Best hotels in Crete
Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection
Strati Pantelaki 5, Agioi Apostoloi, Crete, 731 00
This gorgeous adults-only hotel is just four minutes’ walk from Agii Apostoli Beach and Iguana Beach. It’s ideal if you’re on a couple’s getaway and is the perfect place to stay to be close by the beach. The Domes Noruz Chania offers contemporary rooms, an onsite restaurant and a wellbeing spa.
Nana Princess Hotel
Old National Road (El. Venizelou), Drapanos, Chersonissos, Crete, Chersonisos 700 14
The Nana Princess is a five-star hotel that entertains guests with its breathtaking ocean views and access to the onsite spa and restaurant. Found a short drive from Aquaworld Aquarium and a quick five-minute walk to the beach, the hotel benefits from an amazing location that makes planning your holiday itinerary easy.
Renieris Hotel
Lofos Psathi 1, Stalós, 731 00
The perfect base for island hopping visitors, the Renieris Hotel is a short 15-minute drive from Chania's ferry terminal. It’s an informal affair here, with deliciously simple breakfasts served on the terrace, relaxed dining and understated rooms that let the sea views do all the talking.
Best restaurants in Crete
Peskesi
Kapetan Charalampi 6-8, Heraklion, 712 02
Peskesi prides itself on serving up farm to table fare since it first hit the Crete dining scene in 1998. Specialising in Cretan cuisine, it’s found in the centre of Heraklion and is housed in a restored mansion. These unique surroundings are the perfect place to enjoy an unforgettable romantic meal during your stay.
Taverna Stelios
Mononaftis Beach, Agia Pelagia, Heraklion, Crete, 715 00
Family run and offering delicious traditional Greek food at affordable prices, Tavern Stelios is renowned for its excellent service and friendly staff. Hidden a stone’s throw from Mononaftis Beach, the views are matched by the delicious fare – dine here for fresh seafood, grilled meats and a friendly atmosphere.
Kafenio Filio
Epar.Od. Aggelianon-Elefthernas 123, Archea Eleftherna, 740 52
Highly praised for its delicious dolmadakia and paidakia, this authentic Greek eatery offers both a dine-in and takeaway menu. Stop and enjoy your meal in the quaint restaurant area or take it to go, as you wander through the nearby ancient ruins.
Best things to do in Crete
Elafonissi Beach
Elafonissi Beach, 734 00
Crete has plenty of great beaches where you can soak up the sun on lush golden sands, but Elafonissi is the largest and perhaps most iconic. Relaxing on the sands overlooking the glittering Mediterranean Sea comes highly recommended, but if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you can also rent water sports equipment too.
Minoan Palace of Knossos
Φειδίου 8, Iraklio, 714 09
The Minoan Palace of Knossos is the largest Bronze-Age archaeological site in the island’s main region of Heraklion. Visit to marvel at Minoan artefacts, mosaics and historical exhibitions – all while keeping your eyes peeled for the mythical Minotaur which is said to have lived here.
Diktaion Andron
Psychro Cave, 720 52
See another side of Crete, quite literally, when you head underground into the sacred Minoan caves. These are one of the spots thought to potentially be the birthplace of Zeus and the Dikteon Cave is perhaps the most famous – home to impressive stalactites and stalagmites.