On a Kato Doratso holiday, you get a trio of blonde beaches, and tavernas dishing up pukka Greek grub. Chania's just down the road, too.

Beachy breaks in northern Crete

Kato Doratso was once a hillside village. It’s since ballooned out and now stretches all the way down to the shoreline, which lays claim to a custard-coloured ribbon of sand that rolls out for over a mile. What’s more, two smaller slices of golden beach are just five minutes’ stroll along the coast from here. So you’ve got multiple options when it comes to bucket-and-spade days.

A mix of old and new

The resort’s village roots means it still clings on to its traditions, and has a handful of Cretan restaurants where you can tuck into some proper local grub – spit-roasted pork with pitta bread’s at the top of many a menu. Modern Kato Doratso hotels, like the Althea Village Hotel, bring things into the 21st century.

Chania on hand

Hop in a cab for 10 minutes and you’ll be smack dab in the middle of lively Chania, one of the most popular places to visit on Crete. Don’t miss a stroll along the Old Venetian Harbour – it’s particularly pretty at sunset. There are also museums on everything from footie to archaeology. And the market hall’s a big hit with foodies.

At a Glance

  • Set up camp on the mile-long beach
  • Sample stifado – a tasty meat stew
  • Take a tour of Chania's sights