Crete holidays

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

Flights from the UK to Crete take between three hours and 45 minutes and four hours, depending on which airport you fly from.

Crete is two hours ahead of the UK – so when it’s 9am here, it’s 11am there.

Crete’s recognised as the largest of the Greek islands. It means you’ve got a heap of diverse resorts to choose from, including quiet Rethymnon, historical Lassithi and beachy Chania.

Yes, it’s super simple. The main resorts all have bus stations, and the bus routes will often take you out into the island’s more rural areas for a pretty cheap price.

When visiting Crete, you'll need a European-style two-pin plug adapter. Most sockets are Type C or Type F, so bring a suitable adapter if your devices have UK or other plug types. Many hotels also offer USB charging ports for added convenience.

Crete's nightlife varies from lively to laid-back. In tourist areas like Malia and Hersonissos, you'll find bustling clubs and bars. For a more relaxed evening, try the tavernas in Chania or Rethymno. Many resorts also offer evening entertainment with live music and shows.

Traditional Cretan cuisine can be found in local tavernas throughout the island. We recommend trying dishes like dakos, kalitsounia, and lamb with stamnagathi. Many resorts also offer authentic Cretan dishes in their restaurants, allowing you to sample local flavors without leaving your accommodation.

Tipping in Crete is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is common. For other services like taxis or hotel staff, small tips are welcome if you're satisfied with the service.

Crete offers diverse shopping experiences. You'll find traditional markets in cities like Heraklion and Chania, selling local products such as olive oil, honey, and handicrafts. For modern shopping, visit Talos Plaza in Heraklion or the boutiques in Agios Nikolaos.

When visiting churches or monasteries in Crete, dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees. It's polite to greet people with "kalimera" for good morning or "kalispera" for good evening. Avoid excessive public displays of affection, especially in rural areas.

Crete boasts numerous beaches for every taste. We recommend visiting Elafonisi for its pink sand and shallow lagoons, Balos Lagoon for its turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs, and Vai Beach for its rare palm forest. Many hotels also offer private beach areas with sun loungers and watersports facilities.

When visiting Crete, pack lightweight, breathable clothing, swimwear and sun protection essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring, a light jacket for cooler evenings and a day bag for excursions. Include clothing that covers shoulders and knees for visiting monasteries and churches.