Crete Holidays

Holidays to Crete deliver rich history, incredible food, and unique pink-sand beaches. We mean bangin’ food, a boat-load of history and beaches with PINK sand… yeah, you read that right, a Crete holiday is like no other!

✨ Holidays to Crete 2026 Highlights

• 1,000km of coastline (which means beach days for days)

• Greek food heaven (Cretan dakos? Absolutely.)

• Ancient history on tap (Knossos Palace is basically a time machine)

• Chilled island vibes (whether you're hiking gorges or sipping raki at sunset)

🎉 Good to Know

• 🤩 Fun fact - Crete is the birthplace of the Mediterranean diet, and honestly, it’s no surprise. Olive oil, feta, fresh seafood – every meal here is a proper feast.

• 🏖️ Best beach - Elafonissi Beach is the stuff of dreams – pink-tinged sands, crystal-clear swimmers, and shallow waters perfect for floating around like you’ve got zero responsibilities.

• 🍺 Price of a pint - you’re looking at around €4 (£3.50) on average, though it can be pricier in touristy spots (but totally worth it for that sea view pint).

🗣️ Local Lingo – Talk Like a Cretan

In Crete, you’ll hear Greek everywhere, but with a proud local twist. Cretans are known for their warm hospitality, so even a few phrases will go a long way (and might even score you a free dessert 👀).

• Yassou, YAH-soo (Γεια σου), Hello

• Efharisto, ef-hah-ree-STOH (Ευχαριστώ), Thank you

• Parakalo, pah-rah-kah-LOH (Παρακαλώ), Please / You're welcome

• Yamas!, YAH-mas (Γεια μας), Cheers!

• Ti kaneis?, tee KAH-nees (Τι κάνεις;), How are you?

• Poso kani?, POH-soh KAH-nee (Πόσο κάνει;), How much is it?

• Kali orexi, kah-LEE OH-rek-see (Καλή όρεξη), Enjoy your meal

• Ela!, EH-lah (Έλα), Come on! (or just a friendly "hey", and you'll hear it everywhere)

• Tsikoudia, tsee-koo-DYAH (Τσικουδιά), Crete's name for raki, often poured free after dinner

Crete package holidays, our experts tips...

"We did a Crete all-inclusive holiday and we would do it again tomorrow. Proper luxury without being stuffy. Elafonissi, the pink sand beach, is genuinely one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever stood on (and I've stood on a few). We spent a morning wandering Chania's Old Town, stopping for the harbour views, and what felt like the best Aperol Spritz I've had anywhere in Europe. The Samaria Gorge hike was a proper highlight too, dramatic mountains the whole way through and completely worth the effort. But if I was going to recommend just one thing, Balos Lagoon was the one that stayed with me most, we hired a private boat and the water wasn't even blue, it was this light, almost tropical green, with sea turtles popping up around us the whole time."

-Rob Brooks, OtB Holiday Expert

Crete is perfect for you if...

• You want all inclusive holidays to Crete where everything is sorted, so all you have left to do is find a new beach every day (and don't forget to have some fun)

• You love a holiday with a great beach but you'd happily swap a day on the sunbed for a gorge walk (that finishes on a beach...)

• You want Greece, and you're watching your wallet so you like the sound of our cheap holidays to Crete so much that you'll even sneak out to a village taverna for the free shot of firewater after dinner

• Your kids love a good monster story, and you want to show them the palace where the Minotaur legend began

• An October swim in a sea that's still properly warm sounds spot on

😎 Where to Stay on your Crete holidays

Crete is Greece’s biggest island and an absolute belter when it comes to variety – whether you’re after golden beaches, ancient ruins, buzzing nightlife, or just some top-tier Greek grub.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Where should families stay on their holidays in Crete?

• Hersonissos - a cracking all-rounder with family-friendly hotels, water parks, lively bars, and easy access to some top-notch beaches.

• Gouves - long sandy beaches and big family resorts, some with waterslides of their own, and the Hersonissos waterparks just down the road.

• Georgioupolis - sat between Chania and Rethymnon, this peaceful spot is all about long sandy beaches and shallow waters, aka ideal territory for little paddlers.

• Adelianos Kampos - a relaxed beachfront resort just outside Rethymnon, packed with all-inclusive hotels, souvenir shops, and plenty of spots to grab a gyros.

• Fodele - a village that claims to be the birthplace of El Greco, all rustic beauty, mountain scenery and traditional tavernas, with a beach that's perfect for chilled family holidays.

💑 Where should couples stay in Crete?

• Chania - the postcard-perfect spot with Venetian harbour vibes, colourful waterfronts, and some of the best beaches in Crete. Ideal for foodies and anyone who loves a bit of old-world charm with their holibobs.

• Elounda - if boujee is what you're after, Elounda's got you covered. Swanky resorts, infinity pools, and a whopper of a view over Mirabello Bay.

• Agia Pelagia - tucked into a scenic bay on the northern coast, this former fishing village now blends laid-back beach life with boutique hotel charm. Ideal for snorkellers and anyone chasing a chilled-out Cretan escape.

• Aghios Nikolaos - artsy, stylish, and packed with waterfront cafés. The lake in the centre of town is pure magic, and the nightlife is lively but not wild.

• Rethymnon - a dreamy mix of medieval charm and beachside bliss. The old town is proper stunning, and the sandy beaches stretch for miles.

• Sissi - a sleepy fishing village with loads of charm, traditional tavernas, coastal walks and boutique hotels, for anyone who likes their holidays with a touch of peace and postcard beauty.

🎉 Where should groups stay in Crete?

• Malia - where the beach bars are buzzing and the nightlife is next level. If your idea of a proper good time includes beach raves and all-night parties, this is the spot.

• Amoudara - just west of Heraklion, this long sandy beach resort mixes budget-friendly hotels with a lively strip of bars and cafés. A solid base for first-timers wanting sunshine, sand, and city access.

• Heraklion - the island's capital and a history lover's dream. Think ancient ruins (hello, Knossos), bustling streets, and a lively nightlife scene.

🏖️ Best beaches to head to on your holidays to Crete 2026

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.

All Inclusive Holidays in Crete

Imagine stepping into a sun-soaked paradise where your biggest decision is pool or beach? (Tough life, right?)

Crete all inclusive holidays are like your fun-loving best friend who’s thought of everything. We’re talking a smorgasbord of delicious eats from morning 'til night – hello, food coma! And the drinks? They just keep on coming! And let’s not forget about the activities. From water aerobics to Greek dancing lessons, you might just need a holiday from your holiday!

So, pack your bags (and your stretchy pants) and take off to one of our top all-inclusive Crete picks. The big resorts around Hersonissos and Analipsis have gone all in on a la carte dining, adults-only rooms and waterparks, so all inclusive holidays to Crete work just as well for a honeymoon as for a family fortnight with the kiddos. Here are our top picks.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What are the best all inclusive family hotels in Crete?

• Creta Maris Resort - five-star on the beach in Hersonissos, with a 4,000m² waterpark included in the all-inclusive, five a la carte restaurants on top of the buffets, and a Worldwide Kids club for 4 to 12s. It's been going since 1975, and grown-ups get their own 16+ area with heated pools.

• Stella Palace Aqua Park Resort - five-star in Analipsis with its very own Stella Waterland (giant slides, a lazy river and splash pads), two lagoon pools and a kids' club, about 500m from the beach.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 What are the best adults-only all inclusive hotels in Crete?

• Atlantica Kalliston Resort - Adults Only - five-star for 16s and over, right on Agioi Apostoloi beach near Chania, with wine-cellar fine dining, Greek, Asian and Italian restaurants, and a quieter, more grown-up feel on the western side of the island.

• Aquila Elounda Village - Adults Only - five-star for 16s and over near Elounda, with a three-level infinity pool looking out over Mirabello Bay, rooms with private or shared pools, the Blue Spa and a Premium All-Inclusive option.

✨ What are the best 5 star all inclusive hotels in Crete?

• Mitsis Selection Laguna - five-star on the beach at Anissaras, with Ultra All Inclusive around the clock, five a la carte restaurants, a crêperie and gelateria by the lagoon pool, and a champagne, wine and sushi bar.

• Lyttos Mare - five-star on a Blue Flag beach for guests aged 12 and over, with seawater pools, a heated indoor pool and free entry to the Lyttopia waterpark at its sister hotel, Lyttos Beach.

🏨 Best hotels in Crete

Whatever you're seeking on your Greece holidays, we've got a holiday to suit, whether you're after a luxury holiday, you're looking for your ultimate Summer holiday in the sun, 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:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Which resorts are best for Crete family holidays?

• Mitsis Selection Rinela - boujee, but fam-friendly boujee. It's right on a Blue Flag beach at Kokkini Hani, with a new splash park, four a la carte restaurants and a swanky adults-only wine bar serving sushi for when the youngsters are at kids' club.

• Gouves Water Park Holiday Resort - water babies, prepare yourselves. Three waterpark zones, six big slides plus smaller ones for 2 to 8s, eight outdoor pools and swim-up family suites, all 300m from the beach in Gouves.

• Grecotel Marine Palace & Aqua Park - its own sandy Blue Flag bay near Panormos, a 6,000m² aqua park that's free for guests, and Grecoland kids' clubs for every age from 4 to 17.

💑 What are the best resorts in Crete for couples?

• Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa - yeah, it's adults only (16+) and a bit on the spenny side, but it's WORTH it for the all inclusive goodness, the mahoosive lagoon pool, swim-up bungalows perched over the lagoon and villas with their own private pools. We stayed here, too, so we know what we're talking about.

• Seaside A Lifestyle Resort - adults-only five-star on the cliffs above Mononaftis Bay in Agia Pelagia, with suites that have their own infinity pools, the Sea Cave Spa, and Caléa, a restaurant run with Michelin-starred chef Gerardo Metta.

• Domes Aulus Elounda - adults only (16+) on the Elounda coast, looking across Mirabello Bay to Spinalonga, with six restaurants, the Soma Spa and a private shingle beach.

✨ Which hotels are best for luxury Crete holidays?

• Mitsis Royal Mare - something five-star this way comes... it's right on Anissaras's Blue Flag beach, with seafront suites that have their own private pools, four a la carte restaurants, seven clay tennis courts and a thalasso spa. It might set you back a lil' more, but we reckon it's worth it.

• Grecotel LUXME White - 1km of Blue Flag beach just east of Rethymnon, 22 pools (11 of them private, in the Yali suites), swim-up rooms, six restaurants and its own Luxe All Inclusive.

• Ikos Kissamos - brand new in 2026 on Kissamos Bay in western Crete, with 600m of its own beach, seven restaurants, eight pools and the Ikos all-inclusive, which even includes dining out at local tavernas.

💰 What are the best hotels for cheap Crete holidays?

• Rethymno Village - a bit more on the budget-friendly scale, 100m from the Blue Flag beach at Platanias and 6km from Rethymnon's old town, with a pool, a kids' pool, a stacked buffet restaurant and cosy rooms.

• Aelius Hotel & Spa - Sensus Experience - four-star in Kato Gouves with a free beach shuttle, a spa, a Cretan a la carte restaurant and swim-up rooms in its Sensus wing.

• Filion Suites Resort & Spa - five-star for less, on a hillside above Bali with three pools, a spa, villas with private pools and a free shuttle down to the beach.

👉 All hotels in Crete

✈️ Crete holidays 2026 travel guide

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to do for families in Crete

Crete brings the family holiday A-game - think soft sandy beaches, mini waterparks, and days out that’ll wear out even the most energetic kiddos. With loads of family-friendly hotels, gentle bays and crowd-pleasing tavernas, it’s a stress-free win for parents.

• Cretaquarium – one of the largest aquariums in Europe, with sharks, sea turtles and Nemo lookalikes galore.

• Labyrinth Park – a maze-themed amusement park with mini-golf, archery and mythology-themed fun.

• Watercity Waterpark – slides, splash zones, and lazy rivers – basically, an all-day pass to family smiles.

• Glass-bottom boat trips – sail over turquoise waters while spotting sea life beneath your flip-flops.

❤️ Things to do for couples in Crete

Whether it’s your honeymoon, a romantic retreat, or a “finally got a babysitter” break, Crete brings all the couple’s getaway vibes. Think long sunset strolls, wine-fuelled dinners, and private coves you’ll never want to leave.

• Sunset at Seitan Limania – one of the dreamiest coastal views on the island, tucked between dramatic cliffs.

• Cretan wine tasting – local vineyards serve up rich reds and crisp whites – often with views to match.

• Private boat hire – cruise to hidden beaches or make a splash with a dip in the clear-blue Ionian Sea.

• Candlelit dinners by the harbour – seafront tavernas with fresh seafood and flickering lanterns? Say less.

🍽️ Things to do for foodies in Crete

Bring your appetite because Cretan cuisine doesn’t mess about. From sun-ripened veg to slow-roasted lamb, this island’s flavours hit harder than a double shot of raki.

• Try dakos – a crisp bread base topped with tomato, feta, olive oil, and oregano. Simple. Iconic. Delicious.

• Devour antikristo – lamb cooked slowly over open flames in the traditional mountain way – proper hearty.

• Snack on kalitsounia – cheese pies that swing from sweet to savoury depending on the region.

• Visit Heraklion Central Market – buzzing with local produce, cheeses, honey, herbs and the odd local offering free samples.

• Tuck into bougatsa – a custard-filled pastry dusted in sugar, best served warm and eaten with zero regrets.

Other Greece Holidays:

• Athens

• Corfu

• Halkidiki

• Kefalonia

• Kos

• Mykonos

• Peloponnese

• Preveza

• Rhodes

• Samos

• Santorini

• Skiathos

• Zante