Nightlife · Crete · Greece
Crete nightlife
Where the evenings happen in Crete, from early drinks to late nights.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: PeterWikiSK, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Crete's nightlife ranges from the clubs of Malia and Hersonissos to bars in Chania's and Heraklion's old towns, raki bars with live lyra music and laid-back beach bars. The main areas are Malia, Hersonissos, Chania Old Town and Heraklion centre.
Key facts
- Nightlife areas
- 4
- Stay near the action
- Platanias and Agia Marina
- Local drink
- Raki (tsikoudia)
Where to go out
Malia
A strip of bars and clubs popular with young groups in summer.
Hersonissos
Seafront bars and clubs with a mixed resort crowd.
Chania Old Town
Cocktail bars around the harbour and in the lanes of Splantzia.
Heraklion centre
Cafés and bars around Korai street and Lions Square with a local, student crowd.
Nightlife tips
- Look out for live Cretan music nights in tavernas, especially in villages and in Rethymno.
- Plan transport back; buses stop early in the evening outside the main towns.
Evening sights
What to drink
- Raki (tsikoudia) — A clear spirit distilled from grape pomace, served ice-cold in small glasses and often offered free with fruit or dessert at the end of a meal.
Evenings through the year
Sunset and the overnight low decide how long the outdoor part of a night lasts. August has the warmest evenings, with lows around 22°C (72°F).
| Month | Sunset (15th) | Overnight low | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | About 17:31 | 9°C (48°F) | 11 |
| April | About 19:53 | 12°C (54°F) | 4 |
| July | About 20:36 | 22°C (72°F) | 0 |
| October | About 18:46 | 16°C (61°F) | 4 |
Getting home late
- Bus — Buy tickets at bus stations or online; some summer services fill up.
- Ferry — On the southwest coast, ferries link Chora Sfakion, Loutro, Agia Roumeli, Sougia and Paleochora, which have no road connections between them.
- Taxi — Taxis are available in towns and at airports; for long journeys, agree the fare before setting off.
Late-night bites
- Kalitsounia — Bakeries and tavernas across Crete, especially around Easter.
- Graviera — Tavernas, markets and village dairies, especially in the Psiloritis mountains.
- Apaki — Traditional tavernas and butchers across the island.
Staying safe at night
Crete is generally relaxed for visitors. Take care on narrow, winding mountain roads, carry plenty of water and sun protection on gorge hikes, and respect warning flags on windy west- and north-coast beaches, where currents can be strong.
- Emergency number
- 112 (European emergency number)
Where to stay for nightlife
$$ · Best for families, beach and nightlife
Platanias and Agia Marina
West of Chania, the coast road links a string of sandy beaches and resort villages, including Agia Marina and Platanias, with family hotels, tavernas, bars and water sports facing Thodorou island. Buses run into Chania in about 20–30 minutes.
- Good
- Long sandy beaches; Family-friendly hotels; Frequent buses to Chania
- Watch out
- Built-up resort feel; Busy main road
- Nearby
- Thodorou island, Chania, Kolymbari
Questions travellers ask
+Where is the best nightlife in Crete?
Malia, Hersonissos and Chania Old Town. A strip of bars and clubs popular with young groups in summer.
+Which area of Crete is best for nightlife?
Platanias and Agia Marina: Resort strip of sandy beaches west of Chania.