Bangin' food, a boat-load of history and beaches with PINK sand. Yeah, you read that right. A Crete holiday is like no other!

🏝️ Crete Holidays 2025 / 2026: A Feast of Sun, History and Feta

From pink-sand beaches to ancient ruins, feta feasts to full-on party scenes – Crete is basically the buffet of Greek holidays. Whether you're after culture, cocktails or just a cracking tan, Greece's biggest island is ready to deliver everything from cheap holidays to something totally last minute.

✨ Crete Highlights

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

• Greek food heaven (Cretan dakos? Mahoosive yes.)

• 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).

☀️ Best Time to Visit Crete

Crete’s pretty much a good idea year-round, but if you wanna fine-tune your tan, vibe or Insta reel, here’s when to go:

• April–June: Spring has sprung - wildflowers galore, pleasant temps, and barely a tourist in sight. Sweet spot for hikers and explorers.

• July–August: Full-on beach holidays mode - blazing sun, warm seas, buzzing nightlife and village festivals. Pack extra SPF and your dancing sandals.

• September–October: Sea’s still warm, crowds have thinned, and local festivals are in full swing. Perfect for foodies and mellow sunset-chasers.

• November–March: Quieter, cooler and cheaper. Some spots close for winter, but Heraklion and Chania keep the Greek vibes alive and well so a winter sun holiday isn't off the table.

😎 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.

• Adelianos Kampos - a relaxed beachfront resort just outside Rethymnon, packed with all-inclusive hotels, souvenir shops, and plenty of spots to grab a gyros. Top pick for families who want beach days with easy access to culture.

• 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 couples, snorkellers and anyone chasing a chilled-out Cretan escape.

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

• 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. Great for couples and laid-back explorers.

• Chania – the postcard-perfect spot with Venetian harbour vibes, colourful waterfronts, and some of the best beaches in Crete. Ideal for couples, 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. 10/10 for couples and anyone craving some affordable luxury.

• Fodele - known as the birthplace of El Greco, this village is all rustic beauty and artistic flair. Stay here for a blend of mountain scenery, traditional tavernas and a beach that’s perfect for chilled family holidays.

• Georgioupolis - sat between Chania and Rethymnon, this peaceful spot is all about long sandy beaches and shallow waters – aka ideal territory for little paddlers. Great for families and those who prefer a slower pace.

• Heraklion – the island’s capital and a history lover’s dream. Think ancient ruins (hello, Knossos), bustling streets, and a lively nightlife scene. Perfect for city break lovers who also fancy a bit of culture.

• Hersonissos – a cracking all-rounder with family-friendly hotels, water parks, lively bars, and easy access to some top-notch beaches. Great for groups, families, and anyone who likes a bit of buzz.

• Malia – Crete’s answer to Mykonos, 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.

• Rethymnon – a dreamy mix of medieval charm and beachside bliss. The old town is proper stunning, and the sandy beaches stretch for miles. A topper pick for families and couples who want a bit of everything.

• Sissi - a sleepy fishing village with loads of charm and none of the crowds. Expect traditional tavernas, coastal walks, and boutique hotels – perfect for couples and chill-seekers who like their holidays with a touch of peace and postcard beauty.

🏖️ Best beaches to head to on your holidays to Crete

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.

🏨 Best hotels to stay at on your Crete holidays 2025 / 2026

Whatever you're seeking on your Greek adventure, we've got a jolly to suit, whether you're after a luxury holiday to up the boujee, or 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:

• Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa - yeah, it's a bit on the spenny side, but it's WORTH it for the non-stop all inclusive goodness, the mahoosive Insta-worthy pool and jaw-dropping rooms with everything from private pools to remote-control curtains. We stayed here, too, so we know what we're talking about.

• Mitsis Rinela Beach & Spa - boujee, but fam-friendly boujee. The kiddos will have a field day here (and so will you), with huge pools, delish restaurants (yep, more than one), a spa and a swanky wine-and-sushi bar for when the youngsters are at kids' club.

• Gouves Water Park Holiday Resort - water babies, prepare yourselves. You'll have more pools and waterslides than you can shake a lilo at here, along with a tonne of food options and plenty of entertainment for the kids.

• Rethymno Village - a bit more on the budget-friendly scale, with a big ol' pool for dunking into, a stacked buffet restaurant and cosy rooms with all the mod cons.

• Mitsis Royal Mare - something five-star this way comes... it might set you back a lil more, but with 29 swimming pools (we're shook too), a la carte dining options, a mini club and plenty of sports facilities, we reckon it's worth it.

✈️ Crete holidays 2025 / 2026 travel guide

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family holidays to 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.

❤️ Couples holidays to 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.

🧗 Crete for Adventure Lovers

Think holidays are for lazing by the pool? Not here, thrill-seekers. Crete is packed with wild trails, hidden caves and high-octane activities that’ll have you flexing your holiday muscles.

• Hike the Samaria Gorge – Europe’s longest gorge at 16km, complete with goats, cliff views, and bragging rights.

• Dive Elephant Cave – explore underwater stalactites and fossilised bones from – yep – actual ancient elephants.

• Windsurf at Kouremenos Beach – catch serious wind on one of the Med’s best windsurfing spots.

• Quad bike through the Lasithi Plateau – zip through olive groves, tiny villages and jaw-dropping mountain roads.

• Paragliding over Falassarna – soar above the coastline for unbeatable panoramic views and serious adrenaline.

🍽️ Foodie Holidays 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.

🥳 Party holidays in Crete

Crete’s not shy when it comes to a night out. Whether you're here for high-energy clubs or low-key beach bars with a side of live music, the island’s got a scene for every mood (and hangover).

• Beach bar cocktails at sunset – start the night right with a mojito and some sea breeze.

• Live Greek music nights – join the locals dancing to bouzouki beats under the stars.

• Bar crawls through the main strips – choose your pace: all-night rave or chill tunes with a Mythos in hand.

• Club nights with international DJs – some spots go big with names and lasers. Others? Just good vibes and good music.

Other Greece Holidays:

• Athens

• Corfu

• Halkidiki

• Kefalonia

• Kos

• Mykonos

• Peloponnese

• Preveza

• Rhodes

• Samos

• Santorini

• Skiathos

• Zante