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Crete Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

When I finally got to Crete , it exceeded all my expectations. There’s a lot to love about Crete beyond its ancient ruins: a beautiful variety of stunning beaches, excellent hiking, quaint historic towns, and incredible food and wine.

Plus, it’s affordable, making it an excellent budget destination to visit. And the island’s size ensures you can explore freely and escape the crowds that flock here during the busy summer months.

This travel guide to Crete can help you plan the perfect visit to this ancient island and ensure you save money in the process!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Crete

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Crete

1. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

This is Greece’s second-largest archaeological museum. The collection here spans over 5,500 years of history. The museum houses elaborate pottery, jewelry, sarcophagi, colorful frescoes from Knossos, and more. Its Minoan collection is the most extensive in the world. Overall, the museum is incredibly detailed and should not be missed. Tickets are 12 EUR in the summer and 6 EUR in the winter.

2. Relax on the Pink Beach

Elafonisi Beach is located in the southwest corner of Crete, about 75 kilometers (47 miles) from Chania. The waters are crystal clear and the beach has rose-colored sand (hence the name). It is super popular in the summer (so get here early), with rentable sunbeds and umbrellas lining the beach. There are plenty of secluded coves nearby if you want to get away from the crowds. The water is shallow enough that you can walk out to the small island of Elafonisi, which has a tiny lighthouse and unobstructed views of the Mediterranean.

3. Explore Chania

This area has been inhabited since Neolithic times and was a major Minoan settlement named Kydonia. Today, Chania is the second-largest city in Crete and has a scenic Venetian quarter and harborfront lined with tavernas (small Greek restaurants), cafes, and shops. While here, check out the historic Firka Fortress (built in 1620) as well as the Maritime Museum located inside the fortress.

4. Visit Knossos

Knossos was the ancient capital of the Minoan empire and its Bronze Age ruins are some of the oldest in Greece (it’s considered the oldest city in Europe). The area has been inhabited since at least 7000 BCE, flourishing between the 19th-14th centuries BCE. You need a few hours here to roam the rebuilt palaces, courtyards, private apartments, baths, villas, tombs, and more. Admission is 15 EUR (free admission on the first Sunday of every month during the winter).

5. Hike Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge is one of Greece’s National Parks and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The main hike is a 16-kilometer (10-mile) trek that offers wonderful views of the White Mountains and finishes at the beach town of Agia Roumeli. Keep in mind that this is a fairly long, rocky trek that takes around 5-7 hours to complete. Because of the length of the trek, you aren’t allowed to start it after around 2pm (you can still do part of it, but you will have to turn around at a certain point). But for nature lovers, it’s well worth it, and you can grab a beer at one of the seaside tavernas when finished. Try to avoid mid-summer as temps can reach up to 40°C (104°F) and there’s no shade. The park is open May-October and admission is 5 EUR.

Other Things to See and Do in Crete

1. take a trip to spinalonga island.

Located in northeastern Crete, the Venetians built a large fortress here in 1579 to protect Mirabello Bay and Elounda Bay from the Ottomans. The defenses held strong until 1715 when the Ottomans sieged the island. When the Ottomans left in the late 19th century, the island became a leper colony and remained that way for decades. Visitors can now take a boat there and walk a short trail that takes you through the ruined church, a leper disinfection room, a hospital, and a cemetery. Admission is 8 EUR and it’s open from April-October.

2. Explore Koules Fortress

Located in Heraklion, Koules Fortress was built in the 13th century when Crete was under Venetian rule. It was designed to protect the city from invasion and at its height housed a mill, bakery, prison, barracks, and more. Nowadays, you can walk through the tunnels and visit the various rooms. There are a lot of informative exhibits explaining the history of the castle and area too. Admission is 4 EUR (closed on Tuesdays).

3. Visit Aptera

This ancient 12th-century monastery is located just 13 kilometers (8 miles) outside of Chania. During your visit, you can admire the restored monastery as well as the remains of the original fortified tower, a temple from the 5th century BCE, a city gate, monastic walls, Roman cisterns and baths, and an amphitheater. There was also a Turkish fortress built here in 1872 that overlooks Souda Bay. Admission is 4 EUR.

4. See the Lassithi Plateau

The Lassithi Plateau in eastern Crete stands 900 meters (2,952 feet) above sea level. To get there, you have to drive up winding mountain roads overlooking the Dikti mountain range (which is dotted with white windmills). While here, you can visit Psychro, home to the Dikteon Cave that, according to Greek mythology, is the birthplace of Zeus and the place where he was hidden as an infant to be protected from his father. It’s 6 EUR to visit the cave, or you can combine it with a full-day ATV experience across the plateau for 75 EUR.

5. Wander Rethymnon

Located in northwestern Crete, this city is the third-largest in Crete (after Heraklion and Chania). Rethymnon is famous for its spectacular 11-kilometer (7-mile) long beach as well as its Venetian old town, port, and fortress. I love getting lost in the streets here, exploring the 16th-century fortress, and eating all the tasty food the city has to offer. It has a phenomenal food scene!

6. Tour the Historical Museum of Crete

If you’re interested in the more modern history of Crete (from the early Christian period to the mid-20th century), this museum in Heraklion is awesome. It’s small, but there’s a lot to see, including two stunning paintings by El Greco: The Baptism of Christ and View of Mt. Sinai and the Monastery of St. Catherine . There’s also a giant model of the city from the Venetian era (around 1650 CE) before its Turkish occupation, and a re-creation of author Nikos Kazantzakis’s study where he wrote Zorba the Greek (a popular novel-turned-film written in 1946). Admission is 5 EUR.

7. Hit Balos Beach

Balos Beach in the northwest corner of Crete offers a nice mix of white and pink sand, as well as a lagoon that is a warm place for a swim. It’s a peaceful place to hang out and soak up the sun, though it does get very crowded in the summer as it is one of the most popular beaches on Crete. You can get here by car (and then hike down to the beach), ferry (though it doesn’t leave a lot of time at the beach), or private boat. There are no places to buy food here so bring your own.

8. Take a wine tour

Crete is one of the oldest wine-producing areas in Europe, with a history that dates back 4,000 years. There are some 30 wineries around the island and you can explore many of them as day trips from Chania or Heraklion. If you don’t have a car, there are several wine tours that leave from both cities, including Chania Wine Tours and Made in Crete (Heraklion). Both offer dedicated wine tours as well as wine and olive oil tours. Tours start from 85 EUR per person.

9. Wander Chrissi Island

Located 15 kilometers (9 miles) off the coast of southeastern Crete, this Caribbean-looking island is a protected nature reserve with a unique cedar forest covering most of the island. Its deep blue waters and white sand beach make it a popular spot to spend the day, snorkeling, swimming, and lounging around. Ferries leave from the mainland in the morning and come back starting around 3pm in the afternoon. The island is completely uninhabited, meaning that there are no services, so bring everything you need (though you can buy food and drinks on the ferries if you need to). The round-trip ferry costs around 25 EUR.

10. Visit Plakias

Located 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of Rethymno in the southern part of the island, this little town is popular with older tourists looking for a quiet time. I don’t really love the beach here (too rocky for me) but there are some phenomenal sunsets and a few nearby hikes that make it worth a visit. It’s a good base to visit nearby beaches (a boat taxi hops between a bunch of them).

11. Relax at Preveli Beach

Located close to Plakias, this beach is famous for its palm trees and swimmable river. It starts a few kilometers up and runs through a gorge before emptying out into the sea. Legend says the palm trees were brought here by pirates. It’s one of the nicer beaches and the river is super nice to swim in. You can sometimes hike through the gorge depending on trail and river conditions. Be sure to check beforehand. It’s a hugely popular day-trip destination so expect crowds.

12. Take a Cretan cooking class

Greek food is legendary, and after eating your way around the island, you might want to bring a taste of your trip home with you. By taking a cooking class, you can learn how to make uniquely Cretan dishes like dakos (a Cretan version of bruschetta), kalitsounia (sweet cheese pastries), and tsigariasto (a stewed meat dish). Vamos Village and Cretan Cooking Classes both offer a variety of classes starting at 75 EUR per person.

13. Visit a Cretan olive oil farm

Dive deep into the island’s olive oil tradition by visiting a farm and taking a tour to learn more about this iconic staple. The aptly named Cretan Olive Oil Farm and The Olive Farm in Chania both offer tours of the groves and production facilities, which also include tastings. Both farms also offer a variety of other classes and workshops, including wine tastings, cheese making, and other cooking classes. Tours start at 45 EUR.

  For more information on other destinations in Greece, check out these guides:

• Athens Travel Guide
• Corfu Travel Guide
• Ios Travel Guide
• Mykonos Travel Guide
• Naxos Travel Guide
• Santorini Travel Guide
• Sparta Travel Guide

Crete Travel Costs

For those traveling with a tent, basic plots without electricity for one person start at 13.50 EUR per night in the summer and 11 EUR per night off-season.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels start at 25 EUR in any of the main cities during the summer. In the off-season, prices start around 20 EUR per night. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi and free breakfast.

Airbnb is available everywhere in Crete. For a private room, expect to pay at least 40 EUR, while an entire home/apartment averages closer to 150 EUR per night (you can find them for half that if you book early though).

Food – Traditional Greek cuisine is very healthy with a lot of fresh vegetables, olive oil, lamb, fish, pork, cheeses (especially feta), and yogurts. Filo pastries stuffed with meat or spinach and cheese are a local favorite as are souvlaki and gyros.

Crete also has its own unique dishes, such as snails in cracked wheat ( kohli bourbouristi ), slow-cooked pork with potatoes ( psitos ), Cretan dakos (Crete’s version of the Greek salad), and horta (wild greens).

Street food like gyros or souvlaki costs about 4.50 EUR each, or less. A hearty Greek salad also costs about 4.50 EUR, while a warm cheese pie (called kalitsounia ) is about 2 EUR. A combo meal at McDonald’s costs about 11 EUR.

If you stick mostly to traditional Greek dishes, you can eat very well on a budget in Crete. A plate of pork souvlaki is around 9 EUR while calamari is about 7.50 EUR. A hearty dish of moussaka starts at 7 EUR, while a platter of grilled chicken or beef costs between 8-11 EUR. A beer to go with it costs from 3.50 EUR.

At a higher-end restaurant, you can get an appetizer and a seafood or steak entree for about 25 EUR. Pasta dishes are about 16 EUR, while a vegetarian main starts from about 12 EUR. A glass of local wine is another 4.50 EUR.

If you’re cooking your own meals, expect to spend around 45-50 EUR on groceries per week. This gets you basic staples like pasta, veggies, eggs, cheese, and some meat.

Backpacking Crete Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Crete, expect to spend about 55 EUR per day. This budget covers staying in a dorm, cooking some meals and eating some cheap fast food, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation to get around, and mostly sticking to free activities like hanging out on the beach and hiking.

On a mid-range budget of 115 EUR per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out for all your meals, take the occasional taxi, drink more, and do some paid activities like visiting the Archeological Museum and Knossos.

On a “luxury” budget of 205 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, enjoy some drinks, get a scooter rental, take more taxis, and do all the tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Crete Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Crete, like the rest of Greece, is very budget-friendly. But if you’re looking to cut down your expenses even more, here are some of my favorite ways to save money in Crete:

• Use the Greek salad/bread rule – If the bread cover is .50 EUR or a Greek salad is less than 7 EUR, the restaurant is cheap. If the cover is around 1 EUR and a salad is 7-8.50 EUR, the prices are average. Anything more than that and the place is expensive. Use this rule to figure out how to eat at cheap restaurants.
• Travel in the off-season – Crete is one of the rare Greek islands that has a sizeable year-round tourist population, so hotels and attractions are almost always open (unlike places like Santorini and Mykonos). If you come during the shoulder season or off-season, you can find lower accommodation rates and tour prices while still getting the best of what the Greek islands have to offer.
• Stay with a local – If you plan ahead, you can usually find a Couchsurfing host that can host you for your stay. This way, you not only have a free place to stay but you’ll get access to a local that can share their insider tips and information. Just be sure to send your requests early as there are not a lot of hosts here.
• Go to museums on their free admission days – Most museums have some days when admission is free. Check the Odysseus Culture website for details as they vary from museum to museum.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Eat super cheap – Gyros (and other street snacks) usually only cost a few euros. They are quick and easy and can keep you full for less than 10 EUR per day!

Where to Stay in Crete

Crete’s a big island and you’ll likely book a few different places if you’re planning on exploring the full extent of the island. These are my recommended places to stay while you’re here:

• Youth Hostel Plakias
• Rethymno Youth Hostel
• Cocoon City
• Intra Muros

How to Get Around Crete

Most buses cost between 4-10 EUR per trip. For example, a 90-minute trip from Heraklion to Rethymnon costs around 6 EUR, while a three-hour trip from Heraklion to Chania is about 10 EUR.

Boat Scooter Rental – If you want more flexibility in getting around, a scooter rental is the way to go. They cost as little as 14 EUR per day. There are lots of rental companies, but I recommend Greenways.

Bicycle – Daily rentals start from about 20 EUR per day for a mountain bike or road bike but decrease the longer you rent them for. Joyride is an excellent company to rent from, though since scooter rentals are cheaper you might as well get one of them instead!

Taxi – Taxis in Crete charge about 1.20 EUR per kilometer and have a 1.80 EUR starting charge. There is usually a surcharge to and from the airport. In short, skip the taxis if you can as they add up!

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 25 EUR per day for a multi-day rental when booked in advance. Drivers must be at least 21 years old and have had their license for at least one year. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. For the best rental car deals, use Discover Cars

When to Go to Crete

Crete has lovely weather year-round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 12°C (61°F) in the coldest months and averaging 26°C (79°F) daily during the summer.

May to the end of September are the busiest tourist months, so if you want to avoid the crowds and inflated prices, come during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn). October is a particularly nice time to visit, as the average daily temperature is still pleasant 21°C (69°F), and the crowds are virtually gone.

That said, it’s a big island so there are always places here during peak season without crowds if you don’t mind getting off the beaten path.

Unlike other Greek islands, Crete has a large year-round population. While some businesses are seasonal, you won’t have any problem finding a place to stay, and most museums and attractions are open all year.

How to Stay Safe on Crete

Crete is a very safe place to travel. Violent crime is rare and petty crime (like pick-pocketing) is your only real concern (and even that is uncommon). Keep your valuables close at tourist attractions and while on the beach and you should be fine.

If you’re driving, be extra cautious on Crete’s winding roads. Locals drivers can be erratic. Moreover, some of the roads are under-developed and there’s no real signage. Drive cautiously.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk home alone intoxicated, etc.)

If you’re going hiking, bring lots of water and always wear sunscreen and bring a hat too. It can get sweltering in the summer!

Scams here are rare, but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Crete Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• Ferry Hopper – If you’re looking to book your ferries, this website is an easy way to search the various companies, piece together routes, and book your tickets.

Crete Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Greece and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Athens

The 6 Best Hostels in Athens

Where to Stay in Athens: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The Best Walking Tours in Athens

Traveling Greece: How Much Does It Cost?

Fulfilling Childhood Dreams in Crete

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Greece's Largest Island Is Packed With Ancient History, Gorgeous Resorts, and a Stunning Pink-sand Beach

Get ready for plenty of fun in the Grecian sun.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Cities to visit, best things to do, best beaches, best time to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Crete, Greece's largest island, clocks in at more than 3,000 square miles and offers plenty of ancient history, incredible food, and natural beauty to explore. But you don't have to take my word for just how special Crete is. 

"I often describe Crete as a compact, island version of California. We have surfing and backcountry skiing in winter. In summer, we have canyon hiking, mountaineering, and, my personal favorite, hidden beaches only accessible by boat. And the shoulder seasons are — chef's kiss — perfection," Anastasia Sotiropulos, a tour guide based in Chania, Crete, shared. "The real treasure of Crete, though, are the people. The farmers, cheesemakers, fishmongers, artists, restaurateurs, winemakers, musicians, and homemakers create unique experiences for those lucky enough to visit this incredible island." 

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Stay at a hotel with stunning Mediterranean views, like Elounda Bay Palace or Domes of Elounda. 
• Explore the ancient Palace of Knossos. 
• Catch some sun on Elafonissi Beach, one of the world’s most beautiful pink-sand beaches. 
• Wander the streets of Chania’s Old Town to admire Venetian, Turkish, and Greek architecture. 
• Visit during the shoulder season to avoid the hottest temperatures and largest crowds.

Ready to start exploring for yourself? Here's everything you need to know to plan a trip to Crete.

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Elounda Bay Palace

This luxury hotel has long been beloved for its mix of elegance and charm. The rooms and suites here open up to sweeping views of the azure Mediterranean waters, and the hotel's private beaches ensure you can always find a chair (and an umbrella). Make an appointment at the Chenot Spa, which offers massages, facials, and body treatments using science-forward ingredients and techniques. 

Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection

Looking to stretch out? Domes of Elounda is the place to be. Known for its breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the historic island of Spinalonga, the resort is home to just suites and villas, which open to fantastic patios with private plunge pools. Yes, this hotel comes with its own spa, but guests can also indulge in an in-room treatment to truly never lift a finger. 

Courtesy of Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

Blue Palace

Blue Palace was named a Travel + Leisure reader favorite in the 2023 World's Best Awards , and in 2024, it's getting a whole new look. The renowned hotel is reopening as a modernist boutique hotel with just 47 bungalows and suites, all with brand-new interiors and some with private plunge pools. But even if you don't book a room with a pool, that's okay, as the hotel sits just steps from the beach anyway. 

Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa

Find yourself in a 17th-century Venetian mansion-turned-boutique hotel at Casa Delfino . The hotel, located in the heart of Chania's Old Town, allows travelers to stay amid the action while also offering a retreat-worthy rooftop garden that comes with sweeping views of the sea. It's a perfect place for families thanks to its one and two-bedroom suites. 

A visit to Chania's Old Town is a must, thanks to its charming Venetian, Turkish, and Greek architecture. To make the most of your time in Old Town, book a tour with a guide who can show you all the best sights and all the prime spots to get a great meal. 

Get in a little more Venetian architecture at Rethymno Old Town , one of the best-preserved historical districts in Crete. The city is built around the Venetian fortress, which provides fantastic panoramic views from its hilltop location. Don't skip the artisan shops where you can find the perfect souvenir. 

No visit to Crete is complete without a visit to its capital, Heraklion . Here, visitors can check out numerous historic sites, the Archaeological Museum mentioned below, and all the city's bustling markets, cafes, and bars. And as a bonus, the Palace of Knossos is just a short drive away. 

Elisanth_/Getty Images

Explore the Palace of Knossos.

Dive into more than 4,000 years of Greek history at the Palace of Knossos , Crete's most iconic archaeological site. The ancient complex is absolutely massive, and it comes with a gorgeous view of the sea thanks to its position high on the hill. "Crete's most famous archaeological site is the great Minoan Palace of Knossos, the oldest, largest, and most elaborate of these sites," Peter Sommer of Peter Sommer Travels , shared. "In its wide courts, shaded colonnades, and intricate arrangements of room after room, floor after floor, one can really come to grips with a civilization from far back in the Bronze Age, and grapple with questions that are still hotly debated – what did these palaces look like, what were they for, who lived in them, and how did they function?"

Hike the Samaria Gorge.

Outdoor lovers will adore spending a day hiking through the Samaria Gorge, a lengthy hike through Crete's White Mountains. The hike stretches on for nearly 10 miles through ancient cypress and pine forests and the abandoned village of Samaria before ending at the sea. However, the most famous part of the hike has to be the "Gates," where the gorge is just 13 feet apart but is more than 1,500 feet high. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time if you plan to hike the entire trail. The park's official site estimates that it takes about five hours to complete the journey. 

David C Tomlinson/Getty Images

Visit the Old Venetian Harbor of Chania.

Take a stroll through the Old Venetian Harbor of Chania and take in all the colors of Greece. Travelers can walk past homes and buildings showcasing Crete's unique melding of history, including all its Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences. Shop in its boutiques, grab a frappe in a cafe, view the massive fortress, and dine on plenty of fresh ingredients (hello, Greek salads) at its waterfront restaurants. Just make sure to have your camera ready, as its colorful buildings make for the perfect Instagram backdrop. 

Learn something new at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Get an even deeper education on the island's history with a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum , which houses the world's most comprehensive collection of artifacts from the Minoan civilization. Its most famous exhibit is the Phaistos Disc, a clay disc sporting more than 240 symbols that is said to be more than 3,000 years old. As the museum notes, "experts have not yet a definitive conclusion of the contents of the inscription," so maybe you can uncover what it all means during your visit.

Elafonissi Beach

Get ready to step foot on one of the world's most beautiful and romantic beaches, Elafonissi Beach . The stretch of shoreline is well-known for its pink sand — created by millions of crushed seashells —that disappears into shallow, turquoise waters. The beach, which is part of a nature reserve, is an ideal spot for families with small children thanks to the calm waters, but there are also plenty of spots for adults to put down their towels and umbrellas for a quiet day at the beach. 

Balos Lagoon

One more brilliant beach to visit is Balos Lagoon , a beach made up of brilliant white sand that's lapped by unbelievably blue water. "One of the most popular must-see places in the Chania region is the Balos Lagoon with hypnotizing turquoise waters and a panoramic landscape," Alonso Marly, a travel expert at Skylux Travel , said. "I suggest visiting the beach early in the morning to experience the lagoon at its most tranquil and skip the tourist crowds." 

Find a different style of landscape at Vai Beach , famous for the palm forest lining the coast. Once again, it's a spot where travelers can find warm, sandy beaches and beautiful blue waters, just this time with the bonus of tree shade for the perfect beach snooze. 

Related: 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Greece

The best time to visit Crete is from June to August when the weather on the island is at its prime. As WeatherSpark notes, the warmest weather can be found between early June and late September, when the average daily high temperature hits above 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Things get particularly hot in July, when the average temperature hits 84 degrees. 

"When it comes to the best times to visit Crete, keep in mind that the island is seasonal, and during winter months, most of its attractions are closed," Marly added. "However, throughout the high season, it is full of life day and night." 

But, if you're looking to escape the crowds, try plotting a visit during the island's shoulder seasons, which fall over April to May and September to early October.  

 "If possible, I recommend visiting the island during the shoulder season when it's not too hot and crowded – from April to June or September through October — to make the most of your authentic Greek holiday, full of sunshine and unforgettable experiences," Marly said.  

Crete is accessible via its international airports in Heraklion (Heraklion International Airport, HER) and Chania (Chania International Airport, CHQ). Heraklion is the island's busiest airport, and it is also the second-largest airport in Greece, just behind Athens. Several major airlines fly into the airport, including Emirates, Aegean, RyanAir, EasyJet, and KLM. 

For those looking to avoid the airport, there is a ferry option, but be warned: It's a long ride. Travelers can hop aboard a ferry from Piraeus Port in Athens to Heraklion or Chania, but the ride can take between nine and 10 hours.

Related: Everything You Need to Know to Plan Your Perfect Greek Islands Vacation

The best and easiest way to get around Crete is with your own car. Remember, this is Greece's largest island, so if you want to explore more widely, you will need some wheels. There are a ton of rental car companies on the island, including big names like Avis, Budget, and Hertz, all ready to loan you a ride. 

Public Transit

Crete also has a robust public bus system that can get you to most points of interest. Just note the buses here tend to move more slowly than cars, but it's also a rather affordable option, with rides starting at just a few euros. 

Scooters are also a rather popular mode of transportation here, as they are in almost all of the Greek islands. Visitors do need a valid license to rent scooters and must wear a helmet while riding. 

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An Essential Guide to Crete, Greece's Largest Island

By Chadner Navarro

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Greece’s largest island, Crete is the do-it-all destination of the Aegean . You come for the obvious: beaches, and the resorts that sit on them. But much more than that, Crete ticks many other boxes that make it an immersive European island getaway . For one, there’s incredible history here thanks to the millenia of civilizations—from the ancient Minoans to the Venetians, Ottomans, and everything in between.

And the island is also reviving its wine scene; like much of the Mediterranean, winemaking has existed in Crete for thousands of years. But a phylloxera outbreak in the 1970s all but wiped out the island’s vineyards. Many farmers abandoned winemaking altogether in favor of other agricultural pursuits, but thankfully the last decade has seen a revival of Cretan viticulture.

So if you like interspersing sugar-white beaches with archaeological sites and wine tastings, very few islands in the world will rival what Crete has to offer. Here’s our guide to its four major regions, and the hotels to know about in each.

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Chania is the best place to start a Cretan exploration.

The best place to start a Cretan exploration is in the west: Chania. Not only does it have one of the island’s two major airports, it’s also chock full of cultural and outdoor delights. While it might be known for its 14th-century Venetian harbor, Chania actually sits on the Minoan city of Kydonia, so you know that history runs deep here. What makes Chania the perfect launchpad is the variety of experiences: There are beaches within quick reach of the Old Town, and wilder hikes and lush vineyards that make easy, fuss-free day trips. In the city itself are some of the island’s most stylish restaurants and historic museums.

The pinks of Elafonisi Beach are a mere 90-minute drive from Old Town.

What to do: The commute to Elafonisi Beach’s pink sands is no joke: It’s a 90-minute drive southwest of the Old Town, but the powdery beach and the crystal clear waters justify the excursion. Equally pristine Balos Beach is another bucket-list destination in the Chania region, but you may need to ferry there from Kissamos port. If you’re the active type and have a full day to spare, strap on your hiking boots and take on the Samaria Gorge. It’s a challenging trek, but you’ll walk past Venetian castles, charming villages, farmlands, and fabulous views.  In Chania, you’ll want to get familiarized with husband-and-wife team Afshin Molavi and Alexandra Manousakis; they’ve got a handful of must-visit venues in Chania, including the organic vineyards of Manousakis Winery , located 30 minutes southwest of town. By the port, watch the sunset from the terrace at Maiami (sound it out!), a design-forward restaurant where you can sip Manousakis rosé while marveling at Alexandra’s artworks, from the whimsical ceramics to the large-scale paintings to the massive fireplace, which she transformed into a textured green centerpiece. (All the gorgeous tabletop items are for sale, too!) And then, head over to their restaurant Silas on the other side of the port. Here, Molavi serves a farmer-fresh menu of Mediterranean faves: taramosalata drizzled with bottarga and octopus carpaccio.

No matter what you decide to do, start your day with a pastry from Red Jane , a beautiful bakery located just outside the Old Town. The red marble interiors provide an austere setting to all your favorite European treats, from flaky croissants crowned with a generous heap of almond shavings to a chewy focaccia stuffed with mortadella.

Isla Brown Chania, a cliff-top resort 30 minutes north of Old Town, is a fitting choice for most travelers for its kids' club and private pool-boasting suites. 

Shannon McMahon

Mark Ellwood

Chris Schalkx

Emily Saladino

Where to stay: Tel Aviv-based Brown Hotels just opened 148-room Isla Brown Chania , a cliff-top resort 30 minutes north of the Old Town. A wealth of amenities (from a kids’ club to luxe suites with private pools) makes this a fitting choice for a variety of travelers. Right on the harbor, Casa Delfino Hotel and Spa , one of the original boutique hotels in Chania, stuffs 24 rooms and suites into a historic Venetian mansion. An entirely more romantic setup, this hotel’s leafy terraces, pebbled courtyard, and tranquil spa create an intimate oasis within striking distance of Chania’s major city haunts.

Heraklion is Crete's capital, conveniently located to the geographic center of the island. 

A lot of locals and been-there-done-that travelers will try to put you off spending too much time in Heraklion. As Crete’s capital, many consider it a big-city hub devoid of the Mediterranean charm you would expect of a Greek island. But there are a lot of perks to staying in this port city. Not only does it have the bigger airport but it’s also much closer to the geographic center of the island, making the rest of Crete much more accessible with Heraklion as your base. Bonus: The best museums and archaeological attractions are nearby.

A wine cellar at Boutari's Crete location. 

Boutari's tasting room overlooks the winery's lush vineyards. 

What to do: Located in the southern outskirts of town is one of Greece’s most important monuments. The Minoan Palace of Knossos is the country’s second-most visited archaeological site after the Acropolis in Athens. (It’s the setting for the legendary myth of the Minotaur!) It’s a massive complex of 1,300 rooms that surround a central courtyard. Cisterns, terracotta pottery, and frescoes allow a small peek into Minoan living. Often, tour companies partner a tour of Knossos (do it early in the morning or at sunset to avoid summer heat) with a guided visit to the The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion , where you can get lost marveling at treasures of antiquity, from Snake Goddess figurines from 1,600 BC to the famous bull's head rhyton.

Wine lovers should explore Dafnes wine country, located just 10 miles south of the center of Heraklion. Dafnes is an agricultural region that runs along a ridgeline overlooking the foothills of Mount Psiloritis. One of the area’s premier producers is family-owned Douloufakis , where you should definitely sign up for the Vidiano vertical tasting. This is one of Crete’s most beloved grapes—a versatile white that the island hopes will soon rival the Assyrtiko. Boutari , which operates a few wineries all over Greece, has one in Crete, too. And the state-of-the-art tasting room overlooking lush vineyards is just 15 minutes from the city. 

Pnoe Breathing Life is a brand-new wellness resort with 60 pool suites. 

Where to stay: Less than five miles east of the city is brand-new wellness resort Pnoe Breathing Life , where 60 minimalist pool suites deliver a stylish, intimate stay unlike anything in the area. Of course, wellness is a big draw here, and there is a massive inventory of offerings in the spa, from Barbara Sturm facial and Himalayan salt sauna to oxygen therapy pods. If you’d prefer a city stay, book Plum Guide’s Cretan Rose , a one-bedroom apartment in the heart of Heraklion. The loft-style property, which has a sweet garden equipped with a grill, is less than a 15-minute walk to the archaeological museum. 

Rethymnon sits smack in the middle of tourist hubs Heraklion and Chania. 

Most travelers to Crete might split their time between Heraklion and Chania, but smack in the middle is the historic coastal district of Rethymnon (or Rethymno), a vacation powerhouse on its own. There are many beaches nearby, but historic artifacts, especially from the Venetian period, are all around. The Old Town is a small, easy-to-navigate hub with great restaurants and colorful shops. You’ll be rewarded if you take time to explore beyond the city: Like many parts of Crete, there’s a great mix of farmland and natural beauty in the region.

Rimondi Venetian Fountain is a beautifully-preserved relic from the 16th century Old Town.

What to do: You’ll want to start with the Old Town, a maze of townhouses, loggias, and fountains from the 16th and 17th century when it was all part of Venice. In the heart of town is the Rimondi Venetian Fountain—a beautifully preserved relic from that time period. That, along with the imposing fortress and the port, is a larger-than-life piece of heritage, but even just strolling around the alleyways admiring the archways and grand mansions while slipping in and out of souvenir shops offers a great sense of place. You’ll definitely want to make a reservation for a meal at Avli ; for decades, it’s been one of the best restaurants across the island. The courtyard of this Venetian villa with its mix-and-match furniture is an atmospheric spot for a lunch or dinner of classic Cretan fare, from crispy cheese rolls to grilled lobster served with tomato-loaded orzo.

You can start venturing away from the Old Town by enjoying as much of the seven-and-a-half-mile beach that stretches from Rethymnon to Skaleta. Along the way you’ll find rocky coves, water sports stations, and endless lounge chairs. The southern side of Rethymnon—about 30 minutes from the Old Town—has plenty of fantastic beaches, too: Preveli is considered one of the most stunning thanks to the sandy beach and crystal-clear water.

Sea Shore Garden, a villa on Plum Guide, is a two-bedroom just a stone's throw from a white-sand beach. 

Where to stay: A 30-minute drive east of the Old Town, Kapsaliana Village is a cluster of transformed stone houses surrounded by citrus trees and olive groves. Rooms and suites retain their rustic foundation but country-chic interior decor modernizes stone walls and dramatic arches. There’s also an intimate pool, a farm-to-table restaurant, and spacious terraces perfect for sunbathing—all for when you don’t feel like leaving. If you’d rather trade the country for the sea, book Plum Guide’s Sea Shore Garden villa, a brightly decorated two-bedroom hideaway seconds from a white-sand beach (shared with three other units in the same complex). A 20-minute drive from Rethymnon, there are amenities aplenty at this family-friendly property: a pool, jacuzzi, children’s playground, and an on-site garden where you can pluck fresh veggies for the perfect summer salad.

Crete's easternmost region, Lasitihi, is generally not as crowded as the rest of the island. 

Crete’s easternmost region is generally not as crowded as the rest of the island. Pockets like Agios Nikolaos have been booming with tourism interest recently, but the eastern reaches of the island is better known for its untouched natural beauty plus the Minoan ruin. There are definitely a few lively villages worth exploring, but otherwise, days here are probably best spent soaking up sunshine and saltwater. 

Spinalonga Island's beauty is juxtaposed with its history as a leper colony. 

What to do: Agios Nikolaos and Elounda are two small coastal towns that have since become tourism darlings in the area. This is where you’ll find the beach bars and the more popular resorts. They are typically the busiest pockets of eastern Crete, but as the island’s stock continues to rise among travelers, many other areas are starting to land on tourism radars, too. Vai Beach, which is flanked by the sea on one side and a lush palm forest on the other, is another lively hotspot, especially in July and August.  From Eastern Crete, you should take a day trip or two to a few gorgeous islands nearby. From Agios Nikolaos, hop on a boat cruise to Spinalonga Island. You come for the blue bay waters and isolated beaches but you stay for the eye-popping history: This was once a leper colony up until about a 100 years ago. On the southern end, you can also sail from Ierapetra to the uninhabited Greek island of Chrissi. Just 10 miles off the southern coast of Crete, Chrissi is a protected nature reserve so don’t be surprised if you spot lizards, rabbits, and other wildlife as you sunbathe on its pure sand beaches.

If you tire of beach chasing and would prefer something more adventurous still, try spelunking down the Cave of Zeus (or the Diktaean Cave) near the village of Psychro. Rumor has it this is where Zeus was born.

Adults-only Numo Ierapetra brings the energy of Ibiza and Tulum to Crete. 

Where to stay: Not far from the quiet village of Elounda, 256-room Blue Palace ’s expansive footprint gives way to surprising delights, from the pebble beach to the open-air cinema to the low-lying buildings that unobstructedly hug the curves on the hill they’re on. There’s plenty of bright-blue sea views from the property, but if you want a closer look, board the hotel’s caïques for a sailing trip around the island. On the southern coast of Lasithi, brand-new adults-only hotel Numo Ierapetra looks like it could have been pulled directly from the beaches of Ibiza or Tulum. Its interiors are built around dark wood and a foundational palette of off-white, there’s a laundry list of wellness and fitness initiatives, the aromas of Asian fusion wafts from the kitchen, and, of course, parties are a big part of its allure. Musician Nacho Sotomayor is the music director, and he’s pulling in European and global DJs (Jody Wisternoff, Kevin Yost, and the like) to set the soundtrack for various events.

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CRETE ISLAND, GREECE

Vai, the one and only palm forest of Europe!

The splendid Minoan Palace of Knossos in Heraklion

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TRAVEL GUIDE TO CRETE ISLAND

Located οn the southern side of the Aegean Sea, Crete, in Greece, is the biggest of all Greek islands. Its beauty, though, is even bigger than its size! Let us paint the scene: Just imagine enthralling natural beauty meeting rich culture and worldwide famous gastronomy, to create the most dreamy holiday paradise! The island is separated in 4 prefectures: Heraklion , Chania , Rethymno , and Lassithi .

The mythical island is one of the most popular Greek destinations, thanks to its unreal beaches , its amazing historical sites, such as Knossos Palace and Spinalonga islet and its mesmerizing natural landscapes. Not to mention Chania town and Heraklion town some of the biggest towns in Crete, which boast magnificent medieval architecture. Honestly, wandering around their warren of romantic alleys will make you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time!

Crete island is, hands down, one of the most magical islands in Greece!

Let’s explore Crete! • How to get there • Photos • Beaches • Where to stay • Map • Sightseeings

EXPLORE THE REGIONS OF CRETE ISLAND

The island is large in size and divided in four administrational regions: Chania and Rethymno on the western side, Heraklion and Lassithi on the eastern side. The northern coasts are more developed in terms of tourism, while the southern coasts keep a more secluded environment. Holidays in Crete can be both busy or secluded, depending on your preferences.

ABOUT CRETE

Crete is the biggest island in Greece and among the largest ones in the Mediterranean Sea. Boasting one of the country's most beautiful natural landscapes, it offers views and experiences galore! To start with, the island's beaches are out of this world! Surrounded by verdant nature, they have magical waters of varying shades of blue and sugar-fine sand. Balos , Vai and Elafonisi are some of the most scenic Cretan seashores. Lay under the sun, feel the water gently lapping at your feet, gaze out to the endless sea, take a dip into the paradise waters… Visiting the island's best beaches is a must for your bucket list! In addition to its lovely nature, Crete has a rich history and culture . You’ll have the first taste of its historical past just by wandering in Chania town . Strolling around, you’ll come across noble mansions, Venetian fortresses, museums, fountains and churches that ooze a unique charm. But to dive even deeper into the island’s history, Knossos Palace , Phaistos Palace , and Spinalonga islet are among the island's must visit places .

Are you a thrill-seeker? There’s a whole heap of things to do in the nature of Crete! Dramatic gorges , such as the famous Samaria gorge , trekking routes and watersports will keep your adrenaline levels high during your Cretan holidays!

And what can we say about the food? The local gastronomy is popular not only in Greece but also in the whole world. The flourishing culinary scene of the island is based on fresh, locally produced ingredients that are used by talented local chefs to create the most luscious traditional dishes.

It’s about time you put Crete in your bucket list!

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#incredible_crete, sense the authentic, welcome to our island.

The mountains and sea, the nature all around you, adventures awaiting you, the overabundant gastronomy, a culture which is expressed in many different ways, the music and art forms.

Crete is the largest Greek island and a landmark in the maritime crossroads between the West and the East, Europe and Africa, a unique and fascinating place full of transitions and surprises.

With its infinite coastline and mountain tops, a history that spans back to the end of times and a distinctive identity that bears its mark on every corner of the Cretan land, it is a one of a kind destination for every type of traveller.

Whether coming to the island for the first time or as a regular visitor, the endless beauty of Crete, either visible or out of sight, is unparalleled and yearns to be discovered.

From one side of the island to the next and from dawn to dusk, let yourself be swept away by its alluring nature and you will uncover YOUR OWN and Authentic Crete!

Necropolis of Armeni

Explore seasons.

Crete is an ideal place to visit all year round. Its mild climate and its unique mountainous features attract visitors before and after the established touristy summer season. Crete’s stunning natural beauty awakens in visitors an imperative need to discover its mountains, its gorges, its paths.

Nothing is repeated in Crete. Enormous geological contradictions and special weather conditions have formed unique landscapes, surprising the visitors and keeping senses constantly alert. Each route in Crete is unique. Variant sensations, pictures, colors, flavors, sounds accompany visitors at every step.

From the dunes of Lafonissi and Xerokambos to the tropical shores of Kedrodasos and Chrissi, from the hidden beaches in the wild gorges of Sfakia and Asteroussia to the emerald bays of Triopetra and Plakias, from Balos and Elounda lagoons to the palm groves of Preveli and Vai, from piney beaches of Ierapetra to the long organized strands of the northern coasts, Crete offers the ultimate combination of carefree holidays and natural beauty.

Crete is a heaven for nature lovers and those combining adventure and fun on their vacation. The island offers a variety of activities and opportunities for exploring nature and promises a unique and unforgettable experience for those who decide to explore it.

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Select an area to learn more about it., explore tastes.

The unique Cretan Diet is a healthy and tasty diet with centuries-old recipes and modern creative versions, which are always cooked, of course, with the same top quality pure products of the blessed Cretan earth. This diet is not just a variety of dishes presented on the table; it embodies a whole philosophy of life, the quality way of life of the Cretan people. The lucky ones that will visit the modern restaurants in the cities or the small taverns and cafes in the country will have wonderful experiences, participating in the life of the local people.

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9 Best Things To Do in Crete

Updated April 21, 2022

You'll find plenty to keep you busy in Crete. History buffs will enjoy a visit to the Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum , while those seeking the sun can soak up the rays along the island's sandy coasts. Outdoorsy types

• All Things To Do

Rethymno Old Town Rethymno Old Town free

If you're in Rethymno, then you shouldn't miss the opportunity to wander the narrow alleys of Old Town, a seaside neighborhood that dates back to the 11th century. Here, you'll find prime examples of Venetian Renaissance architecture along with splashes of Turkish influence spread throughout the city.

The food and shopping options in Old Town are seemingly endless, but the maze-like streets can be perplexing. If you do get turned around, don't despair: The area isn't huge, and once you see the Venetian Fortezza or the harbor, you can easily regain your bearings. Recent travelers have actually embraced getting lost in Old Town because the streets are so charming, the locals are so kind and the food is so good. Case in point, Old Town Rethymno is simply beautiful.

Elafonisi Elafonisi free

Located in the southwest corner of Crete, Elafonisi beach sparkles with pink-tinted sand and crystal-clear Mediterranean waters. If you're feeling adventurous, you can wade across Elafonisi's shallow lagoon to a small, uninhabited island, home only to a historic lighthouse, a chapel and more than 100 native plant species. Recent travelers hail Elafonisi as one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete, if not in all of Greece.

However, Elafonisi's beauty comes with a few drawbacks. First, you must brave winding roads and harrowing mountain passes to get there. Once you arrive, your visions of pristine sandy stretches may be spoiled by the legions of tourists who have also made the trek, especially in the summer months. But never fear: You can avoid the throngs of visitors by venturing a little farther away from the parking lot. A short walk east or west and you will hit smaller yet more secluded shorelines bordered by a juniper forest. Another surefire way to beat the crowds is to visit in the off-season. From late October to April, you might just get the beach all to yourself.

Vai Beach (Palm Beach) Vai Beach (Palm Beach) free

Also known as Palm Beach, Vai Beach is mainly known for its stunning landscape. The beach is home to the largest palm grove in Europe with 4,500 palm trees that have been there for more than 2,000 years. So if you're looking to avoid renting a beach umbrella, you've come to the right place for some natural shade. The sand can get crowded with busloads of tourists, but a short hike over a hill at the south side of Vai Beach will reveal an underutilized, yet no less beautiful stretch of shore.

Recent visitors praised Vai Beach for its cleanliness and beautiful views from not only the beach but from atop the nearby hills. Travelers also lauded the picturesque drive coming into the beach. Others, however, lamented the distance and conditions of the roads, advising those who aren't staying on the east side of the island to reconsider visiting. For those who want to beat the crowds, visitors suggest hitting the sand before 2 p.m.

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The Palace of Knossos The Palace of Knossos

A labyrinth of massive columns and beautiful frescoes, the Palace of Knossos is a testament to the sophistication of the Minoan civilization that disappeared sometime in the 14th century. According to legend, it was also home to the mythical Minotaur of King Minos. The site was restored extensively by the famous archaeologist Arthur Evans in the early 1900s. Since then, it has become the biggest tourist draw on Crete.

Knossos is located about 3 miles south of Heraklion (city buses run regularly from Bus Station A). Make sure to budget a good chunk of time as the Palace of Knossos is a large site that begs for extended exploration. Many recent visitors suggested shelling out for a guided tour  — the palace's history and mythology will really come to life. (Some travelers felt the placards didn't offer up enough information about the attraction.) If you're going to visit during the summer, travelers also strongly recommend arriving early to avoid crowds and beat the intense afternoon heat.

Samaria Gorge National Park Samaria Gorge National Park

Stretching for about 10 miles through southern Chania Prefecture's White Mountains, Samaria Gorge is thought to be one of the longest canyons in Europe.  The gorge trail begins on the Omalos plateau at Xyloskalo, perched high among the mountains. It then winds its way 10 miles between some 1,600-foot vertical walls to Agia Roumeli, a small seaside village. Speedy hikers can usually make the journey in four and a half hours, while more leisurely paced walkers can spend up to eight hours in the gorge. Fast or slow, you're going to want to get an early start to beat the heat and the crowds (about 1,000 people make the hike every day during high season).

Recent visitors strongly advise bringing plenty of water and sunscreen, wearing sturdy shoes and really assessing your fitness level before embarking on this long walk. Although not a hike, travelers reported very few areas where the surface is completely flat. Since it is a gorge, rocks are everywhere and traversing them for hours may be too much for those who aren't regularly active. Despite the challenge, many fawned over the beauty of the gorge. Make sure to observe the greenery, as there are hundreds of different plant species that populate the park. Also keep an eye out  for the rare and endangered kri-kri , Crete's native goat.

Historical Museum of Crete Historical Museum of Crete

The Historical Museum of Crete, located in the capital city of Heraklion, chronicles Cretan life from early Byzantine times to the Modern period. If you're interested in the older stuff, check out the nearby Heraklion Archaeological Museum . 

Travelers noted that despite the museum's small size, there is lots to see and learn.  Two paintings by El Greco are major highlights of the museum:  The Baptism of Christ and View of Mt. Sinai and the Monastery of St. Catherine.

Venetian Fortezza Venetian Fortezza

Built atop a hill in Rethymnon Old Town , the Fortezza (for-TED-za) stands as a symbol of Crete's tempestuous past. The Venetian ruling class, who oversaw the construction of the imposing Fortezza in the late 16th century, hoped it would protect Crete against an Ottoman invasion. But all that labor was for naught — the Ottomans captured the Fortezza less than 100 years after its completion and went on to rule Crete for more than two centuries.

The Fortezza's perimeter still houses the partially restored Ibrahim Han Mosque from the Ottoman era. You will also find the church of Agios Theodoros Trichinas, a Greek Orthodox chapel built in 1899 after Turkish rule ceased, at the site. Today, the Fortezza plays host to a range of cultural events, including the Rethymnon Renaissance Festival . Recent visitors suggest checking out the Fortezza toward the end of the day when crowds start to wane. In the evening, you can enjoy the sun sparkling on the Mediterranean Sea as it sinks below the western horizon. If you don't have time to go in the evening, visitors strongly suggest bringing a hat and sunscreen. Those who didn't said it was difficult to really enjoy the attraction because the heat was so intense. 

Heraklion Archaeological Museum Heraklion Archaeological Museum

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is a must-see in Crete  —  and all of Greece, even  —  for its extensive collection of Minoan art. Highlights include a mini-statue of a Snake Goddess and the Phaistos Disk, a clay tablet with symbols that have not been deciphered to this day. All artifacts (spanning some 5,000 years of history) in this museum were excavated exclusively from archaeological sites in Crete.

You'll find this museum (also known as the Archaeological Museum of Iraklio) in central Heraklion. Hours are seasonal. From November to March, the museum is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. From April to October, hours are 8 a.m. to 8 pm. daily. Tickets are € 6 EUR and a combination ticket, which includes admission to the Palace of Knossos, is € 10 EUR. Recent visitors highly recommend visiting both of these places, as some artifacts featured were excavated from the Palace of Knossos. 

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Cretaquarium Cretaquarium

Located approximately 9 miles east of Heraklion, the Cretaquarium is home to 2,000 sea animals and 200 different Mediterranean species. If you're an animal lover, traveling with kids or just looking to kill some time, the Cretaquarium should be on your list.

Recent visitors appreciated the aquarium's organization and cleanliness on top of the variety of sea life on display. Many travelers said that the shark tank in particular is a can't-miss spot in the aquarium.

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Your perfect Crete itinerary: 5 days in Crete without a car

October 1, 2019 by Karen Turner 1 Comment

I just came back from Greece and I definitely fell in love with Crete. Crete is Greece’s largest island and although I’d encourage you to stay longer than five days, that’s all the time that we had in Crete. Of all the places that we visited in Greece, the food was best in Crete along with the prices for shopping. As it was a quick trip, we chose to explore Crete without a car. I hope that this Crete itinerary with some helpful tips if you have limited time!

• 1 My Cretan itinerary
• 2 Day 1: Heraklion / Palace of Knossos
• 3 Day 2: Rethymno
• 4 Day 3: Chania
• 5 Day 4: Day trip elsewhere in Crete
• 6 Day 5: Relax in Heraklion/Visit a Cretan Winery
• 7 Have you visited Crete? Let me know what you thought of this Crete itinerary!

My Cretan itinerary

• Day 1: Heraklion/Palace of Knossos

Day 2: Rethymno

Day 3: chania, day 4: day trip elsewhere in crete.

• Day 5: Heraklion/Winery day trip!

We traveled around exclusively by public bus in Crete. Although you’ll find many other guides to Crete promoting day trips and tours, if you stick to the Western part of Crete with staying in the major cities, you’ll manage perfectly well to get around by public bus between attractions. If you get frustrated, you can always rent a car for the day to go further, but we were happy to take things a bit slower and be able to enjoy our free raki bottles that came with free dessert with every meal that we had in Crete.

I heard poor things about public transit in Crete, however, I found it fairly easy beyond the fact that Google Maps wasn’t working for us. The most important thing is to find the intercity main bus station in Crete’s major cities. Here, you’ll be able to pick up a copy of the bus schedule and things generally run on time. Intercity Buses run between the major cities about once an hour. You can pay by debit or credit card. A contactless card makes it quicker to pay.

I cannot gush enough about the quality of Cretan food and wine, especially the local varieties of red wine. Be sure to find a good spot to enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine if you drink!

Day 1: Heraklion / Palace of Knossos

Heraklion is the capital of Crete and although it rarely receives a lot of love among travelers, I actually was quite a fan of Heraklion for its lovely nightlife, great food, and fantastic local wine (more about that later!). Heraklion is not as beautiful as other Cretan cities, but it’s a good base for day trips and you’ll definitely eat well here.

We flew into the Heraklion airport and departed from the port of Heraklion, which provides the best connections to nearby islands (Santorini) and Athens. (Note: It is also possible to fly into Chania.) It was fairly easy to find the bus stop that brought us from the airport to the city center by purchasing a ticket from the booth by the bus stop. It should cost about 10 euros to take a taxi to the center of Heraklion from the airport.

From the bus station, you can head into the city center to drop off your items. (If you don’t, you can leave your bags near the entrance of the Palace of Knossos) In order to head to the palace of Knossos, you can pick up a local bus ticket for less than 2 euros per way to take the bus within Heraklion towards Knossos.

The Palace of Knossos is truly impressive and a nice introduction to the long history of Crete. This sprawling palace is partially dating back to 2000 B.C. and it is one of the largest Minoan palaces. Although it’s mostly in ruins, a restoration was attempted in the 1900s, which you can judge on your own. Unfortunately, much of the original artifacts are held in the Heraklion Museum, but it is still impressive. If you have time, I’d recommend going to both. It wasn’t crowded when we went, but you can purchase skip-the-line tickets if you are visiting in peak season!

We ended up exploring Heraklion Fortress, which was a few euros to enter. I learned a lot here about the Ottoman-period of Crete and Cretan history. The views from the top are pretty sublime and it was a really lovely spot to watch the sunset from! The fortress has been well-restored and it’s easy to spend at least an hour exploring the various rooms.

We stayed at the budget-friendly So Young Hostel in a private room although those seeking a bit more comfort might prefer Crops Suites . The location of the hostel was really nice and the rooftop with a friendly hostel dog was a nice touch. It was a short walk to the hopping bars and restaurants of Heraklion and the receptionists were incredibly helpful giving us stellar recommendations!

The Greeks eat particularly late, so don’t be afraid to pick up a snack to help yourself last until 9-10pm. I stopped off at crump bakery for a vegan-friendly snack! Chagiati came highly recommended by our local receptionist, but you need to arrive early or make a reservation to come here. We ended up at Hairi , a newer Cretan restaurant with a chef focusing on local ingredients and traditional food. The food was seriously sublime.

After a good meal, we went out for cocktails at Xalavro Open Bar , which has some nice twists on the traditional cocktail. The music and atmosphere were really great and it was full of locals. You’ll find a number of great bars in this area as well as on the other side of Lion Square.

I loved Rethymno, which was our base for the majority of our time in Crete. Depending on your interests, I’d say that it would make more sense to stay longer in Chania or Heraklion if you’re interested in exploring more of the island as there are more buses onwards and more tours departing from other cities. Rethymno worked well for us as we were happy to relax in the city center, but if you are less interested in cities, it’s best to book only one night in Rethymno.

Rethymno is a charming Cretan city with a stunning Old Town full of picturesque alleyways. Compared to Chania, it’s quieter, but the fact that so many people only come for a day trip means that nighttime allows you to wander the streets without much fuss and sit down at a charming cafe without a wait. For shopping (particularly for souvenirs/leather goods), I found the prices here some of the best that I saw for similar goods elsewhere on Crete and far better than Athens or Santorini.

We visited Rethmyno’s Fortezza, a fortress from the 16th century, which has stunning views over the water and the city. I found it worthwhile to walk around, but many of the main highlights of the city are free to see, including the old Venetian lighthouse where we spent sunset. There’s also a nice beach very close to the city center where my friend took a dip while I had a beer.

For coffee, I loved the artisanal coffee at Brew Your Mind , which was our morning stop-off. For a snack (or a hearty lunch), stop for authentic Cretan pastries at Ο Φούρνος του Νύκταρη , which was the favorite of our host. There’s one dedicated vegan restaurant here (Let’s Vegan). We had a number of good meals here although I really liked the atmosphere of Bakalogatos . For a more casual meal, we went to Bar B.Q. for souvlaki, probably the best that I had while in Greece!

We stayed at Barbara Studios, a cozy guesthouse in a 1600s Venetian building with a stunning garden and a very central location in the Old town. The owners are incredibly welcoming and we loved their food recommendations, especially their favorite bakery. The welcome raki was a nice touch, which we enjoyed on the balcony.

You could definitely book some day trips from Rethymno (if you choose to stay here!) either through GetyourGuide for a bit more certainty or Happy Walkers. I tried to book hiking a day trip to more rural parts of Crete through Happy Walkers, but there weren’t enough people to make the trip and I regretted not booking in advance for a different day trip to more rural parts of Crete, including mountain villages.

Chania was definitely one of the highlights of our five-day trip to Crete! This charming former capital of Crete oozes beauty and quiet. Its picturesque alleyways were idyllic to experience although you’ll experience more crowds here than other cities in Greece as some cruises stop here. Still, it’s calm compared to Santorini and Athens! All the Greeks that I met raved about Chania and I totally understand why now.

It’s an easy one hour (ish) ride from Chania to Heraklion although I’d recommend considering moving your bags with you. I write this simply because a day in Chania is enough, but you’ll definitely want to experience the sunset and a nice meal here. We didn’t stay overnight, but I was kicking myself for not doing so. You’ll find many charming boutique hotels in Chania and I will stay at Ionas Boutique Hotel (which I had bookmarked!) when I return to Chania hopefully next year.

Walking around Chania is a delight. I ended up buying a dress from a boutique along the main square and those looking for a bargain will love the Chania Market. For lunch, we enjoyed a delicious Greek vegan meal at Pulse after exploring the port and the picturesque alleyways near Theotokopoulou.

The Etz Hayyim Synagogue is free to visit although I recommend carrying some cash to make a donation. This restored synagogue in operation after a pause after the Holocaust was lovingly restored in the 1950s. I recommend reading about its history inside! (No photos allowed.) After, we stopped for a drink at a local bar with a lot of flair: ABABA .

Part of Chania’s charm is found in its cafes and we found the locals incredibly friendly! We ended up spending the afternoon sitting at a cozy rock bar with a kitten in my lap. (I was the assigned babysitter to keep an eye on the kitten who was due to be adopted in two days while the shopkeepers worked!) Finally, we watched the sunset by the old Venetian port, which was one of the most beautiful sunsets that I’ve ever seen.

If you’ve only been to the North, I recommend taking a day trip to the south of Crete. We ended up taking a bus to Plakias although Agia Galini is also a popular destination! You’ll find many day trips both east, west, and south in Crete depending on whether you’re staying in Rethymno, Chania, or Heraklion. I’d say that it’s easiest from Heraklion to find day trips, but it is possible by public bus to visit some other towns if you’re less keen on group tours.

Plakias is a quiet beach town on the other side of the White Mountains, which means that your bus ride will be absolutely epic as you pass through some of Crete’s most impressive gorges! (It was about an hour bus ride from Rethymno to Plakias.)

My friend who is a beach lover loved the soft sand along the beach, which wasn’t too crowded in September. You’ll also find a number of cute tavernas to get a nice meal. We stopped at Ταβέρνα Θρούμπι for a snack, which included the best octopus that we tried while we were in Greece.

One of the highlights of visiting Plakias is the short 30-minute walk up to the neighboring town of Mirthios for incredible views over the sea and the surrounding landscape. (The path begins near the Youth Hostel Plakias!) We had lunch at Taverna Panorama , which is a cozy family-run taverna with delicious food.

We quite enjoyed our lunch before exploring the old village and shopping at one of the cute locally run jewelry shops in town ( Lithos ). The prices here were far better than prices in the major cities in Greece that we saw and I am very glad that I got earrings here. ( I regretted not getting more handmade pieces!)

The town is fairly small and easy to explore on foot, but it’s the perfect place to relax on a slow afternoon. We quite enjoyed seeing all the olive oil trees on the way up only to try the organic olive oil down in Plakias with fresh bread. After a relaxing day and a dip in the sea, we took the last bus home just in time for dinner near our hotel.

Day 5: Relax in Heraklion/Visit a Cretan Winery

My last day in Crete was a relaxing one and I ended up taking it easy as I had an early morning ferry the next day to Santorini. We stayed at the budget-friendly So Young Hostel in a private room, which was close to the port and affordable. Heraklion is one of Crete’s major ports, which is why I recommend returning here if you intend to continue onwards through Greece by ferry. (Even for those who get seasick, the SeaJets Santorini-Crete ferry is large enough that you won’t feel it!)

Heraklion is a great base if you’re interested in doing a wine tasting and you don’t have a car. (Don’t drink and drive!) For those who are on a budget or simply prefer do day trips on their own, you can take the local bus going towards Knossos to get to Boutari winery . It’s a little bit of a walk, but you can get pretty close. (I recommend checking the Moovit app for Crete public transit!) You can also take a taxi here for 10-15 euros. Ask for the meter to be on.

Boutari is one of the Crete’s better-known wineries and it’s worth coming here if you’re looking for the full winery experience. It’s best to reserve in advance as they take pride in giving attention to all their visitors and it’s possible to also have a meal here. The wine from Boutari is really lovely, but so is all the Cretan wine that we tried in both white and red varieties. You’ll need to pay some money for the tasting, but it’s perfectly possible to come here without a tour.

If you have more limited time or Boutari is full, you can also try to visit Michalakis Estate, which is quite close to Heraklion Airport although you’ll need to take a taxi here. Call ahead for a tasting.

Another option for those short on time (and luck) is Alexaki Winery, which is Crete’s largest exporter of wine. We went here by taxi (10-15 euros per way) and the tasting was nice, but, unfortunately, this location is more of a processing plant than a traditional winery. You don’t get the gorgeous view of the vineyard, but the wine was still quite nice and we were able to do a tasting on short notice after calling an hour ahead.

Although you can do more wine tourism in other cities, I found the wineries most accessible by independent travel from Heraklion. (Please do not drink and drive! The winery that we visited was happy to call us a taxi after we did a tasting of five wines.) If you’re interested in visiting more than one winery in one day, book a wine tour in advance to visit Crete’s fantastic wineries .

All in all, Crete was a fantastic destination for a relaxing getaway in Greece. You certainly do not need to go with a packaged tour or even rent a car in order to enjoy Crete. I hope that this little five-day itinerary helped you plan your trip to Crete!

Have you visited Crete? Let me know what you thought of this Crete itinerary!

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

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May 21, 2023 at 1:15 pm

We are planning a 5 day trip to Crete and your itinerary was super helpful. Thanks!

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Crete Maps and Travel Guide

TripSavvy / Theresa Chiechi

Crete is a popular Greek Island packed with rural charm, famous archaeological sites, seaside towns with fabulous seafood, caves of historic significance and so much more.

This guide will lead you to a hike through the deep and inspiring Samaria Gorge, a visit to the best of many archaeological sites in Greece, a walk in the countryside with a stop at the famous cave where Zeus was said to have been born, and you'll find out about the cities.

All of this is available to do on inexpensive public transportation. There's really no need to rent a car and drive on Crete's narrow and winding roads, a bus can do it better—and often cheaper.

Getting to Crete

Most people get to Crete by Ferry. You can take a ferry from Piraeus (the port of Athens) directly to Crete. It takes about 9 hours on standard, lumbering but romantic ferries—but around 6 hours on the newer ferries. The ferries are timed to arrive early in the morning to Crete, so you can save the cost of a hotel by sleeping on the ferry during the crossing.

Get there early for boarding, as the port can get confusing and complicated with all the motor traffic arriving. Allow for some flexibility in your sailing because ferries can be canceled in case of very bad weather.

You can choose ferries that land in Heraklion, Chania, or Rethymno. The boat to Chania actually lands in Souda port, a short way from Chania. Ferry lines serving Crete are Minoan , ANEK , and SuperFast .

Crete is also served by three airports. Heraklion is served by Nikos Kazantzakis Airport , Chania is served by Chania Airport , also known as the "K. Daskalogiannis" airport, and the new and smaller Sitia Airport.

The Best Time to Go to Crete

Summers are full of tourists, and the paths are narrow. Opt for the off-season, but not too far off or you'll find fewer ferries and ways to get around. 

If you can, plan to spend a week or more in Crete. Crete is relaxed and laid-back, and there's a whole lot to see. It's also pretty far from anywhere else, and you don't want to take hours to get to a place and then stay only two days.

Heraklion, Greece Average Temperatures

The chart shows the historic average temperatures for the capital of Crete, Heraklion.

As you can see, the summer temperatures are quite warm (remember these are average temperatures) and the lows are quite pleasant and sometimes hot. If you avoid July and August, you'll have cooler temperatures at night. By May, the high temperatures are getting quite comfortable, and the fall temperatures don't taper off much, so September and October, and May and the first half of June are ideal.

Heraklion Average Rainfall

Here you can see the average rainfall that hits Heraklion on the northern coast of Crete. It's a typical Mediterranean climate, with relatively wet winters and dry summers. In this example, it isn't expected to rain at all in July and August.

About Crete

The small map of Crete above shows you the shape of the island. The larger towns are all on the north coast, the blue lines indicate the numerous ferries that depart for Pireus, the port of Athens, and other island groups. 

Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands and was the center of the Minoan civilization from around 2700 to 1420 BC. It is 160 miles (260 kilometers) across, west to east, and 37 miles wide at its widest point. 

Heraklion is the largest city, with over 100,000 inhabitants. Second in size is Chania with just over 50,000.

One of the things that makes Crete a compelling destination is the diversity of cultures who have occupied the island: Minoans, Mycenaeans, Romans, Byzantines, Emirate of Crete (Iberian Muslims), Republic of Venice, and the Ottoman Empire. The palace of Knossos, south of the capital Heraklion, is said to be the first European palace. A visit to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion will give you a good idea of the history.

Western Crete: Chania and the Samaria Gorge

Chania, one of Crete's larger towns, is a great place for seafood served in many of the quaint restaurants near the harbor. To work off all that food, a hike through the nearby Samaria Gorge, especially in the offseason, is a way to get needed exercise.

The Samaria Gorge is a narrow north-south oriented gorge that ends a couple of kilometers short of the small seaside village of Agia Roumeli. The gorge is within the National Park of Samaria , in the White Mountains. There is a trail through the gorge, open to the public at the beginning of May or so, depending on the weather. The distance of the trail is 16 kilometers (to Agia Roumeli, with restaurants and a ferry). In summer there can be 3,000 people wanting to walk the narrow gorge. The first tourist buses arrive at 7:30 a.m., so an early start is recommended for walkers who like a bit of solitude along the way.

Generally, most people on a budget take a one-hour KTEL bus ride from Chania to Omalos walking the 2 kilometers to the trailhead, walking the gorge and ending at Agia Roumeli, where you can get a ferry to Chora Sfakion (Sfakion on the map) and a connecting bus back to Chiana. You can also take an organized tour to the Samaria Gorge from other cities in Crete.

Wear stout shoes as the rocky path. The first couple of kilometers is a fairly steep downhill. Carry a water bottle; there are springs along the way where you can fill it.

Central and Western Crete: Knossos, Lassithi Plateau, and Phaistos

Central Crete is rich in archaeological sites and isolated rural areas like the fertile Lasithi plateau. These are some of Crete's best sites and another interesting hike, the Lasithi Plateau loop.

Getting to Knossos

From Crete's capital, Heraklion, the Minoan palace of Knossos is a few kilometers away by bus number 2 (from the port or Plateia Eleftherios). Travel agencies offer day trips to Knossos as well. If you're driving, take the road to Archanes out of Heraklion.

Be aware that the palace has deteriorated and the "restoration" by Sir Arthur Evans in the early 1900s is a bit of a fantasy, but the sprawling complex is still fascinating. Buy a combination ticket and visit the Archeological Museum in Heraklion to get an understanding of the culture of the Minoans.

Knossos is considered the oldest surviving city in Europe and it is built on even older, Stone Age settlements going back to 7,000 BC. Still being excavated today,  Knossos is associated with the legendary King Minos, and the mythical maze prowled by the Minotaur. The stories arose because of frescos discovered in the Palace of Knossos that depict Minoan bull dancers.

Phaistos - Palace of King Radamanthys

Phaistos is perhaps a more inspiring set of palace ruins than at Knossos, the hilltop setting certainly is. The palace is associated with the legend of King Radamanthys, the first legendary "Minos." Phaistos is also associated with some of the legends of Knossos.

At Phaistos, you'll see two palaces, called the old and new palaces, built of ashlar blocks on different terraces. Inside are royal quarters, storerooms and workshops. There are also Minoan settlements on sites called Chalara and Aghia Photeini.

You can also visit Gortys, 17 kilometers away from Phaistos, where it is said that Zeus made love to Europa under the plane tree. 

Phaistos is 62 km south of Heraklion. Regular public transportation is available from Iraklion and Rethimnon. Travel agencies in Heraklion also offer day trips.

Relics from Phaistos—the most famous called the Phaistós Disk-—are found in the Heraklion museum.

The Lassithi Plateau

You may have seen pictures of the Lassithi Plateau showing an idyllic landscape dotted with Greek cloth-sailed windmills powering irrigation pumps. But now there is electricity, and these windmills are no more, except for a few preserved ones. But the plateau is still worth visiting, and it's still agricultural, ringed by small villages alive with the Greek spirit, and there's an interesting cave.

The best way to reach the Lassithi Plateau by car is by the road from Neapoli, an interesting market town in itself. There are buses from Heraklion , and the bus that stops in Malia and Neapoli goes on to Agios Nikolaos. 

Enjoy walking the ring road around the plateau, which is an oval oriented east-west, 11 kilometers by 6 kilometers. There are 20 or so picturesque villages to visit.

On a winding path west of Phychro is Dikteon Andron , the cave where Zeus was said to have been born. If you go by yourself, bring a flashlight and candles. People have used the cave as a place of worship through the ages.

Mallia is both a modern city with a big bar and nightlife scene and an ancient Minoan palace, said to have been ruled over by Sarpedon, one of the three sons of Zeus by his captured bride Europa. 

Places to Stay

If you want to get a hotel in advance, consider heading to Heraklion  the town with the most options. 

Crete also has a number of vacation rentals, many along the waterfront—places you can walk to a beach from. One vacation rental site lists over 800 vacation rentals on Crete, from cottages and apartments to historic villas, many quite reasonably priced.

For example, the​ Mirtos View Apartment Rental  has a number of small apartments for two to four people within walking distance of the sea and the 18 family-run taverns that line the seashore. They'll rent you mountain bikes, or help you rent a car to get you there.

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14 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit on Crete

Written by Lana Law Updated Mar 1, 2023

Rimmed by more than 1,000 kilometers of coastline, and with stunning beaches backed by mountains that rise more than 2,400 meters, Crete is unlike any other island in Greece. It is the largest of the Greek islands and the fifth biggest island in the Mediterranean.

The main attractions on Crete are the incredible golden-sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, but the island is also home to important Minoan archaeological sites , dramatic gorges, lovely cities with Venetian harbors and fortresses, and small coastal towns where you can escape to a leisurely pace of life.

On the north coast are the centuries-old harbor towns and cities of Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikoloas, the most popular tourist destinations on the island. The best places to visit on Crete for shopping, nightlife, museums, and cultural attractions are all found along the north coast.

On the remote south coast, looking towards Africa across the Libyan Sea, are quaint seaside villages where you can escape from the main tourist scene. This is the best place for travelers looking for a quiet escape but still wanting to enjoy a beach vacation.

The scenic, mountainous interior is home to fertile soil and is where you'll find much of the country's agriculture, along with charming villages of whitewashed houses on narrow, twisting streets. Good roads and highways connect cities on the north coast with the towns on the south coast, and make for beautiful drives through the mountains.

Learn more about where to go and what to see with our list of the best places to visit on Crete.

1. The Beaches of Crete

2. the palace of knossos, 3. agios nikolaos, 5. samaria gorge, 6. heraklion, 7. rethymnon, 8. heraklion archaeological museum, 9. preveli monastery, 10. preveli beach, 11. plakias, 12. matala beach, 13. frangokastello, 14. diktaion (psychro) cave, crete - climate chart.

For most visitors coming to Crete between spring and fall, one of the top things to do is lounging on the island's beautiful beaches. Not all beaches here are created equal. Some of Crete's beaches are pebble, but some are among the most beautiful soft-sand beaches in the world, with crystal-clear water that glows a turquoise color under the Mediterranean sun.

The most famous beaches are Elafonissi, known for its white and pink sand , and Balos , or the Balos Lagoon as it's also frequently called. Both of these are within striking distance of Chania. And while these are must-see places, these are really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to outstanding beaches on Crete.

For dramatic scenery, head to the remote south coast. Here, you'll find Matala, a lovely small town with a fantastic stretch of beach, lined at one end by caves. Preveli beach , set at the end of a gorge and backed by huge cliffs, yet still accessibly via a short hike, is another top attraction on this side of the island.

On the north coast, you may also want to set your sights on beaches around Agios Nikolaos, on picturesque Mirabello Bay. One of the top choices here is Voulisma beach , but if you have time to explore a little further afield, Vai Beach, also known as Palm Beach , is one of the top beaches on Crete.

• Read More: Best Beaches on Crete

Knossos is the most important archeological site on Crete. A pre-Greek Bronze Age culture and the first maritime power in the Mediterranean, the Minoans were named after the legendary King Minos. Knossos, near the city of Heraklion , is believed to have been the palace of King Minos .

The Minoan palace is a monumental residential complex that centers on a vast courtyard, where it seems they staged "Bull-Leaping," an activity that involved running towards a bull, grabbing it by the horns, and somersaulting over it.

Knossos was abandoned around 1450 BC. Archaeologists are not sure why-it may have been a catastrophic earthquake following the volcanic explosion on Santorini, or perhaps Crete was ravaged by invaders. Whatever the cause, the Minoans completely disappeared.

Rimmed by beautiful beaches and looking across scenic Mirabello Bay, Agios Nikolaos is a charming small city on the north coast of eastern Crete, about 65 kilometers east of Heraklion. Although it is definitely a tourist town, it feels much less touristy than places like Chania.

Highlights of a visit here include a stroll along Lake Voulismeni , with its many waterfront cafés and restaurants, and the nearby port area, looking out to sea. A walk around the point from the port to Kitroplatia beach takes you past two famous statues and provides stunning views out across Mirabello Bay to the towering mountains of eastern Crete.

Near Agios Nikolaos, you can also visit the Diktean Cave , with its stalactites and stalagmites, or venture into the mountains to the hillside village of Kritsa , where local artisans sell traditional crafts such as leather goods, ceramics, and hand-woven rugs. On the way to Kritsa, stop by the little 13th-century church of Panagia Kera (Our Lady of Kera) to admire the superb Byzantine frescoes.

Not far from Agios Nikolaos are the posh beach hotels and villas of Elounda . You can drive out here to see Elounda and look across the bay to the see the ruins on the island of Spinalonga , which was also once used as a leper colony . Most people take a boat tour to the island, which leaves from the harbor in Agios Nikolaos.

Chania is the main town in Western Crete , and was the capital of the island until 1971 when it moved to Heraklion. Overlooking the Aegean Sea and backed by the White Mountains, which are snow-capped in winter, the old town's appearance dates from the centuries spent under Venice (1204-1645). Chania is a lovely place to explore on foot.

A warren of romantic alleys with pastel-colored buildings enclosed within the remains of 16th-century defensive walls, the town extends to a pretty fishing harbor. The Municipal Market, built in 1911, is worth a look for its fresh seasonal produce and gifts such as Cretan cheese and honey.

Chania has an airport (12 kilometers northeast of town on Akrotíri peninsula ) and is served by regular ferries from Athens' port, Piraeus. It makes a good base for visiting the beaches of Elafonissi and Balos , and hiking the Samaria Gorge .

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Chania

Crete is known for its outstanding gorges, but the most impressive is the Samaria Gorge. Contained within the Samaria National Park , it is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Walking the popular 16-kilometer trail that runs through the gorge is one of the most popular things to do on Crete for tourists looking to get active.

From Xylóskalo , just outside the mountain village of Omalos, the gorge descends 1,250 meters to arrive at the Libyan Sea in Agia Roumeli on Crete's sunny south coast. The river Tarraios, which dries up in summer but floods in winter, runs the length of the gorge with high rocky cliffs to each side. The gorge is open to visitors from May through mid-October.

Although the hike is mostly downhill, with most of the elevation loss occuring in the first couple of kilometers, the stony path is a bit challenging and not recommended for people with knee problems. It's a must-do for hikers who don't mind a good day hike.

The walk can take four to six hours depending on how fit you are, but with transportation, plan on a 12-hour day at a minimum from the time you leave your hotel in Chania to the time you return. This is a one-way hike, with a ferry and bus shuttling visitors back to town.

Most people do the hike as part of an organized hiking day trip from Chania, which takes care of all your transport. You can also do the Samaria Gorge hike from Heraklion, but this makes for a very long day.

Heraklion is the island's capital and a pleasant surprise for first-time visitors. The Old Town is a maze of lovely pedestrian streets lined with shops and restaurants. Huge trees provide ample shade in the squares, where you can linger over a coffee for hours at an outdoor café.

Heraklion is also an obvious base for visiting Knossos and exploring central Crete. Like many of Crete's finest coastal towns, it gained its present layout under the Venetians, who ruled from 1204 to 1669, a period which saw a considerable cultural flowering on the island, producing artists such as El Greco, from Fódele, near Heraklion.

The noted 20th-century writer, Nikos Kazantzakis (author of Zorba the Greek, 1946) was also from Heraklion, and you can see his tomb within the old town walls.

Many tourists start their trip in Heraklion, which has an international airport (five kilometers east of town), and a ferry port with service to Athens' port, Piraeus, as well as several other Greek Islands. You can also visit Santorini on a day trip from Heraklion.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Heraklion

Midway between Chania and Heraklion, Rethymnon's lovely old town is made up largely of Venetian-era buildings , though there is some evidence of the year spent under Turkish rule (1669-1898) such as the towering minaret.

A perfect place to day trip from the resorts of the north coast, Rethymnon has everything you need to justify leaving the beach for a day.

Many historic buildings have been turned into small boutique hotels, shops, and restaurants. Wandering the shady, twisty streets and alleys in a quest to find the perfect photo followed by a long lunch on the ancient Venetian Harbour is a fine way to while away an afternoon.

The mountains behind Rethymnon are home to rural villages and some excellent agritourism centers. The area makes a good base for visiting nearby attractions such as the Samaria Gorge and Mount Psiloritis .

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Rethymnon

You'll be sure to get your fill of ancient Cretan history at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Artifacts spanning 550 years are displayed across 27 different halls. Things to keep an eye out for are beautiful 3,500-year-old frescoes from Knossos, and the glazed ceramic Snake Goddess dating from 1600 BC. Another item of note is the Phaistos Disc. Dating from 100 BC it is a clay disc bearing a curious spiral of symbols.

The pride of place goes to the Minoans, with their enchanting frescoes depicting proud and slender young men and women in vivid shades of terracotta-red, ochre yellow, and cobalt blue.

This world-class museum is Heraklion's principal tourist attraction and lies in the eastern part of the old town.

Set near the top of a mountain and offering extensive views over the Libyan Sea, the 17th-century Preveli Monastery makes a nice day trip from nearby towns and cities, like Rethymnon or Georgioupoli. Highlights include the courtyards and terraces, the mountain spring, and the small air-conditioned museum with a collection of religious artifacts. You'll also find a host of friendly cats here waiting to greet visitors.

A small fee is charged to enter the monastery, and modest dress is required. Skirts are provided for women if their clothing does not extend down past their knees.

The monastery is located just a short drive from the seaside village of Plakias , which makes a nice lunch stop. Not far from the monastery is Preveli Beach , another of Crete's popular tourist attractions. It's a bit of a walk down to the beach, but you can simply stop for a view over the beach and coast if you don't want to go right to the water's edge.

Official site: http://www.preveli.org/files/moni/enindex.htm

Preveli Beach is considered one of the most spectacular beaches on Crete. Located on the south coast, it is set at the mouth of a small river and hemmed in on both sides by towering cliffs, and looks out over the Libyan Sea.

Easily reached from the north coast across good roads, this beach makes for a great day trip. However, bear in mind that from the parking area, you will need to walk down 30 minutes along a rock pathway. This may not seem that difficult, however, coming back up in the blazing afternoon sun will definitely be more onerous, so bring good shoes and plan accordingly. You can also reach Preveli Beach by boat from nearby Plakias.

If you are out for a day of sightseeing, combine a trip here with a stop at nearby Preveli Monastery . Then, head over to Plakias for lunch and enjoy some traditional Greek food.

What once started as a humble fishing village has now changed into one of the most relaxed and enjoyable beach towns on the south coast. Unlike many of the northern beach areas, which are highly developed, Plakias retains a small-town feel and has some of the best dining in the surrounding area.

Here, you'll find a long crescent beach set in a very wide inlet. The beach close to the town center is a mix of pebbles and sand and is backed by tavernas and shops, but farther to the east, is quieter and has soft sand.

Plakias is a good place to base yourself for trips to Preveli Beach; Preveli Monastery; Souda Beach; and Rethymmon , which is 40 minutes away.

Matala Beach is one of the most interesting and most visited beaches on the south coast of Crete. The beach is a huge arc of sand with a rock wall on one side riddled with ancient caves that look down on impossibly blue waters.

Matala makes for a great day trip from destinations on the north coast, like Heraklion or Rethymnon. You can lounge in the sun, swim, explore the ancient caves, and have lunch at a seaside restaurant. Afterwards, do a bit of souvenir shopping at one of the shops along the pedestrian-only walkways behind the beach.

The caves were the haunt of hippies in the 1960s. Travelers of a certain age will recognize the name of the beach from the famous Joni Mitchell song called Carey.

If you are searching for a friendly small town with not a whole lot going on, FrangoKastello may be just what you're looking for. This seaside town does not have tourist shops but does have good restaurants, an ancient fort, and some lovely beaches . It's one of Crete's true hidden gems.

Located on the south coast, about a 45-minute drive west of Plakias, Frangokastello is out of the way and off the usual tourist route. The drive here either takes you via Plakias, over a mountain pass with incredible views up and down the south coast, or down through the impressive Imbros Gorge and across the small plains, with the soaring mountains on one side and the sea on the other.

In Frangokastello, you can lie on the beach and gaze out at the blue waters of the Libyan Sea, or turn your chair towards the mountains behind and be staring at the town's imposing Venetian fortress. You can also walk a short distance from town and be on a completely undeveloped beach backed by sand dunes.

As you wander around Crete (and Greece for that matter), you'll no doubt come across tales of the ancient Gods, their duties, lives, and origins. Considered the most important Greek god, Zeus was the god of the sky, thunder, and the king of all other gods and men. It's in Diktaion Cave that this famous god was brought forth for all humanity.

Legends aside, the Diktaion Cave is considered one of the best of the 4,500 caves and sinkholes found throughout Crete . Its cool environs are a pleasant escape from the sun and heat of the Crete. You'll pass through five antechambers as you make your way down deep into the earth. At the bottom of the cave is a glass-calm lake surrounded by immense stalactites and stalagmites. Across the lake in a small chamber is the area where Zeus was apparently born.

Diktaion Cave is located up on the Lasithi plateau, an area quite unlike the rest of Crete. This high area is mostly flat and is the breadbasket of the island, with orchards and extensive farms. Stop in a small village and grab a lunch consisting of the fresh, local produce capped off with a cold beverage.

More on Greece

Getting around Crete is easy by boat, car, bus or bike

Jul 23, 2022 • 6 min read

Ferries link beaches and coastal towns all along Crete's southwest coast © Roberto Moiola / Sysaworld / Getty Images

Crete is far and away the largest Greek island, more than double the size of the closest runner-up (under-explored Evia ) and nearly 100 times the size of Mykonos . Getting around this vast and mountainous island is like navigating a small country.

Many people – even those on extended holidays – choose to limit their explorations to one portion of the island, often picking either the east or the west. Fortunately, getting around Crete is easy, albeit sometimes time-consuming.

Covering 8336 sq km (3219 sq miles), Crete is laced with decent – if twisty – roads, plied by a busy network of buses. You can also rent a car, motorbike or scooter, which will give you the freedom to explore many more obscure – and rewarding! – corners of Crete.

There are taxis for local jaunts, and ferries connecting the idyllic beaches along the southwest coast, and intrepid cyclists will find much to challenge their skills in the mountains inland. Here are our top tips for getting around in Crete.

Avoid hassles (and help the environment) by taking the bus

You can get almost anywhere in Crete by bus, and the island's coaches are modern and air-conditioned with frequent service on most routes. Two websites provide schedule and fare information: one is for western Crete , with services centered on the city of Hania , while the other covers services in central and eastern Crete , with services centered on the island's capital city, Iraklio .

Regular buses ply the major roads across Crete, stopping at villages and attractions along the way, and bus fares are cheap – the hourly service linking Hania and Iraklio costs less than €14 and takes 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Small villages off the main roads and remote beaches may only see one or two buses a day, so you might need to plan on staying the night. The unmissable beach at Elafonisi only has one bus a day making the two-hour run south from Hania in the summer.

Iraklio has two bus stations, each with services to different parts of the island, but most large and medium-sized towns in Crete have one bus station. These are usually centrally located and have services such as toilets and mini-marts. In smaller towns, there will simply be a bus stop on or near the central square or another prominent spot. In rural areas, you can hail the bus from the roadside.

When traveling on busy routes such as the trip from Hania to Iraklio, it might be worth buying a ticket online to have a seat reservation during holiday periods. Don't expect to just turn up and get a seat in the period immediately before and after Greek Easter.

Otherwise, you can buy tickets from booths at bus stations. In small towns, a cafe near the central stop may sell tickets or you can simply buy them on the bus. Fares are fixed and regulated by the government, and many buses have free wi-fi.

A hire car makes for easy exploring in Crete

Renting a car (or motorbike) in Crete is easy, with vehicles much in demand during the touristy months from April to October. The main airports in Hania and Iraklio both have dozens of rental firms, including all the major international brands. However, as is common across Greece, you can often get the best deals from local firms, so it pays to shop around. Away from the airports, local firms are often the only sources for rental cars across the island.

You can reduce the cost to your wallet and the environment by using buses as your main source of transport, saving renting your own wheels for a day or two exploring stunning mountainous landscapes, tiny villages and isolated beaches.

The main roads in Crete are in good shape, but allow plenty of time for journeys, as you'll be tempted to stop often – to explore a village, take in a view or go for a hike. Also, Crete's mountainous landscape means lots of curvy and sometimes treacherous roads. The sparkling beaches at Elafonisi are only 75km (46.6 miles) southwest of Hania, but driving here will take at least two hours.

Note that road signs are sporadic – download local maps to your phone mapping app before you set out as mobile service can cut out just when you need it most. And be prepared for local drivers with a lax attitude towards staying in their lane, obeying speed limits and proceeding cautiously around blind curves.

Take a ferry to reach Crete's stunning beaches

On Crete's beautiful southwest coast, a network of passenger ferries links the beaches and resort towns in summer – a few villages can only be easily reached by boat. You can catch a small boat or water taxi at many stops between Elafonisi in the west and Hora Sfakion in the east. Confirm schedules ahead, especially for smaller beaches, where ferry services may be limited. Fares are typically under €10 per person.

Hail a taxi for short trips and post-hike pickups

Taxis can be found in the cities and most places tourists congregate. Make sure the driver uses the meter – in remote areas taxis may not have a meter, so agree on a price before setting off. Central taxi stands in smaller towns often display a list of local taxi fares, which will save you any anxiety about over-charging.

There are no ride-sharing services on the island, so keep the number of a local taxi company handy if you plan to call for a cab at the end of a hike .

Rent a bike for local exploring – but be ready for Crete's hills!

You can rent a bike in larger towns and tourist areas – expect to pay around €20 per day or less. However, with Crete's winding roads, perilous drops and manic drivers, setting out by bike is not for the faint-hearted. Those up to the challenge will find that the roads curving through the island's peaks and gorges offer sublime rides.

Accessible transportation in Crete

For travelers with mobility issues, getting around Crete is tough going. Buses do not have lifts and taxis designed to accommodate disabled people are only available in Hania and Iraklio. Hiring your own vehicle may be the easiest option, or arrange a trip with a specialist operator such as Eria Travel . For more information on accessible travel, see Lonely Planet's Accessible Travel Resources .

Why I love riding Crete's buses

Today, Crete's buses are modern, safe and have comforts like air-con and wi-fi, but I'm always taken back to a 1985 trip to the then-isolated hippie beach town of Matala. As our rickety bus sped over the primitive roads, the driver misjudged a turn and slammed into the corner of an ancient stone house, shearing off numerous huge stones. However, he didn't miss a beat as he hit the gas instead of the brakes, while we passengers brushed off the glass and stone debris!

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Retreat to Crete: why the Greek island is a perfect escape

The unspoilt northeast of Greece’s largest island offers a restorative mix of uncrowded beaches, authentic tavernas and extraordinary views

S ometimes, when you travel, you arrive somewhere so ridiculously picturesque, so dictionary-definition of how you expect the country to look, that you half suspect it was built as a film set, or has been “Disneyfied” specifically for tourists.

I get this feeling when I walk on to the small, horseshoe-shaped bay at Mochlos, Crete. Half a dozen restaurants, all cobalt wooden chairs, whitewashed tables and blackboards offer gyros and freshly caught fish. On the slim strip of stones that fringes the low sea wall, a handful of locals is towelling off after a late dip, the last two heads bobbing in the metallic blue water, the small, humpy island behind them backlit by the apricot-gold light of the sun, slowly dipping beneath the horizon.

I settle in with a cold Mythos and order up a plate of crispy gyros, fresh pitta and tzatziki. As I gaze out over the slowly darkening Gulf of Mirabello, I feel sure that a week here, doing nothing but pottering the 10-minute walk between my hotel, the Mochlos Blue, and this ramshackle clutch of tavernas, would be more restorative than a luxurious spa hotel.

But this quiet corner of Crete is well worth exploring. The northeast, home to the Dikti mountains, is one of the island’s last unspoilt stretches of coastline, and a world away from the luxury resorts that scatter the coast around Elounda, and the 1980s sprawling hotels and apartments that characterise places such as Agios Nikolaos.

After a lazy first day, I set out to discover a good local beach (the one thing Mochlos doesn’t have), and follow a recommendation to Tholos, hidden away 3km from the main road.

It turns out to be an absolute treat of a beach: a long strip of sand that is free of sun loungers and parasols, the only shade thrown by a cluster of tamarind trees sheltering a handful of cars. As I step into the water, only one other couple is swimming. The water is sparklingly clear, shoals of tiny fish whisking through the shallows. The mountains loom to the southern end of the beach past one whitewashed house on the small road that leads over the headland to the north.

The swimming is really only an excuse for over-indulgence. Cretan food is arguably the best in Greece, the island’s diverse landscapes producing everything from mountain herbs, greens and tangy cheese to grassily delicious olive oils, freshly caught fish and crispy pastry snacks, such as spanakopita – golden flaky pastry, stuffed with salty feta and herbs. Best of all, because this area of Crete is off the mainstream tourist trail, even the most spectacularly situated taverna rarely gets overrun.

I head to the village of Mirsini, where a huddle of whitewashed houses clambers up the mountainside and Mochlos is little more than a vague white fringe along a small strip of sea, hundreds of metres below. As I climb the steps of the Taverna Kathodon , I pass circular trays of tomatoes, slowly drying in the sunshine. I emerge on to a series of small terraces, crammed with terracotta pots and mismatched chairs and tables. The bright yellow walls are covered with everything from straw hats to fake flowers and old cooking implements.

The view is so spectacular – great, scrub-faced mountains, the distant outline of Crete’s jagged northern coast like a huge sleeping alligator beside the sea – that it wouldn’t matter if the food was average. Instead, I eat crispy mizithropita – a flatbread stuffed with cheese, hot off the pan and drizzled with honey, and dolmadakia – the most succulent vine leaves I’ve ever tasted.

At the table next to me, an elderly couple is making their way through a carafe of wine, taking pictures to send to their grandchildren. On the other side of the terrace, a Greek family is squabbling over vast plates of meatballs and calamari. Beneath it all, the cicadas keep up their rhythmic chorus. It strikes me I may have reached peak Greek.

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All the eating pushes me into deciding to tackle the Richtis Gorge , a short half-hour drive from Mochlos. I take the easy option (although it’s all relative) and drive the steep, twisting road from the upper car park down to the beach, reducing the hike from two hours to about 40 minutes (and cutting out most of the uphill stretches). Even so, it’s quite a clamber and more like a rainforest walk than a gorge. Small waterfalls rush through gashes in the rock, understudies for the main event – a shimmering, aquamarine pool with kinetic tendrils of water hurling down over the rock face above.

The Richtis proves to be quite the adventure, justifying my last day of doing little except lazing by the Mochlos Blue’s tranquil pool. The hotel is adults-only (apart from summer school holidays), and with just six rooms it feels more like a spacious villa; the honesty bar is well stocked with snacks, cold beers and local wine, and the small breakfast buffet is complimented each morning by a traditional, homemade treat – scrambled eggs with tomato, spanakopita and, my absolute favourite, loukoumades – deep-fried dough balls, drenched in honey and nuts.

On my last evening, I drive up from the village for supper at the Taverna Natural , where tables are set out in a charming, tree-dotted garden. The view across the Gulf of Mirabello is perhaps one of the most stunning on the whole island. I time it just right for the sunset and watch, transfixed, as the sky flames through an extraordinary palette of colours, the sun burning slowly down towards the purple-auburn mountains. I order a tomato salad and moussaka, the aubergines lying across the dish like silk. The view is extraordinary, the food delicious, the beer perfectly chilled… Would it be wrong to stay another week?

A week at the Mochlos Blue costs from £899, including car hire and B&B accommodation, through Simpson Travel. For more details, go to simpsontravel.com

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The 11 best things to do in Crete

T he  beaches  are beautiful on Greece’s largest island, but the birthplace of Zeus has plenty to tempt visitors away from those golden sands. Crete’s off-the-beaten-track sights, split into four very different regions, are best explored via exhilarating four-wheel drive safaris into remote mountain villages, or boat trips to tiny, shell-strewn islands. With many well-organised museums and more than a dozen world class archaeological sites, there are also innumerable ways to get to grips with the local history and culture, whilst a plethora of food-themed tours and activities offer a taste-packed insight into the celebrated Cretan diet.

For further Crete inspiration, see our guides to the island's best  hotels ,  restaurants ,  nightlife  and  beaches . For further inspiration plan the  perfect Greek island-hopping holiday with our itinerary.

Linger on The Island

A traditional wooden fishing boat whisks you over (sometimes choppy) waves from Elounda’s pretty harbour to visit Spinalonga, a barren atoll in sheltered Mirabello Bay where Greece’s lepers were kept in quarantine until 1957. You can easily spend an hour exploring the Venetian forts, tunnel and stone buildings of this island which was the setting for Victoria Hislop’s poignant novel 'The Island'. A recommended company to go with is  Elounda Boat Cooperative , who can be found in Elounda harbour. 

Insider tip: It’s well worth hiring one of the personable professional guides who’ll be waiting as you get off the boat: they know fascinating anecdotes about life on this island, which was already a place of exile during the Ottoman occupation.

Contact:  00 30 69743 85854

Opening times:  Daily, 9am-5pm (Apr 1st-Oct 31st)

Hike through Death Valley

Leave your vehicle in the cryptically signposted ‘Dead’s Gorge’ car park beneath the bustling mountain village of Zakros village, then hike down to Kato Zakros between towering, cave-pocked cliff faces where the Minoans once buried their dead. The trail winds down, over worn pebbles and stony outcroppings hung with pungent oregano, to the remote resorts’ 16th-century BC Minoan Palace.

Insider tip: Hike early and plan to spend the day in this gloriously pretty (and gorgeously isolated) cove. There’s a sprinkling of taverns lining the waterfront.

Contact: 00 30 28430 26897

Opening times: Daily, 8am-7.45pm in summer (varies in winter)

Forage for your supper

Get off the beaten track and learn about the Cretan diet on a foraging expedition with biologist Dr Haris Saslis of Forage Crete. Leaping from crag to crag, personable Haris imparts anecdotes about mountain goats, local flora – and London's Kew Gardens where he used to work – whilst guiding participants to harvest edible wild green xorta (green leaves).

Insider tip: Don’t eat too much beforehand - after the foraging expedition participants cook their own surprisingly filling lunch so leave space for the flaky filo pastry pies stuffed with dock leaves and steamed wild asparagus drizzled with olive oil.

Contact: foragecrete.com

Meet the Minoans

If you’ve ever wondered what the mysterious Minoans were really like, this carefully choreographed performance might give you some idea. Based on expert evidence and purporting ot offer an accurate historical experience, the colourful three-hour show introduces you to King Minos and other mythical characters, whilst demonstrating ritual dances of the time, including bull-leaping. 

Insider tip: it’s worth booking the Minoan Night Experience which includes a meal based on olive oil, wine, honey and other elements of the Minoan diet.  

Contact: minoantheater.gr

Visit a fascinating museum

If you only visit one museum, it has to be Heraklion’s archaeological museum, which houses the worlds best collection of artefacts hailing from Crete’s mysterious Minoan civilisation. It’s well presented with detailed labels in English: look out for the famous dolphin frescoes, the minutely detailed gold bee pendant from Malia, and the yet-to-be-deciphered Phaistos disc.

Insider tip:  For better value, combine this visit with  Knossos Palace  and buy one ticket which gives entry to both. The amount of breathtaking artefacts on show here is astounding - plan to spend at least two hours.

Contact: 

heraklionmuseum.gr

Set out on safari

Heading for the hills on a safari adventure is a great way to explore corners of Crete where only goats get to roam. The Minoan trail winds through high flung villages to Zeus’s cave (with stops for raki tasting en route), whilst the Preveli route thunders between Spili’s picturesque lion head fountains and shops, to Preveli’s palm tree-lined beach.

Insider tip:  Bring binoculars to spot the wildlife that haunt these remoter regions: impressive griffon vultures (their wingspan is over two metres) hang above the crags of Patsos Gorge and deer-like Kri Kri goats hide out near Samaria’s gorge.

Contact: safariclub.gr

Meet and eat with locals

Cretan food specialties abound, but it can be tough to seek them out without insider help. Local born guides with Crete Urban Adventures lead gourmet walking tours through Heraklion’s busy backstreets and herb-and leather-scented bazaars to visit the city’s oldest custard pie bougatsa shop, meet the man behind Heraklion’s best tripe restaurant, and plenty more (expect lots of mezes en route).

Insider tip:  Wear flat shoes – the city’s cobbled, potholed streets are merciless on heels –and make sure to ask to see the statue (and hear the tale) of Crete’s star-crossed lovers from the celebrated 17th-century poem Erotokritos.

Contact: intrepidtravel.com

Hang out with big fish

A real unsung gem, Crete’s Thalassokosmos aquarium is one of the largest centres for marine research, technology and entertainment in the Mediterranean. Housed amidst houses and barracks of the (very atmospheric) abandoned American base at Gournes it’s easily overlooked, so keep an eye out for the signs. Plan a couple of hours to visit all the different tanks: there are 60 of them containing everything from local to tropical species - there’s even a small shark tunnel and a breezy open air cafe overlooking Gournes’sandy beach: it’s also well worth booking a behind-the-scenes tour where you’ll get up close and friendly with the different fish. 

Insider tip: Close to several sandy beaches and a string of cafes and tavernas, Crete's only aquarium also sits next door to Dinosauria Park (a quirky dino-themed  attraction which includes a fossil exhibition and animatronic dinosaur models)- so why not bring swimwear and spend the day here?

Contact:  cretaquarium.gr

Explore Europe’s longest gorge

You’ll need to be fairly fit to make the five-hour hike through the 16 kilometre-long (10 miles) Samaria Gorge, but it’s worth it for the chance to spot feral kri kri goats and soaring griffon vultures. Enjoy the viewing platform before the trail plunges into the rubble-strewn gorge, which narrows to three metres at the claustrophobic cleft known as sideresportes (‘iron gates’).

Insider tip: An easier alternative is to take a boat from Hora Sfakion to Agia Roumeli and hike through the bottom end of the gorge. Alternatively, spend the night in Agia Roumeli and explore this stunning gorge in the cool of morning. Accommodation in Agia Roumeli is fairly basic but Artemis Studios is one of the best and closest to the gorge.

Contact:   samaria.gr

Voyage to Golden Island

A boat sails once a day to visit the pristine, sea daffodil-studded dunes, gold sand beaches, ancient salt pans and Minoan remains on eastern Crete’s Natura 2000-protected Chrissi Island. Apart from dozens of parasols dotting the shell-strewn beach, shade is provided by a small forest of juniper trees – some are more than 300 years old. According to new conservation laws, however, boats can only approach to within 50 metres of the beach and you’ll have to swim the rest of the way.

Insider tip:  Umbrellas, food, water and even souvenirs are for sale/rent on the island, but they’re expensive so it's a good idea to bring your own – even the showers are charged for. At the height of summer beaches are crowded – especially at weekends.

Contact: cretandailycruises.com

Visit the seat of Cretan Revolution

A potent symbol of resistance for Cretans, Arkadi is an incense-scented haven of peace. This 17th-century monastery, hidden behind high stone walls, has a large courtyard surrounded by monachal cells and an elegant 16th-century church. Most moving is the old gunpowder magazine where local families fleeing Ottoman troops in 1866 blew themselves up, rather than surrender.

Insider tip:  The monks are generally willing to show visitors around, and on special feast days they’ll even share a tumbler of raki. Make sure to see the ossuary across from the monastery where some of the victims' skulls are conserved behind glass.

Contact:  arkadimonastery.gr

How we choose

Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.

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How To Get Around Crete by Public Transport, Ferries, Bus Tours, Car Rental and More: Greece Transportation Guide

• Written by Post author: Chloe Smulian
• Post last modified: Updated on April 2, 2024

Getting around Crete is easy with this ridiculously detailed Greece travel guide. Find out how to get around Crete with or without a car and how much transportation costs.

Planning an epic vacation in Crete but not sure what’s the best way to get around the island? You’ve come to the right place!

We’ve spent hours researching the best way to get around Crete. From whether to rent a car, scooter, or quadbike, to how public transport and ferries work.

So why let all those hours go to waste? Sharing is caring, right? This epic Crete Transportation Guide will help you skip all the guesswork!

Find out how to easily get around Crete with or without a car. Whether that’s by public transport, guided bus tours, ferries, taxis, or renting a car, scooter, or quadbike – we’ve got you covered!

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How Do You Get Around on Crete Island?

Before we jump straight into the different ways to get around the Greek island. Let us answer one of the most frequently asked questions travelers ask when visiting Crete for the first time. And that question is: ‘How do you get around on the island?’

And it’s a great question to ask, by the way!

You see, Crete is not only the largest island in Greece. But also the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean. To give a bit of context, that’s around a third of the size of Hawaii and more than double the size of Mallorca.

This means that unlike many of the smaller Greek islands, like Koufonisia or Antiparos, Crete is not walkable and it’s impossible to explore the entire island without a car or some form of motor transport.

Luckily, there are many ways to get around Crete. Each mode of transportation has its pros and cons, of course. And we’ll share what these are to help you plan the ultimate Greece vacation.

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What Is The Best Way To Get Around Crete?

Is there a best way to get around Crete? The answer will depend on you and what type of vacation you want in Crete.

If your vacation goal is to relax on the beach and see a handful of famous beaches and attractions in Crete, then the best way to get around is by public transport or guided bus tours.

But if you plan on packing your travel itinerary with as many beautiful beaches, hikes, and attractions to see as humanly possible (like us), then the best option is renting a car.

Especially if you want to explore Crete off the beaten track, and discover hidden gems and beaches away from the crowds.

Renting a car may be the best way to get around, but it’s also the most expensive option. Plus, driving in Crete is not easy if you go off the beaten path.

If you’re not sure whether it’s worth renting a car or not, we’d recommend reading our  Crete Itinerary . This epic travel guide shows you what to see and do in Crete in 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, or 14 days, with or without a car.

Getting Around Crete By Car

Crete is one gorgeous island and one of our favorite travel destinations. But we won’t lie – driving in Crete is not for the faint of heart.

Driving on the main highway in the north is easy. It’s the other main roads and often, unpaved dirt paths that are difficult, if not borderline dangerous.

Not only will you have to prepare yourself to navigate around plenty of holes and hairpin turns. But also dodge cats, shrews, mountain goats, and other wildlife crossing the road at night with nothing but your headlights to guide you.

But don’t worry, we drove over 2,000km in Crete and live to tell the tale.

If you plan to rent a car, make sure to read our  Driving in Crete  guide. It includes a list of important road rules you need to know to have a safe road trip in Crete. Plus, we’ve also included useful car rental tips like what driving license you’ll need, whether car insurance is necessary, and what type of car to hire.

How Expensive Is Car Rental in Crete

Renting a car is the most expensive way to get around Crete – but how expensive is it exactly?

Car rental can cost anywhere between €40 to €80 per day depending on the type of car you’re renting and whether it’s high or low peak season. This excludes fuel costs, parking fees, one-way fees, and sometimes even car insurance, by the way!

For our two-week vacation in Crete, we rented a car for 12 days and paid €496. This works out to spending €41 per day on car rental and includes comprehensive car insurance as well as one-way fees.

It was not ridiculously expensive, but it wasn’t cheap either!

If you plan on traveling to Crete, we’d recommend booking car rental as early as possible to get the cheapest deal.

Don’t make the mistake of renting a car when you’re there. There may be tons of car rental companies on the island. But like in most countries, they’ll charge you an arm and a leg if you book on the spot.

Compare car rental prices for Crete on  DiscoverCars.com  or  RentalCars.com  to find the cheapest deals.

Related Guide:  How much does a trip to Greece cost? Get a detailed cost breakdown for flights, hotels, excursions, eating out, and more, in our  How Expensive Is Crete  guide.

Getting Around Crete Without A Car

Driving in Crete is not for everyone. But the good news is that you do not need a car to visit the most famous beaches, attractions, and sightseeing spots.

It’s easy to get around the Greek island without a car. You can take public transport, ferries, guided bus tours, or even rent a scooter or quadbike (ATV) and make the journey as fun as the destination.

Depending on your travel itinerary, you’ll most likely have to take a combination of these modes of transportation. But it’s fairly easy as long as you’re staying in a town that’s within walking distance of public transport.

What are the best towns or places to stay in Crete without a car? We answer this exact question in our  Where To Stay in Crete  guide.

Public Transport

One of the most common questions travelers ask is whether there is public transportation on Crete. The answer?

Yes – public transport exists in Crete and it’s fairly decent. But that’s only true for the north part of the Greek island. Most towns in the south and east of Crete only offer bus service twice a day (if any).

Getting around Crete by public bus definitely requires more planning. But the pros are that it’s the cheapest way to get around the island and it’s safe if you’re traveling solo.

How To Get Around Crete by Bus

Getting around Crete is easy with the public bus service, KTEL. They provide regular bus service between the major towns in north Crete like Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos.

You can also take public transport to some towns in the south and east of Crete like Matala, Sougia, Chora Sfakion (or Sfakia), and Sitia. But buses to these towns are not regular.

If you plan to explore south and east Crete without a car, you may need to stay overnight to catch the bus back to Chania, Rethymno, or Heraklion the next day.

Bonus Tip:  You can easily spot public buses in Crete. They’re usually either white or turquoise.

How Do You Buy Bus Tickets in Crete?

There are a few ways to buy bus tickets in Crete. The first method is buying it online.

We’d highly recommend you always buy online when you can. That way you know what time the bus departs and you won’t need to worry about paying by cash.

To buy your bus tickets online, simply head to  E-Ktel  or  Ktel Herlas . Insert the town you want to depart from and where you want to head to, as well as the date, and pay for your public transport ticket online.

The second method is buying your tickets on the bus. We were able to do this when we took the bus from Malia to Stalida. But this wasn’t possible when we took the bus from Sougia to Omalos.

We’re not sure why. But our best guess is that you can only buy tickets on the bus on regular routes connecting the towns in the north. For the less regular routes, you’ll have to pre-buy your bus tickets from a nearby cafe or shop.

You can expect bus prices in Crete to be anywhere between €1.60 per person for a short trip, to €7 or more for long trips.

Here are the prices for the most popular bus routes on the island:

• Bus from Chania to Heraklion: €13.80
• Chania to Rethymnon by bus: €6.20
• Bus from Heraklion to Sitia: €14.60
• Heraklion to Rethymno: €7.60

You can find the bus schedule on the  Ktel Herlas  and  Ktel  websites. Ktel also has a  bus map  that you can download and use on your vacation.

Besides public transportation, you can also get around Crete without a car by taking guided bus tours.

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Guided Bus Tours in Crete

Taking guided bus tours is another great way to get around Crete without a car.

The famous Hop On Hop Off Bus may not go around the entire island ( only Heraklion ). But most bus tours include pick-up and drop-off so you won’t need to worry about public transport at all.

You can easily get to most of the best beaches in Crete like  Balos beach ,  Elafonissi beach , and even  Seitan Limania  via bus tours.

Guided tours won’t go to hidden gems like  Voulolimni  rock pool and  Kedrodasos beach . But you can always take a  private roundtrip transfer  there.

If you’re traveling to Crete during peak season (between June and August), make sure to book your bus tours online to skip the long queues.

Related Guide:  Find out which beaches you can visit by guided tour (without driving) in our  21 Best Beaches in Crete  travel guide.

Taking Ferries in Crete

Another way to get around is to take the ferries.

It’s the only way of traveling to the smaller islands off Crete like Spinalonga, Chrissi, and Gramvousa island. As well as the gorgeous, but inaccessible quaint coastal villages on the south part of the island like Loutro and Agia Roumeli.

These routes are usually operated by smaller ferry services. Ticket prices vary from €7 to €25 per person, depending on the destination.

You’ll likely need to combine taking public transport to get to the ferry ports, so make sure to plan ahead.

Remember to check the weather forecast. Nature will always have the final say when you’re taking the ferry. If weather conditions are too rough, boat companies will have to cancel and travel another day.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance will protect you against injury, illness, theft and even trip cancellation. It’s comprehensive cover in case anything goes wrong. We never go on a trip without it as we’ve had to use it many times in the past. Here are our favourite companies that offer the best value and service:

• SafetyWing  (best for everyone)
• AXA  (for US residents)
• Outbacker  (for UK residents)
• Allianz  (for Germany residents)

Ferry Ports in Crete

There are many ferry ports in Crete. Here are the ports for some of the most popular routes:

• Kissamos port: To get to  Balos and Gramvousa Island  by ferry
• Elounda : To take the ferry to Spinalonga Island
• Ierapetra port: To get to  Chrissi Island  in south Crete
• Chora Sfakion (or Sfakia) port: To get to  Loutro  and Agia Roumeli in south Crete
• The port in Chania, Rethymno, or Heraklion to get from Crete to  Santorini island

You can always book your ferry tickets directly with the independent boat companies.

But we prefer to book with Get Your Guide. It’s slightly more expensive but many of their bus tours include pick-up and drop-off. Plus they have a great cancellation policy.

If the weather takes a turn for the worse, you cancel 24 hours before your trip and get a full refund.

Taking A Taxi

Taking a taxi is another way to get around Crete. Ride-sharing services like Uber or Bolt don’t exist on the island, so taking a regular taxi is the only option.

Taxi Prices: How Much Does It Cost

Taxi prices are cheap for getting around the main towns like Chania, Rethymno, and Heraklion. You could expect it to cost between €5 to €10 to travel within the town centers.

It’s when you start taking longer taxi journeys that prices start getting a bit… abstract. That’s why we don’t recommend you use taxis as your main mode of transportation around Crete.

Like in many countries, taxi drivers will often double the price or switch to a higher tariff when you travel at night or want to travel outside the city limits.

That’s why it’s always better to negotiate the taxi fare BEFORE hopping on because Crete is no exception.

Is There Uber on Crete?

There is no Uber on Crete so you’ll, unfortunately, have to play by the old rules when it comes to taking the taxi.

This means that you should always negotiate the taxi price beforehand. Don’t rely on the taxi meter because sometimes the driver forgets to put it on. We’d also recommend writing down the full address of your destination so there’s no confusion about where you’re going.

And finally, it’s not uncommon for taxi drivers to pick up other passengers en route. If you’re not comfortable with that, make sure to let the taxi driver know that you’d prefer not to share the taxi.

Airport Transfers

If you need an airport transfer, we’d recommend booking a taxi with  Crete Cab . We booked our taxi with them to get from Heraklion Airport to our hotel in Stalis for €34.

They’re reliable, the driver was friendly and we got to our hotel without a hitch.

If you’re traveling as a bigger group (5 people or more), we’d recommend booking a  private transfer from Heraklion airport . This airport transfer can take you to any destination of your choice in Crete.

Renting A Scooter, ATV or Buggy

And finally, the last but most fun way of getting around Crete – renting a scooter, quadbike (ATV), or buggy!

This is a great option for couples or a small group of friends. It’s a fun and affordable way to get around the island.

The prices to rent buggies and scooters may have changed since we were there last. But just to give you an idea so you can plan your travel budget.

The price was €50 to rent a buggy that fits 2 people for one day. If you rent for 2 days, you get 1 day free.

Alternatively, scooters cost €10 per day and quadbike rentals start from €15 per day depending on the motor power.

All you need is a driving license!

Scooters, quadbikes, or buggies are great options for traveling short distances in Crete (up to 20km to 30km one way). This is sufficient for exploring nearby towns.

But we wouldn’t recommend using this mode of transportation to cover long distances in Crete.

Besides the main highways, there are no street lights on most of the roads in Crete. Plus, the road conditions deteriorate the more off-the-beaten-track you go which can make a long trip uncomfortable.

Wrapping Things Up

Crete is the largest island in Greece so you’ll definitely need some sort of motor transport to get around. Luckily, there are many modes of transportation on the island.

Renting a car is nice, but not a must. There are plenty of other ways to get around Crete without a car. There’s public transport, ferries, taxis, and bus tours, or you could even rent a scooter, buggy, or quadbike.

The best way to get around Crete will depend on your travel itinerary and budget. You’ll most likely need to use a combination of these transportation methods to explore the island. But hopefully this travel guide made it simple enough for you to get around the largest island of Greece.

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