Villas, airbnb and holiday apartments in Crete

Famed for its historical Greek culture, dramatic mountains, unspoilt beaches and bustling old towns, Crete is the epitome of a Greek island, which has something for all who are attracted to its emerald shores. Choose a holiday apartment rental in Crete which is an individual is the island it stands upon, and wake up in a room with a view of this islands natural assets, whether that is of the stunning Lefka Ori mountain range or the beautiful Old City of Chania which is nestled at the edge of the water.

When to Visit

As Crete's favourite cities and beachfront resorts become busier in the hot summer months of July and August, the best time to visit the island is either in May or October, when temperatures remain sunny, but the resorts are less populated with visitors who want a piece of Crete's sunshine.

What type of holiday rentals are available in Crete?

Whether you are looking for a sanctuary in the dramatic mountainous landscape, a beachfront escape or a room in the capital, there is an endless amount of accommodation in Crete, which fits every Grecian dream. For a holiday rental in Crete which is big enough for the whole family, choose a holiday villa in Hersonissos, where you can wake up surrounded by theme parks and waterparks where you can fill your days with fun. For a more romantic trip, choose a luxury holiday apartment rental in one of the many picturesque fishing villages, including Sissi, where you can dine by the harbour or spend your days at the beach. Despite these natural attractions, however, Crete has no shortage of ancient cities which are among the oldest in Europe, making Heraklion the perfect city break for history enthusiasts, foodies and shoppers alike, who can wander through the age-old streets before returning to their historic townhouse or bed and breakfast in Crete's capital.

How to get there?

As the largest Greek island which lays in the heart of the Aegean Sea, it is no surprise that visitors from across the UK all choose to visit this sun drenched land. The quickest way of reaching Crete is by air, with flights from all major UK airports including London Stansted, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester and Newcastle available from budget airlines including Jet2, easyJet and Ryanair into Heraklion in just under four hours. Heraklion is similarly the capital of Crete and is a must-visit destination in its own right; however, transfers are accessible to the popular tourist destinations across the island by coach or taxi or rental car, for those who want to explore the full width of the island while you are visiting. If you are already holidaying in Greece, be sure to add Crete to your itinerary, as you can reach the island in only 50 minutes from a holiday apartment in Athens or just over an hour from accommodation in Thessaloniki.

Where to stay

Chania

The seafront resort of Chania is perfect beach bathers, surfers and those who want a piece of the Greek sand and sunshine, as its blue-flag beaches are the jewel in this region's extensive crown. Once the sun sets over the Aegean, however, this seaside town does not fall asleep, as the waterfront strip comes alive with those who want to indulge in the Greek party culture. Select a reasonably-priced apartment rental in Chania, where you can stay out all night, refuel in your own space, before hitting the shore once more.

Heraklion

As the capital city of Crete, Heraklion is ideal for those who want a break from the sand, as this location's vast historical attractions make this a city break in its own right. Stay in a bed and breakfast in Heraklion by renting a guesthouse or townhouse in the city centre and discover your home away from home in Crete's cosmopolitan hive. The city centre is not all about offering experiences to impress you in the present, however, as Heraklion is home to Knossos, the famous Greek archaeological site which is 'Europe's Oldest City' and dates back to the Neolithic period.

Lassithi

Though Heraklion is home to Europe's oldest city, Lassithi's old town is similarly unmissable, and is the perfect place to stay if you want the Greek city life, without too much hustle and bustle. Reserve a self-catered holiday apartment rental in Crete's most secret region, and live like a local by dining in the exclusive range of local eateries and bars which make up this Cretian jewel.

Sissi

There is nowhere quite as romantic as the region as Sissi, the charming fishing village with its picturesque coves, traditional Greek port and stunning mountainous views. Reserve a luxury apartment rental in this unspoilt neighbourhood to discover a small sanctuary in the 'Big Island', to dream away your days in this mystical area, whether you are relaxing by the harbour or on these beautiful white sands.

Hersonissos

As a favourite amongst families, Hersonissos is the perfect place to choose a holiday home or holiday villa in Crete, which is big enough for the whole family to enjoy. Alongside its safe shores, Hersonissos boasts a collection of theme parks, including Dinosauria Park, Labyrinth Park which is guaranteed to keep the younger visitors entertained for hours. It is also the only place where you can find a golf course in Crete, so choose a bed and breakfast in Crete's bustling region and where you can unwind from a day on the green.

Malia

Malia's nightlife scene has a reputation across the globe as being one of the very best places to dance the night away, but when all the dancing is done, you will still need somewhere to recharge. Stay just a stone's throw away from the islands greatest clubs and bars by reserving a reasonably priced holiday apartment rental in Crete's electric region which has something perfect for every party size and budget.

Crete History and Culture

The rich ancient history which Greece is so famous for is evident across the entire island of Crete, with the age-old Minoan palaces, Venetian harbours and structures which have stood the test of time through the centuries, you do not need to be a history enthusiast to be captivated by their splendour. Beyond these ancient monuments and old towns, Crete has a reputation for some of the best beaches in Greece, as the emerald Aegean blesses this impressive coastline, making Crete the dream destination for those who want to bathe in the southern European sun. The natural waterfront wonders of the island are mirrored in the mountainous regions which quite literally crown Crete as a natural kingdom for those with a passion for exploring and adventure.

Food and Drink in Crete

As the largest Greek island, Crete's cuisine takes influences from the mainland and is known to produce some of the healthiest and heartiest homegrown food in the world. Nobody takes the olive more seriously than the Cretians, who use olive oil as a base ingredient in almost all traditional dishes. It is not only the olive which is so well respected in this island, however, as the home-grown fruit and vegetables continue to feature in the local dishes, making Crete cooking the freshest and tastiest in Europe. As Crete is an island, it is no surprise that so many recipes are also fish orientated, as the ingredient is readily available and assessed from every port, so be to sample the catch of the day overlooking the marina or harbour in your resort. There is only one drink to try in Crete, and that is 'Raki', the strong spirit which is enjoyed as a staple across the island.