Crete holidays
The biggest Greek island has the lot: Minoan palaces, Europe's deepest gorge, pink-sand beaches and mountain villages that time forgot.
Why choose Crete?
Crete is big enough to be its own country, and it almost feels like one. The west has dramatic mountains and the Samaria Gorge, the north is lined with resorts, the south hides quiet coves and the east has the famous pink-sand beach of Elafonissi.
History buffs have the Minoan palace of Knossos, foodies have some of the best eating in Greece, and beach lovers have more sand than they could ever work through. Crete rewards a longer stay.
Unmissable Crete.
Walk the Samaria Gorge
A 16km descent through a national park to the Libyan Sea. A proper hike with a swim at the end.
Visit Knossos Palace
The centre of Europe's first advanced civilisation, 4,000 years old and still astonishing.
Swim at Elafonissi
Pink sand, shallow turquoise water, technically a protected lagoon. Bring a hat, it's hot.
Explore Chania Old Town
Venetian harbour, Ottoman lighthouse, narrow lanes and the best food on the island.
When to go.
Here's the cheat sheet for Crete.
May
24°
9h/day
Jun
28°
11h/day
Jul
31°
13h/day
Aug
31°
12h/day
Sep
28°
10h/day
Oct
24°
8h/day
Our pick: Late May to mid-June, or September. Warm seas, quiet beaches, and prices that don't sting.
Find your bearings.
Where to stay.
from £899pp
from £649pp
from £799ppGood questions.
Do I need a visa for Crete?+
No. Crete is part of Greece, so UK passport holders travel visa-free for up to 90 days.
Is Crete good for a longer stay?+
Ideal. It's large and varied, so a week barely scratches the surface. Two weeks lets you combine beach, mountains and history comfortably.
What's the best time to visit?+
May, June and September are perfect. July and August are very hot, especially for the Samaria Gorge.
How long is the flight?+
Around 4 hours from the UK, with direct flights to Heraklion and Chania.
