With family fun hotels in Rethymnon and Hersonissos, a night scene in Malia that's stamina-testing, a honeymoon haven in Koutouloufari, and 5-star service in Elounda and Aghios Nicolaos, you'll find Crete on the cheap, holidays lavish with spoil-yourself luxury … and everything in between. Travel to Crete and your choices have just begun.
Crete is the king of
Greek islands. It's the biggest. The oldest. And arguably the best. Which is hardly surprising - it's had a pretty good head start. Folk have prospered on this island for over 4000 years. In fact, it's fair to say it's the home of life as we know it. All across Crete you'll find reminders of a bygone era, when the ancient Minoans stood tall and sowed the seeds of the Western civilization. Cue places like the Palace of Knossos, where the fearsome Minotaur is said to have lurked. But there's more to this island than just a flashy past. There are the beaches to think about, too. Turquoise seas whisper sweet nothings to long ribbons of sand that stretch from here to next Christmas. And keeping watch over this stellar shoreline you'll find a grab-bag of places to stay.
Everything from action-packed resorts that keep things frisky and full-on to old towns that flaunt their Venetian credentials. And then there are the little villages that lie just off the beaten track. Venture inland and you'll find whitewashed farmsteads and sleepy stone hamlets. Here, donkeys still do all the work. Locals still live off the land. And herds of goats still rule the roads. And that brings us nicely to Crete's other trump card - its unspoilt beauty. Rugged mountains cut through the island. Pines cling to plunging gorges. And flower-filled meadows add a splash of summertime colour. You've probably got the picture by now – Crete's like a great big jigsaw with a piece of the puzzle to suit everyone.
Beach life in CRETE, Greece
When it comes to beaches, Crete has the cream of the crop. Huge swathes of divinely soft sand. Small coves lined with smooth warm pebbles. All lapped by super warm seas throughout the summer. And you can pick a beach to match your mood. Want it busy, booming and covered with eye candy? Malia beach is the place to go. Not only is there fine golden sand that stretches for miles, but it's packed with funky bars and bronzed twenty-somethings. If you're after something a bit more family-focused, you're really spoiled for choice. Try the three pebbly shores at Agios Nikolaos, which are equipped with bathing platforms and watersports. Or the family-friendly Rethymnon Beach and Sun Beach, where they've thought of everything you could possibly need as you relax on their gorgeous sandy shores. For the sunbathing connoisseur, the fairy tale beach at Elafonioi is a must – pink sand, emerald seas and a coral reef lagoon. The ever popular Vai Beach near Agios Nikolaos is a winner with everyone – palm groves, sandy shore and warm waters. No wonder it's consistently in Greece's top ten sun spots. If you feel the need to escape the hoards for a day, hop in your hire car and head along the coast. While the beaches on the northeast coast have become fully fledged holiday havens, the rest of Crete still has little gems of coastline tucked away. Pack your parasol, a picnic and your iPod and go find your slice of paradise.
Nightlife in CRETE
As the sun goes down, the lights come on all across Crete. From sedate harbour sides fringed with fairy lights to seafronts flashing full-on neon, you've got the pick of them all. Malia's the current darling of the party scene, with its legendary nightlife attracting pretty young things from all over Crete. Its luminous main strip is bursting at the seams with loud and lively bars, along with clubs that keep things going until the wee hours. Malia may have stolen its title as the official club capital, but Agios Nikolaos hasn't lost any of its night time sparkle. Head to the bars along the harbour for a few cheap drinks, then stroll into town for some funky drinking dens and hot clubs. Beers and blaring beats not your thing? Agios Nikolaos is all about atmosphere, too. You can just as easily grab an al fresco table at a taverna and enjoying an ouzo or two. Rethymnon's Venetian harbour is quite simply magical after dark – the perfect place to relax in the warm evening air. Of course, you'll find all the holiday classics at the main resorts – karaoke bars, live folk shows and the obligatory British bar. But if you're up for a proper slice of the Cretan scene, you need to head to Heraklion and Chania. Cue cosmopolitan clubs, international DJs and some downright trendy bars
