Boasting the longest summers in Greece… Vineyards, Exceptional Beauty and Great Offers…
Here’s to hoping we can have a ‘Crete’ summer!
Olympic Holidays, the Greek Island Specialist with over 50 years of island travel expertise is the go-to tour operator for anyone looking to book a Crete adventure this summer.
When to go…In short – as soon as we’re allowed! Weather in the north of Crete is typically Mediterranean, in the south it’s almost subtropical. Spring comes early in March/April and summers are hot and dry with strong sea breezes. July & August are the hottest!
Why Crete…Alongside gorgeous sandy beaches and picturesque harbours, Crete is an island of impressive mountains and long, deep gorges. Hike through Samaria Gorge National Park to discover the cave where, according to legend, Zeus was born. Or walk within a deep fissure of rock from Omalso to Aghia Roumeli, about 11 miles – an exciting challenge for experienced walkers. Another tempting option is the lush landscape of Richtis Gorge – richly forested, cool and green, with a welcoming waterfall to soothe tired feet and the chance to swim from the lovely pebble beach as your reward.
With around 40 islands (and mainland Greece) within their portfolio, their in-depth knowledge of the destination is second to none. From Aegina to Zante, the tiny island of Tilos (Greece’s greenest island and the last place in Europe where elephants once lived!) to the sun drenched and popular island of Rhodes, island hopping around the Sporades or exploring the secret island of Symi – deposits are only £89pp to secure a booking (Atol protected) and you can fly from over 25 UK airports with a variety of airlines including BA.
Crete is the birthplace of the Minoans, who ruled 4,000 years ago, therefore no visit to the island is complete without a visit to the Palace of Knossos, south of the capital Heraklion. Heraklion also has a world-class archaeological museum which is a ‘must-see’ for heritage buffs who will be equally be fascinated by the Ottoman, Minoan and Roman influences on Chania, a city of Venetian architecture and a 14th century harbour. How about a gourmet trail into the countryside? Find rural tavernas which produce their own cheese, meat and olive oil and sample village recipes before taking home some honey, flavoured by mountain herbs.
There are also several vineyards to visit with plenty of opportunities to sample the produce, perhaps accompanied by a freshly prepared lunch. Many wineries also have olive groves alongside the vines, making and bottling their own oils. The regions of Archanes and Peza, around Heraklion, are particularly blessed with fertility and produce renowned grape varieties including liatiko, vilana, vidiano, thrapsathiri, malvasia, athiri, kotsifali and mandilaria.
Offers/Deals
Aqua Sun Village is a 4-star family friendly hotel with its own water park located in the popular entertainment district of Hersonissos with plenty to see and do in the local area. The hotel is like its own little village and for little guests, there is also an indoor and outdoor playground as well as the exhilarating slides at the hotels water park. Guests can enjoy food and refreshments at the buffet restaurant and pool side bar or visit local Greek tavernas in the area.
Families with children will love the location, especially as it’s so close to Labryinth Park – theme park based on mythology around the Greek Islands.
Family deal – 4* All Inclusive WATER PARK from £469pp for a family of 3 – Olympic Holidays is offering 7 nights at the 4* Aqua Sun Village, Hersonissos, Crete from £469pp per person based on 2 adults & 1 child travelling. The package includes 7 nights’ All Inclusive in A Standard Room (Economy)and return flights from London Luton airport . Departures are available on 07th July 2021, this includes a 30% saving (£210pp), Price was £679pp. For bookings call 0208 492 6868 or visit www.olympicholidays.com
Sunset Hotel Apartments is located in the picturesque village of Bali. The hotel offers close proximity to the beach and village and has been renovated with magnificent complex of rooms and apartments. Feel the coolness of the swimming pool under the Cretan sun, taste local and international dishes prepared by the hotel’s dedicated chefs. The Sunset Hotel Apartments puts guests in a great location with Crete. The village of Bali is beautiful yet laid back and quiet and guests can find a range of shops and traditional shops to spend evenings out.
Crete offer –4* Half Board from £369pp – Olympic Holidays is offering 7 nights at the 4* Sunset Hotel Apartments, Bali, Crete from £369 per person based on 2 people travelling. The package includes 7 nights’ Half Board accommodation in a Standard Apartmentwith return flights to London Luton airport. Departures are available on 29th September 2021, this includes 38% saving (£235pp), Price was £604pp. For bookings call 0208 492 6868 or visit www.olympicholidays.com
Stella Island Luxury Resort is situated on the coastal resort on Analipsi with only a 15-minute walk to the closest beach- the Stella Island Luxury Resort has a lagoon-style outdoor pool and a spa which stretches around the entire resort. There is also a fully equipped gym with personal training sessions for yoga and Pilates, and professional trainers to assist and encourage guests with their fitness regime. Narrow bridges criss-cross a large lagoon style pool; where your customers can lounge in sunken seating areas, or on islands dotted with beds and hammocks. With no less than five exquisite restaurants, three bars (we’d recommend the poolside cocktails!) and live music in the evenings.
Crete offer – 5* Half Board from £845pp – Olympic Holidays is offering 7 nights at the Adults Only 5* Stella Island Luxury Resort, Analipsi, Crete from £845 per person based on 2 people travelling. The package includes 7 nights’ Half Board accommodation in a Premium Room (PoolView) with return flights to London Gatwick airport. Departures are available on 18th October 2021, this includes 21% saving (£230pp), Price was £1075pp. For bookings call 0208 492 6868 or visit www.olympicholidays.com
