Holidays to Koutouloufari on the Greek island of Crete combine lazy, lingering evenings with action-packed daytrips for the whole family.

Hidden charm

Koutouloufari's in a prime spot in the north of Crete. From the Heraklion area of this Greek island, it looks out over sandy coves and the blue ocean from its hillside perch. In the village itself, you'll find cobbled alleyways, courtyards and doorways draped in vines – giving the place a fairy-tale feeling.

Head for Hersonissos

Koutouloufari's blissfully sleepy, but you'll find high-octane fun in Hersonissos – only a 20-minute walk away. On Star Beach, DJs blast out the latest tunes at foam parties, while parasailing and bungee jumping keep adrenaline junkies grinning. The nearby waterpark means kids can get in on the fun, too.

Deep blue Crete

Just a five-minute drive away is Crete's oldest aquarium – Aquaworld. It's home to rescued octopi, reptiles, crustaceans and fish, and promotes an important conservationist message. Friendly staff can help you capture the perfect photo of turtles and geckos without bothering the happy creatures.

At a Glance

  • Spend balmy evenings underneath vine-covered terraces
  • Splash your days away at the local waterpark
  • Get up close to marine wildlife at Aquaworld