Agia Pelagia is a quiet resort 20km from Heraklion, favoured by young families and older couples for its calm beaches and laidback atmosphere. A party resort it is not; instead, expect to see quaint restaurants and tavernas offering local dishes and glasses of Greek wine. A holiday in Agia Pelagia is all about the beaches; the resort has several beaches, each offering something a little different to ensure all visitors are catered for.
Crete is full of history and Agia Pelagia is in easy driving distance of a number of fascinating sites. Close by are the tranquil Monastery of Savathiana and Rogdia, a mountaintop village slightly inland that provides stunning views of the coastline below. On the outskirts of nearby Heraklion are the ancient ruins of the Minoan Palace at Knossos, and Heraklion has an archaeology museum detailing the island’s past.
One of the main reasons Agia Pelagia has become such a popular resort is its beaches; the resort has several beautiful spots perfect for a day in the sun! Agia Pelagia’s main beach is particularly popular with families; its sheltered location in a deep cove means the water is calm and ideal for young children. Other popular beaches are the equally sheltered Kladissos just down the coast, and Mononaftis is popular for scuba diving.
The child-friendly beaches are just one of the factors that appeal to families on a holiday in Agia Pelagia. Watersports are an exciting distraction for slightly older children, and for a fun day out you can’t miss Watercity, one of Europe’s largest waterparks. The low-key nightlife makes the resort a great environment for family meals out; you can take the kids out for dinner without being disturbed by the party crowd.
Euro
Greek
GMT +2
Around €3
€20-€25
3 hrs
(from London)
Agios Nikolaos is best known for its beautiful ocean scenery; the resort has a marina, five lovely beaches, and a lake connected to the sea bordered by a number of lively bars and restaurants.