East Crete
Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos is a relaxed seaside town on the eastern side of Crete, known for its harbor cafés, boutique hotels, beaches, and the picturesque lake in the center of town.
The town’s iconic circular lake connected to the sea. It’s surrounded by restaurants, bars, and walking paths, especially lively in the evening.Agios Nikolaos is especially good if you want a more relaxed atmosphere than Chania or Heraklion, resort hotels with nearby town life, and easy beach access.
Elounda
Elounda is one of the most upscale resort areas in Crete, located on Mirabello Bay about 15 minutes north of Agios Nikolaos. It’s known for luxury hotels, calm blue water, seaside tavernas, and boat trips to nearby islands.
- luxury beachfront resorts and villas
- calm, swimmable sea
- romantic atmosphere
- scenic coastal views
- access to Spinalonga
Elounda is famous for the island of Spinalonga
A historic fortified island and former leper colony reachable by short boat ride from Elounda or Plaka. One of Crete’s most important historical sites.
Sissi
Sissi (also spelled Sisi) is a small, quiet seaside village on the north coast of Crete, between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos. It’s known for its relaxed harbor, traditional tavernas, and slower pace compared with larger resort towns.
- calm and laid-back atmosphere
- small fishing harbor
- waterfront restaurants and cafés
- good base for relaxing holidays
- popular with couples and families
It’s quieter than nearby resorts like Malia or Hersonissos. The tiny natural harbor is the center of the village, especially pleasant at sunset for dining and walking.
Malia
Malia is one of the best-known resort towns in Crete, located on the north coast east of Heraklion. It’s famous for long sandy beaches, lively nightlife, beach clubs, and nearby ancient ruins.
- energetic nightlife and bars
- large sandy beaches
- mix of party scene and traditional old town
- important Minoan archaeological site
Stalis
Stalis (also called Stalida) is a relaxed beach resort on the north coast of Crete, located between Malia and Hersonissos. It’s known for its long sandy beach, easy-going atmosphere, and family-friendly feel. Stalis has a long sandy beach with clear water and many facilities
Compared with nearby Malia:
- quieter and more relaxed
- fewer clubs and party crowds
- more family hotels and couples resorts
- good mix of beach life and tavernas
Hersonissos
Hersonissos (also spelled Chersonissos) is one of the busiest and most popular resort towns in Crete, located east of Heraklion. It combines beaches, nightlife, shopping, resorts, and family attractions.
- lively waterfront and nightlife
- beach resorts and hotels
- restaurants, bars, and shopping
- water parks and family attractions
- central location for exploring northern Crete
Old Hersonissos
Old Hersonissos sits uphill from the coast and has:
- traditional village atmosphere
- stone streets
- local tavernas
- quieter evenings
Gouves
Gouves is a coastal resort area on the north coast of Crete, located between Heraklion and Hersonissos. It’s quieter than Hersonissos or Malia and is especially popular with families and visitors looking for a relaxed beach holiday.
- calm resort atmosphere
- long beachfront promenade
- family-friendly hotels
- easy access from Heraklion airport
- mix of beaches, tavernas, and small shops
Anissaras and Analipsi
Anissaras and Analipsi are neighboring coastal resort areas near Hersonissos on the north coast of Crete. Both are quieter alternatives to Hersonissos and are popular for beach resorts, family holidays, and relaxed stays.
Anissaras is known mainly for:
- larger beachfront resorts
- quiet atmosphere
- rocky and sandy coves
- luxury and all-inclusive hotels
Analipsi has more of a village-resort feel with:
- small tavernas and cafés
- relaxed beachfront promenade
- family-friendly atmosphere
- shallow water
South Crete
Plakias
Plakias is a beautiful seaside village on the south coast of Crete, known for dramatic mountain scenery, long beaches, crystal-clear water, and a much more relaxed atmosphere than the busy north-coast resorts.
It’s one of the best bases for exploring southern Crete.
- laid-back and scenic
- popular with nature lovers and independent travellers
- excellent beaches nearby
- good hiking and diving
Plakias is a beautiful seaside village on the south coast of Crete, known for dramatic mountain scenery, long beaches, crystal-clear water, and a much more relaxed atmosphere than the busy north-coast resorts.
Agia Galini
Agia Galini is a charming harbour village on the south coast of Crete, built on hills overlooking the Libyan Sea. It’s known for whitewashed houses, a scenic port, relaxed atmosphere, and beautiful sunsets.
Compared with northern resort towns, Agia Galini feels more traditional and peaceful.
- picturesque fishing village atmosphere
- hillside streets with sea views
- small harbor lined with tavernas
- good base for exploring southern Crete
Matala
Matala is one of the most iconic beach villages in Crete, famous for its cliff caves, hippie history from the 1960s–70s, sunsets, and relaxed south-coast atmosphere.
It’s located on the south coast, west of Heraklion.
- caves carved into seaside cliffs
- hippie culture history
- beautiful sunset views
- lively but relaxed beach village
The famous caves overlooking the beach were used in ancient times as Roman tombs and later became associated with the hippie movement.
West Crete
Agia Pelagia
Agia Pelagia is a popular seaside resort village on the north coast of Crete, located west of Heraklion. It’s known for its sheltered bay, calm turquoise water, and relaxed beach atmosphere.
Because the bay is protected from strong winds, the sea is often calmer here than on other north-coast beaches.
- compact seaside village
- calm swimming beaches
- popular with couples and families
- easy access from Heraklion
Bali
Bali is a small coastal resort village between Heraklion and Rethymno on the north coast of Crete. It’s known for its sheltered bays, calm turquoise water, and relaxed atmosphere.
- peaceful seaside resort
- several small, protected coves
- calm water for swimming
- family-friendly atmosphere
- hills and sea-view tavernas
Because the bays are sheltered, Bali is often a good choice when northern Crete is windy.
Rethymno
Rethymno is one of the most atmospheric cities in Crete, located on the north coast between Heraklion and Chania. It blends a well-preserved Venetian old town with a long sandy beach and a lively but relaxed modern city.
- beautiful old town with Venetian architecture
- long sandy city beach
- strong cultural and historical character
- student town vibe (University of Crete presence)
Rethymno Old Town
One of the best-preserved old towns in Greece, featuring:
- narrow alleys and arches
- Venetian and Ottoman buildings
- boutique shops and cafés
- lively evenings with restaurants and bars
Fortezza of Rethymno
A large Venetian fortress overlooking the city:
- panoramic sea and city views
- historical exhibitions
- popular sunset viewpoint
Chania
Chania is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Crete, located on the northwest coast. It’s famous for its Venetian old town, scenic harbour, nearby beaches, and access to some of the most iconic landscapes in Greece.
Many visitors consider it the most atmospheric city on the island.
Chania Old Town
A maze of narrow streets blending Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences:
- colourful buildings and arches
- boutique shops and cafés
- lively tavernas and nightlife
- very walkable historic center
Old Venetian Harbor of Chania
The iconic waterfront area:
- Venetian lighthouse
- waterfront restaurants
- sunset views over the sea
- boat trips and promenade walks