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Crete Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

When I finally got to Crete , it exceeded all my expectations. There’s a lot to love about Crete beyond its ancient ruins: a beautiful variety of stunning beaches, excellent hiking, quaint historic towns, and incredible food and wine.

Plus, it’s affordable, making it an excellent budget destination to visit. And the island’s size ensures you can explore freely and escape the crowds that flock here during the busy summer months.

This travel guide to Crete can help you plan the perfect visit to this ancient island and ensure you save money in the process!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Crete

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Crete

1. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

This is Greece’s second-largest archaeological museum. The collection here spans over 5,500 years of history. The museum houses elaborate pottery, jewelry, sarcophagi, colorful frescoes from Knossos, and more. Its Minoan collection is the most extensive in the world. Overall, the museum is incredibly detailed and should not be missed. Tickets are 12 EUR in the summer and 6 EUR in the winter.

2. Relax on the Pink Beach

Elafonisi Beach is located in the southwest corner of Crete, about 75 kilometers (47 miles) from Chania. The waters are crystal clear and the beach has rose-colored sand (hence the name). It is super popular in the summer (so get here early), with rentable sunbeds and umbrellas lining the beach. There are plenty of secluded coves nearby if you want to get away from the crowds. The water is shallow enough that you can walk out to the small island of Elafonisi, which has a tiny lighthouse and unobstructed views of the Mediterranean.

3. Explore Chania

This area has been inhabited since Neolithic times and was a major Minoan settlement named Kydonia. Today, Chania is the second-largest city in Crete and has a scenic Venetian quarter and harborfront lined with tavernas (small Greek restaurants), cafes, and shops. While here, check out the historic Firka Fortress (built in 1620) as well as the Maritime Museum located inside the fortress.

4. Visit Knossos

Knossos was the ancient capital of the Minoan empire and its Bronze Age ruins are some of the oldest in Greece (it’s considered the oldest city in Europe). The area has been inhabited since at least 7000 BCE, flourishing between the 19th-14th centuries BCE. You need a few hours here to roam the rebuilt palaces, courtyards, private apartments, baths, villas, tombs, and more. Admission is 15 EUR (free admission on the first Sunday of every month during the winter).

5. Hike Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge is one of Greece’s National Parks and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The main hike is a 16-kilometer (10-mile) trek that offers wonderful views of the White Mountains and finishes at the beach town of Agia Roumeli. Keep in mind that this is a fairly long, rocky trek that takes around 5-7 hours to complete. Because of the length of the trek, you aren’t allowed to start it after around 2pm (you can still do part of it, but you will have to turn around at a certain point). But for nature lovers, it’s well worth it, and you can grab a beer at one of the seaside tavernas when finished. Try to avoid mid-summer as temps can reach up to 40°C (104°F) and there’s no shade. The park is open May-October and admission is 5 EUR.

Other Things to See and Do in Crete

1. take a trip to spinalonga island.

Located in northeastern Crete, the Venetians built a large fortress here in 1579 to protect Mirabello Bay and Elounda Bay from the Ottomans. The defenses held strong until 1715 when the Ottomans sieged the island. When the Ottomans left in the late 19th century, the island became a leper colony and remained that way for decades. Visitors can now take a boat there and walk a short trail that takes you through the ruined church, a leper disinfection room, a hospital, and a cemetery. Admission is 8 EUR and it’s open from April-October.

2. Explore Koules Fortress

Located in Heraklion, Koules Fortress was built in the 13th century when Crete was under Venetian rule. It was designed to protect the city from invasion and at its height housed a mill, bakery, prison, barracks, and more. Nowadays, you can walk through the tunnels and visit the various rooms. There are a lot of informative exhibits explaining the history of the castle and area too. Admission is 4 EUR (closed on Tuesdays).

3. Visit Aptera

This ancient 12th-century monastery is located just 13 kilometers (8 miles) outside of Chania. During your visit, you can admire the restored monastery as well as the remains of the original fortified tower, a temple from the 5th century BCE, a city gate, monastic walls, Roman cisterns and baths, and an amphitheater. There was also a Turkish fortress built here in 1872 that overlooks Souda Bay. Admission is 4 EUR.

4. See the Lassithi Plateau

The Lassithi Plateau in eastern Crete stands 900 meters (2,952 feet) above sea level. To get there, you have to drive up winding mountain roads overlooking the Dikti mountain range (which is dotted with white windmills). While here, you can visit Psychro, home to the Dikteon Cave that, according to Greek mythology, is the birthplace of Zeus and the place where he was hidden as an infant to be protected from his father. It’s 6 EUR to visit the cave, or you can combine it with a full-day ATV experience across the plateau for 75 EUR.

5. Wander Rethymnon

Located in northwestern Crete, this city is the third-largest in Crete (after Heraklion and Chania). Rethymnon is famous for its spectacular 11-kilometer (7-mile) long beach as well as its Venetian old town, port, and fortress. I love getting lost in the streets here, exploring the 16th-century fortress, and eating all the tasty food the city has to offer. It has a phenomenal food scene!

6. Tour the Historical Museum of Crete

If you’re interested in the more modern history of Crete (from the early Christian period to the mid-20th century), this museum in Heraklion is awesome. It’s small, but there’s a lot to see, including two stunning paintings by El Greco: The Baptism of Christ and View of Mt. Sinai and the Monastery of St. Catherine . There’s also a giant model of the city from the Venetian era (around 1650 CE) before its Turkish occupation, and a re-creation of author Nikos Kazantzakis’s study where he wrote Zorba the Greek (a popular novel-turned-film written in 1946). Admission is 5 EUR.

7. Hit Balos Beach

Balos Beach in the northwest corner of Crete offers a nice mix of white and pink sand, as well as a lagoon that is a warm place for a swim. It’s a peaceful place to hang out and soak up the sun, though it does get very crowded in the summer as it is one of the most popular beaches on Crete. You can get here by car (and then hike down to the beach), ferry (though it doesn’t leave a lot of time at the beach), or private boat. There are no places to buy food here so bring your own.

8. Take a wine tour

Crete is one of the oldest wine-producing areas in Europe, with a history that dates back 4,000 years. There are some 30 wineries around the island and you can explore many of them as day trips from Chania or Heraklion. If you don’t have a car, there are several wine tours that leave from both cities, including Chania Wine Tours and Made in Crete (Heraklion). Both offer dedicated wine tours as well as wine and olive oil tours. Tours start from 85 EUR per person.

9. Wander Chrissi Island

Located 15 kilometers (9 miles) off the coast of southeastern Crete, this Caribbean-looking island is a protected nature reserve with a unique cedar forest covering most of the island. Its deep blue waters and white sand beach make it a popular spot to spend the day, snorkeling, swimming, and lounging around. Ferries leave from the mainland in the morning and come back starting around 3pm in the afternoon. The island is completely uninhabited, meaning that there are no services, so bring everything you need (though you can buy food and drinks on the ferries if you need to). The round-trip ferry costs around 25 EUR.

10. Visit Plakias

Located 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of Rethymno in the southern part of the island, this little town is popular with older tourists looking for a quiet time. I don’t really love the beach here (too rocky for me) but there are some phenomenal sunsets and a few nearby hikes that make it worth a visit. It’s a good base to visit nearby beaches (a boat taxi hops between a bunch of them).

11. Relax at Preveli Beach

Located close to Plakias, this beach is famous for its palm trees and swimmable river. It starts a few kilometers up and runs through a gorge before emptying out into the sea. Legend says the palm trees were brought here by pirates. It’s one of the nicer beaches and the river is super nice to swim in. You can sometimes hike through the gorge depending on trail and river conditions. Be sure to check beforehand. It’s a hugely popular day-trip destination so expect crowds.

12. Take a Cretan cooking class

Greek food is legendary, and after eating your way around the island, you might want to bring a taste of your trip home with you. By taking a cooking class, you can learn how to make uniquely Cretan dishes like dakos (a Cretan version of bruschetta), kalitsounia (sweet cheese pastries), and tsigariasto (a stewed meat dish). Vamos Village and Cretan Cooking Classes both offer a variety of classes starting at 75 EUR per person.

13. Visit a Cretan olive oil farm

Dive deep into the island’s olive oil tradition by visiting a farm and taking a tour to learn more about this iconic staple. The aptly named Cretan Olive Oil Farm and The Olive Farm in Chania both offer tours of the groves and production facilities, which also include tastings. Both farms also offer a variety of other classes and workshops, including wine tastings, cheese making, and other cooking classes. Tours start at 45 EUR.

  For more information on other destinations in Greece, check out these guides:

• Athens Travel Guide
• Corfu Travel Guide
• Ios Travel Guide
• Mykonos Travel Guide
• Naxos Travel Guide
• Santorini Travel Guide
• Sparta Travel Guide

Crete Travel Costs

For those traveling with a tent, basic plots without electricity for one person start at 13.50 EUR per night in the summer and 11 EUR per night off-season.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels start at 25 EUR in any of the main cities during the summer. In the off-season, prices start around 20 EUR per night. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi and free breakfast.

Airbnb is available everywhere in Crete. For a private room, expect to pay at least 40 EUR, while an entire home/apartment averages closer to 150 EUR per night (you can find them for half that if you book early though).

Food – Traditional Greek cuisine is very healthy with a lot of fresh vegetables, olive oil, lamb, fish, pork, cheeses (especially feta), and yogurts. Filo pastries stuffed with meat or spinach and cheese are a local favorite as are souvlaki and gyros.

Crete also has its own unique dishes, such as snails in cracked wheat ( kohli bourbouristi ), slow-cooked pork with potatoes ( psitos ), Cretan dakos (Crete’s version of the Greek salad), and horta (wild greens).

Street food like gyros or souvlaki costs about 4.50 EUR each, or less. A hearty Greek salad also costs about 4.50 EUR, while a warm cheese pie (called kalitsounia ) is about 2 EUR. A combo meal at McDonald’s costs about 11 EUR.

If you stick mostly to traditional Greek dishes, you can eat very well on a budget in Crete. A plate of pork souvlaki is around 9 EUR while calamari is about 7.50 EUR. A hearty dish of moussaka starts at 7 EUR, while a platter of grilled chicken or beef costs between 8-11 EUR. A beer to go with it costs from 3.50 EUR.

At a higher-end restaurant, you can get an appetizer and a seafood or steak entree for about 25 EUR. Pasta dishes are about 16 EUR, while a vegetarian main starts from about 12 EUR. A glass of local wine is another 4.50 EUR.

If you’re cooking your own meals, expect to spend around 45-50 EUR on groceries per week. This gets you basic staples like pasta, veggies, eggs, cheese, and some meat.

Backpacking Crete Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Crete, expect to spend about 55 EUR per day. This budget covers staying in a dorm, cooking some meals and eating some cheap fast food, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation to get around, and mostly sticking to free activities like hanging out on the beach and hiking.

On a mid-range budget of 115 EUR per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out for all your meals, take the occasional taxi, drink more, and do some paid activities like visiting the Archeological Museum and Knossos.

On a “luxury” budget of 205 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, enjoy some drinks, get a scooter rental, take more taxis, and do all the tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Crete Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Crete, like the rest of Greece, is very budget-friendly. But if you’re looking to cut down your expenses even more, here are some of my favorite ways to save money in Crete:

• Use the Greek salad/bread rule – If the bread cover is .50 EUR or a Greek salad is less than 7 EUR, the restaurant is cheap. If the cover is around 1 EUR and a salad is 7-8.50 EUR, the prices are average. Anything more than that and the place is expensive. Use this rule to figure out how to eat at cheap restaurants.
• Travel in the off-season – Crete is one of the rare Greek islands that has a sizeable year-round tourist population, so hotels and attractions are almost always open (unlike places like Santorini and Mykonos). If you come during the shoulder season or off-season, you can find lower accommodation rates and tour prices while still getting the best of what the Greek islands have to offer.
• Stay with a local – If you plan ahead, you can usually find a Couchsurfing host that can host you for your stay. This way, you not only have a free place to stay but you’ll get access to a local that can share their insider tips and information. Just be sure to send your requests early as there are not a lot of hosts here.
• Go to museums on their free admission days – Most museums have some days when admission is free. Check the Odysseus Culture website for details as they vary from museum to museum.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Eat super cheap – Gyros (and other street snacks) usually only cost a few euros. They are quick and easy and can keep you full for less than 10 EUR per day!

Where to Stay in Crete

Crete’s a big island and you’ll likely book a few different places if you’re planning on exploring the full extent of the island. These are my recommended places to stay while you’re here:

• Youth Hostel Plakias
• Rethymno Youth Hostel
• Cocoon City
• Intra Muros

How to Get Around Crete

Most buses cost between 4-10 EUR per trip. For example, a 90-minute trip from Heraklion to Rethymnon costs around 6 EUR, while a three-hour trip from Heraklion to Chania is about 10 EUR.

Boat Scooter Rental – If you want more flexibility in getting around, a scooter rental is the way to go. They cost as little as 14 EUR per day. There are lots of rental companies, but I recommend Greenways.

Bicycle – Daily rentals start from about 20 EUR per day for a mountain bike or road bike but decrease the longer you rent them for. Joyride is an excellent company to rent from, though since scooter rentals are cheaper you might as well get one of them instead!

Taxi – Taxis in Crete charge about 1.20 EUR per kilometer and have a 1.80 EUR starting charge. There is usually a surcharge to and from the airport. In short, skip the taxis if you can as they add up!

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 25 EUR per day for a multi-day rental when booked in advance. Drivers must be at least 21 years old and have had their license for at least one year. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. For the best rental car deals, use Discover Cars

When to Go to Crete

Crete has lovely weather year-round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 12°C (61°F) in the coldest months and averaging 26°C (79°F) daily during the summer.

May to the end of September are the busiest tourist months, so if you want to avoid the crowds and inflated prices, come during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn). October is a particularly nice time to visit, as the average daily temperature is still pleasant 21°C (69°F), and the crowds are virtually gone.

That said, it’s a big island so there are always places here during peak season without crowds if you don’t mind getting off the beaten path.

Unlike other Greek islands, Crete has a large year-round population. While some businesses are seasonal, you won’t have any problem finding a place to stay, and most museums and attractions are open all year.

How to Stay Safe on Crete

Crete is a very safe place to travel. Violent crime is rare and petty crime (like pick-pocketing) is your only real concern (and even that is uncommon). Keep your valuables close at tourist attractions and while on the beach and you should be fine.

If you’re driving, be extra cautious on Crete’s winding roads. Locals drivers can be erratic. Moreover, some of the roads are under-developed and there’s no real signage. Drive cautiously.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk home alone intoxicated, etc.)

If you’re going hiking, bring lots of water and always wear sunscreen and bring a hat too. It can get sweltering in the summer!

Scams here are rare, but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Crete Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• Ferry Hopper – If you’re looking to book your ferries, this website is an easy way to search the various companies, piece together routes, and book your tickets.

Crete Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Greece and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Athens

The 6 Best Hostels in Athens

Where to Stay in Athens: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The Best Walking Tours in Athens

Traveling Greece: How Much Does It Cost?

Fulfilling Childhood Dreams in Crete

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Best Things to Do in Crete: An Insider’s Guide to Greece’s Largest Island

last Updated: February 15, 2023 crete greece greek islands

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Headed to Greece and looking for the best things to do in Crete, the country’s largest island? Keep on reading; this handy insider’s guide is full of not only what to do in Crete, but where to stay, how to get around, where to eat, and more.

Crete is a fantastic island in the south of the Mediterranean, with spectacular natural landscapes ranging from pink sand beaches (yup!) and deep gorges, to beautiful plateaus and valleys.

We visited the island for a full week on our Greek island honeymoon (along with Santorini and Mykonos ) a few years back, and are itching to get back to the islands ever since (I mean, not much is better than time in the Greek islands).  And OH, I’ll never forget Elafonisi, Falassarna, and Balos Bay. Take me back tomorrow, pretty please!

→ Read Next: 10 Days in Greece (The Ultimate Greece Itinerary Guide)

Although we spent some time on the island, it was quite a few years ago and I honestly forgot about all the best things to do in Crete (cue the sad face – a good reason for me to go back pronto!).

Thankfully, I’ve enlisted Gabi from The Tiny Book (who actually lives in Crete full-time! #jealous) to share this complete Crete travel guide with us all! Expect lots of local tips, her favorite places to eat, and the most stunning beaches. Yes, please!

Despite being Greece’s largest and most populous island, visitors typically stick to the Cyclades (a group of islands including the ever-so-popular Santorini and Mykonos) when visiting.

However, Crete has SO much to offer, including ancient settlements and cities, local cultural traits (including their own poetry and music), some of the healthiest and most delicious cuisine you could ever imagine, and stunning landscapes (hello mountains, gorges, bays, and lakes). Crete is a land of history and traditions that will definitely grab your attention from the get go.  

So, let’s not wait one more minute → get ready to plan your first visit to the fantastic Greek island of Crete with Gabi’s tips below.

But before we get into all the things to do in Crete, let’s dive into other important details, such as how to get there, where to stay, when to visit, and how to get around the island.

HOW TO GET TO CRETE:

Thankfully, getting to the island is fairly simple. If you’re coming from somewhere other than Europe, you’ll first need to get yourself to Athens (which is a very well-connected airport, so couldn’t be easier). From there, you’ll be able to catch a domestic flight to either the capital of Crete, Heraklion (HER), or to the second most important city, Chania (CHQ).

You also have the option of taking an overnight ferry from the port of Piraeus, which will get you to either the port of Heraklion or to the port of Chania in Crete.

WHERE TO STAY IN CRETE:

The most important thing to know is that Crete is divided into 4 main regions, and all of them have their own main town facing the north coast.

Most people traveling to the island for a short period stay either in the capital of Crete (Heraklion), or in the western city of Chania.

And where you decide to stay will ultimately depend on where you wanna spend the majority of your time and what you wanna do on your trip. 

Chania : If you’re more of the beach type and beach days are your style, and want to explore the best beaches on the island, book accommodation in the regional unit of Chania. In Chania, the old town is well connected with the rest of Crete and you can easily visit more remote areas with organized tours or planning your own day trips and renting a car (the smartest way to see Crete!)

Recommended hotel in Chania – Casa Delfino : This is my favorite boutique hotel in Chania… and in all of Crete! Casa Delfino’s located in the heart of the old town and has been part of the same family for more than a hundred years. There’s a great spa and one of the best roof-top terraces in town, complete with mesmerizing views of the old port.

Heraklion : Any history buffs over here?! You’re in luck – Crete has suuuuch a magnificent history and story to tell. Stay in Heraklion, since the most important archaeological sites and settlements are in this region. 

Recommended hotel in Heraklion- Galaxy Hotel Iraklio : Not many hotels in the capital of Crete have a swimming pool (and a fantastic one at that). However, Galaxy Hotel Iraklio does (yasssss)! The hotel offers certified allergy-free facilities in their rooms as well. There’s a spa, a gym, and they serve one of the best breakfasts in town. The hotel is quite close to the city center too.

Rethymnon : Staying in the smaller town of Rethymnon, located between the regions of Chania and Heraklion, can be a great compromise to be halfway between both regions. Besides, Rethymnon is a fantastic city too, so you won’t be really missing anything. Since Rethymnon is about an hour away both from Heraklion and Chania, you’ll be between the beaches and history – which may be perfect for those who like it all!

Recommended hotel in Rethymnon – Avli Lounge and Suites : Another great boutique hotel in the hidden alleys of the old town of Rethymnon, with a beautiful terrace and a rooftop pool. Avli is also famous for their house restaurant serving creative Cretan dishes all year round.

WHEN TO VISIT CRETE:

Honestly, there’s never really a horrible time to visit Crete. The weather on the island is mild and relatively pleasant all year round.

However, winter brings a bit of rain, especially in the western region, and the sea is still a bit chilly. You will still see (a few) people swimming in Crete all year round though!

The shoulder season sees less tourists, less heat, better prices, and great weather. Therefore, May and October are the best months to see Crete, as they are right around the prime summer months of June-September.

HOW TO GET AROUND CRETE:

Unlike other Greek islands, Crete is quite large, meaning if you wanna see and do it all, you undoubtedly need a car to get around. Do note while there’s a well-maintained highway connecting the cities of the North, the southern coast of the island is rather isolated, with the exception of a few resorts. 

Therefore, if you really want to explore the beautiful hidden beaches of southern Crete, I strongly suggest you rent a car. And thankfully, driving on Crete is really easy, as long as you use common sense (just like anywhere else in the world of course).

Thankfully, taxis are not expensive and are plentiful in every city, and a great choice for moving short distances within the towns.  Important to add, that there’s currently no Uber or ride-sharing on Crete.

For traveling longer distances (say, between cities), a car is highly recommended. For example, Chania is located about 2 hours away from Heraklion and 45 minutes away from Rethymnon. However, if you’d rather not drive yourself, know there are buses available (although it does take quite a bit longer – 3 hours from Chania to Heraklion, and a bit more than an hour from Chania to Rethymnon).

Thankfully, bus tickets won’t break the bank, with one way tickets from Heraklion-Chania costing €15.10, while the Rethymnon-Chania route is €8.60.

WHAT TO BRING ON YOUR ISLAND ADVENTURE:

• Comfy sneakers or hiking shoes. The island is 80% mountains, so you’ll probably find yourself on a trail or two, or three (or four).
• Reusable water bottles. Psst: the water on Crete is completely safe to drink, despite what other blogs and sites might say. I’ve been living on the island for the last 5 years, and I hardly ever buy bottled water… and surprise, surprise, neither do the locals!
• Jacket or raincoat if you are visiting in winter. Also, add a few extra layers if you plan to visit the mountains as it can get quite chilly.

Other things to note:  

• Don’t worry about your language skills; Greek is a very difficult language and the locals know that! You’ll be able to find someone who speaks at least some basic English almost everywhere, and we’re all pretty friendly enough to help! Don’t be shy – just ask! 🙂

So let’s get to it, the best things to do in Crete (from a locals perspective), coming right up!

Best things to do in crete:.

As there are an abundance of things to do in Crete, all within different areas of the island, I decided to break them up by location. Hope this helps a bit with planning!

Knossos Palace : One of the main reasons tourists flock to Crete is to check out this unique archaeological settlement (known as Knossos Palace), dating all the way back to the Bronze Age. I mean, we’re talking 3,500 years back in Greek history.

Trust me, Athens isn’t the only one with admirable ruins; you’ll find the same level of skills here in Crete (as well as Delphi , too!).  Don’t miss one of the most remarkable things to do in Crete – just don’t!

The ruins are impressive, featuring the high grade of architectural development and engineering abilities of this ancient civilization. But of course, remember, they did NOT have the same machines as we do in the present time.

When you think about that last statement, it makes them seem even more magnificent. Inside the Palace, make some time to check the royal rooms as well as the well-known Bull fresco. 

Logistics : The Minoan Palace of Knossos is located about 10 km from the center of Heraklion, and it’s easy to reach via city bus (Bus N°2, from the Central Station, ticket: €1.80). The best way to visit the palace is by joining a guided tour that you can book at the entrance, or booking a group tour . This ensures you don’t miss anything important! 

This tour includes skip-the-line entry tickets, a detailed guided walking tour of Knossos Palace, as well as entrance to the nearby Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Honestly, it’s a great deal at under $50 per person.

Know in advance:

• The site is mostly in the open, so carry some sunscreen lotion and a bottle of water, especially if you visit in summer.
• To avoid the crowds, go to the Palace early in the morning or during sunset. In addition, it most likely won’t be as scorching hot those hours as well. Double win!
• A ticket to the Archaeological site costs €15

Archaeological Museum of Heraklion : Hate to break it to you, but no visit to the archaeological site (Knossos Palace) is complete without adding an hour inside the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. And score – if you buy a combined ticket, you’ll save some money too! (Ticket: Museum: €15 or Museum + Minoan Palace: €16).

The museum hosts objects found in the archaeological site as well as in other ruins and settlements of the area. There are remarkable pieces of jewelry, as well as clay figures and some iconic objects too. AND the Phaistos disc. Aka, just don’t miss the museum. It’s not everyday you get to admire 3500 year old artifacts and relics of civilizations that once populated the island. 

Psst – if you’re really into this stuff, you may find yourself spending a few hours here, so plan accordingly!

Venetian Fortress and Old Port : The Old Port is exceptionally beautiful and full of atmosphere, facing the modern city of Heraklion with fishing boats in the harbor and tons of eateries. 

And when you check out the old port of Heraklion, be sure to pay a visit to the magnificent Venetian Fortress (also known as Koules). Surprise, surprise, the fortress was built by the Venetians. They ruled on Crete for over 400 years, and the fort was built in order to defend the city from recurrent pirate attacks (did someone say pirate attacks?! I mean, whoa). 

Mini history lesson – unfortunately, no fortress was enough to deter the attack of the Ottoman Empire, who finally took over in 1669, ruling on Crete for the following 267 years.

It’s hard to miss this majestic limestone castle right on the sea, giving a small glimpse into Crete’s sometimes bloody history.

Matala Beach : It’s time to cross the mountains and reach the southern coast of Crete – off to the beach we go! Of course I had to include some beach time on this list of best things to do in Crete.

About an hour away from Heraklion, you’ll come across Matala, one of Crete’s most iconic beaches (and yes, it’s absolutely breathtaking – do a google search and you’ll be wowed). The beach boasts crystal clear water (it’s actually a deep bay – meaning no waves) with a bluff full of caves on one side and the town on the other.

Matala is THE place to go if you wanna rent a lounge chair and umbrella for an entire day (at a reasonable price no less) and just relax. Or go for a walk on the beach and stop for a cocktail or two (a bunch of beach bars around).

Matala first became famous during the 60’s when it was the destination of choice of the expats and hippies. They’d leave everything behind to live a thoughtless life inside the caves of Matala. Hippy hangouts, if you must! Today, Matala’s caves are virtually empty, but the flower power atmosphere is pretty much alive in the village, with its colorful streets, shops, and bars.

Insider Tip: the water gets deep pretty quick, and the sand at the water’s edge is more pebbly than sandy, so you may wanna wear waterproof sandals.

Once you’ve seen some of Heraklion’s landmarks, it’s time to move west to the remarkable city of Rethymnon. Being the third largest city in Crete, Rethymnon is home to one of Crete’s most important universities – ultimately giving the city a young vibe. It has a fairy-tale feel to it, and one of the best preserved medieval cities in all of Greece.

Old Town: The Old Town of Rethymnon is right next to the sea, on the northern coast of the island. It’s a fantastic Venetian town with characteristic cobblestone alleys adorned with bougainvillea, picturesque houses with Turkish balconies made of wood, and a beautiful small harbor. 

In the Old Port of Rethymno, be sure to check out the beautiful Venetian lighthouse, which is 9 meters tall and gives a unique character to the area. OH! And don’t forget to enjoy a cocktail at the waterfront of the port during sunset. Just do it, you won’t be upset.

Rimondi Fountain : Since you’re already visiting the Old Town, don’t miss the elaborate public fountain in Platanos Square (built way back in 1626). And elaborate it is – three basins and three Caorinthian columns, water running from three lion heads, and remains of the coat of arms of the Rimondi family, an aristocratic Venetian family.

Do note that it’s typically pretty crowded since just about every walking tour in Rethymnon stops here (especially in summer). It’s a quick stop, even just to quickly admire the architecture and rinse your hands under the cool running water in the heat. Of all the things to do in Crete, this one will just take a few minutes – might as well check it off the list!

Fortezza : Much bigger than the Fortress of Heraklion, the Venetian Fortress of Rethymnon, known as Fortezza, is an imposing structure right by the sea, on the western tip of the Old Town.

Inside, it’s possible to see the unique former mosque of Sultan Ibrahim Han, with one of the highest tiled vaulted ceilings in Crete.

Also inside the fortress, pay a visit to the Bastion of Saint Lucas, which boasts a unique cannon ramp and great views of the sea. The Fortress of Rethymnon is one of the best-preserved castles in Greece (with a well-priced entrance ticket of €4).

Plakias Beach: Ready for some beach time? The best beaches of Rethymnon are located on the southern coast (I guess you’ve already realized that the best beaches of Crete are in the South, right?)

Thankfully, the drive isn’t too long (roughly 45 minutes to an hour), through the Ida Mountain range and through the small (but impressive) gorge of Kourtaliotiko (you’ll want to stop for photos here!)

Plakias has a beautiful sandy shore, with some smooth pebbles, perfect for sunbathing, water sports, and snorkeling. And get this – some sun beds are FREE (yes, free – just with the purchase of a drink)! It can get quite windy in this area, so you may wanna bring along a light sweater just in case. Grab a smoothie at the beach bar and hang out for the afternoon.

The beach is divided into different areas, one of them a favorite among naturists. So now you know, if you want to sunbathe without a bikini, head to the eastern end of Plakias!

Editor’s Note: while performing my due diligence and fact checking this article (true story – it’s what I do for all guest posts), I came across Skinaria Beach, Damnoni Beach, and Ammoudaki Beach close to Plakias Beach. And OMG they all look just as beautiful.

While I can’t vouch for these beautiful stretches of sand, the photos look absolutely unbelievable. Make sure to do your research before visiting to ensure they’re a good fit for you and your vacation to Crete. 🙂

Old Town : One of the most beautiful cities in Greece is the romantic old town of Chania. The town is divided into several different quarters (meaning there’s lots to see), so it’s a good idea to plan a few days in Chania to ensure you see them all! 

The Venetian quarter, located towards the west of the city, is home to some beautiful historic buildings which have been transformed into elegant boutique hotels. In this area, you’ll also find the Venetian Port, the Lighthouse, and Chania’s most famous landmark, the Mosque of the Janissaries. Don’t miss it!

The Turkish quarter, also known as Splantzia, is a maze of cobblestone alleys, small picturesque houses, and less hotels or touristic activities. It’s indeed the most unspoilt area of Chania’s old town, and a must-see. There is a beautiful minaret hidden in the alleys (Chatzimichali Daliani Street), as well as pretty churches and trendy pubs.

If you’re a fan of Greek beers (or if you’re eager to learn all about the stuff), head to Plaka , a small bar on Sifaka Street. 

Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay : Out of ALL the things to do in Crete, DO NOT miss Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay. You’d be doing yourself a big disservice. I could try to spell out the insurmountable beauty of this area, but I’d run out of adjectives.  A few that come to mind: exotic, rugged, and unspoiled. It is the most photographed beach in Crete afterall.

It’s impossible to visit Crete and skip this spot on the westernmost tip of the island! Balos Bay, often included among the best beaches in the world , is a spectacular exotic shore, a shallow lagoon with stunning turquoise waters and white sand that will leave you in awe. There’s even a Venetian fortress on Gramvousa Island to climb for stunning, unique views. A definite pearl of Crete and not to be missed. 

However, despite its beauty, the beach has very limited organization, so it’s always a good idea to pack your own lunch and carry plenty of liquids to spend the day. Also, don’t forget your sunscreen (it gets hot hot hot and sunny here), as well as comfortable shoes to hike down from the parking lot to the beach.

If you prefer, it’s also possible to visit the beach with a day cruise (trips available from both Heraklion and Rethymnon as well). Instead, if you’d rather give this adventure a try sans group, check this complete guide to Balos and other beaches of Chania . 

→ Book tour to the stunning Gramvousa and Balos Bay here. This is one spot you don’t wanna miss.

Elafonisi Pink Sand Beach : Pink sand! Need I say more?! If you thought this guide was going to exclude Crete’s most beautiful beach, think again! Elafonisi is an islet on the southernmost tip of the region with a fantastic pink sandy shore and the most pristine blue waters you can imagine. 

The beach is located about 72 km from the center of Chania, and you can either drive there yourself or book a tour to visit (the best option if you suffer from vertigo or if driving in the mountains is not your cup of tea!).

In fact, to reach Elafonisi, you’ll need to drive through the ravine of Topolia. The ravine is quite an impressive gorge with a tunnel and bends right by a bunch of cliffs that are not for the faint of heart.

Anyhow, no matter how you get there, once at the beach you’ll forget about everything else, considering it’s one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever laid eyes on.

Psst: You can also book a tour to Elafonisi from Rethymnon if you don’t plan on staying in Chania for whatever reason.

Day trip to Loutro: From the city of Chania, it’s possible to drive through the road next to the Gorge of Imbros, towards the South, and reach the small coastal town of Chora Sfakion. Once there, walk to the port and board a ferry to Loutro, a small fishing village that you can only reach by sea, or by hiking a portion of the E4 (European Path).

Loutro is a place for extreme relaxation and tranquility. The main activities limit to lounging on the small pebbles of the beach, swimming in its emerald sea, and eating delicious seafood in one of the several tavernas by the water (check out Taverna Notos for the most delicious dishes).

It’s also possible to spend the night, but you’ll need to book in advance if you visit in the high season of July-August.  

WHERE AND WHAT TO EAT IN CRETE:

Mmmm, Greek food. Yes, there are tons of things to do in Crete, but don’t skimp out on the eating, too! Make sure to try as much as you possibly can – it’s all so exceptionally tasty. Promise me you won’t leave Crete without at least indulging in traditional moussaka, pastitsio, and yemista in any traditional taverna.

If you have no idea where to start (there’s a lot to order, trust me!), book a gastronomic/food tour! These tours are found in every major city (including those listed above), with some even including wine tasting sessions and visits to olive oil mills and/or cheese factories.

If you’re in Chania and want to discover the best tastes of the city, as well as discover the staple products in the Municipal Market, check this gastronomic experience of Crete. Book on AirBnB here (get up to $15 off your first AirBnB experience by signing up here ), and Viator here (one of my preferred booking sites for activities). What’s better than a morning filled with traditional pastries, authentic coffee, local tapas, and culinary hotspots?

Where to Eat in Heraklion

O Tempelis , in the center of town, is a traditional place with very convenient prices. Here locals gather to share meze , small dishes with Cretan delicacies, such as dolmades, stuffed champignons, baked potatoes, tzatziki sauce, and more.

Peskesi is probably Crete’s most famous restaurant (yes, on the entire island). Located a few meters from Liontaria Square (close to the center of Heraklion), it’s well-known for serving innovative Cretan flavors while still keeping the traditional homemade cooking methods of Crete.

Where to Eat in Rethymnon

Prima Plora, right by the sea, is a romantic setting with beautiful views and a delicious menu. It’s one of the top-rated places in town for seafood and sushi too.

Kokkino, if you’re on a budget, though, you don’t want to miss the most popular restaurant of the city, right in front of the beach. Kokkino has been in town for ages, serving every dish of the Greek tradition, including inexpensive but huge gyro wraps, skepasti (similar to gyro but in a sandwich), and souvlaki as well.

Where to Eat in Chania

There are several places to have dinner in Chania, and as long as you avoid the tourist traps in the old port, you’ll be fine. 

The best place where to eat is – as usual – where the locals eat. In Chania, locals gather for dinner in absolutely any of the restaurants along Chatzimichali Daliani Street.

Oasis Souvlaki, is the place you go if you simply want to grab a wrap and keep exploring. This gyro joint has been serving gyro for the last 50 years in the same spot; something tells me they must be doing something right!

Municipal Market, for those who want fresh dishes at friendly prices, there’s nothing like a lunch in the municipal market. A few small tavernas serve dishes from midday until the market closes (5 pm), or until food runs out ( sometimes well before 5! ).

Have we convinced you to start packing your bags for Crete yet? Which of these (ridiculously gorgeous) things to do in Crete will you be adding to your must-do/see list?!

Pin for later:

Author Bio: Gabi is the founder of The Tiny Book , a blog about the Greek island of Crete, with useful inside tips about Crete, travel guides and itineraries to discover Crete. You can also join her Crete Travel Facebook Group , follow her on Pinterest or walk with her in a gastronomic tour of Chania .

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June 20, 2022 at 4:53 am

I visited Crete last summer and I loved it! It was after Milos my favorite Greek island. Reading this list just makes me want to go back again.

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The best hotels in Crete 

By Lauren Burvill and Heidi Fuller-love

The biggest and one of the  best Greek Islands , Crete promises year-round sunshine, beautiful hikes and incredible ancient sites such as Aptera and Malia. Home of the super-healthy fruit and veg packed Cretan diet – and a magnet for travellers who come to laze on silk sand beaches, frolic in hidden coves, hike out to explore sun-dazzled trails or visit world-class archaeological sights – Greece’s largest island is blessed with some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery. Combined with the  beaches in Crete , the island offers up a winning summer holiday recipe, especially for families.

What is the best location to stay in Crete?

Lured by the picture-postcard Venetian harbour and proximity to the pink sand beach of Elafonisi, visitors generally flock to Chania in the northwest. With an abundant crop of grand new Greek island hotels opening their doors, however, the island’s lesser-known eastern half – famed for its near-deserted beaches lapped by mirror-clear waters and great value tavernas serving local specialities – is becoming increasingly popular.

What's the best resort in Crete for families

Crete is home to some of the best family-friendly hotels in Greece , so there's plenty to choose from. One of our favourites is Domes of Elounda , which overlooks the Unesco-protected island of Spinalonga. Book into one of the Luxury Residences or Ulta-Luxe Villas where the self-catering facilities offer the perfect set up for families with little ones.

How we choose the best hotels in Crete

Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveller journalist who knows the destination and has visited that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination, keeping design, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.

Acro Wellness Suites, Agia Pelagia Arrow

Teetering over a caldera-like cliff with spectacular views over Mononaftis Bay, Acro Wellness Suites’ string of stone-built suites and villas are like a slice of Santorini in Crete. Scattered across a thyme-scented hillside, nine dome-roofed cave suites have in-room tubs for amorous soaping and large terraces with grotto pools for lazy soaking. The romantic adults-only set up makes it one of our favourite hotels for a honeymoon in Greece . The cave suites offer oodles of room for canoodling, but for the best sunset views choose one of the three pool villas. Beyond the lovely suites, other highlights include the resort’s lagoon-like central pool, and a light-filled spa crisscrossed with trickling water channels and centred on a Moroccan-style dome-roofed hammam. Heidi Fuller-Love

Price: from £375 per night Address: Mononaftis, Ag. Pelagia 715 00, Greece

The Royal Senses Resort & Spa, Panormos Arrow

It’s no coincidence that everything, from the rooms to the restaurants and every pool, at this hillside hotel near Rethymno faces north. The bright blue views overlooking the sea of Crete are a stop-and-stare asset and made a purposeful feature throughout. Every room enjoys a front-row-view via a private terrace with seating, some have their own pool, plus the option to order a Balinese-style floating breakfast spread in the mornings. Then again, the breakfast buffet is a cracking one, with a rotating assortment of the classics (freshly plated eggs Benedict) as well as the traditional Cretan (fennel pie and sweet Bougatsa) and plenty of vegan options, served in an airy indoor, outdoor setting by the sprawling pool, a jazzy live saxophone serenading the morning sun. There’s sparkling wine and strawberries on offer too for those who are celebrating – of which I spotted many.

The Curio collection from Hilton property seamlessly treads the tightrope line between honeymoon and child-friendly. On one side of the hotel is the adults-only pool area and spa – the largest in Crete – as well as the romantic Cretamos restaurant, with room for only seven tables and a degustation menu paired with local wines. All the way on the other side is a shiny new kid’s club (the hotel only opened in 2021) that rivals most UK nurseries, along with a fantastical water playground with an array of slides to suit big and little ones, plus a bar for parents. All ages congregate around the palm tree flanked pool area, where citrus salads and cocktails can be ordered straight to your lounger. For a swim in the sparkling sea, guests can access the private beach at the neighbouring Royal Blue.  Lauren Burvill

Price: from £196 per night Address:  Herakliou 58 km, Panormos 740 57, Greece

Daios Cove, Agios Nikolaos Arrow

It may be big – there are 300 rooms and 39 stone-built villas dotted around the olive-tree-covered cove – but service at Daios Cove is as smooth and polished as the marble floors. Families are especially well taken care of with complimentary buckets and spades for the beach and electric buggies to glide you noiselessly to your door. Villas are split over two storeys, with sitting rooms leading out to the infinity pool and terrace, and the master suite and balcony below. There’s a notable amount of effort to make your stay extra comfortable from the lengthy pillow menu to the choice of mango, vanilla or violet fragrances to be fed into the air-conditioning, and little treats like macaroons or feta muffins, waiting for you whenever you return to your room. The bars, restaurants and the swimming pool area are all on different levels up the rocky sides of the bay, accessed by a funicular rail car. Down at the beach, the shore is lined with loungers and the sea is shallow, making for child-friendly rippling waves.

Price: from £246 per night Address: Βαθύ, Kritsa 721 00, Greece

Domes of Elounda, Elounda Arrow

Cretans love kids – so family-friendly hotels aren’t hard to come by. But this sprawling retreat tumbling down a slope with spectacular views over glittering seas to Spinalonga island is one of the best. More village than resort, facilities – which include an olive tree-shaded sandy beach, several large pools (one just for adults) gourmet restaurants, a kids club and a games room for teens – are excellent and the elegant spa even has a specially designated kids' treatment menu.

Linked by winding paved alleys shaded with scarlet paper chains of bougainvillea and star white jasmine, rooms, suites and villas veer from extremely comfortable to very luxurious – many have plunge pools or whirlpool baths. Families will love the self-catering facilities in Luxury Residences but privacy is best in Ultra-Luxe Villas, which are like individual houses with gyms and saunas, and pools indoors and out.

Price: from £201 per night Address: Tsifliki, Schisma Elountas 720 53, Greece

Pnoé Breathing Life, Heraklion Arrow

Translating simply as ‘breath’ in Greek,  Pnoé Breathing Life  is a stylish fly-and-flop adults-only designer beach resort with a strong wellness offering and an easy-going private-club vibe. Just ten minutes from Heraklion airport, this debut hotel concept has an edgy crispness, with a pleasing nod to the dramatic Minoan architecture celebrated in Cretan history. The open-plan architecture provides all-day sunshine with 60 private pool suites from a central courtyard with an almond-shaped pool at its heart. Spacious suites are all decorated in the same earthy palate reflecting the surrounding rocky landscape, and graceful eyelines have been carefully considered throughout. Pnoé’s ethos revolves around selecting the highest offerings from ‘home-grown’  Crete , backed up by partnering with some of the island’s chief players, namely Crete’s best chef Panagiotis Magganas. Fullness of flavour guaranteed freshness, and minimal food miles are guaranteed, along with conscientious service that’s setting a new standard on Karteros beach. For more, read the full Pnoé hotel review. Sarah Siese

Price: suites from around £513 per night Address: Karteros Beach, Heraklion, TK 71500, Greece

St Nicolas Bay, Agios Nikolaos Arrow

In the unspoilt eastern side of the island, nestled between the town of Agios Nikolaos and the fishing village of Elounda, where local fishing boats pootle about the marina, life at St Nicolas Bay Resort feels simple. It’s hard to put this blissfully soothing cliff-side hotel into words: a hidden Greek far from the madding crowds, with twinkly sea views in every direction, teamed with a comforting, relaxed vibe that will see you and your brood scooped up, set down and looked after. Families can’t get enough of the chic new Olives & Sea suites, with separate bedrooms for the sprogs, private terraces and a pool so you can do laps and drink rosé, gazing across the spectacular Mirabello Bay, while they nap peacefully inside. The hotel is scattered about its six acres, with a rustic, authentically Grecian style, all-white stone walls fringed by blossoming pink oleanders and olive trees, with its own sandy beach and oodles of tucked-away spots under the fragrant bougainvillaea or beside the ancient church, ideal for diving, nose-deep into a book.

There’s a brilliant kids’ club run by the kind-hearted Roula, a baby and Olympic-sized infinity pool and no shortage of tempting food - from the Greek Kafeneion, where a bouzouki band serenades as you tuck into wood-fired souvlaki to the fine-dining Minotaur and its famed sushi. However, this place is all about the people. Eleni remembers every child by name with a high-five, Nikos happily picks up a tantruming toddler for a whirl around in his hotel buggy, and manager Alex treats every family coming here like his own. So very different from the run-of-the-mill resorts that Greece has become synonymous with, you’ll feel clever for finding this spot. Annabelle Spranklen

Price: from £252 per night Address: Thesi Nissi, Ag. Nikolaos 721 00, Greece

Cretan Malia Park, Malia Village Arrow

A considered boho revamp has given this classic Crete hotel on the north-east shore of the island a second wind. Opened by the Sbokou family in the 1980s, with low-rise buildings set in tropical gardens of banana trees, palms and cacti, it is now drawing in a curious Euro crowd. On the private beach, Italian couples kick back and sunbathe, a bookish Parisian flicks through the latest Prix Goncourt-winning novel and a group of Germans order a round of Negronis. As one of our favourite family hotels in Europe , little ones come out of the kids’ club giggling before splashing into the river-like swimming pool, racing for the pink-flamingo and crocodile inflatables. Teens hang out at The Place, with its hammock-strung outdoor cinema where parents are kindly invited not to come. The modernist spaces were cleverly designed more than three decades ago – despite having 204 rooms the property never feels overcrowded. Nature envelops it all: the many trees provide shade throughout the grounds, and the grassy lawn makes everything smell cool and fresh even in the searing summer heat.

When Agapi and Costantza Sbokou undertook the complete renovation in 2019, they focused on sustainability and the Cretan soul of the place. Designer Vana Pernari opted for knocked-back tonal textures for the interiors with lots of ceramics, wood and stone, plus nature-inspired jungle green and Aegean blue alongside works by urban artists Thanassis and Dimitris Kretsis. Make a beeline for the deluxe family bungalows – with their built-in bunks and separate bedrooms for the grown-ups, they get snapped up early. At Mouries restaurant, the large open kitchen with a huge fireplace hosts cooking lessons using vegetables from the garden during the day and becomes a farm-to-table taverna after sunset. It’s lovely to feast on local flavours under the starry sky listening to the sound of the lyre.

Price: from £144 per night Address: Malia 700 07, Greece

Kapsaliana Village, Rethymno Arrow

Crete's glorious beaches are difficult to resist, but if you want to experience a slice of the island's more authentic charms head inland to Kapsaliana, a stone-built village buried in olive groves and sweet-scented citrus orchards a few miles from 16th-century Arkadi, one of the island's best-known monasteries.

As patient as the ant in Aesop’s fable, the resort’s architect-owner Myron Toupogianis has been buying houses in the village since the 1970s and restoring them as rooms and suites linked by a warren of cobbled paths and original features. Think lofty timber-beamed ceilings, writing desks made from the giant pitted stone wheels of an olive press and beds handcrafted from sweet-scented olive wood – along with plenty of modern extras, including plump beds and walk-in showers. This beautifully restored village centres on a raised terrace where traditional Cretan-inspired breakfasts and dinners are served beneath the perfumed shade of citrus trees.

Price: from £172 per night Address: Καψαλιανά 741 50, Greece

Charley Ward

CNT Editors

Alessia Armenise

Olivia Morelli

Elounda Peninsula, All Suite Hotel, Elounda Arrow

On the eastern side of Crete (about an hour’s drive from Heraklion airport), the Elounda Peninsula, All Suite Hotel is a sprawling resort with its own private beaches, sailing boat for charter and nine-hole golf course. In 2023 it unveiled a new waterside Italian restaurant in partnership with the Ferragamo fashion dynasty. Plus, there's a coveted Six Senses spa with a serious range of treatments and wellness programmes – including even a dedicated kid's spa menu. It’s the kind of place that offers everything, giving little reason (but curiosity) to leave, especially when the weather is very hot. It's also the real winner for groups and families, with accommodation only comprising spacious suites and villas that are beautifully modern and minimal in style. We were staying in a one-bedroom villa that came with a huge outdoor terrace, private pool and pathway to a hidden cliffside swimming spot with steps directly into the sea. And as an LGBTQ+ couple, we can also attest to feeling very welcomed and comfortable. Jenny Southan

Price: from £396 per night Address: Pigadakia, Schisma Elountas 720 53, Greece

Domes Zeen Chania, Chania Arrow

It’s one of our favourite Greek island hotels , particularly for families. The Palm Springs -style concrete bungalows and pavilions dot the hillside towards the sea, some of which have been purpose-built for families and have private pools. Outside there’s a black-tiled pool surrounded by thatched parasols for snoozing under, and the kid’s club is a whimsical oasis with yurts and teepees. When you want to go for a wander, guests can take a boat trip or venture into pretty Chania.

Price: from £277 per night Address: Apteron Road Parigoria, Kon/nou Paleologou, Chania 731 00, Greece

The Royal Blue Resort, Rethymno Arrow

Along a sweeping stretch of the northern coastline, The Royal Blue is set up to resemble a Cretan village, with a series of honey-hued stone buildings lined with colourful flower beds. A total of 38 pools are dotted throughout, some public, some shared between a few rooms while others are completely private. The main swimming event is a heated expanse overlooking the sea and lined with sun loungers, a hand-full hovering within the pool itself. Order lunch direct to your lounger or drag yourself a couple of steps away to the poolside Alati restaurant for freshly baked bread rolls with olive tapenade (a beloved signature of all four restaurants here), and zesty sea bass ceviche with avocado and a jalapeno kick. Down on the beach, the man-made setup is akin to a sheltered bay, providing easy swimming conditions for all ages and plenty of well placed loungers and day beds.

Little ones are particularly well catered for here, from the cute kid’s spa menu to the multitude of pram-friendly ramps. All suites have large bathrooms with bathtubs. The family suite with private pool has the ultimate layout; little ones can nap on the fold out sofa in the lounge room while parents can sunbathe just outside by the pool. Even in the grown-up Elia restaurant, where the freshest catch of the day is brought out to you to choose from, and local musicians serenade guests, the atmosphere is still relaxed and a kid’s menu thankfully keeps youngsters happy.  Lauren Burvill

Price: from £185 per night Address:  Panormo Geropotamou, 740 57, Greece

Minos Beach Art hotel, Mirabello Bay

As its name suggests, this charming hotel – with its manicured lawns, plant-strewn alleys spiked with sculptures and artworks, and trio of restaurants from chefs Poppy Kourkoutaki and Kyriakos Mylonas serving up skilfull farm-to-table Cretan cuisine – is all about aesthetics. Strung out along its own (very) private peninsula in a hidden corner of magical Mirabello Bay, it's fronted by a meandering seafront pathway strewn with beanbags and deckchairs and punctuated at regular intervals with ladders leading down into the mirror-clear waters below.

Set back from the seafront, the low buildings peeking out from a jungle of mature undergrowth have hardly changed since they were built here in the 1960s. Inside, however, there are now wicker furnishings and walk-in showers. For the best sea views, choose one of the Superior Waterfront bungalows where you’ll be lulled to sleep by the murmur of waves tickling the sea urchin-spotted rocks below.

Price: from £216 per night Address: Agios Nikolaos, Crete 721 00, Greece

Numo Ierapetra, Ierapetra Arrow

This adults-only village-like retreat sits on a  black-sand beach that hugs the Mediterranean coastline on the southern side of  Crete , a lesser-known, alluring side of the island that holds just as much beauty as the north but with fewer visitors. Rooms are dotted across the resort, some equipped with a private pool and terrace, all offering a sense of privacy. And while the final touches could improve, the soft colour palette and laid-back design offers a sense of serenity. Numo’s real strength lies in its swimming pool and beach club, where Crete’s rugged landscape is on full display. Daybeds seamlessly transition from pool to beach, giving you endless opportunities to awe at the unmatched blues of the Mediterranean – which I did endlessly. Be sure to order an ice-cold Mythos and Greek Sandwich from your lounger to soak up every last minute of sun.

Of the three main restaurants, Menoa is the stand out, bringing Peruvian and Asian cuisine to the Greek Islands. A buffer breakfast and dinner is on offer at Tamarisk, while lunches are a la carte – fresh Greek salads, perfectly (and I mean perfectly!) seasoned octopus, and mezze platters make for the ideal beach break. Make time for a sunset supper at The Coast by Tamarisk, Numo’s fine-dining spot serving meaty scallops drenched in garlic butter, rich lobster spaghetti and a melt-in-your-mouth red velvet molten cake that I’m still dreaming about.

Price: from £155 per night Address: Epar.Od. Ierapetras - Sitias, Ierapetra 722 00, Greece

Nana Princess, Hersonissos Arrow

The sleek black stone buildings of this property close to the seaside town of Hersonissos offer a stark contrast to the popular resort’s souvlaki stands and souvenir shops – behind high stone walls the outside world fades away as you wander through glass-walled rooms lined with funky artwork overlooking two large pools and a small-but-sheltered beach.

Suites and villas have blissfully private sea view terraces with whirlpool baths or heated plunge pools and lots of high tech fixtures and fittings, including chromotherapy lighting, LCD mirror TVs and (for some) fully equipped gyms. Fans of pinball and Pac-Man should book the Royal Villa which has an entire basement room crammed with vintage games. But the icing on this stylish cake is the space-age spa which has an entire wing of treatment rooms where – wait for it – wellness therapies are tailored to suit your star sign .

Price: from £255 per night Address: Old National Road (El. Venizelou), Drapanos, Chersonissos, Crete, Chersonisos 700 14, Greece

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa, Elounda Arrow

Cayo’s boho charms are the perfect match for the sparkling seas and near-deserted beaches of Elounda, the laidback fishing village where shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis and his jet-setting pals once loved to hang out.

On a low hill looking out over the Mirabello bay to Spinalonga, the leper island of Victoria Hislop's best-selling novel, public areas are decorated with a magpie-haul of beautiful objects brought back by its globetrotting owners on their various trips overseas and are linked by a funicular whose glass cabins give stunning views over the bay.

Light-filled rooms, suites and villas have gleaming blonde-wood floors, plump Coco-mat beds and terraces. Families will love the Cayo Grand Pool Villa with its basement bedroom that has a Bond-style underwater window looking straight into the villa’s sparkling pool. There’s also a (free) shuttle bus that carries guests down to the small sandy beach.

Price: from £237 per night Address: Plaka, Schisma Elountas 720 53, Greece

Abaton Island, Hersonissos Arrow

This classy spa overlooking a sand-powdered beach is ideal if you’re seeking a ‘no shoes no news’ getaway. A glass-walled reception with panoramic sea views opens onto wooden decks dotted with rocking chairs where you can sit and sip a cocktail as you gaze out over the turquoise mirror of the infinity pool. Narrow paths lead to rooms, suites and villas – many with a heated pool – housed in low white buildings scattered across manicured lawns fringed by soothing lagoon-like water features. Five restaurants serve everything from Cretan specialities to surf and turf and there’s also a pier stretching far out to sea – scattered with bean bags and tables this is the perfect perch for sun lazing during the day and romantic dining at night.

Price: from £231 per night Address: Themistokleous Avenue, Chersonisos 700 14, Greece

Ammos Hotel, Chania Arrow

Like jazz improv, the elements of this seaside hotel come together in wonderfully clashing harmony: uplifting interiors, great food, punchy cocktails and good-humoured staff who won’t flinch when a toddler smears tomato sauce over one of the designer chairs – all delivered with a dash of humour and lashings of genuine Cretan hospitality. Rachel Howard

Price: from €125 per night Address: Irakli Avgoula, Chania, Crete 731 00, Greece

Cabanon Concrete Retreat

Two tiny cabins with glass façades peep out of a silver haze of olive groves here. Mid-century furniture, raw-concrete walls and modular, minimal living space with maximum comfort pay homage to Le Corbusier’s ideal of  Mediterranean  balance. A proper immersion in nature for those with a sharp eye for modern design. Rachel Howard

Price: from £141 per night

Address: Dermitziana, Kissamos 734 00, Greece

Insider tips before your trip to Crete

Jul 10, 2022 • 5 min read

Visiting Crete is a pleasure – and even easier by familiarizing yourself with a few simple tips © alexandros petrakis / Shutterstock

Crete is easy. There’s little you need to do to prepare for your trip to this glorious Greek island beyond making a few advance bookings. Packing is simple – and if you forget something, you can buy it there.

The island is safe. The local economy counts on tourists, and the Cretans – like most Greeks – are friendly and welcoming. In any business where tourists turn up (which even includes tiny family-run eateries high in the hills), someone will speak English. A little common sense and politeness will go a long way as you navigate the etiquette of the place.

Here’s all you need to know before you take your trip to Crete. (Lucky you.) 

Reserve your rooms and rental cars (well) in advance

As travelers continue to make up for missed trips during the pandemic, Crete is a favorite destination. From April to October, the best places to stay at all price levels book up early. Don’t wait, expecting prices to fall. They won’t.

This is even more true for rental cars, thanks to the global car shortage. If you’re driving the entire time you’re on the island, shop around and reserve the best deal you can find. One exception: if you’ll just be hiring a car for the occasional day trip, you can wait until you’re on the island and then arrange for a day rental with a local outfit. (Keep in mind that this may be a friend of the hotel owner with a fleet of three Fiats.)

Know your season – and layer up

Images of sun-drenched beaches and balmy nights in cafes underpin Cretan tourism cliches. But outside of summer, it’s not always warm. Winter can be blustery, chilly and wet. Nights outside of July and August can be brisk. Bring layers.

Bring some cash

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted for purchases large and small, and ATMs are common on Crete. But you might encounter offline machines or cash-only vendors, so we recommend carrying about €200 in cash in various smaller-euro denominations. Don’t be that person who hands the elderly ex-fisherman running the beach ferry a €50 note for a €5 fare.

Fill your phone with maps before you take the wheel

Many mapping apps allow you to download data in advance that you can then use for navigation when your phone is offline. This can be a lifeline when you’re at the junction of two unmarked roads deep in the mountains and you don’t know which way to turn.

Cover up in churches

Letting it (almost) all hang out is fine on many beaches (there are a few completely nude ones on the island) but when you’re stopping into Crete’s many historic, incense-filled churches, show some respect. Cover your shoulders, have shorts or a skirt that goes below the knees, and don’t enter barefoot.

Stay coolly stylish at night

Balmy nights call for airy, floaty duds – yet don’t expect to get into that cool cafe, top restaurant or heaving club with a singlet and short shorts. Longer shorts and dresses are good almost anywhere at night; a crisp designer T-shirt or something with a collar will work for men.

Cretans rarely go naked or topless on the beach

Island residents fully expect the clothes to fall away from their beach-loving visitors. Yet you should still exercise some discretion. Near town centers and along beach promenades, polite exposure maintains a shred of modesty. Elsewhere, women often go topless and designated nude areas abound. When in doubt, check out the prevailing fashion around you (or lack thereof).

Expect long and languid dinners

Crete has some of the best food in Mediterranean Europe . Meals are an event  – and can extend over two or more very enjoyable hours. Friends share dishes large and small, which are served to the entire table, family style. On a busy summer evening, restaurants can get slammed and courses may meander out of the kitchen only after long gaps. Trying to hurry things along is bad form and the antithesis of a lovely, relaxed night out.

In contrast, lunch can be enjoyed fairly quickly at a cafe or savored for much longer, especially at a seaside taverna, where a shady table and fresh seafood meal is the ideal antidote to the scorchingly hot midday sun.

Be sure to tip – but don’t overtip

As an island with a huge tourism industry, Crete has more of a tipping culture than more un-touristed parts of Greece. In restaurants and cafes, 5% is a good median amount, with 10% very generous. Locals will round up to an even number in a restaurant (eg leave €35 for a tab of €33) or leave small change in a cafe.

Leaving some euros for your room cleaner is always appreciated. If someone helps you with your bags, €1 to €3 per bag is appropriate – unless it’s a taxi driver, in which case the bag handling fee is added to the fare. You only need to tip a taxi driver a couple of euros at most.

Pay the asked price

Outside of open-air markets, bargaining over prices is not the norm in Crete. Expect to pay the marked price in shops and galleries.

Feel free to drink the water

Tap water in Crete is safe to drink. Remember to refill your water bottles whenever you can, as it gets very hot in summer. You’ll need plenty of hydration for the beach, hiking trails, bus and car rides, and more.

Don’t stress about crime

Crete is a safe place to travel and you shouldn’t lose sleep over the risk of crime. As anywhere, though, common sense should always prevail: lock your doors, don’t leave valuables in the rental car and never leave your phone or other treasures unattended on the beach or at the cafe.

Frustrate the mosquitos

Mosquitos buzz about ceaselessly at dusk. If you like anti-bug sprays or balms, bring them with you – repellants can be surprisingly tough to find on Crete. Mosquito coils are widely available, as well as electric gizmos that plug into the wall of hotel rooms. But the efficacy of these methods is variable at best.

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The picture-perfect all-inclusive hotel in Crete, Greece, you will want to stay in asap

The syntopia hotel is situated within walking distance to the sea.

Crete is one of the most popular Greek islands for holidaymakers, and when it comes to searching for a hotel, it can be overwhelming.

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If you are planning a trip there anytime soon and are unsure of where to stay, we highly recommend The Syntopia Hotel located close to the town of Rethymnon – an all-inclusive adult-only resort that has abundance of style.

Just steps away from the ocean and located down a bustling road of independently-owned cafes, restaurants and bars, the resort is situated in an ideal location for both short and long stays.

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Relax by the pool

The Syntopia Hotel is an ideal location for those picture-perfect holiday photos, and is renowned for its hippie-chic aesthetic.

A sprawling outdoor swimming pool is one of the first things you will notice, lined with palm and olive trees, a vast range of sun beds and plenty of pillows to lounge on.

The Syntopia's pool where you can relax in style

Located next to the pool you will find a bar area serving up frozen margaritas, cocktails, wine and beer, as well as mocktails, soft drinks and teas and coffees, for you to drink while relaxing in the sun.

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There is also a second heated swimming pool, more popular in winter months.

Food and drink

Being all-inclusive, The Syntopia Hotel has the benefit of you being able to have a little bit of everything on your plate – with a buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner being served up in the main restaurant.

You will find both Greek and international cuisines, from moussaka and Greek salads to omelettes and pizzas. The food options change daily too, meaning you won't get bored of what's on offer.

The all-inclusive hotel has a vast dining area

Similarly, the restaurant is located in close proximity to many family-run Tavernas on foot, serving up traditional dishes in an authentic setting among locals, while Rethymnon is spoilt for choice with restaurants.

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If you are feeling peckish in the day or wanting a snack by the pool, The Syntopia Hotel also boasts a separate canteen area serving street food, with everything from tacos to salads on the menu.

Evening entertainment

The Syntopia Hotel has daily evening entertainment, meaning that if you are done exploring the city for the day, or are simply wanting a night in, you can do it guilt-free.

Bedrooms as spacious and modern

Everything from local musicians playing background music by the pool, to weekly parties is on the table. Wine tasting evenings and movie nights located at the hotel's open-air cinema are also popular.

The hotel is most definitely the perfect spot for millennials wanting a stylish yet relaxing hotel to be based at.

It's very popular with couples and groups of friends, as well as solo travellers looking to meet like-minded people.

The hotel's chic lobby

Friendly staff

The staff at The Syntopia Hotel couldn't be more friendly or accommodating, and are especially helpful when wanting advice on where to go and what to see in Rethymnon and the surrounding areas.

Room facilities

There are a number of different rooms and suites on offer at the hotel, all furnished with neutral décor and rustic furniture. Each room has either a private balcony or a terrace, as well as a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, an electronic safe, and a mini-fridge.

The hotel boasts its own spa offering a number of treatments, but be sure to book in advance as they are very popular and fill up quickly.

Another look at the poolside

A large selection of treatments are on offer, from soothing body masks, deeply cleansing facial and exclusive bath treatments. There is even a hot tub, sauna and zen relaxation area for you to enjoy between treatments, which is run by Aegeo Spa, winner of the best European Luxury Spa Group at the World Luxury Spa Awards 2019. 

The hotel is a short ten-minute drive from Rethymnon, often described as one of the most beautiful places in Crete. The old town is built around a Venetian fortress and you can easily spend hours walking around the cobbled alleyways lined with gift shops, cafes and restaurants.

There are many more bars and restaurants along the busy waterfront. Daily recommended trip are also posted on the notice board at the hotel, with destinations including Chania and the island's famous pink beaches.

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Amira Luxury Resort & Spa - Adults Only

Adelianos Kampos, Adelianos Kampos, 74150, Griechenland – Tolle Lage – Karte anzeigen

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Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis

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Sehr neu modernisiertes und sehr sauberes Hotel. Zimmer sind sehr stilvoll und praktisch gestaltet.

Das schöne Zimmer und allgemein das Hotel ist sehr sauber und modern!

- Da wie spät am Abend ankamen und das Buffet leider schon geschlossen war, haben wir kostenfrei Wraps auf unser Zimmer bekommen. - Im Zimmer gab es als Begrüßung eine Flasche Wein und einen Obstkorb. - Das sehr gemütliche und täglich sauber gehaltene Zimmer mit direktem Meerblick gemeinsam mit dem sehr freundlichen und aufmerksamen Personal machten den Urlaub unvergesslich. - Das Essen abends und morgens war sehr üppig und es wurde immer frisch gekocht. Jeden Abend gab es etwas Anderes. - Das Hotelpersonal hat an jede Kleinigkeit gedacht. Der Strand wurde mit einer Badeaufsicht beaufsichtigt und es gab jeden Tag frische Strandhandtücher. - Wir sind sehr lärmempfindlich und haben trotz Nachbarn neben und über uns nichts gehört und konnten sehr erholt schlafen. -Es war selten so unkompliziert. Egal welches Anliegen wir hatten, es wurde direkt umgesetzt. Hier hat man wirklich das Gefühl, dass es dem gesamten Personal am Herzen lag, dass wir rundum zufrieden sind.

Das Frühstück sowie das Abendessen waren sehr, sehr gut, es hat keine Wünsche offen gelassen

Sehr schickes, sauberes und komfortables Hotel. Das Buffet beim Abendessen hatte eine große Auswahl und tägliche Veränderungen. Personal war sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit, vor allem Athena im Main Restaurant war sehr aufmerksam und engagiert. Ein wunderbarer Ort um Kreta zu genießen und absolut empfehlenswert. Per Hotelapp können Snacks und Getränke an den Strand bestellt werden, das ist super Service. Auch den berühmten Liegenkrieg hat man dort gut im Griff. Dies wird rigeros unterbunden und wir haben auch keine einzige blockierte Liege gesehen. Erwähnt sei auch der grandiose Meerblick selbst bei einfachster Zimmerkategorie.

Die gesamte Anlage ist sehr modern, chic und gemütlich.

Richtig entspannend, alles entschleunigt und ruhige Atmosphäre, tolle Anlage, sehr freundliches aufmerksames Personal, bequeme Liegen am Strand

Die wunderschöne Honeymoon-Suite mit Whirpool und direktem Blick auf das Meer😍 Super Buffet mit grosser Auswahl und Abwechslung. Sehr schöne und gepflegte Hotelanlage und direkte Strandlage. Meistens freundliches und zuvorkommendes Personal.👍🏻

Dieses Hotel lässt keine Wünsche offen.. Das Personal ist mega freundlich und das Essen ist bombastisch!!

Das Hotel liegt direkt am Strand. Wir hatten für 10 Tage eine Junior Suite mit herrlichem Meerblick. Die Suite war sehr groß und hatte ein tolles Design. Die gesamte Hotelanlage ist sehr schön. Von frühmorgens bis spätabends ist alles top sauber und aufgeräumt. Das gesamte Hotelpersonal ist gut ausgebildet und sehr freundlich. Mit dem Service waren wir sehr zufrieden. Die Strandliegen sind sehr bequem, wenn auch etwas eng gestellt. Uns gefiel sehr, dass wir am Abreisetag gegen einen akzeptablen Aufpreis bis spät in den Nachmittag ein Hotelzimmer nutzen konnten und dass wir so noch einen sehr schönen Badetag hatten.

Hotelpersonal

Amira Luxury Resort & Spa - Adults Only Jetzt buchen

Sichern Sie sich einen tollen Preis für die Unterkunft Amira Luxury Resort & Spa - Adults Only – von Gästen kürzlich mit 9,4 bewertet.

Geben Sie Reisedaten an , um loszulegen.

Fühlen Sie sich wie ein VIP mit dem Weltklasseservice der Unterkunft Amira Luxury Resort & Spa - Adults Only

Die Unterkunft Amira Luxury Resort & Spa - Adults Only, die in Adelianos Kampos, 200 m von Beach Adelianos Kampos entfernt gelegen ist, verfügt über Übernachtungsmöglichkeiten mit einem Fitnesscenter, kostenlosen Privatparkplätzen, einem Garten und einer Gemeinschaftslounge. Die Unterkunft verfügt über eine Bar und befindet sich weniger als 1,8 km von Strand Platanes entfernt. Dieses Hotel verfügt über einen Innenpool, eine Sauna, eine Abendunterhaltung und einen Zimmerservice. Die Unterkunft Amira Luxury Resort & Spa - Adults Only bietet den Gästen klimatisierte Zimmer mit einem Kleiderschrank, einer Kaffeemaschine, einem Kühlschrank, einem Safe, einem Flachbild-TV, einer Terrasse und einem eigenen Badezimmer mit einer Dusche. Die Unterkunft Amira Luxury Resort & Spa - Adults Only bietet mehrere Wohneinheiten mit Meerblick und alle Zimmer sind ausgestattet mit einem Balkon. In der Unterkunft Amira Luxury Resort & Spa - Adults Only sind die Zimmer ausgestattet mit Bettwäsche und Handtüchern. In der Unterkunft Amira Luxury Resort & Spa - Adults Only finden Sie ein Restaurant, das belgische, griechische und italienische Küche serviert. Auf Anfrage gibt es auch vegetarische, milchfreie und vegane Optionen. Die Unterkunft Amira Luxury Resort & Spa - Adults Only bietet ein türkisches Dampfbad. Sie können an diesem Hotel mit 5 Sternen Tischtennis spielen. Die Gegend ist beliebt zum Fahrradfahren. Zu den Sprachen, die an der rund um die Uhr besetzten Rezeption gesprochen werden, gehören Deutsch, Griechisch, Englisch und Französisch. Strand Pirgos liegt 2,5 km von der Unterkunft Amira Luxury Resort & Spa - Adults Only entfernt, während Archäologische Museum von Rethymno 7,8 km entfernt ist. Der nächstgelegene Flughafen ist der Flughafen Iraklio, 74 km von der Unterkunft Amira Luxury Resort & Spa - Adults Only entfernt. Die Unterkunft bietet einen kostenpflichtigen Flughafentransfer.

Paare schätzen die Lage besonders – sie haben diese mit 8,9 für einen Aufenthalt zu zweit bewertet.

Die Entfernung in der Unterkunftsbeschreibung wurde mit © OpenStreetMap berechnet

• WLAN inklusive
• Flughafenshuttle
• Spa & Wellnesscenter
• Nichtraucherzimmer
• Fitnesscenter
• Kaffee- und Teezubehör in allen Zimmern
• Hervorragendes Frühstück

Highlights der Unterkunft

Tolle Lage: von Gästen aktuell mit sehr gut bewertet (8,8)

KOSTENFREIE Privatparkplätze!

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Umgebung des Hotels

Restaurants 2 restaurants vor ort.

• Küche Griechisch • Mediterran • Regional • International
• Ernährungsoptionen Vegetarisch • Vegan • Glutenfrei • Laktosefrei
• Küche Belgisch • Griechisch • Italienisch • Mediterran • Pizza
• Ambiente Modern • Romantisch

Ausstattung von: Amira Luxury Resort & Spa - Adults Only Tolle Ausstattung! 9.5 Punkte

• Toilettenpapier
• Eigenes Badezimmer
• Kostenlose Pflegeprodukte
• Haartrockner
• Gartenmöbel
• Kaffeemaschine
• Wasserkocher
• Kühlschrank
• Kleiderständer
• Fahrradverleih Zusätzliche Gebühren
• Live-Musik/Performance Zusätzliche Gebühren
• Abendunterhaltung
• Schnorcheln Zusätzliche Gebühren Außerhalb der Unterkunft
• Reiten Zusätzliche Gebühren Außerhalb der Unterkunft
• Tauchen Zusätzliche Gebühren Außerhalb der Unterkunft
• Radfahren Außerhalb der Unterkunft
• Tischtennis
• Billard Zusätzliche Gebühren
• Flachbild-TV
• Kabelkanäle
• Satellitenempfang
• Wein/Sekt Zusätzliche Gebühren
• Speisen für spezielle Ernährungsbedürfnisse (auf Anfrage)
• Kaffee- und Teezubehör
• Parkservice
• Behindertengerechte Parkplätze
• Tickets für den öffentlichen Nahverkehr Zusätzliche Gebühren
• Rechnung auf Anfrage
• Schließfächer
• Privater Check-in/-out
• Conciergeservice
• Gepäckaufbewahrung
• Informationsschalter für Ausflüge
• Express-Check-in/-out
• 24-Stunden-Rezeption
• Tägliche Reinigung
• Bügelservice Zusätzliche Gebühren
• Chemische Reinigung Zusätzliche Gebühren
• Waschsalon/Wäscheservice Zusätzliche Gebühren
• Konferenz- und Veranstaltungsräume Zusätzliche Gebühren
• Feuerlöscher
• Videoüberwachung der Außenbereiche der Unterkunft
• Videoüberwachung in Gemeinschaftsbereichen
• Rauchmelder
• Sicherheitsalarm
• Zugang mit Schlüsselkarte
• 24-Stunden-Sicherheitspersonal
• Kohlenmonoxid-Melder
• Nur für Erwachsene
• Gemeinschaftslounge/TV-Bereich
• Klimaanlage
• Nichtraucherunterkunft (Alle öffentlichen und privaten Bereiche sind Nichtraucherzonen)
• Weckservice
• Fliesen-/Marmorboden
• Privater Eingang
• Autovermietung
• Schallisolierte Zimmer
• Friseur-/Schönheitssalon
• Bügeleinrichtungen
• Flughafenshuttle Zusätzliche Gebühren
• Weckservice/Wecker
• Zimmerservice
• Obere Stockwerke mit Fahrstuhl erreichbar
• Öffnungszeiten
• Das ganze Jahr über geöffnet
• Infinity-Pool
• Pool-/Strandtücher
• Sonnenschirme
• Massagestuhl
• Ganzkörpermassage
• Handmassage
• Kopfmassage
• Paarmassage
• Nackenmassage
• Rückenmassage
• Wellnessangebote
• Wellnesslounge/Ruhebereich
• Körperpeeling
• Körperanwendungen
• Haar-Styling
• Haare färben
• Haare schneiden
• Haarbehandlungen
• Make-up-Service
• Haarentfernung mit Wachs
• Gesichtsbehandlungen
• Schönheitsangebote
• Sonnenstühle/-liegen
• Dampfbad/Türkisches Bad
• Whirlpool/Jacuzzi Zusätzliche Gebühren
• Massage Zusätzliche Gebühren
• Spa & Wellnesscenter Zusätzliche Gebühren
• Französisch

Verfügbarkeit anzeigen Hausregeln

Stornierung/ Vorauszahlung

Die Stornierungs- und Vorauszahlungsbedingungen ändern sich je nach Unterkunftskategorie. Bitte fügen Sie Ihre Reisedaten ein und überprüfen Sie die Bedingungen Ihrer gewählten Zimmerkategorie.

Kinder und Betten

Richtlinien für Kinder

Kinder können nicht untergebracht werden.

Richtlinien zu Baby- und Zustellbetten

Baby- und Zustellbetten sind in dieser Unterkunft nicht verfügbar.

Altersbeschränkung

Das Mindestalter für den Check-in beträgt 18 Jahre

Haustiere sind nicht gestattet.

Akzeptierte Zahlungsmethoden

Barzahlung Amira Luxury Resort & Spa - Adults Only akzeptiert diese Karten und behält sich das Recht vor, einen bestimmten Betrag vor Ihrer Ankunft vorübergehend zu blockieren.

Kleingedrucktes Wichtige Informationen für Gäste dieser Unterkunft

Lizenznummer: 1241060

Rechtliche Informationen

Häufig gestellte fragen zur unterkunft amira luxury resort & spa - adults only, welche aktivitäten bietet die unterkunft amira luxury resort & spa - adults only.

• Spa & Wellnesscenter
• Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
• Schnorcheln
• Fahrradverleih
• Live-Musik/Performance

Hat die Unterkunft Amira Luxury Resort & Spa - Adults Only einen Pool?

Ja, dieses Hotel hat einen Pool. Erfahren Sie Einzelheiten zum Pool und anderen Ausstattungen auf dieser Seite.

Welche Art von Zimmer kann ich in der Unterkunft Amira Luxury Resort & Spa - Adults Only buchen?

• Doppelzimmer

Wie lauten die Check-in- und Check-out-Zeiten in der Unterkunft Amira Luxury Resort & Spa - Adults Only?

Der Check-in in der Unterkunft Amira Luxury Resort & Spa - Adults Only ist ab 14:00, und der Check-out ist bis 12:00.

Wie weit ist die Unterkunft Amira Luxury Resort & Spa - Adults Only vom Zentrum von Adelianos Kampos entfernt?

Die Unterkunft Amira Luxury Resort & Spa - Adults Only ist 700 m vom Zentrum von Adelianos Kampos entfernt. Alle Entfernungen werden in Luftlinie gemessen. Die tatsächliche Fahrstrecke kann abweichen.

Hat die Unterkunft Amira Luxury Resort & Spa - Adults Only einen Whirlpool für Gäste?

Ja, es gibt einen Whirlpool. Mehr über diese und weitere Einrichtungen in der Unterkunft Amira Luxury Resort & Spa - Adults Only finden Sie auf dieser Seite.

Wieviel kostet der Aufenthalt in der Unterkunft Amira Luxury Resort & Spa - Adults Only?

Die Preise an der Unterkunft Amira Luxury Resort & Spa - Adults Only könnten je nach Aufenthalt variieren (z.B. gewählter Zeitraum, Hotelrichtlinie usw.). Wenn Sie Ihre Daten eingeben, können Sie die Preise sehen.

Hat die Unterkunft Amira Luxury Resort & Spa - Adults Only ein Restaurant vor Ort?

• ALMYRA MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT

Mehr anzeigen

Das beste von adelianos kampos, beliebte gegenden.

• Municipal Garden

Denkmäler oder Wahrzeichen

• Venetian Harbour
• Venetian Fortress
• Museum of Ancient Eleftherna
• Archaeological Museum of Rethymno
• Historical and Folklore Museum
• Centre of Byzantine Art

Sehenswürdigkeiten

• Arkadi Monastery

Die beliebtesten Städte

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Persönliche Empfehlungen

Wir geben Ihnen persönliche Empfehlungen auf der Grundlage Ihrer Aktivitäten auf unserer Plattform. Wenn Sie möchten, können Sie diese Option ausschalten. Bitte beachten Sie, dass das Ausschalten nur für Ihr aktuelles Gerät gilt. Sie müssen diese Einstellung daher auf jedem Gerät nach Bedarf anpassen, damit Ihre Präferenz berücksichtigt wird.

Echte Bewertungen von echten Gästen.

Wir haben über 70 Millionen Unterkunftsbewertungen – allesamt von echten Gästen, die nachweislich dort übernachtet haben .

Wie funktioniert es?

Es beginnt mit einer buchung.

Eine Bewertung kann erst nach einer Buchung geschrieben werden. So können wir sicherstellen, dass unsere Bewertungen von echten Gästen kommen, die in der Unterkunft übernachtet haben.

Dann kommt die Reise

Wenn Gäste in einer Unterkunft übernachten, wissen sie, wie ruhig die Zimmer und wie freundlich die Mitarbeiter sind, usw.

Und danach die Bewertung

Nach ihrer Reise berichten uns unsere Gäste von ihrem Aufenthalt. Jede Bewertung wird auf Schimpfwörter und ihre Echtheit geprüft, bevor wir sie der Booking.com-Seite hinzufügen.

Wenn Sie über uns gebucht haben und eine Gästebewertung hinterlegen möchten, melden Sie sich bitte in Ihrem Konto an.

Check-in-Datum

Check-out-Datum

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Görögország / Kréta

VÁLASZTHATÓ TURNUS: 8 nap - 7 éj 1. NAP: BUDAPEST / HERAKLION Elutazás Heraklionba charter járattal. Érkezés után transzfer a szállodába. Szabadprogram. Szállás Krétán. 2-7. NAP: KRÉTA Reggeli után szabadprogram. Fakultatív programlehetőségek: Knossos-Heraklion, Spinalonga-Agios Nikolaos, Santorini, csúszdapark, krétai est. Szállás Krétán. 8. NAP: HERAKLION / BUDAPEST Transzfer a repülőtérre, hazautazás. A csomagár tartalmazza: 7 éjszaka szállást Krétán a választott szállodában a megadott ellátással, repülőjegyeket (BUD-HER-BUD) útvonalon, az adókat és illetékeket, a repülőtéren magyar nyelvű asszisztenciát, a repülőtéri transzfereket. A csomagár nem tartalmazza: az útlemondási biztosítást, az utasbiztosítást. A helyszínen idegenforgalmi adó fizetendő, melynek összege a szálloda kategória függvénye.

HASZNOS TUDNIVALÓK – GÖRÖGORSZÁG KÜLKÉPVISELET: Magyar Köztársaság athéni Konzulátusa: 11635 Athén, 38 Vasileos Konstantinou Ave., Pangrati Telefon: (0030 210) 72 56 800, (0030 210) 72 56 801, (0030 210) 72 56 802 Görög Köztársaság Budapesti Nagykövetsége: 1063 Budapest, Szegfű utca 3. Telefon: 413 2600, 413 2610 IDŐELTOLÓDÁS: Magyarország +1 óra. HÁLÓZATI ÁRAM: 220 V. A dugaszolóaljzatok az európainak megfelelően kétlyukúak. NYELV: Görög; a turisztikai régiókban főként angolul, de alkalmanként németül is beszélnek. VALLÁS: A hivatalos vallás a görögkeleti ortodox, ennek megfelelően rengeteg templomot és kápolnát találunk országszerte. A misék szépek és különösen látványosak lehetnek az egyházi ünnepeken, melyeket nagyon komolyan vesznek a mélyen vallásos szigeteken. PÉNZNEM : Euró, 1 euró = kb. 380 Ft. Az utas saját felelőssége tájékozódni arról, hogy Görögországban milyen pénznemet és milyen érvényességű bankjegyet fogadnak el. Anubis Travel nem vállal felelősséget az ebből adódó mulasztásból. PÉNZVÁLTÁS: A hivatalos fizetőeszköz az euró. Ajánljuk, hogy lehetőség szerint azt vigyenek magukkal. Más valuta esetén (pl. USA dollár) azt a bankokban vagy pénzváltókban, esetlegesen néhány szálloda recepcióján van lehetőség átváltani. BANKKÁRTYÁK: Hitelkártyával általában minden szállodában és vendéglátóhelyen lehet fizetni. A bankokban, automatáknál felvehetünk készpénzt a kártyánkról. VÁMSZABÁLYOK: Az aktuális vámszabályokról érdeklődjenek a Görög Köztársaság Budapesti Nagykövetségén. UTAZÁS: Utasainkat Krétára és Rodoszra charter repülőjárattal, turista osztályon utaztatjuk. Az utazásnál vegyék figyelembe a 23 kg személyenként feladható poggyász súlyhatárt (Wizzair járat esetén 20 kg/fő). A repülési idő: kb. 2 óra 30 perc. A légitársaság járatainak indulási időpontjai változhatnak. A menetrendváltozásokért az Anubis Travel felelősséget nem vállal. A transzferek és programok lebonyolítása légkondicionált buszokkal történik. ÚTIOKMÁNYOK: Magyarország uniós csatlakozása óta a magyar állampolgárok útlevelükkel vagy személyi igazolványukkal léphetnek be Görögország területére. A zökkenőmentes, gyors határátkelés érdekében – különös tekintettel a tavaszi-nyári hónapokra – tanácsos az útlevelüket is magukkal vinni, ha van. A szállodákban pár napra elkérhetik az útlevelet vagy a személyi igazolványt. BORRAVALÓ: 10% az elfogadott borravaló a bárokban és az éttermekben, melyet illik az asztalon hagyni távozáskor. HELYI SZOKÁSOK/ÖLTÖZKÖDÉS: Figyeljünk a mértéktartó öltözködésre, ha nyilvános helyre megyünk. A vacsorához sok szálloda alkalomhoz illő öltözködést ír elő (hosszú nadrág, takart vállak). Templomok és kolostorok látogatásakor ügyeljen a megfelelő öltözékre! ELLÁTÁS: A programban szereplő ellátás mindig a szálloda leírás mellett szerepel. A felszolgált étel jellegét (menü, svédasztal) mindig az adott szálloda határozza meg. Az étkezésekhez semmilyen ital nem jár, kivétel a reggelihez a kávé, tea és gyümölcslé. All inclusive ellátásnál a meghatározott italok járnak az étkezésekhez és az étkezések közt. SZÁLLÁS: A szállodák minősége és szállodai besorolása a görög szabványoknak megfelelő. Azonos kategórián belül a szállodaváltoztatás jogát fenntartjuk! SZOBÁK: A szobák elosztása a szállodák kizárólagos joga. Néhány esetben az egyágyas szoba kisebb lehet a normálnál, míg a háromágyas szoba egy kétágyas szoba pótággyal, ami kisebbé teszi a szobát 3 ember számára, ezért inkább ez 1 gyermekes család részére ajánlott. A szobákat általában 14 órától lehet elfoglalni és legkésőbb 10 óráig kell elhagyni. Korábbi érkezés, későbbi indulás esetén csomagjaikat a szálloda által meghatározott helyen, esetenként csomagszobában lehet elhelyezni. GYERMEKKEDVEZMÉNYEK: Gyermekkedvezményt (a részvételi díjból és a fakultatív programokból) csak azok a gyermekek kapnak, akik az utazás befejezéséig még nem töltötték be 12. életévüket (szállodától függően a gyermekkedvezmény esetenként 13, 14 illetve 15 éves korig biztosított.). Gyermek elhelyezése mindig szülőkkel egy szobában, pótágyon történik. Speciális, ettől eltérő gyermekkedvezmények egyes szállodák részletes leírásaiban külön feltüntetésre kerülnek. EGÉSZSÉGÜGY: Védőoltás nem szükséges. Nem árt külön biztosítást kötni súlyosabb megbetegedés esetére. A magánorvosok drágák. Őket a kezelés során ki kell fizetni, de adnak számlát, így hazaérkezésünk után - feltéve, ha kötöttünk biztosítást - az otthoni biztosító visszatéríti a költségeket. BETEGSÉG: Az étkezési szokások hirtelen megváltozása heveny gyomorfájáshoz, gyomorrontáshoz vezethet, mely korlátozott mennyiségű ételek fogyasztásával elkerülhető. Az éghajlat következtében gyakran találkozunk rovarokkal, ezek a szállodákban is előfordulhatnak. Javasoljuk, hogy vigyen magával rovarirtó szert és szúnyogriasztót. A nyári hónapokban a napsugárzás nagyon erős, ezért feltétlenül vigyen magával napszemüveget, naptejet és napellenzőt. A tengerparton elsősorban a sziklás, köves részeken gumipapucs, fürdőcipő használata ajánlott, ha tengeri sünre lépnénk, minél hamarabb távolítsuk el talpunkból a tüskéket. ÉGHAJLAT: Mediterrán éghajlat magas nyári hőmérséklettel (akár 36°C) és közepes páratartalommal. Az éjszakai órákban lehűlés lehetséges. BIZTONSÁG: A bűnözési arány nagyon alacsony, tehát némi elővigyázatossággal az egyszerűbb esetek ellen könnyen védekezhetünk. KÖZLEKEDÉS: Görögországban is a nemzetközi közlekedési előírások érvényesek. A személygépkocsikra vonatkozó sebességkorlátozások megegyeznek az itthonival. Biztonsági öv használata kötelező. Ha bármi gondunk adódna a kocsival, nyugodtan stoppoljunk. A görög autósok nagyon segítőkészek. Az autóklub rövidítése ELPA, általában sárga kocsival közlekednek. A nagyobb települések és az üdülőhelyek között, valamint a szigeteken jó az autóbusz közlekedés, de rövidebb távolságokra a taxi is kedvelt közlekedési eszköz. JÁRMŰBÉRLÉS: Mindenütt lehet bérelni személygépkocsit, motorkerékpárt és segédmotorokat. A járművek bérlésének feltétele: nemzetközi jogosítvány, legalább 21 vagy 23 éves életkor és 1 éves jogosítvány. Amennyiben kismotort vagy autót kíván bérelni, feltétlenül kössön teljes körű casco biztosítást. ÜNNEPEK: Görögországban – különösen nyáron – az évnek szinte minden napjára esik egy-egy fontosabb esemény. Százával vannak ortodox szentek, ünnepeiket országszerte megülik a nevüket viselő templomokban. Akárcsak egyéb névnapokon, kora reggel szentmisét tartanak a templomban, este közös vacsora következik, zenével és tánccal. TELEFONÁLÁS: Magyarország száma: 00 36 + körzetszám + hívott szám. Görögország hívószáma Magyarországról: 00 30 + körzetszám + hívott szám. POSTA: Minden megyeszékhelynek van egy főpostája (melyet a sárga jel különböztet meg a többitől), míg a nagyobb üdülőhelyeken postakocsi teljesít szolgálatot. Bélyeget természetesen a postahivatalokban, illetve a jelzésekkel ellátott kioszkban vásárolhatunk. A postaládák sárgák, POST felirattal rendelkeznek (esoteriko – belföld, exoteriko – külföld). GÖRÖG KONYHA: Tipikus ételek: Muszaka – rakott krumplihoz hasonló, padlizsánnal, darált hússal, krumplival, Szuvaki – nyársonsült, fűszerekkel ízesített rablóhús, Dolmádesz – rizzsel és hússal töltött szőlőlevél, Tzatziki – joghurtszósz uborkával, fokhagymával, olívaolajjal, Kalamari – sült tintahal. Speciális görög italok: Ouzó – ánizspálinka, Metaxa – konyak, Retsina – fenyőgyantával ízesített bor. ITALOK: Ne igyon csapvizet! Csak palackozott vizet fogyasszon, amely minden élelmiszerüzletben kapható! A hőség miatt az is nagyon fontos, hogy folyamatosan megfelelő mennyiségű folyadékot vegyen magához. SZIESZTA: A legtöbb üdülőhelyen nagyon komolyan veszik a szieszta idejét (minden nap 14-17 óráig), amikor is az üzletek zárva tartanak.

KRÉTA Ez a romantikus sziget Görögország legnagyobb és a Földközi-tenger ötödik legnagyobb szigete. Területe: 8331 km2, legmagasabb csúcsa: 2456 méter, lakossága kb. 460 000 fő. A minosi kultúra hazája, a történelemből ismert nevén a Csodák szigete, mely napjainkban a sosem alvó, végtelen partik és tánc otthona, egyben Daidalos és Ikaros szigete. A szigeten végighúzódó varázslatos fehér hegyek, a tenger és a szárazföld olajfáival, narancsligeteivel és fűszernövényeivel felejthetetlen kikapcsolódást biztosítanak. A sziget gazdag történelmi emlékekben is: monostorok, kastélyok és szobrok, valamint az ókori görög civilizáció romjai és történelmi helyszínei, mint pl. Knossos, a Bembo szökőkút és a Rocca Al Mare erőd. Kréta legnagyobb városai és üdülőhelyei: Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos és Sitia. ANALIPSI Analipsi egy hagyományos kis krétai falu, amely kb. 20 km-re található Herakliontól és kb. 4 km-re Hersonissostól. Homokos, lassan mélyülő strandokkal, kis terekkel, központjában üzletekkel, tavernákkal várja az idelátogatókat. Tavernáiból esténként élőzene fokozza a görög hangulatot, illetve hangulatos sétákat tehetünk a falucska terein. SISSI Sissi Kréta észak-keleti részén elhelyezkedő hangulatos kis halászfalu, mely Herakliontól kb. 42 km-re, Stalistól kb. 10 km-re helyezkedik el. A közelben található üdülőfalukhoz képest Sissi sokkal csendesebb, ezért a nyugodt pihenésre vágyóknak ajánljuk. Családias tavernák, bárok, üzletek, kisebb szállodák várják az idelátogató turistákat. MALIA Malia pezsgő éjszakai életet nyújtó üdülőváros, mely Herakliontól 34 km-re fekszik. Hosszú, homokos strandok, 24 órában nyitva tartó zenés bárok, sokféle vízi sport lehetőség teszi népszerűvé, továbbá itt található a négy nagy minószi palota egyike, a maliai palota, amely a várostól kb. 3 km-re helyezkedik el. HERSONISSOS A Herakliontól kb. 25 km-re és a repülőtértől kb. 20 km-re fekvő üdülővárosban minden megtalálható, ami egy fantasztikus, felejthetetlen nyaraláshoz szükséges. Főutcáján egymást érik a tavernák, a kávézók, az ajándéküzletek, egyszerre kínálva ajándéktárgyakat és a krétai kultúra megismerését. Kellemes tengerparti sétányát örökös forgatag jellemzi, itt találhatók a sziget leghíresebb szórakozóhelyei is. A bárok sokféle stílusú zenével, programmal várják a szórakozni, bulizni vágyó vendégeket, de a város közelében található tradicionális falvak a nyugalomra vágyóknak is kiváló pihenést ígérnek. Hersonissos tengerpartja egyes helyeken homokos, máshol kavicsos, rengeteg lehetőséget kínál a vízi sportok kipróbálására, gyakorlására. A város határán egy kisebb vízi vidámpark is található. GOUVES Ez a csendes, békés üdülőfalu Herakliontól kb. 18 km-re fekszik, keleti irányba. Nyugodt környezete, sekély, homokos tengerpartja miatt elsősorban kisgyermekes családok, pihenésre vágyók keresik fel, bár Gouves is bővelkedik tavernákban, bárokban és kávézókban. Az üdülőfalu egyik partszakasza sziklás, ahol a tenger vize kicsit mélyebb. Körülbelül félúton fekszik a főváros, Heraklion és a szórakozóhelyeiről hírhedt Hersonissos között, így mind a kultúra iránt érdeklődőknek, mind a szórakozni vágyóknak alkalmas lehet ez a település. STALIS A Herakliontól kb. 33 km-re fekvő Stalis üdülőfalujában egyszerre található meg a forgatag és a nyugalom. Széles, hosszan elnyúló homokos tengerpartja egyszerre lehet helyszíne egy nagy homokvár építésének a családosok, gyermekkel érkezők számára vagy a vízi sportok kipróbálására, de természetesen csendes partszakaszain azok is felüdülést szerezhetnek, akik csak a tenger moraját és a napsütést szeretnék élvezni. Stalis főutcáján rengeteg üzlet, étterem, kávézó található, valamint jó néhány bár és szórakozóhely várja a fiatalokat és idősebbeket egyaránt. Hersonissos közelsége még szélesebb lehetőségeket kínál az éjszakai életre.

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