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Travellers who organise their holiday in advance enjoy a lot of advantages and a much wider choice. In popular destinations such as the island of Crete, booking early is especially useful, because demand is always high at the beginning and during the peak of the season.
Save up to ~40%. Early booking gives access to lower prices for tour packages, hotels, flights and extra services.
More hotel and tour options. You choose what you really want, not what is left a few weeks before departure.
No rush, no stress. There is time to prepare, compare offers and plan activities and excursions for the whole family.
Flexible travel dates. Early booking means you can match your holiday perfectly to school breaks and personal plans.
Season 2026 from Chișinău. Direct flight of about 2.5–3 hours, with hotel–airport–hotel transfer included in the tour package.
Why should you book your holiday early?
You save money. One of the main advantages of early booking is the lower cost of the tour package. You can benefit from discounts and access the best prices for hotels, flights and other services.
Wide choice of hotels and tours. Early booking lets you choose what you want, not what is still available. In high season or around holidays, it can be difficult to find free hotel rooms in popular destinations.
Less stress, less hurry. Thanks to early booking, you have more time to get ready for the trip. You can calmly plan additional activities and your route for visiting attractions.
Flexibility to choose your travel period. Early booking gives you the chance to choose the best travel dates and adapt your plans to your needs.
The advantages of early booking on Crete
The tour operator can plan your trip without rush and select the best tours before the busy season starts, applying special discounts for early booking.
You can benefit from guaranteed bonuses and discounts if you book outside the season, when demand is low. For some tours the price may drop by up to 40% when booked early.
Seasons on Crete: what to expect
Peak season (June–August) – beach holidays in summer are the most popular on Crete. Many tourists come for the swimming season, prices for accommodation and flights are high, and beaches and attractions can be crowded.
Shoulder season (April–May and September–October) – in spring and autumn the weather on Crete is pleasant for holidays, but there are fewer tourists on the beaches. You can relax in a calmer atmosphere and at more affordable prices.
Off-season (November–March) – in the winter months you cannot really sunbathe or swim on Crete, but you can explore the island and its attractions. Tours are at their lowest prices, although many tourist services are limited or closed.
Early booking for a family holiday
If you are planning a holiday with your family, take a close look at early booking tours that include more facilities and extra services. Many hotels have children’s pools that are safe for little ones from about 3 years old and are shallow enough for them.
Some resort hotels offer kids’ clubs with fun and educational activities, as well as lots of interaction with other children. You can choose family rooms or apartments with several separate bedrooms and a living room, which are ideal for larger families and comfortable long stays.
Beach holiday on Crete: TOP 5 beaches
Elafonissi – a beach on the south-west coast of Crete, famous for its pink sand and crystal-clear water. It is located in a national park and surrounded by spectacular natural landscapes. There are comfortable areas for sunbathing, sunbeds for rent and cafés or tavernas serving traditional cuisine.
Balos – a stunning beach on the island, popular for its bright turquoise water and fine white sand. It lies in a lagoon; the sea is shallow, which makes it ideal for travellers who are not strong swimmers. You can reach it by yacht or overland, walking through a wild yet safe nature reserve. Excursions to this beach are organised frequently.
Preveli – a beach in the south of the island with a palm grove and a freshwater river that flows into the sea. It is a secluded place with impressive nature, yet still offers facilities for tourists. You can park your car close to the beach, bars stay open until late evening, and sunbeds with umbrellas are available for rent. Showers and toilets are a short walk away.
Agios Nikolaos – a beach in the resort town of the same name, very popular among tourists. It is surrounded by cafés, shops and tavernas. Here you can rent water transport or go diving.
Chania – around the port city of Chania you will find several beautiful beaches, including Agios Marinas and Naxos. The resort offers excellent conditions for a beach holiday without giving up the comfort of the city: a wide range of services, colourful bars and cafés, rental of sports and diving equipment and many other activities.
Must-see attractions on the island of Crete
Crete is the largest Greek island, with unique nature and a rich history. These are the places we highly recommend adding to your itinerary.
Knossos Palace – an ancient complex built by the Minoan civilisation in the 2nd millennium BC. It is one of the most important archaeological sites on Crete, full of history and legends.
Archaeological Museum of Heraklion – located in the island’s capital, Heraklion, it houses one of the richest collections of historical artefacts, including masterpieces of the Minoan civilisation.
Arkadi Monastery – an Orthodox Greek monastery not far from Rethymnon, famous for its historical role in Crete’s struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire.
Samaria Gorge – located in the western part of Crete, it is one of the most impressive gorges in Europe. A hiking trail runs through it, with breathtaking views all along the way.
Mount Ida (Psiloritis) – the highest mountain on Crete, also known as Psiloritis. On its slopes lies the cave where, according to legend, Zeus was born.
TOP resorts on the island of Crete
Crete is quite large and offers many resorts, but a few of them stand out as especially attractive.
Heraklion – a resort in the island’s capital with a very well-developed infrastructure. It offers a wide variety of hotels and is perfect for history and architecture lovers. Travellers can spend time in the city’s cafés and restaurants, and several beaches are just a short walk away.
Rethymnon – often chosen by travellers who prefer active holidays. The resort is surrounded by nature reserves, and its convenient location lets you reach most of the island’s attractions easily. The Venetian architecture is impressive, and the beaches are great for family holidays.
Chania – another resort city and the second-largest city on Crete. Besides being close to the port, it is famous for its unique cypress forests and clean sandy beaches.
Early booking of hotels on Crete
Once you have decided on the destination, it is time to choose the right hotel that matches your budget and preferences. Early booking helps a lot here. Below is a selection of some of the best options in different price categories, all with a good quality–price ratio.
3-star hotels: comfort and savings
CLUB LYDA HOTEL (3*) – a hotel in the Heraklion area, offering everything you need for a family holiday. On site you will find children’s playgrounds and a kids’ club with staff looking after the little ones, as well as cosy terraces nearby. Rooms are furnished, equipped with air conditioning and a shower, and some apartments have balconies.
TALEA BEACH (3*) – a seafront hotel near the small village of Bali, on the north coast of Crete. It has 120 comfortable rooms with wonderful sea views. A very good choice for a romantic holiday away from the city noise.
LEFKONIKO BEACH HOTEL (3*) – a budget-friendly hotel in Rethymnon with good infrastructure and comfortable rooms, many of them with sea views. The property features two pools, a lounge bar, parking and an event hall. Several sandy beaches are located nearby.
4-star hotels: great value for money
BALI MARE HOTEL (4*) – located in a picturesque area with convenient access to some of the best beaches on the island. Many tavernas, bars and shops are within walking distance. The hotel is built in an Italian style and offers a variety of spacious rooms with all necessary amenities.
MISTRAL MARE HOTEL (4*) – situated near the well-known beach by the Kalo Chorio hillside. Guests of the complex can use the outdoor pool with free sunbeds. There is also a gym with fitness equipment, a spa area and a sauna. In the buffet restaurant you can try dishes from both traditional Greek and European cuisine.
POLLIS HOTEL (4*) – a hotel in Hersonissos, close to the main attractions of the resort. It offers a variety of spacious rooms and room-service meals. On site you will find a kids’ club, a restaurant and a pool.
5-star hotels: luxury and exclusivity
OUT OF THE BLUE CAPSIS ELITE RESORT (5*) – a comfortable luxury resort on a peninsula near Agia Pelagia. It offers a full range of services: pools with clean water, several restaurants, a spa centre with hydromassage and jacuzzi. Children will love the Minoan theme park with activities and animation supervised by trained staff.
CRETA MARIS BEACH RESORT (5*) – located right next to Hersonissos Beach, operating on an all-inclusive basis. The resort has several pools, including a heated one, a cinema, a waterpark and a diving area. Rooms offer luxurious facilities and beautiful sea views.
NANA GOLDEN BEACH (5*) – the “pearl” of the Heraklion area. Guests enjoy spacious rooms with impressive views, access to several pools, a spa centre and a sports complex with tennis courts.
Flights from Chișinău to Crete
Early booking of a tour to Crete for the 2026 season gives you the chance to choose the best options with departure from Chișinău. The flight takes approximately 2.5–3 hours. When you book a package tour, the transfer hotel–airport–hotel is usually included.
For early bookings, details and information about the necessary documents, you can contact Admiral.Travel experts or fill in the form on our travel agency’s website.
Planning is the secret of a perfect holiday. Early booking for a 2026 holiday on Crete gives you the opportunity to spend your vacation exactly as you imagined it. You can be sure this Greek island will not disappoint you – with its culture, nature and hospitality. Book your ideal holiday today!
Wonderful beaches, ancient myths and delicious food have never been so accessible!
What to do on Crete during your holiday
Crete combines beach relaxation, cultural sightseeing and active tourism perfectly. When you book early, you can build all your favourite activities directly into your travel plan.
• Spend lazy days on top beaches such as Elafonissi, Balos, Preveli, Agios Nikolaos and the beaches around Chania.
• Visit Knossos Palace, the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion and Arkadi Monastery to dive into Cretan history.
• Go hiking through Samaria Gorge or take excursions in the Mount Ida area, where Zeus is said to have been born.
• Stroll through the old streets of Heraklion, Rethymnon and Chania, dine in traditional tavernas and taste local cuisine and seafood.
• Choose a hotel with animation, kids’ clubs and pools so that every family member feels on holiday.
By planning these activities at the booking stage, you avoid last-minute stress and can easily balance beach time, excursions and free time.
Suggested 1-day itinerary on Crete
In the morning, start with a visit to Knossos Palace to immerse yourself in Minoan myths and legends. After the tour, head to Heraklion, walk around the city centre and visit the Archaeological Museum.
In the afternoon, continue your day at a nearby beach or drive to the resort of Rethymnon, where you can combine swimming with a stroll through the Venetian old town.
In the evening, book a table in a seafront taverna, enjoy Greek cuisine and then return to your hotel. If excursions and restaurants are reserved in advance, you do not have to worry about queues or fully booked venues.
Suggested 2-day itinerary on Crete
Day 1. Focus on history and culture: visit Knossos Palace, take a walking tour of Heraklion, see the Archaeological Museum and end the day in a traditional taverna. If you stay in Heraklion or Rethymnon, it is easy to add a few hours on the beach as well.
Day 2. Dedicate the day to spectacular landscapes: choose an excursion to Balos or Elafonissi beach, or a hike through Samaria Gorge. In the evening, stay in Chania and walk along the picturesque Venetian harbour.
Early booking helps you secure the excursions you want on the exact dates you need and avoid the “sold out” situation for popular tours in high season.
FAQ about early booking of holidays on Crete
Why should I book a tour to Crete early?
Early booking gives you better prices, more hotel options and a higher chance to find places available on your exact travel dates, especially in high season.
How many months in advance should I book?
Ideally 3–6 months before departure. For peak summer dates, the earlier you book, the easier it is to secure your preferred hotel and price.
What kind of discounts can I get with early booking?
Depending on the offer and period, early booking discounts can reach roughly 40% compared to standard tour package prices.
Is early booking suitable for families with children?
Yes. Many hotels on Crete offer children’s pools, clubs, animation and family rooms, and these options are easiest to secure when you book in advance.
When is the best time of year to holiday on Crete?
June, July and August are the classic high season, while April–May and September–October are great for a quieter and often more affordable holiday.
Can I combine beach time with sightseeing?
Absolutely. You can spend mornings on the beach and afternoons visiting Knossos Palace, the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, Arkadi Monastery and other sites.
Which beaches are best for families?
Family-friendly options include beaches around Heraklion, Rethymnon and Chania, as well as Balos Lagoon, Elafonissi and the Agios Nikolaos area.
How long is the flight from Chișinău to Crete?
The flight usually takes around 2.5–3 hours, depending on the airline and route. Package tours normally include a transfer from the airport to the hotel.
Is the airport–hotel transfer included in early booking offers?
In Admiral.Travel packages for Crete, the airport–hotel–airport transfer is usually included, unless otherwise specified in the tour conditions.
Should I choose a 3*, 4* or 5* hotel?
3-star hotels are good for a budget stay, 4-star hotels offer a comfortable balance of price and quality, while 5-star resorts provide maximum service, spa facilities and extensive infrastructure.
Is Crete suitable for active holidays?
Yes. Crete is excellent for hiking through gorges, mountain walks, water sports, diving and exploring historic towns and villages.
Can I change my travel dates after booking?
This depends on the specific offer and fare rules. Many early booking promotions have special change and cancellation conditions, so always check the terms before confirming.
Do I need a visa to travel to Greece?
Visa requirements depend on your citizenship and travel documents. It is best to check the latest information with Admiral.Travel specialists before your trip.
Why should I book Crete with Admiral.Travel?
You get personalised advice, carefully selected hotels on Crete, attractive early booking deals and support throughout your holiday.
What documents do I need to book a tour?
Usually you need passport details, contact information and a signed travel contract. For families with children, additional documents may be required; the agency will tell you exactly which ones.
How do I choose the right resort on Crete?
For nightlife, look at Hersonissos and Heraklion; for relaxed family holidays, Rethymnon and Chania are ideal; for romantic views, Bali and Agios Nikolaos are excellent choices.