The largest of the Greek Islands, Crete has something to offer everyone. So big that it has 2 international airports serving the East and the West of the Island. Consider this your go-to Crete beginners guide, navigating the island’s wonders where ancient history meets sun-soaked beaches.
So, grab a Frappe, kick back, and let’s embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Crete – where every corner tells a story, and every smile welcomes you to a piece of paradise. Get ready for an adventure that will leave you saying “Kalo taksidi!” (Have a good trip!) in no time.
Getting There
Whether you choose to fly into Chania in the West or Heraklion in the East, a flight from the UK takes around 4 hours. Heraklion is the busier of the 2 airports (for UK operators at least), and you’ll find more flight availability than in Chania. Flights from the UK fly out from April to October. With it being the furthest south of all of the Greek islands, you’ll find the weather stays pleasant for longer than a lot of the islands.
On Arrival in Crete
Package holiday travellers will be met by their rep at the airport and often have pre-booked transfers, whether it’s a coach or a private taxi, and taken to their hotel. Due to the size of the island, it can take between 30 minutes and 3 hours to get from the airport to the resort by coach depending on which resort you choose!
Gouves
A 30-minute coach transfer from Heraklion airport is the popular family resort of Gouves. Sandy beaches, a good selection of bars and restaurants and a charming old town are the reason it’s so popular with holidaymakers year after year. There’s a good selection of accommodation in Gouves now from simple self-catering properties to All-Inclusive resorts with onsite waterparks with adult-only luxury in between, Gouves has something to suit everyone.
Hersonissos
Hersonissos has been popular with British holidaymakers for many years now. One of the livelier resorts on the island, I call it “family lively” with a good nightlife, sandy beaches with lots of watersports options and a HUGE selection of hotels. Whatever hotel you want, you’ll be able to find in Hersonissos… small and basic, mid-range comfort or 5-star adult-only luxury. The transfer time from the airport to Hersonissos is around an hour.
Stalis
Next to Sprawling Hersonissos is the more compact Stalis. The first place on the island that I visited way back before we had kids, Stalis stole my heart a long time ago. Small but perfectly formed, the main strip runs on the road parallel to the beach with restaurants all along the seafront for dinner with a view. The golden sand beach has lots of sunbeds and watersports to keep you occupied, whether you’re looking for excitement or relaxation. The transfer time is just over an hour depending on which drop-off your property is.
Malia
Crete’s party capital has been popular with lots of bars and clubs ready for a wild night out. So famous, Malia is probably the first place that popped into your mind once you started reading this Crete beginners guide! The beach in Malia is a gorgeous golden sandy beach with lots of watersports available and beach bars with DJs playing dance tunes throughout the day. The majority of accommodation is budget Self-catering apartments and Bed and breakfast hotels, a great base to explore the life of Malia.
Agios Nikolaos
Pretty Agios Nikolaos is centred around Lake Voulismeni. Whitewashed buildings, bars, cafes, restaurants and boutique shops man you’ll not be bored. There are plenty of beaches too with golden sands and beautiful blue seas. Hotels here are more upmarket than basic and a selection of Villas in the area too. The transfer time from Heraklion Airport is just over 2 hours.
Rethymnon
Around 2 hours from either Heraklion or Chania airport, Rethymnon is a charming resort on the North East coast of Crete. There are miles of beach to enjoy with a big selection of bars and restaurants. If you like good food, nice bars and beautiful sandy beaches, Rethymnon will not disappoint.
Chania Town
Chania is the second largest city on the Island after Heraklion, it’s a city of 2 sides. A modern side and side steeped in Crete’s rich history. Sandy beaches, museums, trendy bars and restaurants. A good choice as a base with some beautiful hotels to choose from. The transfer time from Chania airport is around 45 minutes meaning you can be by that pool in no time!
Aghia Marina
Soft sand and bright blue sea make Aghia Marina so appealing. Pair this with late-night beach bars, a good selection of shops bars and restaurants and history by the bucketful, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular with holidaymakers. There’s even the Limnoupolis waterpark nearby for a fun-packed day out. There are hotels to suit all budgets from small and friendly self-catering to luxury complexes. The right one is there for you. Transfer times from Chania airport to Aghia Marina vary but are around an hour depending on how many stops on your bus of course.
I could have gone on for pages listing all the destinations to be honest, I don’t think you’ll find a resort that isn’t beautiful in Crete, whether you choose East or West.
Out and About in Crete
Being such a big island means there is so much to see and do, one holiday might not be enough to fit it all in! Crete is an island of fun with beautiful beaches and lots of history. You aren’t likely to get bored here! Keep reading my Crete beginners guide to find out where to take an excursion to.
Knossos Palace
5km south of Heraklion is Knossos Palace. Dating back to the Neolithic era it is the cornerstone of Minoan civilisation. Relive the legend of the minotaur and learn all about the History here.
Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre
For those who want to get closer to sea life and reptiles, Aquaworld Aquarium is a great day out. It’s located in the port of Hersonissos, easy to reach from many of the resorts on the East side of the island.
Elafonissi Beach
Famed for its pinky sand, Elafonissi Beach is a popular spot with beach lovers. The amount of pink on display varies day by day depending on the day! Regardless of the pink though, it’s always a beautiful beach and lovely clear water!
Spinalonga
Visit Spinalonga on a boat trip and look into Crete’s history which doesn’t include mythical creatures. Spinalonga is a small island off the coast of Elounda on the Eastern side of Crete which was used to isolate people affected by Leprosy from 1903 – 1957!
Day Trip to Santorini
In the summer, a day trip to Santorini is a very popular excursion. It is a long day and the highspeed ferry over to Santorini can take 2-3 hours so a good chunk of the day and you certainly won’t have the time to see the whole island. But to see the main sights, take “that” shot that is synonymous with Santorini! Do everyone a favour though, and walk the steps to Fira, don’t ride a donkey!
Crete Beginners Guide Basics!
- Flight time 4-4.5 hours
- Time zone GMT+2
- Language Greek
- Currency Euro
- When to go April – October
- How to get there From the UK there are flights daily
- Who should travel here? Everyone, singles, couples, families… There’s something to suit everyone.
Wherever you choose to visit in Crete, have a wonderful trip. It’s such a great island, I’m sure you will not be disappointed! Thank you for reading my Crete Beginners Guide, If you are interested in other Greek Islands, I have guides to Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Kos too!
Becky
