Get ready for sun, fun, and sea with this fantastic 9-day beach vacation in Gournes! Embark on coastal adventures at some of the most beautiful beaches in Crete.

Nestled along the northern coast of Crete, the District of Chersonissos beckons with its sun-drenched beaches, ancient ruins, and vibrant nightlife. As one of Greece's most popular tourist destinations, Chersonissos boasts a unique blend of traditional charm and modern allure. The azure waters of the Aegean Sea provide a stunning backdrop to this coastal paradise, where visitors can indulge in everything from lazy beach days to thrilling water sports.

Wander through the charming streets of the old town, where cobblestone pathways lead you to quaint tavernas and boutique shops. History enthusiasts will delight in exploring the remnants of ancient civilizations, such as the Roman Fountain and the nearby Minoan Palace of Malia. The district's rich cultural heritage is further showcased in its numerous museums, including the Lychnostatis Open Air Museum, which offers a fascinating glimpse into Cretan life and traditions.

For those seeking adventure, the bustling port town is a gateway to an array of excursions. Embark on a boat trip to the serene island of Dia, or hike through the rugged beauty of the Avdou Valley. As the sun sets, Chersonissos transforms into a lively hub of entertainment, with its waterfront bars, clubs, and restaurants offering a vibrant nightlife that caters to all tastes.

Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a party-goer, the District of Chersonissos promises an unforgettable experience. Its unique blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and modern amenities makes it a must-visit destination on the island of Crete. Discover more about this captivating locale by visiting the District of Chersonissos's official website.

Experience bliss as you swim in dark green waters, walk along beaches of brown sand, and listen to the relaxing sound of waves. With this beach holiday package, you’ll have a comfortable and fun-filled vacation in Gournes, one of the best beach destinations in Crete.

This well-crafted itinerary offers 9 days and 8 nights in Gournes, near the most stunning beaches. Indulge in sea-to-table dining at top restaurants, savoring the freshest flavors of Gournes. As the sun sets, experience nightlife by the sea at popular bars, bringing a perfect end to your idyllic escape.

Enjoy hassle-free travel planning by including flights to Crete in your package. Upon your arrival in Gournes, hop into your rental car, transfer, or public transportation and let the fun begin! Beautiful beaches and other wondrous sights await your discovery!

Whether you’re into thrilling water sports or seeking a peaceful retreat, Gournes offers something for everyone. At Paralia Kokkini Chani alone, you can spend your days enjoying various beach activities. It’s an idyllic place to unwind and explore beyond the glistening shore and dark green waters.

As for accommodation, Gournes has an incredible selection of luxurious and affordable options catering to all travel styles. You'll choose from some of the most recommended places to stay in Gournes, ensuring your stay fits your needs.

When you're not swimming or sunbathing, you can take leisurely strolls along the beautiful coastline and visit iconic sights in Gournes. Among our top recommendations are the wonderful Knossos Palace and the remarkable Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Aside from sightseeing, you can also indulge in shopping. You'll have easy access to local markets and shopping areas from your lodgings. There, you can browse souvenir stores and buy gifts for people back home. Try local delicacies, chat with residents, and immerse yourself in the culture of the area.

To further elevate your beach vacation experience in Gournes, add exhilarating tours and exclusive tickets to your itinerary. Between admiring the mesmerizing seascapes, you can go on thrilling boat excursions, captivating island tours, or vibrant nightlife experiences. Our carefully selected options cater to every adventurer. Whether you're with family, friends, or on a solo journey, we'll help you transform your Crete getaway into an adventure of a lifetime.

This package holiday has everything you need to enjoy a smooth and hassle-free beach vacation in Crete. You’ll have comfortable accommodation at a prime location for 8 nights. There, you'll have easy access to top-rated local restaurants. Additionally, if you are keen to explore beyond Gournes, add an insured rental car to your holiday package. Enjoy the breeze of the sea as you cruise along the coastlines and embark on day trips to popular destinations in Crete.

Make the most of this deal by customizing it to your needs. Add flights to your package, reserve tickets or tours, and experience new things each day of your beach vacation. Plus, enjoy 24/7 travel support and a step-by-step guide accessible via our mobile application.

So, dig your toes into the sand and create memorable experiences on your retreat in Gournes. Choose your travel dates and start planning the best beach vacation in Crete!

Itinerary summary

See a summary of the itinerary that you can fully customize

Days

Destination

Attractions

Overnight

Day

City & Overnight

Attractions

Day 1

Day 2

Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre•Acqua Plus•Paralia Kokkini Chani

Day 3

Nikos Kazantzakis Museum•Kounaviano Gorge•Paralia Kokkini Chani

Day 4

Morosini Fountain•Heraklion Archaeological Museum•Knossos Palace•Paralia Kokkini Chani

Day 5

GREEK MYTHOLOGY thematic park•Σπήλαιο Δικταίου Άντρου•Paralia Kokkini Chani

Day 6

ELA Quad Safari•Quad Safari Peninsula•Paralia Kokkini Chani

Personalize your itinerary

Customize tours under each day and destination

Day 1

Day 1 – Heraklion and Gournes - arrival day

District of Chersonissos - Arrival day
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Your relaxing beach vacation in Crete begins in wonderful Gournes, your home for 9 days and 8 nights. The sight of Paralia Kokkini Chani will instantly invigorate your spirit. In this beautiful paradise, you’ll be surrounded by the beautiful seascapes and crystal clear waters, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience.

As you soak up the sun and enjoy the beautiful village of Gournes, having the perfect place to stay is essential. We offer a diverse selection of accommodations to meet your preferences, ensuring you have the best options at your fingertips. Choose from the top hotels and places to stay in Gournes, each providing a unique experience to enhance your time by the sea.

Once you've settled into your accommodation, get ready to explore the relaxing Paralia Kokkini Chani. Paralia Kokkini Chani is a beach within a settlement, where beachgoers are provided conveniences — toilets. This oasis offers access to all, free of charge, ensuring those who visit can enjoy a piece of paradise and the simple pleasures of beach life.

Gournes also offers plenty of things to do when you’re not enjoying the dark green waters of Paralia Kokkini Chani. Make use of the good weather and add more fun to your beach vacation in Gournes with a little change of scenery and various experiences.

After a day at the beach and exploring the hidden gems of Gournes, take a break for a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants and bars in the area. Whether you're craving fresh seafood, traditional cuisine, or international delights, Gournes offers an array of culinary delights to tantalize your taste buds.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Taverna KRiTES, a top-rated dining destination in Gournes.

Number one on our list of recommendations is Kafenedaki - Kafenedaki, a popular spot where many locals and visitors hang out for a drink or two. It's a great place to mingle and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

End the night in Crete with a toast and prepare for another day of a fun beach vacation in Gournes and the brown sand of Paralia Kokkini Chani.

Day 2

Day 2 – Gournes

District of Chersonissos
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Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre
Acqua Plus
Paralia Kokkini Chani
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Prepare for some fun under the sun on day 2 of your beach vacation in Gournes. Go for a nice swim in the dark green waters of Paralia Kokkini Chani and enjoy the breathtaking coastal views. Make the most of your remaining 7 nights in this top beach destination!

Slip into your flip-flops and get ready to explore the relaxing Paralia Kokkini Chani, a remarkable getaway providing access to all, free of charge. This beach boasts dark green waters and conveniences like toilets. At the end of the day, unwind on Paralia Kokkini Chani’s brown sand as the sun dips below the horizon.

Get into your favorite beach attire and grab your camera for a day of sightseeing and exploring in Gournes. Don't forget to interact with the warm and friendly locals.

Take a trip to the remarkable Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre. This popular aquarium in Gournes has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,807 reviews. Another wonderful place to visit is Acqua Plus, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,668 travelers.

Your destination has so much more to offer beyond its shores of brown sand and dark green waters. Discover more about this place and add more excitement to your beach vacation in Crete by embarking on popular tours and excursions. Joining tours will give you a deeper understanding of Gournes’s history and culture while meeting other adventurers like you.

After a day of doing some exciting beach vacation activities, it’s now time to satisfy your cravings by sampling the best food and drinks in Gournes. Delight in the flavors of fresh seafood, traditional cuisine, and international dishes crafted with local ingredients.

Make sure to reserve a table at Mikri Vouli, an iconic dining spot in Gournes. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world.

Number one on our list of recommendations is De L'art Shisha Cafe, a popular spot where many locals and visitors hang out for a drink or two. It's a great place to mingle and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Raise your glass to an amazing night in Gournes as you look ahead to another fantastic day of your beach vacation in Crete!

Day 3

Day 3 – Gournes

District of Chersonissos
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Nikos Kazantzakis Museum
Kounaviano Gorge
Paralia Kokkini Chani
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Day 3 of your coastal holiday in Gournes offers more awe-inspiring Paralia Kokkini Chani vistas. With 6 nights to immerse yourself in this haven, each moment is a snapshot of paradise.

Set out to discover the charms of the relaxing Paralia Kokkini Chani, providing access to all, free of charge.

For beachgoers’ comfort and enjoyment, Paralia Kokkini Chani offers amenities like toilets.

When you’re not lazing on the beach, you can spend time participating in water activities to make your beach vacation more fun. Or, take the opportunity to explore some of the most remarkable attractions in Gournes.

Nikos Kazantzakis Museum is one spectacular attraction worth visiting. The attraction, which is a popular museum in the area, has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 786 visitors. Another must-see is the wonderful canyon, Kounaviano Gorge. It has been given an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 190 people.

Take advantage of the good weather in Gournes when you join popular activities and tours. These experiences offer the opportunity of a lifetime to immerse yourself in the culture of Gournes and create meaningful holiday memories.

After a day of beach vacation activities and exploration, it’s time to enjoy the local food culture and nightlife. Taste the delicious dishes of Gournes from the best restaurants and bars in the area near Paralia Kokkini Chani.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Ambrosia Taverna, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight.

Unwind and make friends with the locals and other travelers at Wembley Bar. As one of the top bars in the area, this spot is known for its variety of drinks and relaxing atmosphere, making it a great place to end your day by the beach.

End day 3 with a toast, and prepare for another unforgettable and fun day of your beach vacation in Gournes!

Day 4

Day 4 – Gournes

District of Chersonissos
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Morosini Fountain
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Knossos Palace
Paralia Kokkini Chani
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Put on your beach hat as day 4 in Gournes promises another day of new discoveries. Have breakfast by the shores of Paralia Kokkini Chani for a one-of-a-kind experience. You still have 5 nights to savor in this beautiful paradise.

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Paralia Kokkini Chani, renowned as one of the most stunning beaches in Gournes. Gather your beach buddies and prepare for a delightful day filled with activities that will keep you entertained. At Paralia Kokkini Chani, you have access to an array of conveniences such as toilets.

Ready for some sightseeing? Make the most of the good weather and let your colorful flip-flops take you to some of the famous attractions in Gournes.

One of the top sights you should check out in Gournes is the captivating Morosini Fountain. This has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 22,185 visitors. Another famous sight you should see during your holiday is the captivating museum, Heraklion Archaeological Museum. It is so popular that its annual visitor count is around 104,717 people. Heraklion Archaeological Museum enjoys an outstanding rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 28,611 travelers.

To double the fun and excitement on your beach vacation in Crete, we also recommend adding tours to your travel itinerary. Tours are a great way to engage in immersive activities, meet other vacationers like you, and experience Gournes’s unique culture.

After a day of exploring and having fun doing all your beach vacation activities, it’s time you get a taste of Gournes’s local food culture. Discover culinary delights ranging from fresh seafood to traditional cuisine, enhancing your beach vacation experience in Gournes with unforgettable flavors.

Don’t miss out on dining at Pepper grill & more, a top-rated dining destination in Gournes.

Order some of the best-tasting cocktails and celebrate the night away at Dimos. This famous bar is known for its incredible atmosphere and excellent drinks.

Raise your glass to an amazing night as you look ahead to another fantastic day of your beach vacation in Crete.

Day 5

Day 5 – Gournes

District of Chersonissos
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GREEK MYTHOLOGY thematic park
Σπήλαιο Δικταίου Άντρου
Paralia Kokkini Chani
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Delve deeper into the wonders of Gournes on day 5 of your splendid seaside escapade in Crete! A trip to Paralia Kokkini Chani maximizes the 4 nights you have left in this mesmerizing coastal retreat, so take the plunge!

Dive into the scenic beauty of Paralia Kokkini Chani, a gem offering access to all, free of charge. At Paralia Kokkini Chani, beachgoers can indulge in the comforts of amenities like toilets.

After admiring the beautiful views from the beach and feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin, get ready to explore some of the famous sights in Gournes! With accommodation located close to the area's most-visited attractions, sightseeing will be a breeze.

Drop by the wonderful Greek Mythology Thematic Park. This unforgettable amusement park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,011 vacationers. If you want to make your beach trip more memorable, we recommend a visit to the wonderful cave, Cave Of Diktaion Andron. Around 8,410 visitors have given it an average score of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Make more amazing memories during your beach vacation in Crete by adding tours and activities to your travel itinerary. Tours are another exciting way to experience the best of Gournes, immersing yourself in local customs and meeting new friends.

Make sure to reserve a table at Athivoli, an iconic dining spot in Gournes. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world.

Experience the unique nightlife by the beach at 'baraki' Bar. This highly recommended bar is a top spot for beachgoers, offering stunning ocean views and a relaxing coastal atmosphere.

Toast to a well-deserved beach vacation in this paradise called Gournes and look forward to another fantastic day in Crete! Looking for a change of scenery?

Day 6

Day 6 – Gournes

District of Chersonissos
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ELA Quad Safari
Quad Safari Peninsula
Paralia Kokkini Chani
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Day 6 of your leisurely beach vacation in Crete promises another day of fun in Gournes. Cherish the 3 nights you have left in this dreamy place.

Marvel at the pristine surroundings of the relaxing Paralia Kokkini Chani, known for its brown sand and dark green waters. This oasis offers access to all, free of charge.

Prepare to be enchanted by the allure of Gournes's captivating attractions. To begin, we have curated the best attractions in Gournes for you.

One of the top attractions you should visit in the area is Ela Quad Safari. This place is a well-known safari park and tourist spot, with a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 1,509 reviews. Another must-see attraction is the Quad Safari Peninsula, a charming safari park, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 3,874 people.

Take a break from gallivanting around Gournes and sample the best-tasting food in the area. Aside from its enchanting dark green waters and magnificent dreamy shores, Gournes takes pride in its many restaurants and bars that offer a wide selection of savory meals, from local delicacies to fresh seafood.

Spend the night sipping your favorite cocktail at Marel All Day Long. This bar, located right by the beach, is highly recommended in the area for its excellent drinks and relaxing coastal atmosphere.

End day 6 in Crete with a toast, and prepare for another unforgettable and fun day of your beach vacation in Gournes!

Day 7

Day 7 – Gournes

District of Chersonissos
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Monastery Panagia Kera Kardiotissa
Platanus Tree
Paralia Kokkini Chani
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Watch the sunrise over the dark green waters of Paralia Kokkini Chani on day 7 of your beach vacation in Crete. Take part in exciting beach activities and explore Gournes’s hidden gems. With 2 nights left in Gournes, make every moment memorable!

Paralia Kokkini Chani serves as a beautiful backdrop for a terrific holiday in Gournes. Paralia Kokkini Chani also provides an array of amenities for visitors’ comfort and enjoyment, including toilets.

For those just looking to unwind, Paralia Kokkini Chani is a haven where you can enjoy leisurely strolls along its brown sand while taking in the relaxing sight of its dark green waters.

Get into your favorite beach attire and grab your camera for a day of sightseeing and exploring in Gournes. Don't forget to interact with the warm and friendly locals.

Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery is one of the must-visits in the area. This place is a favorite among travelers, with 2,842 individuals having rated it 4.6 out of 5 stars. Another sight you shouldn't miss is the wonderful Mnimeiakos Platanos. Because of this monument's unique features, Mnimeiakos Platanos has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,771 visitors.

Experience the unique nightlife by the beach at Club Cafe and order your favorite drinks. This highly recommended bar offers stunning ocean views and a relaxing coastal atmosphere.

Celebrate a day of sightseeing and partying as you look forward to another wonderful day in Crete.

Day 8

Day 8 – Gournes

District of Chersonissos
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Watercity Waterpark Crete
CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos
Paralia Kokkini Chani
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Prepare for some fun under the sun on day 8 of your beach vacation in Gournes. Go for a nice swim in the dark green waters of Paralia Kokkini Chani and enjoy the breathtaking coastal views. Make the most of your remaining 1 night in this top beach destination!

Take a trip to the remarkable Watercity Waterpark Crete. This popular water park in Gournes has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5,653 reviews. Another wonderful place to visit is Cretaquarium Thalassokosmos, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 21,905 travelers.

With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Gournes.

Number one on our list of recommendations is Edelweiss - Cafe - Bar, a popular spot where many locals and visitors hang out for a drink or two. It's a great place to mingle and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Raise your glass to an amazing night in Gournes as you look ahead to another fantastic day of your beach vacation in Crete!

Day 9

Day 9 – Gournes and Heraklion - departure day

District of Chersonissos - Departure day
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Paralia Kokkini Chani
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Slip on your favorite beach outfit as your beach vacation in Crete ends on day 9. This is your last chance to indulge in the sun and dark green waters of Gournes and create memorable experiences at the stunning Paralia Kokkini Chani.

Make the most of your beach vacation in Gournes on your last day. Depending on your flight schedule, you may be able to squeeze in some last-minute exploring of the area’s attractions and shopping centers after enjoying Paralia Kokkini Chani and its dark green waters one last time.

You can also take this opportunity to have a meal at one of Gournes’s go-to restaurants to cap off the last day of your beach vacation in Crete.

Finally, it’s time to bid farewell to Crete and end your beach vacation in Gournes. The memorable experiences you’ve had in the coastal gem of Gournes are bound to remain etched in your memory for the rest of your life.

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