Compare hotels in Crete from AU$184

Is it time for a Mediterranean island rendezvous with crystal blue waters, fascinating archaeological sites and an oversized serving of Greek culture – and food – on your plate? If the answer is yes, Crete will welcome you with its dazzling beaches, evocative cities and diverse landscape, from mountains split by deep gorgeous to caves and even snow-capped peaks. Yes, we know, it’s easy to daydream about. But it’s way better in real life! So get in and book your Crete accommodation with us and some cheap flights to Greece.

The largest island in Greece, Crete is easily in a class of its own. Even if you’re a beach babe who just wants a gorgeous seaside escape, Crete will draw you away from its soft sands to explore so much more than you’d ever imagined! This history here goes back into a world of ancient civilisations, and some totally flabbergasting remnants of Ancient Greece still stand around Crete today. Be sure to check out the ruins of the Minoan palace of Knosses (best done with a guide), the Iraklio Archeological Museum, and the Venetian fortresses of Rethymno in their gorgeous pozzy perched up high on rocky headlands. You’ll also love Dikteon Cave, near Filoti – legends claim this was the birthplace of Zeus! All around the island you’ll find ancient sites, old mosques and Byzantine monasteries, as well as the cities that are the heart of Cretan culture today.

Crete’s capital, the Venetian port of Chania (or Hania), is an absolutely stunning city. The mixture of narrow shopping streets, old Venetian and Turkish style buildings, and the waterfront restaurants lining the harbour set the scene for you to explore the museums, churches and craft shops. And of course, eat! Crete’s biggest city is Heraklion (or Iraklio), a huge bustling, traffic-laden city that’s a far cry from the cute, laidback villages that line the coast. Here you can shop for designer clothes along Daedalou Street, and then be tempted by the smaller local shops nearby. There are also stacks of museums, as well as the gorgeous Koules Fortress that juts out into the sea along the historic harbour walls.

Still rather laze on the beach? You are spoiled for choice in Crete! Sun-drenched coves, bays and peninsulas await you around the island, met by azure blue waters that you can literally see through. The easiest way to explore them all (or at least try) is to hire a car and grab a road map. But you can also get to some beaches – like the picturesque and popular Balos Beach – by boat. Keen for some different nature escapes? Take a trek through the totally spesh and rugged Samaria Gorge, one of the longest in Europe, sip your way through some local Cretan wineries, or check out the forest village of Kato Symi Wood. And then there’s the treasures of Elounda, Lasithi and Malia, plus: Crete is home to Europe’s only palm-tree forest beach!

Whether you’re looking for a typical tourist resort kind of holiday, or a unique getaway that’s authentic and full of adventure, you can find it all in Crete. This magical Mediterranean island is ridiculously diverse. From the picture-perfect beaches to the lush mountains, the tiny seaside villages to the bustling cities, and the historic ruins of ancient times to the modern way of life, Crete is a keeper! Book your Crete hotel or apartment with us below and go convince all your pals to join you!