Crete holidays

How to reach Crete

• Flight time: Flights from Dublin and other Irish airports to Crete usually take about 4 hours, give or take a few minutes, depending on whether you're landing at Heraklion or Chania.

• Transfer time: Heraklion Airport is just a quick 10-minute taxi ride or a 20-minute bus journey from the city centre. If you're coming from Chania Airport, expect about 25 minutes by taxi or 45 minutes by bus to get into Chania.

• Price: A taxi from Heraklion Airport to the city centre will set you back around €20, while a one-way bus ticket costs about €2.50. From Chania Airport, you're looking at roughly €25 for a taxi to Chania and still €2.50 for the bus.

Weather and best time to visit Crete

When planning your trip to Crete, think about what kind of holiday you fancy – whether it's soaking up the sun on the beach, enjoying some adventurous activities, or diving into the culture.

• April to June: This is a lovely time to visit, with temperatures ranging from 20°C in April to 28°C by June. Rainfall drops significantly from 26mm to just 1mm, and you can expect plenty of sunshine, with days getting up to 12 hours long. Ideal for sightseeing and hiking, though you might want to wait until May for swimming, as sea temperatures hover around 19°C.

• July to August: This is peak beach season. It’s dry with almost no rain, hot with average temperatures around 30°C, and plenty of sunshine (11 to 12 hours daily). Be prepared for larger crowds during these months.

• September to October: The weather cools slightly, with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 24°C. There's a bit less sunshine (about 9 to 7 hours daily) and a touch more rain, especially in October, which sees about 51mm. However, it's much quieter, and the sea stays warm at around 24°C, making it great for swimming and water sports.

• November to March: This is Crete's low season. You can expect wetter weather with about 75mm of rain each month, and while it’s cool rather than cold (about 17°C), there are still periods of sunshine (four hours daily, increasing to six in March). It's a good time to explore the larger towns and villages while enjoying the island with fewer tourists around.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: While Greek is the official language, you’ll find that English is commonly spoken in tourist spots.

• Currency: The currency in Greece is the euro (€).

• Getting around: Public buses connect the main towns and tourist attractions. Single bus tickets for short trips start at around €1.20 but be aware that there's an extra charge if you buy onboard. If you fancy driving, car rentals typically cost between €30 and €50 a day.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 230V, and you'll need a two-pin European plug.

• Time zone: Crete operates on Eastern European Time, which is 2 hours ahead of GMT, and like the rest of Europe, it observes Daylight Saving Time.

• Required travel documentation: If you’re travelling from Ireland, you’ll need a valid passport (issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least three months after your planned departure) but you won’t need a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Best things to do in Crete

Holidays to Crete offer endless possibilities: soak up the sun at one of the island's many beaches, have a close encounter with marine life, get cultured at museums and archeological sites, trek through diverse landscapes or pamper yourself at a spa. For a more detailed guide, check our Things to do in the Crete article.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Balos Lagoon: Located on the northwestern tip of Crete, Balos Lagoon is famous for its turquoise waters and stunning scenery. Accessible by boat or hiking, it's a must-visit for its panoramic views.

• Seitan Limania Beach: Nestled between cliffs on the Akrotiri peninsula, the adventurous hike down is rewarded with a stunning beach scene.

The best districts

• Chania Old Town: This district has charm in spades, stunning views, Venetian architecture, bustling markets and a picturesque harbour with numerous cafés and restaurants.

• Rethymno Old Town: Home to a Venetian citadel with panoramic views of the town and sea, Ottoman mosques and baths and a warren of alleyways and narrow streets to get lost in.

• Matala: A hippy backpacking haunt in the 1960s, now a modern tourist resort, Matala's main claim to fame is its ancient artificial beachside caves with rock-cut rooms.

Parks and gardens

• Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete: Located near Chania, a 20-hectare showcase of fruit trees, ornamental plants and aromatic herbs sublimely backdropped by the White Mountains.

• Maravel Gardens: On the outskirts of Rethymno, these gardens pack a nasal punch with over 2,500 medicinal and aromatic herbs.

Museums

• Heraklion Archaeological Museum: Must-see for its collection of Minoan artefacts, especially the enduringly enigmatic Phaistos Disc.

Historical monuments

• Knossos Palace: Located 5km south of Heraklion and indelibly linked with King Minos, his mythical labyrinth and Theseus and the Minotaur, this is hands down the most famous archeological site in Crete despite over-zealous restoration and reconstruction.

• Arkadi Monastery: The Renaissance architecture is reason enough to visit, but the monastery has a fascinating, if tragic, history. During the Cretan revolt of the 1860s, hundreds of men, women and children sought sanctuary here; when the Turks besieged the monastery, they blew themselves up with stored gunpowder kegs rather than surrender.

Day trips in the area

• Spinalonga Island: This small island was once a leper colony and is now a fascinating historical site. Boat tours from Plaka and Elounda take you to explore the ruins.

Activities for families in Crete

Whether exploring ancient ruins or splashing and sliding, there's plenty to keep everyone entertained on your Crete holidays.

• Swimming pools: Family-oriented resorts on Crete tend to have one or more kids' pools.

• Playgrounds: The best playgrounds tend to be at resorts, such as Lyttopia Playground at the Lyttos Beach Hotel in Analipisis.

• Aquariums and zoos: CretAquarium in Gournes, near Heraklion, offers 60 tanks filled with over 200 Mediterranean and tropical species, audio-visuals and a VR experience, where you can come face-to-face with a 24m whale. Part aquarium, part reptile rescue centre, Aquaworld Aquarium in Hersonissos offers a more hands-on experience, from fish feeding to snuggling up with snakes.

• Interactive museums: The Natural History Museum of Crete in Heraklion is a solid bet for even reluctant mini-museumgoers; if the dinosaurs, dioramas, tech and science displays don't manage to snag their attention, the earthquake simulator is bound to win them over.

• Theme parks: Get lost in a Minotaur-themed maze or climb over and under lasers to capture Helen of Troy inside a Trojan Horse at Labyrinth Theme Park, just outside Hersonissos. Or have a prehistoric adventure at Dinosauria Park in Gournes, with over 50 animatronic dinosaurs.

• Waterparks: Turn into a big kid at one of Crete's waterparks like Acqua Plus in Hersonissos or Watercity near Heraklion.

Free things to do in Crete

The island hosts year-round festivals with free events, and if you are happy to slum it with a beach towel, you won't have to spend a cent at the beach.

• Museums: Most museums charge a nominal admission fee, but the Greek National Football Museum in Chania, packed with football memorabilia, including the Euro 2004 cup, is a welcome exception.

• Annual festivals: Experience local culture at a Cretan festival, such as the Rethymno Renaissance Festival held in July and August or the week-long Wine Festival of Dafnes in July.

• Archeological sites: South of Kissamos, the ancient city of Polyrrinia and the ruins of Falassarna are free to visit.

• Beaches: Crete has hundreds of public beaches. For pinkish sands and shallow waters, try Elafonissi; for a tropical island feel, visit Preveli.

Wellness in Crete

• Spas and thermal baths: Resort spas, such as the Mitsis Royal Mare in Anissaras, offer luxurious treatments, including hydrotherapy.

• Traditional body care: Many spas in Crete offer treatments inspired by ancient Greek practices, including massages and body wraps using locally sourced herbs and oils.

• Yoga and meditation centres: Agios Pavlos is a popular location for wild yoga.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: Crete is famous for its hiking trails, including the challenging Samaria Gorge, an 18km trek through dramatic landscapes ending at the Libyan Sea, and the scenic 11km Imbros Gorge. The E4 European Walking Path also runs through the island, between Kissamos and Kato Zakros.

• Water sports: Enjoy water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing and paddleboarding at beaches like Agia Pelagia, Elounda and Kouremenos.

• Scuba diving and snorkelling: The clear waters around Crete are ideal for diving and snorkelling. Dive centres in Chania, Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos offer courses and excursions.

• Rock climbing: Crete's rugged terrain provides excellent rock climbing opportunities. The cliffs of Kapetaniana and Agiofarago are popular spots.

• Cycling: Numerous cycling routes take you through scenic countryside and along coastal roads.

• Bird-watching: Crete's wetlands and mountainous areas are perfect for bird-watching. Look out for species such as the Griffon vulture.

Best beaches to visit during your Crete holiday

Crete is renowned for its diverse and beautiful beaches, each offering unique experiences suited to different types of travellers. Here are some of the best beaches to explore during your holiday in Crete.

Best beaches for families

• Elafonissi Beach: Famous for its pink sand and shallow, warm waters, Elafonissi Beach is perfect for families with young children. The beach is part of a protected nature reserve, ensuring a safe and clean environment with amenities like sunbeds, umbrellas, and canteens.

• Falassarna Beach: This long, sandy beach offers clear, shallow waters ideal for swimming and playing. It's well-equipped with beach volleyball courts, sunbeds, and nearby cafes, making it a convenient spot for families.

• Stalis Beach: Known for its sheltered, shallow waters, Stalis Beach is a favourite among families. The calm sea and quieter atmosphere make it an excellent choice for those with young kids.

Best beaches for water sports

• Falassarna Beach: Besides being family-friendly, Falassarna is also a top destination for water sports enthusiasts, offering activities such as jet skiing, surfing, and paragliding.

• Plakias Beach: Located on the southern coast, Plakias Beach is popular for windsurfing and diving, with consistent winds and clear waters creating ideal conditions for these sports.

• Kouremenos Beach: Near Sitia, Kouremenos Beach is renowned for windsurfing, attracting enthusiasts from around the world due to its favourable wind conditions.

For a more active holiday, don't miss our guide on water sports in Crete.

Best beaches for couples

• Balos Lagoon: This picturesque lagoon offers stunning views, turquoise waters, and a serene environment, making it perfect for a romantic day out. Couples can enjoy a quiet picnic on the sandy shores or take a scenic hike to admire the panoramic views.

• Matala Beach: Known for its historic caves and artistic atmosphere, Matala Beach provides a charming setting for couples. The beach's unique history and nearby tavernas offer a relaxing and romantic experience.

• Preveli Beach: With its palm forest and freshwater river, Preveli Beach offers a unique and romantic setting. The secluded atmosphere and stunning natural beauty make it an ideal spot for couples looking to escape the crowds.

Best secluded beaches

• Seitan Limania Beach: Tucked away in a narrow fjord-like inlet near Chania, Seitan Limania is a hidden gem. The beach requires a bit of a hike to reach, but the effort is rewarded with stunning scenery and clear, tranquil waters.

• Agia Roumeli Beach: Located near the end of the Samaria Gorge, Agia Roumeli Beach is often less crowded and offers a serene environment with dark sands and beautiful views, perfect for those seeking solitude.

• Kedrodasos Beach: Close to Elafonissi, Kedrodasos Beach is favoured for its secluded setting and pristine natural environment. Surrounded by juniper trees, it offers a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle.

Best naturist beaches

• Red Beach: Near Matala, Red Beach is popular among naturists. The beach is relatively isolated and known for its red-hued sand and clear waters, providing a peaceful and accepting environment.

• Kedrodasos Beach: In addition to being a secluded retreat, Kedrodasos is also popular with naturists. Its remote location and natural surroundings ensure privacy and tranquillity for visitors.

These beaches provide a variety of experiences, from lively and bustling spots to serene and secluded retreats. Whether you're looking to surf, sunbathe, or explore, Crete's beaches offer something for everyone, ensuring a memorable holiday by the sea.

Local dishes in Crete

From sweet, flaky pastries to tangy, creamy soft cheese, you'll make lasting food memories on your holidays to Crete.

Some typical dishes

• Dakos: Cretan salad made with barley rusks, tomatoes, myzithra (or feta cheese in tourist eateries), whole olives, capers and olive oil.

• Staka Me Ayga: A traditional breakfast dish, poached or fried eggs served on top of Staka (a sort of buttery cream mixed with flour).

• Sfakianopita: Similar to Indian Paratha, Sfakianopita is unleavened dough kneaded with myzithra and pan-fried.

Meat dishes

• Lamb with stamnagathi: A Cretan lamb fricassee with local green radish.

• Antikristo: A shepherd's dish – quartered, skewered and salted lamb slowly barbecued over an open flame.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Psarosoupa: A filling fish soup made with the freshest catch of the day and a medley of vegetables.

• Ahinosalat: An island delicacy, sea urchin roe drenched in olive oil, lemon juice and a soupson of seawater.

Sweets and desserts

• Kalitsounia: Sweet pastries made with myzithra cheese and flavoured with cinnamon and lemon zest.

• Patouda: Sugar-dusted, flaky, half-moon-shaped pastries filled with honey-sweetened nuts, dates, sesame seeds and spices.

Local drinks

• Tsikoudia: Or Raki by another name, this potent Cretan spirit is traditionally distilled from grape pomace in October and November and usually served neat as either an aperitif or a digestif.

• Rakomelo: This winter warmer is made by mixing Tsikoudia and honey and spicing with cardamoms, cinnamon or cloves.

• Cretan wine: The island produces some excellent wines, particularly reds from the Liatiko and Kotsifali grapes.