Holidays to Crete

With idyllic beaches, jaw-dropping scenery and sumptuous cuisine, Crete holidays are sun-kissed, feel-good, and one hell of a sweet Greek treat.

That’s so beachy!

The largest of all the Greek islands, Crete serves up one blockbuster beach after another. From warm sandy coves to pebbly bays lapped by crystal clear water, there’s a seaside paradise waiting for you.

Picturesque Balos Beach is a frontrunner. With its white sands and turquoise water, it’s basically a postcard for Crete. You’ll need to tackle a challenging dirt road to get here, but it’s so worth the effort.

A historic heavyweight

With around 5,000 years of human history under its belt, it would be madness not to take a look around Crete’s fascinating ancient sites.

Start at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum in the capital Heraklion (aka Iraklio), with its collection of goodies from Neolithic to Roman times. Then pop by the impressive Koules Fortress for panoramic rooftop views.

Get high

Like a leg day? Scenic Crete is begging to be explored on foot. If you’re here between May and October, trek the stunning 18km (11-mile) trail through the Samaria Gorge National Park, which just happens to be a World Biosphere Reserve.

For sea views, hike the clifftop coastal path between fishing villages Paleohora and Sougia. Cool down with a swim in the glittering ocean along the way.

Crete eats

As well as gifting the world democracy, the Olympics and philosophical GOATS, the Greeks dish out mouthwatering cuisine – and Crete does not disappoint on the foodie front.

Cheese pies or kalitsounia (myzithra stuffed in filo pastry) are a fave here, available anywhere and even tastier with a dash of honey. Find cured pork (apaki) in Chania’s restaurants, and traditional lamb dishes in little mountain tavernas. Full? Order a raki. A shot of the digestif will sort you right out for round eight.