Crete

For an unforgettable holiday with a fabulous Greek flavour, the charming island of Crete has it all. The largest island of Greece is a favourite with holidaymakers and it's not hard to see why. Crete holidays offer a fantastic range of things to do, whether you love full-on getaways with adventure-packed days, or laid-back beach breaks.

The gorgeous Mediterranean climate is one of the reasons why Crete holidays are so popular. Spending time on one of the picturesque sandy beaches is the perfect way to enjoy the blissfully warm summer temperatures of 26°C. The hard part is choosing which beach! Balos beach on Crete’s west coast is breathtakingly beautiful and a real favourite, while Matala in the south is full of character thanks to its mosaic-like cliffs and enchanting caves.

If you want a break from sunbathing, get involved in the beach watersports such as scuba diving, water skiing and windsurfing. To see Crete from a different perspective, take an exciting boat trip around the island, hike up the rocky terrain, or perhaps a wine tasting excursion will be more your style! To enjoy the local culture on your holiday to Crete, visit the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion, or for a unique experience, head out to the iconic Samaria Gorge National Park to admire the beautiful White Mountains.

But which resort will you choose on your Crete holiday? Among the most popular resorts are Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Hersonissos, Malia and Rethymnon. The port of Agios Nikolaos is one of the most photographed parts of Crete and is filled with chic cafes, bars and restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Greek cuisine.

Elounda has everything you could possibly wish for on a chilled Crete holiday, yet there are a wide range of activities to get involved in, from boat excursions to sunbathing on the beautiful sandy beach. Then there's the famously lively resort of Malia which has so much more to offer than just a thriving nightlife - soak up the sun on the white sandy beach, or visit the Old Town if you fancy embracing the local culture.

Here at Hays Travel we have over 40 years of experience in booking unforgettable trips, and we offer a wide range of holidays to Greece and the Greek Islands, so there's something for every kind of holidaymaker. We have also been voted the UK’s Best High Street Travel Agent, and great value and customer service are our specialty - so why not speak to a member of our team to start planning your perfect Crete holiday!