Koutouloufari Village Holiday Club

Koutouloufari Village Holiday Club offers amenities and resort experiences to ensure stays are every bit intriguing as they are unforgettable. From a sprawling outdoor swimming pool complete with Jacuzzi and sauna, to non-stop fun and entertainment, table tennis and billiards, plus wellness treatments from Aegeo Spa, and specially discounted greens fees at The Crete Golf Club – there’s a wealth of adventures to choose from on both land and sea.

The Crete Golf Club is home to the first 18-hole golf course established on the island of Crete. It offers visitors a challenging and enjoyable golf experience throughout the year. The course has been built in a unique desert inspired design, with each hole individually sculptured to blend into the existing landscape. Resort guests are also offered special discounts on greens fees.

CRETAquarium is a fantastic public aquarium located near the town of Gournes in Crete, east of the city of Heraklion. It is home to some 2,000 sea animals, including 200 different species found in the Mediterranean basin that successfully represent the Cretan and Mediterranean Sea beds. Additionally, CretAquarium offers educational programs and interactive experiences, cares for injured sea animals, and is routinely enriched with new marine species. The park welcomes millions of visitors every year from all over the world.

Labyrinth Theme Park is a family-focused attraction with numerous interactive activities, and is beautifully located among the scenic hills above the town of Hersonissos. The main attraction of the park is its stone Labyrinth, complemented by a variety of activities and attractions. Throughout each day, educational videos depicting the Minoan Civilization are offered in the projector room, while outside there are adventures for kids such as mini-golf and quad bikes. There’s an Eco-Garden for nature lovers, featuring aromatic Cretan herbs, local fruit and vegetables, and many flowering plants.

There is also an on-site café that offers refreshing drinks, salads and sandwiches, and plenty of ice cream to enjoy!

For more than two decades, Acqua Plus has established itself as the most popular water park on the island of Crete! It is situated about 3 miles from Hersonissos, adjacent to the Crete Golf Club and only 18 miles from the city of Heraklion.

The water park has two sections — one for adults which includes several exciting water slides, and another that is more geared toward children to enjoy.

The gorgeous rocky island of Spinalonga is located in the Gulf of Elounda in north-eastern Crete. Originally, Spinalonga was not an individual island – it was actually part of the island of Crete. Due to its strategic location during Venetian occupation, the island was carved out of the coast and was fortified for defense purposes and served a variety of roles and purposes over the centuries.

Spinalonga has a rather interesting history. And today, thousands of travelers visit by boat from Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Plaka each summer as it is one of the most popular archaeological sites in Crete.

Strolling around the island takes about an hour, but the serenity of the place and its rich history will certainly tempt you into spending much longer.

This museum displays extraordinary artifacts from the Neolithic and Roman period, along with an impressive collection of Minoan pieces such as the renowned “The Blue Ladies” and “The Prince with the Lilies.” It is worth combining your visit to the museum with a tour to the Palace of Knossos, and perhaps enjoy a lunch at the nearby traditional village of Archanes.

This palace is considered the monumental symbol of Minoan Civilization (2000–1350 B.C.) due to its impressive architecture and construction, use of luxury materials, advanced building techniques, and impressive size. In myth, the Palace of Knossos was the seat of the great King Minos, and where the infamous Minotaur resided.

The Traditional Village of Archanes

This picturesque village built on the slopes of Mount Giouhtas is situated in the heart of the most prized wine producing region of Crete. It has more than 5,000 years of history and is also famous for its distinctive Cretan architecture.

The Village of Saint George

A tiny village on the southern side of the Lassithi plateau and a window into the roots of Crete, highlighted by villagers dressed in traditional Cretan garb, original Cretan architecture, and picturesque taverns decorated with the traditional bright Cretan textiles.

The Village of Kritsa

Located near Aghios Nikolaos in Lassithi, Krista is a charming village in the mountain foothills with narrow winding lanes and plenty of character. The village is renowned for the skill of its local weavers and embroiderers. Visit just to see the beautiful lacework, tablecloths and other clothing on display and for sale in the village. Nearby are the ruins of the Dorian city of Lato, plus Kritsa Gorge and the Katharo Plateau which leads through the Dikti Mountains to Lassithi Plateau.

The tranquil Lassithi Plateau, 900m above sea level, is an magnificently beautiful expanse of green fields interspersed with almond trees and orchards, offering a sense of secluded rural Crete. Some of the most characteristic features of the plateau are the 26 stone flour mills and the linear drainage works that were built by the Venetians.

Western Crete is definitely worth a visit. Explore the beautiful towns of Rethymno and Chania, featuring remarkable Venetian architecture. Visit the 16th century monastery of Arkadi, or for the adventurous — enjoy a hike at the Samaria gorge.