Crete

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, around 260 km from end to end, and it packs a lot into that length: Venetian harbours, Minoan palaces, a gorge you walk down to the sea, and beaches of white and pink sand. It's easy to reach from the UK, the season is long, and you can pick a base to match the holiday you want.

Why go

Swim in the shallow turquoise lagoon at Balos, walk the Samaria Gorge through the White Mountains, and stand in the Throne Room at Knossos, one of six Minoan palatial centres added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2025. In the evenings, eat by the water in Chania's old harbour or under the Fortezza in Rethymno. Crete works for families, couples and walkers alike, and self-drive is easy along the north coast road.

When to go

The holiday season runs from about May to October. May and June are warm and green, and the sea reaches around 19–20°C by late May. July and August are hot and busy. September and early October bring warm seas (around 23–25°C), fewer crowds and ideal walking weather. The Samaria Gorge is usually open from May to mid-October, depending on the weather.

Getting there from the UK

Crete has two international airports: Heraklion in the centre and Chania in the west. Direct flights take around four to four and a half hours, with seasonal services from London (Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton), Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Newcastle and more, on airlines including easyJet, Jet2, TUI and British Airways. Tell us your nearest airport and we'll find the best route.

Where to stay

• Chania and the west: the prettiest old town on the island, the resort strip of Platanias, and easy day trips to Balos and Elafonisi.
• Georgioupolis: a long sandy beach between Chania and Rethymno, quieter and good for couples.
• Rethymno: a Venetian old town with a long town beach, well placed for exploring both east and west.
• Hersonissos, Stalis and Malia: lively beach resorts east of Heraklion, close to Knossos and the water parks.
• Agios Nikolaos and Elounda: Mirabello Bay in the east, with boat trips to Spinalonga.

What to do

• Walk the 16 km Samaria Gorge down to the Libyan Sea
• Cruise to Gramvousa and Balos from Kissamos
• Take the boat to Spinalonga, the Venetian island fortress that later became a leper colony
• Explore Knossos with a licensed guide
• Spend a day on the pink-tinged sand of Elafonisi
• Cook Cretan dishes with a local family, or cool off at Watercity waterpark

Food

Cretan food starts with olive oil. Try dakos (barley rusk with tomato and soft mizithra cheese), kalitsounia (small cheese pies), graviera cheese, slow-roasted antikristo lamb and, in Chania, a slice of bougatsa for breakfast. Meals often end with a small glass of raki, also called tsikoudia, offered on the house.

Good to know

• Currency: euro (EUR)
• Time: two hours ahead of the UK
• Plugs: type C and F, 230 V. Bring a European adaptor
• Language: Greek. English is widely spoken in resorts
• Entry rules for UK passport holders are changing across the EU (the Entry/Exit System, and ETIAS to follow). Check the latest GOV.UK advice before you travel

Tell us your dates and airport, and a SkyRay advisor will put your Crete holiday together.