“With a coastline that clocks up one hit beach after another, and an interior that crams in a pick and mix of pretty towns and ancient sites, Crete really makes the most of its size.”
When it comes to major attractions, it’s beaches all the way in Crete. If you’re after big and bustling, head for Malia on the island’s northern side. It’s an eye-candy-and-cocktails kind of place – the sand is dotted with buffed and bronzed twenty-somethings, and backed by bars and clubs.
Aghios Nikolaos, or ‘Ag Nik’ to those in the know, has a similar sort of vibe, although it’s a bit more low-key. By day, there’s a scattering of pebbly coves to pick from, and by night, everyone makes tracks for the town’s lake. As the sun goes down, the water lights up, thanks to the cafés, bars and restaurants that fringe the edge.
As for family-friendly stretches, Rethymnon is the one to watch. The beach stretches for a good couple of kilometres, and is backed by a long, palm-lined prom. And the town itself harks back to the Crete of yesteryear – whitewashed cottages, quiet courtyards and rustic tavernas are the norm.
