Crete

Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands. It is located at the southern edge of the Aegean Sea.

Crete can boast very many ancient monuments, a great nightlife , and some unique beaches. It sounds ideal for a holiday in the Greek islands, doesn’t it!

As well as very many ancient monuments, there are very many holiday resorts on Crete. One of them, Almyrida is a lovely fishing village and seaside resort in west Crete. You will find that most resorts were set up around or near the old traditional villages on the island. In Almyrida (as in many other resorts) there is highly-rated holiday accommodation available. Most hotels on Crete appear to have beautiful private pools right by the sea, for example.

The Almyrida resort is a good holiday destination for families. It sports quite a number of places to eat right on the waterfront, so for those holidaying Half Board, Bed & Breakfast or Self Catering it could be a very suitable and convenient place to stay. There are the usual traditional tavernas which serve the local catch of the day with homegrown salads and vegetables grown locally. You will find it hard to find fresher food than that anywhere else in the world. There are also several café style coffee bars at Almyrida which change into cocktail bars at dusk. This resort has remained small enough to still have quaint charm but is sufficiently big for a good choice of eating and drinking establishments. Is it sounding even more attractive now to you? In addition in Almyrida there are some water sports facilities like windsurfing, snorkeling and canoeing. Shops are dotted here and there in the fishing village for your daytime convenience, but in the evening village life is on the waterfront in the tavernas and bars. Traditional Cretan hospitality and friendliness is abundantly displayed there. You will be made to feel most welcome and treated well. Furthermore traditional Greek food is always served in generous portions so you will by no means go hungry either.

The beaches on Crete are well known for their beauty. Almyrida has two gently shelving ones which are perfectly safe for children. The beach is also very good for people with disabilities as it is easy to access from the road. The nightlife offers Karaoke, quizzes, live sport coverage and delicious cocktails, so there is something for everyone to enjoy. There is a Bank in a village 4 km away should you need one, which can be reached by walking along a pathway. This holiday would provide a really nice change from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life perhaps.

Elounda is a small fishing town on the northern coast of Crete. There is another of the very many holiday resorts on Crete here. Elounda is only 12 km away from the resort of Agios Nikolaos. It is a famous tourist attraction, frequently visited by VIP’s for its seaside luxury resorts.

Most of the holiday resorts on Crete offer the same facilities, accommodation and activities. It is for those planning a holiday on the island to take their pick really.

Gouves is yet another destination for holidays on Crete. It is situated in the east of the island. Gouves beaches are excellent and you will find many hotels and apartments there from which to choose your accommodation. Gouves is actually a large area which covers several smaller villages, including the popular holiday resort area of Kato Gouves (lower Gouves) and the traditional village of Pano Gouves (upper Gouves) which is built into the side of a small mountain. This position allows for spectacular views. Those from the zenith are breathtaking. The seaside resort is actually Kato Gouves. It is neither a village nor a town. It is an inhabited area which owes its development to tourism. In addition to all the usual holiday amenities, Gouves has mini golf, bike rentals and a medical clinic. Some of the rocky areas of the beaches at Gouves offer privacy, and there are wave-breakers to give smoother seas. Gouves is also close to the resorts of Stalis and Malia. The famous Crete aquarium is in this area too, and a former American Base, which may well interest you as a historical site. In addition (there are always additions!) there are Water Parks which will make the children happy. In the old village of Pano Gouves you will discover in the narrow alleys many old houses.

The resort of Horafakia is a tiny village with a big heart, about as far from the tourist trail as you can get, but it is a picturesque beauty spot of dusty mountains, seductive sands and brilliant blue skies. Horafakia is not very big but it has great charm. The beach has crystal-clear waters, where you could spend lazy days soaking up the sun.

Istron and Kalo Chorio holiday resorts in eastern Crete, close to the resort of Agios Nikolaos, are in another picturesque area. Accommodation in these resorts is highly recommended. Above the coast there are herb filled hillsides lying between orange groves. Live music is played at a couple of bars in Istron. The paced of life there is really slow. It is perfect and idyllic to take a holiday in Istron and Kalo Chorio. If you like donkeys too – most children do, don’t they – you will come across them in this holiday resort.

The resort of Kamilari is in south Crete. It is another traditional village there. It may not be on the sea but it is only a short distance from the local beaches. There is self catering accommodation in Kamilari which is very quaint and pretty and has a wonderful view of its surroundings. There is an archaeological site only 4 km away, and Kamilari is the ideal base to explore the lovely plain of Messara where there are more traditional villages, rich history and beautiful bays and beaches. The old houses of Kamilari are built of stone, with lovely courtyards, and brilliant bougainvillea climbing the walls. The village of Kamilari is typical of Cretan villages with a small main square, a church and a colorful kafeneia (coffee bar/coffee shop) full of character, frequented by locals and visitors alike. The holiday resort of Rethymnon is not far away. There are many cheap places to stay in Kamilari.

The holiday resort of Karteros is an organized beach area, and here too there is an archaeological site nearby. So many holiday resorts on Crete have archaeological sites nearby, simply because the island has so much history behind it. It is surely a great place to go for holidaymakers who are interested in ancient history.

Lyttos is an ancient Greek site. There was a considerable city there at one time, but Lyttos is now a village and a holiday resort called Lyttos Beach. Crete itself is a great island for site seeing. The resort of Lyttos is relatively newly built and does not have an overly party atmosphere, although you can find this nearly if you want.

Malia is one of the wildest holiday resorts in the whole of Greece. All of Europe’s young people go there on holiday. Once the sun has set Malia comes alive. It has a 5km coastline with some peaceful beaches. Needless to say, it has many, many places to stay with all sorts of accommodation, some with pool bars, DJ sets, pool table tennis and gyms. Many are ideal for young people to enjoy a holiday. A considerable number of hotels and apartments have balconies where holidaymakers can relax in the sun and take in the surrounding views. The staff in this resort are friendly, and there are some pools which have shaded areas around them to rest in. In addition some accommodation sites have lovely gardens with views of the amazing mountains behind and the deep blue sea in front. You could have a wonderful holiday here.

Piskopiano is another traditional old village with a panoramic view of the sea. This village lies on the slope of a mountain, so its very position alone makes for a great holiday resort. Go compare the deep blue sea of Crete with the grey sea of your homeland perhaps. Piskopiano is near Malia. The village itself is very, very pretty. There is a folk museum in this area which could be interesting to see. Piskopiano is surrounded by olive groves, the typical landscape of northern Crete. You could go bungee jumping and horse or donkey riding from this holiday resort amongst the many usual resort activities in Crete.

The resort of Stalis is only 3 km from Malia, but is more suitable for family holidays. The intensive tourist development of this area has resulted in three towns, which include Stalis and Malia, merging into a single coastal holiday resort about 10 km long full of hotels and apartments. Stalis does not share the wild nightlife of Malia however, but you can still have fun on holiday there, just at a quieter pace than that of its neighbor, Malia. Many of us might prefer this.

So there we have it – a mention of only some of the holiday resorts on Crete. There are many more but this is just a taste to tempt you to investigate further by yourself. Moreover, in most of the holiday resorts on Crete there is a plethora of accommodation to choose from. If Crete appeals to you, have a browse. You may well come up with a destination which grabs you.

The Greek Islands

The most popular of the Greek Islands for holidays number about fifteen. Corfu is maybe the most well known. There are a vast number of holiday resorts on Corfu, whether you are searching for a romantic holiday for two, a great family holiday, a luxury break, or simply a great holiday deal. Do have a look at all our offers of resorts and accommodation. You cannot fail to find the perfect resort for your choice of holiday on Corfu.

Kefalonia is the second largest Greek Island, and is also situated in the Ionian Sea off the west coast of the Greek mainland. Kefalonia has somewhat escaped mass tourism although it has a beautiful mild climate and excellent beaches for the holiday visitor. As on most of the 15 or so, there are good restaurants, taverns, museums and villages to explore. For your holiday on Kefalonia you might like to choose Self Catering accommodation in the resort of Fiskardo.

Then there is Kos where you could enjoy Half Board accommodation in the resort of Kardamena on your holiday. Kos is a more southerly island, also with picturesque villages to see. Its circumnavigation is around 60 nautical miles so it would be quite easy to explore the whole island thoroughly in a week or so. Homegrown, homemade produce abounds, beautiful churches, restaurants, ancient monuments, and flowers blooming everywhere.

Rhodes is more easterly being in the Aegean Sea. We can offer you Self Catering accommodation on Rhodes in the resort of Afandou. Here again you could enjoy unique beaches, good nightlife, and go to see ancient monuments.

Skiathos is another great holiday destination among the Greek Islands. Self Catering accommodation is on offer here too in the resort of Aghia Paraskevi. Skiathos is a small compact island with sandy beaches, a port and lush scenery, so if you like to holiday in smallish destinations Skiathos would be ideal. It has much to offer despite its size.

Santorini and Zante are other fabulous holiday destinations in the Greek Islands. We offer Bed and Breakfast accommodation on both islands, in the resort of Imerovigli on Santorini and at Aghios Sostis on Zante. Should you enjoy your sundowners whilst on holiday, the sunsets over Caldera are said to be the best in the world. Zante is the most southerly of the Ionian Islands and one of the most popular of the Greek Islands. The northwestern area has quaint mountain villages. The central area is a fertile plain with olive groves and vineyards. The southeast is characterized by beautiful beaches. All you could desire for your best holiday ever is available on this one island.

So…on, on we go. There are just a plethora of idyllic Greek islands. Crete (also very well known) is off the southeastern tip of mainland Greece, a fair way away from it. We offer 4* Bed & Breakfast accommodation in the resort here of Almyrida. Crete is the largest and most heavily populated of the Greek Islands. It is an ancient land, full of history which has left an amazing legacy to wonder at and enjoy. There are also many good restaurants, plenty of nightlife and unique beaches, as in so many of the Greek Islands. There are at least seven museums scattered around on Crete, so your holiday could be an education – education mixed with relaxation, blue skies, blissful beaches……the list goes on. Who says we can’t have it all.

On the island of Thassos, we offer 2* Self Catering accommodation in the resort of Golden Beach. The name says it all. Thassos has been called the green Greek island in the Ionian sea, well known for its clean beaches, hospitality, tasty wine and delicious honey. It too has an ancient history which dates back to the time when Thassos was famous for its goldmines and marble. Many archaeological treasures can still be seen today, which would make your holiday quite special.

Now, on Skopelos, we offer Bed & Breakfast accommodation in a small friendly 1* hotel in the resort of Skopelos Town. Skopelos is situated in the western Aegean Sea. It has a port which adds to its attraction –picture and listen to small boats bobbing on blue waters with the metal rigging rings tinkling in the breeze. Not surprisingly Skopelos includes two smallish mountains as well. The port is noted for its architectural heritage. The second largest settlement is Glossa village which lies just above a harbor very peacefully with traditional houses. This would be a tranquil spot to visit on your holiday in Skopelos. A little more topical gossip – the film Mamma Mia was made on Skopelos.

On Paxos there is the fabulous pool to wallow in while spending your holiday at the 3* Amygdalia Cottage Self Catering in the resort of Magazia. Imagine a dip or several lengths before breakfast - in fact a leisurely float at any time of day or night. Paxos is a tiny island with beautiful beaches and is ideal for walking. It has been said that Paxos is one of the top twenty greatest escapes in the world. It has no airport and can only be reached by ferry boat, but is only 14 kilometers from Corfu, 20 kilometers from the Greek mainland. Picturesque, charming, unhurried, very relaxing with genuinely friendly Greek hospitality at its best, Paxos would be perfect if you seek a real getaway from it all holiday.

We have a choice of two holiday destinations to offer you on Mykonos. One is 5* Bed & Breakfast in the resort of Agios Ioannis, and the other 3*, also Bed & Breakfast, in the resort of Mykonos Town. Mykonos is very popular among European holidaymakers, especially for its nightlife. Since the 1960, it has been a tourist destination for gay people. A picturesque island, as all the Greek Islands are, Mykonos is noted for its windmills, and Little Venice where the buildings have been constructed right on the sea’s edge with their balconies overhanging the water. Mykonos is also famous for architectural structures and archaeological and maritime museums.

On Lefkas we offer accommodation in a 3* villa Self Catering in the resort of Aghios Ioannis. Make Lefkas your holiday home, and enjoy great beaches and rugged mountains. There is the Ionian Regatta to experience too which is held in September. The sea temperature around Lefkas can still be 27 degrees centigrade at that time of year, and the sea very calm, so a good time for beachcombing holidays. For less mobile visitors, there are cars to be hired to travel all over the island taking in all the sights. Lefkas is connected to the Greek mainland by a long causeway and floating bridge – handy for a visit over there whilst on holiday and certainly a new experience for many. Also Kefkada City is only 20 minutes by car from Aktion National Airport.

In addition, we suggest 2* Bed and Breakfast holiday accommodation on Lesbos in the resort of Skalia Kalloni. This Greek Island is located in the northeastern Aegean Sea, and is the third largest of the Islands. The capital city, Mytilene was founded in the 11th century BC, so you can rest assured of discovering a great deal of history there, archaeology and ancient architecture, which could make a holiday most interesting. Lesbos has a mild Mediterranean climate with exceptional sunshine making it one of the sunniest islands in the Aegean Sea. It contains one of the few known petrified forests. The island is quietly impressive with varied landscape, quaint hill villages and some magnificent beaches.

We can also recommend studios and apartments on the island of Samos at the resort of Ireon, 2* Self Catering, for a great holiday. It lies off the coast of Asia Minor. You would see marvels of ancient engineering on Samos. Pythagoras, bane of so many schoolchildren’s lives, was born on this island. There are pretty shuttered houses, narrow stepped streets and simple old fishing boats – all very refreshing for visitors on holiday on Samos. Beautiful beaches lie all around its lacy shores. We invite you to come and also enjoy Samian wine and folk art amidst all the Aegean colours.

So there you are, spoilt for choice again, but whichever Greek Island you choose for your holiday destination, we think you will want to return time and again.

Cheap all inclusive holidays to Greece

If you are looking for cheap all inclusive holidays to Greece or the Greek Islands, there are several options to choose from. To say you're going on holiday to Greece doesn't exactly narrow it down. You can enjoy a historical journey through Athens to see the Acropolis and ruins of the Parthenon to name but a few sites or a relaxed beach holiday on one of the islands that are scattered through the Ionian and Aegean Seas? Whatever you're looking for in your cheap all inclusive holidays to Greece package, we can guarantee you'll find something that'll take your fancy.

Perhaps a beach holiday with a bit of the ancient mixed in. If so, then a holiday on Halkidiki, Kefalonia, Skiathos or Zante will suit you down to the ground. You can enjoy all the traditional Greek island experiences including fantastic beaches and rustic tavernas. Does this sound like the last minute holiday to Greece you're after?

For a more traditional beach holiday to Greece you may prefer one of the better known islands. Known as the Ionian 'Emerald Isle' Corfu is a mix of lush pine-clad mountains and soft sandy beaches. Thassos is the island of choice if you're after the more traditional Greek experience in unspoilt surroundings. If you're after a bit more action on your summer holiday to Greece then maybe Crete or Rhodes would suit you better. Not forgetting Santorini, Samos and Kos all of which simply ooze charm and tranquillity with their sugar cube villages and picturesque countryside.

Experience an all inclusive holiday, a package not to be missed, including flights and accommodation in great hotels - find cheap deals where the climate, weather and temperatures all add to your enjoyment.

If you are off on your hols and would like a few suggestions,take the time to scroll through over 80 Greek resorts by following the link to 'Cheap all inclusive holidays to Greece'.