Holidays in Crete - Heraklion (Greece): tours from Almaty from 1 058 000 ₸

Holidays in Crete - Heraklion is a Greek destination with a season from April to October and a peak in July–August. There are no direct flights from Almaty: tours to Crete - Heraklion are built with connections in Istanbul, Athens or Dubai, with travel time from 8–10 hours. The airport is located 5 km from the centre, and it takes 15–40 minutes to reach the resorts of Amoudara, Hersonissos and Malia.

Preparing for the trip and the first hours in Heraklion

A trip to Crete - Heraklion begins long before boarding the plane. Let us break down how to prepare for a journey from Almaty and what awaits a tourist upon arrival.

Packing for the road and documents for the trip

Residents of Almaty plan a trip to Crete with a time buffer, especially in high season. Documents are prepared in advance, and a medical policy is arranged before submission — otherwise the package will not be accepted. Tours to Crete - Heraklion are more convenient to book after all the papers are already in hand: then dates and the hotel are chosen calmly. It is convenient for residents of Almaty that all formalities are handled locally, without travelling to another city. The Greek side welcomes guests from April to October, and the peak falls in July–August. Holidays in Crete are planned at least two months before departure.

Routes with a connection and transfer from the airport

There are no direct flights from Almaty to Heraklion, and Crete is reached with a connection. The usual connecting hubs are Istanbul, Athens or Dubai, and the travel time with a connection is from 8–10 hours. Heraklion Airport named after Kazantzakis is located 5 km from the city centre. People travel to hotels in the resort area by taxi or transfer, and the journey takes 15–40 minutes. It is better to order a transfer in advance, then the meeting in the arrivals hall takes place without waiting. The Greek side welcomes the tourist with warm air and the sea, and this is the first thing that is remembered.

Money, communications and everyday little things

Currency, communications and sockets are three things that are remembered at the last moment. In Crete everything is solved simply if you prepare in advance.

Euro, cards and currency exchange

The currency in Crete is the euro, and Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted almost everywhere. Cash will still come in handy: at markets, in village tavernas and for tips. Exchanging tenge in Heraklion is unprofitable and there is almost nowhere to do it. It is better to bring euros from Almaty or withdraw them from ATMs upon arrival. Tips in Greece are not mandatory, but it is customary to leave 5–10% in restaurants and 1–2 euros for help with luggage. Holidays in Crete become calmer when small notes are at hand.

SIM card, internet and sockets

A local SIM card from Cosmote, Vodafone or Nova provides internet without roaming. Roaming from Kazakhstani operators is also an option, but more expensive. Internet in hotels is usually available, although the speed in rooms is sometimes lower than in the lobby. Sockets in Greece are type C and F, voltage 230 V, so an adapter is needed for Kazakhstani plugs. The language barrier is minimal: in tourist areas English is spoken. Russian is encountered less often, but it is understood in tavernas and shops. Crete - Heraklion Greece is a destination where everyday little things are solved in one evening.

Where to stay and what to try

Accommodation and food are two things that determine the impression of a trip. In Crete the choice is wide, from city hotels to resort complexes.

City hotels and resort complexes of Amoudara, Hersonissos and Malia

In Heraklion itself people stay in city hotels and apartments, near the port and the embankment. In Amoudara, Hersonissos and Malia resort complexes with pools and all inclusive meals predominate. High season is booked 2–3 months in advance, especially for July–August, when prices are at their maximum and choice is limited. Amoudara is suitable for families: the beach is calm, the entry into the sea is gradual. Hersonissos is chosen for its lively embankment and proximity to Heraklion. Malia attracts young people with bars and a long sandy beach. Holidays in Crete are more convenient to plan by comparing these three areas in advance.

Tavernas, Cretan wine and raki

Greek cuisine in Crete rests on simple products: moussaka, souvlaki, Greek salad, dakos, fresh fish and seafood. Local olive oil and feta cheese are part of almost every dish. Cretan wine and raki are worth trying in tavernas, and not only in hotel bars. Raki is served as an aperitif, often free with food. Portions in tavernas are generous, so it is better to order gradually. The bill is often accompanied by a compliment from the owner. Tours to Crete - Heraklion often include dinners, but dining in the city is more interesting.

How to get around and what to see?

Transport in Crete determines how much a tourist will manage to see. There are two options: your own car or buses.

Car rental and KTEL buses

Car rental is a convenient way to see the island, but an international driving licence and attentiveness on mountain serpentines are needed. Public transport is represented by KTEL buses, which connect Heraklion with major cities and resorts. The schedule should be checked locally, because in low season there are fewer services. Buses run on schedule and cost less than a taxi. Parking in the centre of Heraklion is paid and cramped, which is worth considering when renting. Holidays in Crete with a car give freedom, but require a sober calculation of strength.

Beaches, gorges and old towns

The beaches of Crete are diverse: sandy in Malia and Amoudara, pebbly in other bays. The island's gorges attract lovers of hiking routes, and the best season for them is spring and autumn. Old towns preserve Venetian and Ottoman traces that are visible in the architecture. Greek history is felt here on every street. In summer it is hot in the gorges, so the outing is planned for the morning. Crete - Heraklion Greece is not only the sea, but also the mountains next to it.

How to ensure safety, insurance and souvenirs?

Peace of mind on a trip is made up of a policy, caution and well-chosen gifts.

Medical policy and peace of mind on holiday

Medical insurance for a trip to Greece is mandatory, the minimum coverage is 30,000 euros. The policy is issued in advance, otherwise the documents will not be accepted. Crete is considered a calm destination, but you should keep an eye on your belongings in tourist places. Valuables are not left on the beach unattended. Pharmacies in cities operate on a schedule, and there are more of them in resort areas. A holiday in Crete is calmer when the policy and copies of documents are kept separate from the original.

What to bring home

Souvenirs from Crete are olive oil, cosmetics based on it, honey, herbal teas, ceramics and leather goods. Oil and cosmetics are convenient to transport in factory packaging. Honey and teas are bought at the markets of Heraklion, where they also bargain. Ceramics are fragile, so they are wrapped in clothes. Leather goods by local craftsmen last a long time. Tours to Crete - Heraklion often end with the purchase of just such gifts.

Visa and entry rules change: check with the primary source — the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, https://www.mfa.gr/en/visas/. The information on this page was verified on 14.09.2026.

In brief

• The page answers how to plan a trip from Almaty to the resorts of Heraklion and when to book it.
• The text collects seasons, a connecting flight, transfer, accommodation, cuisine, transport and souvenirs.
• Money, communications, sockets, insurance and safety on holiday are covered separately.
• A comparison of Amoudara, Hersonissos and Malia helps you choose an area for your type of trip.
• The material suggests booking timelines and explains how to get to the hotels from the airport.