Georgioupoli and Apokoronas (Almyrida, Plaka)
This is where most of our Cretan villas are. Georgioupoli has a long sandy beach and a small village square, with Lake Kournas, a freshwater lake you can swim in, a short drive inland. Almyrida and Plaka are smaller, with a sheltered bay and tavernas. Chania airport is around 50 minutes away, and Rethymno around 25 minutes.
Best for: Families who want a long sandy beach and an easy village base
Not for you if: You want to explore the far west or east: both are a long drive from here.
Chania and the west (Agia Marina, Maleme, Kissamos)
Agia Marina and Maleme sit on the sandy coast just west of Chania, around 30 minutes from Chania airport. Kissamos, about an hour from the airport, is the base for the Balos lagoon, reached by boat or a rough dirt track and a steep walk down, and for the long west-facing beach at Falassarna, around 20 minutes away.
Best for: Beach lovers who want Balos, Falassarna and Chania's old harbour nearby
Not for you if: You want quiet in August: the coast west of Chania is one of Crete's busiest stretches.
Rethymno and Mylopotamos (Adele, Angeliana, Roumeli, Argiroupoli)
Adele sits among olive groves about 8km east of Rethymno, whose Venetian harbour and old town are worth an evening. Angeliana and Roumeli are hill villages further east with sea views, and Argiroupoli, inland to the west, is known for its springs and shady tavernas. Chania and Heraklion airports are each roughly an hour away.
Best for: Families and couples wanting village life near Rethymno's old town
Not for you if: You want to walk to the beach: most villas here are inland and need a short drive.
The Heraklion coast (Agia Pelagia, Analipsi, Hersonissos, Stalis)
This is the most convenient stretch for a short stay. Agia Pelagia, west of Heraklion, has a sheltered bay about 30 minutes from the airport. East of the city, Analipsi, Hersonissos and Stalis have sandy beaches, plenty of tavernas and a 20 to 30 minute transfer. The Minoan palace at Knossos and Heraklion's archaeological museum are an easy day out.
Best for: Short transfers and easy days out to Knossos
Not for you if: You want a traditional village feel: Hersonissos and Stalis are busy resort strips.
Agios Nikolaos and the north-east (Neapolis)
Agios Nikolaos is a lively harbour town on the Gulf of Mirabello, with restaurants around its small lake and harbour. Boats run to Spinalonga, the former leper colony island, from Agios Nikolaos and nearby Elounda. Neapolis is a quieter inland town on the way. Heraklion airport is around an hour away.
Best for: Couples who want a lively harbour town and boat trips to Spinalonga
Not for you if: You want long sandy beaches: the coast here is more about small coves and bays.
The south coast (Matala, Agios Pavlos)
Matala is known for the caves cut into its cliffs above the beach, with Red Beach a 20 to 30 minute walk away and the Minoan site of Phaistos a short drive. It is roughly an hour to an hour and a half from Heraklion airport. Agios Pavlos, further west, is small and remote, with sand dunes and coves.
Best for: Couples and independent travellers who want a quieter, wilder coast
Not for you if: You want a short transfer: the south coast is a long, winding drive from either airport.
The south-east (Koutsouras, Myrtos, Ierapetra area)
The coast around Ierapetra is the most southerly part of Crete, with small villages such as Koutsouras and Myrtos, pebble and sand beaches and a slower pace. Makrigialos, east of Koutsouras, has a long sandy beach. Heraklion airport is around an hour and a half away over the mountains.
Best for: Anyone who wants warm, calm seas and a long season
Not for you if: You want nightlife or big sights: this is a quiet, spread-out corner of the island.
