Crete –
Island of Contrasts.

Why Crete?

Greece's Largest Island. A World of Its Own.

Crete is not simply another Greek island — it is a continent in miniature. Stretching 260 kilometres from east to west, it offers a variety that few other Mediterranean islands can match: icy mountain gorges, pink-sand beaches, Venetian old towns, Minoan ruins, and an olive oil ranked among the world's finest. You can visit three times and discover a different island each time.

The island divides into four regional units, each with its own distinct character and atmosphere. To understand Crete, you have to choose a region — and find yourself curious about all the others.

Crete's Four Regions

Crete's Most Beautiful Beaches

Elafonissi in the southwest is considered one of Europe's finest beaches — the sand glimmers pink from tiny coral fragments, the water is shallow and turquoise. Balos, reached by boat or dirt track, offers a lagoon in shades of cream and aquamarine. Falassarna has broad sandy stretches and clear water. On the south coast, Preveli surprises with its palm grove at the river mouth, while Matala's cave-pocked cliffs have their own rugged charm.

Crete with Children – Family Holidays

Crete is an excellent choice for families. The north coast offers wide, shallow sandy beaches with no strong currents. All-inclusive resorts with children's clubs, waterparks and animation are concentrated around Hersonissos and Malia and west of Rethymno. Cretan hospitality towards children is not just a cliché — families travelling with young children tend to feel genuinely welcomed everywhere.

Getting to Crete

Crete has two international airports: Heraklion (HER) in the north and Ioannis Daskalogiannis (CHQ) near Chania in the west. Direct flights from Germany take 3 to 3.5 hours; from the UK around 3.5 to 4 hours. Direct services operate from May to October from most major European cities. Travelling via Athens, you can continue by overnight ferry — the crossing from Piraeus to Heraklion takes around nine hours.

Tips for Your Crete Holiday

• 01Best season: May, June and September — comfortable heat, smaller crowds, lower prices than August.
• 02Hire a car: Crete is large. Without a car, the finest beaches and gorges remain out of reach.
• 03Samaria Gorge: 18 km descent, open May to October only. Proper footwear is essential.
• 04Food: Cretan cuisine is considered the healthiest in Greece — fresh olive oil, dakos, local cheese and wine are best enjoyed in simple village tavernas away from the seafront.