CRETE, AN ISLAND STEEPED IN MILLENNIA OF HISTORY

MYTH, IMAGINATION, AND VIBRANT CULTURE BLEND SEAMLESSLY ON THIS CAPTIVATING ISLAND.

EXPLORE THE MEDITERRANEAN

EASTERN CRETE, THE PURE ESSENCE OF SUMMER

Beautiful beaches, hidden coves, and sparkling bays fringe the largest of the Greek islands. In eastern Crete, mountains rise over gentle villages and coastal towns, while gorges and valleys carve their way to the sea. Traces of the ancient Minoan civilisation are woven into the landscape.

THE ISLAND OF MINOANS

Crete’s ancient history is anchored by the great culture and seafaring mastery of Minoan civilisation. Experience its scale and sophistication in the sprawling palace complexes of Knossos, Phaistos, and Zakros.

EROTOKRITOS

The epic poem Erotokritos, a cherished romantic saga written by Vitsentzos Kornaros in early 17th-century Crete, dates to the island’s flourishing Venetian era, known as the Cretan Renaissance. It also lends our Cretan resort, Rocrita, its lyrical name.

CRETAN CUISINE

Healthy ancient practices, abundant local produce and fresh, seasonal flavours lie at the heart of the island`s culinary tradition.

THE ISLAND OF MINOANS

EROTOKRITOS

CRETAN CUISINE

Healthy ancient practices, abundant local produce and fresh, seasonal flavours lie at the heart of the island`s culinary tradition.

INDULGE

STAY IN ELLA RESORTS. LIVE THE EXPERIENCE

Trace the remnants of great civilisations across luminous beaches, rugged mountains, hidden headlands, fertile valleys, and steep gorges. All while remaining immersed in the island’s rich gastronomic culture.

EXPERIENCE ELLA

ATMOSPHERIC SPINALONGA

Take a short boat ride from the mainland to Spinalonga, a former leper colony on an islet in the Mirabello Gulf. Evocative and deeply moving.

VERDANT VAI

With its pale sands , emerald waters and palm forests fringing the shore, Vai beach brings vibes of the Caribbean or Indian Ocean to the eastern Mediterranean.

MINOAN MAGIC

Step back nearly four millennia to one of Greece’s most significant archaeological sites at Kato Zakros. A magnificent memento of Minoan civilisation.

A PALACE FIT FOR A KING

The ancient palace of King Minos, Knossos is the jewel in the crown of Crete’s archaeological sites. Richly frescoed walls and remnants of royal chambers, including the famed throne room, lie within the mythical home of the Minotaur.

PRETTY AS A PICTURE

Picturesque Plaka is a paradise postcard village. Traditional tavernas, sapphire water, and dramatic mountain scenery come together under a peerless blue sky.

IN VINO VERITAS

Part monastery, part winery, the 15th century Toplou Monastery, located in unspoilt Eastern Crete, is known for its imposing walls and distinctive bell tower.

GORGEOUS GORGES

Ravines and valleys carry rushing streams from the elevated Lasithi Plateau in eastern Crete down to the sea, while the Samaria Gorge in the west draws hikers from around the world.

SLEEPY SEASIDE STAY

The coastal village of Mochlos has thoughtfully preserved its Cretan character. Small boats bob from its shore to Agios Nikolaos, site of an ancient Minoan settlement.

Our resorts collection

CRETE

FAMILIES & FRIENDS

On a quiet southern Mediterranean shore, Rocrita is a world of stone, linen and light, shaped by the rhythm of the coast.

DISCOVER