Resorts & Beaches in Crete: The largest resorts can be found on the north coast and to the east of the capital Heraklion. Malia is the main clubbing resort. Hersonissos is the closest resort to Heraklion and offers plenty of nightlife. Stalis is lively but more traditional, Aghios Nikolaos is probably the prettiest town in Crete with its large lagoon fringed by many bars, restaurants and shops.

Crete is famous for its golden sands, Rethymnon is a lovely resort with four miles of sand and plenty of water sports. Malia offers one of the best beaches on the island as well as being famous for its nightlife. North west Crete has a fantastic beach called Vai which is surrounded by the largest palm tree forest in Europe.

The northwestern side of Crete some say has the best beaches, Balos beach has warm waters and soft white sand, Elafonissi in south Chania has a fantastic beach with exotic crystal waters, Falassarna in the west is a large sandy beach close to Kissamos, it's ideal for families and children due to its soft sand and facilities, it's also good for water sports. Top Tip: try the hidden gem that is Stefanou Beach north of Chania.

Greek History: If you like exploring Greek history, Crete has more extensive archaeological remains than any other Greek island. The best-known is the Minoan palace on Knossos, just outside Heraklion. History fans should also check-out the award-winning Knossos Museum with it's fascinating collection of Minoan Empire remains.

Boat Excursion: Boat Tour to Gramvousa & Balos Lagoon: This breath-taking boat tour in the north-western tip of Crete will take you to the world-famous Balos Lagoon where you can swim in the most amazingly clear waters and discover beautiful secluded beaches. Explore the island of Gramvousa, take a 20-minute hike up to the Venetian Castle, located 137 meters above sea level and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Balos Lagoon.

Shopping: Heraklion has the best shopping, as one of the largest cities in Greece it has much to offer. For bargains check out the central market on a Saturday. Chania, has a gorgeous 14th-century Venetian harbor, narrow streets and waterfront restaurants, it can be found in the north west of the island and is best known for its leather goods. Chania has strong Venetian and Turkish influences that's reflected in it's shops & restaurants.

Bus Transport: Buses are the main form of public transport in Crete and they provide an extensive network, making it relatively easy to travel between major towns and villages. Travel is safe and buses are quite comfortable and do a great job connecting visitors to the major cities of Heraklion, Rethymnon, Chania and Agios Nikolaos.

Taxi's: Taxi's in Crete are plentiful however overcharging can be a problem. If possible find out in advance the approximate fare for your journey, and agree on a price with the taxi driver before starting your journey. You can ask at the airport information desk or your hotel reception for reasonable taxi rates for your destination, or buy a reliableup-to-date guidebook containing taxi fare guides.

Food & Dining: All Greek islands are famous for moussaka, greek salad and fried cheese. Baklava is a sticky pastry dessert covered in nuts, wash it down with some local retsina or Metaxa brandy. If you have a strong stomach try the local raki (made of twice-distilled grapes and anise).

Nightlife & Club Scene: The clubbing capital of Crete is Malia, famous for its live music and incredible atmosphere. You'll find yourself surrounded by lots of like-minded party people, with the many bars and clubs keeping you dancing until dawn. Other resorts renowned for their energetic nightlife include Stalis, Hersonissos and Agios Nikolaos. Don'tforget the more traditional or chilled-out nightlife, such as the late night Greek tavernas and the popular beach and cocktails bars.

Heraklion International Airport (HER). Crete International Airport is located 5km (3 miles) east of the city of Heraklion.

There are two international airports on Crete: Heraklion Airport (HER) and Chania Airport (CHQ) both airports are very busy, especially during the summer months. Chania Airport is located in the north-west of Crete on the 'Akrotiri' peninsula, a few kilometres east of the city of Chania.

A new airport located 39km to the south-east of the city at Kasteli, is currently under construction and is due to open by 2025. Once completed the new Kasteli International Airport will replace Heraklion International Airport as the hub for central Crete.

Airport Transport and Shuttle Services:
From Airport to Heraklion and beyond. Taxi's are available outside the arrivals hall, they provide a quick and efficient service but it is advisable to agree the price with the driver before the journey. Alternatively local buses leave from the airport every few minutes from early morning until late in the evening from Monday to Saturday and less frequently on Sundays.

Car Hire: Car Hire is recommended as a way to easily explore Crete's four mountain ranges, hundreds of beaches and stunning scenery. Most major car rental companies are represented at Heraklion (HER) airport.