Gouves Holidays

Set nine miles, (15 kilometres) from Heraklion, on the north coast of Crete, holidays in Gouves combine sandy beaches, excellent shopping, lively nightlife, and traditional Greek villages. The original village of Gouves is nestled on Mount Ederi overlooking the modern resort, (Lower Gouves). The long sandy beaches are ideal for sunbathers and swimmer alike, and also offer a good choice of water sports.

Neighbouring beaches include Kokkini Hani and Amnisos. The main road in Gouves is packed with shops selling souvenirs, local handicrafts and clothes. Visitors can take romantic walks along the beach, explore the Skotino Cave, or travel further a field to Heraklion, with its pretty squares and narrow streets, Agios Nikolaos, with its lively harbour, or Knossos, with its palace of King Minos.

Evenings in Gouves are a lively affair; the numerous bars and pubs offer a variety of cocktails and drinks. Restaurants and local tavernas serve traditional Greek cuisine as well as international favourites. There are also a few discos, but those with an insatiable appetite for drinking and dancing can travel to the neighbouring resort of Hersonissos.