Holidays in Crete - Rethymno (Greece): tours from Almaty from 1 490 000 ₸

Holidays in Crete - Rethymno is a laid-back resort on the northern coast of the island, reachable from Almaty with one or two connections. The best time to travel is June and September: the sea is warm, the beaches are less crowded, and prices are below peak. The journey takes from ten hours, and from the airports of Chania and Heraklion to the city it takes about an hour.

Visa, flight and first steps in Rethymno: what do you need to know?

A trip to Crete - Rethymno begins long before boarding the plane. This section briefly explains how the journey from Almaty is arranged, and what awaits a tourist on the spot.

Applying for a Schengen visa for citizens of Kazakhstan

A Schengen visa for holidays in Crete is arranged in advance, several months before departure. The application is submitted through a visa center, and in summer appointments are tight. The package of documents is standard: an application form, photo, insurance, confirmation of booking and tickets. Processing usually takes up to two weeks, but in high season it stretches out. For holidays in Crete - Rethymno, a permit issued by any Schengen country is suitable if Greece is listed as the main country of stay. Documents are submitted in person or through an accredited agency. Current requirements should be checked on the visa center's website before travelling.

Flight routes from Almaty and transfer to the city

There are no direct flights from Almaty to the island, so tours to Crete - Rethymno are arranged with one or two connections. The most convenient way is to fly via Istanbul, Dubai or European hubs — the total travel time with waiting takes from ten hours. You can arrive in Chania or Heraklion; from both airports it takes about an hour to the city. KTEL buses run regularly, but with luggage it is easier to order a transfer. Taxis and group shuttles meet you in the arrivals hall. The road along the northern coast is scenic: the sea on the right, olive groves on the left. On arrival, it is worth immediately getting oriented on the map — the center is compact and easy to explore on foot.

When is the best time to plan a trip to Crete?

Crete lies south of mainland Greece, so the warm season here lasts longer than usual. The choice of month determines both the weather, the prices, and the number of people on the beaches.

Swimming season and weather on the northern coast

Water comfortable for swimming on the northern coast of Crete lasts from mid-May to the end of October. In May the sea warms up to +20 °C, in July and August — to +26 °C, and in October it still stays around +23 °C. In summer the air rises above +30 °C, and the heat is easier to bear by the water. In spring and autumn the temperature is mild, around +22–25 °C, which is convenient for walks. In winter it is cool and rainy here, and swimming is not possible. Winds from the north sometimes bring waves, and then the beaches in bays are calmer than open stretches. For holidays in Crete - Rethymno, June and September remain the best choice.

High season, shoulder season and hotel occupancy

The peak falls in July and August, when hotels are booked several months in advance. At this time prices are at their maximum, and the popular beaches are crowded. June and September offer the same weather with fewer crowds and lower rates. May and October are the shoulder season: the sea is cooler, but the city is calm and excursions are cheaper. In winter some hotels close, and life is concentrated in the old center. Tours to Crete - Rethymno are more profitable to take at the beginning or at the end of the season. It is worth booking accommodation in advance even in the shoulder season — the choice of good options shrinks quickly.

Where to stay: old town or beach area

The choice of district determines the rhythm of the trip: some want to wake up by the sea, others — among Venetian streets. Both options are convenient, but they cost differently.

Accommodation in the historic center and by the Venetian harbour

The old town is compact, and accommodation here is more expensive than in the beach area. But everything is nearby: taverns, shops, the embankment and the lighthouse. Evening walks by the Venetian harbour are the main pleasure of a local holiday. Hotels often occupy restored houses with thick walls and inner courtyards. Rooms can be small, and the view looks out onto the street or rooftops. Noise from bars closer to the embankment can be heard until midnight. For quiet, choose blocks away from the port. Crete - Rethymno Greece in this part is especially photogenic: stone facades, arches and flowers in pots.

Hotels along the coast and apartments for families

The beach strip stretches east from the center and is built up with resort hotels. Here it is more spacious, there are pools, playgrounds and private stretches of shore. Apartments with a kitchen are convenient for families: you can cook yourself and do laundry. Prices are lower than in the historic center, especially when booking for a week. You can reach the old town on foot in twenty minutes or by bus. Near the hotels there are supermarkets and car rentals. For holidays in Crete - Rethymno with children, this area is more practical: fewer cars and more greenery.

What to see and what to do in the surroundings

The city serves as a convenient base for outings: you can reach interesting places in an hour. Below are the things worth seeing first.

Fortezza, the Venetian harbour and walks through the old town

The Fortezza fortress rises above the city and offers a panorama of the surroundings. The climb takes about fifteen minutes, entry is paid, and morning is the calmest time here. From the walls you can see the sea, tiled roofs and mountains in the distance. Below begins a labyrinth of streets with workshops and coffee shops. The Venetian harbour with the lighthouse is the city's calling card; in the evening people stroll here until dark. Nearby stand a mosque and old gates, reminding of changing eras. Exploring the center takes half a day without rushing. The sunset by the lighthouse is worth seeing at least once during a trip.

Beaches with pink sand and trips to Matala

To the east of the city the coast becomes sandy, and in places turns pink from shell fragments. The beach in the Matala area is known for exactly this shade of sand. You can get there by bus or car in forty minutes. In summer it is crowded here, so it is better to come in the morning. Nearby there are caves and rocks where people dive from boats. The water is transparent, and the entry into the sea is gentle. For a holiday on Crete - Rethymno, such outings become the best days of the trip. It is worth returning before sunset so as not to wait for late transport.

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.

Greek cuisine, budget and local rules

The gastronomy here is simple and generous, and expenses depend on where you eat and how you get around. A few local habits will help you save money and not get confused.

Tavernas, markets and features of Cretan dishes

Greek cuisine on the island is built on olive oil, cheeses and fresh fish. The portions are generous, and bread and olives are often brought free of charge with an order. Dinner at a taverna away from the promenade costs noticeably less. Crete - Rethymno Greece is famous for dakos — a rusk with tomato and cheese, and raki — the local grape vodka. At the markets they sell honey, herbs and cheese directly from the owners. Meat is cooked over coals, and vegetables are stewed in oil. It is worth ordering a little at a time and sharing: the portions are large. Coffee here is drunk slowly, and you can sit at a table for as long as you like.

Payment, tips, communications and car rental

The currency is the euro, cards are widely accepted, but cash is needed at the markets. Tips are not mandatory, but rounding the bill up is considered the norm. For communications, it is convenient to buy a local SIM card or connect an eSIM with a Greek tariff. Wi-Fi is available in almost all cafes and hotels. Renting a car gives freedom for traveling around the island. An international driver's license and insurance are mandatory, and parking in the center is paid. In summer, it is better to plan excursions for the morning or evening so as not to end up in the heat. Basic phrases in Greek will pleasantly surprise the staff, although English is understood almost everywhere.

Briefly

• The beach season lasts from May to October, the best months are June and September.
• From Almaty they fly with a transfer through Istanbul, Dubai or European hubs.
• You get to the city from the airports of Chania and Heraklion in an hour.
• The old town is more expensive, the beach area is more convenient for families with children.
• Fortezza and the Venetian harbor are the main points in the center.