7-day holiday in Crete | Crete Discovery Tour

Route

You explore Crete from the east, with excursions to historic sites, coastal towns and the island’s interior.

Pace

Relaxed and family-friendly. Culture and sea alternate, with plenty of free time for “one last swim”.

Highlights

Heraklion and Knossos, Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, Minoan sites such as Phaistos and Gortys, and the palm forest of Vai, where it feels like stepping into another world.

Accommodation

You stay at Cretan Malia Park, a stylish and green resort.

Profile

For families who want to discover Crete without rushing. Ideal for combining culture and beach time.

Day 1: Departure for Heraklion

Upon arrival at the airport, collect your hire car and drive to the luxurious Cretan Malia Park (34 km). This lush resort will be your base for the next six nights.

Day 2: Heraklion & Knossos

Explore the capital, Heraklion, with its charming shopping streets and impressive Archaeological Museum. In the afternoon, visit the mythical Palace of Knossos (home to the legend of the Minotaur) or opt for the interactive Labyrinth Park, ideal for children.

Day 3: Elounda, Spinalonga and Agios Nikolaos

Drive to the charming coastal town of Elounda for lunch by the water. You may wish to take the ferry to the historic island of Spinalonga. Round off the day in the fashionable Agios Nikolaos, where you’ll dine at the famous inner harbour.

Day 4: Gortys, Phaistos & Matala

Head inland to Phaistos, the spectacularly situated Minoan palace. Combine culture with relaxation in the hippie bay of Matala, where the children can play to their hearts’ content on the beach and in the famous rock caves.

Day 5: Relaxing at the hotel

Enjoy the hotel’s facilities. Whilst the children have fun at the kids’ club, you can relax by the ‘river pool’ or during a yoga session. The day ends on a culinary note with an exclusive pop-up dinner in the resort’s botanical herb garden.

Day 6: the idyllic palm groves of Vai

Take a beautiful drive to Europe’s only natural palm oasis. The white beach and turquoise sea of Vai offer an idyllic sight. Explore the surrounding bays and authentic villages in this unique eastern part of Crete.

Day 7: Return home

Once you’ve checked out, this memorable holiday is sadly over. You’ll drive back to Heraklion Airport, where you’ll return your hire car and board your flight home.

What should you expect in terms of budget?

For this tour, you can expect a guide price starting from €7,000 for two people. This price includes international flights, a hire car and accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, and depends on your travel dates, hotel choices and any extras such as excursions or extensions.

Frequently asked questions about this holiday in Crete

When is the best time to travel for this holiday?

Choose between May and October. May and June are ideal for cultural visits to Knossos thanks to the mild temperatures. In the autumn (September–October), the peak crowds have passed, but the sea remains lovely and warm for a dip at the palm-fringed beach of Vaï.

Is this programme suitable for families with children?

Absolutely. The pace is relaxed and the Cretan Malia Park offers excellent facilities for children. Activities such as the mythological Labyrinth Park and the shallow beaches at Elounda and Vaï make this an ideal, relaxing family holiday.

What is the difference compared to a tour of the whole island?

This trip focuses on Eastern Crete from a single, fixed luxury resort, ensuring maximum peace and quiet and less packing. On a full round-the-island tour, you cover much greater distances, stay in different locations and also visit the rugged gorges and beaches in the far west.