Holiday homes & rentals on Crete

Crete’s landscape is incredibly diverse: high mountain ranges, rugged gorges dramatically descending on to the sea, caves, and picturesque villages. However, most travellers go to Crete for its beaches, and with good reason. The island prides itself on its palm-lined beaches, natural pools, and picturesque bays. Staying in a rustic stone holiday villa by the sea is the best way to discover Crete’s best beaches, and soak up the island’s chilled out atmosphere.

Whether it's a peaceful retreat or thriving local culture you're after, Crete has accommodation options to suit every preference. Choose from secluded stone villas with pools overlooking the glistening ocean, or stylish apartments a stone's throw away from the vibrant, bustling town.

What to eat in Crete – food tours and local wine tasting

Broaden your culinary horizons with a three-hour food tour of Chania Old Town. Meander along quaint market streets, sampling the very best of local cuisine, while your guide takes you back through Crete's fascinating history. Tours depart near Chania Cathedral.

Nestled in the hills, a half-hour drive from Heraklion, is Silva Cretan Winery. Relax in the sun with a crisp glass of their award-winning Vorinos white wine. Visitors can even enjoy a tour of the winery and an exclusive tasting.

What to do in Crete: discover the best beaches

Generally speaking, Crete’s best beaches are located in the south, while archaeological sites, museums, and the most beautiful towns are in the north. Matala is a popular beach in the south, famous for its rocky cliffs dotted with caves, once used as Roman tombs. If you prefer a quieter beach, stay in Plakias. Further west, it features a wide sandy beach surrounded by lovely restaurants and bars.

Eight kilometres to the east you’ll find what’s considered to be the best beach on Crete: Preveli. The palm-lined sandy beach is characterised by its natural pools formed by the river Megas Potamos spilling out to sea. While walking along the river, you'll see plenty of fossils and wildlife, including sea turtles. For relaxation and seclusion, pick a villa rental in Triopetra, a peaceful stretch of sand surrounded by coastal dunes. Nearby Galini, on the other hand, is a pretty whitewashed fishing village attracting travellers interested in Cretan culture.

An alternative to the quiet southern beaches are the north’s beautiful cities. Chania is a Venetian city with pastel-coloured buildings, a beautiful harbour, interesting museums, fine restaurants, and of course, some pretty beaches. Sougia is the quietest and most idyllic beach in the area. Rethymno, 65km east of Chania, has a delightful mix of Venetian and Ottoman historical buildings along narrow alleyways, with lots of inviting beaches nearby.

History and culture – astounding ruins and outdoor cinema

Delve into Crete's past with a visit to the Palace of Knossos. Retrace the steps of the Minoan civilisation, which inhabited Crete in the Bronze Age, at this fascinating site. The ruins can be easily reached by bus from the station at Heraklion.

Grab your popcorn and take a seat under the stars for a magical evening of outdoor cinema. For three nights a week in the summer, Paleochora’s town centre is transformed into an open-air theatre. Films are usually shown in English with Greek subtitles.

Crete With Kids: Stunning Beaches and Historic Sites

Crete is synonymous with family holidays, and for good reason. The island offers children beautiful sandy beaches, water sports, archaeological sites, aquariums, and interactive museums. Crete family rentals range from sea view apartments to traditional stone villas combining luxury and rustic charm. Explore one of the world’s most beautiful and history-rich islands knowing you’ll come back to your own private garden, where you can enjoy a family meal prepared with the amazing produce the island has to offer.

Crete prides itself with some of the most spectacular beaches in Europe. Kids will love swimming in the crystal clear waters of the famous Preveli Beach in Central Crete. This palm-lined beach is known for its natural pools, ideal for smaller children.

Crete is also a living history book. Take your children to see the Minoan Palace of Knossos – a well-preserved Bronze-age palace - and the charming Venetian pastel-coloured buildings of Chania Old Town. Then, head to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum - one of the most notable archaeological museums in the world - and gaze at its impressive Minoan collection. Heraklion Natural History Museum of Crete’s discovery centre, on the other hand, features an excavation facility and an earthquake simulator for kids.

15km east of Heraklion you’ll find the Cretaquarium, the largest aquarium in the Eastern Mediterranean area, where children can come face to face with big hunter sharks. In Chania, take your children to the Public Garden, featuring a playground, a small zoo, and lots of shade.

When it comes to food, Cretan cuisine will delight the whole family. Buy some tasty olive oil, organic vegetables and herbs, delicious lamb, and local life-prolonging honey for cooking delicious meals at your holiday letting. If you go out to restaurants you’ll notice that Cretans love children. The cooks will go out of their way to prepare a dish even the fussiest child likes.

What to do in Crete – island excursions and off-road adventures

Take to the seas for a full day tour of the island of Spinalonga. After an idyllic boat cruise, explore the stunning ruins of a 17th-century Venetian fortress. Afterwards, enjoy a barbeque. Trips depart from Heraklion.

If an adrenaline rush is more your style, take to the Cretan mountains for an off-road buggy safari. Cruise through olive groves and picturesque villages in what's sure to be an unforgettable day out for the whole family.

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