Crete deals: when it's cheap, all-inclusive and last minute
April, May and the end of the season are cheapest: a guide to packages, all-inclusive and last-minute deals in Crete.
- Cheapest in April, May, late September and October; dearest in July, August and holidays.
- Most all-inclusive hotels are on the north coast: Hersonissos, Malia, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos.
- Most resort hotels close for winter at the end of October.
If you can, travel outside July and August, compare a package with booking separately, and check exactly what the price includes.
How to find a deal to Crete
Crete is one of the easiest places to find a good-value holiday: there are direct flights from Israel to Heraklion and Chania, hundreds of hotels, and a long season from April to the end of October. The price depends mainly on three things: when you travel, what kind of hotel you choose, and whether you book a package or each part separately.
When is it cheapest to go to Crete?
July, August and Israeli holidays are the most expensive. Prices are lower at the start of the season (April and May) and at the end (late September and October). According to crete.direct, many hotels cut prices at the end of the season to fill rooms in the last weeks before closing. By the end of October most resort hotels close for the winter, and mainly city hotels in Heraklion, Chania and Rethymno stay open. See Crete month by month.
All-inclusive packages in Crete
Crete has more all-inclusive hotels than most of Greece, mainly along the north coast: around Hersonissos and Malia, near Rethymno, and around Agios Nikolaos. All-inclusive suits families with children especially, as food, drinks and pools are in the price. What to check before booking:
- What exactly is included: only buffet meals, or also drinks, à la carte restaurants and snacks.
- Distance to the beach: some "beachfront" hotels are actually across a road.
- Airport transfers, and whether they are in the package.
Last-minute deals
If your dates are flexible you can find last-minute deals, especially outside the peak months. Compare an agency package, flight and hotel booked separately, and comparison sites. Sometimes the package is cheaper because of the flight price, sometimes booking separately is. On the direct routes: flights from Tel Aviv to Crete.
Crete deals for religious or kosher families
For kosher travellers, Crete has hotels with kosher programmes in season, and a Chabad house in Hersonissos. See kosher hotels in Crete and kosher food and Chabad in Hersonissos. Check the dates, as kosher programmes usually run for only part of the season.
More ways to save in Crete
- Hire car: Crete is big, and a hire car saves on transfers and organised tours. Book ahead in summer. See car hire in Crete.
- Food: village tavernas are cheaper than restaurants on resort promenades.
- Luggage: check what your ticket includes, as an extra suitcase can make a cheap deal expensive.
FAQ
When is it cheapest to fly to Crete? April and May, and late September and October. July, August and holidays are the most expensive.
Where are the all-inclusive hotels in Crete? Mainly on the north coast: Hersonissos, Malia, the Rethymno area and Agios Nikolaos.
Are hotels in Crete open in winter? Most resort hotels close at the end of October. Heraklion, Chania and Rethymno have hotels open all year.
Is a package or separate flight and hotel better? It depends on the dates. Compare both, including luggage and transfers.
