Crete holidays

Seafood fans will be in heaven in Crete, where the catch of the day is proudly displayed outside every harbourside restaurant. Favourite dishes include grilled swordfish, pan fried seabass, and local speciality saganaki, a seafood stew made with tomatoes and olive oil. For adventurous foodies, kohlioi are a must-try on any Crete holiday. These island snails are cooked with vinegar and rosemary, and make for a delicious lunch. Try them with a glass of ouzo for an authentic Crete dining experience. Dakos are a popular appetiser the whole family will love. Resembling an open sandwich, barley rusks are topped with mizithra cheese, juicy tomatoes, olives, capers, and herbs. You’ll often find dakos as part of a Cretan meze – a platter of small bites including olives, dried figs, and crumbly cheeses.

If you only visit one beach in Crete, make sure it’s Elafonisi in Chania. This incredible pink-hued beach is one for the bucket list, offering an enchanting day out for families and couples alike. Toddlers will love playing in the colourful sand, while bigger ones can take to the clear blue waters with a snorkel. The seaside village of Bali in Rethymnon comes with a choice of four beautiful beaches. Clean and well organised, the beaches here are ideal for families – little ones can enjoy a safe splash-about, while older kids get to try out windsurfing and water-skiing. For a beach day with Caribbean vibes, make a beeline for Vai Beach, home to Europe’s only palm tree forest. This exotic location is the perfect place to unwind on a shaded lounger and take a dip in the azure waters of the Aegean.

Water City: For an exciting day of splash-about fun, head to Water City, one of the best water parks in Greece. Adrenaline junkies get to take on the mighty Free Fall and Kamikaze, while little ones will love Jungle Zone, with its mini slides and bucket splashers. There’s plenty of fun for the whole family too – grab a slice of the action at Crazy River and Hyper Race.

CretAquarium: All ages are sure to have an amazing day out at CretAquarium in Heraklion. Featuring over 2,000 species of marine life, this vast underwater world is one of Crete’s top attractions. Highlights include rescued sea turtles, schools of clown fish, and a resident tiger shark.

Palace of Knossos: A fascinating step back in time for the whole family. This temple complex in Heraklion sprang to life 4,000 years ago, when the Minoans constructed a giant palace for early royalty. Explore an ancient throne room, marketplace, theatre, and much more.

Samaria Gorge: Stretching 16km to the coast, Samaria Gorge is the second longest canyon in Europe. A popular walk during spring and autumn, this impressive gorge sees thousands of adventurers take on the trail during the cooler months. Look out for Golden Eagles and wild goats along the way.

Mount Olympus: Another stunning natural attraction, Mount Olympus marks the highest point in Greece. Experienced mountaineers can make the climb to the top, but there are many easier routes to follow. Join a guided walk to get the lowdown on this mighty peak, as you take in breathtaking views across the island.

Mastoras Waterfall: In the height of summer, is there anything more refreshing than a waterfall? Luckily, there are plenty to choose from in Crete, including the 215 metre high Mastoras Waterfall in Ha Gorge, and the Richtis Gorge Waterfall – a small but perfectly formed cascade with natural swimming pools.