WELCOME TO CRETE
Cruise Nation are delighted to bring you our great range of Crete Cruise & Stay Holidays. Our Crete Smart Packages feature FREE stays in one of many handpicked hotels which are all centrally located in Crete providing you with the ideal base from which to explore all that this exciting destination has to offer.
With our Crete Cruise & Stay packages, your flights will always be included. We also offer flights from a number of regional airports throughout the UK giving you much greater flexibility and making your holiday experience as smooth as possible.
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The northern areas of the island combine tradition and tourism to provide a snapshot of Greek life whilst still providing the necessary requirements for a holiday. The south of the island is secluded and provides a more genuine feel of relaxed Greek culture.
The beaches of Crete are world famous for their crystal-clear waters. Every area of the island boasts stunning sandy beaches, with some being tourist orientated and others providing a quiet and secluded atmosphere. Balos is one of Crete’s most famous beaches, its shallow waters and soft sea bed make it a popular beach. Opposite the beach is a rocky island called Gramvoussa which has a Vernerian castle on top. Balos is the most picturesque beach in Crete.
Weather in The Mediterranean
Things to do in Crete
Knossos Palace
Crete’s most historical attraction is Knossos Palace…
Knossos Palace
Excavation of the site started in 1878 and continued through until 1930. The large building surrounded a central courtyard when it was first constructed by not its ruins stand lonely in the Knossos country side. These ruins ar definitely worth a visit. They may not be the famous acropolis ruins found in Athens but almost as good.
Archaeological Museum
Heraklion is one of Crete’s most popular destinations and within the region is the Heraklion Archaeological Museum…
Archaeological Museum
The museum brings together all the archaeological finds from throughout Crete. In total the artefacts cover over 5500 years’ worth of history! This place is definitely worth a visit when in Heraklion.
Hiking along Samaria Gorge
The Samaria Gorge is a wonderful feat of nature. Sixteen kilometres of gorge run through Crete’s national park…
Hiking along Samaria Gorge
Lose yourself in the beauty around every turn. It is quite challenging however, so be prepared to have to work for it. Once you reach the end of the gorge the Libyan sea is waiting for you with its clear blue waters.
Restaurants in Crete
To Pigadi
Cretan cuisine at its best can be found a To Pigadi, it’s quirky, charming environment makes it the ideal place for a romantic meal. The restaurant is in the courtyard of a Venetian building, its class highlighted by the uniqueness of the structure itself. Enjoy a dish from their extensive menu with one of their boutique bottles of wine.
Tamam
Open since 1982, this restaurant aims to deliver traditional food you’d share at home with your loved ones. Each dish has been carefully created aiming to use the best products, locally sourced. The wine menu runs parallel to that, with only the best local wine being served.
Alekos Taverna
This colourful tavern is hidden amongst some lovely greenery and a cosy courtyard. The seats are comfortable, the beer is cold and the food is tasty. Their dishes are delivered which such skilful precision that it’s hard not to want more.
Ta Kohylia
Ta Kohylia is the oldest establishment on a small seaside terrace in Mohlos. Its stunning location means you can gaze into the clear turquoise Aegean Sea whilst you enjoy lunch. If you want a classic Greek meal whilst enjoying some fine wine and a beautiful view, Ta Kohylia is for you.
Crete Nightlife
Maridatis Tavern
Every Friday and Saturday throughout the summer you can hear the best live music Greece has to offer. Enjoy the stunning sea views and the greener whilst you sit in this cosy tavern and enjoy a Greek beer. The tavern is located on the far east of the island in Sitia.
Candy Club
Candy Club is the largest club in Malia and it is known across the island as one of the hottest nightclubs. Opened in 2008, the club has one the ‘Best club award’ every year since. It has 3 bars and 2 dancing stages, and you can listen to every type of house music you can imagine. Themed nights are also a big pull with tourists as they head to the club to enjoy a silent disco or glow party.
Skala Bar
Skala Bar is where you head if you want a relaxing evening drink. It has everything you’ll need for a night out in Crete. The bar has a vast array of cocktails available, all at a reasonable price and some of the cheapest prices of draft beer on the island.
Events in Crete
Summer Festival
From June to August, the city of Chania hosts a Summer Festival. Regular music and theatrical performances can be found across public gardens and an open-air theatre on the outskirts of Kprou. Have a look at the schedule before you head out and see what musical or theatrical feat you can see.
Battle of Crete
To commemorate the WWII Battle of Crete, the island holds various events and competitions throughout the last week of May.