Creta Maris Resort, Hersonissos, Crete

This sprawling resort offers plenty to do onsite, but head to the nearby village to soak up Cretan life and eat and drink like a local. At the food market you can stock up on Cretan olives, olive oil, traditional carob rusks and herbal teas.

The hotel overlooks Hersonissos Beach and the village is famed for its Ancient Roman ruins.

By plane: London or Manchester to Heraklion takes around 4 hours, after which, a taxi takes 20 minutes. Free parking available. Book flights to Heraklion.

With its attractive whitewashed houses covered with pink bougainvillaea, the resort looks like a Cretan village. Acommodation comes in all shapes and sizes, while a homely feel is created by the furnishings, such as traditional Cretan wooden chests and cabinets.

The resort keeps Cretan traditions alive and promotes local culture through events and activities. For example, guests can try their hand at sheep shearing and meet producers who will help make local cheese. There's even an agora (market), to buy Cretan artisan goods and delicacies.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Beachfront
• Swimming pool
• Kids' club
• Water park
• Entertainment
• Fitness centre
• Spa
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Accommodation has neutral décor: whitewashed walls, grey and beige soft furnishings and stone tiled floors, with traditional Cretan furniture, pretty framed prints and ornate metalwork four poster beds. Bathrooms are equally minimalist.

Room types: Deluxe Room, Family Room, Suite, Villa

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, balcony or terrace, tea and coffee-making facilities, TV, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi

This all-inclusive resort boasts six restaurants, three snack points and nine bars. Fresh, local produce is used and authentic cuisine is on offer. The saganaki (cheese baked in filo pastry with fig jam and grape molasses) was delicious.

Enomy: buffet restaurant, international cuisine. All-day dining, open daily.

Mademi: grill restaurant with sea view. Open daily for dinner.

Alatsi: buffet and à la carte seafood restaurant, all-day dining, open daily.