Family-friendly Stalis is a classy alternative to some of Crete’s more nightlife-centric towns. On the northern coast, this village was once a fishing port. The soft, bronzed sands and shallow waters of Stalis Beach are visible from the area’s olive-studded mountain ranges – while here, you can take a countryside tour on horseback and explore the atmospheric surrounding villages.
Contemporary eateries offer Cretan specialties, and there are also traditional British pubs and vibrant clubs for night owls. Modest street stalls and boutiques offer local wares and produce, but the short drive to nearby Hersonissos provides more extensive shopping options.