Cheap holiday Crete
Crete is Greece’s largest island: Minoan palaces, the Venetian harbour of Chania, gorges to hike and beaches with pink sand. Direct flights from Eindhoven to Heraklion, a week from €480 per person.
✈️ Plan your trip to Crete →When is the best time to go?
May, June and September to October are ideal: 24 to 28 degrees, a warm sea and fewer crowds than in peak season. The sea is warmest in August and September. July and August are scorching (often above 32 degrees) and the most expensive. Direct flights run from April to October.
The best regions in Crete
- Heraklion The lively capital and base for the Palace of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum.
- Chania The island’s prettiest old town, around a Venetian harbour with a lighthouse, narrow lanes and fish tavernas.
- Rethymno A compact Venetian-Ottoman town with a fortress, a long sandy beach and an easy-going vibe.
- Agios Nikolaos & Elounda The chic east with marinas, Lake Voulismeni and boat trips to Spinalonga.
- South coast (Plakias, Matala, Preveli) The quieter, rugged side with palm beaches and caves, best explored by rental car.
Top 5 things to do in Crete
- Palace of Knossos The 4000-year-old Minoan palace near Heraklion, the island’s most important monument (€20 in 2026).
- Venetian harbour of Chania Stroll along the quay to the 16th-century lighthouse, especially magical at sunset (free).
- Samaria Gorge A 16-kilometre hike through one of Europe’s deepest gorges, 4 to 6 hours on foot (€10).
- Elafonisi A shallow lagoon with pink sand on the western tip, one of Greece’s most beautiful beaches (free beach).
- Spinalonga The Venetian fortress and former leper island, reached by boat from Plaka, Elounda or Agios Nikolaos.
Flights + transport from the Netherlands
From Eindhoven you fly direct to Heraklion (HER) in about 3 hours 20, with Transavia, TUI fly and Corendon. To Chania (CHQ) you fly direct from Schiphol with Transavia, Aegean or Ryanair. KTEL buses link the north coast (Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania) for a few euros; city bus 2 takes you from Heraklion to Knossos in 20 minutes (around €2). For the south coast and remote beaches a rental car is best (from about €30 per day).
What does a trip to Crete cost?
A room or studio costs from €25, mid-range hotels €60 to 110 and apartments around €80 per night. Food is affordable: a gyros €4, a taverna meal €13 to 16 and a frappe €3. Budget from €480 per person for a week including a direct flight. Tip: go in late May or early June for a warm sea without the crowds and prices of July and August.
Similar destinations
Like Crete? Check out these sunny spots too:
Plan better with these guides
Practical tips to get more travel value from the same budget:
Frequently asked questions about Crete
When is the best time to visit Crete?
May, June and September to October: 24 to 28 degrees, a warm sea and less crowded than in July and August.
Which area is best to stay in Crete?
Chania for atmosphere and the prettiest old town, Heraklion for Knossos and good connections, or Rethymno for a beach with a village feel.
How do I get to Crete from the Netherlands?
Direct from Eindhoven to Heraklion (HER) in about 3 hours 20 with Transavia, TUI fly or Corendon, or from Schiphol to Chania (CHQ).
What does a holiday in Crete cost?
From €480 per person for a week including a direct flight; rooms from €25 and mid-range hotels €60 to 110 per night.
🗺️ Where do you want to stay in Crete?
Hotels, vacation rentals and hostels in Crete on the map. Click a pin for live prices and direct booking.
Interactive map from our partner Stay22. Loads only when you click. If you book through a partner we earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.