Gerani Holidays

Gerani is a little dot of a place sitting quietly on Crete’s north coast, in the foothills of the White Mountains. It’s a really understated resort, with just a clutch of hotels and tavernas – and that’s pretty much the appeal. But there’s lively Platanias down the road as well as bigger Chania on standby if you need them.

Gerani has a long beach and it rarely gets packed out. It’s a patchwork of pebbles, sandy stretches and shingle. The rockier bits along here are the most secluded, while the popular sandy area comes with sunloungers, parasols and showers. There are a few volleyball nets dotted along the place, while off-shore you’ve got pedalos and windsurfing.

Gerani is great for walkers. The olive groves, cypress and citrus trees that surround the village add a serious wow-factor to even a casual stroll. A good starter trip is to head away from the coast to the hillside village of Palaio Gerani – the view back over the bay is first rate.

Twenty minutes on the bus and you’re at Chania. It’s a real day-into-night place here. Sightseeing wise, you’ve got a fortress and lighthouse at either end of the headland, and the old town is a maze of Venetian-style alleyways. There’s also a very photogenic harbour – it’s a busy hub crammed with bars, restaurants and clubs.