A guide to nightlife in Crete
The nightlife scene in Crete depends largely on what resort you stay in. Malia is widely known as the capital of Crete party holidays – with some even going so far as to say it rivals hotspots like Ibiza – and comes complete with one long strip of bars and clubs. Many local tavernas will feature weekly Greek nights with plate smashing, dancing and live music that make for more laid-back nights. Rethymnon and Chania are also known for their more sophisticated nightlife scenes, they have dance-spots as well, in the form of cocktail bars and lounges along the towns’ historic squares and Venetian harbours.
Say Ahoy to The Jolly Roger, Sissi
It isn’t hard to imagine this open air pub as a coastal spot pirates might want to hang out in – it’s speckled with thatched umbrellas and sees live music almost every night. The cocktails and beers are served cold while the atmosphere is warm. Also on tap are TVs playing favourite sport matches and a pub quiz.
Dance the night away at Star Beach Club, Hersonissos
This boisterous beach club is what 18 to 30 holidays are made for. Just along the waterfront, the Star Beach Club plays host to wild beach parties, live DJ sets and themed nights that draw crowds from all over town. And with Crete’s gorgeous sunshine most days of the year, you can expect the dress code to be strictly swimwear.
Let loose at the Living Room Lounge Cafe, Rethymnon
By day, the Living Room Lounge Cafe is a swanky gastropub, but by night, it becomes all-out mayhem. The tables are cleared and the masses sweep in as the bar comes alight and DJs set up shop for dance parties. If you come back to recover in the morning, the coffee is often served with complimentary cakes that’ll get you back on your feet for round two.
Try the best cocktails in town at Baraki Bar, Gouves
This little bar is famous with visitors on cheap holidays to Crete, known for its cocktails served in wild colours and topped with sparklers and wedges of fruit. They do virgin cocktails as well for tee-totallers, that don’t sacrifice any of the pizazz of the real deal. Throughout the week, the bar features live music and football matches on TV, as if the cocktails aren’t enough to keep you occupied.
World-class DJs at Candy Club, Malia
Malia’s Candy Club is consistently ranked the best club in town, not least because of its two stages and three dancefloors. Located in the middle of Malia’s main club strip, it attracts big name performers from around the world, and the house DJs have garnered themselves a reputation in the area for playing the best tracks. Each week sees neon parties, while every night you’re certain to hear top house tunes until the early hours of the morning.