Crete Resort Reviews and Information

Crete Resort reviews

Information

Holidays

Hotels

Flights

Resorts

Resort suitability: Couples: Amoudara, Elounda, Gouves & Hersonissos. Families: Aghios Nikolaos, Amoudara, Bali, Elounda, Gouves, Hersonissos & Panormos. Nightlife: Aghios Nikolaos, Malia & Rethymnon.

Crete

The island of Crete is equipped with more tourist facilities than any other Greek island, which is fair enough because it is the largest. The reason why thousands of foreigners visit Crete each year, however, is not so much for the traditional Greek island experience, as for investigating the remains of the archaic Minoan culture that flourished here thousands of years before Christ. Some parts of the island have been overpowered by tourist resorts and massive hotels, but fortunately Crete does still allow for exploring endless beaches, numerous villages, remote mountains and some natural curiosities like caves and gorges for those who take pains to avoid the 'madding crowds'.

If you feel that any of our comments about a particular resort is unfair or needs updating then do please send us an email by clicking here. We also welcome photos of your holiday.

Independent Crete resort reviews

Aghios Nikolaos If livelier nights are on order head to Aghios Nikolaos, roughly 2 hours from the airport. This is one of Crete's busiest tourist centers and it sits on Mirabello Bay. the Bay of the Beautiful View - so named by the Venetians who built the harbour. The busy harbour opens onto the Gulf of Mirabello: as a holiday resort it is popular, even sophisticated, yet it retains much of its traditional charm. The mirror-like surface of the sea contributes to the town's appeal and a long waterfront promenade, running north from the harbour, invites you lo stroll and enjoy the sea views. The nightlife in Aghios Nikolaos ranges from smart restaurants and discos to traditional tavernas and bars. It is a brilliant choice for an active holiday with watersports. good food and great nightlife. The resort's original harbour area hosts glass-bottomed boats and luxury motor cruisers en-route to Spinalonga Island. This tiny offshore island, with a Venetian Castle, can be visited from both Aghios Nikolaos and Elounda.

Agia Pelagia Crete is built along a wonderful sandy bay, where the sea is calm and the water crystal clear even in the windy days. The bay is ideal for water sports or just to sit back and relax. Agia Pelagia offers unique high standard hotel facilities. Its unique location, only 24 km southwest from Heraklion, allows to the visitor to enjoy all the benefits of a seaside resort without being away from the challenge of the big city of Heraklion and the archaeological places around it. Agia Pelagia is very popular with tourists, since it provides all the amenities they expect from a modern resort.

Amoudara was developed for tourism and is popular with all. The resort contains enough shops, bars and restaurants to satisfy most tastes, plus a couple of clubs. Because of its central location and proximity to Heraklion`s extensive public transport services, it is often used as a base from which to explore other parts of the island. There is a congregation of touristy shops around the larger hotels but no matter where you stay, you are never more than a stone's throw from some type of shop. The resort is still developing with new places opening all the time.

Bali A former fishing village which has now developed through tourism to become a sprawling mass of pretty, colourful holiday properties. The resort offers loads to do, from dance clubs to traditional tavernas, yet still remains relatively peaceful. It has no fewer than four sandy beaches and a harbour from where boats depart to various other parts of the island.

Chania is situated on the western part of the island. The landscape varies in Chania prefecture; there are exotic sandy beaches with crystal clear seas, high green mountains, gorges, like the famous gorge of Samaria as well as traditional mountain and coastal villages. During your tour, visit the impressive monasteries of the area, Chania town the capital of the prefecture of the same name, which is the most charming place and the Archaeological museum of the town.

Elounda Elounda is a growing resort famous for its luxury hotels and bustling fishing harbour. This charming resort, 2 hours from Heraklion airport, has grown up around a harbour where fishermen sort the day's catch. The coastline has a beautiful coarse sand beach and, thanks to the protection of a nearby island, a perfectly smooth sea that encourages swimming and watersports There is also a bustling village square, backed by undulating hillsides covered with almond and olive trees. If you take time lo explore the surrounding hills you will be rewarded with magnificent views across the Gulf of Mirabello. From the coast road which leads to Aghios Nikolaos You can also see the island of Spinalonga (known locally as the Island of Tears). After dark, relax and watch the world go by from one of the many tavernas and cafes around the boat-filled harbour.

Gouves A friendly, relaxed town with little going on, Gouves was developed - and is still developing - purely for tourism so there is no older `village` area. It mainly comprises various groups of accommodation with rugged farmland in between. The holiday action is mostly centred along one main street full of friendly bar and tavern owners trying to reel you in.

Hersonissos Here, the coastline is fringed by small, sand and shingle beaches and secluded rocky coves. Shops, bars and restaurants surround a scenic harbour, inviting you to sample the local cuisine while you enjoy the views. Then, when the sun dips beneath the waves, stroll to a bar or taverna for a lively evening. If you come to Hersonissos, you'll have to admit it has a fantastic nightlife. It is an undisputedly lively town - perhaps the most cosmopolitan of the area's resorts. Take a day trip to the nearby waterpark or, alternatively, cross the water to the neighbouring island of Dia. Beautiful and rocky. Dia is home to colonies of sea birds and the Mediterranean Monk Seal. For your daylight hours, Hersonissos boasts three beaches, with excellent sandy stretches at nearby Stalls and Malia. Hersonissos is also widely recognised as having the best choice of watersports on the north coast. Journey time of around 80 minutes from Heraklion airport.

Malia You name it - Malia has it! Crowds flock to the endless bars and restaurants, and you'll be spoilt for choice with the discos. The lively atmosphere and nightlife lures young people to party until the early hours. And for couples seeking a more laid-back atmosphere, there is the resort's quieter Old Town. Those who make it to the beach can relax on the fine, golden sand with plenty of sunloungers and parasols and a host of watersports. WARNING: It's Loud.

Rethymnon A palm-fringed promenade, a marvellous beach of pale sand and shingle which stretches for miles and the harbour of Rethymnon, the third largest town in Crete, is dominated by a mighty 17th-century Venetian fortress. Beneath it, the atmospheric Old Town is an appealing mix of tangled streets, elaborate fountains and delicate minarets. Hundreds of watering holes and eating places line the waterfront, with a few discos in the Old Town and jazz bars at Chania.

Slssi This small fishing village is approximately I hour and 50 minutes from the airport. It has a beautifully-curved sand and shingle beach, a relaxed atmosphere and low key nightlife that will appeal to families and couples. Boasting wonderful seafood restaurants, a handful of shops and a sprinkling of tavernas. Sissi is a perfect place to recharge your energy in the sun. experience authentic Cretan hospitality and swim in calm warm waters.

If you feel that any of our comments about a particular resort is unfair or needs updating then do please send us an email by clicking here. We also welcome photos of your holiday.

ABTA & ATOL protection is included on all holidays

Opening times so you can book your holidays direct