hersonissos, Crete (Heraklion Area)

Trying the delicious local food is all part of the fun on holiday. In Hersonissos, grab the chance to taste endless Cretan delicacies such as traditional cheeses, olive products, aromatic honey, top quality...

Shopping

Leather goods, pottery and olive-wood carvings are some of Corfu’s finest exports. You can get good deals on all of them in the local shops and markets, especially if you’re willing to haggle. For beautiful gold and silver jewellery, dive into the old quarter in Corfu Town.

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A super selection of stores

Elounda, Crete (Heraklion Area)

Whether you need to stock up on the essentials or want to buy a unique gift, Elounda has a great selection of shops to suit every shoppers need. You’ll find genuine gold and silver jewellery, leather goods,...

Aghios Nikolaos Market

Aghios Nikolaos, Crete (Heraklion Area)

Shop like a local at the weekly market in Agios Nikolaos. This food market, held every Wednesday, is favoured by local people and has a delightfully vibrant atmosphere. Have a go at bargaining with the stall...

Nightlife

Kavos is the island’s party capital, with a club-packed strip and pumping beachfront bars. Sidari and Acharavi offer more family-friendly fun, with karaoke nights and tribute acts. For a laid-back evening of people-watching, bag yourself a table at one of the outdoor bars in Corfu Town’s main square.

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