Platanias, owing its name to the river which in legendary Homer’s time was called the “Lardanos”, is a lively seaside resort located at just 11 km west from Chania.

If the new town bustles with waterfront bars, clubs, restaurants, hotels and incredibly sandy beaches, the hillside old part known as Ano Platanias is still steeped in history and tradition.

Together with the close by Agia Marina, this is for sure one of the most popular areas in the island, able to offer unforgettable holiday experiences to families with children, couples and groups of friends alike.

A visit to Chania, which also hosts an airport, is equally recommended. The city, that has seen many civilisations come and go over thousands of years of settlement, from Minoans to Romans, Byzantine to Ottoman, this rich history has carved out a unique and mysterious town.

Most of the restaurants, museums, churches and craft shops centre around the gorgeous Venetian harbour, which represents a window into the past Turkish and Venetian architecture that has otherwise largely been destroyed by war. Watching the sunset past the old lighthouse is a truly unmissable experience, but the area offers a different picturesque aesthetic at any given time of day.

The dramatic, mountainous interior of Crete is also well worthy of exploration, remaining unspoilt and largely unchanged for hundreds of years. Incredible churches, and sleepy little villages are hidden round every bend as you wind your way across the sun baked landscape.

Be sure to sample the fresh fish they pull in from the harbour each day, or even take a boat out and do some fishing or snorkeling yourself!

Head to the West side of Crete to find some of the best beaches and most charming villages in the island. Indulge yourself by visiting the unique Balos lagoon and jumping into its turquoise waters, or have a truly Cretan dining experience in one of the many tavernas by the sea and taste the delicious seafood on offer.