Greece · Beaches, gorges & Minoan historyElafonisi beach
Shallow turquoise water and sand with a pink tint from crushed shells, in the far southwest. Ideal for children, as the sea stays knee-deep far from shore.
Greece · Beaches, gorges & Minoan history
Hotels in Crete
Turquoise lagoons, Venetian harbours, mountain villages and the palace of Knossos. Find hotels in Crete for every style, at live prices.
Quick dates:
- Best timeMay – Oct
- Ideal stay7–10 nights
- From Yerevan~3 h, via Athens or direct
- Local time−2 h (−1 h in summer)
- CurrencyEuro (EUR)
- VisaSchengen visa
- LanguageGreek, English
Overview
Why travel to Crete
Crete is the largest Greek island and almost a small country of its own, stretching more than 250 km from east to west. That size is its biggest advantage: hotels in Crete range from all-inclusive family resorts on long sandy beaches to boutique rooms in Venetian mansions and secluded villas in the hills, so it suits a lazy beach week just as well as an active road trip.
The north coast is lined with resort towns and the island's main cities. Heraklion is home to the Minoan palace of Knossos, the centre of Europe's first great civilisation, while Chania and Rethymno charm with old harbours, lighthouses and narrow lanes full of tavernas. The west is famous for its beaches, including the pink-tinged sand of Elafonisi and the lagoon of Balos, and for the Samaria Gorge, one of the most popular hikes in Europe. In the east, Elounda and Agios Nikolaos offer upscale resorts on the calm Mirabello Bay, with boat trips to the fortress island of Spinalonga.
Cretan food is a highlight in its own right: olive oil, dakos rusks with tomato and feta, slow-cooked lamb, mountain cheeses and a glass of raki offered at the end of almost every meal. From Yerevan, Crete is reached via Athens or by seasonal direct flights to Heraklion or Chania, so it is an easy choice for a summer holiday with the whole family.
Top experiences
Best things to do in Crete
Balos lagoon & Gramvousa
Take a boat from Kissamos to the island of Gramvousa with its Venetian fortress, then swim in the lagoon of Balos, one of the most photographed spots in Greece.
Palace of Knossos
Walk through the ruins of the great Minoan palace just outside Heraklion, then see its original frescoes and finds in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Samaria Gorge hike
A full-day trek of about 16 km through the White Mountains down to the Libyan Sea at Agia Roumeli, returning by ferry. Open only in the warmer months.
Chania old town
Stroll around the Venetian harbour and lighthouse, browse the leather shops of the old lanes and have dinner by the water at sunset.
Cretan food & villages
Visit mountain villages and olive groves, try dakos, kalitsounia cheese pies and lamb with greens, and finish with raki, the local spirit.
Live prices
Popular hotels in Crete
Where to stay
Best areas to stay in Crete
Chania
Couples · Beaches · Culture
The prettiest old town on the island and the best base for the western beaches of Balos and Elafonisi. Expect boutique hotels in old mansions, plus beach hotels in Agia Marina and Platanias nearby.
See hotelsRethymno
Families · Value
A charming old town with a Venetian fortress and a long sandy beach right next to it. Good mid-range hotels and resorts line the coast to the east of town.
See hotelsHeraklion & Hersonissos
All-inclusive · Nightlife
Close to the main airport and to Knossos, with a busy coast of large resorts, water parks and lively bars. A practical choice for short trips and families who want everything on site.
See hotelsElounda & Agios Nikolaos
Luxury · Honeymoon
The upscale corner of Crete on the sheltered Mirabello Bay, with some of the most luxurious resorts in Greece, many with private pools and beaches. Calm, elegant and great for a relaxing break.
See hotelsWhen to go
Crete weather by month
The beach season in Crete is one of the longest in Europe, from May to October. June and September are ideal: warm sea, plenty of sunshine and fewer crowds. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, with the highest hotel prices and strong meltemi winds on the north coast at times. May and October are pleasant for sightseeing and hiking, and the sea is still swimmable in October. In winter many beach resorts close, but cities like Chania and Heraklion stay open.
Best monthsMay – Oct
Daytime air, °C
Sea, °C Best months
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daytime air, °C | ||||||||||||
| Sea, °C | 17° | 16° | 17° | 18° | 20° | 23° | 25° | 26° | 25° | 23° | 20° | 18° |
Good to know
Travel tips for Crete
Crete is big, so choose your base by what you want to see: the west for Balos and Elafonisi, the centre for Knossos, the east for Elounda and Spinalonga. Driving from one end to the other takes several hours.
Renting a car is the best way to explore beaches and villages; mountain roads are narrow and winding, so drive carefully and allow extra time.
Go to Elafonisi and Balos early in the morning in summer to beat the crowds, and bring water, shade and beach shoes.
If you plan to hike the Samaria Gorge, wear proper hiking shoes and check in advance that it is open, as it can close on days with bad weather.
Tavernas often bring a free dessert and raki at the end of the meal. Tipping is not obligatory, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% is appreciated.
Help
Crete: questions & answers
Still deciding? Our team in Yerevan answers by phone, email and chat.
Contact our teamWhen is the best time to visit Crete?
The best time for a beach holiday in Crete is from late May to early October, with June and September offering warm sea and fewer crowds. July and August are the hottest and most expensive months. Spring and autumn are excellent for hiking, sightseeing and village trips.
Which part of Crete is best to stay in?
It depends on your plans. Chania is best for the old town atmosphere and western beaches, Rethymno for good value and a family beach, Heraklion and Hersonissos for all-inclusive resorts and short trips, and Elounda for luxury hotels. Many travellers split their stay between the west and the east of the island.
Do Armenian citizens need a visa for Crete?
Yes. Crete is part of Greece and the Schengen area, so Armenian citizens need a Schengen visa. Apply well ahead of your trip, as you will usually need a hotel booking, flight reservation and travel insurance. Check our Visa page or ask the UTours team in Yerevan for help with the documents.
How many nights do you need in Crete?
For a beach holiday with a few day trips, seven to ten nights is ideal. With fewer days, stay in one region and explore it well. Two weeks lets you combine two bases, for example Chania in the west and Elounda or Hersonissos in the east, and see most of the island.
Is Crete good for a family holiday?
Very much so. Crete has many family resorts with kids' clubs, pools and all-inclusive options, especially around Hersonissos, Rethymno and Chania. Beaches like Elafonisi have shallow, calm water, and there are water parks and an aquarium near Heraklion. Short distances from most resorts to the beach make it easy with small children.
How do I book a hotel in Crete with UTours?
Choose your dates in the search above to see live prices for hotels in Crete, compare rooms, meal plans and cancellation terms, and pay securely online. Our Yerevan team can help with airport transfers, visa documents, flight questions and any changes to your booking.
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Pick your dates and see live prices on Crete hotels, from family beach resorts to boutique stays in Chania.
