The vibrant seaside city of Heraklion, being a unique patchwork of different historical periods, provides excellent options for recreation, entertainment, educational walks and culinary adventures ensuring that its visitors will surely enjoy every bit of their stay.

If lying on a beautiful beach sums up your ideal holiday experience, then you are at the right place. The southern coast of Heraklion region features the most stunning beaches of the island, ideal for all types of travellers. Leave your worries behind and head towards the beaches Aspes, Kaminaki and Matala – offering beautiful natural settings, they attract every year visitors from all over the world.

Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is also known as the heart of the island’s civilization. Right in the city center, two extraordinary museums are waiting to be explored. Get ready for a strong cultural dose!

Heraklion is the perfect place for oenophiles, producing more than 70% of Cretan wines. Known for its long tradition in wine production since antiquity, Its climate and soil guarantee the fine quality of its spirits and a visit there will give you the opportunity to indulge in wine tasting tours and seminars so that you become an exceptional connoisseur.

Just a 20-minute drive from Heraklion, the Palace of Knossos offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of ancient Crete. This magnificent site, often called the “oldest town in Europe,” was the administrative and ceremonial center of the Minoan civilization — one of the greatest and most sophisticated cultures of the ancient world. Its elaborate architecture, colorful frescoes, and labyrinthine layout continue to inspire awe and imagination, giving life to the myths of Daedalus and Icarus, and of Theseus and Ariadne. Partially reconstructed in the early 20th century by archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, it offers visitors a vivid, though not entirely accurate, glimpse of its former splendor.

If you are curious to find out how life goes by in a traditional Cretan village, then be prepared to blend in with women embroidering, men harvesting and students drinking raki at narrow alleyways. Pay a visit to the mountainous Village of Acharnes, a settlement that has been awarded as an archetypical village from the European Union for its long term restoration plan. Get impressed by its authentic atmosphere, beautiful houses, cobblestone streets and olive presses.

Heraklion is home to the most significant port of Crete, offering a wide range of cruises and sailing tours. If you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and leave all your worries behind, then there is an exciting adventure waiting for you at the waterfront. Get in a yacht and experience the one-day sailing tour in the small island of “Dias” to explore the most unspoiled side of northern Crete. Dive in the crystal clear waters of this isolated islet right opposite Heraklion city and admire the beauty of the north coast while enjoying the breathtaking view to the infinite blue sea.

If you’re craving authentic local flavors that can satisfy even the most demanding palate, Crete is your culinary paradise. The island’s cuisine, celebrated as one of the healthiest in the world, owes its fame to fresh ingredients, rich olive oil — the island’s “liquid gold” — and fragrant herbs. Juicy vegetables, flavorful cheeses like graviera and mytzithra, and fine local wines make every meal unforgettable. Traditional delicacies such as kallitsounia (sweet or savory cheese pastries), ntakos (the original Cretan rusk salad with tomato, feta, and olive oil), and gamopilafo (a creamy, wedding-style risotto cooked in meat broth with butter) complete this irresistible culinary experience.

From the Bronze Age and the mythical Minoan civilization to the rich history of the Hellenistic, Byzantine, Medieval and modern eras, the island of Crete in the middle of the Mediterranean sea has been captivating the human interest for centuries, developing a unique and unparalleled character. With its long and rich history going back to antiquity, Crete invites you to live an extraordinary journey back in time.

From north to south and east to west, Crete’s beaches are endless — each offering crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and pure relaxation. Take a dip, soak up the sun, and enjoy the island’s natural beauty at its finest.

Ammoudara, Matala & Limanakia (Heraklion):
Just minutes from Heraklion, Ammoudara is a long, organized, family-friendly beach. Matala, with its famous cliffs and caves once home to 1960s hippies, has a unique charm, while Limanakia — a series of quiet coves near the Crete Golf Club — is ideal for a peaceful swim.

Balos Lagoon & Elafonisi (Chania):
Protected by Natura 2000, these two stunning beaches are true natural wonders. Elafonisi enchants with pink-tinged sand and shallow turquoise waters, while Balos amazes with its lagoon, golden sands, and striking Cape Tigani backdrop.

Preveli & Bali (Rethymno):
Preveli, where a palm-lined river meets the sea, is unspoiled and wild. Bali, with calm waters and small bays, offers a more organized yet relaxed seaside escape.

Vai & Istro (Lassithi):
Close to Agios Nikolaos, Istro shines with white sand and emerald waters, while farther east, Vai — surrounded by Europe’s largest palm forest — brings a tropical feel to your Cretan adventure.

Proud of its wild beauty, Crete is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. Gorges, caves, forests, and valleys shape its unique terrain — so take a deep breath and let nature guide you.

Hiking the Cretan Gorges:
Explore the famous Samaria Gorge, Europe’s longest at 18 km, a National Park admired for its raw natural beauty and a must for hikers worldwide. Closer to the Crete Golf Club, the lesser-known Aposelemis Gorge offers an equally stunning and easily accessible adventure.

Exploring the Caves:
In the Psiloritis Natural Park — a UNESCO Global Geopark and Crete’s highest mountain — you’ll find the legendary Idaion Andron Cave, said to be the birthplace of Zeus. Nearby, the Nida Plateau and surrounding gorges offer awe-inspiring scenery. The impressive Psychro (Dictaean) Cave overlooking the Lassithi Plateau, also tied to Zeus’s birth myth, is another must-see.

On Two Wheels:
Cycling enthusiasts will love Crete’s diverse routes, where adventure meets natural beauty. Follow one of the many scenic trails or carve out your own path through the island’s ever-changing landscapes.

Starting from the Crete Golf Club, tour the intriguing Cretan landscape toward Lassithi Plateau. Just a few hundred meters from the Club, see the stone-built pier of a Roman aqueduct and visit the nearby church of Panagia Gkouverniotissa with its new museum. Then stop at the Aposelemis dam and enjoy views of the half-submerged village of Sfendyli. Stroll through two traditional villages, Avdou and Krasi. Visit the Byzantine monastery of Panagia Kera before reaching the Lassithi Plateau. A ring road connects all its villages, including Dictaion Andron at Psychro and scenic Tzermiado.