Gouves Holidays

Crete has a rich and diverse history. The island's Minoan era is credited as the birth of European culture, and evidenced of this advanced civilisation is scattered around the land near Gouves. The Archaeological Museum in Heraklion is home to the world's finest collection of Minoan artefacts. Through the centuries Crete has experienced successive invasions and occupations, from the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and Turks, finally becoming part of Greece in the early twentieth century.

Gouves, like all Cretan towns and villages, has its own traditions, with Holy Week forming the centre of the religious calendar, along with saints' days, Independence Day on the 25th of March, and others. Heraklion hosts an extensive Summer Arts Festival from July to September, with art, theatre, and music, both traditional and modern. It's easy to get to from Gouves, and has something to suit all tastes.

Gouves is well served by bars, cafes, restaurants and tavernas, all offering a pleasant nightlife. There's plenty of places for families to spend an evening, particularly recommended is the Taverna Samaria that serves very good traditional kleftiko. A string of bars and cafes along the waterfront are good venues to enjoy a cocktail, but if you want a night of clubs and dancing you could head to the party resort at Hersonissos. Gouves' nightlife is peaceful and low-key, very good for families and those wanting to chill out after a day on the beach.