MSC Cruise & Stay In Crete: Get More From Your Greek Island Escape

One Holiday, Two Ways To Explore. What’s Not To Love?

Let’s face it. A cruise is a brilliant way to discover new destinations, but sometimes a single day in port just isn’t enough. You find a gorgeous beach, discover a taverna serving the best food you’ve tasted in years, and suddenly it’s time to get back on the ship. Rude, really.

That’s where a Cruise & Stay holiday in Crete comes in. Combining an MSC cruise with time on land gives you the opportunity to enjoy the excitement of a cruise and spend longer exploring one of Greece’s most fascinating islands.

Think beautiful beaches, ancient history, mountain scenery, traditional villages and long lunches that accidentally turn into the whole afternoon. Crete has all the ingredients for a memorable Mediterranean escape.

With Cruise Nation’s MSC Cruise & Stay in Crete packages, you can explore available holiday combinations and discover how to make more of your time in Greece.

So, grab your sunglasses. We’re heading to Crete.

Why Combine An MSC Cruise With A Stay In Crete?

Crete isn’t the sort of destination you want to rush. As Greece’s largest island, it offers a fascinating mix of history, beaches, lively towns and quieter corners where traditional island life continues at its own pace.

An MSC Cruise & Stay holiday gives you the opportunity to combine time exploring destinations by ship with extra time enjoying Crete on land.

Here are a few reasons to consider it:

• More time to explore: Spend longer discovering Crete rather than squeezing everything into a short port visit.
• A mix of experiences: Enjoy the variety of a cruise alongside the freedom of a hotel stay.
• Beaches and culture: Combine lazy afternoons by the sea with historic landmarks and traditional villages.
• Local food worth travelling for: Discover Cretan dishes, fresh seafood and traditional tavernas.
• A holiday with more variety: Enjoy the ship’s facilities while travelling, then settle into island life for a little longer.

The exact itinerary, hotel arrangements and order of your cruise and stay depend on the package you choose, so check the details before booking.

If you’re still exploring your options, our Mediterranean Cruise & Stay holidays offer a wider selection of destinations and package combinations.

Discover Heraklion And Crete’s Ancient History

If you’re interested in history, Crete has a rather impressive story to tell.

Heraklion is one of the island’s best-known cities and a useful starting point for exploring its archaeological heritage, lively markets and waterfront atmosphere.

One of the biggest attractions is the Palace of Knossos, associated with the ancient Minoan civilisation and the legendary story of King Minos and the Minotaur. Wandering around the archaeological site gives you a fascinating glimpse into one of Europe’s earliest advanced civilisations.

Back in Heraklion, you can explore local shops, discover traditional Cretan food and enjoy a leisurely coffee while watching everyday life unfold.

And if you’re wondering whether you can fit all that into a quick visit, remember: this is exactly why spending extra time on the island can be worthwhile.

Crete’s Beaches: Your Sun Lounger Is Calling

Not every day needs to involve ancient ruins and impressive historical facts. Sometimes, the perfect holiday plan consists of finding a beautiful beach and doing absolutely nothing productive.

Fortunately, Crete has plenty of coastline to explore.

Elafonissi Beach

Known for its striking turquoise water and pink-tinged sand in certain areas, Elafonissi is one of Crete’s most famous beach destinations.

It’s a wonderful place to enjoy the scenery, take photographs and spend time beside the sea. Its distance from some of the island’s main towns means it’s worth planning your journey in advance.

Balos Lagoon

Balos Lagoon is renowned for its shallow turquoise water, pale sand and dramatic coastal scenery.

Getting there requires a little planning, but the landscape makes it a memorable choice for travellers who enjoy exploring beyond the usual tourist hotspots.

Vai Beach

Located in eastern Crete, Vai is famous for its palm forest and sandy beach. It’s a different side of the island and an appealing option if you want to discover more of Crete’s varied coastline.

Of course, the best beach for you depends on where you’re staying and how much travelling you want to do. Crete is a large island, so check journey times before committing to a day trip.

Taste Your Way Around Crete

One of the best ways to experience a destination is through its food. Luckily, Crete gives you plenty of excuses to ignore the diet you promised yourself you’d start before the holiday.

Traditional Cretan cuisine makes generous use of olive oil, vegetables, herbs, cheeses, seafood and locally produced ingredients.

Keep an eye out for dishes such as:

• Dakos: A traditional Cretan dish made with barley rusks, tomatoes, olive oil and cheese.
• Kalitsounia: Small pastries that can be filled with cheese or other ingredients, depending on the recipe.
• Fresh seafood: Particularly tempting when enjoyed at a waterfront taverna.
• Local cheeses and olive oil: Two staples that give Cretan food much of its distinctive character.

Take your time over lunch, try something you’ve never ordered before and leave room for dessert. You’re on holiday, after all.

And if your afternoon sightseeing plan mysteriously gets delayed by another plate of local specialities, we promise not to judge.

Explore Traditional Villages And The Cretan Countryside

Crete’s appeal stretches well beyond its beaches and cities. Inland, you’ll find mountain landscapes, traditional villages and winding roads connecting communities with their own local character.

Exploring these areas can give you a different perspective on the island, particularly if you want to escape the busier resorts for a day.

You could spend time browsing village shops, stopping for a coffee in a local square or enjoying