Crete Holidays

Crete makes a fantastic holiday destination from Ireland, thanks to its winning combination of sun-kissed beaches, superb nightlife, fascinating history and luxury – yet often surprisingly cheap – accommodation. Choosing cheap holidays to Crete means some of the best value breaks in the Mediterranean, especially if you book with SunSearch Holidays! The island is small enough to feel compact and cosy, but large enough to explore, plus there's a good road network that makes visiting multiple destinations easy. For visitors from Ireland, cheap all inclusive holidays to Crete really are superb value, and it's no wonder that this is such a popular choice.

The area around Crete's bustling capital, Heraklion, is a great place to find cheap Crete holiday deals. Water parks are a big attraction: Hersonissos boasts both Star Beach and Acqua Plus, while nearby Anopolis hosts the Watercity park. Then, get away from it all at the traditional hill villages of Piskopiano and Koutouloufari – the latter especially has lovely old houses and superb views of the bay. The choice of cheap Crete holidays in 2017 doesn't stop there, though: Stalis is a fine place for families, while Malia has a fascinating mix of old buildings and truly buzzing nightlife, perhaps rivalled only by Hersonissos – these are certainly places for real party animals! If that sounds too much, consider Gouves, a quieter area with a scattering of pleasant hotels and apartments.

Cheap all inclusive holidays to Crete can also be found around Chania. The town itself has bars and nightclubs in abundance, plus an attractive old lighthouse and harbour in the Venetian style, while Agia Marina, 12 km away along the coast road, has one of Crete's finest beaches, a good selection of tavernas and shops and plenty of self catering accommodation. Platanias, almost next door, is similar but adds some excellent family hotels to places aimed at young couples. Other resorts include Rethymnon; a little smaller yet still with Crete's wonderful weather and lots of places to have fun, Rethymnon Town is renowned for both its beach and its remarkable old buildings.

Taking cheap Crete holidays in 2017 can be amazing value thanks to the massive variety of attractions and tourist destinations. Imagine flying from Dublin to places like huge Stalis Beach or the Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre – a wonderful place for kids! If you're culture vultures, head instead for the superb Archaological Museum in Heraklion, or the ruins of the legendary Minoan Palace of Knossos. You'll also be spoiled for choice around Chania: take time to explore the old town dating back to the days when Venice ruled Crete, or head off on a hiking adventure along the breathtaking Samaria Gorge. After all that, you'll welcome the chance to relax on Elafonissi Beach, or experience the Lagoon at Balos Beach.

It's a good idea to read reviews for a guide to the island, since there's so much to see and do here that it's hard to choose! Especially if you're considering last minute breaks, it really helps to consider in advance what kind of cheap holidays to Crete are best for you. If you simply want to laze on the beach, hotels and restaurants will be high on your list. If you have a more active break in mind, it might be more about the nightclubs and self catering deals. Whatever your perfect break, one thing is certain: you'll get the best cheap Crete holiday deals by booking now with SunSearch Holidays!