Overlooked by a Venetian fortress, the bustling town of Rethymnon has a fabulous harbour, lined with shops, restaurants and bars. Sunbathing on the beautiful sandy beach is a lovely way to spend your days, but there's also lots of watersports and activities if you can lift yourself from your sunbed.

Drive time: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours

The largest and most southerly of the Greek Islands, Crete offers more variety and sunshine than any other. It's an extremely independent island and the Cretans are proud of their home and the hospitality they offer to visitors. Crete boasts a marvellous climate, excellent thriving resorts, unspoilt beaches, areas of stunning natural beauty and a history steeped in mythology and great feats of ancient civilisations. Its landscape is varied and beautiful. Snow capped mountains until May, fertile areas ablaze with colour, and the famous Samaria gorge - Europe's longest at 18 kilometres with rugged slopes plunging 600 metres to the valley floor. A visit to the famous archaeological sites is a must, whether its the Minoan Palace at Knossos, home of the legendary Minotaur, or smaller sites at Malia and Phaestos. To discover a Crete that few visit, hire a car and drive down to the south of the island. The main resorts along the long northern coastline each have their own charm and points of interest. Whether you wish for beach life, nightlife, great restaurants or a little of each, we are sure that you will find a resort to suit you.

From Heraklion Airport to: Hersonissos - 45 minutes approx.; Stalis - 1 hour approx.; Malia - 1 hour 15 minutes approx.; Aghios Nikolaos: 2 hours, 30 mins approx.; Elounda: 2 hours, 30 mins approx.; Koutouloufari: 1 hour approx.