Bangin' food, a boat-load of history and beaches with PINK sand. Yeah, you read that right. A Crete holiday is like no other!
Crete: not just the birthplace of Zeus, but also the location of your next sun-drenched, feta-filled adventure! Too cocky? Keep reading, and you'll understand our confidence. From neon-lit nights in Malia to chilled family hangs in Chania, this Grecian gem is all about variety with a capital V. Need a deep dive? Grab your snorkel, 'cause the Cretan culture runs deep (and not just the-bottom-of-your-tzatziki-pot deep). History buffs, sun worshippers, and everyone in between – Crete's got a lil something for ya. And hey, no need to break the piggy bank - we've got a bunch of cheap Crete holibobs and last minute holidays for you to have a nosy at (no need to blow your life savings), and we've got all the inspo below to get you in the mood...
Best beaches in Crete
Forget your beach bod; bring your beach appetite! Crete's coast is serving up sandy realness. Ever seen a pink beach? Head to Elafonisi Beach and drop that jaw. And for a touch of Caribbean in the Med (perfect for all you long-haul flight phobes), Vai's palm-tree forest beach is where. it's. at. Here's the lowdown on our top spots.
Elafonissi Beach: Pink sand that pops off like a pastel dream, need we say more? Instagram’s favourite, no filter needed.
Balos Lagoon: With super-fine sand and waters so blue they don't look real, Balos is a mahoosive postcard-perfect spot. It's a bit of a trek, but totally worth the hike for the views and the bragging rights.
Falassarna Beach: Think wide, think wild, think whooping great waves perfect for surfing. Falassarna is also THE sunset spot.
Preveli Beach: Where a river meets the sea, Preveli is all about lush palm forests and boujee vibes. It’s a proper good mix of fresh water and salty sea, with a side of adventure.
Vai Beach: Famous for its mahoosive palm forest, Vai gives off some serious tropical vibes. The beach is top-notch, with golden sand and clear waters that are 10/10 for snorkelling.
Seitan Limania Beach: A hidden gem that’s narrow and nestled between towering cliffs, making it a swanky spot for those looking to dodge the crowds and enjoy some serene sea time.
Matala Beach: With a history as colourful as a box of crayons, Matala mixes stunning waters with fascinating caves. Once a hippie haven, now it’s a top-tier spot for sun-seekers.
Plakias Beach: Stretching out like a lazy Sunday morning, Plakias is fab for families and anyone who’s into a laid-back vibe with plenty of room to play beach cricket.
Agiofarago Beach: Accessible by hike or by boat, Agiofarago is for the adventurers. It’s untouched, it’s rugged - just don't forget to pack a sandwich or two.
Triopetra Beach: known for the three jutting rock formations that stand tall over the sandy beaches - oh yeah, this place is packing a long-stretch of sand and a shallow water cove too, so somewhere for everyone to flex those sea legs.
Best hotels in Crete
Seeking luxury on your Greek adventure without the royal price tag? Or, maybe you're looking for a hotel to suit the whole fam but don't know where to start? We feel ya. Check out these bad boys for some guaranteed 'wow' factor:
Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa - yeah, it's a bit on the spenny side, but it's WORTH it for the non-stop all inclusive goodness, the mahoosive Insta-worthy pool and jaw-dropping rooms with everything from private pools to remote-control curtains. We stayed here, too, so we know what we're talking about.
Mitsis Rinela Beach & Spa - boujee, but fam-friendly boujee. The kiddos will have a field day here (and so will you), with huge pools, delish restaurants (yep, more than one), a spa and a swanky wine-and-sushi bar for when the youngsters are at kids' club.
Gouves Water Park Holiday Resort - water babies, prepare yourselves. You'll have more pools and waterslides than you can shake a lilo at here, along with a tonne of food options and plenty of entertainment for the kids.
Rethymno Village - a bit more on the budget-friendly scale, with a big ol' pool for dunking into, a stacked buffet restaurant and cosy rooms with all the mod cons.
Mitsis Royal Mare - something five-star this way comes... it might set you back a lil more, but with 29 swimming pools (we're shook too), a la carte dining options, a mini club and plenty of sports facilities, we reckon it's worth it.
Crete travel guide
🍻 All-inclusive holidays to Crete
Why worry about the next meal when Crete can serve it up on a silver platter – with drinks! That's what all inclusive holidays are all about. Dive fork-first into scrummy buffet spreads where the tzatziki is bottomless and the ouzo flows like water. Trust us, once you've had a taste of an all inclusive Crete holiday, there's no going back. Oh, and for peace of mind? Our flight-inclusive package holidays come with a trusty ATOL safety net.
👨👩👧👦 Family holidays to Crete
From pirate adventures on the high seas to treasure hunts in historic ruins – this Greek gem's got the whole crew covered for a family holiday to Crete. Destinations like Gouves and Chania are like playgrounds for the kiddos with top-notch beaches, while Agios Nikolaos and Elounda are decked out with action-packed resorts. Bonus: the ice creams here? Totally Insta-worthy.
❤️ Couples holidays to Crete
Thinking of reenacting The Notebook? (Minus the heartbreaking ending, obvs.) Crete’s your stage. Stroll hand-in-hand through the cobbled streets of Rethymnon, share a gelato (or two) in Chania, or find a secret spot in Elounda to watch the sunset. Couple's selfie with a side of Greek charm? Yes, please! That's what couples' holidays in Crete are all about, baby.
🥳 Party holidays in Crete
Got your dancing shoes ready? Malia's ready to groove! Whether it's the electric DJ nights or the tranquil tavernas where a Greek granny might teach you how to dance like a local, Crete’s nightlife is the gift that keeps on giving for all you party animals. For a mix of wild and mellow, you can explore bars in Agios Nikolaos and Hersonissos – they've got tunes for every mood.
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