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My Favourite Boutique Hotels in Malia

Situated on the northern coast of Crete, Malia wears its most obvious attractions very proudly on its sun-kissed sleeves. The stunning main beach stretches out in front of the town, with several other smaller ones to the east and west, offering gorgeous stretches of golden sand and warm, inviting water. It’s become one of the island’s most well-liked resorts, hosting everyone from families to energetic groups of friends. Being so popular means you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to

A Stylish Greek Getaway to Hersonissos

The bustling Greek resort of Hersonissos has been home to local fishermen and traders since ancient times, but today it offers a world of luxury relaxation and entertainment for sophisticated travellers looking for somewhere special to unwind. Set on the northern coast of Crete, the resort plays host to a number of exclusive hotels with world-class facilities, nestled beside the stunning beaches and secluded coves of this stretch of coastline. While it can get exceedingly busy here during the hot

A Stalis Shindig from Sunup to Well Past Sundown

Exams are done and you and your mates just want to get away for some sunshine, lots of relaxation and perhaps a little bit of partying too. If it’s lovely beaches, great local bars and a relaxed, friendly vibe you are looking for, then beautiful Stalis on the island of Crete could be just the spot. Here is my lowdown on what this charming resort has to offer during both the day and the night. Stalis by Day Beaches Stalis

A Self-Guided Tour of Heraklion

The island of Crete has a long and turbulent history of occupation, conflict and resistance. It is a history that is written across its cities and reflected in their architecture, and nowhere is this more evident than in the beautiful coastal capital of Heraklion. As the birthplace of the ancient Minoan civilisation, Crete was first occupied by the Romans and the Byzantines, then by the Arabs, the Venetians and finally the Ottomans. It was not until 1913 that it was declared an autonomous state and united with Greece. Of course, each occupation left its mark on the island and particularly

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A Family Holiday in Stalis, Crete

Stalis is located on the coast of family-friendly Crete near the town of Heraklion. As it is the quieter of the three main resorts in Crete, it is very popular among British holidaymakers. Its lovely beachfront boasts sandy shores and stunning blue waters, while its restaurants, hotels and entertainment are all family-friendly. There is also an array of child-orientated activities that will keep the kids busy, including thrilling water sports and fascinating aquarium tours. Fun at the Beach Stalis offers a gorgeous display of clear waters and soft white sand. Gently shelving, its shallow waters make it perfect for families

Hersonissos

Start Planning Your Summer Sizzler on Star Beach in Hersonissos

As the days get shorter, the temperature begins to drop down to single figures and January exams loom, why not give yourself something to look forward to by booking your summer getaway now? There’s nothing like a light at the end of the dark tunnel of the winter months to get us through those grey skies and biting cold. Believe me, the party resort of Hersonissos on the Greek island of Crete will shine quite a light.

gulf of Elounda

Discover the Secrets of Spinalonga from Plaka Elounda

When holidaying in Plaka Elounda, it is definitely worth taking a day trip to Spinalonga. This famous island, which is visible from the Cretan village’s coast, hides a wealth of history and human tragedy. Though Spinalonga is now mainly inhabited by archaeologists exploring its ruins, it still has a great story to tell. You can explore its turbulent past as both a strategic defence mechanism for Elounda harbour and as a former leper colony. A Fortress with a History Though it is only a small island, Spinalonga hides many interesting secrets. Located near the Elounda harbour, many civilisations saw this

Rethymno

Walk Through Classical History in Rethymno’s Old Town

Rethymno is a charming historical city located halfway along the north coast of Crete. Its complex history makes it the perfect time capsule for exploring the Venetian and Turkish periods. The Old Town in particular is a well-preserved treasure trove of attractions, with beautiful cobbled streets, lovely mansions and churches, as well as mosques and a fortress. Modern Rethymno is built on the town’s ancient site. The city first blossomed during the Mycenaean era, growing into an independent and autonomous town with its own currency. It was then occupied by the Romans, the Byzantines and the Venetians, becoming a buzzing

Agios Nikolaos

Tranquil Agios Nikolaos: A Family Guide to Crete

Crete has long been an ideal holiday destination for parents in search of some relaxed family fun. Thanks to its clear, crystal shorelines and whitewashed beaches, I’ve always enjoyed visiting this beautiful destination with my kids. But in recent years, when I tell people about idyllic holidays spent in Crete, they often look at me in horror because they assume that the whole of the island has been taken over by party-goers in resorts like Chersonissos and Malia. The fact that for every party resort there is another which is quiet and tranquil, like the beautiful Hersonissos, seems to have

Hersonissos

Family Fun in Hersonissos

  Organising a summer holiday is stressful enough when you’re planning for yourself and your significant other. But arranging a getaway for 2 sounds blissfully easy after you’ve had children! Since your youngsters are bound to get restless while you’re trying to take a much-needed siesta in the sand, it’s important to have plenty of active and fun-filled activities at the ready. Let me tell you about some of my favourite family-friendly spots in and around Hersonissos: an idyllic beach town situated on the northern coast of Crete. Visiting Crete without the kids? Relive your youth in Malia with our

Crete, Greece

Make Memories (and Lose Them Again) on a Lad’s Trip to Malia

Planning a lads’ holiday with your mates? There’s no better place than Crete’s party capital. Malia is a very popular holiday destination among British lads – and you will see why! Malia, a coastal town in Crete, Greece, is one of Europe’s biggest party scenes. A bustling beach town by day, it transforms into a clubber’s paradise at night. There are loads of great value eateries to enjoy and dozens of cheap bars to get drunk in. Malia also offers some top-class clubs. Don’t miss any of the ‘it’ places. Here are a few tips on where to go to

Heraklion

Heraklion Shore Excursions

As you disembark at various ports of call on your Greek island cruise you will often be mesmerised by the sheer beauty of what you encounter. Unfortunately, Heraklion is not such a place! This busy commercial centre of more than 140,000 people is the 4th largest city in Greece and the capital of Crete. Located on the island’s north coast it is best known for its airport which attracts millions of holidaymakers every year and for its proximity to the ancient Minoan city of Knossos. In spite of its modernity there’s plenty here to allow cruise ship passengers to enjoy during their day in port.

Malia

A Perfect Balance of Chill and Fun on a Mates’ Break in Malia

If you’re planning a mates’ break, it can be a hard ask to please everyone with the choice of destination. It’s a given that you want to choose a place you can really let your hair down (because how often do you get to go away just with the boys, and when might it ever happen again?), but you don’t want to arrive home like you’ve gone 10 rounds with a wrecking ball! Malia, on the Greek island of Crete, offers the perfect vibe. It’s Party Central in all the ways you want it to be (and yes, it deserves