Folks, don't forget that we have an extremely comfortable iOS application in App Store
Please try it!
Crete is divided into four main resort areas: Chania, Lasithi, Heraklion, and Rethymno. We will tell you about each of them now, making it easier for you to choose where to vacation in Crete.
One of Crete's main tourist centers, rich in natural wonders, unique ancient architecture, beautiful and clean shores awarded the Blue Flag, and a vibrant cultural life. Chania is home to the White Mountains and Samaria Gorge, the pink sands of Elafonissi Island, and many interesting events.
©
depositphotos
Agia Marina — a small resort town that is gaining more and more popularity among vacationers in Crete each year. It attracts with its clean beach with crystal-clear water and golden sand, awarded the Blue Flag. In addition to beaches, Agia Marina delights guests with a cozy center featuring small churches and chapels, the Nerospilia cave, an orange grove, and the nearby nature reserve island of Agioi Theodoroi.
Platanias — a busier resort with a vibrant cultural and nightlife. During the day, its guests enjoy the beautiful city beach, which not only has a Blue Flag but also all the necessary amenities for a great vacation: showers, sunbeds, entertainment (paragliding, water trips, etc.). In the evening, everyone moves to the city's clubs, restaurants, and taverns, where music and dancing continue even after midnight.
Palaiochora — a combination of excellent tourist infrastructure, local color, and many attractions of Crete. The city has two great beach zones and a well-established ferry connection with neighboring resorts and islands. This quiet town is an excellent option for a family vacation. In the evenings, you can see locals playing board games on the streets and in the taverns of Paleochora, and you can even join them. The surroundings of Paleochora feature the ruins of the Selino fortress, the ancient city of Kalamidi, the famous Samaria Gorge, and the island of Gavdos.
You can book a hotel with a discount of up to 65% on the website.
Elafonissi — a unique island famous for its pink sands, crystal clear turquoise water, and charming landscapes.
Chania City — the capital of the region and the second-largest city on the island. It captivates with its amazing architecture, combining Venetian and Turkish heritage, narrow and very cozy streets, the Old Port and Old Center, beautiful promenades, ancient cathedrals, and many museums.
An excellent option for those who wish to combine beach and cultural vacations: the area is conveniently located between many of the island's iconic attractions and wonderful beaches. Rethymno boasts Lake Kournas, Balos Lagoon, Agia Roumeli Springs, and the unique capital city with its incredible history and architecture.
Bali — one of the most picturesque places in Crete. A resort surrounded by mountains, delighting guests with quiet, cozy bays and incredibly beautiful nature. All beaches in Bali are located in different bays, with a total of four: one large, more open and windy, and three smaller and more tranquil. Bali was once a fishing village, and to this day, local fishermen continue their trade, so be prepared to enjoy excellent local dishes made from freshly caught fish. Bali is located between Rethymno and Heraklion, making it convenient to explore major cultural centers while enjoying a quiet, peaceful seaside vacation.
Agia Galini — a picturesque village on the southernmost part of Crete, on the shores of the Libyan Sea. Small but very cozy: narrow streets with white houses and bright flowers, paved paths and winding staircases, flowering trees, palm trees, and a small Old Port. All this is surrounded by mountains and cliffs. The western part of Agia Galini features cliffs and caves, while the eastern part boasts a wide beach strip.
Rethymno — the namesake capital of the region, a large city with a rich history, many ancient attractions, good beaches, and a picturesque center. The Old Town and Old Port, Fortezza Fortress, Arkadi Monastery, Venetian portals, and scenic promenade — a vacation in Rethymno will be vibrant and interesting.
Rethymno is a lively resort. Clubs, bars, restaurants, and a vibrant cultural life with various concerts and festivals held regularly. However, you can also find many quiet places by the sea for solitude and walks with children.
The central part of Crete with the island's namesake capital. The main resort area where all the popular resorts and attractions of Crete are located: the Palace of Knossos and the Labyrinth of the Minotaur, Minoan palaces, the Venetian Loggia, and much more.
Malia — the most bustling and lively resort in Crete, attracting young people. Nightclubs, discos, bars, and wild parties — all on the seashore. The coastline in Malia is considered one of the best: the cleanest sandy beaches with a safe shoreline and all necessary infrastructure. However, for family vacations with children, this resort might not be suitable due to its very noisy and boisterous atmosphere. On the other hand, prices in local establishments are more affordable for young people. Nearby are the ruins of the Malia Minoan Palace.
©
depositphotos
Hersonissos — another lively spot in Heraklion with a vibrant nightlife, but also more peaceful, allowing thousands of tourists, including families with children, to stay here. The city beaches of the resort might not be the best, but they are always busy. This is one of the main "drawbacks," but on the outskirts of the resort, there are many clean and tranquil lagoons and bays where you can spend a great day or even several. Hersonissos does not boast many attractions, but it has two large water parks: Star Beach Waterpark and Aqua Splash.
Heraklion — the capital of the island of Crete, a city where the rich past and vibrant present of Greece meet. Located in the center of the region, it is easily accessible from various resort towns within an hour, and this is a must-do. After all, in Heraklion is one of the largest and most significant museums in Greece — the Museum of Minoan Culture, where you will learn much about the island's and the country's history. The city is also adorned with the Koules Fortress, the Cathedral of St. Minas, the Church of St. Titus, the Church of St. Catherine, the Loggia, and the Old Port.
Located in the eastern part of the island, washed by the Libyan and Cretan seas, it is considered the most expensive region of Crete, thanks to its upscale hotels, luxurious beaches, and excellent service.
Agios Nikolaos — the capital of Lasithi, a unique city that inspires all its visitors, often celebrities, with its beauty. A city with unique nature and architecture, within which lies the large Lake Voulismeni, and "outside" it is washed by the warm sea. The Old Town, the port, and the promenade are incredible places where it's so pleasant to spend the evening after an active day at the beach.
©
depositphotos
This city is attractive to affluent tourists. You will see many branded boutiques, jewelry stores, and salons with fur and leather products. Moreover, the city has a vibrant cultural life. Every summer, a program of festivals, concerts, and performances is created, so there is no time for boredom in the evenings.
From Agios Nikolaos, you can take interesting sea trips around Mirabello Bay, to Spinalonga Island, and underwater tours of the sunken city of Olous.
Elounda is located very close to Agios Nikolaos and is considered one of the most elite resorts in Crete. Only luxurious hotels with helipads and golf courses, only the cleanest beaches awarded the Blue Flag, only a calm and serene atmosphere. Elounda has not long been an expensive resort; previously, it was a small fishing village, which still retains its quiet life, despite the fact that many famous people often vacation here.
Ierapetra — the southernmost city in Europe, standing on the shore of the Libyan Sea, attracts more and more tourists every year. Its surroundings boast an excellent coastline with good sandy and pebble beaches, awarded the Blue Flag. The Old Town of Ierapetra has preserved its namesake fortress, as well as ancient churches and cathedrals. And, of course, the city has a promenade, next to which are excellent restaurants where you should treat yourself to delicious and natural dishes, as Ierapetra is one of the largest producers of agricultural products.
The surroundings of the city — the villages of Episkopi and Mirtos — are also perfect for a peaceful time and pleasant walks for those tired of city bustle.
Using our website, tripmydream, you can find airline tickets starting from 15 EUR. Look for the cheapest flights in the Flight Discounts section. To do this, select the departure point, and the service will find the most advantageous offers for you.
