Crete Holidays

Crete’s top lip is the island’s go-to spot for sun-seekers. Visitors flock to the north, thanks to the bumper crop of beaches strung out like bunting along the coastline. The Heraklion area’s got lively Hersonissos in its armoury, while the Chania area scores perfect 10s in the relaxation stakes. Samaria Gorge tops the natural attractions in the island’s rural centre. And if you flip the page to the southern coast, you’ll find traditional villages in place of hotel-heavy towns.

The culture gauge is permanently whacked up to full in Crete. Ancient Greek attractions like the Palace of Knossos have stood the test of time, while the artefact-filled museums of Aghios Nikolaos celebrate the island’s rich history, and will make you think twice about pledging all your time to tanning. The full A to Z of historical sites is as long as your arm, and includes a Venetian island fortress, a peach-coloured monastery and the fountain-filled old town of Rethymnon.

Blue Flag beaches are blotted across the map like a used bingo card. It’s little surprise that most of them cuddle up to the north coast, with the areas of Chania and Aghios Nikolaos nosing ahead in the final tallies. Agia Marina and Nea Kydonia are a couple of the former’s prettiest picks, while the latter has three award-winning sweeps tucked into a sheltered bay. Agia Pelagia’s a little further from the typically trodden package holiday track, but the waterfront still dresses to impress.