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.

Crete holiday resorts

Gouves Waterpark Holiday Resort

Gouves, Crete (Heraklion Area)

Our rating

Based on 2588 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 810 reviews

Excellent location
Great value for money
Friendly atmosphere

Domes of Elounda - Autograph Collection

Elounda, Crete (Heraklion Area)

Our rating

Based on 2222 reviews

Perfect for families
Magnificent views of Spinalonga
Extensive dining options
Choice of pools
All suites and villas

Elounda Residence Hotel and Waterpark

Elounda, Crete (Heraklion Area)

Our rating

Based on 1410 reviews

Great value for money
Picturesque views
On-site waterpark

Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa

Analipsis, Crete (Heraklion Area)

Our rating

Based on 1032 reviews

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

Domes Aulus Elounda formerly Elounda Blu

Elounda, Crete (Heraklion Area)

Our rating

Based on 2061 reviews

Adults Luxe
New for Summer 2022
Modern design
Excellent All Inclusive package
Stunning views

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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

For the widest stretch of the softest sand, head to Aghios Nikolaos. Nearby, you’ll find the place to go for cute seafront tavernas serving fish fresh from the Mediterranean. Laid-back stretches offering the coolest water sports will entice families, but if you want to dance on the sands, make for the Malia seafront.

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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

Crete (Heraklion Area)

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

Sights

A trip to ancient palace complexes is a must in Crete. The ruins are thought to be part of Europe’s oldest city, while the region’s also home to some impressive and fascinating medieval castles. If you’re looking to dig up some history, the resorts all have something to gawp at.

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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

If you’re after a family-friendly day out, Crete has three waterparks to whet your appetite. Hardcore hikers will not want to miss a ramble through gorgeous gorges and canyons, while the water sports scene is a massive draw for marine fans. You can even try your hand at a spot of fishing.

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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

Traditional Cretan food is fresh and rustic – think hearty lamb pasties and olive oil-rich salads. Being an island, the seafood is second to none and is served fresh from the net in many of the seaside tavernas. Raki is the local tipple and tastes a bit like Italian grappa. It’s strong stuff, so be warned!

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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...