Holidays to Stalis offer plenty of opportunity for sunbathing. The beach is spacious, dusted with powder-soft sand, lined with palm trees, and lapped by clear, turquoise waters. The beach is studded with beach-brollies and sun loungers, making it the perfect place to relax. With a shallow-shelving shore and regular lifeguard patrols, little ones can splash safely in the waters and nervous toe-dippers can float a bit easier. If you want water sports, head west, towards Malia, where you ‘ll find an exciting variety, such as windsurfing, banana boats, and water-skiing.

If you’re looking for family attractions in Stalis, just 15 minutes’ bus ride away is Crete’s much-loved Acqua Plus water park. Crete’s largest, it offers a range of extreme slides for adrenaline junkies, such as the Tsunami, the Kamikaze, and Two Massive Black Holes! For younger children, there’s a series of lower-key rides and slides, such as the Lazy River and Octopus Waterslides. Grown-ups can relax in the hydro-massage pool, and watch their children on the inflatable castle or enjoying a bout of table tennis.

Holidays to Stalis will introduce you to a beautiful, seaside resort that has managed to retain much of its original character. Stroll around the town and you’ll find old Venetian streets dotted with tavernas and old churches following the curve of the coast. Ideally located for day trips, you can catch a boat out to the fascinating Spinalonga Island, a tiny islet off the coast that still bears the remains of its Venetian fortifications. For something that’s both educational and entertaining, visit the Aquaworld Aquarium in Hersonissos, a rescue centre for reptiles and marine creatures, where hands-on interaction is part of the program.