Georgioupolis holidays

Peace-seekers will be in their element during a holiday to Georgioupolis, which is home to Crete's longest beach.

Lazy days on Crete

Once not much more than a tiny fishing village, Georgioupolis has mushroomed into a tourist favourite. Its popularity has a lot to do with the long, sandy beach which gilds the shoreline for several kilometres. In fact, it’s the longest beach on all of Crete. Days don’t get any more active than draping yourself over a sunlounger and diving into a great holiday read.

A dinky chapel

One of Georgioupolis’ standout sights is the Chapel of St Nicholas, which you’ll find stashed away behind the harbour. Dedicated to the protector of seafarers, this teensy toothpaste-coloured place sticks out over the sea at the end of a rocky path that’s home to lots of little crabs. In winter, when the winds are strong, the whole chapel is lashed by crashing waves.

Trips to Lake Kournas

For a change in scenery, take a jaunt to Lake Kournas – you can drive there in 10 minutes, or relish the walk there through a pretty island landscape. With a mountain backdrop and banks lined with olive trees, the lake’s a relaxing setting for a swim. In the summer, the lake depth drops, so rolls of sand appear and form temporary beaches.