September is known to be the tail end of summer in Crete. Whilst it doesn’t have the scorching temperatures of August, it’s still a hot month to visit. Temperatures still reach the mid-high 20’s. This makes it ideal for sightseeing.
Where to visit…
Chania area
Holidays to the Chania area revolve around the beach, but there’s a gorge to hike and ruins to explore when you want a break from the sand.
Blue Flag beaches
Set on the north coast, the Chania region offers up more beaches than you can count on two hands. The stretches of sand range from the Blue Flag beauties in Agioi Apostoloi and Gerani to the chic bar-lined strip in Agia Marina.
Chania Town
Chania Town is an old town full of ancient architecture, including historical Venetian mansions and Turkish hammams. Its covered market is often touted as one of the best places to buy local produce in Greece and the harbour area has a cosmopolitan after-dark scene.
Sightseeing
Exploring Crete is easy when you’re based in Chania. In fact, the sightseeing opportunities begin before you even step outside the region. The village of Maleme, for example, is the site of Crete’s most famous World War Two battle. A little further afield, you’ll find the Samaria Gorge, where you can trace your way around 18 miles worth of walking trails.
Heraklion area
Holidays to the Heraklion area of Crete have something to offer around the clock, starting with early morning sunbathing stints on the beach and ending in dusk-until-dawn clubbing.
Rainbow beaches
The Heraklion area’s bragging rights begin with its beaches. The stretches of sand in this central part of Crete’s north coast are impossible to pigeonhole – they range from the lively 18 to 30s hangouts in Malia to the rugged bays of the deserted island, Dia.
Lively nightlife
The Heraklion area has the first word when it comes to nightlife in Crete. Hersonissos has a stockpile of bars and nightclubs, but even this pales in comparison to what Malia has to offer. Thanks to foam parties, shooter bars and nightclub booze cruises, the after-dark scene in this town can easily turn into after-dawn action.
The Palace of Knossos
While half of the Heraklion area’s visitors come here to live in the moment, the other half come to explore the past. The Palace of Knossos is just a few miles from Heraklion city centre. According to legend, the foundations of this Bronze Age city were filled with an inescapable labyrinth, which was guarded by a vicious Minotaur.
Rethymnon area
Beach time tops the priority list during holidays to the Rethymnon area, but if you’re willing to leave your sun lounger, you’ll be rewarded by the region’s history and locally-made wine.
Beaches that go the distance
It’s the beaches that turn heads in the Rethymnon area. This part of north-east Crete has some of the best stretches of sand on the island. The main town beach is so long, you could run a half-marathon along its length. Most beaches come with the full list of facilities, too. There are tavernas by the shore, watersports in the sea, and sunloungers on the sand.
Rethymnon Town
Rethymnon Town itself is watercolour worthy. In the old quarter, the buildings date back to the 16th century. Juliette balconies, cobbled streets and stamp-sized piazzas complete the look here. Then there’s the harbour, which is lined with Venetian-style town houses and overlooked by a castle.
Local wine
Most people who visit the Rethymnon area don’t want to tear themselves away from the sea and sand. For those who do explore, just desserts come in the form of views from hilltop villages, like Archanes, and locally-made wine from the region’s vineyards.
We recommend…
Apollon Apartments (3 star)
- Chania, Greece
- Board: Self-Catering
- Flying From: London Stansted
- 7 Nights: Tue 26 Sep 2023
- Passengers: 2 Adults, 1 Room
- Baggage: 22Kg Allowance
- Per Person From £526 (Was £576)
Offering a warm and friendly atmosphere combines with views of pretty flower gardens and mountains make the Apollon Apartments a great choice for a stress-free holiday. Studios and apartments are well-maintained and are complemented by a large outdoor pool and a great poolside snack bar. These apartments also benefit from a fantastic location; they’re close to the beach as well as a strip lined with shops, bars and tavernas and there’s a local bus stop nearby providing services to Rethymnon too.
- 800m from the nearest beach, shops, bars and restaurants. 4km from Rethymnon resort centre.
- Pool bar with satellite TV.
- Mini market*. Games room*. Free Wi-Fi in reception and lounge areas.
- 2 outdoor pools including children’s pool.
*Local charges apply. We endeavour to show you images of the actual room described however, this may not always be possible; actual view and/or room size or layout may vary e.g. you may not see an image of a sea view or garden view in the image but you will have the option of booking your preferred view when selecting your preferences.
Going Out: London Stansted – Chania
Depart: Tuesday 26 Sep 2023 at 05:55 Arrive: Tuesday 26 Sep 2023 at 12:05 (Flight Duration: 4 hrs 10 mins)
Coming Back: Chania – London Stansted
Depart: Tuesday 3 Oct 2023 at 13:00 Arrive: Tuesday 3 Oct 2023 at 15:10 (Flight Duration: 4 hrs 10 mins)
Price correct on 05/09/2023, based on two adults travelling with Jet 2 Holidays.
