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Crete Tours – Best Things to Do

Greece › Crete › Tours Updated: June 18, 2023 By Santorini Dave

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The Boat Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa is a great day trip and a fun way to visit one of Crete’s best beaches.

The 15 Best Tours in Crete 1. Heraklio Food Walking Tour Food & walking tours are my favorite way to explore a new city and this is a good one. Heraklio is not as picturesque as Chania but it’s loaded with true Greek character, gritty charm, and great traditional Cretan food. This is the best Heraklio tour. 2. Chania Old Town Highlights with Street Food Great tour of Chania’s wonderful Old Town and its sights, culture, history, and best places to eat. Highly recommended. This is the best Chania tour. 3. Hiking Tour of Samaria Gorge Walking the 18 km gorge is the activity highlight of Crete. It’s a little tricky to arrange on your own but with a tour they get you from your hotel to the start of the hike – then pick you up at the other end of the gorge (after a short ferry ride) and return you back to your hotel. There’s a tour guide and a couple of other interesting stops that you wouldn’t do on your own. Free hotel pickup from these towns: Chania, Heraklio, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Hersonissos, Georgioupolis, Sissi, Milatos, Matala, Agia Galini, Malia, and Stalida. ( Click “Book Now” and then select your departure town .) 4. Boat Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa The popular Balos Beach Tour is a 7 hour round trip onboard a large boat with indoor and outdoor seating, bathrooms, and a small snack bar serving ice cream, cold drinks, and beer on tap. The ride is roughly an hour in each direction, with 4 hours at Balos Lagoon, and a one hour stop during the return, at Gramvousa Island, where you can choose between a short hike to the hilltop Venetian fort, walking out toward the large shipwreck, or swimming at the gorgeous beach. There are also luxurious private boat tours from Chania and from Kissamos .

5. Craft Beer Tour (Chania and Rethymno) Non-touristy walking tours in the Old Towns of Chania or Rethymno that highlight Greek and Cretan craft beer paired with local gastronomy. See the cities’ most iconic landmarks and learn some history of the island, while also discovering the ins and outs of various beer styles, what makes Greek beers unique, and some insight into the Cretan craft beer scene. Adults only (18+). 6. Wine and Olive Oil Tour (from Chania) A wonderful 6-hour tour that explores the local farms and wineries of western Crete. Lots of food, olive oil, and wine tastings (but still kid-friendly). 7. Authentic Cooking Class in the White Mountains (from Chania) Make and enjoy delicious Cretan cuisine at a traditional family home. Learn firsthand about local culture and history while sampling homemade wine and enjoying beautiful views over the foothills of the White Mountains. This small, hands-on group tour is great for kids, with exceptionally welcoming family hosts. Includes free transportation from Chania. 8. Boat Tour to Santorini Santorini is the most amazing island in Greece. This one-day tour involves a ferry trip (2 hours each way) and about 7 hours on Santorini to explore Fira, Oia, and the fantastic views of the caldera. (This is a worthwhile tour but if you can stay overnight on Santorini you’ll see much more of the island. I typically do not recommend day trips to other islands as they’re a poor use of time, but I make an exception for Santorini as it’s so unique and memorable.) 9. Elafonisi Island Day Trip (from Chania) Elafonisi is the best beach on Crete (maybe the best beach in Greece). It’s pretty easy to get there on your own with local buses but the tour makes it effortless and you get to stop at some local villages along the way. There’s also an Elafonisi tour that departs from Rethymno .

10. Cretan Wine Tasting Tour & Gourmet Lunch (from Heraklio) Great tour with lunch, 15 wine tastings, several olive oil samples, and multiple vineyard tours. 11. Day Tour to Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Plaka (from Heraklio) A 10-hour tour that takes in the highlights of eastern Crete. 12. The Real Crete (from Rethymno) Excellent small-group tour of some of central Crete’s top sights. Good local insight and history. 13. Knossos Archaeological Tour Good tour if you’re based in Heraklio, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Rethymno, or one of the nearby beach towns. Start with Knossos (one of the best historical sites in Greece and a personal favorite of mine) then tour Heraklio and learn the history of the island. 10 hours long and includes hotel pickup and drop-off. There is also an excellent private tour of Knossos from Heraklio .

About Santorini Dave

Going to Crete for 3 nights. Then on to Santorini. We were thinking to stay in Elounda. Porto Elounda. Then we can take bus into Chania? Should we rent a car for a day? See Elafonsi and Knossos?

Chania is wonderful but is a 3 hour drive (or 4 hours and 2 different buses) from Elounda. Elafonisi is even farther. A much better day trip if you have a rental car is a loop through Knossos, then Crete Wine Country, then the Lasithi Plateau.

Thanks so much for your helpful website! We took a trip to Santorini two years ago and followed a lot of your recommendations. We are taking a trip to Crete this year for a week in September. We’ll be spending half the time in Chania. While there, we’ll take a day trip to Elafonisi and go on an organized trip to the Gorge. We want to spend the last leg of the trip (3 nights and three days) chilling on the beach at a hotel. We like luxurious hotels, but we worry with some of these big resorts, we won’t really feel like we are in Greece. Can you recommend a hotel that is right on a white sandy beach, but we’ll still feel like we aren’t in some big resort with all tourists? We are flying back from Chania, but we’ll have a rental car so the hotel can be anywhere within reason on the island.

That’s a sizeable order as most of the luxurious hotels have grabbed the best beach locales in Crete already and by virtue of being within the gated walls of a luxury hotel you are almost guaranteed to have sealed yourself off from Greece anyway. However, there is hope. Some luxury hotels are not located close to other luxury hotels and are sometime in authentic locales.

The Caramel Hotel is a place for subtle luxury with its own decent beach. It’s located in a largely agricultural area east of Rethymno and unlike most gated hotels the front door to this place opens out right onto an ordinary Greek street where you can hop on a bus to Rethymno. Private beach by the way doesn’t apply in Greece – according to law – all beaches are public areas.

In Chania itself is the newish Domes Noruz which sits on a beach, but is itself right in the middle of a neighbourhood in the suburb of Agioi Apostoli. Not only does it have its own beachfront, but within a hundred metres is a splendid little horseshoe shaped cove and beach that ordinary folk from Chania come to swim and picnic at. This might be the kind of place you are looking for.

Farther to the West from Chania in Kolymvari – a pretty little Cretan village is the Cavo Spada – another upper-end hotel in a remote-ish locale with Crete just outside the hotel gates. The beach and accommodation is pretty wonderful.

My wife and I are going to be in Crete for the first 3 weeks in October. Do you have any suggestions for a good car hire company. We are flying into Chania and leave from Heraklion. We are staying a week in Chania area and then heading east. Any suggestions on what to see and where to go? Thanks. Rob

The best way to rent and reserve a rental car in Crete is on Rentalcars.com (pickup at Chania airport and drop off in Heraklion).

Having a car gives you a decided advantage and touring independently is the best way to see Crete. First up Chania itself. It is the most popular destination in Crete: Agios Nikolaos probably comes a close second. Chania is all about the atmosphere and ambiance of its Old Town. Assuming you will be based there, you will have plenty of time to appreciate it during your week. Chania Old Town is all about relaxing, dining, imbibing and just people watching in a primarily pedestrianised and timeworn walled port. You can take glass-bottomed boat excursions explore the labyrinthine back streets with their gift shops, tavernas and houses of the lucky locals who live there. It’s just refreshingly pleasant and it’s a magnet for visitors. You might just bump into your old friend from High School here. When dining, choose carefully and generally keep away from the main harbour touts and picture menus. The best eats are in the back streets and at the eastern side of the harbour. You can swim in Chania – within walking distance – but your car will serve you better here.

If you are looking for exotic beaches then the boat tour to the edge of the Gramvousa peninsula (Ballos Beach) is a good day trip. Boats run out of Kissamos . Easier to get to (no tour needed) is the stunning Carribbean-esque Elafonisi Beach on the far south western tip of Crete. Falasarna beach is also great. It’s not as popular but it’s no slouch. With your car, you may care to take a less beachy run to the pretty village of Palaiochora and enjoy the hinterland of Western Crete. With an early morning start you can cut more or less diagonally across Crete through the villages of Nea Roumata, Rodovani and Strati – to name but a few of the many – that dot a pretty winding route across the mountains. You will need that early start to make it comfortably in time for lunch. Palaiochora has some good places for eating and a couple of beaches: one sandy and one pebbly. Divert instead to Sougia (see Google maps) if you prefer a quieter seaside destination.

The one highlight that a car won’t help you with is walking the Samaria Gorge. The car will take you to the starting point at Omalos, but the bus from Chora Sfakion will only take you to Chania and you’ll have to take another bus to Omalos to retrieve the car. Best use a bus to Omalos in the first instance. The car will conveniently take you around the sizeable peninsula to the north east of Chania where you might want to make your way to the little-known beach of Seïtan-Limani on the east side then head for lunch and afternoon swim at the little village of Stavros in the North.

It might also be a good idea to allow for a night in Heraklion and spend that pre-departure day visiting the Knossos Archaeological site then soak up the vibrant nightlife and streetside dining in the Cretan capital. Its recently revamped city centre really buzzes at all hours of the day.

I will be staying in Chania early September and would like to make a trip from Chania to Spinalonga. Do you know if any of the tour companies in Chania do this trip? Jacqueline Young

From Heraklion, yes. But from Chania, I’m not sure. If it’s available should be easy to book after you arrive.

Hi Dave, my girlfriend and I are travelling to Greece for 2 weeks ( 15 nights ), August 13th. We are a young couple from Canada trying to have a combination of relaxation but also to party. First we are landing in Athens and sleep for a night so we can catch an early flight the next morning to Crete. We are spending 4 nights in Chania; we are planning to hit the beach (Elafonissi, Balos etc …) and go around the old city of Chania. Then we are going to Santorini for 3 nights and then other 4 nights to the island of Ios. And finally we are staying 2 nights in Athens towards the end of the trip. I feel like my island hopping around the Greek islands is good enough however I was wondering if I should purchase the ferry tickets before going to Greece or to buy them on the spot before taking the boat. Thank you Dave, I used your guide most of the time to plan this vacation and I can’t wait to go! Tarek El Tayeh

The ferry I would be most concerned about would be Crete to Santorini. I would guess a 95% chance you’ll be fine if you wait and buy the first day you land in Crete, but there is always that small risk that they will be sold out (there are only 2 ferries per day and you’ll be traveling at the very peak of summer travel). Personally, I would buy in advance at Hellenic Seaways and pick up at the Heraklion port about 30 to 45 minutes in advance of departure. For the other ferries there are more options (even if one happened to be sold out) so very very unlikely that they would be fully booked. But still, buy the first chance you get (you can buy in Crete even though the other routes are between different ports).

Hey there! My husband and I will be traveling to Crete next month for our 1 year anniversary (which we are calling our honeymoon as we never went on a honeymoon). We would love to see Santorini and are debating a 1 day trip vs a 2 day trip. Have you used and been on a tour with the company you suggested? The reviews I’ve read about the ferries are all over the place in regards to rating so I’m hesitant to make a decision on one. For instance, Hellenic Seaways vs SeaJets. Jacque

I would not do a one day trip to Santorini (too much travel for only a short amount of time) but with an overnight stay, yes, it’s definitely worth it. Both ferries on this route are good but go with Hellenic.

My husband and I are taking a trip to Greece in September and will be visiting Crete for 3 full days. We are staying in Chania at Domes Noruz. I have planned for one day to take a trip to Elafonisi. I am torn with what to do on our second day. I would love to see the Samaria Gorge but neither my husband or I are big hikers and hiking for 7 hours seems a bit daunting. I could do something more like 2 or 3 hours tops. Are there options for shorter hikes at the Gorge and if so are they even worth it if we are not hiking the whole thing? Another option I was considering is Knossos Palace, is that worth the trip from Chania? What would be your recommendation for what to do with our last two days there? I was thinking for our last day we could enjoy our hotel and beach and maybe in the late afternoon do a tour of Chania or just go explore the town and have a nice dinner there. Something a little more relaxing since we are taking the first flight out the next day to Athens. I am a bit torn with what to do on our second day there… Thank you for your help!

People of all ages, sizes and stamina successfully undertake the Samaria Gorge each year. While you didn’t say how old you are, the fact that you state that you are big hikers should not rule out you doing the Samaria Gorge. First up, it shouldn’t take you 7 hours. It is 16kms in length and even at a brisk stroll of say 5kms per hour, then that’s a 3 hour and 20-minute hike. Allow between 4 to 5 hours to be sure – and that is taking into account breaks and photo stops.

The hike is in general a downhill walk, so there is actually very little climbing. If you start before 8am – as most people do – then you will be strolling into Agia Roumeli by lunchtime for a welcome lunch on the beach and the afternoon coastal ferry will take you to Chora Sfakion from where you will take a (waiting) bus back to Chania. It really is a well-oiled and easy operation. They key to doing the hike without strife is preparation and planning. No, it’s not worth doing a shorter hike in the Gorge because if you walk say 3kms down into the Gorge you will have to climb that 3kms back out of it again. It’s better to keep on going.

Be at the starting point – as mentioned – before 8am (a bus from Chania will get you there on time). Most definitely wear proper hiking boots as the terrain is rocky and rough in parts. Take water, snacks, sunscreen and a hat and don’t undertake the hike in mid-Summer. The main stress on the legs is from the constant stepping down, so you want good shock-absorbent footwear, and your front thighs will probably take most of the strain. A walking pole such as a Lekki would be a good investment and that would give you the ‘third leg’ to assist with the transfer of weight.

You would never be alone as hundreds undertake the walk daily, though on the whole you tend to walk in isolation from the others as everyone thins out after a kilometre or two. Stay put for five minutes and someone will bump into you. Guards at the entrance gate vet all walkers and will not let people through if they look as though they will not make the hike: aged, unsuitable footwear or non-protective clothing. There may be some stream wading depending on the pre-existing weather.

The good thing about the Samaria gorge is that every step is taken care of: from getting there to getting back. With other shorter gorge walks – such as the Kourtaliotiko Gorge – you will need to arrange drop-off and pick up accordingly. The Gorge of the Dead linking Pano and Kato Zakros in far eastern Crete is a pleasant and easy hike and a bus will take you from one end of the gorge to the other.

And yes, Knossos is worth the effort to get to but do get a guide (can be hired at the entrance) as it makes the sight much more interesting. A day relaxing in Chania sounds wonderful.

Dave – Thank you for all the effort on this blog. It has helped a ton. My wife and I are staying in Elounda at the end of May and are looking to charter a guided boat for a day cruise. Do you have any suggestions for which company to contact? 3-5 hrs, visit beaches, Spinalonga, etc… Cost estimate?

Thanks again, Keith Nelson

Trips to Spinalonga are big business in Elounda and the choice of tours can be bewildering. Nearly everyone with a boat offers some kind of tour which may include swimming stops or additional cruising. Costs can range from €40 to €80 depending on whether food and drink is included and on whether tickets to visit the island are included.

In general, there is quite a bit of tourist exploitation going on so really shop around for the deal that suits you. If you just want to see the island (and unless you are a history fan and want to see how lepers lived) then walking around the stone buildings of the island in the heat of the day might not be quite up your street.

Things to look out for: cost – what do you actually get for your euro? How long will the trip take? Does it include swimming? (You may not want that if you don’t want to swim or watch others swim). Does the tour include the price of entry to the island? You mention ‘chartering a boat’ – you’ll have to decide whether you’re ok with a small group, big group, or want a private boat to you and your wife. Have a look for starters at eloundaboat.gr and compare offerings at keytours.gr

You don’t have to pre-book before you arrive. Boats have little kiosks next to them on the harbour and you can shop and compare at will (visit in the evening when owners are back from their day trips and will answer your questions). The end of May will be quieter than high season so you may score better deals.

Hi Dave, Love your site! We will be staying in Heraklion area at the end of June. While there we would like to watch a concert or a play. What’s the best way to learn about what performances are happening and where to purchase tix?

Thank you! Vera

Concerts and events are commonly advertised by posters on walls and basically anywhere you can stick a poster in Greece. Trouble is they are usually in Greek though you can usually tell who the concert is by and when.

Online booking options include:

– Songkick – Bandsintown – Nowheraklion – Cretazine

Concert tickets are generally very cheap compared to home. If the concert or play is at an outdoor venue in an amphitheatre, make sure you bring something soft to sit on. They often sell Styrofoam pads outside such venues: buy two to be sure as the cement seats in stadiums are very uncomfortable after an hour or so.

There are often free concerts given by top-line musical artists, so don’t miss out on those if you can: they are every bit as good as the paid ones. Summer is a good time for concerts so you should find plenty to entertain you in Heraklion this Summer.

Hi Dave! My family and I are going to be in Crete, staying in Chania and would like to tour the Samaria Gorge on either May 26th or 27th — the tour you suggested isn’t available those dates to leave from Chania. Do you have any other suggestions for who to tour Samaria Gorge with for about the same price? Do we need to do the tour to get to the Gorge or can we take a bus ? Thanks! Jess

You can do it on your own with buses but it’s much easier to do as part of a tour. I would wait until you arrive and you might be able to find a smaller local company that does small tours (perhaps through your hotel).

Dave, This website is EVERYTHING. Thank you so much already for all the help!

While my trip isn’t very long, because it could very well be my only trip to Greece, I saw you recommended crunching in both Crete & Santorini. We fly into Athens on Mon, June 26, to Santorini on Tues June 27, to Crete June 30 and back to Athens July 3 before flying back to the US on July 4. I don’t very much like rushing around but I’m a huge fan of a nice beach. With only 2 full days in Crete, is it realistic to think I’ll be able to get to Elofanisi? Just seems forever away from the ferry in Heraklion. And if I can get there, am I better off staying in Rethimnon as was recommended to me or staying in Chania?

Thanks! Julie

Ps: planning on staying at Herodian Hotel in Athens unless Ava Suites is better? Also, having difficulty finding a nice, affordable and available hotel so far in Santorini–seems only Aria Lito Mansion–is that ok?

It will basically use one full day getting to and from Elafonisi. Is it worth it? Only you can say. It’s a wonderful beach and one of my all time favorites. I’d check the weather just to be sure you’re not going on a windy day but otherwise (if you really love beaches) go for it. Ava Suites is a little nicer than Herodian (but both are great). Ava is also a little closer to the metro station for the port and subway. Aria Lito is a good value hotel with a central location but no caldera views.

Hi Dave! My husband and I are traveling to Crete in a few weeks, and spending 5 nights in Chania. We wanted to explore Elafonisi beach and Balos beach. For Balos: would it be best to take a boat (big cruise boat, or something more private like Captain Yiorgi’s boat trip) or do the drive? For Elafonisi: any tips for the drive or where to stop along the way? We are in our early 30’s.

Thanks! Lauren

Balos Beach (Gramvousa Peninsula) can be done by car, but the result is probably not worth the effort you will put into it and your hire car company may not be happy to learn you have taken their car over that rough road (starting from Afrata) you will have to traverse to get there. This is one occasion where the organised tour is worth the money see Cretan Daily Cruises (from Kissamos) for details on how to do it in a group setting.

The drive to Elafonisi is straightforward and is worth combining with a stop at the Eco resort of Milia . You could make an early start on Elafonisi and have a swim and sunbathe before driving back and stopping off at Milia for a mid-afternoon lunch here.

If you have not driven in Greece/Crete before there are no real surprises. The only issue – from the Greek driver’s point of view – is that tourists tend to drive perceptibly slower (more cautiously) than locals and this can cause irritation (to the locals). The end result is often tailgating (by local drivers) and impatient overtaking on their part. Either drive at ‘local speed’ or, if you are the cautious sort and you get caught by a tail-gating local, let them pass. The road is winding, but pleasant and from Chania it should take you no more than 1 hour and 30 minutes to Elafonisi. Hire cars are usually stick shift types, so if you only know how to drive an automatic you might be limited and want to book a car in advance.

I am travelling to Crete on 11th – 21st April we really wanted to see Samaria gorge but it doesn’t look like it will be open. For the first part of our trip we will be based in Kissamos which we thought would be ideal for the gorge trip. After that we will be staying further west (Hersonissos and then lastly Rethymno) so it may be harder to get to from there.

Do you know when the Samaria Gorge is likely to open this year? I have read that it is dependant on how the weather was during winter months.

Thank you (great website really helpful!) Emily

The Gorge traditionally opens on 1st of May, but this date is not set in stone. It’s not usually before the 1st but can be up to 10 days after the 1st. It depends on a number of factors: damage that may have been caused to the trail during Winter, the amount of water in the stream, or the anticipated amount of water that might come, if there is still snow in the White Mountains (Lefka Ori). So, from 11-21st April it is unlikely that you will get to do the walk.

Kissamos is not the best base for doing the walk BTW. Unless you are on an organised tour, you will have to take two buses: from Kissamos to Chania and from Chania to Omalos at the start of the trial. You really need to be at the trailhead no later than 9am and that means an early start from Chania.

Rethymno is further from Omalos than Kissamos, so really only an organised tour is going to do it for you, same with Hersonisos. Either way unless you are very lucky, your walk down the Samaria Gorge is going to have to be postponed to another year. Good video here to see what you’re missing.

Great site with excellent information.

My family will be spending some time in Santorini in July. Before we all meet there, my son and I would like to do some cycling on another island for about 3 days – not touring, just out-and-back each day from the same location. We’re experienced cyclists and can manage 75-80 km round trips without a problem. We would need to rent good road bikes.

It looks like Crete would be the best combination of easy access from Athens/to Santorini, provide interesting routes (to beaches and archeological sites, for example), a quality bike shop (Olympic Bike) and developed, paved roads.

I’ve also looked at Naxos. It may also work, but maybe doesn’t maximize all those things listed above.

Any thoughts?

Thanks! K.C. Jones

Crete certainly offers some extensive cycling opportunities because of its the size, but 40kms out and 40kms back won’t get you very far in Crete. For example, 40kms would get you to the next town of Kissamos. Also the best cycling territory is the north coastline which is thread by the very busy Cretan Northern Axis road and it is not that cyclist friendly. The middle of the island is dominated by mountains so crossing north to south will involve climbing and the south coast doesn’t have an obvious main highway but would be more picturesque than the north. Again, long distance dominate so bicycle touring would be the way to go, rather than out and back tours. Have a look at Hellas Bike Greece to see what’s on offer. You might find some clues.

The only other island that jumps off the page for cycling and where it is big, well organised and easy is Kos. Hundreds of people hire bicycle here and do day tours. The island is generally flat, small and accessible and there are plenty of bikes on offer. Check out Kos Bike Activities . In practice there is no reason why you can’t cycle on any island and you will always find a place to hire a bike. Most other islands have hills and if you do hills, you will be fine.

Hi Dave, I will be staying in Athens the month of March. I want to take in everything there and in the surrounding areas on the mainland. What are some of the best tours for out of the city? My interests are wineries, cooking, cultural events, and historical places, meeting people, etc.

Take a look at Best Things to Do in Athens .

We are in Crete for 4 nights after island hopping in the Greek islands. Our hotel is Galaxy Heraklion. Is that the right choice and could we do a couple of tours from there? Would love a boat day trip as one of the tour days. Noela Mckenzie

Nice hotel with a decent location as long as you don’t mind a 10/12 walk to the city center. The highlights of Heraklion are the Archaeological Museum (12 minutes from the Galaxy) and Knossos (bus stop is a short walk from the hotel).

Dave, first of all thank you so much for such a wonderful resource. This has been really helpful with planning our first trip to Greece. Wanted to get your input on a couple things. We are a couple in our early 30s going to Greece for our honeymoon. We arrive in Athens at 9:20am Saturday May 20 and fly out of Athens at 1pm on Monday May 29th, giving us 9 days and nights. We plan to fly to santorini from Athens on an early afternoon flight on the Saturday we arrive. We have a cave villa booked in Oia for 4 nights and wanted to spend the remaining 4-5 nights on another island. We love hiking, good food and beautiful beaches so Crete looks very appealing however I know spending at least a week there is generally recommended. Do you think it sounds feasible/not too crazy to take the evening ferry from santorini to Heraklion then take a bus to Chania and spend 4-5 nights there then fly from Chania to Athens for our return flight home. We realize we would not be able to see all of Crete but are mainly interested in hiking the Samaria Gorge, exploring Chania and visiting Elafossini Beach, possibly Balos Lagoon. Would you recommend that we cut Santorini to just 3 nights to spend more time on Crete? Also, do you know if the public bus is operating to the beaches in late May? How are the crowds there at that time of year? We know we are probably missing out on Athens so would consider exploring there on the Sunday before we fly back if time allows. Any suggestions or feedback on our itinerary is greatly appreciated! Mandy Miller

Yes, it’s definitely doable – you won’t have a lot of time but I think still plenty to have a great visit. Buses will be running to Elafonisi in late May and crowds will not be bad – some people for sure, but nothing crazy. I’d stick with 4 nights (3 full days) on Santorini – so much to do and see.

We will be staying in Santorini for one week and would like to make a day trip from Santorini to Crete. How would we go about arranging this? Is there a tour we can book for the ferries? We are considering staying a night on Crete – would you recommend that? We’ve heard great things about the Chania walking tour and visiting Knossos so would like to do those 2 things at least.

Thank you, Ev

Due to the schedule of the ferries a day trip is not possible from Santorini to Crete. Ferries leave Crete (for Santorini) in the early morning and leave Santorini (for Crete) in the early evening. So a one day trip is impossible and even staying over one night doesn’t do much as you’d only have the night hours on Crete. To see anything in Crete you would need to stay two nights. A better choice for a short trip from Santorini is Ios, Paros, or Naxos.

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• Written by Post author: Chloe Smulian
• Post last modified: Updated on May 28, 2024

Planning an epic vacation in Crete? Skip all the guesswork and follow this Two Weeks in Crete itinerary! Explore jaw-dropping waterfalls, hike magnificent gorges and discover the best beaches in Crete over 14 days.

Are you excited to visit Crete for the first time, but dreading the research and planning? 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 hiking, to where you can see the best waterfalls and beaches on Crete with or without a car.

Needless to say, we had a pretty kick-ass time during our two weeks in Crete! So why let all those hours go to waste? Sharing is caring, right?

Skip all the guesswork on what to do and see in Crete for 2 weeks and follow this Two Weeks in Crete itinerary! This is the EXACT travel itinerary we followed on our two week vacation in Crete.

We rented a car in Crete for 12 days, exploring both the east and west coasts of Crete. But don’t worry – we’ve also included alternative options if you plan to explore Crete without a car.

Related Guide: Want to spend less than two weeks in Crete? Then make sure you read our Crete Itinerary Travel Guide ! We’ve put together 8 different itineraries for what to see and do in Crete in 3, 4, 5, 7 or 10 days!

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

Two Weeks in Crete Itinerary Map

Here’s a free map to find all the best places to visit in Crete mentioned in this 2 week itinerary.

Click here for the map to see how far you are from these unforgettable attractions in Crete.

Week 1 in Crete: Eastern Crete Itinerary

The first 7 days of this Two Weeks in Crete Itinerary will take you to see some of the best beaches on the north and south coast of east Crete.

Like Kolokitha and Vayu beach off the uninhabited island of Kalydon, Matala beach, famous nudist beach, Red Beach, and Agiofaraggo – the most beautiful pebble beach in Crete.

You’ll also hike Richtis Gorge and get to explore the gorgeous coastal towns of Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, and Matala before we head west to start week two in Crete.

Day 1 of Two Weeks in Crete Itinerary

Arrive in heraklion, crete.

Day 1 of this Crete itinerary kicks off with arriving on the island and heading to the town of Stalida (also known as Stalis). This is where you’ll base yourself for the next 7 days.

We picked Stalis as the base town so you could easily do this eastern Crete itinerary with or without renting a car.

The town of Stalida is within walking distance of public transport (i.e. buses). And the town itself is small enough to get around on foot.

Stalis is also easy to get to whether you’re flying into Heraklion Airport or arriving by ferry at Heraklion Port.

How To Get From Heraklion To Stalis

The cheapest way to get to Stalis is by public transport. But be prepared for the long drive though.

There are many stops along the way so the usual 20 to 30-minute drive becomes a 1.5 to 2-hour trip from Heraklion airport or the harbor to Stalida on the public bus.

For the fastest option, we’d recommend taking a taxi transfer instead. We booked our taxi (i.e. airport transfer) with  Crete Cab  and paid €34 for a quick and relaxing trip to our hotel in Stalis.

If you’re traveling as a bigger group (5 people or more), we’d recommend booking a  private transfer from Heraklion airport . This airport transfer can take you to any destination of your choice in Crete, not just Stalida.

Where To Stay in Stalis

Stalida is not a big town in Crete. So you can technically stay wherever you want in Stalis and still be within walking distance of everything you’ll need.

But if you’re visiting Crete for the beach, then we’d recommend staying in a beachfront hotel, of course!

Here are some recommendations of where to stay in Stalis:

• Budget: 4S Beach Superior Apartments
• Mid-range: Horizon Beach  (all-inclusive)
• Luxury: Zephyros Beach Boutique Hotel

Check out our  Stalis (Stalida) Crete  guide for a full list of budget, mid-range or luxury beachfront hotels to stay at. Otherwise, click on the map below to compare hotel prices or check out Stalis hotel reviews on TripAdvisor before deciding.

Sundowners and Dinner in Stalis

This Two Weeks in Crete Itinerary is a marathon, not a sprint. So we’d recommend taking it easy on your first day in Crete.

Check in to your hotel or vacation apartment, and enjoy a couple of sundowners on the beach before heading out for a traditional Cretan meal at a local taverna.

We recommend sundowners and pre-dinner drinks at  Baya Restaurant and Bar . Followed by a scrumptious supper at  Four Brothers  Restaurant.

Day 2 of Two Weeks in Crete

Stalis beach.

After breakfast, we’d recommend spending a few hours enjoying Stalis beach. The gentle gradient of this long, sandy beach makes it great for both swimming and watersports.

If you’re traveling with kids, Stalis has one of the best beaches for families. Particularly  the main beach  of Stalida as there are lifeguards on duty.

After a couple of hours of sun, sea and sand, it’s time to head to Malia. Make a stop at  The Neighborhood Bakery Cafe  to try some local Cretan pastries and Greek coffee. It’s a 40-minute walk (3km) from Stalis to Malia so you’ll need the energy.

Explore The Old and New Town of Malia

Malia is another popular coastal town to visit on the northeast coast of Crete. The beach at Malia is not as long and extensive as Stalis. But Malia has the incredible nightlife scene that you won’t find in Stalida.

The famous party strip in Malia only comes to life at night (of course). During the day, we’d recommend exploring the wandering streets of  Old Town Malia .

If you love archaeological sites, we’d recommend renting a scooter or buggy and visiting the  Minoan town ruins  just 3km outside of Malia.

When you’re ready for a bite to eat, we’d recommend heading to  Stone House  for a mouth-watering late lunch. And for those who need their caffeine fix,  Coffee Island  brews some delicious hot and cold coffees.

Experience Malia Party Strip

In the evening, you can either head back to Stalis for dinner and an early night. Or stay longer in Malia and experience its famous nightlife.

Take it easy and chill at one of Malia’s many trendy bars and cafes. Or go all out and dance the night away at an epic nightclub.

To get back to Stalis, you can either walk back, catch a taxi or take public transport.

The local bus stop  is on El Venizelou road near Coffee Island. Just wait for the turquoise bus that comes every 30 minutes.

Bonus Tip:  The public bus from Malia to Stalis costs around €1.60 per person. There’s a cashier on the bus. Just make sure you have cash to pay because they don’t take card.

What To Do in Crete: Day 3 Itinerary

The real adventure kicks off on day 3 of this Crete itinerary! We rented a car to get around Crete for the next two weeks. But you can also visit these beautiful Crete beaches without a car too.

Skip the drive and take this  day trip from Agios Nikolaos to Kolokitha beach and see Spinalonga Island whilst you’re at it!

If you plan to drive, we’d recommend booking a car before your trip for lower car rental prices. You can compare prices for renting a car in Crete on  DiscoverCars.com or RentalCars.com .

Related Guide:  Planning to rent a car in Crete? Make sure to read our  Driving in Crete  guide! Find out what driving license you’ll need, whether car insurance is necessary, and how much it costs to rent a car, to important road rules to follow to have a safe road trip in Crete.

Explore Coastal Town of Elounda

Our first stop is the charming fishing village of Elounda. It’s an easy 45-minute drive from Stalis on paved roads.

Once you arrive, we recommend parking your car and taking a stroll in this quaint village. Walk along Elounda Harbour and admire the local restaurants and tavernas lined right against the edge of the ocean.

Then explore the colorful streets of Elounda on your way back to the town center. Grab some food and drinks at the supermarket or try some local spanakopita at  Elounda’s Bakery .

The next stop on this Crete itinerary goes off the beaten track. There won’t be any restaurants, cafes or shops so it’s best to bring food and water with you.

Kolokitha Beach

Our next destination in Crete is Kolokitha beach – an untouched, wild beach on the uninhabited island of Kalydon.

Hundreds of years ago, this remote beach was renowned as a pirate bay. But today, it’s better known as a gorgeous wild beach with that signature crystal clear, turquoise blue water that Greece is known for.

You can enjoy swimming and lunch here at Kolokitha beach. Or hike around Kalydon Island and soak up the magnificent ocean views.

You’ll be able to see the famous leper island,  Spinalonga , if you hike towards the north of Kalydon.

Bonus Tip:  Find out  how to get to Kolokitha beach  and what the short hike is like in our Best Beaches in East Crete guide.

If you’re looking for a more off the beaten track option to Kolokitha beach, then  Vayu beach  is the answer.

Vayu beach is also located off the east coast of Kalydon Island. But it’s much quieter compared to Kolokitha beach. We pretty much had Vayu beach all to ourselves when we visited Crete in September 2021.

This remote beach may not have the crystal clear, turquoise waters of Kolokitha beach. But the half pebble, half sandy beach makes it a pretty unique beach to visit in Crete.

Sunset and Dinner at Agios Nikolaos

The last stop on Day 3 of this Two Weeks in Crete Itinerary is the picturesque coastal town of Agios Nikolaos. It’s a 40-minute drive from Kolokitha beach.

We’d recommend arriving just before sunset so you can admire Agios Nikolaos at golden hour from this famous  viewpoint .

Then end a fun-filled day with a stroll around Agios Nikolaos, some shopping, and a traditional Greek dinner under the stars at  Avli  restaurant.

Day 4 of Two Weeks in Crete Itinerary

Richtis gorge hike.

One of the most popular gorges to hike in east Crete is Richtis Gorge. 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.

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)

How To Get To Richtis Gorge (With or Without A Car)

Finding the gorge and waterfall isn’t difficult. But there are two ways to get to Richtis Gorge waterfall – the long way, which takes 3 to 4 hours, and the short way (60 minutes).

Get detailed directions for both options in our detailed Richtis Gorge guide.

Bonus Tip:  Richtis Gorge is a 1 hour and 30-minute drive (86km) from Stalis. So make sure to start your day early (before 10 AM latest).

Alternatively, you can also hike Richtis Gorge without renting a car in Crete. Simply take a full-day tour to Richtis Gorge . It includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel so you won’t need to worry about driving at all.

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 Two Weeks 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:  Make a stop at  Tholos Beach  on your way to Voulisma Beach. It’s on the way from Richtis Gorge to Stalis and it’s a nice off the beaten track beach to visit in Crete.

What to do in Crete Day 5

Hike to agiofarago beach (pebble 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!

Just look at this magical beach tucked away at the southernmost tip of Crete island and tell us you don’t want to go there. We dare you!

It’s certainly not an easy beach to get to. Not only is the drive brutal. But you’ll need to hike another 35 to 45 minutes to get to Agiofaraggo beach. And then do it in reverse to get back to the car and head back to Stalis.

But those who dare will be rewarded with some of the clearest water you can find in Crete! A heavenly paradise away from the crowds.

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.

You can also get to Agiofarago beach without a car. Simply book this guided 8-hour Land Rover Safari  tour to Agiofarago and Matala  to skip the tough drive.

Day 6 of Two Weeks in Crete Itinerary

Matala beach.

Another day, another beach! We’re heading to the south coast of Crete again. But this time to the artsy and hippy town of Matala.

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.

Needless to say, Matala beach can get pretty crowded at the best of times but still worth visiting in our opinion.

Bonus Tip:  Matala beach is a 1 hour and 30 minute drive from Stalida. So make sure you get an early start to the day (before 10AM latest).

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 to Matala beach . It’s an 8-hour tour that includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in the Heraklion area (including Malia and Stalis).

Visit both Matala beach and Red beach without a car for double the fun and none of the stress of driving.

Red Beach in Crete (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!

As the name suggests, the sand at Red Beach is… well, red. Or rather reddish, orange if you want to be exact.

The warm hue of the sand in contrast with the cool, turquoise blue waters of the ocean and white, stark cliffs in the backdrop, makes Red beach one of the most beautiful and unique beaches we’ve ever seen on our travels (let alone Crete)!

Tips For Visiting Red Beach

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.

Related Guide: You’ll only be able to visit 16 beaches in this Two Weeks in Crete Itinerary. Make sure to read our 21 Best Beaches in Crete guide if you want to add more beaches to your travel itinerary.

What to do in Crete Day 7

Day 7 of this Two Weeks in Crete Itinerary marks the end of exploring the eastern coast of the island. On the way to west Crete, we’ll tour a local olive oil factory, visit a honey museum and see the enchanting historic town of Rethymno.

If you’re not renting a car, you can book this  private taxi transfer  to get from east to west Crete.

Visit The Paraschakis Family Olive Oil Factory

Our first stop is the  Paraschakis Family Olive Factory . You’ll be able to do a free tour here to learn how olive oil is made in Crete. Plus, you’ll also get a free tasting and learn how to tell the difference between high and low quality olive oil.

We thoroughly enjoyed this olive oil tour. It was fascinating to learn the history of how olive oil was made back in the day vs how it’s made now.

Check out the  Paraschakis Olive Factory website  before going to find out when the next olive oil tour is taking place.

Visit Apithano Honey Museum

The  Apithano Honey Museum  is just a hop and a skip from the Paraschakis Family Olive Factory. Here you can also take a free tour to learn how locals follow nomadic beekeeping techniques to produce unique Cretan honey.

They also offer a free tasting and you can buy a big variety of locally produced honey here too.

Bonus Tip:  Ready for lunch? Head to  Carob n Olive  in the small village of Melidoni for a bite.

Visit Rethymno (Rethimno)

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.

The best thing to do in Rethymno is to meander through its many picturesque alleyways. There are plenty of cute cafes and mouth-water restaurants to choose from and it’s especially romantic after sunset.

If you want to see the main attractions in Rethymno, make sure to visit the  Venetian Fortezza Castle , Rimondi Venetian Fountain, and take a walk around the Port of Rethymno.

And if you’re looking for some unique things to do in Rethymno, then you should add these to your Two Weeks in Crete Itinerary:

• 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
• Full Day-Trip from Crete to Santorini

Arrive in Platanias

Our last stop is arriving in the town of Platanias where we’ll base ourselves for the next 7 days in Crete.

We recommend staying in Platanias because it’s a shorter drive to visit the  best beaches in west Crete . And hotels, restaurants and vacation rentals tend to be cheaper in Platanias compared to both Chania and Rethymno.

There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals in Platanias. Here are some options to get you started:

• Budget:   Stellar Apartments 
• Mid-Range:   Marika Hotel 
• Luxury:   Porto Platanias Village Resort

Looking for more? Compare the price of hotels in Platanias or check out Platanias hotel reviews on TripAdvisor before deciding.

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.

Visiting West Crete Without A Car

If you plan to spend the entire two weeks in Crete without a car, then we’d recommend you to stay in Chania or Rethymno.

Hotels and vacation rentals are more expensive in Chania and Rethimno. But most guided bus tours will only include hotel pick-up and drop-off from these towns. So it’s best to stay in these towns if you want to visit the best west Crete beaches without renting a car.

Compare hotel prices in  Rethymno  or  Chania  and book as early as possible to get the best deals.

Or check out our  Where To Stay in Crete  guide for a list of budget, mid-range, and luxury hotels and resorts that we’d recommend.

Save Me For Later

Week 2 in Crete: Western Crete Itinerary

The last 7 days of this Two Weeks in Crete Itinerary will take you to see some of the best beaches in west Crete.

From the most famous beaches in Crete like Balos, Seitan Limania, and Elafonissi beach, to off the beaten track gems like Kedrodasos and Voulolimni beach.

You’ll also hike the most famous gorge in Crete (Samaria Gorge), see Kourtaliotiko Gorge Waterfall, and visit the renowned historic town of Chania.

Day 8 of Two Weeks in Crete Itinerary

Elafonissi beach.

Elafonissi  – Crete’s signature pink sand beach,   is probably THE most famous beach on the Greek island. And as you can imagine, it’s visited by tons of travelers every year.

But for good reason though. This pink sand is unique to Crete, which means that you won’t find it anywhere else in Greece!

It’s free to visit Elafonissi beach and it’s a surprisingly easy drive to get there too. If you’re planning to drive, we’ve shared the road conditions, where to park, and  driving tips to get to Elafonisi beach .

Related Guide: Love this photo? Check out our  Crete Photography  guide to find the most beautiful places on the island for taking photos.

How To Get To Elafonissi Beach Without A Car

Here are some guided bus tours to visit famous pink sand Elafonissi beach in Crete without a car:

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

Bonus Tip:  Enjoy a mouth-watering dinner at  Avrofiliton Restaurant  in Platanias to end a beautiful day spent at Elafonissi beach.

What to do in Crete Day 9

Kourtaliotiko gorge.

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.

If swimming in freezing water is a hard ‘no’ for you, then you may want to skip this. But take a look at this breathtaking magical place before you say no.

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.

How To Get to Kourtaliotiko Gorge Without A Car

The only guided tour to see Kourtaliotiko Gorge is this  day trip to Sfakia, Plakias, and Kourtaliotiko Gorge .

We’re not sure if the guide will get wet and swim with to you see the waterfall at Kourtaliotiko Gorge. But it’s an optional activity that you can do on your own on the tour.

Preveli Beach

Next on this Two Weeks in Crete Itinerary is visiting Preveli Beach. This 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.

How To Get To Preveli Beach Without A Car

Not comfortable driving on the roads of Crete? Don’t worry – you can easily get to Preveli beach by guided tour. Here are some options:

• From Rethymno to Preveli beach (see Damnoni beach too)
• Day trip to Preveli Palm Tree Forest and Beach from Heraklion
• From Chania to Preveli beach

Day 10 of Two Weeks in Crete Itinerary

Balos beach.

Another incredibly famous beach to visit in Crete is Balos beach. It’s considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.

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.

The only challenge? It’s a brutal drive to get to Balos Beach. But the good news is that you can get to Balos beach without a car or the steep hike.

How To Get To Balos Beach Without A Car

That’s exactly what we did so that our private driver (the husband) could take a day off from driving in Crete. If you plan to do the same, here are the options to take the ferry to Balos beach and Gramvousa Island:

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

Bonus Tip:  If you plan to drive to Balos beach, make sure you read our insider tips on  how to get to Balos beach  so you’re prepared!

Gramvousa Island

Gramvousa is a remote beach located on an uninhabited island off the west coast of Crete. A couple of hundred years ago, it was famous for being a pirate island.

But today, Gramvousa beach is famous for looking like a movie set from the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. Complete with a 14th century Venetian Fort on the highest point of the island and even a shipwreck too!

If you’re adding  Gramvousa beach  to your Crete travel itinerary. We’d suggest skipping the challenging drive to Balos altogether and just take a ferry to both places instead.

What to do in Crete Day 11

Platanias beach.

If you’ve made it to day 11 of this Two Weeks in Crete Itinerary, you’re probably feeling like you could take a vacation, from your vacation. We don’t blame you – this travel itinerary is action-packed!

That’s why we’ve planned a more relaxed itinerary for day 11. You’ll need the rest for day 12, where we’ll be hiking Samaria Gorge.

So enjoy the extra hour in bed, and head out for a lazy breakfast before spending a couple of hours on Platanias beach.

Falasarna Beach

If you prefer a sandy beach to the pebble beach at Platanias, then we recommend going to Falarsarna beach in west Crete.

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

If you want to see Falarsarna beach without a car, then take this  private sunset tour from Chania to Falarssarna beach .

Bonus Tip:  Enjoy a fresh and tasty seafood dinner at  Kapetan Nikolas  restaurant before heading back to Platanias.

Day 12 of Two Weeks in Crete Itinerary

Samaria gorge hike.

Hiking the famous Samaria Gorge is another highlight you should not miss on this Two Weeks in Crete Itinerary. But we’re going to be honest – it’s not for the faint of heart!

We’ve done some pretty epic hikes around the world. From jungle trekking in the rainforests of Indonesia, hiking in pitch black water caves in Khao Sok (Thailand), to summitting the peaks of Drakensberg Mountain in South Africa.

Yet nothing prepared us for the mindblowing 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

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:

• Chania to Samaria Gorge Full Day Hike
• Rethymno to Samaria Gorge Hike
• Heraklion to Samaria Gorge in Crete
• 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.

What to do in Crete Day 13

Voulolimni beach.

If you braved the Samaria Gorge hike, then you’ll want to visit Voulolimni beach. Soaking in the extra salty water of this natural rock pool will help ease the muscle pain away.

Voulolimni Beach is an off the beaten track hidden gem nestled on the west coast of Crete. It’s actually a giant, natural rock pool, rather than the traditional sandy or pebble beach you’ll find on the island.

Voulolimni is probably one of the most unique beaches we found in Crete. So unique that we were surprised that none of the travel guides we read mentioned this place.

There are no guided tours to Voulolimni beach (it’s that hidden). But it’s a pretty easy drive there if you’ve rented a car in Crete. Find out  how to get to Voulolimni beach  in our West Crete Travel guide.

Kedrodasos beach

End day 13 of this Two Weeks in Crete Itinerary watching the sunset at Kedrodasos beach. It’s a short 15-minute drive from Voulolimni beach.

Kedrodasos is a vast, sandy beach on the southwest coast of Crete. Like Voulolimni, it’s a hidden gem and an off the beaten track alternative to Elafonissi beach.

It’s quiet, secluded and one of the best sunset beaches in Crete.

Day 14 of Two Weeks in Crete Itinerary

Seitan limania beach.

We’re ending off our two weeks in Crete on a high! Day 14 kicks off with visiting one of the most famous beaches on west Crete – Seitan Limania Beach.

Believe it or not – but Seitan Limania used to be a remote, sandy beach that only a lucky few knew about. But now it’s become one of the most popular beaches on Crete island thanks to Instagram.

Seitan Limania 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 in Crete

Seitan Limania is not the easiest beach to get to though. But for those adventurous souls who are up for the challenge, you can find out  how to get to Seitan Limania beach  here.

Otherwise, take this private  boat tour from Chania To Seitan Limania beach  and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Visit 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.

Two Weeks in Crete: Full Itinerary

Now that was one LONG guide, so here’s a quick summary:

• Day 1: Arrive at Heraklion Airport and get to Stalis Town
• Day 2: Stalis Beach and explore old town Malia
• Day 3: Elounda, Kolokitha Beach, Vayu Beach and Agios Nikolaos
• Day 4: Hike Richtis Gorge and sunset swim at Voulisma Beach
• Day 5: Hike to Agiofarago Beach
• Day 6: Matala Beach and Red Beach
• Day 7: Tour a local olive oil factory and honey museum, see Rethymno
• Day 8: Visit Elafonissi – the famous pink sand beach in Crete
• Day 9: Kourtaliotiko Gorge Waterfall and Preveli Beach
• Day 10: Balos Beach and Gramvousa Island
• Day 11: Platanias Beach and watch the sunset at Falassarna beach
• Day 12: Full day hike at Samaria Gorge
• Day 13: Voulolimni Beach and sunset swim at Kedrodasos Beach
• Day 14: Seitan Limania Beach and see the historic town of Chania

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The Best Tours and Activities in Crete

Discover Crete and live an unforgettable experience!

Welcome to Crete, an island with unmatched beauty, full of history and discoveries!

Cretan Activities is here to help you discover the hidden beauties, the cultural diversity and the remnants of civilizations past! Within our pages you will find tours and activities carefully prepared to make your holidays unforgettable.

Cretan Activities

In every part of crete, there is always a tour or activity to match your needs and your sense of great holidays.

Popular Tours

From leisurely boat trips to some of the best beaches in the world, like balos and elafonissi, to nature walks like the samaria gorge, and from jeep safaris deep within the beautiful cretan nature, to guided historical tours in lost civilizations with unmatched splendor.

Semi Private/Private Fishing Trip from Kolympari port

Join us for an all-inclusive fishing package and concentrate on the fishing while savoring delectable meals and unwinding onboard at one of the most beautiful beaches of West Crete!

Irene’s Meze Workshop in Kissamos

A 100% hands - on experience of cooking some of the most well known meze dishes of Crete!

Private Luxurious Boat Trip from Rethymnon

Join us on a private, luxurious 8 hours boat trip to the westwards with a 46ft Beneteau Antares

Sourdough Bread Class & Olive Oil Tasting in Chania

Sourdough Bread making - a thousands of years process is upgraded and introduced again in a unique, authentic class in a picturesque area, 10min from Chania!

Chania Cooking Lesson – The authentic experience

Learn how to cook 5 authentic Cretan foods in a picturesque setting, under the shade of avocado and olive trees in a secluded area of Chania!

Farm Food Tour, Cooking Class and Delicious Meal in South Heraklion

Discover the local agricultural life, learn authentic Cretan recipes handed down through three generations and enjoy a delicious meal in a family olive oil Farm in South Heraklion!

Private Farm Food Tour & Live Cheese Making Demonstration in Heraklion

Join us in a unique Private Farm Food Tour in Heraklion! A farm tour, a meze picnic and a live demonstration of cheese making and tasting, make the perfect day! Discover The Local Agricultural Life!  

Farm Food Tour & Live Cheese Making Demonstration in Heraklion

Join us in a unique Farm Food Tour in Heraklion! A farm tour, a meze picnic and a live demonstration of cheese making and tasting, make the perfect day! Discover The Local Agricultural Life!  

Private Cooking Class and Meal at a Family Olive Oil Farm – South Heraklion

Join us in a unique 100% hands-on Private Cooking Class and Meal in Heraklion area with a mother and a daughter!  

Cooking Class and Meal at a Family Olive Oil Farm – South Heraklion

Join us in a unique 100% hands-on Cooking Class and Meal in Heraklion area with a mother and a daughter!  

Private Jeep Safari to Elafonissi and Falassarna Beach from Chania

Escape to Crete’s amazing beaches Elafonisi and Falasarna, swim in turquoise crystal clear waters, explore traditional villages along the way and absorb the beauty as we are safely navigating through the Cretan Countryside!

Private Jeep Safari to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Peninsular from Chania

An authentic jeep safari experience to Balos Lagoon! Privacy, comfort and time flexibility embraced by high quality services!

Destination Crete

Sensational experiences from one side to the other

For Tailor-Made Holidays,   let us know

What people say about us

Alex Stan Highly recommend this! Had a great experience all around, phoned them and immediately gave me all the needed info, they were very nice and prompt. The trip itself was beautiful, got there 2h before the crowds, managed to snap a… Read More

Berdj Awakian We took the semi private sail boat tour to Lagos beach and we enjoyed it. The stuff Ari and Vassilis were very kind and Professional. The food on board was amazing home made traditional food. Everything went well as expected.… Read More

Laurie Bergin Hello Maria, Thank you for your kindness and your availability. Excellent advice for the activities and the restaurants : boat trip, canoë, biolea tour, vineyard, balos lagoon, elafonissi beach... Maria helped us during our stay at anytime. Thank you very… Read More

Sharon Brook Beyond the absolute efficiency, control of the territory and everything that was interesting and beautiful in it... Maria is the nicest woman in Crete and maybe in all of Greece! Highly recommended!

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• Santorini Tours
• History and Cultural Tours
• Beach Excursions
• Hiking Tours in Crete
• Coastal Cruises
• Sailing Trips in Crete
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• Hersonissos Boat Trips
• Jeep Safari
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• History of Crete

Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is a mesmerizing tapestry of ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture. Renowned as the birthplace of Zeus in Greek mythology, it boasts an unparalleled blend of stunning beaches, rugged mountains, and archaeological treasures.

Tours on this captivating island cater to a diverse range of interests. For history enthusiasts, excursions to the ancient Minoan ruins of Knossos offer a glimpse into Europe’s oldest civilization. The labyrinthine palace complex is steeped in legend and is a testament to Crete’s rich past.

Nature lovers revel in tours through the Samaria Gorge, a hiker’s paradise nestled amidst the White Mountains. The awe-inspiring scenery, with its sheer cliffs and crystal-clear streams, provides an unforgettable trekking experience.

Exploring Crete’s charming towns and villages is another highlight. Tours often include visits to the picturesque coastal town of Chania, with its Venetian harbor and labyrinthine streets exuding an old-world charm. Additionally, Rethymnon offers a delightful blend of history and modernity, boasting a well-preserved old town filled with Ottoman and Venetian architecture.

Culinary tours showcase Crete’s gastronomic delights, featuring traditional Cretan cuisine renowned for its use of fresh, local ingredients. Visitors can savor dishes like dakos (rusk topped with tomatoes, feta, and olive oil) or enjoy a taste of the island’s famous olive oil and locally produced wines.

For those seeking relaxation, tours to Crete’s idyllic beaches are abundant. From the iconic pink sands of Elafonissi to the secluded coves of Balos, each beach offers its own unique charm and stunning vistas.

Adventure-seekers can indulge in activities such as snorkeling, diving, or even taking a boat tour to explore Crete’s mesmerizing coastline, discovering hidden caves and marine life.

Regardless of one’s interests, Crete’s diverse range of tours ensures an immersive and unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to delve deep into the island’s history, culture, and natural beauty.

Discovering the Enchanting Island of Crete

Introduction: Nestled in the southern part of the Aegean Sea, Crete is the largest and one of the most captivating islands in Greece. With a rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture, Crete offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Geography and Climate: Crete boasts a diverse topography, from stunning beaches and rugged mountains to fertile plains. The island’s climate is Mediterranean, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters. The northern coast is known for its lively resorts and sandy beaches, while the southern coast is more rugged and less developed, appealing to those in search of tranquility.

History and Archaeology: Crete has a fascinating historical background, with the ancient Minoan civilization calling it home around 2700 to 1420 BCE. The remnants of this advanced society can be explored at the archaeological site of Knossos, where the famous Palace of Knossos stands as a testament to the island’s rich past. Visitors can also discover historical gems like the Venetian harbor in Chania, the ancient city of Phaistos, and the Arkadi Monastery, which played a crucial role in the island’s struggle for independence.

Cuisine: Crete’s culinary scene is a delightful fusion of fresh, local ingredients and traditional recipes passed down through generations. Olive oil, herbs, and locally-produced cheese are staples in Cretan cuisine. Visitors can savor dishes like moussaka, dakos (a type of salad with tomatoes and feta on barley rusk), and kalitsounia (sweet or savory pastries). Pair these delectable treats with local wines, and you’ll experience the essence of Cretan gastronomy.

Natural Wonders: Nature enthusiasts will find Crete to be a haven of natural beauty. The Samaria Gorge, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers an exhilarating trek through breathtaking landscapes, while the Elafonissi and Balos beaches boast crystal-clear waters and pink sand. The White Mountains (Lefka Ori) provide a stunning backdrop for hikers and explorers.

Traditions and Festivals: Crete’s vibrant culture is alive in its traditional music, dance, and festivals. The island hosts numerous events throughout the year, celebrating religious feasts, agriculture, and local customs. One of the most famous festivals is the Carnival of Rethymno, featuring parades, costumes, and lively street parties. Visitors can also witness traditional Cretan dances, such as the syrtos and pentozali, during these festivities.

Conclusion: Crete, with its diverse landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality, beckons travelers to explore its wonders. Whether you seek relaxation on the beach, adventure in the mountains, or a journey through ancient history, Crete offers an immersive experience that will leave a lasting impression on every visitor.

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