For fun and plenty of sun, head to the largest of the Greek islands
When it comes to relaxing getaways, the island of Crete has everything you could want: sunny weather, beautiful beaches and a wealth of things to see and do.
Early July marks the start of the season, with temperatures warming up but not yet at their peak – perfect for sightseeing and exploring.
Head for Chania in western Crete, a gorgeous seaside town that quietly steals your heart. One moment you’re wandering through a maze of honey-coloured lanes in the Old Town, passing Venetian façades and Ottoman arches, the next, you’re at the harbour watching the sun melt into the sea beside a 16th-century lighthouse.
And relax...
There are two hotels owned by the same family here – the Giannoulis family – with the boutique-style Santa Marina Plaza located in the Aghia Marina area. It’s right on the beachfront and just a 15-minute drive from both Chania Old Town and the airport.
Enjoy panoramic sea views, and wake early to watch the sunrise from your balcony. There’s something incredibly peaceful about starting the day with the sound of the waves, followed by a quiet stroll along the beach before breakfast.
Complimentary yoga sessions on the grass every Tuesday and Thursday morning are the perfect way to ease into the day before heading down to the sandy beach. The bay itself feels like a hidden gem, with shallow, crystal-clear waters that rarely drop below 18 degrees, ideal for dipping your toes in or enjoying an early morning swim. For lunch, try the Greek salad and chicken souvlaki at the hotel with a glass of the local rosé.
Fun for everyone
Sister hotel, Cavo Spada, focuses on sports and wellness. This all-inclusive family resort is set in a peaceful part of the island, on a vast pebble beach, and has an impressive, lagoon-style pool with a bar in the middle.
It’s an excellent choice for families with teenage children as it offers both indoor and outdoor gyms, tennis and padel courts, and a full daily schedule of sports and activities to suit all fitness levels. You can also book a relaxing massage in the spa for some well-earned downtime.
The all-inclusive package includes meals at the large buffet-style restaurant as well as two additional à la carte dining options, providing plenty of variety. The spacious rooms are ideal for families, featuring separate baths and walk-in showers. For an extra special experience, we recommend splashing out on a swim-up room, they’re great fun and popular with the kids.
Food, glorious food
The food at both hotels is delicious. Don’t miss dinner at the à la carte Azzurro fine-dining restaurant at Cavo Spada, which serves beautifully prepared Mediterranean dishes. Try the fresh squid and succulent tuna, but the true star of the evening is a Greek brioche soaked in syrup, served with white chocolate and pistachio ice cream.
The island is known for its olive oil with the finest being cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil, best stored in the fridge and kept in a glass bottle rather than plastic to preserve its quality.
You must sample the Cretan wines too. Cavo Spada offers a complimentary wine and olive oil tasting once a week.
Visit the Venetian harbour
The enchanting old town is steeped in history, and the Archaeological Museum, housed in one of the city’s most iconic buildings, is well worth a visit. Fully air-conditioned, it offers a welcome escape from the sun while you delve into Chania’s ancient past. Inside, you can admire the mystical Clay Larnax, the delicate figurine of the Minoan goddess, and the elegant marble statue of Aphrodite.
Wander through the quieter, cobbled side streets and stumble upon hidden gems, from intimate little bars to stylish boutiques and shops selling beautifully crafted local goods.
Explore away
If you hire a car, be sure to make the trip to Elafonissi Beach, on Crete’s southwestern tip. This beautiful beach, famous for its pink sands, is a popular tourist spot although it tends to be less busy in the late afternoon.
Crete is also home to one of the oldest olive trees in the world. It’s believed to be around 3200 years old, and you’ll find it in the village of Ano Vouves, close to Cavo Spada Resort.
If you feel like splashing out, booking a boat trip is a great experience.
Take a catamaran cruise from Kolymbari Port via TUI (tuimusement.com), setting sail for Agioi Theodoroi, where the crew drop anchor so you can take in the sights, top up your tan, and try paddle boarding. The trip costs from £101, and includes a delicious traditional Greek lunch served on board.
Need to know
Seven nights at Giannoulis Santa Marina costs £913pp based on two adults sharing a double room on a half-board basis, including return flights from Birmingham Airport departing on 20 October, airport transfers and 20kg hold luggage.
Seven nights at Giannoulis Cavo Spada Luxury Sports and Leisure costs £782pp based on two adults sharing a deluxe double room on a half-board basis, including flights from Bournemouth Airport on 9 October, airport transfers and 20kg hold luggage.
Visit tui.co.uk, download the TUI app or pop into a TUI retail store.
For more information on Giannoulis Hotels & Resorts, please go to giannoulishotels.com
By Carly Honeyfield.