Tours to Crete — Resort in Greece

Crete resort Greece

Crete is the largest island in Greece, located in the Mediterranean Sea south of the mainland, served by two international airports: Heraklion in the east and Chania in the west. There are no direct flights from Ukraine, so access is available via connecting flights through European hubs. The swimming season runs from April to October, with peak summer temperatures reaching 30–33°C in July and August. The most comfortable months to visit are May–June and September–October.

The island is so vast that no single resort name defines the entire experience — which is why travelers choose Crete by region rather than by a specific town. A vacation in Crete easily combines several travel styles at once: a day on the beach, a stroll through Venetian alleyways, a trek through a mountain gorge, and an evening at a cozy tavern in a mountain village — all within a single island without needing cross-border travel.

Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, or Agios Nikolaos — Which Region to Choose

Chania — located in the west of the island, featuring a Venetian harbor with a lighthouse and an old town regularly listed among the most beautiful in Greece. It is also the most convenient starting point for trips to the Samaria Gorge and Balos Lagoon.

Rethymno — central-west region, home to the Fortezza Venetian fortress overlooking the town and a long sandy beach along the promenade; a balanced choice between history and beach relaxation.

Heraklion — the island's capital and largest airport, as well as the shortest route to the Palace of Knossos. Resort infrastructure is primarily concentrated in the nearby areas of Hersonissos and Malia.

Agios Nikolaos and Elounda — eastern Crete, the most prestigious part of the island overlooking the fortress island of Spinalonga; home to top-tier luxury hotel complexes.

Best Beaches in Crete

  • Elafonisi — pink sand and a shallow lagoon in the southwest, widely regarded as one of Europe's most photogenic beaches.
  • Balos — a turquoise lagoon on the far western tip, accessible only by boat or via a mountain track.
  • Vai — Europe's only natural palm grove located right on the seashore in the east of the island.
  • Matala — cliffside caves above the bay, a former 1960s hippie settlement on the southern coast.
  • Preveli — a southern beach located at the mouth of a river lined with date palms along the gorge.

Best Hotels in Crete

  • Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas 5* (Elounda) — a legendary resort overlooking Spinalonga, offering top-tier luxury service.
  • Rethymno Palace 5* (Rethymno) — beachfront property close to the old town, convenient for both beach relaxation and sightseeing.
  • Nana Beach 5* (Hersonissos, Heraklion) — a large family-friendly complex with extensive entertainment programs.
  • Apartments in Chania Old Town — an ideal option for travelers who value authentic atmosphere and location over hotel grounds.

What to See Beyond the Beach

The Palace of Knossos near Heraklion is the main landmark of the Minoan civilization and the site associated with the myth of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth; it stands as one of the oldest urban centers in Europe. The Samaria Gorge in the west is one of the longest in Europe, offering a full-day hiking route through a national park down to the Libyan Sea coast.

The fortress island of Spinalonga near Elounda, a former leper colony, hosts boat excursion tours departing directly from the waterfront. Mountain enthusiasts can venture among olive groves into inland mountain villages to savor authentic Cretan cuisine accompanied by local raki and artisan cheeses.

Don't delay your trip — contact the TurPoisk travel agency, and we will tailor the best tour packages to Crete based on your budget, preferred region, and departure dates.