Crete has a buzzing nightlife with a sweeping selection of options for different tastes and ages. This island offers various enjoyable events & places for nightlife, from wild parties in the pubs to traditional musical evenings. Crete houses some of the best bars and clubs in Greece. Many of those remain open until dawn. Hence, you can enjoy most of the nightlife in Crete, even if you arrive late by 11 PM. Notably, the wildest party & clubbing spots for the night are found in the Malia, Stalida, Chania, and Heraklion regions.
Fabulous Bars & Nightclubs in Crete
You will find various bars, some hidden in the beautiful streets of the old towns of Crete and some set against the waterfront, offering a mesmerizing view of the starry night sky. So, if you had a tiring day out exploring the city's marvels, you can head to these bars at night to unwind with refreshing drinks. The best bars are nestled in or around the notable towns of Chania, Heraklion, & Rethymnon.
1. Colombo Kitchen & Bar
Colombo Kitchen & Bar is a marvellous place in the old port street of aesthetic Chania city. It serves delicious delicacies and drinks with unwinding jazz music. Notably, gourmet dishes are available at affordable prices and embrace flavours that will satisfy your taste buds. Moreover, this bar hosts various social and cultural events, including live concerts, poetry evenings, and more. It offers excellent service and a friendly ambience.
Address: Isodion 17, Chania 731 32, GreeceTimings: Monday - Sunday: 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
2. The Garden
The Garden is an awarded bar in the heart of Heraklion in Crete. It offers a unique blend of homemade cocktails with Japanese and Polynesian cuisines flavours. With beautiful decor, a live DJ, and fantastic music, The Garden claims to observe the trendiest crowd of Heraklion. Notably, their spectacular Polynesian food menu has a Japanese touch that accompanies their signature cocktails & wines.
Address: Agiou Titou 54, Heraklion, CreteTimings: Open daily from May to October: 6:00 PM - 3:00 AM
3. Xalavro Open Bar
Xalavro Open Bar is situated in the centre of the classic town of Heraklion, Crete. It was reinstated from the ruins of an old house. There is an open space as a meeting point and coffee and drinks. This bar is one of the best cocktail bars across Crete and Heraklion itself. Notably, the Xalavro Open Kitchen restaurant serves bar food here. They significantly emphasized utilizing fresh local produce to craft decadent cocktails and other drinks.
Address: Milatou 10, GR 71202 Heraklion, CreteTimings: Monday - Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 AM
4. Swing Thing
Swing Thing Cocktail Espresso Bar is a small cocktail bar in a lovely neighbourhood. It is situated on one of the most popular pedestrians in Heraklion. Visitors can get delectable coffee daily, tasty snacks and other beverages. The unique thing about the nightlife at Swing Thing is its exquisite soundtrack choices for the parties and one of the best classic and creative cocktails in the city.
Address: Arkoleontos Street 13, Heraklion, Crete 712 02 GreeceTimings: Monday - Sunday: 7:00 PM - 2:00 AM
5. Cafe Puerto Bar
One of the best bars in Agios Nikolaos, Cafe Puerto Bar, is a popular nightclub, cocktail bar, hookah & shisha bar, karaoke bar, and cafe located in the centre of Crete. It flaunts a fantastic location near the port with spectacular seaside views. With top-notch music, it offers a wide variety of cocktails and cold beer. The cold drinks, coffee, and ice cream are a highlight. There is a special offer every day from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The staff is very cordial.
Address: Agios Nikolaos 721 00, CreteTimings: Monday - Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 AM
6. Eukalyptos
Eukalyptos is set in a beautiful location inside the Venetian walls of Heraklion, under the shade of giant eucalyptus trees. During the day, this is a great place to have a coffee, but at night, this place becomes more awesome. At night, it becomes a mingling place for people of all ages who want to enjoy a unique cocktail or traditional drink. Besides, Eukalyptos serves a selection of tasty delicacies, including fresh local greek salads, chunky burgers, ice creams, and more.
Address: Eukalyptos, Kommeno Mpenteni, Heraklion, CreteTimings: Monday - Saturday: 8:00 AM - 1:00 AM
7. Miniatoura
Miniatoura is a small cafe bar located on the Agia Aikaterini square in Chania, Crete. Here, you can have their exceptional coffee with mouth-watering snacks or hearty meals such as salads, burgers, club sandwiches, and more. Notably, it has a rich wine menu of beyond 100 labels, including splendid local wines. In addition, you can enjoy slow music beats here. Also, you can find some special cultural events occasionally.
Address: Miniatoura 4, Chatzimichali Daliani Street, ChaniaTimings: Monday -Sunday: 8:00 AM - 2:00 AM
8. Whisky Bar
The Whisky Bar is a fantastic bar offering excellent sea views by the sea. As the name suggests, this bar has a vast selection of whiskies, and they know a great deal about whisky. This bar is a spotless and well-maintained place to hang out and has a friendly atmosphere. You can have delicious salads, burgers, grilled dishes, and more. Also, their service is fantastic.
Address: Beach Road, Kokkini Hani 71500, Heraklion, CreteTimings: Wednesday - Monday: 12:00 AM - 12:00 PM
9. Opus Bar
Opus bar is a vegetarian-friendly wine bar, restaurant, and cafe, snuggled in Heraklion city in Crete. A pleasant atmosphere with lovely music offers a great nightlife experience. They serve delicious food and fine-quality wine, everything at fair prices. The staff is skilled, and their service is prompt. Visitors can try some Cretan wines and local beers accompanied by tempting dishes.
Address: Kapetan Charalampi 3, Heraklion, CreteTimings: Monday - Friday: 5:00 PM - 2:00 AM; Saturday - Sunday: 12:00 PM - 2:00 AM
10. The Bitters Bar
The Bitters Bar is exquisite and remarkably well-stocked. It is located just off the main walkways of central Heraklion. This bar serves expertly crafted cocktails, and its decor is inspired by 1920s style. Splendid music played late into the night, along with the famous cocktails and its signature drinks. Visitors can unwind in the cosy ambience of this bar. The bar staff is very knowledgeable and offers fast service.
Address: Idis 25, Heraklion, CreteTimings: Monday - Saturday: 7:00 PM - 3:00 AM
11. Apollo Club
Being famous as one of the best clubs in Malia, the Apollo Club is a dance club situated in the heart of the infamous strip of Malia. Apollo Club claims itself as the only pure urban club in the region. There is live music in a casual atmosphere with groovy vibes. There are well-lit black and white exterior and interior and two separate entrances. It is a fantastic party setup that visitors can get in Malia.
Address: Dimokratias 110, Malia CreteTimings: Monday - Sunday: 11:00 PM - 5:00 AM
12. Peacock Tail Bar
The Peacock Tail Bar is just a one-minute walk from the Old Venetian Port of Chania. It is a colourful bar that welcomes different types of visitors. There is a pleasant ambience and lovely staff. You can enjoy an iced beer or a cocktail from their range of non-alcoholic cocktails. All their drinks are offered at an economical rate. There is aan awesomevibe with enjoyable music in Latin rhythm.
Address: Kanevarou 7A, Chania 731 32, GreeceTimings: Monday - Sunday: open 24 hours
13. Zig Zag Club and Lounge
Zig Zag Club and Lounge is a nightclub in Malia, located in the middle of Beach road. It features a funky decor with neon lights covering the building. Zig Zag attracts a good crowd and plays lovely music. This club's contemporary design flaunts a large outdoor lounge area with a sky TV. Every Saturday and Sunday, this club has DJ nights from midnight to 7 in the morning by its in-house DJs. The bartenders are very amiable and skilled.
Address: Dimokratias 101, Malia, CreteTimings: Monday - Sunday: 11:00 PM till late
Other Things to Do at Night in Crete
14. Asteria Open-Air Cinema
Asteria Open Air Cinema is one of Crete's most popular outdoor cinemas. It is nestled in Rethymnon and has been operating since 1964. Here, English movies are screened with Greek subtitles. Visitors can also catch a local Greek film sometimes. This outdoor cinema is used in the summer season. It offers an enchanting movie-watching experience in Crete. With inexpensive ticket fares, it also has refreshments like local beers and chips. Sitting in an open-air cinema, you may face slightly less sound quality and disturbances from the surroundings, but it is all a part of an outdoor cinema. There are first-run films with superior picture and sound quality screenings every day in the summer.
Location: Ioannou Melissinou, Rethymnon, Crete
Open: Monday - Sunday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM (summer season)
15. NightWalk in Rethymnon
If neither of these options tempts you and you don't want much action, then you can have a night walk along the streets. You can explore the narrow alleys under the shining stars. Visitors must not miss walking by the Rimondi Fountain, which looks marvellously illuminated at night. Also, you can take a stroll to the Egyptian Lighthouse and enjoy the view over the Venetian Harbor. Experience the peaceful atmosphere where small fishing boats are slowly rocking on the marina's calm waters. Spend some time there and feel the Cretan night vibes. However, be careful as the pathway is slightly uneven and slippery.
Laid-back Crete Nightlife
If you want to relax and take things at a leisurely pace, you can opt for a stay in a pleasant resort like Agios Nikolaos. Such destinations are perfect for experiencing relaxed evenings beside the waterfront. Visitors can explore several pastel-covered tavernas around the marina and on the lakeside. Notably, you can enjoy fresh seafood accompanied by a glass of wine, watching the mesmerizing sunset.
A trip to Crete is a great chance to relish some authentic Greek fare such as gyros or souvlaki. The traditional tavernas dotted around resorts and across the island let you experience traditional Cretan music and dancing. In addition, you can take a walk around the old city, observing the exquisite carvings and Greek architecture. You can also enjoy street food along the way.
Besides, Chania city has beautiful seaside resorts that light up at night. So after a day spent discovering the maze-like streets, you can check in to unwind yourselves.
What to Wear?
- Avoid wearing shorts, especially in the evening, as it is disapproved by locals after sunset. Rather you can opt for a cool & modest dress.
- You can wear a dress that covers your shoulders, specifically if you visit any churches. Besides, a pair of solid sandals will prevent aching in your feet.
- You must consider dresses that look stylish but not too dressy.
The Nightlife scene in Crete is simply mesmerizing. You can find a selection of bars, pubs, and lounge cafes with an enjoyable ambience that stays open till midnight or beyond. For a peaceful & cherishable experience, one can opt for dinner at the seaside taverns. Energetic or laid-back, Crete has all types of nightlife options for visitors.