Travel challenge: A week in Crete

Every week, we invite competing companies to give us their best deal for a specified holiday. Today: a week's holiday in Crete in early May. Prices are for two people and include seven nights' accommodation and flights from Gatwick.

Sunvil Holidays

£986: Paleochora, south-west Crete

Departs 8 May and includes flights, transfers and self-catering accommodation at the George Studios. "These modern studios are five minutes' walk from the main sandy beach in Paleochora, a charming small town on the remote south-west coast boasting plenty of restaurants, limited tourist numbers and, being ringed by mountains, great walking. The price includes an early-booking reduction of £40 per person for departures at the beginning of May, if booked before 31 March," says Dudley der Parthog of Sunvil Holidays (020-8568 4499; sunvil.co.uk).

Pure Crete

£1,190: Armeni, western Crete

Departs 11 May and includes flights, private transfers, self-catering accommodation at Christiana's House, complimentary bicycle hire and a food hamper of local produce. "Christiana's House, once a flour mill, lies in a sleepy Cretan village, a short walk to the shady village square, with its choice of excellent tavernas, and just a 10-minute cycle from the sandy beaches of Kalives. The house comes complete with a secluded rooftop terrace, perfect for sunbathing," says Louise Killner of Pure Crete (01444 880 404; purecrete.com).

Olympic Holidays

£1,138: Hersonissos, northern Crete

Departs 11 May and includes flights, transfers and all-inclusive accommodation in a mountain-view room at the Aldemar Knossos Royal Village hotel. "The deal includes a 'pay-for-B&B, stay-all-inclusive' deal for bookings made by 31 March. Superbly situated right on the beach, the elegant Knossos Royal comprises stylish pink and blue luxury rooms. Offering a host of facilities, excellent local and international cuisine, and personalised service, this excellent complex provides the perfect five-star holiday destination," says Photis Lambrianides of Olympic Holidays (0844 576 2386; olympicholidays.com).