Crete is a vacation spot that’s sure to steal your coronary heart. It’s an enthralling and mysterious island with a few of the most hospitable individuals on earth. There are infinite locations to go to, issues to do, and dishes to eat — you’ll by no means be bored on this Greek island.
Usually described as its personal universe, the panorama of Crete is various and stuffed with range.
Residence to gorgeous previous cities and quaint ports, excessive mountains perfect for journey, and a group of awe-inspiring seashores — there’s one thing for everybody on a vacation in Crete!
Full Journey Information to Crete in 2023
Many individuals e-book a visit to Crete with the only function of stress-free on the attractive seashores.
However, there’s a lot extra you possibly can see and do in Crete than simply lazing by the ocean. It’s potential to go trekking, snorkeling, mountain biking, crusing, and even fishing!
I first got here to Crete in 2016, and I saved returning annually. Like many others I’ve met, I utterly fell in love with the place and determined to remain.
Even after my greater than 30 years residing overseas, the island remains to be one in every of my favourite locations. That’s why I made a decision to write down this information to Crete, to be able to share all my finest insider info.
The coastal metropolis of Chania has been my adopted dwelling for greater than seven years. Now it’s time so that you can journey to Crete!
I’m excited to introduce my dwelling to you on this complete Crete journey information.
The place to Keep in Crete, Greece
At 260 km (160 miles) lengthy and 56 km (35 miles) extensive, Crete is the most important and most populous island in Greece. It’s enormous!
So, on the subject of selecting your lodging in Crete, you’ve gotten many choices in every area.
To determine the place to remain, all you’ll want to do is determine on which kind of trip you’re specializing in.
Are you into cultural experiences? Are you on the lookout for the final word seaside vacation? Would you somewhat simply chill out and disconnect from the remainder of the world?
Crete can give you all of that and extra, you simply want to decide on your area correctly.
Let’s first check out Crete’s 4 primary areas that can assist you determine that are the perfect locations to remain in Crete in line with your pursuits:
- Heraklion for Historical past and Tradition
- Chania for Greatest Seashores
- Rethymnon for Conventional Villages
- Lasithi for Stress-free Holidays
Right here’s a brief description of each primary metropolis in every of Crete’s 4 completely different areas.
Heraklion, the Capital of Crete
Crete’s primary area and capital of the island is Heraklion.
The town can be one of many two primary gates to Crete, with a global airport and an necessary port that receives ferries from mainland Greece in addition to cruise ships nearly day-after-day.
This vibrant metropolis affords infinite decisions of cultural actions, together with artwork galleries and a few of Greece’s most attention-grabbing museums.
However that’s not all. On this area, you can even go to three of the 4 Minoan Palaces which were excavated on the island up to now — the Minoan Palaces of Knossos and Malia, on the northern coast, in addition to the mysterious Minoan Palace of Phaistos within the South.
Youthful crowds love the close by coastal city of Malia because it’s the place to be for nightlife.
This seaside city gathers a group of seaside bars, golf equipment, and discos that make it the place to celebration in Crete.
One of many few accommodations in Heraklion with a pool is Galaxy Resort Iraklio, positioned in a really central place and serving the most effective breakfasts I’ve ever tried on the town.
Those that come to Heraklion to benefit from the nightlife will need to select an all-inclusive resort within the coastal cities of Hersonissos or Malia.
Chania, West Crete
Positioned on the western portion of Crete, Chania is a implausible area that gives a plethora of alternatives for adventurous holidays.
Plus, a few of the most spectacular seashores of Crete are discovered alongside the coast of Chania. Most of my favorites are positioned right here (I’ll listing them later on this article).
The capital of the area, additionally named Chania, hosts one of many prettiest historic cities in Greece.
Outdated City Chania has an attention-grabbing previous manufactured from conquests and international rulers, all of which managed to go away their very own hint and identification within the structure of town.
The previous metropolis is a good place to remain for those who adore the romantic environment of previous Venetian mansions and Turkish facades. You may also go looking for some genuine souvenirs in Chania’s Agora, one of many largest municipal markets within the Balkans.
You’ll be able to keep in one of many many boutique accommodations of Chania. Casa Delfino is likely one of the most unique boutique accommodations whereas these on a finances will probably be astonished on the fashionable services of Kumba Hostel.
Rethymnon Area
The area of Rethymnon is positioned midway via Heraklion and Chania, so it’s an excellent base to go to each with out driving lengthy distances.
Nevertheless, Rethymnon has extra to supply — it’s not only a snug place from the place to maneuver round and discover.
For those who cherished the previous city of Chania, you’ll be completely satisfied to find the alleys of Rethymnon’s Outdated City too.
Right here, the Turkish traces are tangible within the wood balconies and excessive Ottoman minarets shaping the skyline. The spectacular Venetian Fortress, proper by the ocean, stays of Greece’s finest examples of fortified castles.
To raised uncover the previous city, it’s an amazing thought to e-book a keep within the space.
Avli Lounge is likely one of the most conventional boutique accommodations on the town and it has a exceptional restaurant the place the Cretan weight loss program is praised and celebrated with really cutting-edge culinary concepts.
For an much more romantic keep, the adults-only Pepi Boutique Resort has been receiving friends for years and has constructed a prestigious title on the town.
A brief journey in direction of the south of Rethymnon will take you thru distinctive mountainous landscapes and conventional villages.
Go to historic monasteries lively within the lengthy years of combating to oust completely different international rulers.
Whether or not they have been the Venetians, the Ottomans, or the Nazi Occupation Forces, monasteries fought facet by facet with the Cretans to overcome their very own freedom, which lastly occurred in 1898.
The southern coast of Rethymnon (and of all Crete) is surrounded by the pristine Libyan sea.
The southern coasts of Crete are extra remoted than the touristic North, that means cleaner water, wilder landscapes, and a sense of freedom exhausting to search out anyplace else.
That is additionally the explanation why most nudist seashores will be discovered on the southern coast. For those who’re into sunbathing with out a bikini, the southern seashores of Rethymnon are an amazing place to go.
Lasithi, East Crete
The easternmost area of Crete is Lasithi. Reasonably remoted and fairly off-the-beaten-track, the area is dwelling to magnificent seashores that you possibly can even take pleasure in completely by yourself throughout much less crowded months.
The capital of Lasithi is Agios Nikolaos, a small city additionally on the northern coast of the island.
Nevertheless, there are different cities you possibly can verify within the area which may show to be glorious locations to remain to be able to drive round and discover. For those who want to go to the uninhabited island of Chrissi, it’s a good suggestion to keep in Ierapetra.
If as an alternative, you need to uncover the unique Palm Seashore of Vai, Sitia is a good metropolis the place to remain too.
A lodge in Agios Nikolaos is a good thought to go to the previous leper island of Spinalonga or the unique resort city of Elounda.
One of many prettiest accommodations in Agios Nikolaos is Porto Maltese Boutique Resort, with a privileged view of Lake Voulismeni, which naturally flows in direction of the ocean of Crete.
For those who favor to remain in a extra unique space, Elounda is the place to be.
There’s no scarcity of luxurious resorts on the subject of this small village, all of them dealing with the tranquil Gulf of Mirabello and boasting unique seashores and rooms that open on to the ocean.
Domes of Elounda is likely one of the most luxurious locations to be not simply on Crete, however all of Greece.
What to Do in Crete (Prime 5 Greatest)
There are a whole lot of nice issues to do in Crete, from seaside hopping to rip-roaring adventures, consuming your means via the mouthwatering Cretan weight loss program, or splurging within the wine state of affairs of the island.
It wasn’t simple narrowing this listing down, however listed below are my high 5 decisions for issues to see and do on a shocking vacation in Crete.
1. Uncover Chania’s Outdated City
The Venetian environment within the alleys of Chania’s Outdated City will take you on a journey of marvel and discovery. The traditional metropolis is split into completely different areas, every of them with traits that construct the eclectic identification of Chania.
The Venetian quarter is essentially the most elegant a part of city, with unique boutique accommodations, conventional eating places, and tiny memento outlets that add a contact of shade.
The previous harbor, the Egyptian lighthouse, and the little Mosque proper in entrance of the ocean are a few of the landmarks to verify whereas strolling within the space.
In direction of the middle of the previous city, the previous Jewish quarter, Zudecca, is dwelling to the final remaining synagogue in Crete (Etz Hayyin), which is considerably hidden however open to the general public.
Getting into this non secular constructing from the fifteenth century is like coming into right into a forgotten oasis with a lovely inexperienced backyard, one which has left its tragic previous behind.
The historical past of the Jewish group strived on the island for hundreds of years however sadly disappeared from Crete through the Nazi occupation.
Shifting in direction of the west of town, the Turkish neighbourhood of Splantzia is a nook with a bohemian environment, the place life appears to run at a totally completely different tempo.
A good way to discover the perfect of every quarter, the municipal market, and style the native flavors, is to e-book a strolling gastronomic tour of Chania.
2. Marvel on the Minoan Previous of Crete
In all probability one of many primary explanation why vacationers flock to Crete within the first place is to find the wonders of the traditional civilizations that after populated the island.
The perfect place for such an journey is the Minoan Palace of Knossos, just some kilometers away from the middle of Heraklion.
This large archaeological web site stays one in every of Greece’s most well-known historic settlements, proper after the Acropolis of Athens. I discovered it simply as spectacular, if no more so.
It’s pretty simple to achieve the archaeological web site with native transport. The bus departs from the previous bus station of Heraklion and leaves you proper on the entrance gate of the location in lower than quarter-hour.
Nevertheless, for a greater expertise, e-book a guided tour of Knossos and study every thing about this distinctive place touring it with a licensed vacationer information.
For those who plan to take action, verify for excursions together with a go to to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, the most important Minoan assortment it is possible for you to to search out on the island.
3. Go to the Seashores of Crete
Again within the area of Chania, there’s no scarcity of gorgeous shores. Right here you possibly can swim, sunbathe, and revel in a standard seaside vacation.
The implausible Elafonisi is world-renowned for its pink sand. But, much more hanging is the distinctive turquoise palette of the ocean.
Positioned within the south of Chania, it takes about an hour and a half to achieve this remoted space, however the panorama is definitely worth the journey. I head down there as typically as potential.
For a extra adrenaline-driven expertise, strive spending a day within the unique shores of Balos, a shallow, emerald lagoon that wants a considerably tough off-road drive to achieve.
For those who’re not within the temper for such an journey, you possibly can at all times go to with a day cruise. This manner, additionally, you will be capable to uncover the spectacular island of Imeri Gramvousa and swim near a forgotten shipwreck off its coast.
4. Discover the Mountains of Rethymnon
Driving via the valleys and mountains of Crete will be an exhilarating expertise!
You’ll uncover gorgeous gorges, forgotten villages, and spectacular monasteries.
Rethymnon is an ideal area to take action. The Valley of Amari proper subsequent to Mount Psiloritis (Crete’s highest mountain, at 2,456 meters above sea stage) is a good place to start out.
Cease by some conventional villages resembling Anogeia or Axos, or go all the best way to the village of Zoniana the place you possibly can have some enjoyable exploring the distinctive formations inside Sfendoni cave.
Going additional, you possibly can spend a couple of hours within the stunning monastic complicated of Preveli and hike all the best way all the way down to Preveli Seashore, following the river whereas below the shade of Crete’s second palm grove. Each buddy I’ve ever taken on this hike has completely cherished it.
5. Get Misplaced in East Crete
The distant area of Lasithi has loads of alternatives for a implausible vacation.
For those who’re wanting time, the world manages to pay attention the perfect of Crete providing a transparent panorama of the native traditions, nice remoted seashores, and distinctive mountain roads.
A visit alongside the Lasithi Plateau is a one-of-a-kind expertise.
Lonesome and undiscovered, this elevated airplane hides a implausible panorama dotted with the final remaining windmills of Crete.
Go even additional and attain the southeastern coast for true disconnection. The seashores of Xerokampos are nearly unknown to mass tourism and are essentially the most secluded place to remain on Crete.
What & The place to Eat in Crete
One of the enriching elements of any journey to Crete is certainly the native delicacies. Greek meals is a few of the perfect on this planet — however Crete has its personal distinctive substances.
With native cheese, olive oil, nuts, honey, phyllo pastries, pies, and proteins resembling sheep, goat, snails, and lamb, you’ll by no means be hungry in Crete!
Recent, seasonal, and stuffed with style and authenticity, the Mediterranean weight loss program is maybe one of many healthiest on this planet. These are the 4 finest eating places in Crete, one for every of the areas.
Heraklion: Peskesi
- Location: Kapetan Haralampi 6-8, Heraklion
- Telephone #: +30 28102 88887
- Reservations: reservations@peskesicrete.gr
- Score on TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
Peskesi is nice each for lunch and dinner and it’s standard each with locals and vacationers.
Cretan delicacies is on the forefront on this restaurant which manages to mix conventional substances and native cooking strategies, sprinkled with the perfume of Cretan herbs. Make sure to e-book a desk at any time of the 12 months.
Chania: Chrisostomos
- Location: Deukalion and Ikarous, Chania
- Telephone #: +30 28210 57053
- Reservations: chrisostomos_restaurant@outlook.com
- Score on TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
Chrisostomos is likely one of the most conventional locations to style the genuine flavors of Crete and uncover some implausible native dishes, lots of them nonetheless cooked solely at dwelling.
Their menu features a nice collection of dishes from the indomitable area of Sfakia, pies baked in a wood oven, plentiful use of thyme honey, and savoury Cretan cheeses.
Rethymnon: Avli Rustic Fantastic Eating
- Location: Xanthoudidou 22 & Radamanthios, Rethymnon
- Telephone #: +30 28310 26213
- Reservations: data@avli.gr
- Score on TripAdvisor: 4/5
When in Rethymnon, Avli is the place to go to be able to uncover essentially the most genuine tastes of Crete.
Set within the romantic herb backyard, the restaurant affords genuine delicacies and one of many richest wine lists on the island. They’ve a novel Cretan menu in addition to attention-grabbing cooking courses to study every thing about how the Cretans prepare dinner. I’ve taken their cooking courses and may personally attest to how attention-grabbing {and professional} they’re.
Agios Nikolaos: Karnagio
- Location: Konstantinou Paleologou 24, Ag. Nikolaos
- Telephone #: +30 28410 25968
- Reservations: solely by telephone
- Score on TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
Karnagio has changed into one other must-visit landmark in Agios Nikolaos, a lot in order that you’ll want to be prepared to attend in line for those who don’t e-book prematurely.
Merchandise are sourced from native farmers and are reworked into distinctive, colourful, Cretan dishes with an excellent twist of originality. I like this restaurant, and I’m positive you’ll too.
Greatest Seashores in Crete
Arguably one of many primary causes to go to Crete is the gorgeous number of seashores you possibly can go to on the island, every providing one thing completely different — from shallow sandy seashores to rocky coasts. A number of the high seashores in all of Greece will be discovered on this island.
The seashores of the northern coast of Crete are usually extra wavy and windy than the south. Nevertheless, there are a couple of well-protected peninsulas and bays that are perfect for swimming.
Head to the west and uncover the bay of Falassarna for some adrenaline-inducing waters sports activities. The wind circumstances make the world perfect to chase the waves and revel in the perfect sundown on the island.
I’ve already talked about the attractive pink sand seaside of Elafonisi and the very good Balos Seashore and Lagoon each of them within the area of Chania, however there are lots of different seashores in different areas that may blow your thoughts with their magnificence.
Listed below are three of the lesser-known, high seashores in Crete:
1. Lentas Seashore, Heraklion
At this distant seaside south of Heraklion, you’ll discover essentially the most gorgeous panorama of sand dunes and blue water.
Though it may be considerably exhausting to achieve, Lentas is a implausible place for isolation and full rest — making it the most effective seashores in Crete.
The seaside lacks any type of facilities so it’s an amazing thought to pack your individual requirements to spend a day within the space. The panorama is definitely a tremendous deal with for anybody who visits.
2. Triopetra Seashore, Rethymnon
This seaside can be positioned south of the island, within the area of Rethymnon.
It’s not as remoted as others, however the shore is extensive and spacious. It at all times makes me really feel alone even when hundreds of vacationers are on the identical seaside as me.
The three spectacular rock formations that the seaside is called after are positioned on the intense east of the island. There, three uniquely formed large stones jut out of the ocean forming a weird panorama.
It’s potential to lease sunbeds and umbrellas from the few tavernas that additionally promote drinks, snacks, and meals. All you’ll want to pack is your seaside towel and your sunscreen.
3. Voulisma Seashore, Lasithi
Also referred to as Golden Seashore, this distinctive bay is positioned on the Mirabello Gulf, simply a few kilometers away from the coastal city of Agios Nikolaos. Voulisma is a implausible seaside with a lush inexperienced backdrop.
The clear waters are nearly waveless, which makes the place perfect for households with youngsters or for simply lounging in your inflatable mattress for hours.
There’s a nice taverna serving snacks and drinks, so once more, simply pack your towel!
Prime Excursions in Crete
For those who’ve had sufficient of seashores, street journeys, and adventures within the mountains, organized excursions are a good way to fulfill new individuals, study one thing new and uncover locations you’d in any other case haven’t been in a position to take pleasure in.
Gastronomic excursions are a spotlight of any journey to Crete. You’ll be able to select from wine tasting and vineyard excursions, cheese-making experiences, cooking classes, and gastronomic visits to the native markets.
You may also e-book crusing journeys to Crete’s closest islands, resembling Chrissi or Gavdos.
Cultural journeys will take you to find forgotten archaeological treasures, ruins, and historic settlements, permitting you to find extra concerning the magnificent and puzzling previous of Crete.
Listed below are 3 of the best possible excursions in Crete:
1. Knossos Palace Skip-the-Line Entry with Guided Strolling Tour
One of many high excursions on Crete is the one which takes you to go to the Archaeological Palace of Knossos. This is likely one of the primary explanation why individuals select Crete for his or her vacation.
Guests finally uncover that there’s extra to the island than Knossos (which is taken into account to be the cradle of western civilization), however normally, journey planning for Crete begins with this web site.
2. Genuine Greek Meals Cooking Class in Heraklion
- GetYourGuide Score: 5/5
- Price: €340 (for a bunch of two individuals)
- The best way to e-book: On-line. Click on right here for particulars.
Cretan meals might be the second-best motive to journey to Crete, and what higher technique to discover the tastes of Crete than studying tips on how to prepare dinner the native staples with a Cretan as a instructor?
Roll up your sleeves and get your arms on the dough to bake Cretan pies, or stuff some scrumptious Mediterranean tomatoes and sprinkle with a beneficiant dose of genuine further virgin olive oil from Crete.
For those who’re a foodie, taking a cooking class in Crete will probably be a spotlight of your vacation.
3. Scuba Expertise I-Uncover Scuba
Regardless of your age or your skill at sea, this expertise will be loved with none certification. This is a superb technique to get to know the marine lifetime of Crete.
But additionally to learn to breathe and talk underwater with zero gravity. With this uncover scuba tour, diving is accessible to everybody over 10 years previous.
When to Go to Crete, Greece
The island is an ideal vacation spot all 12 months spherical.
Summers are lengthy and dry, with temperatures that may be fairly excessive through the months of July and August. That is the height season and subsequently the island tends to be filled with vacationers.
Lodging will be exhausting to search out and considerably costly if you don’t e-book nicely prematurely.
Eating places and points of interest are jam-packed so that you would possibly discover that’s typically needed to attend in line or combat for a free parking spot.
But, regardless of all of this, the excessive season in Crete is nice for nightlife, seaside events, and assembly mates from everywhere in the world.
Each autumn and spring, the shoulder seasons, are my favourite instances of the 12 months to completely take pleasure in Crete. The temperatures are milder, however going to the seaside remains to be nice.
Late autumn and early spring will be extraordinarily scorching with no rain.
The winter interval isn’t lengthy, however it may be very chilly and wet. The best peaks of Crete obtain a number of snow and are standard locations to go snowboarding and snowboarding.
Driving isn’t actually harmful, however some roads will be inaccessible as a consequence of snow and rain. Take that into consideration for those who plan to drive round in winter.
Crete’s most necessary cities, resembling Chania, Heraklion, and Rethymnon don’t shut for winter! There are nonetheless loads of outlets and eating places open in addition to a number of accommodations and studios for lease, making it an amazing place to go to in January.
These three cities are dwelling to a few of Greece’s most necessary universities, so the island has a vigorous inhabitants of younger adults coming from throughout Greece to review.
December, January, and February will not be the preferred months amongst vacationers, however for those who’re not a seaside fanatic, you’ll undoubtedly have enjoyable.
The best way to Get Round Crete
In all probability essentially the most snug technique to go to Crete is to take action by renting your individual automobile and having the liberty of reaching each nook of the island.
The general public bus system is sort of good and it’ll safely take you from one primary metropolis to the opposite.
Nonetheless, most of the southern coasts of Crete stay fairly remoted on the subject of bus schedules, and lots of villages are exhausting to achieve for those who don’t have your individual wheels.
Public transport is the reply for those who don’t actually need to drive round Crete. However for those who’re trying to get to essentially the most secret corners of the island, driving is the best way to go since taking a taxi will be considerably costly to journey lengthy hours.
Is Crete Secure?
Many individuals ask if Crete is a secure place to go to.
This can be a quite common query when individuals determine to e-book their vacation on the island. Aside from the occasional pickpocketing (sure to occur in any crowded vacationer vacation spot), visiting Crete could be very secure.
In fact, and out of precaution, it’s at all times a should to e-book strong journey insurance coverage on your journey.
That being mentioned, locals are extremely hospitable and useful, at all times keen to supply help to anybody in want. Most of them converse pretty good English or are open to discovering somebody that can assist you that has the correct language expertise you want.
FAQs About Visiting Crete
Nonetheless have questions after studying this Crete journey information? Learn on for solutions to some continuously requested questions on journey to Crete.
So as to correctly go to Crete, it’s best to plan on at the least 5 days. For those who plan on visiting many of the Crete points of interest on this listing, then you definitely would possibly want two weeks or extra.
When visiting Crete, you’ll discover nice issues on each side. Nevertheless, most Crete blogs agree that first-time guests ought to head to western Crete, the place Chania is positioned.
Crete has higher seashores, however Santorini is smaller and simpler to get round. Crete has extra conventional villages, whereas Santorini is well-known for its gorgeous pure surroundings. Completely different guides to Crete have completely different opinions about the way it compares to Santorini.
It’s not needed for those who’ll keep in principally one space, however if you wish to see many far-flung locations whereas visiting Crete, you could discover that renting a automotive is an efficient alternative.
Many Crete blogs state that the one place to keep away from in Crete is Hersonissos. It’s touristy and has an excessive amount of of a celebration vibe.
Now You’re Able to Go to Crete!
There you’ve gotten it, a information to Crete, one of many high locations to see in Greece. Whether or not you’re into lazing on a seaside, exploring hidden villages, or sampling tasty meals, there’s one thing for you in Crete.
For extra on travelling to Greece, be sure you take a look at this Final Journey Information to Greece. It’s jampacked with info on the place to go, when to go, issues to do, tips on how to get round, must-try meals, well being and security, execs and cons, and far more! All the things you’ll want to know to make your journey to Greece a memorable one.
Word: Photos on this article have been sourced on Shutterstock.
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