Travel Guide To Crete, Greek Islands

The largest and most southerly Greek island has buzzing resorts but is rich in history, myth and architecture from the Minoan, Greek and Roman civilisations. Most resorts are located on the north eastern coast of the island.

Crete is an island of fascinating juxtapositions where the stark beauty of snow-capped mountains contrast with the lush green allure of flower-filled plains; where unspoilt fishing villages sit side by side the beach resorts. The town of Rethymnon and its traditional surrounding villages are the perfect bases from which to explore Crete because of their central position on the island. The beautiful old Venetian heart of Rethymnon has drawn visitors from all over the world, eager to wander its charming assortment of winding, narrow and Italianate facades.

The weather in Crete is characterized by mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. The climate of Crete is a temperate Mediterranean climate.

On most organised beaches in Crete you can choose from a great variety of water sports.

Food: The local drink is raki but before it takes hold try the tighanite (honey pancakes).

Nightlife: To be found at its most lively in Aghios Nikolaos, Malia and Hersonissos.

Shopping: Good buys are spirits and wines, leather goods and pottery.

Days out: Take a Jeep safari and explore the rugged sites and scenery including the Venetian harbour at Heraklion, ancient Minoan palace at Knossos, the fortifications at Rethymnon and the dramatic Samarian Gorge.

Events: Check local tourist information. Tourist information telephone number (UK): +44 (020) 7734 5997.

Additional Crete Information

Aghia Marina
(60 minutes from the Airport). This delightful resort has its own private beach and offers a lot of watersports. The colourful and exotic centre has great shops and bars, and is a great place for families to get away. There are loads of places to explore from here around Crete, and the restaurants have excellent food, both Greek and international.

Aghios Nikolaos
(120 minutes from Heraklion airport). Crete's most famous resort, 'Ag Nik' is set in a bay at the eastern end of the island's northern coastline. Still identifiably a picturesque working fishing town, it features a large number of lively bars and tavernas. Suits singles.

Anissaras
(60 minutes from the Airport). Anissaras is a traditional Cretian village with a great atmosphere located on the northern coast and overlooking the ocean. There are plenty of things to do such as snorkelling and surfing, an amphitheatre and loads of evening entertainment. It's easy to travel to other villages and experience the countryside and visit the various sites. This is an ideal destination for families.

Bali Beach
(45 mins from Chania airport). Intimate beaches, secluded coves, little white houses and traditional tavernas as well as good watersports. There is something for everyone.

Chania
(150 mins from Heraklion airport). Located at the western end of the northern coast, overlooks the scenic Gulf of Chania. Nightlife for the area mainly consists of friendly bars and tavernas. Suits couples and groups of friends.

Elounda
(210 minutes from Heraklion airport). Modern resort with a sophisticated atmosphere, a bustling village square, watersports, intimate beaches and small coves with nearby beauty spots. It has something for everyone.

Georgioupolis
(70 minutes from the Airport). This resort is in north western Crete, a small village that has fantastic wide beaches and excellent deep blue waters with a lot of watersports on offer. The centre has charming tavernas, the chapel of St. Nicholas, a small harbour, and nightlife on the outskirts of the village. There are amazing walks to be taken around the countryside, a swim in Crete's only lake, Lake Kournas, and many mythological sites.

Gouves
(40 minutes from Heraklion Airport). Gouves is a relaxing resort which is conveniently situated as it's easy to explore the island of Crete from here. The nightlife is peaceful, but there are plenty of happening places on the island to go to by taxi. Crete is special, because the island boasts four thousand years of top archaeological sites so it's ideal for people interested in Greek history. Otherwise, this is a warm and incredible destination.

Hersonissos
(45 mins from Heraklion airport). Offers golden beaches and picturesque villages, with restaurants, bars and clubs. Good watersports facilities. Something for everyone.

Kalamaki/ Platanias
(45 minutes from the Airport to Kalamaki; 60 minutes from the Airport to Platanias). Both resorts have fantastic beaches and all amenities are close by. If you're in need of a good shopping trip or an evening at the disco, Chania Town is a short bus ride away and has a very lively harbour.

Kalives
(45 minutes from Chania Airport). Kalives is a small agricultural town on Souda Bay with long gorgeous beaches, and popular on weekends for the residents of Chania. It's completely unspoilt and peaceful, and exudes Cretan hospitality and culture. The tavernas have excellent food and families should consider this resort.

Kalo Chorio
(150 minutes from airport). Relaxing, scenic resort with quiet nightlife. Best suits families and parties of friends.

Kokini Hani
(30 minutes from Heraklion Airport). Kokini Hani possesses two really beautiful beaches that are gentle and ideal for families. The night time entertainment is good, but if you want to liven things up, Heraklion isn't very far away and has loads of discos and bars.

Koutouloufari
(60 minutes from the Airport). Koutouloufari is an inland resort overlooking the sea and the neighbouring resort of Hersonissos where there are rocky bays. Koutouloufari, however, has another shingle beach that is merely 1.5km away and offers water sports as well as deep blue waters. The village has a lot of charming and fine tavernas with great Cretian food and a tranquil atmosphere.

Makriyalos
(120 minutes from the Airport). This is a fun resort with unspoilt beaches in the south east of Crete. "Makri" means long and "yalos" means shore, and the people who visit all consider this a haven, as the waters are a deep blue, the sand is soft, and relaxing is the order of the day. Everything is on offer here such as great food, bars, discos, water sports, and cars which you can hire to explore the abundant mythological sites and other villages.

Maleme
(80 minutes from the Airport). Maleme is situated in the Gulf of Chania and is a traditional village which has a long sandy beach and tranquil atmosphere. The tavernas are very good, but should you seek more fun and nightlife, then Chania Town is only up the road and their harbour offers lots of music and fun. During the day, there are plenty of mythological and historic sites to explore, making this place ideal for a great holiday.

Malia
(60 minutes from Heraklion airport). Has archaeological sites, 2km of golden sands, water sports helped by the sea breezes and a non-stop nightlife. Featuring an attractive old town district, it's a favourite for the younger crowd.

Myrtos
(120 minutes from the Airport). Myrtos' remoteness and long pebble beach make it a haven for people who want to get away from the tourist track and who seek some unspoilt beauty. It overlooks the dark Libyan Sea towards North Africa adding mystique, and is surrounded by bounteous fields of vegetables. This is one of the most popular secret destinations for the Greeks, and is a perfect base for exploring Cretian mythological sites and villages. The entertainments here are relaxed, but one gets a wonderful taste of Greek culture and fun.

Paleochora
(225 minutes from Heraklion airport). The other side of the mountains from Chania, Paleochora is a quiet resort handy for the stunning Samaria Gorge. Suits couples.

Plakias/ Bali
(45 minutes from the Airport to Bali; 85 minutes from the Airport to Plakias). Both of these resorts are wonderful and have excellent beaches with turquoise waters and water sports. The countryside is really nice and you can hire a car for exploring the island. Although the nightlife is quiet, the tavernas provide a popular focal point to socialise and have some fun.

Rethymnon
(90 minutes from Heraklion airport). At the western end of the island's northern coast, this is a quiet resort with good beaches and some nightlife. Suits couples and families.

Sissi
(105 minutes from Heraklion Airport). Sissi is a great little fishing village which has charming beaches, loads of water sports, and really nice restaurants. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, and is ideal as a base for exploring all the mythological and historic sites.

Stalis
(75 minutes from Heraklion airport). Good beaches, water sports and reasonable nightlife make Stalis suitable for most visitors. Handy for livelier Mali.

Airport Transfers from ResortHoppa.com