003057-plaka-crete-shutterstock_643682920-Hybris
003057-plaka-crete-shutterstock_643682920-Hybris

Luxury Crete Holidays

Ancient mythology and natural beauty

Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is a beautiful myriad of stunning beaches, pretty harbours and quaint tavernas, mixed with historic architecture, impressive gorges, majestic mountains, and scenic valleys. Secret villages and hamlets showcase the authentic side of the island, while Heraklion is the perfect place if you are looking for vibrant nightlife.

An abundance of nature reserves offer the chance to see some of Crete’s exquisite wildlife and flora, where you’ll find the scent of lemon and orange groves floating through the air. If you fancy some action, there are plenty of water parks all over the island, including Watercity Water Park in Kokkini Hani and Hersonisson’s Acqua Plus Water Park. Here you can try a range of exhilarating rides and slides, with something for all ages. The spectacular White Mountains take centre stage of the island and provide ample opportunity for scenic hikes or a drive amidst astonishing landscapes, while Heraklion, the island’s capital offers everything from history, architecture and culture, to designer shopping and fine Cretan dining.

Crete – the perfect location for families and couples

Crete is both family-friendly and sophisticated with a true air of luxury mixed with authentic Greek charm. Elounda and Aghios Nikolaos ooze luxury and class blended with traditional Greek charisma. Picture perfect Chania is the perfect place to unwind among the tavernas and quaint piazzas which are dotted throughout the cobbled streets. The castle perches overlooking the town, while the golden sandy beach provides the ideal spot to ease you into holiday mode. It’s the ideal holiday getaway for families and couples with endless palm lined beaches edged with crystal waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Culture vultures will embrace the wealth of Minoan legend and ancient history which is displayed in Crete’s inspiring palaces and impressive architectural delights. The legend of the Minotaur descends from Crete, which is the birthplace of Zeus, the father of the Greek Gods, and today history is portrayed in its poetry and music. A Venetian influenced waterfront headlines in Heraklion, which also features chic cafés and bars, alongside world famous museums and Mediterranean architecture. An authentic Greek breakfast known as Bougatsa is not to be missed, as well as Dakos rusks which are Crete-style pizza. Each village is said to have its own speciality dish, which can be washed down with fine wines from the island on your luxury holidays to Crete.

Our pick of the top hotels in Crete

Every one of our hotels is handpicked and personally visited by our team
View all hotels in Crete
Destinations in Crete
050052-Rethymnon-Crete-Pixabay-1391593-Hybris
Adele Near Rethymnon
Adele is a classic Cretan village secreted away among the hills south-east of Rethymnon, the Venetian island capital. Ivory-white houses and olive grove eco-villas are the theme here.
000304-Aghios-Nikolaos-Crete-Pixabay-1005502-Hybris
Aghios Nikolaos
 Aghios Nikolaos is a fishing town with three centres – Kitroplateia Beach, the taverna-lined port, and a marina that invites in king-sized yachts. And it all overlooks northerly Mirabello Bay.
 
003832-old-town-chania-crete-pixabay-1700592-Hybris
Chania
Venetian, Minoan, Turkish, Victorian – Chania dishes up all eras of architecture in its walled old city. The star? A colourful harbour that reaches out towards beaches on both sides.
050052-Spinalonga-Crete-Pixabay-1676057-Hybris
Elounda
 Elounda is a north-eastern fishing village with a difference – it collects luxury beach and spa hotels under its wing. They all watch over the island-speckled Bay of Elounda.
 
050985-alonnisos-near-skiathos-greece-unsplash-rory-collins-383854-Hybris
Gouves
Gouves lies just east of Heraklion, the capital of Crete. You’ve got the best of both worlds here – the hillside village centre and the beachfront promenade of hotels and tavernas. 
HER.A.2017.120840.002-Hybris
Missiria Near Rethymnon
Missiria is so close to the island capital of Rethymnon that it’s practically a suburb, rolling out a long sandy beach stocked with palatial hotels and sea-view bars.
003057-plaka-crete-shutterstock_643682920-Hybris
Plaka Near Elounda
Plaka is the closest village to Spinalonga – a near-mythical island that’s doubled as a Venetian fort and a leper colony. Trips launch from the marina, where restaurants and designer hotels gather.

Family holidays in Crete

With so much to do family holidays in Crete are becoming increasingly popular. Spend your days relaxing on the warm sands of the beach, take a fun family trip to the water parks or visit historic and cultural sites and towns. 


Find out more about Family holidays in Crete

Search for your holiday here