Nestled on Crete’s scenic northwest coast, Kissamos is a tranquil seaside town. Surrounded by olive groves, hills and clear turquoise waters, it offers a slower pace that’s ideal for those seeking to unwind.
Wander the relaxed harbourfront, enjoy long lunches in authentic tavernas, or take in the quiet beauty of nearby beaches such as Falassarna and Balos. With its charming town square and welcoming local feel, Kissamos is a perfect base for peaceful holidays filled with friendly Cretan hospitality.
I'd really recommend hiring a car, even just for a day or two. Crete has such a beautiful coastline, and the roads are easy to navigate.
Flight time from the UK to Crete is around 4 hours.
If you're planning a trip to Chania (CHQ) from the UK, the following airports have direct flights:
Birmingham (BHX), Bristol (BRS), East Midlands (EMA), Glasgow (GLA), Leeds Bradford (LBA), London Gatwick (LGW), London Heathrow (LHR), London Luton (LTN), London Stansted (STN), Manchester (MAN) and Newcastle (NCL).
Transfer time from Chania airport to Kissamos is approximately 1 hour.
The southernmost Greek island, Crete’s summers are something special. The temperatures are beach-worthy by April, climbing steadily throughout summer and peaking in July and August, when highs of 35°C are possible. Luckily, the island is prone to some cooling winds during summer that stop things from getting too hot and sticky.
Currently visas are not required for UK citizens travelling to Greece.
In Greece, a service charge will be included in the bill at restaurants and bars. Much like the UK, an additional tip is not required, although is appreciated for particularly good service. It is common to round off the amount when paying cash, particularly with wait staff and taxi drivers.
The official language of Crete is Greek. English is widely spoken too, so getting by is easy.