Your Guide to Last Minute Holidays in Crete

Getting There and Around Crete

Getting to Crete couldn’t be easier. So do not let travelling aspects put you off your late deal. You'll find plenty of charter flights to and from the main airport at Heraklion, or the smaller one at Chania, especially during summer months. These flights fly regularly.

Once in Crete you could hire a car from the airport which is relatively simple or fit in with many Greeks and rent a moped.

Beaches in Crete

Your late deal could have you relaxing on one of the many gorgeous beaches in Crete within just a matter of days. Most beaches in Crete do become quite crowded in the summer months, however there are hidden paradises that wont experience so many tourists but do take a little effort to find. Some of the best more secluded beaches include Ierapetra, Kissamos and Sitia. Elounda has retained its charm despite its many tourists.

Most beaches in Rethymno are highly popular and all have a large variety of water sports to entertain the whole family. Rethymno has a glorious, sandy beach where you might even spot a turtle in the clear water if you're lucky; Malia, which has a busy main beach and another quieter, more family-oriented one on the eastern end near the Palace of Malia and Hersonissos, which has a lively side but also some more upmarket hotels for families.

Sightseeing in Crete

Crete has plenty to keep you occupied on your late deal holiday; natural sights include the spectacular Samaria Gorge in the scenic White Mountains. The best time of year to visit is spring as summer can see as many as 3,000 visitors a day which might detract from your enjoyment somewhat.

Outdoor holiday lovers can enjoy hiking around the lush Lasithi Plateau on the eastern side of the island. It's a network of fertile farmland growing anything from apples and pears to olives and lettuce. It's also part of the Mount Dikti mountain range which includes Mount Spathi (2,148m), Mount Afentis (2,141m) and Mount Lazaros (2,085m) so serious climbers can enjoy some great ascents.

For a complete get-away-from-it-all experience, get up early and take the four-hour boat trip from Paleohora to Gavdos Island, Europe's most southerly spot. There are numerous deserted beaches and a few tavernas in which to grab a bite of fresh seafood. If that sounds like too much effort, head to the tiny, deserted island of Spinalonga off Plaka in eastern Crete.

Eating and Nightlife in Crete

Choose from different styles of restaurants including the popular traditional taverna (simple, local cuisine), psistarias (spit roasts with lots of meat) and estiatorio (proper restaurants). Of course you're never far from a traditional British dinner if that's what you prefer, especially in popular tourist resorts.
If you wish your late deal to consist of a heavy night life presence then you have picked the right destination.

Crete offers some of the best nightlife in Greece. The liveliest resorts are Malia and Hersonissos where you'll find as many bars as you need. These vibrant bars blast loud music out till the early hours while young British visitors neck as much booze as possible and party the night away.

Why not try the more cultured approach and aim to visit the island amid one of its many festivals. You can still indulge in local booze and dance a lot but it's more likely to be ouzo and local wine that you're drinking instead of beer and alcopops. Festivals include Apokries (around Easter), Flower Day (May 1) and Assumption Day (August 15).

Shopping and Family Attractions

When you’re tired of the beach on your late deal there’s still plenty to do and see. There is some brilliant shopping to be had same at Elounda which can be a better option, as it's not as crowded as Aghios Nikolaos, however Aghios Nikolaos has harbour front boutiques and a variety of jewellery stores and traditional handcrafts. The main road of Hersonissos has plenty of shops selling tourist tat. Traditional souvenirs include ceramics, pottery, leather goods, rugs, linens and jewellery.

Chania has a great selection of cheap shops overflowing with souvenirs and must-buy jewellery.
Crete also has two water parks which are ideal for spending a fun day in the sun with the whole family on your late deal holiday. You can let the kids loose on a variety of rides, slides and fake waves. The first, Aquaplus, is just outside Hersonissos and spreads over 57 acres and includes giant slides, a lazy river, space bowl, a giant adventure pool and special area for smaller children. The other, Limnoupolis, is eight kilometres from Chania and also has a lazy river, slides and relaxing, shady areas.

Kids might enjoy the Diktean Cave, near Psychro, which has a collection of different-sized caves some with stalactites and stalagmites decorating the floor and ceiling.

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