Crete is the largest of the Greek islands at 160 miles wide. It’s also the most southerly, found on the cusp of the North African and Mediterranean climate zones, which means that here, summer is almost always in full swing.

Carved with mountain ranges and lined with miles of beaches, Crete is an incredibly versatile island. Many of the resorts are gathered along the coast, but you’ll also find noteworthy spots tucked inland amid groves of olive trees.

Party-goers head to the neon-lit dancefloors of Malia, while adventurers scale gorges in the White Mountains. History buffs marvel at the sites from ancient mythology and sunbathers are quite content lounging along the coast to the faint tune of wine glasses clinking from nearby tavernas.

Crete holidays are well equipped for all holiday-goers and their budgets – opt for All Inclusive hotels for everything you could want in one spot, private villas for a bit of family fun, or a luxury trip for the two of you. whether you’re indulging or seeking out a cheap holiday in Crete, there’s a vast range of incredible hotels in every resort here.

Each town highlights a different facet of the peaceful Cretan lifestyle, so it’s easy to find one that appeals to your holiday vibes.

Water galore

Do a panoramic sweep of your surroundings in Crete, and, more often than not, you’ll find an arcing coast on one side and a green, hilly landscape on the other. The beaches are the main hubs of activity for most resorts, as they’re usually treated to beach bars and tavernas, rows of sunbeds and umbrellas, and water sports whirring out on the waves. And with warm temperatures throughout the year, there’s never a bad time to be laying out under the sun.

Many of the resorts offer diving centres for budding snorkellers, as well as windsurfing and paragliding equipment, and banana boats and pedalos available to rent onshore. Resorts like Hersonissos and Chania even have their own waterparks, so even if you’re planning to do Crete All Inclusive, there are still a few things to do that might lure you away from your hotel – perhaps, even outside your resort if you’re up for the adventure.

The mountain ranges towering across Crete are havens for outdoorsy types. They’re often reachable via short car trips into the hills, as well as off-roading excursions. Carved with gorges and walking trails, the mountains are a top spot for hikes whose incredible views stretch for miles.

Whether it’s lazy beach days, adrenaline-fuelled watersports, or hiking for panoramic views, cheap holidays to Crete offer everything, without breaking the bank.

Sites of mythical proportions

Having been around for a few thousand years, Crete has racked up a serious amount of history. It’s also the backdrop of many Greek myths, as it’s rumoured to be the birthplace of Zeus. Over the years, Crete has swapped ruling hands a number of times, which means its architecture shows a comprehensive timeline of the island’s evolution.

What’s more, Crete was once the centre of the ancient Minoan civilisation, thought to be brought down by a volcanic eruption. Nowadays, the Minoan buildings are in ruins, but you can still wander through the crumbling streets in archaeological sites like the Palace of Knossos, where the Minotaur was said to have lived, or the Palace of Malia.

The Ottoman and Venetian empires left their marks here, in the form of towering mosques, Venetian harbours and lighthouses. Bigger resorts like Rethymnon and Chania are famed for their vibrant harbours, as well as centuries-old fortresses keeping a close watch on the towns from above.

Holidays in Crete are golden for history buffs, but even for those who just like to explore somewhere new, or learn something new, Crete is the place to be.

Cretan cuisine

The island is treated to the same incredible Mediterranean flavours as traditional Greek cuisine, but with its own Cretan twist. Crete is known for its use of fresh vegetables, seafood and slow-cooked meats that make for memorable meals. To top it off, you’ll almost always see complimentary dessert and a shot glass of raki – the local liquor – materialise at your table once you’ve finished your mains.

If you’re along the coast, you’ll find a range of restaurants gathered by the waterfront, though more traditional, family-run spots are usually tucked up into town or in the hillsides. You’ll primarily find Greek eats in most resorts, though the larger towns see hundreds and hundreds of dining options, including international bites.

Take Sissi, a slow-paced coastal resort boasting authentic and traditional Greek tavernas, while the lively town of Malia offers Greek, pizza, pasta and all your home favourites.

Prices are very reasonable in Crete, so even if your cheap holiday in Crete has a strict budget, an evening or two out to soak up the Cretan charm is certainly worth it.

Wild Malia nights

As much as Crete is the perfect destination for lazy days made up of sandy beaches and cocktails, Crete holidays also offer a fun fuelled nightlife scene. Whether it be music boasting venues or traditional Greek nights of plate smashing, once the evening rolls around, you’ll see another side to Crete.

Known for its thriving party scene, nights in Malia attract all those looking for a good time. Beach Road is the resort’s centre of attention, lined with clubs, bars and pubs, not to mention takeaway spots for cheeky, late-night eats.

The town’s main strip is the scene of all-night dance binges and cocktails underneath neon lights – you’ll even find a club that’s open 24 hours. Hersonissos offers much of the same, plus the Star Beach Club, a boisterous coastal spot that throws some pretty wild beach parties.

Rethymnon offers a slightly more sophisticated nightlife scene, still packed with a variety of venues, but more family friendly restaurants that turn up the music after mealtimes, as well as sleek cocktail bars with spectacular views. You will still find a few clubs here, so if you do want to mix it up, you’ve got the best of both worlds.

If you’re holidaying with the family so you want to stay somewhere quiet, but not be too far to join i non all the action as you please, Koutouloufari is a popular pick. There’s plenty of tavernas, bars and restaurants here for enjoyable evenings, but everything stays relatively low key.

Market stalls and high end shopping

Retail opportunities come in all shapes and sizes in Crete. The smaller resorts have quirky souvenir shops and handy supermarkets, while the larger ones often feature streets filled with high end brands and bustling local markets. Crete is known for its homemade olive oil and honey, both of which can be picked up from shops across the island.

Hersonissos is the island’s high-end hotspot, with a number of well-known brands gathering along the waterfront. Chania, on the other hand, is home to the Mercato Agora di Chania, a massive market whose stalls sell everything from jewellery and souvenirs to fresh produce.

Whether shopping is your thing or not, cheap Crete holidays leave plenty of room to pick up a souvenir – or at least some window shopping. Prices in Crete are very reasonable, although they will differ between resorts, but it’s nothing a little budget planning can’t handle.