Nightlife in Crete

Crete - Heraklion airport VIP service and lounge

Make your wait at the airport a breeze with our VIP airport service. Avoid all the usual hassle as you're fast tracked through check-in and security to enjoy unlimited drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi and more in the exclusive departure lounge. An altogether more relaxed way to round off your stay.Greeted at Heraklion Airport's departure terminal, the VIP service sees you sail through check-in and security with our fast track pass – giving you more time to take advantage of the comfortable VIP lounge and all its benefits.Inside, you've access to complimentary coffee, tea, water, soft drinks and snacks, as well as selected alcoholic beverages too. What's more, there's unlimited free Wi-Fi and access to TV, magazines and newspapers, allowing you to relax right up to take off.

Chania - Chania self-guided audio tour on your smartphone

Leisurely stroll through the old town of Chania with an audio guide on your phone. Listen to fascinating stories and discover the highlights of the city.

Crete - Acqua Plus Waterpark Ticket

Channel your inner child and head to Acqua Plus Waterpark, where you can splash, tumble and whizz your way down slide after slide. If you're up for a thrill try the extreme slides – the Spacebowl is our favourite – or, if relaxing is more your thing, check out the lazy river. Perfect for kids and big kids alike.Located just outside Heraklion, the park is easy to find. Once you're there you'll receive a digital wristband to scan so there's no need to carry money about – just pay at the end for anything you've bought. Then the fun can begin.The park is split in two, one side for the extreme slides and the other is made for younger children. You'll be spoilt for choice with over 50 slides to choose from – there's even the chance to walk on water in the W.O.W balls.

Crete - Agios Nikolaos Market & Amazonas Park Nature Reserve Tour

A trip that combines traditional Crete with its wild side. You'll drive through scenic landscapes and wander through the pretty harbour town of Agios Nikolaos – with an optional market visit. But then there's the twist to the tale with a visit to Amazonas Park nature reserve.After pick-up at your hotel, you'll head to Agios Nikolaos, where you'll have a couple of hours to explore on your own. Pick up tasty treats or souvenirs at the street market, stop for a drink in one of the waterfront cafés or gaze into Lake Voulismeni, which local legend says is bottomless.Next up, we'll head towards Mirabello Bay in the northeast of the island. Your destination is Amazonas Park, an animal refuge, where you will come face-to-face with some of the world's most unusual, beautiful and endangered animals. You'll also find out about their rainforest environments, and how we can help with conservation efforts.

Crete - Elafonisi Island tour with Agia Sophia Cave and monastery visit

The uninhabited island of Elafonisi may be tiny but it's bursting with personality. This journey to this islet off southwestern Crete is steeped in myths and legends and boasts historic buildings and amazing natural scenery – making it an ideal excursion for all the family.

Crete - Balos Lagoon viewpoint & Falasarna Beach scenic van tour

The wild side of north-west Crete takes centre stage on this small-group van adventure. You'll cruise through the countryside around Kissamos before heading off the beaten track across the wild Gramvousa Peninsula. Expect standout views over Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island, then wind down with time at the golden sands of Falasarna Beach. It's the perfect mix of adventure, scenery and laidback moments.

Crete - Off-road Safari from Rethymnon

The rugged gorges of Crete's southern interior are a nature-lover's haven. Take a day-long 4x4 safari along the region's dusty trails, visiting the dramatic Agios Antonios, Kourtaliotiko and Kotsifou Gorges before refreshing sea swims at beautiful Preveli beach.

Crete - Morning catamaran cruise to Chrissi Island with lunch – ticket only

From Ierapetra Marina, you'll cruise over to Chrissi Island for a leisurely day on the water. Onboard, you'll be welcomed with a tea, coffee, protein cocktail or detox water, plus a light brunch to get you started. Once on the island, the fun's all yours. You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard or even try your hand at fishing. There's loads of deck space to stretch out, too, with unlimited drinks and a fresh organic lunch to tuck into. And, with free onboard Wi-Fi, staying Instagram-ready is a breeze.

Crete - Afternoon catamaran cruise to Chrissi Island with dinner – ticket only

Departing from Ierapetra Marina, you'll sail to Chrissi Island for a leisurely afternoon on the water. You'll be greeted on board with a tea, coffee, protein cocktail or detox water, along with a light meal to ease you in. Once you reach the island, the fun's all yours. You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard or even try a spot of fishing. There's loads of deck space to unwind, too, along with unlimited drinks and a fresh organic dinner. Plus, you also get free onboard Wi-Fi, so staying Instagram-ready is an absolute breeze.

Crete - Pantheon Waterpark tickets in Crete with transfer

Open from May to October, this ancient-Greek-themed water world delivers fun for all ages. Pantheon Waterpark feels like stepping straight into a myth, with towering temples, statues of legendary figures and slides inspired by gods like Poseidon and Zeus. There are four play areas and 26 waterslides, including Pantheon Warzone – a 36-metre drop hitting seriously high speeds – plus kids-only towers, toddler zones, wave pools and chill-out spots for when you need a breather. To refuel, you'll find five snack bars serving gyros, pizza, hot dogs and more.

Crete - Pantheon Waterpark ticket only

Open from May to October, this ancient-Greek-themed water world delivers fun for all ages. Pantheon Waterpark feels like stepping straight into a myth, with towering temples, statues of legendary figures and slides inspired by gods like Poseidon and Zeus. There are four play areas and 26 waterslides, including Pantheon Warzone – a 36-metre drop hitting seriously high speeds – plus kids-only towers, toddler zones, wave pools and chill-out spots for when you need a breather. To refuel, you'll find five snack bars serving gyros, pizza, hot dogs and more.

Crete - Full-day southern Crete 4x4 tour with swim stop

Sun, scenery and off‑road adventure set the tone for this full‑day tour. You'll dive into Crete's wilder side in a 4x4 built for rugged terrain. The day starts at Kourtaliotiko Gorge, where some epic clifftop views are waiting, before heading up to Agios Paisios Chapel to look out over Damnoni and the south Cretan bays. Manolis, one of our local expert guides, says, “this route shows off a side of Crete most visitors never get to see, from dramatic gorges to coastal trails. The scenery keeps changing with every turn and every stop feels like a reward. This is Crete at its most natural.”After your stop at the chapel, you'll weave through peaceful backcountry roads lined with olive groves and rolling farmland until the landscape suddenly opens out at Kato Preveli. Then, the adventure kicks up a gear as you switch to true off‑road driving, following a rugged coastal track towards Triopetra, with rocky headlands and untouched scenery all around.The day wraps up at Mikri Triopetra, a tucked away slice of paradise with clear shallows, soft sand and a blissfully quiet setting. You'll have around two and a half hours to swim, unwind and soak up the sun here. Sunbeds, umbrellas and a shower are on hand, and there are tavernas nearby if you fancy something extra cold to drink. A typical Cretan salad rounds off the experience before you settle back into the 4x4 for a scenic ride back to your accommodation.

Crete - Apokoronas hidden roads van tour with cheese-making and tastings

Travelling in a nine-seater van, you'll roll through nine tucked‑away Apokoronas villages far from the tourist radar on this small‑group tour. The quiet backroads lead you past olive groves, vineyards and stone houses as you dip in and out of Armenoi, Neo Chorio, Pemonia, Fres, Tzitzifes, Nipos, Vafes and Vryses. It's a scenic journey that shows off the region's rural charm and slow‑paced way of life, all set against the backdrop of the White Mountains. Giorgos, one of our local expert guides, says, “Apokoronas is where you feel the real Crete – peaceful villages, warm people and unspoiled landscapes. It's the Crete we grew up with, still doing its thing.”Your next stop is the Holy Mary of Two Rocks Church, a tiny landmark hidden between two natural rock formations that most people never stumble across. It's a lovely spot to pause, soak up the countryside and enjoy the stillness before the route winds deeper into Apokoronas. The scenery then shifts from rolling farmland to rugged hillsides dotted with traditional homes and family‑run farms.Then, it's on to Arevitis for a proper taste of rural Crete. At a traditional sheep farm, you'll wander through a garden bursting with local produce before joining a hands‑on cheese‑making session with your hosts. You'll try the fresh cheese you've helped create, tuck into warm Cretan snacks and sip homemade raki – the island's traditional spirit – while hearing stories about the land, the animals and daily life in the mountains.

Crete - Sunset luxury catamaran cruise to Elafonisi Bay from Paleochora

Elafonisi Bay is known in Crete for its pinkish sands, bright-blue water and knee-deep lagoons. It's one of those really picturesque spots that people consider a real highlight to their holiday to Crete. And on this outing, you'll sail there in style on board a luxury catamaran. On board you'll have unlimited drinks to keep you cool and refreshed. Plus, a variety of Cretan snacks and sushi are on the menu. Throughout the trip, your skipper will also drop anchor so you can get plenty of swimming, snorkelling and paddle-boarding in – equipment for the latter two is included.

Crete - Luxury cruise to Elafonisi and Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora

Elafonisi Bay is a spot that's known in Crete for its pinkish sands and knee-deep water, while Kedrodasos Bay is regarded as one of the island's best hidden beaches. You'll visit both of them on this day-long cruise on board a catamaran. At each place, you'll have time to swim, snorkel and relax. On board the boat, you can expect a health-focused menu to pick from for lunch – the whole thing's been designed by a certified nutritionist.

Crete - Sunset luxury catamaran cruise to Elafonisi Bay from Paleochora – ticket only

Elafonisi Bay is known in Crete for its pinkish sands, bright-blue water and knee-deep lagoons. It's one of those really picturesque spots that people consider a real highlight to their holiday to Crete. And on this outing, you'll sail there in style on board a luxury catamaran. On board you'll have unlimited drinks to keep you cool and refreshed. Plus, a variety of Cretan snacks and sushi are on the menu. Throughout the trip, your skipper will also drop anchor so you can get plenty of swimming, snorkelling and paddle-boarding in – equipment for the latter two is included.

Crete - Luxury cruise to Elafonisi and Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora – ticket only

Elafonisi Bay is a spot that's known in Crete for its pinkish sands and knee-deep water, while Kedrodasos Bay is regarded as one of the island's best hidden beaches. You'll visit both of them on this day-long cruise on board a catamaran. At each place, you'll have time to swim, snorkel and relax. On board the boat, you can expect a health-focused menu to pick from for lunch – the whole thing's been designed by a certified nutritionist.

Crete - Afternoon Balos catamaran cruise in Crete

Ease into the afternoon with a chilled glass of Prosecco and a selection of canapes on board a fancy catamaran. You'll set sail to Balos Lagoon, known for its pink sand and turquoise waters, where you can swim, snorkel or unwind on deck with a cocktail in hand. After this, enjoy a few light bites as the Cretan sunset steals the spotlight. You can choose the Comfort option on the lower deck with open seating, or you can opt for VIP Flybridge upper deck access with your own sunbed, towel and a personalised waiter service.

Crete - Balos and Gramvousa catamaran cruise in Crete

Cruise in style on a luxury catamaran with two ticket choices. There's the comfort option on the lower deck with open seating, or choose the VIP option to access get on the upper deck where your own sunbed and personalised service is waiting. You'll set sail from Kissamos Port with coffee and a light brunch before an anchor drop at Balos, where you can swim, snorkel or relax on deck with a cocktail. Next, you'll check out Gramvousa Island's Venetian fortress and lagoon before enjoying a Mediterranean lunch, some R&R and a final toast on the way back to the port.

Crete - Crete day tour with monastery, winery visit and cooking class

A chance to delve into Crete's culture and eat like an islander. On this full day tour inland from Chania, you'll visit a winery in Alikambos, explore a historic monastery, and take part in a hands-on cheese-making class. Joanna, one of our expert local guides, says, "this tour is the ideal opportunity to taste Cretan olive oil and wine, and to try local food that you'll get to prepare during a cooking lesson."After making your way through the scenic foothills of the White Mountains, you'll reach your first port of call – award-winning Dourakis Winery, a family-run business with decades of experience in winemaking and olive oil production. Enjoy sampling its organic Cabernet Sauvignon wines and olive oil before setting off into the countryside.Next, you'll head to the Monastery of St George. Set among sun-soaked olive groves in the village of Karydi, this early 17th-century retreat was restored after many decades of abandonment, though parts of it still retain a ruined air. You'll be able to explore the grounds and discover the remains of the old olive oil press. What's more, your visit directly contributes to the monastery's upkeep. Your final stop is Kefalas village where you'll partake in a cooking lesson to learn how to prepare a traditional dish. Then it'll be time to roll up your sleeves and have a go yourself. Prepare a meal using a recipe you can recreate when you get back home, and if you're feeling creative, you can even try your hand at making Cretan cheese.