Discovering the splendor of Crete

Welcome to Crete, Greece. Photo: WikiMedia.org.
Welcome to Crete, Greece. Photo: WikiMedia.org.

As the largest of the Greek islands, Crete has plenty to shout about. It's a huge, diverse island that's packed to the rafters with amazing sights, superb beaches and wonderful things to see and do.

For anyone who likes to get away from the beach, Crete offers plenty of mountain ranges, gorges and rivers. There is an expansive mountain range crossing from east to west, formed by various ranges including the Dikti Mountains, White Mountains and the Kedros range, which offer superb walking, hiking, biking and exploring opportunities. Dotted around these beautiful peaks are deep cutting valleys with fertile plateaus, along with a number of rocky gorges, rivers and waterfalls.

Escape to the White Mountains on Crete. Photo: 5Telios.
Escape to the White Mountains on Crete. Photo: 5Telios.

But of course, not everyone comes here looking for mountains and lush valleys. If you're after more of a beachside retreat, Crete is renowned for its coastal resorts and beautiful golden sands - after all, isn't that what a holiday in Crete is all about?

How about this beach-side bar in Hersonissos? Photo: Katie Belle.
How about this beach-side bar in Hersonissos? Photo: Katie Belle.

The great thing about an island the size of Crete is that you've got plenty of choice when it comes to resorts and hotels. For a quiet laid-back sort of escape, try lovely Koutouloufari - a beautiful hillside village that's just a stone's throw from the lively upbeat scene of Hersonissos. For a spot of honeymoon heaven, Elounda is a great spot with its upmarket appeal and five-star hotels. And if you're after something with plenty of life after dark, Malia is the place to be. Here's it's all buzzing bars and booming clubs, where the night owls stay out well into the early hours and sleep it off on golden sands the next day.

Take a stroll through through charming Koutouloufari. Photo: Katie Belle.
Take a stroll through through charming Koutouloufari. Photo: Katie Belle.

As for families, you really are spoilt for choice. Head to Stalis for a cheerful, upbeat holiday with plenty of great family-friendly hotels and well-equipped apartments. Rethymnon is another great family spot. Here you can enjoy a well-equipped resort that boasts everything from souvenir shops and local supermarkets to cheery cafes and traditional Greek restaurants. There's a beautiful little harbour for mum and dad to stroll around, historic ruins, and a fantastic beach with glorious golden sands - perfect for sandcastles and sunbathing.

Voulisma Beach in the village of Istrol. Photo: WikiMedia.org.
Voulisma Beach in the village of Istrol. Photo: WikiMedia.org.

With so much to discover, when will you make time for a holiday in Crete?

This post was produced in partnership with Thomas Cook.

Comments

  1. Lovely! I was in Crete earlier this year and couldn't agree more with your description.

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    1. Hi there Clara and thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your Crete experiences!! So glad you enjoyed the read!

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  2. That chair at the end that's turned slightly to face the beach has my name written on it. I'm off to claim it before anyone else does!

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    1. Marcia, I am with you!! Thanks again for stopping by!

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  3. I love beaches on Crete. Water is so warm and amazing for swimming!!
    And your pictures are very brght! I like all of them

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    1. Ciao Veronica and thank you so much for stopping by. Crete certainly is everything you mentioned above and more!

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  4. Another place I need to discover...despite having lived in Greece, I made to to Santorini, not to Crete

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    1. Hi there Charu! Thanks so much for stopping by! It sure does look enticing, doesn't it? I really must get Santorini soon!

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  5. Hi the photo by Katie Belle at the beach hut bar? Manolis the bar man gave us his contact details in my phone, true to form they are no longer in there and we would very much like to send him a postcard if she knows the details of the associated hotel. I think it was called neptune but i cant find it anywhere. Much appreciated

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    1. Hi there Jake. I am so sorry but I don't know which hotel that image came from. I do know my guest who posted this article secured the picture from Flickr.com/CreativeCommons. Perhaps you could search there for her and even send her a message?

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