voyage guide crete

What to See in Crete in 3, 4, 5, 7, 10 or 14 days With or Without a Car: The Ultimate Crete Itinerary

• Written by Post author: Chloe Smulian
• Post last modified: Updated on August 4, 2024

Planning an unforgettable vacation in Greece? Skip the guesswork and follow this ridiculously detailed Crete Itinerary. Find out what to see and do in Crete in 3, 4, 5, 7, 10 or 14 days!

Excited to visit Crete for the first time, but dreading the research and planning required to put an epic Crete itinerary together? Don’t worry! You’ve come to the right place!

We’ve spent hours researching the best way to travel Crete. From whether to rent a car, where to stay on the Greek island, which gorges are worth hikinsag, to where you can see the best waterfalls and beaches on Crete with or without a car.

So why let all those hours go to waste? Sharing is caring, right?

Skip all the guesswork and use this epic travel guide to plan your vacation in Crete. Whether you’re spending 3, 4, 5, 7, 10 days or 2 weeks in Crete (14 days) – we’ve got you covered!

We’ve custom designed 8 different Crete itineraries in this guide to help you get the most out of your Greece vacation!

Make sure you bookmark, share or pin this Crete Itinerary so you can refer back to it later.

How Many Days to Spend in Crete

Before we jump straight into the best Crete itinerary for you. Let us answer one of the most frequently asked questions travelers ask when visiting Crete for the first time. And that question is: ‘How many days should you spend in Crete?’

This is a really important question to ask yourself before planning your travel itinerary in Crete. Not only will it determine what things you can do and see on the Greek island. But it will also help you narrow down where to stay in Crete and whether you should rent a car or not.

So instead of answering the question: ‘how many days to spend in Crete?’ It would be more useful if we answered the question: ‘how many days do you NEED in Crete?’ instead.

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How Many Days Do You Need in Crete?

This is how many days we think you need in Crete after exploring and traveling the island ourselves.

If you plan to see the entire island of Crete, then you’ll need 4 weeks.

You’ll need to spend at least 7 days EACH in north, south, east and west Crete to explore the whole island. Yes – it’s that big!

Most of us don’t have the luxury of spending 4 weeks in Crete (unless you work remotely or you’re a digital nomad). This is why we say the ideal (and realistic) number of days to spend in Crete is 14 days.

Two weeks will allow you to see the best beaches in the east, west and a few beaches in south Crete (famous and off the beaten track), hike some of the best gorges on the island and explore the historic towns in Crete like Rethymno and Chania.

It’s also possible to explore both east and west Crete in 10 days. But your itinerary in Crete will be rushed and it would be best to rent a car to maximize sightseeing.

The minimum days we’d recommend you spend in Crete is 7 days. A week in Crete will allow you to explore either the west or east part of the island.

And if you’re really strapped for time and can only spend 3, 4 or 5 days in Crete. You’d only have enough time to see a few of the most famous beaches in Crete and explore a historic town or two.

Still unsure how many days to spend in Crete? Don’t worry! We’ve created a Crete Itinerary for 3, 4, 5, 7, 10 or 14 days to help you pick the right vacation for you. Here’s a sneak peak:

3 days in Crete Itinerary: Without A Car

Day 1: arrive in chania, crete.

There’s no time to waste when you’ve only got 3 days in Crete! On day 1, we’d recommend flying into  Chania International Airport  and staying in the historic town of Chania.

Chania will be the best town to base yourself in without renting a car when you’ve only got 3 days in Crete.

If possible, book a flight that arrives by the latest lunchtime. That way you’ll still have the rest of the day to explore old town Chania.

Bonus Tip:  It’s possible to take public transport from Chania International Airport to its town center. But it takes time with all the stops in between. With only 3 days in Crete, we’d recommend taking an  airport transfer  to shorten the trip.

What To Do in Chania

Chania is one of the oldest towns in Crete. The city is most famous for its rich history, culture and distinct old town, new town atmosphere.

History and architecture lovers will enjoy spending hours wandering down the narrow streets of old town Chania. Admiring how the city’s facades capture all the different civilizations that have flourished here throughout the centuries.

And if history isn’t your forte (like us), Chania offers some of the best nightlife in Crete and is a haven for foodies.

Wander the streets of Chania at your own leisure. Or join this  small guided bike tour  to see the best attractions and hidden gems in old town Chania.

Where To Stay in Chania

We’d recommend staying in the  old town of Chania . Not only is this the best part of Chania to stay in without a car. But it’s also the best way to soak up the old town vibes of Crete on a short 3-day itinerary.

You’ll be within walking distance of museums, and archaeological sites, as well as the best shopping, restaurants, and nightlife in Chania.

Hotels may be cheaper in the  new town of Chania . But it’s very busy and lacks the charismatic vibe that old town Chania is known for.

Save Me For Later

Best Places to Stay in Chania, Crete

• Budget:   Boho City Hostel  (mixed dorm)
• Budget:   Alegria Pension
• Budget:   Earini Rooms and Apartments
• Mid-range:   Villa Margot
• Mid-range:   Metropolis House
• Mid-range:   Madonna Studios
• Luxury:   Venetian Palace
• Luxury:   Malmo Historic Hotel
• Luxury:   Castello Luxury Residence  (with private jacuzzi)
• Luxury:   Estia Residence

Looking for more? See the map below to compare hotel prices in Chania or check out Chania hotel reviews on TripAdvisor before deciding.

Related Guide: Looking for other places to stay in Crete besides Chania? Read our Where To Stay in Crete guide. It shares insider tips on where to stay in Crete with kids, for a romantic couples getaway, to the best hotels for beautiful beaches and epic nightlife, with or without renting a car.

Day 2: Balos Beach and Gramvousa Island

If it’s your first time visiting Crete, then you must add  Balos Beach  and  Gramvousa Island  to your Crete Itinerary!

They’re some of the most famous beaches in Crete for good reason. Both are considered to be some of the most beautiful and iconic beaches on the Greek island.

Balos beach is known for its exquisite natural surroundings with a lagoon on the one side and the sea on the other. And the rugged mountains in the backdrop create the ultimate nature lovers’ paradise.

Gramvousa, on the other hand, is a remote beach located on an uninhabited island off the west coast of Crete. It used to be a famous pirate island back in the day. But today, Gramvousa Island is known for looking like a movie set from the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’.

How To Get To Balos Beach and Gramvousa Island Without A Car

It’s possible to get to Balos Beach by car. But if you plan to see Gramvousa Island too, then we’d suggest taking a ferry to both places instead.

Skip the long queues and book this full-day trip from Chania to Balos and Gramvousa. It includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Chania so you won’t need to rent a car.

Here are other options if you’re not staying in Chania:

• Ferry to Balos and Gramvousa Island from Kissamos Port
• From Heraklion: Day Trip to Balos and Gramvousa
• Full-Day Tour to Balos and Gramvousa Island from Rethymno

Day 3: Elafonissi Beach

Day 3 of this Crete itinerary takes us to another famous beach on the Greek island. Elafonissi – Crete’s signature pink sand beach!

The pink sand found on  Elafonissi beach  is renowned because it’s unique to Crete. And you won’t find it anywhere else in Greece!

As you can imagine, Elafonissi beach is visited by tons of travelers every year. So if you want to avoid the crowds and find a less crowded spot. Make sure to walk further away from the main beach towards  Elafonissi South beach .

How To Get To Elafonissi Beach Without A Car

It’s free to visit Elafonissi beach and it’s a surprisingly easy drive to get there too. But since 3 days in Crete is so short, we’d recommend taking a guided tour to Elafonisi beach instead.

Here are some options:

• Day trip from Chania  to Elafonisi beach
• Elafonisi beach from Rethymno
• From Heraklion  to Elafonisi beach

Experience Nightlife in Chania

You got to party it up in style on your last day of this 3 Days in Crete Itinerary. Dance the night away with locals at  Senso Club ,  Barraki  and  DNA Night Club .

What To See in Crete 4 Days

If you’re spending 4 days in Crete, then we’d do the  3 days in Crete Itinerary  and add one of these options:

• Seitan Limania Beach and Rethymno
• Kourtaliotiko Gorge (and waterfall) and Preveli Beach
• Samaria Gorge Hike
• Day Trip from Crete to Santorini Island

Day 4 in Crete: Seitan Limania Beach and Old Town Rethymno

This option is for the beach lover. Explore yet another famous beach in Crete –  Seitan Limania beach .

Seitan Limania is not only one of the most famous beaches on west Crete. But also one of the most beautiful beaches near Chania.

Seitan Limania beach literally looks like some magical beach conjured from an epic fantasy novel. It may be missing a dragon or two. But the wild goats and breathtaking scenery kinda make up for it.

How To Get To Seitan Limania Beach

If you want to add Rethymno to your 4 days in Crete itinerary, then we’d highly suggest you rent a car in Crete.

That way you can visit Seitan Limania in the morning, spend the early afternoon there and visit Rethymno in the late afternoon and evening.

Renting a car in Crete doesn’t have to be expensive as long as you book early. Compare car rental prices for Crete on  DiscoverCars.com or RentalCars.com and find the best deal for your budget.

Otherwise, you can also get to Seitan Limania beach without a car. You may not have enough time to visit Rethymno with this option though.

Take one of these guided boat tours from Chania to Seitan Limania beach and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Bonus Tip:  Seitan Limania is not the easiest beach to get to. But for those adventurous souls who are up for the challenge, you can find out  how to get to Seitan Limania beach  on our West Crete Beaches guide.

Visit Rethymno (or Rethimno)

If you love wandering down picturesque alleyways and exploring old European towns. Then you need to add Rethymno to your Crete itinerary!

Rethymno is not only one of the most beautiful cities in Crete. But also one of the best preserved medieval cities in Greece.

Like Chania, Rethymno is famous for its old town charm and rich, cultural history. But Rethymno is different in that the old town felt smaller, cozier, and less commercial compared to Chania.

How To Get to Rethymno From Chania (Without A Car)

The fastest way to get from Chania to Rethymno is by car. It’s an easy 65-minute drive on the main west-east highway in Crete.

You can also get to Rethymno from Chania without a car by taking public transport ( KTEL ).

The public buses take slightly longer (1 hour and 20 minutes). Just make sure to plan ahead so you know what time the buses depart.

Here are the  directions  to get from the main bus station in Chania to Rethymno.

Day 4 Crete Itinerary: Kourtaliotiko Gorge Waterfall and Preveli Beach

Add this option to your Crete itinerary if you’re an adventure lover! Visit off-the-beaten-track Kourtaliotiko Gorge, find its enchanting waterfall, and explore one of the most unique beaches in Crete – Preveli beach.

Visiting Kourtaliotiko Gorge and swimming under Kourtaliotiko Waterfall was one of our absolute highlights during our two weeks in Crete! And it will be yours too if you love adventure and are willing to brave swimming in frigid water.

Just take a look at this view and tell us you don’t want to go there, we dare you!

How To Get To Kourtaliotiko Gorge

The best way to get to Kourtaliotiko Gorge is by car . It’s possible to get there by public bus as well but it will take a lot longer.

Finding Kourtaliotiko Gorge isn’t difficult. But finding the entrance to the waterfall is tricky without some insider tips. But don’t worry! We’ve written a detailed guide on How To Find Kourtaliotiko Gorge so you can find this unforgettable hidden gem in Crete.

Bonus Tip:  You can also get to Kourtaliotiko Gorge without a car by taking this  day trip to Sfakia, Plakias, and Kourtaliotiko Gorge . But you won’t have enough time to visit Preveli beach on the same day if you take the guided tour option.

Preveli Beach

Preveli beach may no longer be an off the beaten track hidden gem. But it’s definitely one of the most beautiful and unique beaches you’ll find in Crete.

The landscape at Preveli beach is simply one-of-a-kind. The beach itself has been carved out by the ocean on one side, and a river and palm tree forest on the other. It’s a magical beach that you have to see to believe.

Unfortunately, you can’t reach the enchanted beach of Preveli on flying broomsticks or teleportation. And it’s not an easy drive there either.

But don’t worry, we explain in detail  how to get to Preveli Beach  in our  South Crete Beaches  guide. We’ve included road conditions, where to park for a long vs short hike, and also share how hard the hike down to Preveli Beach is.

Bonus Tip:  You can also get to Preveli beach without a car by taking this  day trip from Chania or Rethymno to Preveli beach . But you’ll have to skip visiting Kourtaliotiko Gorge Waterfall with this option.

Day 4 Crete Itinerary: Hike Samaria Gorge

Add Samaria Gorge to your 4 days in Crete itinerary if you love hiking! But we’re going to be honest – it’s not for the faint-hearted.

We are hiking lovers ourselves and have done some pretty epic hikes around the world. But nothing prepared us for the mind-blowing landscapes and grueling 16km hike that is Samaria Gorge.

The distance was not the problem. It’s the downhill hike from the mountains at an altitude of 1,230m down to sea level, that’s the challenge!

It’s totally worth all the joint pain and bruises though! The Samaria Gorge hike in Crete is probably one of the most memorable hikes we’ve ever done in our lives. So if you love hiking and you’re up for the challenge, make sure to not miss this.

How To Get To Samaria Gorge (Without A Car)

The best way to get to the Samaria Gorge hike is by guided tour. It’s possible to get to Samaria Gorge by car too, but it’s not easy. We would even go as far as to say that it was dangerous.

We’d highly recommend skipping all the stress and risk of driving by taking a guided hiking tour instead. Here are some options:

• Guided tour from  Chania to Samaria Gorge
• Rethymno to Samaria Gorge hike
• Samaria Gorge hike  from Agia Pelagia, Heraklion and Malia
• From Agia Galini or Matala  in the south Crete

Alternatively, you can also get to there by bus or ferry. We’ve explained in detail  How To Get To Samaria Gorge  and how much each option costs in this guide.

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)

Day 4: Day Trip From Chania to Santorini

If visiting the famous Santorini island is on your Greece travel bucket list, then you need to add this to your Crete itinerary!

Take a full  day trip from Chania to Santorini island . Not only is this a great way to visit Santorini island without all the stress of planning. But it’s also a cheaper way to visit one of the most famous islands of Greece.

This day trip includes a round trip on a luxury, high-speed catamaran from Crete to Santorini island. As well as bus transfers and a Santorini island guided bus tour.

Marvel at the magnificent (and Instagram famous) views of the blue and white houses scattered on the hillside of Oia. Take a  volcano boat tour  and enjoy wandering the cute streets of Fira before heading back to Chania in Crete.

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

5 Days in Crete: East vs West

If you have only 5 days in Crete, then we’d suggest exploring either the western or eastern coast of Crete.

You’ll be able to see more if you  rent a car in Crete . But we’ll also share options if you plan to travel Crete without a car.

We’d recommend visiting  west Crete  if you want to see the most famous beaches in Crete. Like Balos, Elafonissi beach or Seitan Limania beach.

But be prepared for the crowds though. These Crete destinations are very popular, especially during the summer months of June, July and August.

If you prefer going more off the beaten track, then we’d suggest visiting  east Crete  instead. The beaches on east Crete may not be as famous, but they’re just as magnificent (if not more!).

Visit a palm forest beach that will make you feel like you’re in an African oasis. Explore the ‘Caribbean Island of Europe’ and a red sand beach that feels like it belongs to the planet Mars.

Crete Itinerary 5 days: Western Crete Itinerary

Stay in  Chania  and follow our  3 days in Crete Itinerary . Then add these destinations to your Crete vacation based on your travel style:

• For Beach Lovers
• For Adventure Lovers
• For Photography Lovers

5 days in Crete for Beach Lovers

Day 4: paralia menies & falasarna beach.

Take a break from the tourist crowds and visit one of the few off the beaten track beaches in west Crete. Say ‘hello’ to Paralia Menies beach!

Not only is Menies beach a hidden gem. But it’s also one of the most beautiful pebbles beaches on the western coast of Crete.

There’s a small price to pay for the seclusion though – it’s quite an adventure and challenge to get to Paralia Menies beach. It’s like the last 1.3km drive to  Seitan Limania beach , but on steroids!

It’s so hidden, that the only way to get there is by car. For those who want to enjoy this quiet paradise, make sure to read our tips on  how to get to Paralia Menies beach  before visiting.

Related Guide:  Driving in Crete is not easy. Especially if you want to avoid the crowds and explore Crete off the beaten track. Make sure to read our  Driving in Crete  guide for the essential road rules to know.

Falassarna Beach

In the late afternoon, we’d recommend heading to Falasarna beach.

Not only will you find Crete’s signature pink sand at Falassarna beach too. But it’s also one of the best sunset beaches in Crete!

You can easily spend the entire day here if you want to skip Paralia Menies beach.

At Falasarna beach, you can relax on a comfortable sunbed and enjoy a cocktail or two. Or if you’re looking for a bit more action. You could do watersports and rent a jet ski or kayak and explore the coastline.

Whatever you do, make sure you stay and watch the sunset at Falassarna beach. It’s absolutely breathtaking and you won’t want to miss it.

After watching the sunset, we’d recommend heading over to  Kapetan Nikolas  for a delicious seafood dinner on the beach.

Bonus Tip: Don’t want to rent a car on your 5 days in Crete Itinerary? Take this  private sunset tour from Chania to Falasarna beach  instead.

Day 5: Seitan Limania Beach & Nightlife in Chania

Start day 5 early and take a drive to magical  Seitan Limania beach . We’d recommend leaving Chania by 9 AM latest so you can get there before the crowds.

On the evening of your last day in Crete, get dressed and head out to experience the incredible  nightlife in Chania .

5 days Crete Itinerary for Adventure Lovers

Day 4: kourtaliko gorge and preveli beach.

Kick-off day 4 with a road trip from Chania to  Kourtaliko Gorge . After the short hike and refreshing swim to see the otherworldly Kourtaliko Waterfall. Head to  Preveli beach  and enjoy the rest of the afternoon on this palm tree forest beach.

Day 5: Hike Samaria Gorge

End your 5 days in Crete Itinerary with an exhilarating hike on the most famous hiking trail in Crete –  Samaria Gorge .

5 days in Crete for Photography Lovers

Day 4: day trip from crete to santorini.

Why visit only one Greek island when you can visit two? Take a day trip from, Crete, the biggest island in Greece, and see the most famous Greek island!

Make sure to bring your camera (plus spare batteries) because if you love photography, you’re in for a treat! Book your full day trip from Chania to Santorini island early to skip the queue.

Day 5: Explore Rethymno

Spent an entire day in one of the most beautiful cities in Greece! Meander through its many charismatic alleyways capturing beautiful photography. Or try some of these unique things to do in Rethymno:

• Rethymno Old Town Walking Tour with Meal and Phyllo Pastry Workshop
• Wine and olive oil tasting tour in Rethymno (includes lunch)
• Half Day Quad Bike Safari from Rethymno

Related Guide: Looking for the most beautiful places in Crete for photos? Check out our Crete Photography guide for inspiration.

Crete Itinerary 5 days: Eastern Crete Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Rethymno, Crete

On day 1, we’d recommend flying into  Chania International Airport  and taking an  airport transfer to Rethymno .

Rethymno will be the best town to base yourself in (without renting a car) when you’ve only got 5 days in Crete.

If possible, book a flight that arrives by the latest lunchtime. That way you’ll still have the rest of the day to explore old town  Rethymno .

For dinner, we’d recommend going to  Sofra  for dinner. It’s rated as one of the best restaurants in Rethymno. Make sure to make a booking to avoid disappointment.

Where to Stay in Rethymno

We’d recommend staying in the  old town of Rethymno . Not only is this the best part of Rethymno to stay in without a car. But it’s also the best way to soak up the old town vibes of Crete on a 5-day itinerary.

You’ll be within walking distance of museums, and archaeological sites, as well as the best shopping, restaurants, and nightlife in Rethymno.

Best Places To Stay in Rethymno, Crete

• Budget:   Preveli Apartments
• Budget:   Seeblick
• Budget:   Rethymno House
• Mid-range:   Argyro House
• Mid-range:   Queen Stella Luxury Home
• Mid-range:   Pal Calma Suites
• Luxury:   The Downtown Pent  (with roof garden)
• Luxury:   Smaragdi Boutique Hotel
• Luxury:   Veneto Boutique Hotel
• Luxury:   Rimondi Boutique Hotel

For more options, see the map below to compare hotel prices in Rethymno or check out Rethymno hotel reviews on TripAdvisor before booking.

Day 2: Matala beach and Red Beach

Day 2 of this 5 Days Eastern Crete Itinerary takes us to the southeast coast of Crete. We’re exploring the hippy town of Matala, taking a dip at Matala Beach, and for those who dare, hiking across to Crete’s most famous nudist beach – Red Beach.

Matala Beach

Matala is one of the most loved beaches in south Crete for good reason. It’s one of the best all-around beaches for families with kids, a group of friends, and even couples.

Not only is this beach stunning. But it’s easy to get to by car and there’s no hiking involved. Plus,  Matala beach  is pretty unique since it’s located right next to the archaeological site, Matala Caves.

How To Get To Matala Beach Without A Car

Not planning on renting a car and driving in Crete? No problem! Take this small  guided day tour from Rethymno to Matala beach . It’s a 10-hour tour that includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Rethymno.

This guided tour will also take you to visit Agia Galini and the village of Spili to see the famous lion-head fountains.

Red Beach, Crete (also called Kokkini Ammos Beach)

If you’re looking for a quieter, less popular AND even more spectacular beach than Matala – this is it! Kokkini Ammos, or otherwise better known as Red Beach.

If there was a beach on Mars, we’d imagine it to look like this!

There are two things you should know before visiting Red Beach though. Firstly, you’ll need to hike 45 to 50 minutes to get there (each way). And secondly (but more importantly) you need to be comfortable with public nudity.

Yes, Red Beach is a popular nudist beach in Crete. You don’t need to be nude yourself to visit. But you need to be okay that others will be nude and respect that.

Find out  how to get to Red beach  and what the hiking trail is like in our Best South Crete Beaches guide.

Day 3: Richtis Gorge Hike and Voulisma Beach

Richtis Gorge is one of the most popular gorges to hike in east Crete. The natural landscape of this UNESCO Global Geopark is beautiful, of course. But the main attraction on the Richtis Gorge hike is to see Richtis Waterfall.

The hiking trail at Richtis Gorge is 5km long (1 hour and 45 minutes). You’ll need to walk back to the  starting point  so make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes for the full 10km hike (3.5 hours).

If you’re short on time and want to see Richtis Waterfall without doing the full hike, we’d recommend following our route.

The drive is not easy. But it will cut the total hiking time to 60 minutes (return) to see the waterfall at Richtis Gorge and get back to the car.

Get detailed directions on how to get there in our detailed Richtis Gorge guide. Or take this guided Richtis Gorge and Waterfall Hiking Tour if you want to get there without a car.

Sunset Swim at Voulisma Beach

After the relaxing hike (but tough drive), it’s time to hit the beach again.

The next destination on our 5 Days in Crete Itinerary takes us to  Voulisma beach . One of the most popular beaches on the north eastern coast of Crete.

Voulisma beach is famous for its long, white, sandy beach with crystal clear, turquoise blue waters. Head to the right side of the beach for a drink at the beach bar. Or head left to avoid the crowds and enjoy a swim at sunset.

Bonus Tip: The best way to hike Richtis Gorge and visit Voulisma beach in one day is to rent a car. Compare car rental prices for Crete on  DiscoverCars.com or RentalCars.com before your trip to get the best price.

Day 4: Visit Lake Kournas

Visit the ONLY freshwater lake in Crete –  Lake Kournas . And yes – it’s all natural! The water is so clear you can often see fish and turtles swimming.

Join them for a swim or rent a paddle boat and admire them from above.

Lake Kournas is a fairly easy 35-minute drive from Rethymno. If you don’t plan to rent a car in Crete, we’d recommend taking this  guided tour from Rethymno to Lake Kournas .

It’s a 6-hour guided tour that will take you to see how olive oil is locally made, the famous landmark – Saint Nicholas Chapel, as well as the waterfalls of Argyroupolis before enjoying 2 hours of free time at Lake Kournas.

Day 5: Agiofarago Beach

Another day, another beach! If you love going off the beaten track, then you’ll love Agiofarago beach in Crete!

Not only is Agiofarago (which means ‘Gorge of Saints’) a hidden gem. But it’s also one of the most beautiful pebble beaches on the Greek island. And our personal favorite after spending two weeks in Crete!

This magical beach is located on the southernmost tip of Crete island. Tucked away at the end of the island with two dramatic cliffs guarding it on either side.

It’s certainly not an easy beach to get to. But those who dare will be rewarded with some of the clearest water you can find in Crete!

And the cherry on top? It’s probably THE quietest beach we visited on Crete. So if you’re looking to share a slice of paradise with as few people as possible – THIS IS IT!

How To Get To Agiofarago Beach

If you’re driving in Crete, we’ve explained in detail  how to get to Agiofarago beach  in our  Best South Crete Beaches  guide.

Unfortunately, there are no guided tours from Rethymno to Agiofaraggo (it’s that off the beaten track). But here are alternative things to do on the last day of your 5 days in Crete Itinerary without a car:

• Take a  5-hour boat cruise  on a wooden pirate boat from Rethymno. Sail the bay of Kefalas before enjoying a swim in the crystal clear waters directly from the boat.
• Hike gorgeous  Imbros Gorge  and see its exquisite rock formations. This gorge runs parallel to the famous Samaria Gorge. The hiking trail is much shorter (8.5km) and easier too.
• Take a  full day tour from Rethymno to Chania  and immerse yourself in one of the oldest cities in Europe. The perfect day for those that love history, architecture and photography.

Crete Itinerary 7 days: Western Crete Itinerary

This is what we’d add to our itinerary if we had 7 days in west Crete:

Day 1:  Arrive in  Chania  and explore the old city Day 2:  Take a  ferry to see famous Balos beach and Gramvousa Island Day 3:  Visit the famous pink sand beach of Crete –  Elafonissi Beach Day 4:  Explore Kourtaliotiko Gorge Waterfall and palm tree forest beach,  Preveli Beach Day 5: Visit Paralia Menies and watch the sunset at  Falasarna beach Day 6: Hike  Samaria Gorge Day 7:  See Instagram-famous  Seitan Limania  beach and experience nightlife in Chania

Bonus Tip:  Click on ‘Day X’ for a detailed itinerary for each day in Crete. We’ve included tips on where to stay as well as how to get to these Crete destinations with or without a car.

Crete Itinerary 7 days: Eastern Crete Itinerary

If you’re exploring more off the beaten track east Crete, this is what we’d add to our 7 days itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive and stay in  Rethymno  and explore one of the best preserved medieval cities in Greece Day 2:  Visit  Matala Beach , see the ancient Roman caves and hike to Red Beach Day 3: Hike  Richtis Gorge , see Richtis Waterfall and go for a sunset swim at Voulisma beach Day 4: Explore the only freshwater lake in Crete –  Lake Kournas , and swim in its crystal clear turquoise blue waters Day 5: See the most beautiful pebble beach in Crete, Agiofarago beach Day 6: Hike and see the magnificent rock formations of  Imbros Gorge Day 7:  Visit the charming fishing village of Elounda, swim at the untouched, wild beach –  Kolokitha beach , and enjoy sunset and dinner at the beautiful coastal town of Agios Nikolaos

Crete Itinerary 10 days

You can see the best of west and east Crete in 10 days but it will be rushed. Only attempt this if you love having a jam-packed travel itinerary!

Bonus Tip: For a more relaxed itinerary, we’d explore either east or west Crete and stretch out the  7 Days in Crete Itinerary  mentioned earlier. Or check out our 21 Best Beaches in Crete guide to find more beaches to add to your road trip itinerary.

Day 1:  Arrive and stay in  Chania  and explore the old city Day 2:  Take a  ferry to see famous Balos beach and Gramvousa Island Day 3:  Visit the famous pink sand beach of Crete –  Elafonissi Beach Day 4:  Explore Kourtaliotiko Gorge Waterfall and palm tree forest beach,  Preveli Beach Day 5: Hike  Samaria Gorge Day 6: Take  public transport from Chania to Rethymno  (KTEL public buses) and stay in  Rethymno Day 7: Visit  Matala Beach , see the ancient Roman caves and hike to Red Beach Day 8:  Explore the only freshwater lake in Crete –  Lake Kournas , and swim in its crystal clear turquoise blue waters Day 9:  See the most beautiful pebble beach in Crete, Agiofarago beach Day 10:  Visit the charming fishing village of Elounda, swim at the untouched, wild beach –  Kolokitha beach , and enjoy sunset and dinner at the beautiful coastal town of Agios Nikolaos

Crete Itinerary 14 days (Two Weeks)

14 days in Crete is the perfect amount of time to explore the best of east and west Crete! And that’s exactly what we did when we planned our vacation in Greece.

Skip all the guesswork on what to do and see in Crete in 14 days and follow our  Two Weeks in Crete  itinerary! This is the EXACT travel itinerary we followed.

We’ve shared all the insider tips for visiting Crete. From whether to rent a car, where to stay on the Greek island, which gorges are worth hiking, to where you can see the best waterfalls and beaches on Crete with or without a car.

Wrapping Things Up

We hope you found our insanely detailed Crete itinerary helpful and that it helped you maximize the adventure with minimal planning.

For more tips and tricks on how to save time, money, and unnecessary stress when planning your vacation, check out our Crete Travel Tips . And as always, feel free to send us a message on social media or email if you have any other questions.

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1 Week in Crete: The Perfect Crete Itinerary

Planning a trip to Crete? This handy 1 week in Crete itinerary has got you covered – what to do and where to stay on this beautiful Greek island.

The island of Crete is as magical as they come. Steeped in myth and immortalised in legends, figuring out how to spend your time here may seem daunting. 

From hanging out on the serene beaches to hunting out historic ruins and charming old towns, the list of things to do in Crete can seem overwhelming.

To make the most of your time here, you’ll need Athena’s wisdom and Hermes’ travelling skills. Or just a perfectly planned itinerary (like this one).

Crete beckons, and I’m ready to go. Are you?

Handy Tips for Planning Your Crete Itinerary 

Group tour or independent travel .

This is a tricky question. But let me try to give you a concise answer.

If you ask me, the island is a fantastic place to explore on a solo adventure because you have more freedom and time to play. And when you use a curated itinerary, touring the ancient island is a breeze at your own pace.

But that’s not to say that heading out on a guided tour is the wrong way to explore Crete. There are stellar options when it comes to pre-planned tours and excursions. 

You can book a land rover tour along the Minoan route, a day trip to Elafonisi from Chania, or a sunset sailing tour from Heraklion. Each of which has its own perks.

Clearly, there are many ways to experience one week in Crete; it’s your oyster, and that’s the beauty of this destination.

What to Pack for Your Crete Itinerary

The Grecian sun is as welcoming as ever no matter where you are in Crete, so you’ll need a few essentials. I don’t want to sound like your nagging mum, but remember sunscreen, a wide-brim hat , and a bathing suit (or swim trunks ) when heading to the beach.

Crete has a vibrant nightlife, and it’s always a good idea to live it up on the island. Bring a couple of evening options, and pack a light sweater for cool nights.

And finally, days spent exploring the many villages and monuments of Crete means you’ll need to pack comfortable walking shoes , a lightweight backpack , and a water bottle . Oh, and don’t forget your camera (trust me on this one).

Useful Resources

No itinerary would be complete without useful travel resources – here are some of the most valuable tools for your trip.

• Skyscanner – The best tool to use for booking flights, both internationally and locally.
• Booking.com – A fantastic site to make finding accommodation an easy and hassle-free experience.
• Tripadvisor – You’ll get real-time reviews from other travellers on attractions, activities, and restaurants.
• GetYourGuide – One of the best booking sites for activities, tours, and attractions.
• Viator – An alternative to GetYourGuide with exclusive deals on selected tours.

Getting Around 

Spending a week in Crete means you’ll likely travel around quite a bit. And, while most attractions are close to each other, knowing how to get around is crucial. Of course, there are public transport services on the island in the form of buses, but the easiest way to traverse is by car.

I suggest either booking a rental vehicle before you arrive via RentalCars.c om or you can opt for using the popular Rental Center Crete once on the island.

Crete Itinerary 

Day 1 – 3: chania .

Let’s kick off your one week in Crete itinerary in Chania . As the capital of the Chania region, the city is a suitable spot to kick things off due to its well-serviced airport.

But, beyond practicality, it’s also a city brimming with history, stunning architecture, a vibrant commerce hub, and delectable cuisine. Not to mention the classic and gorgeous monuments and landmarks. 

So let’s dive into Chania, Crete, shall we?

Things to Do in Chania 

Explore chania old town.

If you’re wondering what to do in Crete for a week, starting your first day exploring the stunning Old Town of Chania is an excellent idea. Considering the travailed past of Crete, you’ll get to see architectural influences from nearly every great ancient civilisation.

Take your time and delve into its winding streets and alleys lined with cafés, boutique stores, and restaurants.

Discover Chania’s Districts

From the iconic Venetian Harbour to the Egyptian Lighthouse, and the illustrious Turkish quarter which sits nearby the Jewish neighbourhood, this part of Crete is like a mini world showcase. 

First up is the Venetian area, with its highlight being Topanas. Its cobblestoned alleys and colourful passageways now hold some of the most opulent hotels in the city.

Making your way through Topanas, you’ll reach Judecca, often considered a remote part of the city. Here sits the oldest and only synagogue on the island, Etz Hayyim, which is open to the public. After a visit here, head to the Mosque of Janissaries, which rests on the seafront of Chania.

Finally, make your way to Splantzia, the Turkish Quarter. It’s one of the most authentic areas of the city and has a maze of tiny alleys and patios to explore. There’s more than enough to see and take snapshots for your Instagram posts here.

Wine and Dine in Chania

During your stay, you need to pay a visit to the area of Neoria, which features some of the best restaurants in Chania. What’s great is that it’s opposite the sea, where you can gaze out onto docking yachts and the ocean while indulging in some great food.

Or perhaps you’re in the mood to visit the Agora, Chania’s public market, where you can taste and get your fill of traditional Cretan cuisine. Grab a seat at a home-style eaterie for a tour-de-force of tastes and treats.

Head to Elafonissi Beach

One of the more unique beaches in the Chania region, Elafonissi showcases a stunning blend of pink and white sand that meets turquoise waters. Driving from Chania, you’ll head through the imposing Topolia Gorge, a spectacular white mountain range.

Once you reach the beach, rent a sun lounger and umbrella and unwind on its sand. While admiring the ocean views from the shoreline, you’ll quickly see why this is an essential part of a trip to Crete in a week.

Visit Balos

Before departing from Chania, it’s time for a journey to its wild western coast. And no better destination exists than Balos Beach. Sitting at the end of the Gramvousa Peninsula, it’s a unique scene of exotic colours, harsh mountains, and a stunning coastline.

You’ll need to hike down a mountain trail that lasts about 20 minutes and doesn’t demand much skill. This is worth it once you see its two lagoons separated by a sandy footpath leading to an offshore island. I promise.

Getting to Chania 

Well, thankfully, you’ll arrive in Chania for your 7 days in Crete, so travelling to it only requires a flight to Chania International Airport – Ioannis Daskalogiannis (CHQ). From here, a rental car is a perfect option to get around the city and region.

Suggested Stay for Chania on Your Crete Itinerary 

Porto veneziano.

A great option, Porto Veneziano is budget-friendly and offers comfort and luxury in a superb location. It sits right on the waterfront of the Venetian Harbour and has numerous room types, including suites, all of which benefit from picturesque sea views.

Check Rates and Availability Alternatively, Check all Accommodations in Chania

Day 4 – 5: Rethymno

Next up is a short drive along the coast to Rethymno for the next couple of days of your trip. 

If you’re looking for Crete’s more laidback and quiet side, the city of Rethymno is a surefire hit. It blends elements of the island’s history in various settings, from museums to landmarks and attractions.

When you’re in Rethymno, Crete, there are quite a few spots worthy of a visit. Locally known as the cultural pole of Crete, it’s also a famous university town where students from around the world study philosophy, social sciences, and education.

When it comes to museums, you have a few to choose from. You can visit the Archaeological Museum, the Palaeontology Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Crete. Choosing one might be difficult, so make a day of it and explore all three.

Things to Do in Rethymno

Stroll around the old town.

While you’re in the city, spending some time exploring the streets of Old Town is a must. 

The historical centre is a maze that you certainly won’t mind getting lost in, brought to life with colourful buildings and plenty of restaurants.

Here’s also where you can find some of the best-preserved mosques, churches, and landmarks on the island. 

Head to Neratze Mosque

One of the most impressive buildings in Rethymno is the old Neratze Mosque. 

Though, it hasn’t always looked like this – it was originally a Venetian church before turning into an Augustinian Monastery. And finally the present-day mosque.

Though that is a little bit of a red herring as it is no longer used for worship. Instead, the three domes now get used for music lessons and live concerts. If you can, try to catch a show here.

Explore the Venetian Fortezza

The island of Crete has been left with its fair share of Venetian architecture, but nothing quite beats Rethymno’s Venetian Fortezza. 

This structure was originally built in the 16th century as a defence against the Turks. But, while most buildings got destroyed in the 1960s, there are plenty that still remain.

It costs 4 euros to enter, though this allows you to marvel inside the fortress, the House of the Councillors, and where soldiers used to keep watch. You can also treat yourself to panoramic views of the town over the high walls, which I highly recommend.

Getting to Rethymno

It couldn’t be easier to travel between Chania and Rethymno. Simply take the KTEL S.A and you’ll be there in under two hours.

That said, if you’ve rented a car, the journey time is more like an hour.

Suggested Stay for Rethymno on Your Crete Itinerary 

Aquila porto rethymno.

Aquila Porto is a rather swish hotel that makes for a gorgeous base in Rethymno. Set on a dreamy beach, you’re just five minutes walk from the Old Town.

Check Rates and Availability Alternatively, Check all Accommodation in Rethymno

Day 6 – 7: Heraklion 

The port city of Heraklion is your second major destination for your 7 days in Crete itinerary. While beaches and nightlife are fun, it’s most famously known as a critical player in the archaeological landscape of Crete. Here it’s all about exploration.

From breathtaking sites like the Palace of Knossos to ancient sites of the Minoan civilisation, get ready for a blast from the past. Literally.

Things to Do in Heraklion 

Discover the palace of knossos.

It’s easily one of Greece’s most impressive archaeological sites, second only to the Acropolis in Athens. Sitting only six miles from Heraklion, it’s the perfect spot for a day trip by booking this guided tour .

Alternatively, grab a seat on bus number 2 at the old bus station, which will cost you €2. The ride is about 10 minutes, and once there, pay the €13 entrance fee. I suggest enlisting the services of a private guide, for which prices vary.

Tour the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

Once back in the city, head to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, where you’ll get a better and more in-depth idea of ancient Minoan life. Exhibits showcase their complex yet advanced lifestyle in an exquisite way.

Here you’ll also get a fantastic look at the magnificent objects and artefacts found at digging sites from around the island. These include perfectly maintained and displayed delicate jewellery, vases, sculptures, and weapons.

Tip: Book this combined audio tour to access the Palace of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.

Explore the City of Heraklion

Your second day in Heraklion is more about finding and immersing yourself in elements of the city centre. Start your day with a visit to the Church of Agios Titos, after which you can indulge in a traditional iced coffee at Liontaria.

Admiring landmarks is a must when you’re in Heraklion, and one of the most historic of these is the Morosini Fountain. Built in 1628 by the Venetians, it provided drinking water to the city and is an example of ancient underground aqueduct engineering.

For a tasty treat, head to Kirkor, which sits in the centre of the square and snack on a Cretan classic — bougatsa. Serving mouthwatering treats since 1921, this staple of Heraklion’s culinary world is a must-visit.

Go Wine Tasting around Heraklion

One of Greece’s most important wine-producing regions sits surrounding the city of Heraklion. Home to more than fifteen wineries, some are open to the public, and who can say no to a glass (or two) when in Crete for 7 days?

If you’re going it independently, I recommend the village of Archanes, where you’ll get the best of Cretan cuisine and wine in a stunning mountain village.

Getting to Heraklion

Reaching Heraklion from Rethymno is fairly simple – the easiest way is to hop on a KTEL bus. Or, grab a rental car and head along the main highway, which will take about 45 minutes. 

Finally, you can use a private shuttle, but prices might be high, and times vary. 

Suggested Stay for Heraklion on Your Crete Itinerary 

Infinity city boutique hotel.

Book a stay at the Infinity City Boutique Hotel in the heart of Heraklion. It’s a modern and minimalist-styled property with a wide variety of room types. Its standout feature is its location with easy access to major attractions.

Check Rates and Availability Alternatively, check all accommodations in Heraklion

Have More Time? Other Destinations for Your Crete Itinerary

Planning a 10-day Crete itinerary, here are a couple of excellent destinations to add for an amazing additional few days in paradise. 

Lasithi 

Another stellar part of Crete to visit is Lasithi. Here you’ll find charming towns such as Agios Nikolaos, which faces the pristine waters of Mirabello Bay. Visit the small Lake Voulismeni that connects directly to the ocean from the town’s centre.

Or head into the Dikti Mountains that sit in the Lasithi Plateau. It’s a tranquil region where you can immerse yourself in a magnificent mountainous landscape.

Around and throughout the Dikti Mountains lie eighteen small villages that populate the plateau. Each is worth a short visit. There’s a 14-mile circuit road that connects them perfectly for an epic road trip.

If you’re after some more history, visit the island of Spinalonga, situated in the Bay of Elounda. It’s close to Agios Nikolaos and best explored via a guided boat tour from the port.

I’ll warn you: There’s not too much to do on this island and you’ll only need a day trip here (maximum). But it’s covered in the ruins of a Leper colony and is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Crete. 

Crete Itinerary – Map 

Read More Crete Travel Guides

• The Best Things to do in Crete
• The Perfect Crete Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Crete
• Gorgeous Airbnbs in Crete
• Rethymno Travel Guide
• Chania Travel Guide
• The Best Time to Visit Crete
• Gorgeous Beaches in Crete
• When’s the Best Time to Visit Greece?
• Unmissable Things to do in Greece
• Greece Travel Guide
• What to Pack for Greece

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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The Ultimate Crete itinerary – 5, 7, 10, 14 days

Welcome to our detailed Crete itinerary, destined to give you an action packed taste of what Crete is all about within a short amount of time. After exploring this charming but very large Greek island, we’ve assembled a step-by-step list of recommendations that cover many of the main sites, towns and attractions.

If you’re looking for a Crete 5 day itinerary, 7 day itinerary, 10, or even 14, simply select specific parts of our ultimate itinerary that you like the sound of best. Crete is such as diverse island with lots to see and do, so we’re sure you’ll be back to explore anything you missed.

If you want to slow the pace down a little bit, feel free to add more days or spend longer in each area. 😊 We hope you enjoy reading our complete Crete itinerary. Be sure to let us know if you have any questions in the comments section below.

A quick note on getting around

Whilst visiting Crete, we recommend hiring a car if you can. It’ll allow you to explore more places and gives you a lot more freedom compared to tours. Driving in Crete is fairly easy as the roads aren’t too busy and traffic is spread out.

If you prefer not to rent a car, all of the destinations on our Crete itinerary can be visited via private or groups tours. Alternatively, you can hire a private driver for the day.

Chania 4 days (days 1 – 5)

The beautiful Chania region is the perfect place to start your adventure around Crete. With its picturesque Venetian Harbour, bustling market and quaint streets of cafes, shops and bakeries, there’s no better place to welcome you to Crete. It has a good mix of history and sightseeing opportunities in the town itself, whilst the surrounding area has some of Crete’s best beaches and coastal scenery. Base yourself in Chania to explore the entire western region of Crete.

Where to stay in Chania

Are you a lover of quaint local towns with narrow alleyways, terracotta buildings and plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes? If so, Chania town is the ideal place to stay.

If you’d prefer to base yourself a little outside of town near a beach, in a larger, more luxurious hotel, the neighbouring resorts of Nea Chora or Kolymvari are good choices. No matter where you stay in the Chania area, you’ll be able to tour all of the main sites easily.

Hotel recommendations:

Luxury: domes zeen chania, a luxury collection resort, crete, moderate: monastery estate venetian harbor, affordable: hotel kedrissos, day 1: explore chania town.

Start your first day exploring the beating heart of the region, Chania town. The scenic old town is centred around a Venetian Harbour, where you can go for a stroll, enjoy a drink with a view, or try one of the many restaurants. Here are the top things to see and do in a full day of sightseeing:

Chania market – Walk through the bustling indoor market and pick up some local gifts. It’s a great place to buy olive oil, soaps and honey. The adjacent outdoor Municipal Market of Chania has plenty of clothing, handmade gift and accessory stalls.

Marina and lighthouse – The most famous view of Chania is the lighthouse and harbour area. It’s printed on every postcard and you won’t miss it! Wander by the docked boats and cross the seawall all the way to the lighthouse. This historic area of Chania has history dating back to the early 1300’s.

Firkas Fortress – Firkas Fortress overlooks the Venetian Harbour at the edge of the coastline. Capture some nice photos or go inside for a closer look.

Shopping – In our opinion, Chania is the best place in Crete for shopping. Whether you’re looking for gifts, souvenirs or the latest high street fashion, the four corners of town has plenty of shops to keep you browsing for hours.

Maritime museum of Crete – Learn about Chania’s seafaring past and browse a selection of ancient Greek artefacts.

Discover ancient ruins and impressive churches – Key buildings to visit during your day in Chania include the Cathedral of Eisodion tis Theotokou, the Church of Agios Nikolaus and Hassan Pascha Mosque.

The best thing to do in Chania is simply wandering the narrow streets, marvelling at the impressive architecture, colourful flowers and old façade. We recommend taking your day slowly and stopping for plenty of coffee and snack breaks.

Agia Triada Monastery and Seitan Limania Cove

On day 2, we recommend venturing north-east of Chania to the coastline. Both Agia Triada Monastery and Seitan Limania are located near Chania airport and are slightly off the beaten trail, so you’ll need a car to get there.

Agia Triada Monastery

Crete is home to many monasteries, but not many are quite as stunning as Agia Triada. A mountain-top location and countryside scenery set the scene for this Greek Orthadox Monastery, which was built in the 17th century. Take a moment to marvel at the grand entrance and then walk up the steps into the heart of the monastery. Inside, you’ll find flower decorated corridors, intricate terracotta architecture and plenty of turrets, viewpoints and archways.

We recommend visiting Agia Triada Monastery in the morning and then heading straight to Seitan Limania, which is only a 20-minute drive down the road

Seitan Limania Cove

Another hugely popular tourist attraction is the tiny slither of beach known as Seitan Limania. A canyon cove has formed between two rock faces, creating a unique passageway that leads to the beach. Go for a swim if the waves aren’t too aggressive, take some pictures from the viewpoint or relax on the beach. Seitan Limania is a nice beach to visit for a couple of hours and it’s the scenery that makes it unique.

Depending on how early you start your daytrip and how long you spend at the beach, you could easily complete both attractions before lunchtime. Then you can either stay at the beach for relaxation in the sun and a packed lunch, head back to Chania or continue exploring.

If you want another cool beach destination to round off your day, drive further north to Katholiko Beach or Lera Cave viewpoint.

Elafonissi Beach Day trip

Your Crete itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of Crete’s most amazing beaches. In fact, Elafonissi is regarded as one of the best beaches in Europe! Beautiful beach scenery surrounds a central, shallow lagoon. The sand glistens in the sun, creating the unique pink glow that the beach is famous for.

Elafonissi Beach is located to the south west of the island, far beyond the mountains and in a fairly remote location. As Chania is located to the far west, you’re in one of the best locations for visiting Elafonissi, being only a 1 hour away. We recommend visiting Elafonissi for a half or full day trip. You can either drive there yourself or book a day tour with a local tour company in Chania. Find out everything you need to know about visiting Elafonissi Beach in our guide here .

Use this day to explore more of Chania town (it’s well worth visiting twice), relaxing, or doing whatever excites you the most. We always recommend planning in a few relaxation days during your holiday. 😊

Balos and Gramvousa daytrip

Another day trip that you can’t miss when staying on the Chania side of the island is Balos Beach and Gramvousa Island. This stunning duo of beaches and stunning natural scenery is some of the best you’ll find in Crete! Much like Elafonissi, Balos Beach is a collection of beautiful, remote beaches. It also has a lagoon that has formed in the centre of the land mass. It features warm, natural pools of water, where you can bathe in the sun and enjoy the view.

A 10-minute boat ride from Balos Beach is the historic but tiny island of Gramvousa. It features an abandoned shipwreck, idyllic golden-sand beach and a scenic fortress at its highest mountain peak. This makes for an excellent hike.

The best way to see Balos and Gramvousa in one action-packed daytrip is to join an organized boat tour from Kissamos Port. Find out everything you need to know about Balos Beach and Gramvousa in our guide here .

Rethymno 3 days (days 6 – 8)

After spending time in Chania, we recommend mixing up your base location and venturing further east to Rethymno. This busier town is a popular holiday resort that has a good dash of history. A long sandy beach is surrounded by restaurants, bars and hotels. It also boasts a picturesque marina and lighthouse, alongside an old town centre that’s much like the narrow streets of Chania.

There’s always a lot going on in Rethymno, and its central island location makes it a great base for exploring.

Where to stay in Rethymno

Beach lovers will like staying along the promenade in the new area of town. You’re only a short walk from the marina and old town, but have close proximity to countless bars, restaurants and shops.

For those that want a more traditional taste of Crete, stay in the centre of Rethymno old town. The cobblestone side streets are home to some excellent boutique hotels and apartment options.

MODERATE: RIMONDI BOUTIQUE HOTELS

Moderate: atlantis beach hotel, affordable: steris elegant beach apartments, lake kournas.

On the way to Rethymno from Chania, we highly recommend taking the short detour to Lake Kournas, which you’ll pass on the main road between the two towns. The lake is a vast body of water that’s surrounded by peaceful lake shores. It features nature walks, quiet restaurants and some fun family activities. The number one thing to do here is to rent a pedal boat and venture out onto the lake, slowly scouring the surface of the water for a chance to see turtles.

Lake Kournas is one of the most peaceful places we visited in Crete and the scenery will blow you away! It’s a less popular destination and is much unlike the rest of the places you’ll visit.

Rethymno Old Town

Once you arrive in Rethymno, we recommend spending the rest of your day settling in to your new surroundings. Go for a long walk by the beach and onward to the picturesque marina. Or for those that want to step straight into the top sightseeing activities, go on a walking tour of the old town and stop by the old Venetian fortress for some amazing views of town.

Rethymno is an excellent place to be on an evening, with a vibrant restaurant and bar scene and lots going on throughout town. Make sure you keep some energy for a fun night of eating and Greek dancing!

Kourtaliotiko Gorge

Venturing back out of Rethymno on the seventh day of your Crete itinerary, we recommend driving south and through the mountains, to the ultra-impressive Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Crete has a number of breath-taking gorges to explore and this was our favourite. Drive between two huge cliff faces into a valley of winding streams, a waterfall and hiking routes. It’s the perfect place for an adventurous morning of nature sightseeing!

We recommend arriving early whilst the temperatures are still cool, embarking on a 2 hour-or-so hike. You’ll walk deep within the mountains, stop by an old monastery, and will get up close to a series of waterfalls. You’ll need a car or private driver to visit Kourtaliotiko Gorge.

Preveli Palm Forest

Driving further south again, you’ll reach Preveli Beach. Preveli is a remote beach location that doesn’t attract a great deal of tourists, so you’ll have the area to explore for yourself. Rows of palm trees and white sands will have you feeling like you’re in Caribbean; not the Mediterranean!

Right next to Preveli Beach, you have the opportunity to wade up the mouth of the river. Rows of trees surround the stream and it’s fairly shallow, so you should be able to walk in most areas. The river leads to a series of walking trails, a waterfall, and some of Crete’s most untouched natural scenery. This is another unique activity that you can’t miss during your time on the island!

Rethymno sightseeing

Day 8 of your Crete itinerary is the ideal day to explore more of Rethymno, relax on the beach, or a bit of both. You may also wish to take advantage of your hotel pool. Spend your day in Rethymno however you like, but be sure to check out some of the top attractions:

Rethymno Beach – A long sandy beach with lots of sun loungers. You’ll also find countless bars and restaurants on the promenade.

Old Venetian Fortress – A 16 th century hilltop fortress with panoramic views of Rethymno. Walk along the fortress walls and explore the courtyards.

Old Town area – Rethymno’s old town centre is a labyrinth of cobbled walkways, hidden restaurants, cafes and plenty of shops. It’s everything you imagine a Greek town to be and each alleyway is picture-perfect.

Rethymno Lighthouse – A scenic gathering point with views of the harbour, lighthouse and outer walls.

Museums and Galleries – Top museums include the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno and the Historical and Folk Art Museum.

Heraklion area 3 days (days 9 – 11)

After exploring the centre of the island, venture further east to the Heraklion area of Crete. As the huge and bustling capital of the island, this is the beating heart of work life for the locals. It’s also has the largest airport and ferry connections to other Greek islands.

Whilst visiting Heraklion, many tourists choose to stay just outside of the city in the neighbouring resorts of Gouves and Anissaras. These are more tourist centred beach destinations and are still close enough to discover the history of the Heraklion area.

Where to stay in Heraklion

As mentioned above, we recommend staying outside of Heraklion city, in favour of the more scenic beach resorts. There are a lot more hotels to choose from! You can enjoy a traditional beach holiday, with the bonus of plenty of sightseeing opportunities nearby.

LUXURY: MITSIS LAGUNA RESORT AND SPA

Moderate: anissa beach & village hotel, affordable: ourania apartments hotel, arkadi monastery, melidoni cave and heraklion resort area.

The drive from Rethymno to Heraklion takes around 1hr 10mins, so it isn’t far at all. Therefore, we recommend exploring some cool sites on the way to your new destination. The beautiful Arkadi Monastery and Melidoni Cave are a short detour on your way to Heraklion.

Arkadi Monastery

Arkadi is a 16 th Century Eastern Orthodox monastery that has withstood the test of time. Its ancient façade and stone walled courtyard is a marvel to see! As one of the top rated monasteries in Crete, you’ll want to spend at least an hour and a half here.

Melidoni Cave

A short drive north from Arkadi Monastery, you have a completely different type of attraction. Melidoni is an ancient cave that has been preserved as a tourist attraction. It sits on a mountain side with some impressive views of the valley below, making the drive up there just as cool as the cave! The attraction itself is a series of illuminated chambers with stalactite and stalagmite rock formations everywhere to be seen. This is a somewhat off-the-tourist trail destination that is well worth checking out.

For the rest of day 9 on your Crete itinerary, complete the drive to the Heraklion area and settle in for some much needed rest in your new accommodation. You might want to take a walk around your new area too!

Knossos Palace

Start day 10 of your Crete itinerary with one of the island’s best known tourist attractions – Knossos Palace. The ancient home of the Minoans, Knossos, is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site in Crete. It’s also thought to be Europe’s oldest city. Arrive early to beat the crowds and spend time discovering this vast collection of ruins, the remains of a palace, and various other Minoan buildings.

This site is said to be the location of the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. Therefore, it’s well worth getting a tour guide or audio guide to walk you through the history as you explore. Be sure you book your visit on the official website before arriving.

Heraklion City

Knossos Palace is only a short drive from Heraklion, so it’s a good idea to see both destinations in one day. Drive 20-minutes down the road to Heraklion City and find a parking space near the harbour area (to beat the traffic). As the busy capital, Heraklion is much unlike many of the places you would have already visited on our Crete itinerary. It’s a little rough around the edges and isn’t as pretty as Chania. However, it’s full of history and has some cool things to see.

We recommend checking out the following attractions:

Heraklion Archaeological Museum – Perfectly paired with your visit to Knossos earlier in the day, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum is hands down the best museum on the island and one of the finest in Greece. It hosts a wide selection of Minoan and other ancient Greek artefacts.

Cathedral of St. Minas – A beautifully designed church that serves as the seat for the archbishop. This is one of many old buildings in the area that are steeped in history.

Lion’s Fountain – Located in the heart of the city centre, this intricately designed Greek fountain is a great place to people watch with a coffee and soak in the atmosphere.

Old Venetian Harbour – As our favourite place in Heraklion, the Old Venetian Harbour is a colourful collection of boats, a fortress and a long promenade by the sea. It’s a lot quieter here than the rest of the city.

Lasithi Plateau

On the 11 th day of your Crete itinerary, we recommend driving to the scenic mountains of the Lasithi Plateau, which is just outside of the Heraklion resort area. This is your chance to get a sample of life in the Cretan countrywide. Wine makers, olive oil producers and farmers make the mountains their home. It’s an idyllic array of quaint villages, small shops, cafes, and most of all, stunning viewpoints.

The drive around the plateau by car is arguably an attraction in itself! Rolling hills of lush scenery surround you as you go up and down the hills. Step outside of the car to go on a mini hike or just stop for a picnic and breath of fresh air. The Lasithi Plateau isn’t one place, but instead, a road trip of multiple villages, mountain trails and stop-off points.

Diktaion Andron Cave

A key stop on the Lasithi Plateau road trip is Diktaion Andron cave. It’s a series of preserved caverns on the mountainside that have been safety-proofed for tourists to visit. Coloured lights illuminate the caves and you can walk through at your own leisure. There are some cool rock formations and hanging stalagmites waiting to be discovered!

On exiting the cave, you’ll have more stunning views of the valley, with windmills, white-washed buildings and lush Mediterranean scenery in the distance.

Days 12 – 14

Use your final days to explore anything that you’ve missed, or simply wind down after a busy two weeks of venturing around Crete.

You can view a full list of the best places to visit in Crete in our travel guide here .

If you’d like to extend your Crete itinerary and sample more of Crete’s eastern coastline, we recommend checking out the following destinations. Agios Nikolaus or Elounda are great bases to explore the far eastern beaches and attractions.

Elounda is a small tourist town that sits by the coast, along a scenic clifftop road. Many of its hotels are perched on the cliff edge, whilst the town itself is where all the action happens. It has a picturesque marina, plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants, a beach, and a long promenade that leads to an island. It’s is popular with tourists and is a particularly good spot to visit if you want to go on a boat trip.

Spinalonga Island

Speaking of boat trips, the boat excursion to Spinalonga Island is one of the most popular things to do in Crete. The island is just off the mainland and can only be reached by boat. It was one of the last remaining leper colonies in Europe, with many of the building ruins preserved for you to see today. It’s also the site of a 16 th Century Venetian fortress. Hike up to the top of the fortress walls for amazing views of the entire bay!

Spinalonga Island in itself is worth extending your Crete itinerary for. You can visit on a day-trip from Heraklion. Alternatively, stay in Elounda and or Agios Nikolaus to explore more of the area.

We hope you enjoyed reading our action packed Crete itinerary! There’s no doubt that there’s a lot packed into 2 weeks, but you’ll also find some time to relax. Many of our single day itineraries aren’t full days, so you can chill out by the pool after a nice day of sightseeing. Use our guide to help plan your own 5 day, 7, day, 10 day, 14, or practically anything you like. The itinerary can be customized to your liking.

If you have any questions about the destinations featured on our list or need help planning, be sure to leave us a comment below. Alternatively, send us an email .

Read our other Crete travel guides:

The best places to visit in Crete

Where to stay in Crete – Our accommodation guide

Elafonissi Beach travel guide

Balos Beach travel guide

By Ricky MARSHALL

An adventurer at heart that loves anything outdoors. Beaches, mountains and amazing scenery is everything I love about travel! I also enjoy home comforts and need a nice place to relax and re-charge after every trip.

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The Perfect 7 to 10 Days in Crete Itinerary

Last Updated on January 17, 2024

by Lizzie Fitzgerald

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

As the largest island in Greece, planning a 7 to 10 days in Crete itinerary allows you to see quite a bit of this incredible island while still allowing you a good amount of time to chill on the beach. Though it’s certainly a popular place to visit, the sheer size of the island makes it easy to get off the beaten path and avoid the crowds, if that’s what you’re after.

Crete really has something to offer everyone, from millennia of history to gorgeous beaches, from exciting cities to impeccable nature. If you’re planning a holiday on the island of Crete, you’re in for a real treat. There is so much to on this incredible island that you’ll only wish you had a lifetime to explore it.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Crete?

It can be tough to figure out how many days to spend in Crete when planning out your holiday. Crete is a massive island, and distances between major towns and cities are measured in hours rather than minutes.

With this in mind, plan to spend at least one week in Crete in order to have the best balance between sightseeing and relaxation.

If you have 7 days in Crete, you will get a good feel for the main towns and cities, as well as some of the most iconic beaches.

If you have the time, you should stretch your trip to 10 days, taking in some off-the-beaten-track sites, and enjoying a little more chill-out time on the beach in Crete.

Getting To & Around Crete

Many people will visit Crete as a single trip. This means overseas visitors will arrive at either Heraklion or Chania – the island’s two international airports.

If you’re visiting from mainland Greece , or another of the Greek islands like Santorini or Mykonos , then you might be arriving on a ferry.

The most popular island to arrive from is Santorini . Most ferries dock at Heraklion, but a few will arrive at Chania. The Santorini to Heraklion ferry will take just under two hours by fast boat, and three and a half hours by slow boat. You can book ferries here.

Ferries from Athens are an overnight affair aboard the slow boat, but it’s a clever way to save on accommodation costs. This is also a great way to bring your own transport, why not turn this into a Crete road trip itinerary?

Crete is a large island, and whilst the KTEL bus system runs on the island, you will see far more if you rent a car. Rentals are very affordable, costing around €150-200 for 1 week in Crete. You can browse Rentalcars.com to compare prices for rentals.

7 to 10-Day Crete Itinerary

The main hubs of Crete are the biggest towns, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Rethymnon and Chania. But don’t stop there, from the rugged snow-capped mountains to its beautiful golden beaches – Crete has so much to offer.

Day 1 – Heraklion

The hustle, the bustle, the noise! Welcome to Heraklion – Crete’s largest city and the fifth largest in Greece.

Wandering along the waterfront, you will spot the imposing Venetian-era Koules fortress protecting the harbour, as well as the dockyards across the road.

Take a stroll up 25th August Street, you’ll see windows overlooking the pavement that look like they’re from “Arabian Nights”.

Glimpse the atmospheric Greek Orthodox Agios Titos church, and continue to the Morosini fountain, which is beautifully ordained with Venetian lions. Grab a frappe and a traditional bougatsa at a cafe overlooking the square.

Next, it’s time to explore the Palace of Knossos. Located five kilometres from the city, this bronze age site is the finest in Crete. Partially restored by archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, it gives you a great idea of what the city would have looked like, with vivid colours, frescos and the beautiful throne room. You can book a guided tour here.

Spend the night in Heraklion.

Where to Stay in Heraklion

Metropole Urban Hotel – This hotel in central Heraklion is a great option for those looking for a swish place to stay in Crete’s capital. They have a range of rooms on offer and plenty of amenities, including room service and an on-site bar.

Artion Boutique – This cool boutique hotel is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a hip and cool place to stay in Heraklion. Well-located for exploring all of the highlights of the city, they have a number of great rooms on offer and both continental and buffet breakfast options are available each morning.

Pavo Art Hotel – For those looking for their own space in Heraklion, this cool aparthotel is a great choice. Well-located for exploring Crete’s capital city, they have a number of chic flats available that range in size and are fully furnished with everything you may need.

Intra Muros Hostel – Located in the centre of Heraklion, this hostel is an excellent choice for those looking for a great social atmosphere or are travelling on a tight budget in Crete. Offering both dorms and private rooms, they have great common areas and self-catering facilities as well.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Heraklion hotels!

Day 2 – Agios Nikolaos

Driving in Crete offers excellent views once you get out of the city. Today we’re heading to Agios Nikolaos, an hour’s drive to the east.

Did you know Crete is the birthplace of Zeus, king of the gods? A worthwhile detour will take you into the mountains to the Cave of Diktaion Andron – an atmospheric mountain cave where Zeus came into existence.

Bring walking boots as the walk from the parking is about a kilometre overall. If you want to learn more about mythology, look no further than the Greek Mythology Thematic park! This family-friendly attraction has great recreations of many of the Greek myths, with an excellent audio guide.

Continue on to Agios Nikolaos and check in before going for a wander around town. Stroll along the beautiful Lake Voulismeni before settling in for dinner at Archontiko Taverna on the waterfront.

Spend the night in Agios Nikolaos.

Where to Stay in Agios Nikolaos

Sunlight Hotel – This 3-star hotel is a great option for mid-range visitors. They have a great location in Agios Nikolaos, amenities that include an on-site bar and swimming pool and a range of rooms that all include sea-view balconies.

Hotel Port 7- Boutique Collection – Located right on the beach in Agios Nikolaos, this is an excellent choice for those looking for an upmarket option. They have a number of wonderful rooms to choose from, breakfast on offer each morning and plenty of other amenities for guests to enjoy.

9 Muses Apartments – This aparthotel is a great choice for those looking for their own flat while on their trip to Crete. With a great location in Agios Nikolaos, they have a number of different apartments available ranging in size along with all of the convenience of staying in a hotel.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Agios Nikolaos hotels!

Day 3 – Spinalonga

Today you’ll learn a story of resilience with a visit to the former leper colony of Spinalonga. A now-abandoned 16th-century Venetian fortress on a tiny coastal island which became a community for lepers from all over Greece. Victoria Hislop’s novel The Island is an excellent look into how life was on the island.

You can catch a boat from Agios Nikolaos or take a guided tour but a drive up the coast will prove more rewarding. Set off early for the 25-minute drive to Plaka, the closest settlement, to try and get ashore before it’s too hot, and before the other tourists arrive.

After exploring the island, the town of Elounda is a great spot to stop, explore and grab lunch. Rakomelo Taverna on the waterfront is a lovely spot to tuck into seafood and Cretan cuisine. 

On your way back, stop for a dip at Kolokithia Beach, or learn about the traditional way of life at the Cretan Olive Oil Farm. 

Day 4 – Rethymnon

Day 4 sees us heading west. The drive to the coastal city of Rethymnon (Rethymno) takes two hours from Agios Nikolaos.

There are plenty of beaches to stop and see along the way, including the small resorts of Bali and Fodele. If you want something quieter, there are countless beaches that are as wild and rugged as the coastline.

Rethymnon is much smaller than Heraklion and far more atmospheric. Once a renaissance-era walled city, it has grown beyond its walls, but the best experiences can still be found wandering the streets of the old town. Follow meandering alleys, relax in grand plateia , and peer at crumbling mosques.

Ever wonder how delicious filo pastry that wraps your spanakopita is made? A visit to 30 Vernardou, the ‘Handmade Traditional Philo Workshop’ will show you how painstakingly difficult it is to make the beautiful pastry, a skill that is being lost to machines.

For the best views of town, walk up to the Venetian Fortezza, the beautiful castle that sits above town. Omnipresent from wherever you are in the city, it’s an affordable attraction.

Spend the night in Rethymnon.

Where to Stay in Rethymnon

Menta City Boutique Hotel – This cute boutique hotel is an excellent base in historic Rethymnon. They have a range of rooms to choose from and plenty of amenities including a pool, bar and small spa/wellness centre.

Calla Luxury Seafront Suites – If you’re looking for luxury on your Crete holiday, this 5-star hotel is unbeatable. Located directly on the beach, they have a number of luxe rooms to choose from and countless fantastic perks and amenities for guests to enjoy.

Petalo Suites – Those after their own place in Rethymnon will love this aparthotel. They offer a range of fully-furnished flats to choose from, a perfect location for exploring the city and all of the grand amenities of a nice hotel.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Rethymnon hotels!

Day 5 – Balos Lagoon & Chania

Balos Lagoon is one of the most spectacular beaches in all of Greece and is a must for visitors to Crete. Although it’s technically accessible by road, it’s often unpaved and very wild, so you’ll have a more relaxing day if you take the ferry and enjoy breathtaking views of the coast of Crete!

Ferries leave Kissamos port, a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Rethymnon, at scheduled times daily. You’ll stop at Gramvousa Island before arriving at the gorgeous pink and purple hues of Balos Lagoon where there’s time for snorkelling and sunbathing.

It’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in the country – keep in mind, however, that the beach is natural and undeveloped so bring a picnic. You can organise a tour here.

When you arrive back in Kissamos, drive ten minutes to Gramvousa Restaurant. Undoubtedly one of the best eateries on the entire island, many of its ingredients are grown in their own gardens, and meat and fish is all sourced locally and of the highest quality.

Finally, drive to the picturesque city of Chania in Western Crete, which will be your base for the next few days.

Where to Stay in Chania

Casa Leone Hotel – Mid-range travellers will love this 3-star hotel in the centre of Chania. Well-located for exploring the city, they have several lovely rooms available and breakfast is served daily.

Porto Veneziano Hotel – Situated right on the water, this luxury hotel is perfect for couples after a romantic getaway in Chania. They have myriad lovely rooms to choose from (some boasting sea views), a hearty breakfast served each morning and plenty of amenities for guests to use.

Suites Pandora – If you want the convenience of your own flat while staying in Chania, then this aparthotel is an excellent choice. They have a range of suites and apartments on offer that are fully furnished and include equipped kitchens. Some even offer sea views and the location is perfect for exploring the city.

Cocoon City Hostel – Those looking for a social atmosphere or budget travellers to Crete will love this highly-rated hostel. They have a great location for exploring Chania and offer both dorms and private rooms.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Chania hotels!

Day 6 – Samaria Gorge & Chania

If you’re feeling tired after the past few days, then today is a great day to explore the gorgeous old town of Chania.

But, if you want to see all that Crete has to offer, then why not go on a day trip to Samaria Gorge? This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Europe’s longest gorges , and certainly amongst the prettiest.

At its widest, the gorge is 150 metres wide, and at its narrowest only 3 metres. You’ll travel through a variety of unique ecosystems before finally emerging at Agia Roumeli, where you can reward yourself with a dip in the sea.

It’s a 14 km, one-way downhill hike (it is possible to make it a return hike but it involves moving uphill against the flow of hikers). For this reason, I recommend the organised trip from Chania.

This includes return buses and a ferry taking you from the beach to the bus, meaning you haven’t got to try and get back to the parking at the beginning of the gorge. You can book a tour here.

Spend the night in Chania.

Day 7 – Chania

This is where the 7-day itinerary comes to an end, but of course, you must properly explore Chania before you leave!

Of course, you will want to fill your bags with souvenirs and treats to feed your friends with, whilst you regale them with your tales of your trip. The municipal market is a great spot to stock up on snacks like dates, local cheeses, raki and the local wine ‘retsina’.

Chania’s focal point is the old harbour with its beautiful lighthouse. There are plenty of tavernas on the waterfront, but as you head a few streets back, the food gets more authentic.

Wandering these streets is a pleasure – they’re a mashup of Venetian and Ottoman architecture dotted with ancient Byzantine ruins, making the old town incredibly pretty.

If you’re leaving from Chania airport, head to Stavros Beach for a last dip, and to check out where the final iconic scene from “ Zorba the Greek ” was filmed. What a week, you could dance your own sirtaki to celebrate!

Day 8 – Sfakia & Loutro

If you’re spending ten days, then we’ll spend the last few days relaxing, and taking in the under-explored southern coast.

The hour-and-a-half drive to Sfakia will take you over mountains, and across beautiful gorges. A worthwhile break can be found deep in the hills, at the village of Askifou.

Hike up to the old Kastro to admire the view or stop and have lunch at a taverna. The most interesting sight, however, is the Askifou War Museum – housing thousands of artefacts from the Nazi occupation of Crete.

Continue on to Sfakia, and park up before jumping on a short ferry across to off the beaten track bay of Loutro. Isolated by a lack of roads, the only way to access Loutro is by boat – the perfect spot to unwind.

Spend the night at Loutro.

Where to Stay in Loutro

Daskalogiannis Hotel – This waterfront hotel makes for the perfect, tranquil bae in Loutro. They have a range of wonderful rooms on offer suitable for both couples and families, a great location and they offer both a continental and a la carte breakfast each morning.

Villa Niki – If you’d like your own apartment while staying in relaxed Loutro, then these are a great option to choose from. They have a number of differently-sized flats available and a great location for exploring the area and all it has to offer.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Loutro hotels!

Day 9 – Loutro

So, what is there to do in Loutro? Well, not all that much and that’s kind of the point.

This tiny bay with its crystal-clear water is a beautiful place to enjoy nature at its finest. Head down to the beach for a swim, snorkel above beautiful, mirrored fish, or rent a boat and go for a jaunt on the sea.

Alternatively, head out on foot for a stroll along the coast. About an hour’s hike west of Loutro will lead you to Agia Roumeli, the town at the end of Samaria Gorge, with beautiful views across the sea the whole way along.

But if you want to relax and spend the day chatting to locals, then that’s okay. To get a taste of traditional Cretan cuisine Taverna Stratis is a must! It has amazing food, Cretan specialities like Dakos (rusks, cheese and tomatoes), chochlioi (snails) and Sfakian pies, containing Mizithra goat cheese.

Spend the night in Loutro.

Day 10 – Preveli

It’s the last day of your Crete itinerary! Start early and get the ferry back to Sfakia, and from there drive east for an hour.

Preveli Beach is your stop today, but turn off just before the beach to explore the Preveli Monastery, to learn a little more about the life of Orthodox Greek holy men.

Driving from the monastery down to the beach, look out for the Cretan WW2 Monument, marking the sacrifices of the priests and partisans that fought the Nazi occupiers, helping British and ANZAC troops evade detection for years.

Preveli Beach is a mesmerising spot for a last dip, with palm trees and a river flowing out to the sea.

You won’t want to pack your towel and change out of your swimwear, but eventually you’ll have to start to head to the airport. On the way, stop at Agia Fotini Taverna for a final seafood dinner by the sea.

Preveli Beach is just under two hours from both Heraklion and Chania, making it a perfect final spot to end a perfect trip.

Crete is the perfect destination if you love hiking through gorges, swimming in crystal clear waters, strolling majestic old towns or simply stuffing your face with delectable Greek cuisine!

Are you planning a trip to Crete? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Lizzie Fitzgerald

Lizzie is a writer for The World Was Here First. She loves travelling and discovering new places but also often finds herself returning to her favourite destinations. She has a particular affinity for Greece where she has visited countless islands and destinations on the mainland.

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Crete Travel Guide

Last Updated: June 6, 2024

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. Highlights include the Tripartite Shrine Fresco from around 1500 BC, Winged Cupid figurines dating back to the second century BC, and a luxury gaming board from around 1600 BC. 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 harbor front lined with tavernas (small Greek restaurants), cafes, and shops. In the Old Town, you can watch the skilled artisans making boots or Cretan knives using traditional methods. The Egyptian lighthouse was between 1595-1601 by the Venetians and still stands in the old port. The municipal market is full of Cretan products for you to explore, from food to handicrafts. 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. This is where the first artifacts with one of the earliest forms of writing known to humans was found. You’ll see some of these on display in the museum, along with sculptures, pottery, and art from the Minoan civilization. Admission to the archeological site is 18 EUR (free admission on the first Sunday of every month during the winter). A combined ticket for the site and museum (which you must visit!) is 25 EUR.

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 60 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. Make a stop at the Rimondi Fountain in Petychaki Square to admire the Venetian architecture and drink from the historic fountain. The Venetian Loggia is a 16th century building in the Old Town where Venetian noblemen used to meet and is now the gift shop for the town’s Archeological Museum. 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 8 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 90 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 26 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 75-80 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. The self-guided tour at Cretan Oil Farm is only 5 EUR and includes a tasting but there are guided tours all over the island starting at 23 EUR.

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 12 EUR per night off-season.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels start at 35 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, but an entire home/apartment starts around the same price per night.

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 costs about 6 EUR, while a warm cheese pie (called kalitsounia ) is about 2 EUR. A combo meal at McDonald’s costs about 9 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 9 EUR. A hearty dish of moussaka starts at 10 EUR, while a platter of grilled chicken or beef costs between 9-13 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 10-15 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 65 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 135 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!

Crete Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Crete, like the rest of Greece, is very budget-friendly. You won’t blow your budget here unless you’re looking for only spas, resorts, and fine dining. 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.
• Redeem hotel points – Make sure you sign up for hotel credit cards and use those points when you travel. You’ll usually receive at least 1-2 nights free when you sight up, which really helps to lower your costs. This post will help you get started. You can start earning points today and have plenty for your trip.
• 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 15 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. Here are some of my recommended places to stay while you’re here:

• Youth Hostel Plakias
• Rethymno Youth Hostel
• Cocoon City
• Intra Muros
• Tholos Rooms
• Neos Omalos Hotel

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 13 EUR, while a three-hour trip from Heraklion to Chania is about 20 EUR.

Boat – Some of the smaller islands off the coast of Crete, as well as certain coastal villages, are best accessed by boat. There are local ferries operated by Anendyk and tickets cost anywhere from 10-30 EUR depending on the route.

Scooter Rental – If you want more flexibility in getting around, a scooter rental is the way to go. They cost as little as 15 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 EUR per kilometer and have a 4 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. This is when the beaches are full and prices are at their highest. Temperatures are warm, ranging from 26°-32°C (78°-90°F). There’s very little rain and lots of sun. 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.

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. The rain comes back in October, with around 6 or more days with rain, but it tapers off again in April, making May a great time to visit as well.

During the winter months, the temperatures are cool but still pleasant, ranging from 9°-16°C (48°-61°F). There’s plenty of rain, with ten or more days every month, so be sure to bring an umbrella if you visit during this time. The great part about this time of year is that crowds are nonexistent and prices are at their lowest.

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 safety precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). There are many incredible solo female travel blogs on the web that can give you specific tips and advice about a place that I can’t.

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.

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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Crete (Kríti) is a great deal more than just another Greek island. In many places, especially in the cities or along the developed north coast, it doesn’t feel like an island at all, but rather a substantial land in its own right. Which of course it is – a precipitous, wealthy and at times surprisingly cosmopolitan one with a tremendous and unique history. At the same time, it has everything you could want of a Greek island and more: great beaches, remote hinterlands and hospitable people.

Brief history

Adventure sports, wine tasting in crete, festival island, ecotourism in crete, central crete, eastern crete, réthymnon and around, western crete, reconstruction of the palace, the archaeological site, the legend of the minotaur, the samariá gorge.

With enough land for agriculture (and some surprisingly good vineyards), it’s one of the few Greek islands that could probably support itself without visitors. Nevertheless, tourism is an important part of the economy, particularly exploited along the north coast, where many resorts cater almost exclusively to rowdy young revellers lured by thumping bars and cheap booze. The quieter, less commercialized resorts and villages lie at either end of the island – west, towards Haniá and the smaller, less well-connected places along the south and west coasts, or east around Sitía. The high mountains of the interior are still barely touched by tourism.

Of the cities, sprawling Iráklion often gives a poor first impression of the island but is well worth a visit for its excellent archeological museum. It’s also close to the fabulous Minoan sites of Knossos, Phaestos and Ayía Triádha to the south (with Roman Gortys to provide contrast). Further east, the upmarket resort of Áyios Nikólaos provides sophisticated restaurants and hotels, while quiet, lazy Sitía is a perfect base for exploring the eastern coastline. Heading west, Réthymnon boasts a pretty old town and an excellent beach, though Haniá in the extreme west arguably beats it in terms of style and atmosphere. South of here is the Samariá Gorge, one of the best hikes in the country.

In terms of climate, Crete has by far the longest summers in Greece, and you can get a decent tan here right into October and swim at least from May until early November. The one seasonal blight is the meltémi, a northerly wind, which regularly blows harder and more continuously here than anywhere else in Greece – the locals may welcome its cooling effects, but it’s another reason (along with crowds and heat) to avoid an August visit if you can.

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Crete is distinguished above all as the home of Europe’s earliest civilization, the Minoans. They had a remarkably advanced society, and formed the centre of a maritime trading empire as early as 2000 BC. The island’s strategic position between east and west has since continued to play a major role in its history. Control of the island passed from Greeks to Romans to Saracens, through the Byzantine empire to Venice, and finally to Turkey for more than two centuries. During World War II, Crete was occupied by the Germans and attained the dubious distinction of being the first place to be successfully invaded by paratroops.

With its temperate climate and varied topography Crete is a great place for adventure holidays, and there are numerous companies across the island offering everything from mountain biking and canyoning to trekking and horseriding. Here’s a selection of what’s on offer.

Climbing/adrenaline sports

• Liquid Bungy White-knuckle bungee jumping (Europe’s second highest) at the Arádhena Gorge, Haniá.
• Trekking Plan Rock climbing, mountaineering, canyoning, rappelling, kayaking and mountain biking in Haniá province.

Horseriding

• Melanouri Horseriding holidays (one to seven days) from a stable near Mátala.
• Odysseia One- to six-day guided and unguided horse treks from their base at Avdhoú near the Lasíthi Plateau.
• Zoraïda’s Horseriding Horseriding holidays and treks from their stables in Yeoryoúpoli, Haniá.

Walking and cycling

• Alpine Travel Hiking, rock climbing, sea kayaking and biking holidays (or combinations thereof) in Haniá province.
• Cretan Adventures Hiking, horseriding and jeep safaris throughout Crete.
• The Happy Walker Walking tours from one day to two weeks from €30 (for the day-hike which includes minibus from your hotel to start point).
• Hellas Bike One- to seven-day bike tours from Ayía Marína in Haniá province.

Hiking and climbing holidays in central, southern and western Crete.

• Olympic Bike Guided bike tours from €139 for three one-day trips, or bike rental only from €20 per day.
• Strata Walking Tours Guided trekking holidays in the Kastélli Kissamou area of Haniá.

As well as the large Péza region near Knossos and the ancient vineyard at Vathýpetro, there are also vineyards in eastern Crete, around Sitía, another major producer, and smaller vineyards in the west around Haniá. The main grape varieties grown on the island are the white Vilana and the red Mantilari, Kotsifari and Syrah grapes. Wine tasting and cellar tours can be undertaken during the summer months.

The Cretans love a glendi (party) and festivals are celebrated with plenty of eating, drinking, live music and dancing. Here are some of those which celebrate local harvests (check locally for specific dates):

• Chestnut Festival Élos and Prásses, West Crete, end of October. The village squares are packed with tables and chairs as the villages celebrate the local chestnut harvest with eating, drinking, dancing, and roast chestnuts, of course.
• Sardine Festival Néa Hóra, Haniá. The first Monday in September is the date for this annual festival at the small harbour by the town beach, with plentiful free fish and wine with local musicians and dancers.
• Sultana Festival Sitía, in August. The region is well known for its sultana production, and the harvest is celebrated with traditional Cretan music and dance in the main square, accompanied by food and wine.
• Tsikoudiá (Raki) Festival Haniá, Iráklion and Voukoliés, mid-October and early November. At the end of the grape harvest the must-residue from the wine press is boiled and distilled to make tsikoudiá, the local fire water. Hot tsikoudiá, with an alcohol content as high as 60 percent, is scooped from the vats and proffered in shot glasses, and so the merriment begins.

Crete has an incredibly diverse landscape, flora and fauna, and a number of environmentally aware locals have set about preserving its natural and cultural heritage. A range of retreats and lodges has sprung up across the island, offering the chance to experience sustainable, eco-friendly living and participate in everything from hiking to making the local firewater tsikoudhiá.

The hub of central Crete is the capital city, Iráklion, a busy but convenient base for visits to the nearby Minoan palace of Knossos. The area immediately around the city is less touristy than you might expect, mainly because there are few decent beaches of any size on the adjacent coast. To the west, mountains drop straight into the sea virtually all the way to Réthymnon, with just two significant coastal settlements: Ayia Pelayia, and the more attractive Bali. Eastwards, the main resorts are at least 30km away, at Hersónissos and beyond, although there is a string of rather unattractive developments all the way there. Inland, there’s agricultural country, some of the richest on the island, a cluster of Crete’s better vineyards and a series of wealthy villages. To the south lie the sites of Gortys, Phaestos and Ayía Triádha which can all be visited in a day, with a lunchtime swim on the south coast at Mátala or Léndas thrown in.

Crete’s biggest city, IRÁKLION (Heraklion) is a hectic place, a maelstrom of bustle, noise and traffic-congested thoroughfares. On the positive side, though, the city does have superb fortifications, a fine market, atmospheric old alleys and some interesting lesser museums. Virtually everything you’re likely to want to see lies within the northeastern corner of the walled city. The most vital thoroughfare, 25-Avgoústou, links the harbour with the commercial city centre. Further up 25-Avgoústou, Kalokerinoú leads down to Haniá Gate and westwards out of the city; straight ahead, Odhós-1821 is a major shopping street, and adjacent Odhós-1866 is given over to the animated street market, perhaps the best on the island. To the left, Dhikeosínis heads for the city’s main square, Platía Eleftherías, paralleled by the pedestrian alley, Dedhálou, lined with many of the city’s swankier fashion stores and the direct link between the two squares.

Inland from Iráklion

Heading south from Knossos, the zone around Arhánes and Péza is one of Crete’s major wine-producing areas. Nearby are some more Minoan sites at Anemospiliá and Vathýpetro, plus a few diverting villages. The main inland route southwest from Iráklion climbs through the mountains before winding down to Áyii Dhéka and the Messará plain. Here on the Messará, all within a 40km range of each other, lie the three major archeological sites of Phaestos, Ayía Triádha and Gortys. Once you get this far south you’re within a short drive of the coastal resorts of Mátala and (accessed via a mountain road) Léndas.

East of Iráklion: the package-tour coast

East of Iráklion, the main package-tour resorts are at least 30km away, at Hersónissos and Mália, although there is a string of rather unattractive developments all the way there; the merest hint of a beach is an excuse to build hotel and apartment complexes. That said, there are one or two highlights amid the dross, which are well worth a visit: the impressive Cretaquarium at Goúrnes, the old villages in the hills behind Hersónissos, and, beyond the clubbing resort of Mália, a fine Minoan palace that will transport you back three and a half millennia.

Mount Psilorítis

Mount Ida, also now known as Mount Psiloritis, is the highest mountain in Crete, with the highest summit being Timios Stavros. Mount Ida may be the highest mountain on the mystical island of Crete, but only by a mere 3 m, beating Pachnes, the highest summit of Lefka Ori. Mount Ida holds legends that date back to prehistory and makes an ideal landscape for hiking and exploring higher altitudes.

Hiking routes on Mount Ida

The easiest route to the summit is part of the E4 trail starting at the Ideon Andron cave. Beginning in the Nida Plateau at around 1500 metres high, the way to the summit from here is only about 3 hours. The Nida Plateau is on the east side of the mountain and around 15 km from the village of Anogeia, where there is a road in good condition leading from Heraklion.

For more experienced hikers, there is a trail to the summit from the village of Fourfouras or Kouroutes, with an ascent for more than 2000 metres. The trip typically takes around 8 - 10 hours. All trails and routes are marked with dots of coloured paints and the occasional sign, but be sure to take a map with you for safe measure!

Getting to Mount Ida

Heading for the mountains from Anóyia, a smooth road ascends 21km to an altitude of 1400m on the Nídha Plateau at the base of Mount Psilorítis. Here, at the end of the road and opposite the Taverna Nida, is the path up to the celebrated Idean cave (about a 15min walk) and the start of the way to the top of Mount Psilorítis (2456m).

History of Mount Ida

In Greek mythology, Mount Ida is sacred to the Goddess Rhea and holds the legendary Idaean cave in which the Greek God Zeus was supposedly born.

Climbing Mount Psilorítis

Climbing to the summit of Mount Psilorítis, for experienced and properly equipped hikers, is not at all arduous. The route, which diverts from the path to the Idean Cave just beyond a small chapel, forms a stretch of the E4 Pan-European footpath and is marked with the red arrows and the E4 waymarkers. It should be a 6–8hr return journey to the summit, although in spring, thick snow may slow you down. Don’t attempt the walk alone as you could face a very long wait should you run into trouble, and mobile phones may not have a signal in places.

If you’re prepared to camp on the Nídha plateau (it can be very cold), or rent a room at the Taverna Nida, you could continue on foot the next day down to the southern slopes of the range. It’s a beautiful hike and also relatively easy, four hours or so down a fairly clear path to Vorízia where there is no food or accommodation, although Kamáres, 4km west, has both.

Eastern Crete is dominated by Áyios Nikólaos, a small cosmopolitan town and resort, and its close neighbour Eloúnda, the home of luxury hotel and villa complexes, and the gateway to the mysterious islet of Spinalónga. Inland from Áyios Nikólaos, Kritsá with its famous frescoed church and textile sellers and the imposing ruins of ancient Lato make for good excursions. Further inland, the extraordinary Lasíthi Plateau is worth a night’s stay if only to observe its abidingly rural life. Far fewer people venture beyond the road south to Ierápetra and east to Sitía, where only the famous beach at Váï ever sees anything approaching a crowd.

Áyios Nikólaos

ÁYIOS NIKÓLAOS, known simply as “Áyios” to the locals, is set around a supposedly bottomless salt lake, now connected to the sea to form an inner harbour. It is supremely picturesque and has some style and charm, which it exploits to the full. The excellent archeological museum (Tues–Sun 8.30am–3pm; €3) on Paleológou north of the lake, and an interesting Folk Museum (Tues–Sun April–Oct 10am–2pm and 5–7pm; €3) near the tourist office are both worth seeking out. Both the lake and the harbour area are surrounded by charming restaurants and bars.

The small and busy Kitroplatía beach lies just around the southwest corner of the port and is lined with tavernas and cafés, while 1km beyond here, past the marina, lies the much larger, and well-kept, municipal beach. There are further swimming opportunities to the north around Eloúnda, and some great backcountry inland – perfect to explore on a scooter.

Lasíthi Plateau

Scores of daily tour buses visit the LASÍTHI PLATEAU to view the “thousands of white-cloth-sailed windmills” which irrigate the high plain. In fact there are very few working windmills left, although most roadside tavernas seem to have adopted many of those made redundant as marketing features. The drive alone is worthwhile, however, and the plain is a fine example of rural Crete at work, every inch devoted to the cultivation of potatoes, apples, figs, olives and a host of other crops; stay in one of the villages for a night or two and you’ll see real life return as the tourists leave.

SITÍA is the port and main town of the relatively unexploited eastern edge of Crete. It’s a pleasantly scenic, offering a plethora of waterside restaurants, a long sandy beach and a lazy lifestyle little affected even by the thousands of visitors in peak season. The town attracts a number of French, Italian and Greek tourists, and it grows on you, perhaps inviting a longer stay than intended. For entertainment there’s the town beach, providing good swimming, windsurfing and diving. In town there’s a small folklore museum (Mon–Fri 10am–1pm; €2), an excellent archeological museum (Tues–Sun 8.30am–3pm; €2) and a Venetian fort to explore. A colourful weekly market takes place on Tuesdays between 7am and 2pm along Odhós Itanou near the archeological museum.

Island escape: Gaidhouronísi

One way to escape the urban hubbub for a few hours is to take a boat to the island of Gaidhouronísi (aka Donkey Island or Chrissi Island ) some 10km out to sea from Ierápetra. No one seems to know how the 5km-long island got its name as there are no donkeys; instead you’ll find a cedar forest, the fabulous “Shell Beach” covered with millions of multicoloured mollusc shells, some good sandy beaches and a couple of tavernas. Excursion boats (May–Sept daily 10.30am & 12.30pm out, 4pm & 7pm return; €24, under-12s €12) leave from Ierápetra seafront harbour, and you can buy tickets on the boat or at any of the town travel agents in advance. The voyage to the island takes fifty minutes and the boats have an on-board bar.

The province of Réthymnon reaches to Mount Psilorítis in the east and towards the White Mountains in the west. The fertile Amari Valley, with its pretty villages, lies in the central plain, while on the south coast, in particular around Plakiás, there are beaches as fine as any Crete can offer.

Réthymnon itself is an attractive and lively city, with some excellent beaches nearby, although the coastline to the east has seen a great influx of tourists, with the development of a whole series of large hotels extending almost 10km along the beach.

RÉTHYMNON remains one of the most beautiful of Crete’s major cities (only Haniá is a serious rival), with an enduringly provincial air. A wide sandy beach and palm-lined promenade border the old town, a labyrinthine tangle of Venetian and Turkish houses where ancient minarets lend an exotic air to the skyline. Dominating everything from the west is the superbly preserved outline of the fortress built by the Venetians after a series of pirate raids had devastated the town.

Hiking the Amári valley

A good base for touring the Amári valley is Thrónos, a sizeable village at the valley’s northern end with an inviting place to stay, Rooms Aravanes. The proprietor here – Lambros Papoutsakis – is a keen walker and conducts guided treks to the peak of Mount Psilorítis, which at 2456m is Crete’s highest. Although he does guide groups up in the daytime, his preferred approach is during the full moons of June, July and August, which avoids the extreme summer temperatures. Phone in advance for details; it’s not a difficult climb, but you’ll need sturdy footwear and a sleeping bag. The summit is reached at around dawn, and the sunrise is always spectacular: on clear days the mountain offers a breathtaking view of the whole island and its four seas spreading in all directions.

Other hikes from Thrónos include a relatively easy path leading north through the foothills in a couple of hours to themonastery of Arkádhi, while south from Thrónos is an easy stroll on a paved road running back into the main valley via Kalóyerosa. A map detailing these walks is available from Rooms Aravanes.

Crete’s westernmost quarter is one of its least visited, partly because there are no big sandy beaches to accommodate resort hotels, and partly because it’s so far from the great archeological sites. But for mountains, scattered coves and unexploited villages, it’s unrivalled.

The city of Haniá (Chania) is an excellent reason to come here, but the immediately adjacent coast, especially to the west of the city, is overdeveloped and not particularly exciting; if you want beaches head for the south coast or the far west. Here, Paleóhora is the only place which could really be described as a resort, and even this is on a thoroughly human scale; others are emptier still. Elsewhere on the south coast, Ayía Rouméli and Loutró can be reached only on foot or by boat; Hóra Sfakíon sees hordes passing through but few who stay; Frangokástello, nearby, has a beautiful castle and the first stirrings of development. Behind these lie the White Mountains (Lefká Óri) and the famed walk through the Samariá Gorge. In the far west, great beaches at Falásarna and Elafoníssi are mostly visited only as day-trips.

HANIÁ, as any of its residents will tell you, is spiritually the capital of Crete, even if the political title was passed back to Iráklion. It is also the island’s most attractive city, especially if you can catch it in spring, when the White Mountains’ snowcapped peaks seem to hover above the roofs. Although it is for the most part a modern city, you might never know it as a tourist. Surrounding the harbour is a wonderful jumble of Venetian streets that survived the wartime bombardments, while simply wandering the old town you will discover old city walls, Ottoman, Byzantine and Minoan ruins. Restoration and gentrification, consequences of the tourist boom, have made inroads of late, but it remains an atmospheric place.

The southwest coast

The ancient capital of the Sfakiá region, Hóra Sfakíon, lies 70km south of Haniá, reached via a spectacular twisting asphalted road over the mountains. It’s the main terminus for gorge walkers, with a regular boat service west along the coast to Ayía Rouméli and Loutro, which are accessible only by foot or boat. Frangokastello, with its castle fortress and sandy beaches, lies a few kilometres east of Hóra Sfakíon, along the coastal road. Other main routes south over the mountains from Haniá are those to the small town of Paleóhora (from the north-coast highway at Tavronítis) and to the laidback seaside village of Soúyia (via Alikianós on the Omalós road).

KNOSSOS, the largest and most important of the Minoan palaces, and the most visited, lies some 5km southeast of Iráklion. The mythological home of King Minos and the Minotaur, it dates from the second millennium BC, and its vast interconnected rooms and corridors provide a fitting backdrop to the legend.

Knossos itself is considered the oldest city in Europe, dating back to the Neolithic period. The palace was considered the ceremonial and political centre Minoan civilisation until it was abandoned at the end of the Bronze Age for reasons unknown. Now you will find a sacred archaeological site that holds wonder and ancient history.

The discovery of the palace is among the most amazing tales of modern archaeology. Heinrich Schliemann, the German excavator of Troy, suspected that a major Minoan palace lay under the various tumuli here, but was denied the permission to dig by the local Ottoman authorities. It was left for Sir Arthur Evans who excavated and liberally “restored” the palace from 1900 onwards. His restorations have been the source of furious controversy among archaeologists ever since. Even so, his guess as to what the palace might have looked like is certainly as good as anyone’s, and it makes Crete’s other Minoan sites infinitely more meaningful if you have seen Knossos first.

As soon as you enter the Palace of Knossos through the West Court, the ancient ceremonial entrance, it is clear how the legends of the labyrinth grew up around it. Even with a detailed plan, it’s almost impossible to find your way around the complex with any success, although a series of timber walkways channels visitors around the site, severely restricting the scope for independent exploration. If you haven’t hired a guide and are worried about missing the highlights, you can always tag along with a group for a while, catching the patter and then backtracking to absorb the detail when the crowd has moved on. You won’t get the place to yourself, whenever you come, but exploring on your own does give you the opportunity to appreciate individual parts of the palace in the brief lulls between groups.

For some idea of the size and complexity of the palace in its original state, take a look at the cutaway drawings (wholly imaginary but probably not too far off) on sale outside.

Royal Apartments

The superb Royal Apartments around the central staircase are not guesswork, and they are plainly the finest of the rooms at Knossos. The Grand Stairway itself is a masterpiece of design, its size bringing light into the lower storeys.

In the Queen’s Suite, off the grand Hall of the Colonnades at the bottom of the staircase, the main living room is decorated with the celebrated dolphin fresco – it’s a reproduction; the original is now in the Iráklion Archeological Museum – and with running friezes of flowers and abstract spirals. Remember, though, that all this is speculation; the dolphin fresco, for example, was found on the courtyard floor, not in the room itself, and would have been viewed from an upper balcony as a sort of trompe l’oeil, like looking through a glass-bottomed boat. A dark passage leads around to the queen’s bathroom and a clay tub, the famous “flushing” toilet (a hole in the ground with drains to take the waste away – it was flushed by throwing a bucket of water down).

The much-perused drainage system was a series of interconnecting terracotta pipes running underneath most of the palace. Guides to the site never fail to point these out as evidence of the advanced state of Minoan civilization.

The Grand Stairway ascends to the floor above the queen’s domain, and the King’s Quarters; the staircase opens into a grandiose reception chamber known as the Hall of the Royal Guard, its walls decorated in repeated shield patterns. Immediately off here is the Hall of the Double Axes (or the King’s Room); believed to have been the ruler’s personal chamber, its name comes from the double-axe symbol carved into every block of masonry.

The Throne Room

At the top of the Grand Stairway you emerge onto the broad Central Court; on the far side, in the northwestern corner, is the entrance to another of Knossos’s most atmospheric survivals, the Throne Room. Here, a worn stone throne – with its hollowed shaping for the posterior – sits against the wall of a surprisingly small chamber; along the walls around it are ranged stone benches, suggesting a king ruling in council, and behind there’s a reconstructed fresco of two griffins.

Theatre Area

Try not to miss the giant pithoi in the northeast quadrant of the site, an area known as the palace workshops; other must-see areas and features include the storage chambers (which you see from behind the Throne Room), the reproduced frescoes in the reconstructed room above it, the fresco of the Priest-King looking down on the south side of the central court, and the relief of a charging bull on its north side. Just outside the North Entrance is the theatral area (another Evans designation), an open space a little like a stepped amphitheatre, which may have been used for ritual performances or dances. From here the Royal Road claimed as the oldest road in Europe, sets out. Circling back around the outside of the palace, you can get an idea of its scale by looking up at it; on the south side are a couple of small reconstructed Minoan houses which are worth exploring.

Knossos was the court of the legendary King Minos, whose wife Pasiphae, cursed by Poseidon, bore the Minotaur, half-bull, half-man. The labyrinth was constructed by Daedalus to contain the monster, and every nine years seven youths and seven maidens were brought from Athens as human sacrifice. Hearing of this, the Greek hero Theseus arrived on Crete vowing to venture into the labyrinth and slay the beast. Ariadne, daughter of the king, promptly fell in love with him and, as every cub scout knows, showed Theseus how to find his way back using a simple ball of thread. The legend has inspired writers from Homer to Dante, who famously depicts the best in his vision of Hell:

Dante, Inferno, Canto XII

'Into the chasm was that descent: and there

At point of the disparted ridge lay stretch’d

The infamy of Crete, detested brood

Of the feign’d heifer: and at sight of us

It gnaw’d itself, as one with rage distract.'

Top Image: Knossos Palace © Constantinos Illiopoulos / Shutterstock

From Haniá the spectacular SAMARIÁ GORGE, which claims to be Europe’s longest (it’s a 16km hike), can be visited as a day-trip or as part of a longer excursion to the south. It’s strenuous – you’ll know all about it next day – the path is rough and it’s not a walk to be undertaken lightly, particularly in the heat of summer, and walking boots or solid shoes are vital.

The gorge begins at the xylóskalo, or “wooden staircase”, a stepped path plunging steeply down from the southern lip of the Omalós plain. The descent is at first through almost alpine scenery: pine forest, wild flowers and greenery – a verdant shock in the spring, when the stream is at its liveliest. About halfway down you pass the abandoned village of Samariá, now home to a wardens’ station, with picnic facilities and toilets. Further down, the path levels out and the gorge walls close in until, at the narrowest point (the sidherespórtes or “iron gates”), one can practically touch both tortured rock faces at once and, looking up, see them rising sheer for well over 300m.

At an average pace, with regular stops, the walk down takes between five and seven hours (though you can do it quicker); beware of the kilometre markers: these mark only distances within the National Park and it’s a further 2km of hot walking before your reach the sea at Ayía Rouméli. On the way down there is plenty of water from springs and streams, but nothing to eat. The park that surrounds the gorge is a refuge of the Cretan wild ibex, the krí-krí, but don’t expect to see one; there are usually far too many people around.

For the best Crete experience, choose the right place to stay with our guide to the best areas to stay in Crete .

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updated 19.05.2021

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Insider tips before your trip to Crete

Jul 10, 2022 • 5 min read

Visiting Crete is a pleasure – and even easier by familiarizing yourself with a few simple tips © alexandros petrakis / Shutterstock

Crete is easy. There’s little you need to do to prepare for your trip to this glorious Greek island beyond making a few advance bookings. Packing is simple – and if you forget something, you can buy it there.

The island is safe. The local economy counts on tourists, and the Cretans – like most Greeks – are friendly and welcoming. In any business where tourists turn up (which even includes tiny family-run eateries high in the hills), someone will speak English. A little common sense and politeness will go a long way as you navigate the etiquette of the place.

Here’s all you need to know before you take your trip to Crete. (Lucky you.) 

Reserve your rooms and rental cars (well) in advance

As travelers continue to make up for missed trips during the pandemic, Crete is a favorite destination. From April to October, the best places to stay at all price levels book up early. Don’t wait, expecting prices to fall. They won’t.

This is even more true for rental cars, thanks to the global car shortage. If you’re driving the entire time you’re on the island, shop around and reserve the best deal you can find. One exception: if you’ll just be hiring a car for the occasional day trip, you can wait until you’re on the island and then arrange for a day rental with a local outfit. (Keep in mind that this may be a friend of the hotel owner with a fleet of three Fiats.)

Know your season – and layer up

Images of sun-drenched beaches and balmy nights in cafes underpin Cretan tourism cliches. But outside of summer, it’s not always warm. Winter can be blustery, chilly and wet. Nights outside of July and August can be brisk. Bring layers.

Bring some cash

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted for purchases large and small, and ATMs are common on Crete. But you might encounter offline machines or cash-only vendors, so we recommend carrying about €200 in cash in various smaller-euro denominations. Don’t be that person who hands the elderly ex-fisherman running the beach ferry a €50 note for a €5 fare.

Fill your phone with maps before you take the wheel

Many mapping apps allow you to download data in advance that you can then use for navigation when your phone is offline. This can be a lifeline when you’re at the junction of two unmarked roads deep in the mountains and you don’t know which way to turn.

Cover up in churches

Letting it (almost) all hang out is fine on many beaches (there are a few completely nude ones on the island) but when you’re stopping into Crete’s many historic, incense-filled churches, show some respect. Cover your shoulders, have shorts or a skirt that goes below the knees, and don’t enter barefoot.

Stay coolly stylish at night

Balmy nights call for airy, floaty duds – yet don’t expect to get into that cool cafe, top restaurant or heaving club with a singlet and short shorts. Longer shorts and dresses are good almost anywhere at night; a crisp designer T-shirt or something with a collar will work for men.

Cretans rarely go naked or topless on the beach

Island residents fully expect the clothes to fall away from their beach-loving visitors. Yet you should still exercise some discretion. Near town centers and along beach promenades, polite exposure maintains a shred of modesty. Elsewhere, women often go topless and designated nude areas abound. When in doubt, check out the prevailing fashion around you (or lack thereof).

Expect long and languid dinners

Crete has some of the best food in Mediterranean Europe . Meals are an event  – and can extend over two or more very enjoyable hours. Friends share dishes large and small, which are served to the entire table, family style. On a busy summer evening, restaurants can get slammed and courses may meander out of the kitchen only after long gaps. Trying to hurry things along is bad form and the antithesis of a lovely, relaxed night out.

In contrast, lunch can be enjoyed fairly quickly at a cafe or savored for much longer, especially at a seaside taverna, where a shady table and fresh seafood meal is the ideal antidote to the scorchingly hot midday sun.

Be sure to tip – but don’t overtip

As an island with a huge tourism industry, Crete has more of a tipping culture than more un-touristed parts of Greece. In restaurants and cafes, 5% is a good median amount, with 10% very generous. Locals will round up to an even number in a restaurant (eg leave €35 for a tab of €33) or leave small change in a cafe.

Leaving some euros for your room cleaner is always appreciated. If someone helps you with your bags, €1 to €3 per bag is appropriate – unless it’s a taxi driver, in which case the bag handling fee is added to the fare. You only need to tip a taxi driver a couple of euros at most.

Pay the asked price

Outside of open-air markets, bargaining over prices is not the norm in Crete. Expect to pay the marked price in shops and galleries.

Feel free to drink the water

Tap water in Crete is safe to drink. Remember to refill your water bottles whenever you can, as it gets very hot in summer. You’ll need plenty of hydration for the beach, hiking trails, bus and car rides, and more.

Don’t stress about crime

Crete is a safe place to travel and you shouldn’t lose sleep over the risk of crime. As anywhere, though, common sense should always prevail: lock your doors, don’t leave valuables in the rental car and never leave your phone or other treasures unattended on the beach or at the cafe.

Frustrate the mosquitos

Mosquitos buzz about ceaselessly at dusk. If you like anti-bug sprays or balms, bring them with you – repellants can be surprisingly tough to find on Crete. Mosquito coils are widely available, as well as electric gizmos that plug into the wall of hotel rooms. But the efficacy of these methods is variable at best.

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Home | Crete Travel Guide for 2024

Crete Travel Guide for 2024

by Violeta Matei | Crete , Greek Islands

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Crete is the largest Greek island and an awesome vacation destination, a Greek island for older couples , as well as for younger ones. It is one of the Greek islands that have airports. Whatever your travel style, your passions and your budget, you’ll find something to love about Crete. This travel guide shares information on how to get to Crete, where to stay, how to get around on the island, how many days to spend and how to plan your trip.

For itineraries and details on specific objectives, please follow the links in this guide. For a synopsis of the main Greek islands groups , check out the previous link.

One week in Crete is the minimum time you need to scratch the surface of this place, where history meets modern life, where weeds on the roadside are romantic and colorful, and food is fresh and delicious. The remains of the Minoan civilization are scattered across the entire island.

My first encounter with Crete took place one very early morning. I reached the island coming by sea on a night ferry from Athens to Heraklion.

The morning sun casting its warm light on the yellowish stone walls of the Koules Fortress won my heart forever. I irremediably fell in love with Crete, the place where I was supposed to spend all the rest of my life in. Even though life took me away from this island, I’ve always found pleasure in coming back to Crete, even for a short visit.

Contents of Crete Travel Guide for 2024

• Is Crete a Country or Part of Greece?
• Getting to Crete by Air
• Getting to Crete by Ferry from Athens
• Getting to Crete by Ferry from Santorini
• Renting a Car in Crete
• Driving in Crete
• When To Visit Crete?
• How Many Days Would You Need To Visit Crete?
• Accommodation in Chania
• Tours & Things to Do in Chania
• Accommodation in Rethymno (Rethymnon)
• Tours & Things to Do in Rethymno
• Accommodation in Heraklion
• Accommodation in Lasithi

Crete is part of Greece since 1913. Between 1898 and 1913 Crete was an autonomous country. Before 1898, for about two centuries, Crete belonged to the Ottoman Empire. For four centuries before the Ottoman occupation, Crete belonged to Venice.

The history of Crete goes back to the prehistoric age. Radiocarbon dating shows that Crete was inhabited about 130,000 years ago . If you thought that the Minoan Empire remains were amazingly old (dating back from 3000 BC – 1200 BC), you’d need to reconsider your thinking. According to some sources, the Minoan empire disappeared as a consequence of a major volcanic eruption on Santorini that triggered a tsunami which destroyed almost all buildings on the north coast of Crete. Even though there were survivors, the Minoans were never able to recover from this catastrophe.

How To Get to Crete?

There are two ways to travel to Crete: by air and by sea.

There are two international airports on Crete: Nikos Kazantakis in Heraklion (HER) and Ioannis Daskalogiannis in Chania (CHQ). These airports receive multiple flights per day, both from Athens and from other cities in Europe. When choosing your airport, you should take into account your desired Crete itinerary. If you want to visit Chania Town and the western part of Crete, you’ll be better off taking a flight to Chania. If you’d like to explore the eastern part of this Greek island, you’d be better off landing in Heraklion. I’d recommend that you take a road trip across Crete to cover as much as possible. If this is what you want to do, then it matters less which airport you choose to land on.

Ferries to Crete depart from Piraeus. There are two lines that operate on this route: Minoan Lines (journey duration between 9h 30min and 9h 50min) and Anek Superfast (journey duration 9 hours). On Fridays there’s also an Aegeon Pelagos boat, but the journey takes almost 17 hours, so I wouldn’t take it into account when planning my trip to Crete.

If you choose to travel by night, you’ll board on the ferry by 9pm and you’ll arrive to Heraklion early in the morning. I recommend you to book a cabin or at least a berth is a shared cabin. The cheapest ferry tickets are for deck passengers and they don’t entitle you to a specific seat. You’ll see people sleeping on three or even four seats, people sleeping on the floors and people sleeping on the couches. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to sleep on a couch, but you’ll arrive to Crete way too tired to do anything the first day.

There are several ferries per day from Santorini (Thira) to Heraklion. The journey takes less than two hours. If you want to plan an island hoping trip, this is the way to ensure you visit both Santorini and Crete. You can make Crete your final destination in Greece and then fly back home from Heraklion.

It takes more than five hours of driving from the far west to the far east of the island. Although there is a public bus service, it isn’t convenient for exploring multiple places in one day. The best way to see Crete is to rent a car. If you can’t drive, you’ll want to check some organized tours.

I recommend AutoRentals Crete . I’m neither affiliated with them nor do I make any money if you use them. I just had a positive experience with them during my last trip to Crete, in June 2021. You can book your car online and have it wait for you at the airport or wherever else you want on Crete. Their cars are new and in great condition and they come with full insurance without no excess, no mileage limit, free second driver and free baby seat, if needed.

Another car rental company I’ve used and was pleased with was Arkadi , in Rethymno. They also deliver their cars wherever you want on the island.

Driving in Crete is on the right side of the road. In northern Crete there’s a national road that connects the main towns, Chania, Rethymno and Heraklion. This excellent asphalt road stretches along the coast from Kissamos to Sitia and it is currently undergoing modernization works.

The speed limit on the 90 National Road (also known as VOAK) is 90km/h. Part of this road has already been modernized, so it is now a four lanes highway with median separation and emergency lane.

The roads that cross the mountains are an entirely different thing. Narrow, steep and windy, they can easily give you thrills, particularly if you aren’t an experienced driver. You don’t need to worry, though, because everyone drives carefully on those roads.

In the photo below there’s a road that leads from Georgioupolis to Kournas Lake , the only freshwater natural lake on the island and a great place to hone your kayak and pedalo skills.

The best time to visit Crete is between mid-May and late October. If you want to avoid the crowds, don’t go to Crete in July or August. Late fall can also be good, as the sea temperature is still perfect for swimming. Here are historical weather data for Crete.

As you’ll see, summer in Crete starts on May 1st and it ends on November 1st. During the peak season, even remote beaches are crowded, not to mention that popular spots such as Elafonissi, Falassarna, Matala, Chania Town, Knossos and Heraklion are chocked-full of tourists.

Crete is the largest Greek island and the fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean area. You’d need more than five hours to drive along the northern coast from one end to the other, as the length of the island is 260km. The width varies between 12km and 60km.

There’s no way you can drive around Crete. Also, there are places you can only access by boat. The minimum number of days you need to visit Crete is five. However, for a more extensive itinerary that would cover all major objectives, you may want to spend two weeks on the island. This also depends on the time of year you visit Crete. From September to May you get less daylight time than during June – August.

If you’re willing to move across the island as you explore the different regions you’ll cover more than if you were to pick one base location and drive back and forth everyday.

Where To Stay on Crete?

From west to east, Crete is separated into four prefectures: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Lassithi. As the island is long and narrow, the best way to explore it is to move from place to place. Get four-five days in the west (Kissamos, Chania or Kalyves), then move toward the central area (Rethymno, Agia Galini, Plakias, Matala), and end your trip somewhere in the east (Sitia or Ierapetra).

Chania , on the north coast of Crete is a charming town and a great place to stay to explore the northwestern and western areas of the island. By getting accommodation in or near Chania Town, you’ll be close to lots of beautiful places to see such as Seitan Limania , Marathi Beach, Agia Marina Beach, Kissamos, Balos, Gravmousa, Falassarna Beach, Elafonissi Beach, Menies Beach , the Omalos Plateau, Samaria Gorge, Imbros Gorge, and the Old Center of Chania with the Venetian Harbor and the lighthouse.

Here are a few of the best Chania beaches to add to your bucket list.

For a beach vacation combined with day trips across Western Crete, I recommend Cretan Dream Royal, a hotel in Stalos, a short walk away from the blue flag awarded beach of Agia Marina. Click here to choose your dates and to see photos, client reviews and room rates at the price of today, [todaysdate].

Here’s a guide to Chania Old Town , with lots of fresh photos and information.

Sunset view from Cretan Dream Royal hotel in Stalos, near Chania Town

Here’s a selection of tours you may want to explore for planning purposes. By clicking the following links, you’ll get to see the latest prices for the tours and also book your spot online.

Boat Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa from Kissamos Port

Full-Day Samaria Gorge Trekking Excursion from Chania

Day Trip to Elafonissi Island from Chania

Boat Trip with Guided Snorkeling and Stand-Up Paddling from Chania

Day Trip to Santorini by Bus and Boat from Chania

Rethymno , also on the north coast of Crete, is another romantic town, ideal for exploring the middle region and the southwestern coast of the island. You’ll be close to Kournas Lake , the mountain village of Spili, Agia Galini, Matala, Plakias, and Frangokastello.

The prefecture of Rethymno is the best choice of accommodation for exploring the main cities of Crete and many of the most important objectives without moving from place to place. Furthermore, Rethymno Town is charming, so you’ll have the opportunity to stroll its narrow streets by evening.

My top accommodation recommendation in the prefecture of Rethymno is Argiri Apartments & Suits , in Kavros, Georgioupolis . Located at 20 minutes’ drive from Rethymno Town and 40 minutes’ drive from Chania Town, Argiri Apartments & Suits is a great place to set as your base camp for exploring Western Crete.

Heraklion and the Palace of Knossos are about two hours of driving away.

The chapel and the courtyard of Argiri Apartments & Suits – view from our apartment.

Should you prefer to find accommodation somewhere in the southern part of Rethymno prefecture, you can check out Glaros in Agia Galini, here .

Plakias and Preveli Beach Full-Day Trip

Half-Day Quad Bike Safari

Visit Preveli on a Full-Day Land Rover Safari

Visit Balos Bay and Gramvousa Island from Rethymno

Take a Day Trip to Elafonissi from Rethymno

Take a Pirate Boat Cruise with Swimming Stops

Heraklion , also spelled Heraklio, Iraklio, Irakleio or Iraklion, is the capital city of Crete and also the name of one of the four administrative-territorial units of the island. Heraklion can be a great place to stay on Crete if you want to visit Knossos, Cretaquarium, the southeastern coast and the coastal area between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos.

I’ve only spent one night in Heraklion on the occasion of coming to Crete by ferry. If I were to spend more days in Heraklio Town, I’d check out Lato Boutique Hotel, here . It is very close to the port, it has very nice views (and I think that was the hotel I slept that night in 10 years ago).

Lato Hotel Heraklio Town overlooking Koules Fort and the port

Lasithi is best for exploring the far east of Crete. Ierapetra is the largest town in this prefecture and the only town on the southern coast of Crete. Ierapetra is the starting point of boat trips to Chrisi Island. Sitia, a small town on the northern coast, boasts its own airport, hosting a few flights to and from Athens, as well as flights to a few other islands.

During the high season, charter flights may land in Sitia. This is an area I’m still to visit. I’m currently doing research on the best hotels in Sitia and Ierapetra. I’ll update this article as soon as I have news. For now, here’s a link to the search results for Lasithi on Booking.com . Most probably, the summer of 2024 will find me in Ierapetra.

Ferry Timetables

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Crete Travel Guide: Exploring the Gem of the Mediterranean

• February 4, 2024
• Greece , Trip Planning

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Mediterranean’s enchanting island of Crete with our comprehensive Crete travel guide . Immerse yourself in Crete’s beautiful landscapes, captivating history, and authentic culture as you discover the true essence of this idyllic paradise. Explore historical sites, indulge in the gastronomic delights of Crete’s tourism , and discover the best places to visit in Crete with our curated tips and recommendations, inspired by avid travelers.

Whether you’re planning a relaxing Crete vacation or seeking  things to do in Crete , our guide provides the insider knowledge you need to navigate the island’s diverse offerings. Delve into Crete’s storied past, experience its vibrant culture, and create cherished memories in the Mediterranean’s beloved gem.

Key Takeaways

• Experience Crete’s rich history by visiting the Palace of Knossos and the Historical Museum of Crete.
• Discover the island’s diverse landscape, from idyllic beaches to the amazing  Samaria Gorge .
• Indulge in Crete’s flavorful gastronomy, including seafood tavernas, Cretan olive oil, and wine tastings.
• Plan your Crete vacation  in November, when the weather is warm and tourist crowds dwindle.
• Easily navigate Crete by using our guide’s insider tips for transportation and local travel methods.

Delving into Crete’s Rich History and Culture

Begin your exploration with a visit to the Palace of Knossos , the monumental heart of Minoan civilization , and stand where the legendary King Minos once stood. Wander through the labyrinthine corridors and take in the intricate frescoes on the palace walls, revealing a glimpse of the grandeur that has long captivated historians and visitors alike.

Continue your journey through time at the Historical Museum of Crete in Heraklion. This treasure trove showcases a staggering collection of timeless artifacts, ranging from prehistoric relics to Byzantine masterpieces, allowing you to delve deep into the island’s rich heritage and diverse historical influences.

As you traverse the rugged beauty of Crete, indulge in the warmth of Cretan hospitality that is inherent to the island’s character. There are many local festivals that you can experience and witness the ancient traditions merge with Crete’s contemporary culture. For example, every summer there are wine festivals held all over the villages in Crete. The most popular one is the wine festival in Anogia. There are also carnivals in many parts of Crete, an international hippie festival in Matala and the 4-day Houdetsi festival near Heraklion, which celebrates food, music and art.

• Palace of Knossos: Minoan architectural marvel
• Historical Museum of Crete: Timeless collection of artifacts
• The Ancient Ruins of Phaistos: Another important center of Minoan culture
• The Venetian Fortress in Rethymno: A Venetian citadel from the 16th century
• Local Festivals and carnivals: Vibrant celebrations of Crete’s culture

Best Time to Visit Crete

When it comes to Crete vacation planning , timing is a crucial factor to ensure an unforgettable experience. Although Crete offers a wealth of attractions and activities year-round, the ideal time to enjoy this Mediterranean gem is during late autumn when the crowds subside and the island comes to life in a more authentic light.

October and November are widely considered the best time to travel to Crete , as the weather remains warm and pleasant, perfect for exploring the island’s various historical sites, stunning beaches, and charming villages. The moderate temperatures, usually ranging from 61°F to 77°F (16°C to 25°C), create a comfortable environment for outdoor activities and sightseeing in a more relaxed atmosphere.

• Reduced Tourist Crowds:  October and November see fewer tourists compared to the summer months, allowing you to discover the island at your own pace without having to wait in long lines or navigate crowded areas. The last charter flights are usually at the end of October.
• Authentic Local Experience: The off-peak season lends itself to a more genuine interaction with local culture, lifestyle, and customs. This period provides the opportunity to explore the hidden gems of Crete without being overwhelmed by the bustling tourist scene.
• Budget-Friendly Travel: The reduced demand during this time may result in lower prices for accommodations, car rentals, and other services, making your Crete vacation more affordable.

While November may be an optimal choice for many, it’s essential to keep in mind that certain attractions may be inaccessible due to seasonal closures. For example, the Samaria Gorge   is closed from November to May, and many restaurants close at the end of October. Always research the availability of your desired activities in advance.

Crete Travel Guide: Unearth the Island’s Diverse Landscape

Crete is an island of breathtaking diversity and has a range of options for travelers to explore. It’s called the small continent because it has everything from pristine beaches to dramatic mountains and ancient wonders. There’s no lack of must-see C rete attractions , providing you with exceptional experiences for the whole trip.

Idyllic Beaches and Luscious Mountains

The picturesque C rete beaches d raw visitors to the coastal beauty of its azure water and sun-kissed sands. Top beaches like Elafonissi and Balos are renowned for their striking pink sands, while the island’s backdrop of lush crete mountains captivates any altitude-seeking explorers.

The Samaria Gorge: A Hiker’s Paradise

For those passionate about hiking in Crete , the Samaria Gorge is a must-do. It showcases the island’s wild beauty, as it winds through one of the longest gorges in Europe. This national park delivers a good challenge that is not easy but is still doable for people with a reasonable fitness level. Trekking through the gorge offers amazing views making it one of the most memorable things to do in Crete .

Discover the Palace of Knossos

A visit to Crete would not be complete without uncovering its rich history through its ancient monuments. The Palace of Knossos is a must-visit archaeological marvel that offers a glimpse into the sophisticated Minoan civilization that once called this beautiful island home. This legendary palace tells a fascinating story of Crete’s past, adding a truly enriching dimension to your Crete sightseeing .

Experiencing Cretan Gastronomy and Local Flavors

Explore and savor the robust and delicious flavors of Crete’s traditional cuisine. From mouthwatering coastal tavernas to exquisite wine and olive oil tastings, Crete offers a gastronomic experience thanks to its the island’s rich culinary legacy and local products. There are so many good restaurants that finding the best places to eat in Crete  is not hard and is a must for your trip.

Indulge in Traditional Cretan Cuisine

Crete food is a mesmerizing blend of vibrant flavors and time-honored traditions, oozing with the goodness of the Mediterranean. Make sure to try  traditional Cretan dishes like dakos, a unique Cretan salad, or sink your teeth into succulent lamb with stamnagathi greens. You will never fall short of culinary delights in Crete, as every corner reveals yet another masterpiece for you to savor.

Guide to the Best Seafood Tavernas on the Coast

Indulge your senses in the coastal tavernas , where Crete seafood takes center stage, and ocean-fresh dishes are served against the stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean sea views. Dive into culinary delights like octopus stifado , grilled fish , and mouthwatering seafood mezzes , offering the complete seaside dining experience. As you enjoy the flavors of the sea, you’ll be swept away by the local music that fills the air, creating a truly authentic ambiance filled with Cretan charm.

The Finest Cretan Olive Oils and Wine Tasting Tours

Crete is not just about its astonishing traditional dishes but also the remarkable local products that represent the tastes of the island. Here, the essence of the land is captured within its world-renowned olive oils and wines. Crete olive oil is a testament to the island’s rich agricultural heritage, an elevating experience for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

Embark on Crete wine tasting tours and learn about the uniqueness of Crete’s viniculture, from the crisp white Vidiano to the lush reds such as Kotsifali and Mandilari. Through these engaging tasting experiences, you can uncover the winemaking traditions of Crete.

How to Get Around in Crete

Transportation in Crete using public transportation is a convenient and budget-friendly option for traversing Crete’s bustling cities and quaint villages. The island’s extensive bus network connects the major hubs and remote areas, offering an immersive way to explore the local culture and stunning scenery. Be sure to check bus timetables for the most up-to-date schedules and routes.

• Car Rentals: For a more flexible and customized experience, consider renting a car to explore Crete at your own pace. Numerous reputable car rental agencies exist in major cities, tourist hubs, and airports. Keep in mind that Crete’s mountainous terrain may require a vehicle with adequate horsepower and sturdy tires for ultimate safety and comfort.
• Taxis and Private Transfers: Taxis are readily available throughout the island, providing a convenient and comfortable mode of point-to-point transportation. For a hassle-free experience, book a private transfer service in advance, which can be tailored to your preferences and schedule.

Apart from these modern transportation options and Crete travel tips, Crete also has more traditional travel methods that offer a unique perspective on the island’s way of life. You can book guided donkey treks or ride in charming horse-drawn carriages for a truly unforgettable Cretan adventure.

Things to Know About Crete Accommodations and Travel Tips

Crete caters to every traveler’s accommodation needs, with options ranging from luxurious resorts to cozy lodgings. Whether you are on a budget or seeking an elegant retreat,  Crete  has you covered.

• Location matters: Prioritize accommodations close to key attractions, transportation hubs, or the areas you plan to explore during your stay.
• Budget wisely: Consider your budget when choosing your accommodation. Crete offers a wide range of options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to upscale hotels and resorts.
• Check reviews: Research online reviews and ratings from previous guests to gain insights into the quality and experience offered by various lodgings.
• Book in advance: Secure your accommodation well in advance, especially during the peak season, to ensure you have a comfortable and hassle-free stay.

In addition to choosing the right accommodation, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with local customs and etiquette to ensure an authentic and respectful experience during your stay. Here are a few tips:

• Learn a few basic Greek phrases that can help you connect with the locals and show respect for their culture.”hello” – (γεια σας) – “yassas” “please” – (παρακαλώ) – “parakalo” “thank you” – (ευχαριστώ) –  “efharisto”
• Dress modestly when visiting religious sites like monasteries and churches. Cover your shoulders and legs, and remove your hat when entering these sacred places.
• Practice responsible tourism by disposing of waste properly, respecting local customs and traditions, and supporting local businesses.

By heeding this Crete travel advice , you can make the most of your stay in Crete, whether you indulge in a luxury resort or embrace the charm of a traditional guesthouse.

Crete Awaits You

With its rich blend of history, majestic landscapes, and warm hospitality, Crete is a dream destination for every type of traveler. Whether exploring the best Crete attractions  or immersing yourself in the vibrant local culture, Crete delivers an adventure that will live in your heart for a long time.

As you travel in Crete , prepare to be enchanted by its breathtaking beauty, from huge gorges and mountains to pristine beaches with pink sand and turquoise waters. Prepare your taste buds for the island’s delicious gastronomy, savoring traditional dishes and sipping fine wines at coastal tavernas , as you experience the rhythm of local life.

So, whether you’re a history enthusiast, foodie, adventurer, or simply craving a serene escape, Crete is a dream destination for you. Now all that’s left is to start preparing for your trip to Greece !

More tips for Greece:

• 5 Day Crete Itinerary: Must-See Places Based on Our Experience
• 10 Best Crete Restaurants
• 8 Best Chania Restaurants
• Top Things To Do in Chania
• Cheapest Greek Islands to Visit on a Budget
• 7 Best Greek Islands to Visit
• Greek Islands to Avoid Crowds & Overspending
• Greek Islands Without Airports
• Best Greek Islands for Families

Compare other Greek islands with Crete:

• Crete vs Santorini
• Crete vs Corfu
• Crete vs Mykonos

What are the must-see historical sites in Crete?

Some of the top historical sites include the Palace of Knossos, the ancient ruins of Phaistos, the Venetian fortress in Rethymno, and the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion.

When is the best time to visit Crete?

The ideal time to visit Crete is during October and November when the weather is warm and tourist crowds are smaller, allowing for a more authentic experience.

What are some top outdoor activities and attractions in Crete?

Some of the best outdoor attractions include the beautiful beaches of Elafonissi and Balos, hiking the Samaria Gorge , exploring the White Mountains, and visiting the Palace of Knossos.

What are some traditional Cretan dishes to try?

Be sure to try dakos, lamb with stamnagathi, and Cretan olive oil. Don’t forget to visit coastal tavernas for fresh seafood and local wine tasting tours to sample Crete’s finest wines.

What are the different transportation options in Crete?

You can travel by public transport, rent a car, or even use traditional methods such as donkeys and horses to explore the island. Local buses and taxis are also available for transportation within towns and cities.

How do I choose the right accommodation in Crete?

Crete offers a variety of accommodations, including luxurious resorts, charming boutique hotels, and affordable guesthouses. Consider your preferences, budget, and location when selecting a place to stay. Research online reviews and seek recommendations from fellow travelers for the best options.

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Best Things to Do in Crete: An Insider’s Guide to Greece’s Largest Island

last Updated: February 15, 2023 crete greece greek islands

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Headed to Greece and looking for the best things to do in Crete, the country’s largest island? Keep on reading; this handy insider’s guide is full of not only what to do in Crete, but where to stay, how to get around, where to eat, and more.

Crete is a fantastic island in the south of the Mediterranean, with spectacular natural landscapes ranging from pink sand beaches (yup!) and deep gorges, to beautiful plateaus and valleys.

We visited the island for a full week on our Greek island honeymoon (along with Santorini and Mykonos ) a few years back, and are itching to get back to the islands ever since (I mean, not much is better than time in the Greek islands).  And OH, I’ll never forget Elafonisi, Falassarna, and Balos Bay. Take me back tomorrow, pretty please!

→ Read Next: 10 Days in Greece (The Ultimate Greece Itinerary Guide)

Although we spent some time on the island, it was quite a few years ago and I honestly forgot about all the best things to do in Crete (cue the sad face – a good reason for me to go back pronto!).

Thankfully, I’ve enlisted Gabi from The Tiny Book (who actually lives in Crete full-time! #jealous) to share this complete Crete travel guide with us all! Expect lots of local tips, her favorite places to eat, and the most stunning beaches. Yes, please!

Despite being Greece’s largest and most populous island, visitors typically stick to the Cyclades (a group of islands including the ever-so-popular Santorini and Mykonos) when visiting.

However, Crete has SO much to offer, including ancient settlements and cities, local cultural traits (including their own poetry and music), some of the healthiest and most delicious cuisine you could ever imagine, and stunning landscapes (hello mountains, gorges, bays, and lakes). Crete is a land of history and traditions that will definitely grab your attention from the get go.  

So, let’s not wait one more minute → get ready to plan your first visit to the fantastic Greek island of Crete with Gabi’s tips below.

But before we get into all the things to do in Crete, let’s dive into other important details, such as how to get there, where to stay, when to visit, and how to get around the island.

HOW TO GET TO CRETE:

Thankfully, getting to the island is fairly simple. If you’re coming from somewhere other than Europe, you’ll first need to get yourself to Athens (which is a very well-connected airport, so couldn’t be easier). From there, you’ll be able to catch a domestic flight to either the capital of Crete, Heraklion (HER), or to the second most important city, Chania (CHQ).

You also have the option of taking an overnight ferry from the port of Piraeus, which will get you to either the port of Heraklion or to the port of Chania in Crete.

WHERE TO STAY IN CRETE:

The most important thing to know is that Crete is divided into 4 main regions, and all of them have their own main town facing the north coast.

Most people traveling to the island for a short period stay either in the capital of Crete (Heraklion), or in the western city of Chania.

And where you decide to stay will ultimately depend on where you wanna spend the majority of your time and what you wanna do on your trip. 

Chania : If you’re more of the beach type and beach days are your style, and want to explore the best beaches on the island, book accommodation in the regional unit of Chania. In Chania, the old town is well connected with the rest of Crete and you can easily visit more remote areas with organized tours or planning your own day trips and renting a car (the smartest way to see Crete!)

Recommended hotel in Chania – Casa Delfino : This is my favorite boutique hotel in Chania… and in all of Crete! Casa Delfino’s located in the heart of the old town and has been part of the same family for more than a hundred years. There’s a great spa and one of the best roof-top terraces in town, complete with mesmerizing views of the old port.

Heraklion : Any history buffs over here?! You’re in luck – Crete has suuuuch a magnificent history and story to tell. Stay in Heraklion, since the most important archaeological sites and settlements are in this region. 

Recommended hotel in Heraklion- Galaxy Hotel Iraklio : Not many hotels in the capital of Crete have a swimming pool (and a fantastic one at that). However, Galaxy Hotel Iraklio does (yasssss)! The hotel offers certified allergy-free facilities in their rooms as well. There’s a spa, a gym, and they serve one of the best breakfasts in town. The hotel is quite close to the city center too.

Rethymnon : Staying in the smaller town of Rethymnon, located between the regions of Chania and Heraklion, can be a great compromise to be halfway between both regions. Besides, Rethymnon is a fantastic city too, so you won’t be really missing anything. Since Rethymnon is about an hour away both from Heraklion and Chania, you’ll be between the beaches and history – which may be perfect for those who like it all!

Recommended hotel in Rethymnon – Avli Lounge and Suites : Another great boutique hotel in the hidden alleys of the old town of Rethymnon, with a beautiful terrace and a rooftop pool. Avli is also famous for their house restaurant serving creative Cretan dishes all year round.

WHEN TO VISIT CRETE:

Honestly, there’s never really a horrible time to visit Crete. The weather on the island is mild and relatively pleasant all year round.

However, winter brings a bit of rain, especially in the western region, and the sea is still a bit chilly. You will still see (a few) people swimming in Crete all year round though!

The shoulder season sees less tourists, less heat, better prices, and great weather. Therefore, May and October are the best months to see Crete, as they are right around the prime summer months of June-September.

HOW TO GET AROUND CRETE:

Unlike other Greek islands, Crete is quite large, meaning if you wanna see and do it all, you undoubtedly need a car to get around. Do note while there’s a well-maintained highway connecting the cities of the North, the southern coast of the island is rather isolated, with the exception of a few resorts. 

Therefore, if you really want to explore the beautiful hidden beaches of southern Crete, I strongly suggest you rent a car. And thankfully, driving on Crete is really easy, as long as you use common sense (just like anywhere else in the world of course).

Thankfully, taxis are not expensive and are plentiful in every city, and a great choice for moving short distances within the towns.  Important to add, that there’s currently no Uber or ride-sharing on Crete.

For traveling longer distances (say, between cities), a car is highly recommended. For example, Chania is located about 2 hours away from Heraklion and 45 minutes away from Rethymnon. However, if you’d rather not drive yourself, know there are buses available (although it does take quite a bit longer – 3 hours from Chania to Heraklion, and a bit more than an hour from Chania to Rethymnon).

Thankfully, bus tickets won’t break the bank, with one way tickets from Heraklion-Chania costing €15.10, while the Rethymnon-Chania route is €8.60.

WHAT TO BRING ON YOUR ISLAND ADVENTURE:

• Comfy sneakers or hiking shoes. The island is 80% mountains, so you’ll probably find yourself on a trail or two, or three (or four).
• Reusable water bottles. Psst: the water on Crete is completely safe to drink, despite what other blogs and sites might say. I’ve been living on the island for the last 5 years, and I hardly ever buy bottled water… and surprise, surprise, neither do the locals!
• Jacket or raincoat if you are visiting in winter. Also, add a few extra layers if you plan to visit the mountains as it can get quite chilly.

Other things to note:  

• Don’t worry about your language skills; Greek is a very difficult language and the locals know that! You’ll be able to find someone who speaks at least some basic English almost everywhere, and we’re all pretty friendly enough to help! Don’t be shy – just ask! 🙂

So let’s get to it, the best things to do in Crete (from a locals perspective), coming right up!

Best things to do in crete:.

As there are an abundance of things to do in Crete, all within different areas of the island, I decided to break them up by location. Hope this helps a bit with planning!

Knossos Palace : One of the main reasons tourists flock to Crete is to check out this unique archaeological settlement (known as Knossos Palace), dating all the way back to the Bronze Age. I mean, we’re talking 3,500 years back in Greek history.

Trust me, Athens isn’t the only one with admirable ruins; you’ll find the same level of skills here in Crete (as well as Delphi , too!).  Don’t miss one of the most remarkable things to do in Crete – just don’t!

The ruins are impressive, featuring the high grade of architectural development and engineering abilities of this ancient civilization. But of course, remember, they did NOT have the same machines as we do in the present time.

When you think about that last statement, it makes them seem even more magnificent. Inside the Palace, make some time to check the royal rooms as well as the well-known Bull fresco. 

Logistics : The Minoan Palace of Knossos is located about 10 km from the center of Heraklion, and it’s easy to reach via city bus (Bus N°2, from the Central Station, ticket: €1.80). The best way to visit the palace is by joining a guided tour that you can book at the entrance, or booking a group tour . This ensures you don’t miss anything important! 

This tour includes skip-the-line entry tickets, a detailed guided walking tour of Knossos Palace, as well as entrance to the nearby Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Honestly, it’s a great deal at under $50 per person.

Know in advance:

• The site is mostly in the open, so carry some sunscreen lotion and a bottle of water, especially if you visit in summer.
• To avoid the crowds, go to the Palace early in the morning or during sunset. In addition, it most likely won’t be as scorching hot those hours as well. Double win!
• A ticket to the Archaeological site costs €15

Archaeological Museum of Heraklion : Hate to break it to you, but no visit to the archaeological site (Knossos Palace) is complete without adding an hour inside the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. And score – if you buy a combined ticket, you’ll save some money too! (Ticket: Museum: €15 or Museum + Minoan Palace: €16).

The museum hosts objects found in the archaeological site as well as in other ruins and settlements of the area. There are remarkable pieces of jewelry, as well as clay figures and some iconic objects too. AND the Phaistos disc. Aka, just don’t miss the museum. It’s not everyday you get to admire 3500 year old artifacts and relics of civilizations that once populated the island. 

Psst – if you’re really into this stuff, you may find yourself spending a few hours here, so plan accordingly!

Venetian Fortress and Old Port : The Old Port is exceptionally beautiful and full of atmosphere, facing the modern city of Heraklion with fishing boats in the harbor and tons of eateries. 

And when you check out the old port of Heraklion, be sure to pay a visit to the magnificent Venetian Fortress (also known as Koules). Surprise, surprise, the fortress was built by the Venetians. They ruled on Crete for over 400 years, and the fort was built in order to defend the city from recurrent pirate attacks (did someone say pirate attacks?! I mean, whoa). 

Mini history lesson – unfortunately, no fortress was enough to deter the attack of the Ottoman Empire, who finally took over in 1669, ruling on Crete for the following 267 years.

It’s hard to miss this majestic limestone castle right on the sea, giving a small glimpse into Crete’s sometimes bloody history.

Matala Beach : It’s time to cross the mountains and reach the southern coast of Crete – off to the beach we go! Of course I had to include some beach time on this list of best things to do in Crete.

About an hour away from Heraklion, you’ll come across Matala, one of Crete’s most iconic beaches (and yes, it’s absolutely breathtaking – do a google search and you’ll be wowed). The beach boasts crystal clear water (it’s actually a deep bay – meaning no waves) with a bluff full of caves on one side and the town on the other.

Matala is THE place to go if you wanna rent a lounge chair and umbrella for an entire day (at a reasonable price no less) and just relax. Or go for a walk on the beach and stop for a cocktail or two (a bunch of beach bars around).

Matala first became famous during the 60’s when it was the destination of choice of the expats and hippies. They’d leave everything behind to live a thoughtless life inside the caves of Matala. Hippy hangouts, if you must! Today, Matala’s caves are virtually empty, but the flower power atmosphere is pretty much alive in the village, with its colorful streets, shops, and bars.

Insider Tip: the water gets deep pretty quick, and the sand at the water’s edge is more pebbly than sandy, so you may wanna wear waterproof sandals.

Once you’ve seen some of Heraklion’s landmarks, it’s time to move west to the remarkable city of Rethymnon. Being the third largest city in Crete, Rethymnon is home to one of Crete’s most important universities – ultimately giving the city a young vibe. It has a fairy-tale feel to it, and one of the best preserved medieval cities in all of Greece.

Old Town: The Old Town of Rethymnon is right next to the sea, on the northern coast of the island. It’s a fantastic Venetian town with characteristic cobblestone alleys adorned with bougainvillea, picturesque houses with Turkish balconies made of wood, and a beautiful small harbor. 

In the Old Port of Rethymno, be sure to check out the beautiful Venetian lighthouse, which is 9 meters tall and gives a unique character to the area. OH! And don’t forget to enjoy a cocktail at the waterfront of the port during sunset. Just do it, you won’t be upset.

Rimondi Fountain : Since you’re already visiting the Old Town, don’t miss the elaborate public fountain in Platanos Square (built way back in 1626). And elaborate it is – three basins and three Caorinthian columns, water running from three lion heads, and remains of the coat of arms of the Rimondi family, an aristocratic Venetian family.

Do note that it’s typically pretty crowded since just about every walking tour in Rethymnon stops here (especially in summer). It’s a quick stop, even just to quickly admire the architecture and rinse your hands under the cool running water in the heat. Of all the things to do in Crete, this one will just take a few minutes – might as well check it off the list!

Fortezza : Much bigger than the Fortress of Heraklion, the Venetian Fortress of Rethymnon, known as Fortezza, is an imposing structure right by the sea, on the western tip of the Old Town.

Inside, it’s possible to see the unique former mosque of Sultan Ibrahim Han, with one of the highest tiled vaulted ceilings in Crete.

Also inside the fortress, pay a visit to the Bastion of Saint Lucas, which boasts a unique cannon ramp and great views of the sea. The Fortress of Rethymnon is one of the best-preserved castles in Greece (with a well-priced entrance ticket of €4).

Plakias Beach: Ready for some beach time? The best beaches of Rethymnon are located on the southern coast (I guess you’ve already realized that the best beaches of Crete are in the South, right?)

Thankfully, the drive isn’t too long (roughly 45 minutes to an hour), through the Ida Mountain range and through the small (but impressive) gorge of Kourtaliotiko (you’ll want to stop for photos here!)

Plakias has a beautiful sandy shore, with some smooth pebbles, perfect for sunbathing, water sports, and snorkeling. And get this – some sun beds are FREE (yes, free – just with the purchase of a drink)! It can get quite windy in this area, so you may wanna bring along a light sweater just in case. Grab a smoothie at the beach bar and hang out for the afternoon.

The beach is divided into different areas, one of them a favorite among naturists. So now you know, if you want to sunbathe without a bikini, head to the eastern end of Plakias!

Editor’s Note: while performing my due diligence and fact checking this article (true story – it’s what I do for all guest posts), I came across Skinaria Beach, Damnoni Beach, and Ammoudaki Beach close to Plakias Beach. And OMG they all look just as beautiful.

While I can’t vouch for these beautiful stretches of sand, the photos look absolutely unbelievable. Make sure to do your research before visiting to ensure they’re a good fit for you and your vacation to Crete. 🙂

Old Town : One of the most beautiful cities in Greece is the romantic old town of Chania. The town is divided into several different quarters (meaning there’s lots to see), so it’s a good idea to plan a few days in Chania to ensure you see them all! 

The Venetian quarter, located towards the west of the city, is home to some beautiful historic buildings which have been transformed into elegant boutique hotels. In this area, you’ll also find the Venetian Port, the Lighthouse, and Chania’s most famous landmark, the Mosque of the Janissaries. Don’t miss it!

The Turkish quarter, also known as Splantzia, is a maze of cobblestone alleys, small picturesque houses, and less hotels or touristic activities. It’s indeed the most unspoilt area of Chania’s old town, and a must-see. There is a beautiful minaret hidden in the alleys (Chatzimichali Daliani Street), as well as pretty churches and trendy pubs.

If you’re a fan of Greek beers (or if you’re eager to learn all about the stuff), head to Plaka , a small bar on Sifaka Street. 

Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay : Out of ALL the things to do in Crete, DO NOT miss Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay. You’d be doing yourself a big disservice. I could try to spell out the insurmountable beauty of this area, but I’d run out of adjectives.  A few that come to mind: exotic, rugged, and unspoiled. It is the most photographed beach in Crete afterall.

It’s impossible to visit Crete and skip this spot on the westernmost tip of the island! Balos Bay, often included among the best beaches in the world , is a spectacular exotic shore, a shallow lagoon with stunning turquoise waters and white sand that will leave you in awe. There’s even a Venetian fortress on Gramvousa Island to climb for stunning, unique views. A definite pearl of Crete and not to be missed. 

However, despite its beauty, the beach has very limited organization, so it’s always a good idea to pack your own lunch and carry plenty of liquids to spend the day. Also, don’t forget your sunscreen (it gets hot hot hot and sunny here), as well as comfortable shoes to hike down from the parking lot to the beach.

If you prefer, it’s also possible to visit the beach with a day cruise (trips available from both Heraklion and Rethymnon as well). Instead, if you’d rather give this adventure a try sans group, check this complete guide to Balos and other beaches of Chania . 

→ Book tour to the stunning Gramvousa and Balos Bay here. This is one spot you don’t wanna miss.

Elafonisi Pink Sand Beach : Pink sand! Need I say more?! If you thought this guide was going to exclude Crete’s most beautiful beach, think again! Elafonisi is an islet on the southernmost tip of the region with a fantastic pink sandy shore and the most pristine blue waters you can imagine. 

The beach is located about 72 km from the center of Chania, and you can either drive there yourself or book a tour to visit (the best option if you suffer from vertigo or if driving in the mountains is not your cup of tea!).

In fact, to reach Elafonisi, you’ll need to drive through the ravine of Topolia. The ravine is quite an impressive gorge with a tunnel and bends right by a bunch of cliffs that are not for the faint of heart.

Anyhow, no matter how you get there, once at the beach you’ll forget about everything else, considering it’s one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever laid eyes on.

Psst: You can also book a tour to Elafonisi from Rethymnon if you don’t plan on staying in Chania for whatever reason.

Day trip to Loutro: From the city of Chania, it’s possible to drive through the road next to the Gorge of Imbros, towards the South, and reach the small coastal town of Chora Sfakion. Once there, walk to the port and board a ferry to Loutro, a small fishing village that you can only reach by sea, or by hiking a portion of the E4 (European Path).

Loutro is a place for extreme relaxation and tranquility. The main activities limit to lounging on the small pebbles of the beach, swimming in its emerald sea, and eating delicious seafood in one of the several tavernas by the water (check out Taverna Notos for the most delicious dishes).

It’s also possible to spend the night, but you’ll need to book in advance if you visit in the high season of July-August.  

WHERE AND WHAT TO EAT IN CRETE:

Mmmm, Greek food. Yes, there are tons of things to do in Crete, but don’t skimp out on the eating, too! Make sure to try as much as you possibly can – it’s all so exceptionally tasty. Promise me you won’t leave Crete without at least indulging in traditional moussaka, pastitsio, and yemista in any traditional taverna.

If you have no idea where to start (there’s a lot to order, trust me!), book a gastronomic/food tour! These tours are found in every major city (including those listed above), with some even including wine tasting sessions and visits to olive oil mills and/or cheese factories.

If you’re in Chania and want to discover the best tastes of the city, as well as discover the staple products in the Municipal Market, check this gastronomic experience of Crete. Book on AirBnB here (get up to $15 off your first AirBnB experience by signing up here ), and Viator here (one of my preferred booking sites for activities). What’s better than a morning filled with traditional pastries, authentic coffee, local tapas, and culinary hotspots?

Where to Eat in Heraklion

O Tempelis , in the center of town, is a traditional place with very convenient prices. Here locals gather to share meze , small dishes with Cretan delicacies, such as dolmades, stuffed champignons, baked potatoes, tzatziki sauce, and more.

Peskesi is probably Crete’s most famous restaurant (yes, on the entire island). Located a few meters from Liontaria Square (close to the center of Heraklion), it’s well-known for serving innovative Cretan flavors while still keeping the traditional homemade cooking methods of Crete.

Where to Eat in Rethymnon

Prima Plora, right by the sea, is a romantic setting with beautiful views and a delicious menu. It’s one of the top-rated places in town for seafood and sushi too.

Kokkino, if you’re on a budget, though, you don’t want to miss the most popular restaurant of the city, right in front of the beach. Kokkino has been in town for ages, serving every dish of the Greek tradition, including inexpensive but huge gyro wraps, skepasti (similar to gyro but in a sandwich), and souvlaki as well.

Where to Eat in Chania

There are several places to have dinner in Chania, and as long as you avoid the tourist traps in the old port, you’ll be fine. 

The best place where to eat is – as usual – where the locals eat. In Chania, locals gather for dinner in absolutely any of the restaurants along Chatzimichali Daliani Street.

Oasis Souvlaki, is the place you go if you simply want to grab a wrap and keep exploring. This gyro joint has been serving gyro for the last 50 years in the same spot; something tells me they must be doing something right!

Municipal Market, for those who want fresh dishes at friendly prices, there’s nothing like a lunch in the municipal market. A few small tavernas serve dishes from midday until the market closes (5 pm), or until food runs out ( sometimes well before 5! ).

Have we convinced you to start packing your bags for Crete yet? Which of these (ridiculously gorgeous) things to do in Crete will you be adding to your must-do/see list?!

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Author Bio: Gabi is the founder of The Tiny Book , a blog about the Greek island of Crete, with useful inside tips about Crete, travel guides and itineraries to discover Crete. You can also join her Crete Travel Facebook Group , follow her on Pinterest or walk with her in a gastronomic tour of Chania .

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June 20, 2022 at 4:53 am

I visited Crete last summer and I loved it! It was after Milos my favorite Greek island. Reading this list just makes me want to go back again.

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«Quoi, vous partez encore en Crète ?» : ces vacanciers qui retournent chaque année au même endroit

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DÉCRYPTAGE - Chaque été et depuis des décennies, ils reviennent fidèlement au même village, à la même station balnéaire, préférant la routine à l'inconnu. Témoignages de ceux pour qui les vacances riment avec constance plutôt qu'aventure.

Cette année, comme toutes les autres, Guillaume E., 45 ans, graphiste, ne s'est pas posé beaucoup de questions pour l'organisation de ses vacances. Il les passera à  Hossegor  avec ses deux enfants comme il le fait depuis huit ans. « Déjà à la fac , j'allais chez un copain dont les parents louaient toujours la même maison. J'y retourne chaque année avec les enfants car on aime l'ambiance décontractée de la ville », affirme-t-il. Laurence Delforge, directrice marché tourisme, quant à elle, retourne chaque été en  Crète  depuis douze ans. « Quoi, vous partez encore en Crète ? », lancent chaque année ses enfants à celle qui a fait de cette île une deuxième maison. 

Quand d'autres parcourent le monde à la recherche de nouvelles aventures, nouvelles locations, nouvelles plages, ces vacanciers aiment retrouver les mêmes lieux chaque été comme on retrouve une maison de famille pleine de souvenirs. Peur de la nouveauté, paresse de chercher ou attachement presque proustien à des souvenirs ? Une psychologue tente de décrypter les raisons qui se cachent derrière ces vacances où d'inconnu il n'y a que la météo.

Repos total

Depuis sa naissance, Laura Martinez, 23 ans, jeune diplômée de l'École de Management Strasbourg, passe ses vacances dans cet appartement familial acheté par sa grand-mère il y a plusieurs décennies à Xeraco au sud de  Valence  en Espagne. Sur place, la jeune femme aime la routine de ces journées entre plage, piscine, parties de Paleta frontón (la version péruvienne de la pelote basque) et un apéro dans un bar de plage. «C onnaître par cœur les lieux et la configuration des vacances me permet de vraiment me reposer, me détendre, et déconnecter », assure-t-elle. Pour la jeune femme, voyager dans un nouvel endroit s'accompagne toujours d'une « envie de tout découvrir» et donc « d'une pression ». Pour elle et pour d'autres habitués des vacances routinières, ce territoire si connu est surtout celui où l'on peut enfin se reposer. « Quand on part une semaine dans une région pour la première fois, on a envie de tout découvrir, on ne se repose pas », renchérit ainsi Guillaume. Si Olivier Serfaty, directeur commercial de 53 ans, retourne à  Sitges  en Espagne depuis vingt ans avec ses trois enfants, c'est également pour ce même repos et des « vacances avec risque minimum ».

« Chaque année, on sait exactement ce que l'on va retrouver alors que l'inconnu peut générer de l'anxiété d'autant plus si on a des enfants » Lisa Letessier, psychologue

La psychologue Lisa Letessier, autrice de Comment garder le bénéfice de ses vacances aux éditions Odile Jacob, voit dans cette répétition un besoin de sécurité. « Quand on trouve un endroit que l'on aime et qui coche toutes les cases, y retourner permet d'enlever toute incertitude. Chaque année, on sait exactement ce que l'on va retrouver alors que l'inconnu peut générer de l'anxiété d'autant plus si on a des enfants ». Ainsi, père célibataire de deux enfants, Guillaume laisse sa voiture et toute sa charge mentale pendant ses deux semaines à Hossegor où son seul programme se résume à : marché, plage, restau. Quand les nouveaux venus, téléphone à la main, cherchent les adresses des meilleurs restaurants sur Google, Guillaume et les autres ont déjà leurs réservations dans des adresses authentiques et peu touristiques. Non seulement, la pression et le risque de se tromper est moindre mais « j'ai moins l'impression d'être un touriste », résume Olivier Serfaty.

À lire aussi «Je profite de mes vacances, mais mon chien me manque» : ces voyageurs déchirés par l’absence de leur animal

Sentiment d'appartenance

Tous parlent alors d'un sentiment «d'être à la maison». Derrière leur fort attachement se cache un besoin fondamental de la pyramide de Maslow : le sentiment d'appartenance. « Tout le monde à ce besoin d'appartenir à quelque part, c'est rassurant. On a l'impression d'être en famille, on connaît les commerçants, on nous salue. C'est quelque chose d'affectif de retrouver un lieu familial », détaille Lisa Letessier. Pour les chercheurs en psychologie ou en marketing qui ont étudié la notion d'attachement au lieu, les interactions sociales et la relation avec les habitants contribuent à ce lien autant que les paysages et les aspects physiques de la destination. « En Crète , on se sent un peu chez nous. D'autant plus qu'on a tissé des liens avec des serveurs et des hôteliers sur place, et qu'on y croise parfois des connaissances françaises : reconnaître des visages amis renforce cette impression d'y être à la maison », détaille ainsi Laurence Delforge.

Ce lieu et ces gens auxquels on s'attache participent aussi à construire l'identité d'une personne. Que ce soit  Ibiza , une plage bretonne ou un camping dans le sud, cet endroit tant aimé dont l'image et les valeurs sont en harmonie avec l'image que l'on se fait de soi devient partie intégrante de notre identité, de notre définition de nous-même. C'est pourquoi Laura Martinez, n'envisage pas un été sans cette pause espagnole. « Il me manquerait quelque chose si je n'y allais pas », assure-t-elle. Apolline Convain, 24 ans, journaliste, parle de « repère » et de « vacances doudou » lorsqu'elle évoque ses vacances en famille Port-Navalo, un ancien port de pêche du Morbihan où se joignent à sa tribu familiale d'autres familles d'amis. Plus jeune, elle ne comprenait pas les raisons qui poussaient ses parents à toujours partir au même endroit, mais l'année dernière, lors de son été au Liban, elle a ressenti un manque. « Ce qui m'a d'ailleurs beaucoup surprise : car je suis de nature à plutôt vouloir découvrir de nouveaux endroits.»   

Volonté de transmission

Ces répétitions sont autant de rituels familiaux que Guillaume aime transmettre à ses enfants, « ça devient comme un port d'attache pour eux », lance-t-il. Ce premier dîner chez Minus autour de moules ou chipirones à la plancha marque chaque année le début des vacances et crée des souvenirs partagés. Mais au-delà des souvenirs, ce sont des valeurs que Marie-Pierre Sensey veut transmettre à ses enfants et petits-enfants à travers ses vacances au  Touquet Paris Plage  où elle-même allait avec ses parents. «Aujourd'hui , ils sont décédés et je souhaite racheter leur maison pour que mes petits-enfants profitent de cet endroit », dit-elle. Son objectif, leur enseigner des valeurs, celles des vacances « au grand air, la vie sportive, la vie de famille avec les cousins… Et cet esprit bon vivant, festif ».

Toutefois, si la répétition sécurise, rassure et repose, gare à la routine prévient Lise Letessier. « Les études montrent l'impact bénéfique des voyages sur l'ouverture d'esprit et la plasticité cérébrale. Si l'on n'a pas l'occasion de partir ailleurs dans l'année, lors de ce retour annuel, on peut essayer des nouveautés comme changer de café, prendre un guide de la région et explorer, pour créer des nouvelles connexions neuronales », conseille-t-elle. Laura Martinez a commencé à le faire en prenant la voiture pour visiter les villes alentour de son village. Laurence Delforge, elle, s'aventure toujours en Crète qu'elle connait pourtant si bien. « On change à chaque fois de circuits, d'hôtels, on fait de nouvelles activités, on trouve de nouveaux endroits… Et on découvre plus en profondeur ceux que l'on connaît déjà », souligne-t-elle. Même si ses enfants demandent encore s'ils ne peuvent pas « pour une fois » changer de lieu de villégiature.

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À ÉCOUTER - Digital detox : comment (vraiment) déconnecter en vacances ?

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Plus d'options

SANDRINE PROUST

le 12/08/2024 à 19:34

En gros le Figaro fait dans l'apologie de la médiocre facilité : retrouver la routine du "métro, boulot, dodo" en "apéro, culture:no!, dodo". Plutôt décevant de racoler à la volonté de déconstruire notre culture, notre caractéristique de curiosité et de connaissance des autres.

le 12/08/2024 à 16:44

Il y a certes un lieu où l'on peut aimer retourner, mais à condition de pouvoir aussi découvrir d'autres horizons. L'idéal est de retourner dans son lieu de prédilection et de faire un ou plusieurs autres voyages. Mais financièrement, tout le monde ne peut pas se le permettre.

FRANCOIS MAZAU

le 12/08/2024 à 16:05

Rien d’étonnant à mon sens. Depuis plus de 20 ans nous retournons dans la Hague (Cotentin ouest). Belles plages TRÈS loin d’être surpeuplées, températures agréables dans l’air comme dans l’eau, paysages dont on ne se lasse pas, produits locaux savoureux etc. Un Éden auquel nous ne renoncerions pour rien au monde et qui ne nécessite pas de coûteux moyens de déplacement pour y accéder.

Cette drôle de coutume des Américains avant de venir en Europe

Pour préparer un voyage en Europe, les touristes américains ne font pas les choses à moitié. Les réseaux sociaux et les blogs spécialisés pullulent de routines pour une remise en forme très spéciale. Explications.

Délinquance : le classement des villes de bord de mer les moins sûres de France

EXCLUSIF - Vols, violences sexuelles, bagarres, dégradations... Le Figaro a passé au crible les données des crimes et délits pour toutes les communes du littoral français.

Ils ont mordu des randonneurs : que faire si on croise un patou ?

MONTAGNE - Les rencontres entre patous, ces chiens de berger dressés pour protéger les troupeaux, et randonneurs se multiplient, les premiers attaquant parfois les seconds. Comment réagir si vous en rencontrez un ?

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Road trip in Crete: The best itineraries for 4, 5, 7, 10, and 15 days

Visiting crete by car: the 5 best road trip itineraries.

You’re planning to do a road trip in Crete ?

Great idea!

Visiting Crete by car is the best way to optimize your itinerary , discover the most beautiful beaches such as Elafonissi or to reach the starting point of the hike in the Gorge.

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared this travel guide with the 5 best road trips itineraries in Crete depending on the duration of your stay (5, 7, 10 days and 15 days).

For each duration, I will give you a summary of the itinerary as well as the link to read the detailed itinerary article.

And at the end of this guide, I will also give you my list of the best accommodations in Crete depending on your budget as well as my best tips to enjoy the perfect road trip.

Let’s plan your road trip in Crete!

What’s the best airport to start a road-trip in Crete?

Which port to choose to make a road trip in crete, rent a car for your road trip in crete, road trip in crete: 4 or 5 days, road trip in crete: a week in the west, road trip in crete: 7 days in the east, 1) chania and its surroundings (5 days), 2) preveli and matala (1 day), 3) heraklion and its surroundings (2 days), 4) rethymnon (1 day), 1) west crete (6 days), 2) east crete (5 days), 3) south crete (3 days), where to stay in crete during your road trip, when should you go on a road trip in crete, road trip in crete with a travel agency, renting a boat in crete, you’re traveling to crete these articles will help you.

Crete has 2 international airports:

• Chania in the West
• Heraklion in the East.

These 2 cities are therefore the most practical ones to travel around Crete by car and to make a circuit, that is why I chose to start all my tours in Crete either in Chania or Heraklion.

You can go to Crete by boat from many Greek islands located in the Cyclades ( Santorini , Naxos , Paros , Mykonos, Tinos ) and from the island of Rhodes .

It is also possible to go to Crete by ferry from Athens . The journey is quite long, but if you are interested, here is the information you need:

• Chania is connected by ferries from the port of Piraeus in Athens. However, it takes 9 hours for the crossing.
• Heraklion is connected by ferries from the port of Piraeus in Athens. The crossing takes between 8.5 and 9.5 hours.

Compare prices for ferries to Crete by clicking on the button below:

There can’t be a road trip without a car! And since, unlike in Corsica , even when you arrive by ferry, you cannot come with your personal vehicle for this itinerary in Crete , you will have to rent a car.

In order to benefit from the best rates and to have the choice of the category, you must book your car as early as possible.

You must use Booking.com Cars which allows you to directly compare the prices offered by all the rental companies present at the airport of Chania or Heraklion.

It’s really convenient and fast to check the cheapest options , the best reputation and the conditions offered (unlimited mileage, 2nd driver, etc.).

Booking Cars also offers their comprehensive insurance coverage (covering the expenses incurred in the event of an accident or theft). If you do not have insurance included with your credit card, it is a good option to take it because it is much cheaper than the one offered by the rental company.

Finally, you should know that for some rentals, the free modification or cancellation are available until 24 hours before your departure.

To compare car rental prices in Crete now, click on the green button below:

If you only have a few vacation days and have chosen a short stay in Crete , you must stay in one place and discover the surroundings through small one-day car trips.

To visit West Crete during your road trip, you will have to arrive in Chania. 

To visit East Crete by car , the best way is to start from Heraklion.

I have prepared all the details to organise your stay in Crete for 4 or 5 days depending on your city of arrival.

For each option, you will find my recommendations for daily activities so as not to miss out on the unmissable places of interest and my selection of the best hotels to stay during your holidays in Crete.

To read this guide, just click on the following link: Itineraries recommended for a short stay in Crete.

Here’s an example of a road trip from Chania to visit West Crete by car for a week.

On the agenda for this 1 week road trip in Crete:

• Chania (1 day)
• The lagoon of Balos (1 day)
• Samaria Gorge (1 day)
• Elafonissi beach (1 day)
• Akrotiri (1 day)
• Rethymnon (1 day)

First day – Exploring Chania on foot

• The covered market
• The Greek Orthodox Cathedral
• The Old Venetian Port
• The Fikras fortress and the maritime museum
• The religious buildings
• Eastern Gulf beach or Agii Apostoli/Iguana Beach , which are located next to each other.

I have designed a 1 day tour of Chania for you in this article: Visit Chania.

Day 2 – Discovery of Lagoon of Balos, one of the most beautiful places on the island.

For more information, read my dedicated article: Visit the lagoon of Balos.

And if you just want to book your cruise to Balos now , click on the green button below:

Day three of this one-week road trip in Crete – Samaria Gorge hike

For a complete description of the route and all the detailed practical information, you must read my dedicated article: Samaria Gorge: the definitive guide.

For day four , head for the other unmissable beach during your week-long road trip in Crete: the famous pink beach of Elafonissi!

The information you need to go to this beach is here: Guide to discover the beach of Elafonissi.

On day five , head to the Akrotiri peninsula where you can discover:

• Stavros beach
• Agia Triada monastery
• The Governto Monastery
• Seitan Limani beach
• Marathi beach.

Day 6 – Visit Rethymnon , where you can explore its beautiful historical centre on foot.

Then go to the Agia Triada monastery for a short visit before spending the rest of the day at Lake Kournas.

Day 7 – End of the holiday, go to the airport of Chania for the return trip.

Do you want to go on a week-long road trip in Crete? Please read my detailed article: One-week itinerary in Crete.  

Very practical, you will also find lots of good deals and hotels to stay in Chania.  This is the best way to organise your trip easily! 

For those who prefer to go on a 7-day road trip to Crete to explore the East of the island instead, you can consider this itinerary: 7-day itinerary in Crete. 

If you are arriving in Heraklion , here are the places that you must visit during 7-day road trip in Crete: Heraklion, Knossos, Elounda, Spinalonga, Sitia, Chrissi and Matala.

I have prepared a summary of this road trip so you can to organise your days for a 7-day trip to Crete:

• 1 day in Heraklion to visit the city and especially the 2 must-see sights of a tour in Crete: the archaeological museum and the palace of Knossos. 
• 1 day to explore the Lassithi plateau, with visit to the Zeus cave
• 1 day in Elounda to go on a cruise to the island of Spinalonga and swim at the beach of Kolokitha
• 1 day to reach Sitia with visits to the Voulisma beach , the village of Mohlos and a hike in the Richtis Gorge
• 1 day to explore the most beautiful beaches of the East , an unmissable part of a 7-day road trip in Crete: the beaches of Itanos, Vai beach , the sublime beaches of Xerokampos . And if you want to add a little more athletic activities, you must go on the Zakros Gorge hike.
• 1 day to reach Matala with an optional boat trip to Chrissi Island. 

Wondering where to stay during this 7-8 day Crete road trip ?

The list of the best hotels for each leg can also be found in my detailed itinerary (click here)!

In addition to my itinerary, you can also read my specific articles on some of the places to visit during your road trip to East Crete:

• Heraklion: The 13 places to visit
• Palace of Knossos: The guide to visit the most famous archaeological site in Crete

Road trip in Crete: 10 days

For this itinerary , I would suggest a road trip to visit Crete by car in 10 days.

This route starts in Chania (but you can also change it easily if you arrive in Heraklion) and allows you to complete a circuit to explore the West of the island and a part of the East.

This circuit is very complete and offers a good combination of cities , beaches and hikes.

On the agenda of this 10-day road trip in Crete:

• Akrotiri peninsula

I will summarise the main parts of this road trip below but all the details can be found here: 10-day itinerary in Crete.

Let’s start this 10-day road trip in Crete with a visit to Chania . As it is quite small, one day is enough to discover the main tourist attractions.

Day one – Things to see in Chania:

• The old town
• The Old Port
• Fort Fikras
• The lighthouse of Chania

Spend the night in Chania.

To organise your trip to Chania in the best possible way, ready my article: The 15 things to do in Chania.

The second day , continue this 10-day road trip in Crete, going all the way West to the lagoon of Balos.

You will discover a superb stretch of turquoise waters and white sands where it is impossible not to swim!

As there are several little things to know when you go to Balos by car or boat, you really must read my complete guide to the lagoon, which you can find here: Visit Balos Beach.

Spend another night in Chania.

For day three , you must go hiking in the Samaria Gorge.

It is the best- known hike in Crete and is 16 km long. It takes between 5 and 7 hours to walk the entire path that first passes through the forest before reaching the bottom of the Gorge.

As this must-do during your road trip in Crete cannot be just done impromptu and requires some organisation, you can find my complete guide to prepare for everything here: How to visit the Samaria Gorge?

Day four, go to Elafonissi beach , in the south-east of the island for a relaxing day on one of the most beautiful beaches of Crete . After yesterday’s walk, you deserve to relax by the turquoise waters.

Here are the details:   Elafonissi: the definitive guide.

Stay another night in Chania.

On day five , you must explore the Akrotiri peninsula, which is just outside Chania. Here you will find several beaches including the famous Seitan Limani cove and 2 monasteries you must visit: the Agia Triada monastery and Governto monastery.

Spend one last night in Chania.

On day six of your road trip in Crete, it’s time to leave Chania to continue exploring the island for a while.

On the agenda:

• Stop at the Kourtaliotiko Gorge
• Visit the Preveli monastery
• Swimming at Preveli beach, ranked among the most beautiful beaches on the island
• Visit to Matala and its caves.

Overnight stay in Matala.

On day seven , you must visit one of the best known cities of the island: Heraklion. 

During your walk in the historical centre, you must visit the historical museum of Crete, the fortress of Koules, the rue 25 Avgostou and especially the archaeological museum of Heraklion. Crete’s most famous museum is home to many objects covering a vast period and is really excellent.

You’ll end the day with another iconic visit: the archaeological site of the palace of Knossos, which in the Minoan era, had vast royal apartments, residences of priests, thermal baths… 

You will find information about Knossos and Heraklion in my 2 articles:

• What are the things to do in Heraklion?
• Visit the Minoan Palace in Knossos.

Spend the night in Heraklion.

Day eight , hit the road to go to Elounda where you will embark on a boat trip to the island of Spinalonga . Here you will discover its fortress and the old buildings that were used to house lepers during the epidemic that struck around the 1900s.

In the afternoon , still in Elounda, you must go swimming at Kolokitha beach . This is one of my favourite beaches of this 10-day road trip in Crete!

To return to Heraklion in the late afternoon, take the road that passes through the Lassithi plateau. You will be able to stop at the cave of Zeus, where the famous Greek god is said to be born.

Spend one last night in Heraklion.

On day nine, the penultimate day of your 10-day Crete road trip, leave Heraklion for Rethymnon.

On the way, you can stop at 3 places:

• The Melidoni cave is really worth the visit for its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites
• The village of Margarites , famous for its many pottery workshops
• Arkadi monastery and its 16th century church.

Once you arrive in Rethymnon, you will have plenty of time to peacefully explore the old town. It is not very big but it is really nice to walk around the alleys lined with shops and taverns.

For all the details about Rethymnon, please read my dedicated article: Visit Rethymnon.

Spend the night in Rethymnon or Chania if your flight takes off early in the morning.

Day ten marks the end of this road trip in Crete!

If you want more details about this 10-day road trip in Crete , please read our detailed article: 10-day itinerary in Crete.

You will also find our list of the best accommodations for each leg. As you’ll see, planning your 9-10 day trip to Crete is fast and easy!

Road trip in Crete: 2 weeks

If you have 15 days for a road trip in Crete , this is really the best option because you’ll be able to explore the entire island!

This 2-week road trip in Crete that I propose leaves from Chania, in the West but you can start from Heraklion and complete the same circuit.

All the details for organising this drive around Crete can be found in my article: 2-week itinerary in Crete.

I’ll give you a short summary of the journey legs below:

For this two-week road trip in Crete, you must start at the West of the island for 6 days.

Day one – Discover the city of Chania on foot: the market, the cathedral, the old town, the Old Port, Fort Firkas and the lighthouse.

You will certainly have time to see a majority of the things I discuss in my Best Places to See Chania.

Day Two – Lagoon of Balos

Cruise from Kissamos to Balos can be booked here:

This is a must-see sight on this 2 week road trip in Crete!

More about Balos in my article: Visit the lagoon of Balos.

Day three – Samaria Gorge

The information to prepare for your hike can be found here: Visit the Samaria Gorge.

On day four of your 15-day road trip to Crete will be devoted to relaxing on the famous pink sand beach of Elafonissi.

More information can be found here: Visit Elafonissi.

Day 5 – Drive to the Akrotiri peninsula with stops to visit monasteries and swim at the Seitan Limani beach.

Day 6 – Visit the Kournas lake before reaching the city of Rethymnon for a pleasant walk in the city. In the afternoon, visit the Arkadi monastery, the potters’ village of Margarites and the Melidoni cave.

I have explained everything in this article: What are the things to do in Rethymnon?

For the rest of your 15-day road trip in Crete, you will now explore the Eastern part of the island.

Day seven – Visit to the city of Heraklion : the historical museum of Crete, the fortress of Koules, the archaeological museum and the palace of Knossos.

More about Heraklion in my post: The guide to visit Heraklion.

Day eight – Travel from Heraklion to Elounda via the Lassithi plateau.

On day nine , you must take the boat from the port of Elounda and visit Spinalonga island. In the afternoon, you can swim at Kolokitha beach.

Day 10 – Today, you’ll continue this 15-day road trip in Crete by going further East, towards Sitia. On the road, you will discover the splendid Voulisma beach before stopping for lunch in the seafront hamlet of Mohlos and continue with a small hike to the Richtis waterfall.

Day 11 – Enjoy the beaches of the East , some of which are ranked among the best of Crete’s most beautiful beaches. My recommendations: Itanos, Vai and Xerokampos. The more motivated among you can also go hiking in the Zakros Gorge.

On day twelve , continue this two-week road trip in Crete by heading south. From Ierapetra you can take a boat that will take you to spend the day on Chrissi island. 

At the end of the day, take the road to Matala , famous for its caves carved into the cliff at the water’s edge. Matala also has 2 beaches.

On day thirteen , here are the places you must visit:

• Triopetra beach
• The Kourtaliotiko Gorge
• The Preveli beach, another unmissable and beautiful beach during a road trip in Crete!
• Preveli monastery.

At the end of the day, you will arrive in Plakias for the night.

Day 14 – Today you can choose between one last hike in a Gorge (Imbros for example), a boat trip from Hora Sfakion, a day at the beach or water park or a a super quad bike trip (book here!).

On day fifteen, the last day of this 2-week road trip in Crete: head to Chania airport to end the holiday!

And remember, this road trip is explained in detail in our article:  15-day itinerary in Crete .  You will also find plenty of tips and our selection of the best accommodations according to your budget for each leg.

There you go! You now know where to go and what to see during your road trip in Crete . Now all that’s left is accommodation for each leg.

So I’ve selected the best accommodations in Crete for each step.

They are categorised by city and budget and are already included in the articles I just mentioned, which list the various available routes depending on the length of your stay.

You can also click here (alphabetical order):

• Elounda: all the best places to stay
• Heraklion: the best hotels
• Chania: list of the best accommodations
• Matala: where to stay?
• Plakias: my accommodation suggestions
• Rethymnon: the best places to stay
• Sitia: the best hotels

For a road trip in Crete , you must go during months of May – June – July – August – September and early October.

This is when you can make the most of your stay thanks to the many attractions of the island: beaches, hiking, natural landscapes, walks in historical centres and boat trips.

And of course, it won’t surprise you that July and August experience the highest volume of tourists . If you have decided to make your road trip to Crete in summer, you must book your accommodation and activities in advance .

To visit Crete by car, the best time is the month of September . The summer holidays are over, so there are fewer people but it is still as beautiful and warm! September indeed is the best month for a road trip in Crete.

Note that between October and the end of April:

• Boat trips like the one from the lagoon of Balos are not operational
• The Samaria Gorge is closed
• The water is too cold to swim
• Many hotels and restaurants are closed.

Going on a road trip in Crete in winter is not a great idea!

On Voyagetips.com , I give you all my best tips and itineraries to plan your trip to Crete by yourself. (All my Crete guides are here)

However, if you prefer to book a Crete tour with a travel agency , I recommend you to check the 10 best Crete tours by clicking the button below:

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your stay in Crete, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental!

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Crete? 😊

So what have you planned to see on your road trip in Crete?

Discover all my articles about Crete : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Crete are listed there.

• 27 Best things to do in Crete : All the best places to visit and activities
• Itinerary: 4-5 days in Crete – Itinerary to prepare a short stay in East or West Crete
• Itinerary: One week in Crete – The perfect itinerary to visit Western Crete
• Itinerary : 7 days in Crete – The best itinerary to visit East Crete in 1 week
• Itinerary: 10 days in Crete – How to visit Crete in 10 days
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Crete – The perfect itinerary for 14-15 days in Crete
• Road trip to Crete: The best itineraries for 5, 7, 10 and 15 days
• Chania : The 15 best places to discover
• Heraklion : TOP 13 places to visit
• Rethymnon: The 13 best things to do
• Balos Beach : All my best tips to visit Balos Lagoon!
• Elafonissi Beach : The definitive guide to discover Crete’s famous pink sand beach
• Palace of Knossos: The definitive guide to visit the most famous archaeological site of Crete
• Samaria Gorge : How to plan the best hike in Crete
• Where to stay in Crete? The guide to the best hotels, ordered by city and budget

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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