Lyttos Beach Holidays

Lyttos Beach, on Crete’s northern coast, is a long stretch of golden sand backed by two luxury hotels. For everything else, the village of Analipsi is just five minutes’ walk away. It’s a calm spot with bars and tavernas along the main street. As for getting out and about, the buzz of Hersonissos is literally up the road, while historic Heraklion is just 30 minutes’ drive away.

Lyttos Beach boasts a long stretch of caramel-coloured sand, lapped by clear Mediterranean waters. It’s a peaceful spot with sunloungers and umbrellas along the shore, and you can hire pedalos and kayaks if you want to get out on the water. Plus, a two-kilometre coastal walk brings you to lively Anissaras Beach, known for its watersports. On top of that, the dozen or so beaches that run along Hersonissos are just a few minutes’ drive away. The main one is just west of the port – there’s a promenade there that’s packed with bars and restaurants.

Crete’s capital, Heraklion, is 30 minutes’ drive away. The Venetian castle, Koules, is right at the harbour entrance. There’s an exhibition inside that'll teach you all about its history. A short walk away is the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to relics stretching from prehistoric finds to Roman statues. There are Minoan artefacts, too – but it’s just a 10-minute drive from Heraklion to the Minoan Palace of Knossos itself. You can walk around the crumbling 4,000- year-old ruins, the legendary home of the Minotaur.