Sissi holidays

Sissi holidays offer a peaceful alternative to Malia, the neighbouring party hub. Here, things revolve around the natural fjord-like harbour and the beaches, like Boufos Beach and Avlaki Beach. And before you ask ‘where is Sissi, Crete?’, it’s on the northern coast, about a 45-minute drive from Heraklion.

Traditional Greek seafood in Sissi Bay

In terms of what the vibe’s like here, you can expect all the hallmarks of a traditional Greek fishing village. Seafront tavernas are scattered along Sissi Bay, where locals and tourists go for gentle marina-side suppers. These eateries are renowned for their local seafood dishes and warm Cretan hospitality, and lots look out to the water. Sounds idyllic, right? There’s also a weekly farmer’s market, where you can pick up fruit and veg, plus honey, clothes and souvenirs.

A relaxed evening atmosphere

When dinner’s done and the sun starts to cast a golden glow on one-man fishing boats that line the water’s edge, you’ll see what this place is like in the evenings. Sissi’s nightlife is laidback and low-key, with a relaxed evening atmosphere sticking around even on the weekends, when its neighbours pick up the pace. If you fancy a big night out though, you’re less than a 15-minute drive from Malia – one of Europe’s top party destinations, known for its club-lined strip.

Beaches at Avaki and Boufos

Planning on spending some time sunbathing while you’re away? There’s a petite beach where you can go for dips. If you’re arriving late in the afternoon and you’d like a bit more space to roll out your towel, Avlaki Beach delivers. This quiet, secluded bay offers calm, clear waters ideal for snorkelling, and is just a short stroll away from the town centre. Boufos Beach is nearby, too, and comes stocked with sunloungers and umbrellas. It’s no wonder there are lots of hotels in Sissi making the most of its coastal postcode.