Hotels in Rethymnon

Located on the north-east coast of Crete, Stalis started out as a small, fishing village. However, once the world got wind of its white, powder-soft beach, the spectacularly sunny climate and the fantastic food, it blossomed into one of the island’s most popular holiday hotspots.

Today, Stalis is a fabulous fusion of old-school Cretan charm and modern, tourist-friendly bars and restaurants, making it very popular with British families and couples looking to enjoy a fun-filled holiday.

You’ll find a good range of attractions nearby: golfers will enjoy the superb setting and the challenging courses at the Crete Golf Club, while families can easily spend a day at the popular Acqua Plus water park. With plenty of shopping and things to do, booking your holidays to Stalis allows you to make your break just what you want it to be.

Things to do

With a bustling promenade, superb examples of Venetian architecture and a sumptuous, sun-kissed beach, this destination has been attracting families and couples to its gently-shelving shores for decades. While it’s not as lively as resorts such as Malia, you’ll find there are plenty of things to do on your Stalis holiday. If you’re travelling with children, be sure to make a day of it at the Acqua Plus waterpark, Crete’s largest water park and packed with dozens of slides and swimming pools. If you’ve any fans of the five-iron in your party, be sure to pay a visit to the Crete Golf Club, home to the island’s only 18-hole golf course.

Excellent beaches

Stalis is in a great location as it’s near to several sandy beaches. Its very own Stalis beach has lovely clean, white sand that slopes into shallow, warm, waters. Spending a whole day by the beach is easy as there are lots of things to do, including exhilarating water sports and several bars and restaurants close by.

History and culture

Much like the rest of Crete, tourism in Stalis grew dramatically in the 1980s. It was the beach that first gained attention from holidaymakers, because of the white sand and beautiful views of fishing boats on the horizon. In fact, today the coastal road holds the most activity in Stalis, with many shops, hotels, bars and tavernas lining the area. Stalis is quieter than its neighbouring resorts, which makes it particularly favourable for families. But travelling to Hersonissos and Malia is easy enough if you are in need of a wilder night out.

Vibrant nightlife

Whatever you’re after, Stalis has a unique range of after dark activities. Unwind in stylish cocktail bars or be entertained by live acts in the lively Irish pubs. Be puzzled in a pub quiz and watch a film at the little cinema, after eating at the large selection of tavernas situated along the waterfront.

Shopping

Stalis has lots of shops selling everything you could need for a beach holiday; so don’t worry if you forget your sun cream or even your swimsuit. Keep the kids entertained for hours with the inflatables, buckets and spades available too. You can pick up bargains from a range of boutiques, or buy one-of-a-kind, handmade jewellery from the resident goldsmiths working at the fantastic jewellers. Other shops and stalls sell all kinds of local products, from pottery and linen to olive oil, herbs and spices.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Aghios Nikolaos | Athens | Corfu | Crete | Elounda | Halkidiki | Heraklion | Hersonissos | Kalamata | Kefalonia | Kos | Lefkas | Lesbos | Malia | Mykonos | Olympius Riviera | Parga | Rethymnon | Rhodes | Santorini | Skiathos | Skopelos | Thassos | Zante 

A chocolate-box town set along Crete’s eastern coast, Aghios Nikolaos combines Greek good looks with a modern beach resort featuring some of the best attractions on the island. The town centres on a saltwater lake that provides a relaxing setting for relaxing, drinking and dining. Five golden beaches and a nearby water park will keep the kids happy, and the town’s energetic nightlife is popular with couples and clubbers.

Things to do

Get to know Aghios Nikolaos with a stroll around the enchanting Lake Voulismeni, and stop for lunch at a lakeside cafe. The lake connects to the glistening marina, where you can charter a boat to explore Crete’s sun-drenched coast or wander along the beaches. There are five to choose from in Aghios Nikolaos, each with fine, golden sand protected by green, rocky headlines. Take the kids for a day out at Acqua Plus, one of the biggest water parks in Crete, featuring slides, pools and lazy rivers. There are plenty of ways to spend your evenings, from Greek cuisine by the lake to wining and dining on the chic marina.

Beautiful beaches

Blessed with five long, golden beaches, you’ll never be short of somewhere to lay back and relax in Aghios Nikolaos. Just a short taxi boat ride puts all five of these stunning, family-friendly spots well within your grasp. They’re all great for paddling with the kids or just sitting back and topping up your tan.
If you’re into your water sport competitions, then check the dates of Aghios Nikolaos’ famous Naval Week. This is when such events as artistic swimming, water skiing and windsurfing contests take place all along the resort’s waterfront.

Fun at the farm

For a great day out, try the Cretan Olive Oil Farm, which is only a short distance from Aghios Nikolaos. This family run attraction is a fun day for both couples and families alike. Offering an exciting tour detailing the process of making olive oil, you’ll get the chance to make your own delicious olive oil and even enjoy some folk dancing.

Get cultural at the monastery

Built in a hillside over the Minoan city of Gournia, the Monastery of Faneromeni gives a tranquil view of the spectacular Greek countryside. On arrival, you’ll find a church with numerous fascinating paintings capturing the raw talent of great artists. Take in the intense mountain views from the top as you look down on the world below.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Athens | Corfu | Crete | Elounda | Halkidiki | Heraklion | Hersonissos | Kalamata | Kefalonia | Kos | Lefkas | Lesbos | Malia | Mykonos | Olympius Riviera | Parga | Rethymnon | Rhodes | Santorini | Skiathos | Skopelos | Stalis | Thassos | Zante 

Elounda is Crete's high-end resort teeming with five-star hotels and high-quality restaurants around a gleaming marina. There are stunning views from the honey-coloured beach out to historic Spinalonga Island (which is only a short sail away). If you’re looking to explore further afield, charming Aghios Nikolaos is just 15 minutes away, while little ones will love the superb Acqua Plus waterpark, which is around an hour from the resort.

Things to do

Holidays to Elounda will take you to some brilliant beaches; the nearest one is right in the heart of town. But there’s so much more to this resort than lazy days in the sunshine. If you want to explore, you can hop aboard a boat from the marina to visit the islet of Spinalonga, which is famous for its fascinating Venetian ruins and its past as a leper colony. When you return, you’ll be ready to sample the catch of the day at a waterfront restaurant; it’s a great place to watch the sun go down on the horizon. And if you’re looking for a family-friendly day out, you’ll find thrills galore at Acqua Plus; Crete’s best waterpark is less than an hour away by car, and it’s brimming with water slides, pools and rivers galore.

Relaxation and exploration

Elounda’s main beach proudly sports a Blue Flag, one of several on the island of Crete. It’s at the heart of Elounda, right next to the harbour, so it’s not hard to find. If you fancy shifting things up a gear or two, Acqua Plus is no more than an hour’s drive from Elounda and is one of Crete’s biggest waterparks.

The things you can do on your holiday in Elounda aren’t just restricted to what’s in Crete. Close by is the fortified islet of Spinalonga, which was most recently used as a leper colony. The beautiful island of Santorini, with its picturesque white and blue villages, is also in easy reach. You can see what other boat trips are available from Elounda’s marina.

Local culture

Go for a drive out of Elounda and you’ll find there are lots of other villages and towns to explore along this stretch of Crete’s coastline. Between them, they offer all the restaurants, beaches, nightlife and shopping you could want. Much of Crete still feels like you’re stepping into traditional Greece, with bustling local markets and atmospheric cobbled streets. The best way to soak up the culture, though, is to settle down for a while in a taverna or café bar, many of which in Elounda come with a view of the harbour.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Aghios Nikolaos | Athens | Corfu | Crete | Halkidiki | Heraklion | Hersonissos | Kalamata | Kefalonia | Kos | Lefkas | Lesbos | Malia | Mykonos | Olympius Riviera | Parga | Rethymnon | Rhodes | Santorini | Skiathos | Skopelos | Stalis | Thassos | Zante