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

Get ready for plenty of fun in the Grecian sun.

Best Hotels and Resorts

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

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

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

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

Top 5 Can’t Miss

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

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

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Elounda Bay Palace

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

Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection

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

Courtesy of Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

Blue Palace

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

Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa

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

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

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

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

Elisanth_/Getty Images

Explore the Palace of Knossos.

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

Hike the Samaria Gorge.

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

David C Tomlinson/Getty Images

Visit the Old Venetian Harbor of Chania.

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

Learn something new at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

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

Elafonissi Beach

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

Balos Lagoon

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

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

Related: 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Greece

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Public Transit

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

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

Loving Crete

Within the Beating Heart of Crete

Exploring Crete: A Comprehensive Guide for Holidaymakers

Introduction.

Welcome to the enchanting island of Crete, a place where history, culture, and natural beauty converge to create an unforgettable destination for holidaymakers. In this comprehensive guide, we will embark on a journey of discovery through this remarkable Greek island, revealing its hidden treasures, rich heritage, and the many experiences it has to offer.

Brief Overview of Crete

Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is not just a mere geographical entity; it’s a living, breathing testament to the essence of Greece itself. Nestled in the southern part of the Aegean Sea, Crete is a land of astonishing diversity. Its landscapes range from dramatic mountain ranges to idyllic beaches, lush plains, and fertile valleys. Here, you’ll find a remarkable blend of the ancient and the modern and a harmonious coexistence of tradition and innovation.

Purpose of the Book

The purpose of this book is to serve as your ultimate companion on your journey through Crete. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, a foodie, or simply seeking the perfect Mediterranean getaway, this guide is tailored to meet your needs. It’s designed to be your roadmap, offering insights, practical advice, and inspiration for a memorable stay on this captivating island.

What to Expect from the Guide

This guide is structured to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of Crete, covering a wide range of topics and experiences. You can expect to find detailed information on planning your trip, exploring the island’s regions, immersing yourself in its culture, embarking on outdoor adventures, delving into its rich history and mythology, and practical tips for a smooth and enjoyable holiday.

Each chapter is thoughtfully crafted to ensure you have all the information you need to make the most of your time on Crete, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller. We’ll introduce you to the island’s vibrant culture, guide you through its historical landmarks, tempt your taste buds with its delectable cuisine, and show you the hidden gems that await in its picturesque villages and pristine beaches.

So, as we embark on this exploration of Crete together, be prepared to uncover the secrets of this Mediterranean jewel, immerse yourself in its timeless beauty, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether planning your trip or simply dreaming of the possibilities, let this guide be your gateway to the enchanting world of Crete.

Chapter 1: Getting Acquainted with Crete

Before you set foot on the shores of Crete, it’s essential to get acquainted with the island’s unique characteristics, history, and practical aspects. In this chapter, we’ll lay the foundation for your Crete adventure by giving you a deeper understanding of what makes this island unique.

Geography and Location

Crete’s geography is a tapestry of stunning contrasts. The island boasts a rugged interior with high mountain ranges, including the famous White Mountains (Lefka Ori) and the Ida Range. These peaks are often snow-capped during winter, providing a striking backdrop to the island’s coastal areas. In contrast, the coastline is adorned with countless beaches, coves, and cliffs ranging from golden sands to pebbled shores.

One remarkable geographical feature is the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest and most enchanting canyons, offering a hiking experience like no other. Crete’s diverse landscapes provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities, from hiking and trekking to water sports and wildlife exploration.

Historical Significance

Crete holds a unique place in history, often regarded as the cradle of European civilisation. The island’s most famous historical period is the Minoan civilisation, dating back over 3,000 years. At the heart of Minoan Crete lies the Palace of Knossos, a sprawling archaeological site where the myth of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth originates.

Throughout its history, Crete has been influenced by various cultures, including the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans. Each of these civilisations left its mark on the island’s architecture, cuisine, and traditions. The rich tapestry of history is woven into every corner of Crete, waiting for you to discover.

Cultural Diversity

Crete’s culture reflects its tumultuous history and the various influences it has absorbed over the centuries. The Cretan people are known for their warmth and hospitality and take immense pride in their island’s traditions.

One of the most iconic aspects of Cretan culture is its music and dance. The island is famous for its traditional music, often accompanied by the sounds of the lyre and the lute. Cretan dance, such as the energetic “sirtaki,” is integral to celebrations and festivals.

Language and Communication

Greek is the official language of Crete, but you’ll find that many Cretans also speak English and other European languages, especially in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Greek phrases can enhance your experience and show your appreciation for the local culture.

Currency and Money Matters

The currency used in Crete, as in the rest of Greece, is the Euro (€). It’s widely accepted, and ATMs, banks, and currency exchange services are readily available. Credit and debit cards are also widely accepted, but carrying some cash for smaller purchases and in more remote areas is a good idea.

As you prepare for your trip to Crete, keep these aspects in mind. Getting acquainted with the island’s geography, understanding its historical significance, appreciating its diverse culture, and being aware of practical matters like language and currency will set the stage for a fulfilling and enriching holiday experience on this enchanting Mediterranean gem.

Chapter 2: Planning Your Trip

Planning a journey to Crete is the first step in what promises to be a remarkable adventure. This chapter guides you in making the necessary preparations to ensure your visit to this captivating island is seamless and enjoyable.

When to Visit

Crete experiences a Mediterranean climate, so you can visit the island year-round. However, the timing of your trip can significantly influence your experience:

Seasonal Considerations

Spring (March to May): Spring is a delightful time to visit Crete when the island bursts with colourful wildflowers and mild temperatures. It’s an ideal season for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring historical sites.
Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season when the island is at its liveliest. The weather is hot and sunny, perfect for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Be prepared for larger crowds at popular attractions and beaches.
Autumn (September to November): Autumn offers pleasant weather, warm seas, and fewer crowds than summer. It’s an excellent time for those seeking a more relaxed and peaceful visit.
Winter (December to February): Winter in Crete is mild along the coast but can be pretty cold in the mountains. While not the typical beach season, it’s a great time to explore the island’s history and culture without the summer crowds.

Festivals and Events

Crete hosts numerous festivals and cultural events throughout the year. Consider planning your trip around these festivities to immerse yourself in local traditions. The “Apokries” Carnival in February and the “Rethymno Carnival” are colourful and vibrant celebrations, while the “Panigiria” are traditional village festivals held during the summer months.

Visa and Travel Documents

Ensure you have all the necessary travel documents before starting your trip to Crete. You won’t need a visa for short visits if you’re an EU citizen. Non-EU citizens should check Greece’s visa requirements and apply accordingly. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date.

Accommodation Options

Crete offers various accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Choices include luxury resorts, boutique hotels, cosy guesthouses, and even traditional stone-built villas in the countryside. Booking in advance, especially during the peak season, is recommended to secure your preferred accommodation.

Transportation

Getting to Crete and moving around the island is relatively straightforward:

Getting to Crete

By Air: Most international travellers arrive in Crete through Heraklion Airport or Chania Airport. Both airports have good connections to major European cities.
Ferries: If you’re already in Greece or planning to travel from nearby islands, ferries are a scenic way to reach Crete. Major ferry ports include Heraklion, Chania, and Rethymno.

Getting Around the Island

Rental Cars: Renting a car is popular for exploring Crete independently. The island has a well-maintained road network, making it easy to access various attractions.
Public Transportation: Crete also has an extensive public bus network that connects major towns and villages. However, schedules may be less frequent in rural areas.
Taxis: Taxis are widely available, especially in cities and tourist areas. It’s a convenient option for short trips or airport transfers.
Tourist Services: Many tour operators offer guided tours, excursions, and transfers to popular attractions, making it easy to explore without the hassle of driving.

Planning your transportation and considering your itinerary will help you make the most of your time on the island.

You’ll be well-prepared to embark on your Crete adventure with careful consideration of when to visit, the necessary travel documents, accommodation choices, and transportation options. The following chapters of this guide will delve deeper into the island’s regions, culture, and attractions, helping you craft a memorable and enriching experience.

Chapter 3: Exploring Crete’s Regions

Crete’s diversity is one of its most compelling features, with each region offering a unique blend of landscapes, culture, and history. This chapter will journey through Crete’s various regions, each with distinct character and attractions.

Heraklion City

Heraklion: Crete’s capital and largest city, Heraklion, is a vibrant hub of culture and commerce. Stroll through its historic centre to discover Venetian architecture, bustling markets, and a lively cafe scene. Don’t miss the iconic Morosini Fountain.
Venetian Fortress: Explore the Venetian Fortress of Koules, which guarded Heraklion’s harbour for centuries. It offers breathtaking views of the city and the sea.

Knossos Palace

Knossos Palace: Journey back to the legendary Knossos Palace, the heart of Minoan civilisation. This archaeological site showcases the grandeur of a bygone era with its intricate frescoes and labyrinthine architecture.

Archaeological Museum

Archaeological Museum: Delve deeper into Crete’s rich history at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to an impressive collection of Minoan artefacts, including the famous Snake Goddess figurines.
Old Town: Chania’s Old Town is a maze of narrow alleys, Venetian and Ottoman buildings, and charming squares. Stroll along the picturesque Venetian Harbor, where you can admire the iconic lighthouse and enjoy seafood at waterfront tavernas.

Venetian Harbor

Venetian Harbor: This historic harbour is the heart of Chania. Explore the maritime museum, take a boat tour, or enjoy a leisurely evening stroll along the waterfront.

Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge: Nature enthusiasts will find paradise in the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest and most breathtaking canyons. Hike through this pristine wilderness and be rewarded with stunning views and the chance to spot native wildlife.

Fortezza Castle

Fortezza Castle: Rethymno boasts the Venetian-era Fortezza Castle, a magnificent fortress overlooking the town. Climb its walls to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Historical Old Town

Historic Old Town: Rethymno’s Old Town is a charming labyrinth of narrow streets adorned with well-preserved Venetian and Ottoman architecture. Explore the quaint shops and tavernas tucked away in its alleys.

Preveli Beach

Preveli Beach: Located in southern Rethymno, Preveli Beach is an oasis of palm trees, pristine waters, and a river that flows into the sea. It’s a true natural wonder.

Lassithi Plateau

Dikteon Cave

Dikteon Cave: Known as the birthplace of Zeus in Greek mythology, this cave is steeped in history and legend. Explore its chambers and immerse yourself in the ancient stories.

Windmills of Lasithi

Windmills of Lasithi: The Lassithi Plateau is dotted with iconic windmills that were once used to pump water and grind grain. They provide a picturesque backdrop to the plateau’s rural landscape.

Psychro Village

Psychro Village: Visit the charming village of Psychro, where you can experience traditional Cretan life and enjoy locally produced food and wine.

Southern Crete

Beautiful Beaches

Beautiful Beaches: Southern Crete is renowned for its stunning beaches, including Elafonissi with its pink sands and crystal-clear waters, and the remote paradise of Balos Beach.

Traditional Villages

Traditional Villages: Explore the timeless villages of southern Crete, such as Plakias, Matala, and Agia Galini. These villages offer a glimpse into authentic Cretan life with their tavernas, whitewashed buildings, and warm hospitality.

Festos Palace

Festos Palace: Visit the ancient ruins of Festos Palace, an important Minoan archaeological site that rivals Knossos in historical significance.

Exploring Crete’s regions is a journey through time, culture, and natural beauty. Each area has its own story to tell, and as you traverse the island, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Crete’s rich and diverse heritage. Whether captivated by ancient history, enchanted by charming villages, or drawn to pristine beaches, Crete offers a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered in each of its unique regions.

Chapter 4: Immerse in Crete’s Culture

One of the most rewarding aspects of a visit to Crete is the opportunity to immerse yourself in its vibrant culture. In this chapter, we will explore the many facets of Cretan culture, from its delectable cuisine to its lively music and dance, its colourful festivals, and the arts and crafts that define the island’s identity.

Cretan Cuisine

Cretan cuisine celebrates fresh, locally sourced ingredients and centuries-old recipes. Here are some highlights:

Traditional Dishes

Dakos: A Cretan bruschetta made with barley rusk, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olive oil.
Cretan Salad: A refreshing salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, onions, and olive oil.
Stifado: A hearty beef or rabbit stew with onions and aromatic spices.
Moussaka: Layers of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce baked to perfection.
Saganaki: Fried cheese, often served with a drizzle of honey.
Kalitsounia: Sweet or savoury pastries with various ingredients like cheese, greens, or sweet ricotta.

Local Ingredients

Olive Oil: Crete is renowned for its high-quality olive oil, considered among the best in the world.
Cheese: Try local cheeses like graviera, anthotyro, and myzithra.
Wine: Sample Cretan wines, particularly those from the region of Peza and Archanes.

Cretan Music and Dance

Traditional Music

Lyre and Lute: Traditional Cretan music often features the haunting sounds of the lyre and the lute. You may encounter local musicians playing these instruments in tavernas or during festivals.

Festivals and Celebrations

Panigiria: These local festivals are a window into Cretan culture. They involve music, dance, food, and plenty of local wine. Joining a Panigiri is an excellent way to experience the island’s authentic spirit.

Arts and Crafts

Ceramics: Crete has a long tradition of pottery-making, with beautiful handcrafted ceramics available as souvenirs.
Textiles: Cretan textiles are renowned for their intricate designs and quality. You can find woven rugs, tablecloths, and clothing in traditional villages.

Language and Phrases

While Greek is the official language, learning a few basic Cretan phrases can enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture. Here are a few useful expressions:

Kalimera: Good morning
Kalispera: Good evening
Efharisto: Thank you
Parakalo: Please
Nai: Yes
Ochi: No
Easter: Easter in Crete is a significant religious and cultural event. Witness the midnight Resurrection service and enjoy the traditional feast that follows.

Rethymno Carnival

Rethymno Carnival: This lively carnival features colourful parades, elaborate costumes, and plenty of music and dancing.

Wine Festivals

Wine Festivals: Many villages host wine festivals in the late summer, celebrating the island’s winemaking tradition.

Traditional Celebrations

Traditional Celebrations: Throughout the year, various towns and villages host festivals that showcase Cretan music, dance, and cuisine. It’s an opportunity to engage with locals and experience their cultural pride.

Immersing yourself in Crete’s culture is not just about tasting the delicious food or enjoying the music and dance; it’s about connecting with the island’s people and their way of life. Whether you’re savouring the flavours of Cretan cuisine, tapping your foot to the rhythms of traditional music, or participating in local festivals, you’ll find that Crete’s culture is both rich and welcoming, inviting you to become a part of it during your stay on this extraordinary island.

Chapter 5: Outdoor Adventures

Crete’s diverse and breathtaking landscapes offer a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a water sports enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys connecting with nature, this chapter will guide you through the exhilarating outdoor adventures waiting for you on the island.

Hiking and Trekking

Crete’s rugged terrain and beautiful vistas make it an ideal destination for hiking and trekking enthusiasts. Here are some notable trails and routes:

Samaria Gorge: Often called the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” this is one of the most famous hikes on the island. The 16-kilometre trail takes you through a stunning gorge, past crystal-clear streams, and offers opportunities for wildlife spotting. It’s a challenging but rewarding experience.

Imbros Gorge

Imbros Gorge: A slightly more leisurely hike than Samaria Gorge, the Imbros Gorge offers beautiful scenery and the chance to explore a less crowded canyon.

E4 European Long-Distance Path

E4 European Long-Distance Path: Crete is part of the E4 path, which stretches across Europe. You can choose sections of this trail that suit your fitness level and interests, offering diverse landscapes and experiences.

Water Activities

With its clear blue waters and favourable climate, Crete is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts:

Beaches and Swimming

Beaches: Crete boasts a wide variety of beaches, from golden sandy shores to hidden pebble coves. Elafonissi Beach, Falassarna Beach, and Balos Beach are among the most famous.
Swimming: The warm Mediterranean waters are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving. Explore underwater caves, reefs, and marine life.

Snorkelling and Diving

Snorkelling and Diving: The crystal-clear waters of Crete provide excellent opportunities for exploring the underwater world. Dive centres across the island offer guided dives for all levels, from beginners to experienced divers.

Wildlife and Nature

Crete is not just about its stunning landscapes; it’s also home to unique flora and fauna:

Botanical Gardens

Botanical Gardens: Crete is home to several botanical gardens where you can discover a vast array of Mediterranean and exotic plants. The Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete in Chania is a notable example.

Kourtaliotiko Gorge

Kourtaliotiko Gorge: This scenic gorge in southern Crete is a haven for nature lovers. Explore its lush vegetation, enjoy birdwatching, and take in the beauty of the Preveli Palm Forest.

Off-Road Explorations

For those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures, Crete has plenty to offer:

Jeep Safaris

Jeep Safaris: Join a safari tour to explore the island’s interior and explore remote villages, ancient ruins, and pristine landscapes. These tours often include visits to hidden gems inaccessible by regular vehicles.

Exploring Mountain Villages

Mountain Villages: Crete’s mountainous regions are dotted with charming villages where traditional ways of life persist. Explore places like Anogia, Zaros, and Theriso to experience Cretan culture at its core.

Whether you’re conquering rugged gorges, diving into the azure waters of the Mediterranean, discovering the island’s unique flora and fauna, or embarking on off-road adventures, Crete offers many outdoor experiences that will leave you with lasting memories. Embrace the spirit of exploration, and let Crete’s natural beauty and diverse landscapes captivate your senses during your stay on this enchanting island.

Chapter 6: History and Mythology

Crete’s history and mythology are deeply intertwined, creating a tapestry of stories and archaeological wonders that span millennia. In this chapter, we will journey through time, exploring the ancient civilisations that once thrived on the island, the myths that continue to captivate the imagination and the historical landmarks that witness Crete’s rich heritage.

Ancient Crete

Minoan Civilization

Minoan Civilization: Crete is renowned as the centre of the ancient Minoan civilisation, one of the most advanced and enigmatic cultures of the Bronze Age. The Palace of Knossos, with its intricate architecture and famous labyrinthine legends, is a remarkable testament to Minoan achievements.
Phaistos: The archaeological site of Phaistos, another significant Minoan palace complex, offers insights into this ancient civilisation’s daily life and culture.

Myths and Legends

Minotaur and the Labyrinth: The myth of the Minotaur, the half-human, half-bull creature, and the labyrinth of Knossos, created by Daedalus, continues to intrigue visitors. Explore the Palace of Knossos and imagine the legendary tales that unfolded here.

Venetian and Ottoman Influence

Venetian Fortresses

Venetian Fortresses: During the Venetian rule of Crete, impressive fortresses were constructed to protect the island from invaders. The Fortezza in Rethymno and Koules in Heraklion are prime examples of this architectural heritage.

World War II and Crete’s Role

World War II: Crete played a significant role in World War II, as it was the site of intense battles between Allied forces and Axis powers. The stories of heroism and resistance are commemorated in museums and memorials across the island.

Historical Landmarks

Palaces and Ruins

Festos Palace: Visit the archaeological site of Festos Palace, a Minoan palace complex with a rich history and stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside.
Gortyna: Explore the ruins of Gortyna, an ancient Roman and early Byzantine city once one of Crete’s most prominent cities.
Heraklion Fortress: The Koules fortress in Heraklion is a historical monument and offers panoramic views of the city and the sea.
Rethymno Fortress: The Fortezza in Rethymno is an imposing Venetian fortress that dominates the town’s skyline and offers a glimpse into the island’s medieval past.

Crete’s history is a testament to the enduring human spirit, from the advanced civilisation of the Minoans to the island’s role in shaping the course of world events during World War II. Exploring historical landmarks, ancient ruins, and the myths that continue to enchant the world will deepen your appreciation for Crete’s unique historical place and enduring cultural legacy.

Chapter 7: Practical Tips for Your Trip

Planning and preparation are critical to a successful and enjoyable trip to Crete. This chapter will provide practical tips and essential information to ensure a smooth and memorable journey to this beautiful Greek island.

Safety and Health

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance: It’s highly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen belongings. Ensure you have a copy of your policy and emergency contact information.

Health Precautions

Health Precautions: While Crete is generally a safe destination, staying updated on any travel advisories or health alerts issued by your home country is advisable. Consult your healthcare provider before travelling for any vaccinations or health recommendations.

Emergency Services

Emergency Services: Familiarise yourself with the local emergency numbers, including the general emergency number 112. Crete has well-equipped hospitals and medical facilities, especially in larger cities.

Local Etiquette

Greetings and Politeness

Greetings: Greeks are known for their warmth and friendliness. A simple “Kalimera” (good morning) or “Kalispera” (good evening) goes a long way in starting conversations and showing respect.
Politeness: Greeks appreciate polite behaviour. Please and thank you, “Parakalo” and “Efharisto” are commonly used expressions.
Dress Code: Crete’s dress code is generally relaxed, especially in tourist areas. However, when visiting churches or more conservative villages, it’s respectful to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees.

Money Matters and Currency Exchange

Currency: The official currency in Crete, as in Greece, is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is advisable, especially in more rural areas.

Currency Exchange

Currency Exchange: You can exchange currency at banks, offices, or ATMs. ATMs are widely available and offer a convenient way to withdraw Euros.

Communication and Language

Greek Language

Greek Language: While English is spoken in tourist areas, it’s appreciated when visitors try to learn a few basic Greek phrases. Locals often respond warmly to attempts at the language.

Mobile Phones

Mobile Phones: Check with your mobile provider regarding international roaming, or consider purchasing a local SIM card for your smartphone to stay connected.

Packing Essentials

Essentials: Remember to pack essentials like sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and a reusable water bottle for staying hydrated.

Electrical Adapters

Electrical Adapters: Greece uses European-style Type C and Type F electrical outlets. Make sure to bring the appropriate adapters for your devices.

Travel Documents

Travel Documents: Keep your passport, visas, travel insurance documents, and any necessary reservations in a secure, waterproof pouch.

Local Maps and Guides

Local Maps and Guides: While digital maps are helpful, consider carrying physical maps and guidebooks for areas with limited internet access.
Backpack: A lightweight daypack is handy for carrying essentials during outings and hikes.

Prescriptions

Prescriptions: If you have any prescription medications, carry them in their original containers and the prescription itself.

Travel Adapter

Travel Adapter: Ensure you have the correct power adapter for your electronic devices to avoid charging issues.

These practical tips help you confidently prepare for your Crete trip. By taking these precautions and staying informed, you can fully enjoy the beauty and culture of the island while ensuring a safe and comfortable travel experience.

Chapter 8: Making the Most of Your Crete Experience

Your journey to Crete is an opportunity to create lasting memories and immerse yourself in the island’s unique culture and beauty. This chapter will provide valuable tips and recommendations to help you maximise your Crete experience.

Embrace Local Cuisine

Try Local Specialties

Local Specialties: Crete’s cuisine is a highlight of your trip. Try traditional dishes like moussaka, dakos, and fresh seafood at local tavernas. Remember to pair your meal with a glass of local wine or raki.

Visit Local Markets

Local Markets: Explore local markets and food festivals to sample fresh produce, cheeses, olives, and artisanal products. It’s a great way to engage with locals and savour the flavours of Crete.

Immerse Yourself in Culture

Attend Festivals

Festivals: Check the local calendar for festivals and cultural events during your visit. Participating in a traditional celebration or music festival is a beautiful way to experience Cretan culture firsthand.

Learn a Bit of Greek

Learn a Bit of Greek: Learning a few basic Greek phrases can go a long way in connecting with locals and showing respect for their culture. Try your hand at common greetings and pleasantries.

Explore Beyond Tourist Hotspots

Off-the-Beaten-Path

Off-the-Beaten-Path: While popular tourist destinations are worth visiting, don’t hesitate to explore lesser-known villages and hidden gems. These areas often offer more authentic experiences and opportunities to interact with locals.

Local Experiences

Local Experiences: Consider joining local tours or workshops to learn directly from artisans about traditional crafts, such as pottery or weaving. It’s a chance to support local businesses and gain insight into Cretan craftsmanship.

Engage in Outdoor Activities

Hiking and Nature Walks

Hiking and Nature Walks: Crete’s diverse landscapes are a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Plan hikes in different regions, from the Samaria Gorge to the Lassithi Plateau, to experience the island’s natural beauty up close.

Water Adventures

Water Adventures: Whether it’s snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, kayaking along the coast, or taking a boat tour to hidden beaches, the sea offers countless water-based adventures.

Capture Memories

Photography

Photography: Crete is a photographer’s paradise. Remember your camera or smartphone to capture your journey’s stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique moments.

Keep a Travel Journal

Travel Journal: Consider keeping a travel journal to document your experiences, jot down memorable encounters, and reflect on your journey. It’s a personal memento of your time in Crete.

Respect Local Customs

Dress Modestly

Dress Modestly: When visiting churches or more conservative areas, dress respectfully by covering shoulders and knees. It shows consideration for local customs.
Tipping: Tipping is customary in Greece. Leaving a 10-15% tip for good service is standard in restaurants. In cafes and bars, rounding up the bill is appreciated.

Reserve in Advance

Reserve in Advance: For popular attractions, accommodations, and activities, it’s advisable to make reservations in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.

Flexible Itinerary

Flexible Itinerary: While it’s good to plan, leave room for spontaneity. Some of the most memorable experiences can arise from unexpected discoveries.

Following these tips and recommendations, you can enhance your Crete experience and create a journey filled with rich cultural encounters, outdoor adventures, and cherished memories. Crete’s beauty and hospitality await, and your willingness to embrace the island’s culture and traditions will make your trip unforgettable.

Chapter 9: Conclusion

As your exploration of Crete draws to a close, you’ve undoubtedly experienced the island’s enchanting blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. This final chapter serves as a reflection on your journey and a reminder of the enduring allure of Crete.

Fond Memories

Throughout your trip, you’ve likely collected a treasure trove of memories, from the awe-inspiring ruins of Minoan palaces to the picturesque villages nestled in the island’s mountains. These moments will remain etched in your heart as reminders of the captivating essence of Crete.

The Island’s Resilience

Crete’s history is a testament to the resilience of its people. From the grandeur of the Minoan civilisation to the challenges faced during World War II, the island and its inhabitants have demonstrated remarkable strength and determination.

A Cultural Tapestry

The rich tapestry of Cretan culture, with its delectable cuisine, traditional music and dance, and vibrant festivals, has left an indelible mark on your journey. The warmth and friendliness of the locals have undoubtedly enriched your experience.

The Call of Adventure

Crete’s diverse landscapes have beckoned you to explore its gorges, beaches, and hiking trails. Whether you ventured into the depths of the Samaria Gorge or relaxed on the shores of Elafonissi Beach, each adventure added a layer to your appreciation of the island’s natural beauty.

A Continuation of Discovery

While your journey in Crete may end, your connection to this remarkable island need not fade. Consider sharing your experiences with others through storytelling, photography, or even planning a return trip to explore new corners of Crete.

Farewell to Crete

As you bid farewell to Crete, remember that the island’s allure endures, and its timeless beauty remains a source of inspiration for travellers and dreamers alike. Whether you leave with a piece of Cretan pottery, the taste of local delicacies on your palate, or the echoes of traditional music in your heart, Crete will always hold a special place in your wanderlust-filled soul.

As you journey onward, may the memories of your time in Crete enrich your life and remind you of the world’s vast wonders waiting to be explored. Until your next adventure, farewell to this captivating island, and may your travels be filled with discovery and awe.

In this final section of your Crete travel guide, you’ll find valuable resources and additional information to enhance your trip and serve as a handy reference. These appendices cover everything from practical details to useful contacts and further reading.

Useful Contacts

Emergency Numbers

Emergency Services: 112 (General Emergency Number)
Police: 100
Fire Department: 199
Medical Emergency: 166

Tourist Information

Tourist Information Centres: These centres, located in major cities and tourist areas, provide maps, brochures, and assistance for travellers.

10 Days in Crete: The Ultimate Itinerary + My Best Tips

The best itinerary for 10 days in crete.

You’re planning to visit Crete for 10 days?

Great idea!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you this 9-10-11 days itinerary in Crete .

In this itinerary, you will visit 2 emblematic places like Chania, Rethymnon , Heraklion and also the Palace of Knossos or the Samaria Gorge .

And since your 10-day trip to Crete wouldn’t be complete without spending time on the most beautiful beaches in the West of the island , you will also enjoy time at Balos Beach , Elafonissi and Preveli.

In addition to the must-see attractions for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, how to spend 10 days in Crete? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

Day 1 – Arrival at and visit of Chania

Where to stay in chania, day 2: balos lagoon, day 3: the samaria gorge, day 4: elafonissi beach, day 5: akrotiri peninsula, where to stay in matala, where to stay in heraklion, where to stay in rethymnon, 5) return to chania (1 day), 10 days in crete staying in one place, 10-day tour in crete – with a travel agency, renting a boat in crete, you’re traveling to crete these articles will help you, 1) chania and its surroundings (5 days).

To visit Crete in 9-10 days , I have chosen an arrival in Chania*.

*Note that you can also make this itinerary from Heraklion. Just start with this article at leg 3 of Heraklion and follow the same circuit (Heraklion – Rethymnon – Chania – Matala). The visits and the stay durations are the same.

Chania (just like Heraklion) is the most practical city to start this 10-day tour in Crete , as you can get there by plane. You must compare the flight prices at the end of this article, in the section “Going to Crete”.

To do this tour, it’s essential to rent a car. For this, regardless of the destination ( Sardinia , Corsica , Greece ), I always use the website Rentalcars.com.

If I’m telling you this, it’s because it’s the most convenient way to compare rates of all rental agencies present at the airport.

If you don’t have insurance included with your credit card, the site also offers a full coverage insurance that covers expenses incurred in the event of an accident or theft of your vehicle (it is much cheaper than the one that will try to sell you on-site).

If you already know your travel dates for your 10-day stay in Crete , I suggest you book your car without further delay to get the best price.

And since modification or cancellation are often free , this does not commit you to anything!

Click the button below to compare prices now:

For this first day of your holiday in Crete, you can take the following walking route to visit the old town of Chania:

1) Discovery of the covered market where you will find stalls offering local Cretan products such as wine, spices, olive oil, raki and many types of cheese.

2) Go and see the Orthodox Greek cathedral located in a pretty square

3) Walk through the alleys of the old town at random to do some shopping in the souvenir shops. There are also plenty of shops selling jewellery or leather goods.

4) Visit the Old Venetian Port on the seafront. It is lined with beautiful houses with colourful façades and restaurants with charming decors.

5) Check out the Firkas fortress where you can go on the ramparts for free to admire the view of the Old Port and the lighthouse of Chania. You can also visit the maritime museum located inside the fort (€3 entry).

6) Cross the Old Port and go to other places to see in Chania:

Kiutsouk Hasan mosque (recognisable by its pink dome)
The great Venetian arsenal
The ancient boat hangars
San Rocco Church
Agios Nikolaos church and the minaret.

Very picturesque, Chania is the emblematic city to visit in Crete in 10 days.

If you have time and want to relax a little, I suggest you go to one of the beaches around Chania.

I prefer the Eastern Gulf beach and its neighbour, the Agii Apostoli beach , which are bordered by pine trees, but you also have the Nea Chora beach , which is closer to the centre (much less beautiful).

Spend the night in Chania.

For more details, you must read my article dedicated to the city: Chania – The definitive guide.

As the old town of Chania is only for pedestrians, you will find a large car park for a fee near the stadium, near the covered market.

If you would like to take a guided tour of Chania , I recommend ( click on the orange link to book ):

A 2-hour segway tour of Chania – Explore the Old Port and the Old Town with your guide
A private guided tour of Chania on foot for 4 hours with a local guide – Including tastings of local products (olive oil, cheeses, wines…).
Cocoon City Hostel: Youth hostel located in the heart of Chania. Dormitory bed from 18€, breakfast at 5€. Strong points: cleanliness, ambience, warm welcome.
Kedrissos Hotel: Located 2 km from the historical centre of Chania. Comfortable and warm double room with balcony from 70€, breakfast included. Strong points: swimming pool, cleanliness, friendly staff, excellent breakfast
Irida Hotel: Located 20 minutes on foot from the historical centre. Double room with balcony and sea view from 80€, breakfast included. Strong points: friendly staff, close to the beach, ideal location to explore Chania on foot.
Royal Sun : Located between Chania and the Akrotiri peninsula. Modern and comfortable double room with balcony/terrace and sea/pool or garden view from 90€, breakfast included. Strong points: quiet, beautiful pool area with views over Chania, private parking, variety of breakfast options, shuttle to the city centre. It’s my favorite for its setting and excellent value for money!
Kydon The Heart City Hotel: Located close to the covered market. Spacious rooms with balcony and comfortable bedding from 130€, breakfast at 15€. Strong points: the location, the excellent breakfast, the warm welcome and the parking. This is my recommendation for an upscale stay in Chania!
Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel: Located 10 minutes from the Old Venetian Port, this 5* hotel offers sumptuous rooms from 250€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: Spa and wellness area, excellent location, exceptional breakfast, valet service, private beach. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Chania!

On the second day of your 10-day road trip in Crete , you will discover one of the most beautiful places on the island: Balos lagoon.

Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete , the lagoon offers a heavenly setting where you can spend a relaxing day. The agenda is very simple: swimming in the shallow, turquoise waters!

Balos Beach is located about 1h30 away from Chania but you have 2 options to get there:

1) By car but you should know that the last part of the road leading to Balos is in fact strewn with stones and potholes.

Due to the condition of the road, no car rental company insures the vehicles to go to Balos, which means that if you happen anything or have an accident in the last 8 kilometres, you will have to pay for everything, without any hope of a refund.

I would like to point out that the road is still crossable (there is no need for a 4*4) provided that you drive slowly and without staying very close to the vehicle in front of you to avoid stones from pelting your vehicle.

Arriving at the car park, you can park your car for free if you arrive early enough (before 11:00am) but if it is full, you will have to leave your car on the lower side of the road. The later you arrive, the more you will have to walk to get to the beach.

Indeed, from the car park, the lagoon of Balos is only accessible by a 1.2 km path that descends quite abruptly (and is therefore a bit more complicated when returning at the end of the day😅).

But, taking this path also gives you the unique opportunity to enjoy a splendid view of the lagoon! Photo evidence below. 👇

2) Getting to Balos by boat

If you don’ t want to drive on the road or walk too long to get to Balos, I have the perfect solution for you: a boat trip!

Reach the port of Kissamos by car (38 km from Chania) and embark on a magnificent one-day cruise.

This boat trip in Balos must be be booked in advance by clicking on the green button below:

You will first go along the west coast of Crete by boat to the island of Gramvoussa where you will stop for about 2 hours.

This will be the opportunity to go up to the 16th century Venetian fortress or enjoy a swim.

The boat then leaves for Balos for a 20 minute crossing. You will then have all the time you need to swim in the lagoon and sunbathe.

From the lagoon, you can take 2 walks:

Along Cap Tigani (linked to the lagoon by the sandbar)
The path leading up to the car park. It’s halfway there that you’ll find the best view of Balos , which I told you about before. You won’t regret having made the effort to climb there.

If you don’t have a car, you will need to opt for the guided tour from Chania . It includes the boat trip mentioned above + transportation from your hotel.

It needs to be booked here:

If you want a more intimate cruise, just for your family or friends, you can also book a private boat trip to Balos.

Here are the different possibilities below. Just click on the orange link to view the details:

4 hour private cruise to Balos (click here!) by semi-inflatable boat
Private one-day sailing excursion in Balos with lunch included
Rent a boat (provided you have a boating licence).

For those who have arrived in Balos by car* and do not necessarily want to spend the whole day there, you can also 2 other places to see in the afternoon.

A 40 minute drive south of the lagoon , head to Falassarna beach . I found this long, sandy beach with translucent waters really nice. There are several Beach Clubs that rent deckchairs and sunshades.

After Falassarna and taking just a short detour on the road before arriving in Chania, you can also visit the Crete botanical garden.

Built on a mountainside, a 2.5 km trail will lead you to discover the various plants and fruits of the island and the world.

You will also see several peacocks roaming free and there is a small lake at the bottom of the garden with a few animals.

After the walk, you must try the garden restaurant, which in addition to offering a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, serves delicious local cuisine.

Practical information: Entrance ticket to the botanical garden € 6 + 1 small bottle of water offered per person.

*If you have taken the boat trip, you will probably return a little late to go there but you can include these visits the next day .

Return to spend a second night in Chania.

For more information about Balos Beach, read my dedicated article: How to visit the lagoon of Balos?

How about a change for this day: by car, access to Balos costs 1€ per person and on site there are paid toilets (€1).

You must plan a picnic and have some water. There is just a small snack bar at the car park and you will pay much more than in any supermarket.

For those who have opted for the cruise, it is possible to buy food on the boat, but the same, it’s more expensive.

The next day, to continue this 10-day itinerary in Crete, you must go on the best known hike on the island: the Samaria Gorge.

From Chania , drive to Xyloskalo, a 1 hour drive away . You can park your car in the paid car park (€5) or on the roadside for free.

Entrance to the Samaria National Park will also set you back €5 per person, to be paid by the shack from the path. Keep your ticket, you’ll be asked to return it when leaving, to ensure that no one is left in the park at the end of the day.

The hike starts at an altitude of 1230 metres and takes you down to the seafront , passing through the forest and then to the bottom of the Gorge.

Since the route is 16 km long, you should keep aside between 5 and 7 hours for the walk, and thus arrive at the entrance of the Gorge before 10:00am.

It is imperative to have a pair of hiking shoes or at least sneakers with grip sole (forget about Converse, canvas shoes and particularly flip-flops – which are forbidden-).

You will have to be particularly careful when descending the first 4 km because it is here that the difference in height is greatest and the steps carved in the path are quite slippery.

Halfway through, at 7 km, you will find the main rest area (there are others before and after) where you can have a light picnic. You don’t necessarily need to bring a lot of water, as you can fill your bottle at the different drinking water points.

From there, you will discover the most impressive part of the Gorge, following the path that passes through the imposing rock walls. At 11 km, at the place called “The Iron Gates” which is the narrowest passage there, only 3.50 metres separate the 2 walls.

At 14 km , if you are tired, you can take a minibus (€2) for the last 2 km or end the journey on foot.

In any case, the hike ends at the village of Agia Roumeli which has a few taverns, grocery stores, souvenir shops and a beach where you can refresh yourself after this long walk.

And if you’re wondering how to get to the car park , rest assured that you don’t have to walk the other way! However, it does require a little organisation beforehand.

From Agia Roumeli , you will first have to take one of the 2 boats that go up to the village of Sougia (between 45 minutes and 1 hour crossing):

The first leaves at 5:00pm from the dock at the end of the village, a 10 minute walk from the town centre. Tickets must be bought in the morning before starting the hike in the tavern next to the Xyloskalo car park.
The second leaves at 5.30pm from the jetty located in the heart of Agia Roumeli, next to the beach. The ferry company Anendik manages the crossing, so you can book your ticket online by clicking here or buy it directly from Agia Roumeli.

Be careful, if you don’t plan enough time for hiking and you miss the boats, you will have to spend the night in Agia Roumeli*. There is no other way to get back to the car park until the next day.

Once you arrive in Sougia , you will then have to take a bus that takes about 1h to reach the Xyloskalo car park .

Bus tickets can be booked in advance on the official KTEL website (click here), or at the car park tavern. At the boat landing pier in Sougia, there is also a shack that sells tickets.

Once you have your car back, all that’s left is to go to Chania and spend a well-deserved night of rest !

*In case you took longer than expected for the hike and the boat left without you, you can book a room in a small hotel. Here are my recommendations (click on the links below):

Paralia Guest House
Agia Roumeli Hotel
Sweet Corner Masxali

For more details on this famous hike when travelling to Crete for 10 days , you must read my complete guide: How to visit the Samaria Gorge?

If you don’t feel like driving and bothering with booking the boat and the bus back , you can opt for an organised trip to Samaria from Chania. The return bus trip is included.

You must book in advance by clicking on the button below:

If you have knee or ankle problems, you can replace the Samaria hike with (you can choose) one of the following 2 hikes, which are shorter:

The Imbros Gorge hike: 8 km from Imbros with a gentle slope down to the bottom of the Gorge.
The Agia Irini Gorge hike: 7.5 km path from the village of Agia Irini and along the river.

Today, you must explore one of the most beautiful beaches where you can swim during this 9-10 day trip to Crete: Elafonissi beach.

It is located in the extreme south-west of the island, an hour and a half drive from Chania.

Getting to this beach is much easier than for Balos as you will find a huge free car park and you can reach the beach in just 5 minutes on foot.

All you have to do is drop your towel on the beach or rent a deckchair/parasol (€7 for 2) and enjoy a quiet day.

The beach is famous for the particular colour of its sand, which has pink reflections on the waterfront. With the turquoise waters in the background, the scene is very beautiful.

As the main beach is very busy, if you want to a more peaceful setting, I recommend that you cross over to the island of Elafonissi, located just opposite. Depending on the tide and the season, you can walk on the sandbar or cross in waters up to your knees.

You will find lots of pretty little coves, always with pink sand and translucent waters but no the crowds! And the further you go to the right, the more you’ll be alone.

If your legs are still up to it after yesterday’s hike, you can also walk to the end of the island where there is a chapel.

Just like for Balos beach, if you don’t have a car, you will need to opt for the guided tour from Chania to visit Elafonissi.

It includes transportation from your hotel , so it’s very convenient!

For all the practical information on the beach , you must read my dedicated article: Elafonissi: the definitive guide.

You can spend as much time as you like in Elafonissi, or even the whole day, but I think you should take the time to visit the nearby beach: the Kedrodasos beach.

To get there, it takes only 5 minutes by car followed by a ten minute walk . You will discover a superb stretch of shallow turquoise waters bordered by a forest of junipers.

Apart from a few naturists and wild campers a bit further back, Kedrodasos is completely wild and preserved. The ideal place for one last swim (bathing suit optional!).

Then take the road back to Chania.

If you didn’ t have time to visit Crete’s botanical garden on the second day after Balos lagoon, you can also stop there on the way back.

Spend another night in Chania.

On the road before arriving at the beach of Elafonissi, you can stop and see the cave of Agia Sofia (free entry but donations welcome).

After a short hike, you will discover a chapel built in the rock and a cave with stalactites and stalagmites . Not to mention that from the entrance of the cave, the view of the Topolia Gorge below is excellent.

Just after the cave, a 10 minute drive away, there’s the Chrysoskalitissas monastery, which is sold as a must-see sight in the island’s tourist guides.

To be honest, I found that even for the €2 entrance ticket, it’s not worth it because the tour is done in 2 minutes. There are undoubtedly more beautiful monasteries to see in 10 days in Crete.

For today’s agenda, you should stay near Chania and explore several places of interest of this 10-day tour in Crete.

This is also very practical because they are all located on the Akrotiri peninsula (where Chania airport is located, where you landed on the first day).

The tour that I recommend takes you on a circuit goes all around the peninsula over the day . These spots are mainly beaches, so do not hesitate to stop on the ones you like the most to swim.

In chronological order when leaving Chania, you must go and see:

Stavros beach: perfect if the weather is a bit windy because it is normally well sheltered
The Agia Triada monastery (€2.50), which unlike the one near Elafonissi, is really worth the visit. I really liked the flowery garden and the well laid out courtyards, and you can visit the church, the small museum, the wine cellar and taste the wine made by the monks.
The Governto monastery, which could not go inside because it is closed between 12pm and 5pm and also for the whole day on Wednesdays and Fridays. Learn from my mistake! 😅
The ruins of the Katholiko monastery are accessible by a path which takes about 90 minutes for a round trip (significant altitude difference) that starts from behind Governto (even if the monastery is closed, you can go inside).
The Seitan Limani beach, very well known in Crete because it is a small photogenic cove located at the bottom of a canyon. Take note that the path to the beach is narrow and stony and the waters are often rough, turning the place into a wave pool.
Marathi beach, ideal if you are making this 10-day stay in Crete with children, as the path to it is simple and the water is calm and shallow.
The Loutraki beach , which I found quite beautiful but unfortunately it has a huge hotel complex on one side. And so, there are tons of people in this small cove!

Last night in Chania.

2) Preveli and Matala (1 day)

For the second leg of this 10-day itinerary in Crete, the first stop of the day: the Preveli monastery.

From Chania, you should expect a 1 hour and 35 minutes drive. About ten kilometres before arriving in Preveli , you will pass through the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. You can stop at the marked places on the road to admire the landscape and take a break to click photos.

You can also take the steps down to the bottom of the Gorge and see the waterfall.

After this first stop, continue to the Preveli monastery, which you can visit for €3. The church is pretty and there is a small museum with beautiful icons .

Historically, during World War II, the monastery hid many soldiers who later managed to escape the island in a submarine.

Then drive for 5 minutes and park in the paid car park (€2) at the Preveli beach, the second stop on the schedule. With Balos and Elafonissi, Preveli is also one of the most beautiful beaches to visit Crete in 10 days.

The path to the beach is steep, followed by a staircase (about 15 minutes downhill) but you will already have a view of Preveli , 5 minutes from the car park.

Once you have descended, you will find a beautiful sandy beach bordered by the palm grove and a river crossing through.

There is a path along the beach, crossing through the palm tree forest. And you can of course spend as much time on the beach and swim.

In the afternoon , continue the journey to reach the last stop of the day: Matala, a 90 minute drive from Preveli.

Matala is known for its caves carved into the cliff . They were used as tombs during the Roman times and more recently as a squatting spot by a community of hippies. The site can be visited for €3.

The beach below the caves is also ideal for a dip.

Matala also has a second beach, Red Beach , which you can reach by a path that starts from behind the village (opposite the cliff where the caves are located). It takes about 30 minutes on foot.

Even if you don’t want to go to Red Beach, I suggest you at least start on the trail for 5 minutes and turn right to go up and admire the view of Matala in its entirety.

Spend the night in Matala.

On the road between Preveli and Matala beach, if you don’t mind taking a detour, you can go and see the Triopetra beach.

It is known for its stratified rocks on the left side but I would advise you not to swim there ( very windy, strong current and deep water).

In Matala, you must dine at the Bystronomie restaurant.

I wanted a little change after tasting the Cretan specialities and I enjoyed an excellent burger. The restaurant also offers risottos, sushi and fresh pasta. Everything is homemade and really good!

Hotel Orama Matala: Located 10 minutes on foot from the centre. Double room, simple but comfortable, from €55, breakfast included. Strong points: the warm welcome, calm atmosphere, swimming pool.
Matala Bay Hotel Apartments: Located 500 metres from the beach. Spacious double room with comfortable bedding from €70, breakfast included. Strong points: location, swimming pool, excellent breakfast.
Nikos Hotel: Located 100 metres from the beach. Double room with balcony from €70. Strong points: warm welcome, private parking, near the beach
Valley Village: Located 15 minutes on foot from the centre of Matala. Double room from €60 or bungalow suite at €80, breakfast included. The suites are super spacious, with 2 terraces and a jacuzzi. Strong points: swimming pool, quiet atmosphere, private parking, full breakfast. It’s my favorite for its excellent value for money in Matala!

3) Heraklion and its surroundings (2 days)

It would be a shame to go to Crete for 10 days without visiting Heraklion ! From Matala, you can reach the island’s second most famous city in just 1 hour and 10 minutes.

To make sure you don’t miss any of the unmissable activities, here is my recommended itinerary.

1) Start with the historic museum of Crete (€5) which will allow you to discover the history of the island with the help of an English audio guide.

2) Continue with a visit to the fortress of Koules (€4) that has an exhibition on the history of the building and the city.

3) Stroll around the old town of Heraklion , taking the Rue 25 Avgostou and forking into the surrounding streets. Among the main places of interest to see, you will find the Agiou Titou square, the town hall, the basilica, the fountain of the Morosini lions.

4) Visit the archaeological museum of Heraklion, the most famous museum to visit in Crete in 10 days! The 27 very modern rooms, which cover a period from Neolithic to Roman times, house numerous objects and frescoes of the Minoan civilization found at the Palace of Knossos.

5) Go to the Palace of Knossos , 5 km from the city centre to discover the ruins of the most famous archaeological site of Crete . At the time the vast complex consisted of royal apartments, residences of priests and officials, warehouses, baths.

All the details to visit Heraklion and Knossos can be found in my 2 other articles here:

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

Spend the night in Heraklion.

The archaeological museum and the Palace of Knossos are very touristy and therefore there is a fairly large queue. To not waste time, you must book your tickets in advance for these 2 sites.

The best option is to opt for the combined ticket which gives priority access to both sites and includes an audioguide (in English for now). Book by clicking the green button:

If you prefer, there are also other tickets available (links in orange):

Entrance ticket to the archaeological museum
Guided tour of the Palace of Knossos in English – Small group of 8 people maximum.
Digital tablet rental to visit Knossos in 3D – English Audioguide – Ticket price for Knossos are charged extra.

To continue this 10-day road trip in Crete, head to Elounda, 1 hour drive from Heraklion. From the port of Elounda, you can board a boat that will drop you off on the island of Spinalonga.

Boats leave every 1/2 hours in peak season and the trip takes just 1/4 of an hour and costs €12 per person (round trip).

Access to the island is also charged: €8

Spinalonga is known for 3 reasons:

The fortress built on the island by the Venetians in the 16th century was one of the last bastions of resistance during the Ottoman invasion. The besieged people resisted for nearly 50 years before they were forced to surrender.
Spinalonga served as a leper colony between 1904 and 1957. In Crete, lepers were tracked down and automatically deported to the island. More than 500 people are estimated to have been trapped there.
The island was made famous by the novel “The Island” by Victoria Hislop, which tells the story of a young woman who goes to Crete in search of her origins. She discovers that her grandmother died in Spinalonga in the middle of a leprosy epidemic. The book was adapted as a series and a comic book.

During your visit, you can explore the fortress, the old buildings of the village, the leper hospital and the church.

It is possible to explore the entire island on foot in about 1 hour , but you should take the time to climb up the hill to enjoy some nice views of the Cretan coast.

You can then take the boat back and have lunch in one of the many taverns in Elounda.

In the afternoon, you can discover another beautiful beach during this 10-day trip to Crete: Kolokitha beach.

It is located on Spinalonga peninsula, a 5-minute drive from the centre of Elounda and a 10-minute walk away. With its shallow turquoise waters, Kolokitha is really a great beach for swimming and relaxing.

This was one of my favourite places of this holiday in Crete of 10 days.

If you wish, you can also walk a little on the peninsula on both sides of the beach.

For the return trip to Heraklion , you can take the same road that you came or go via the Lassithi plateau to discover a more rural area of the island.

If you opt for this option, you will first have to reach the town of Agios Nikolaos (10 km south of Elounda) and then fork inland.

On the way, you must visit the cave of Zeus (or “Psichro cave”) where the king of the Greek gods is said to be born. The cave is only accessible by foot, after a 10 minute climb followed by a rather long staircase leading down to the bottom of the cave. There are a lot of big stalactites and stalagmites.

Paid parking at €2.50 + entrance to the cave = €6

And if you’re interested in Greek mythology, after the cave, you can also visit the Greek Mythological Park, located next to the car park. The scenes are well recreated and there is even an audio guide available in English.

Go back to Heraklion for another night.

For the second day in Heraklion , instead of Elounda and the island of Spinalonga, you also have the choice between several great activities:

Visit to Santorini from Heraklion
Cruise with a small group to the island of Dia – Snorkelling stop + excellent meal served on board – Maximum 10 people on the boat
Boat trip with barbecue lunch included and swimming stops
Quad bike tour with an English-speaking guide
Scuba diving with an English-speaking instructor
Cretan cooking classes
Acqua Plus water park (ticket available here!)

For more information, read my article: What are the things to do in Heraklion?

Intra Muros Hostel: Hostel located a 5-minute walk from the old town. Dormitory bed from 21€. Strong points: comfortable, warm welcome, cleanliness, roof terrace. The best choice for cheap accommodation in Heraklion!
Kronos Hotel: Located just next to Heraklion fortress. Double room with impeccable cleanliness and balcony (some with a sea view) from 65€, breakfast included. Strong points: the location is perfect for visiting Heraklion, good breakfast and friendly staff.
Atrion Hotel: Located in the historical centre. Comfortable and warm double room with balcony from 85€, breakfast included. Strong points: excellent location and excellent breakfast. It’s my favorite hotel for its excellent value for money in Heraklion!
DOM Boutique Hotel: Located in the heart of the old town. Modern, spacious and elegantly decorated double room from 110€, breakfast included. Strong points: excellent breakfast, attentive staff, setting, very good bedding. This is my recommendation for an upscale stay in Heraklion!
GDM Megaron: This 5-star hotel is also located in the centre of Heraklion, not far from the Venetian port. The hotel offers beautiful rooms with a balcony from 190€, breakfast included. Strong points: rooftop swimming pool, wellness area, exceptional breakfast, great staff. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Heraklion!

4) Rethymnon (1 day)

This morning, continuing with the 9-10 day itinerary in Crete, leave Heraklion and head to Rethymnon.

You must first visit Mélidoni cave , which I found particularly beautiful with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites . For €4 and free parking, it is definitely worth stopping by.

Then continue to the village of Margarites, 12 km away from the cave, known for its numerous pottery shops. You can see the potters in action and leave with a beautiful hand-made pottery, which is not very expensive (bowls from €3).

From Margaritès you can go to the monastery of Arkadi (15 km away). For €3, you can visit the 16th century Venetian church and the small museum displaying relics.

In its history, you should know that the monastery had hidden many people fleeing the Ottoman domination. Besieged by 2,000 soldiers, the Cretans chose to set fire to the barrels of powder stored in the wine cellar rather than surrender. Everyone died, including the soldiers.

Then head back to Rethymnon , which is a 30-minute journey away.

You can spend the rest of the day walking around the old town. Along with Chania, I found this city the most pleasant for a quiet walk. There are lots of little alleys with pretty shops and taverns.

Among the things to see in Rethymnon , you must visit:

The Venetian fortress – €4 entrance
The Old Venetian Port
The Rimondi fountain
The Neratze Mosque
The workshop of the last filo pastry maker
The archaeological museum
The grand gate and other religious buildings of the city such as the Four Martyrs Church , the Veli Pasha mosque and the Kara Mussa mosque.

And for the second last day of your 10-day trip to Crete, why not end on a romantic note with a sunset cruise?

Book by clicking the button below:

Spend the night in Rethymnon. Note that if your plane takes off very early the next day, you can also spend the last night in Chania instead of Rethymnon.

If you want to know more about Rethymnon, you can read my dedicated article: Visit Rethymnon.

Elina Hotel Apartments : Located next to the port and close to the beach of Rethymnon. Apartments with lounge and kitchenette from 50€ per night. Strong points: location, cleanliness, friendly staff.
Omiros Boutique Hotel: Located 50 metres from the beach. Modern and tastefully decorated double room from 75€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: jacuzzi, swimming pool, comfortable rooms. It’s my favorite hotel for its excellent value for money in Rethymnon!
Bellagio Luxury Boutique Hotel: Located next to the archaeological museum. Warm and comfortable double room, mix of modern and ancient from 75€, breakfast at 8€. Strong points: perfect location to visit Rethymnon, generous breakfast, quality of the bedding.
Menta City Boutique Hotel : Located 10 minutes walk from the old town. Bright and spacious double room with balcony from 125€, breakfast included. Strong points: swimming pool, excellent homemade breakfast, the rooftop and its view over Rethymnon.
Atlantis Beach Hotel : 5* hotel located 1.5 km from the historical centre and just next to the beach. The hotel offers elegant rooms with a balcony and sea views from 150€, breakfast included. Strong points: private beach, swimming pool, great staff. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Rethymnon!

Now we are at last day of this 10-day road trip in Crete . It is time to go to Chania, a 1 hour drive from Rethymnon to catch your return flight.

Depending on you flight timings, you can make a small detour midway to pass by the Kournas lake. It is the only natural lake in Crete. You can swim or take a paddle boat ride to see the turtles.

For a 9-day stay in Crete , you can remove the day at Akrotiri peninsula or the second day at Heraklion.

For an 11-day tour in Crete , spend an extra day in one of the 3 main cities: Chania, Heraklion or Rethymnon.

Would you prefer to spend 10 days in Crete in one place?

No worries!

You will find all the details to organise your stay in my detailed articles on the different cities. Just click on the links below.

Heraklion: The 13 places to visit
Chania: Top 15 places to discover
Rethymnon: Top 13 Things to Do

On Voyagetips.com , I give you all my best tips and itineraries to plan your trip to Crete by yourself. (All my Crete guides are here)

However, if you prefer to book a Crete tour with a travel agency , I recommend you to check the 10 best Crete tours by clicking the button below:

Do not hesitate to give us your opinions and suggestions on our 10-day itinerary in Crete!

If you have any questions for organising your 10 day tour in Crete, please feel free to ask me in the comments.

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your stay in Crete, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental!

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Crete? 😊

10 Days in Greece: flights & ferries prices

To reach Chania, the quickest option is to take a flight.

Chania airport is located on Akrotiri peninsula, 14 km from the city centre.

To get to Heraklion, the best is to take a flight.

Heraklion Airport is just a 10-minute drive from the city centre.

As always, you should book your plane tickets as early as possible to get the best prices. You have to know that the flight prices to Corsica can vary a lot throughout the year!

So to check the rates and schedules, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner:

Chania can be reach by ferries from the port of Piraeus in Athens . However, it takes 9 hours for the crossing.
Heraklion can also be reached by ferries from the port of Piraeus in Athens. It’s 8h30 to 9h30 journey.

You can also get to Heraklion from many Greek islands of the Cyclades archipelago: Santorini , Naxos , Paros , Mykonos, Tinos .

And lastly, there is a boat that allow you to get to Heraklion from the island of Rhodes .

To check prices and schedules of ferries to Crete, simply click on the button below:

Discover all my articles about Crete : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Crete are listed there.

27 Best things to do in Crete : All the best places to visit and activities
Itinerary: 4-5 days in Crete – Itinerary to prepare a short stay in East or West Crete
Itinerary: One week in Crete – The perfect itinerary to visit Western Crete
Itinerary : 7 days in Crete – The best itinerary to visit East Crete in 1 week
Itinerary: 10 days in Crete – How to visit Crete in 10 days
Itinerary: 2 weeks in Crete – The perfect itinerary for 14-15 days in Crete
Road trip to Crete: The best itineraries for 5, 7, 10 and 15 days
Chania : The 15 best places to discover
Heraklion : TOP 13 places to visit
Rethymnon: The 13 best things to do
Balos Beach : All my best tips to visit Balos Lagoon!
Elafonissi Beach : The definitive guide to discover Crete’s famous pink sand beach
Palace of Knossos: The definitive guide to visit the most famous archaeological site of Crete
Samaria Gorge : How to plan the best hike in Crete
Where to stay in Crete? The guide to the best hotels, ordered by city and budget

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

2 Days in Granada: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

One week in Tuscany: Epic 6-7-8 Day Itinerary (First Time Visit)

4 days in Milan: the perfect Itinerary (first time visit)

Crete Travel Guide: Exploring the Gem of the Mediterranean

February 4, 2024
Greece , Trip Planning

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

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

Key Takeaways

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

Delving into Crete’s Rich History and Culture

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

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

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

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

Best Time to Visit Crete

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

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

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

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

Crete Travel Guide: Unearth the Island’s Diverse Landscape

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

Idyllic Beaches and Luscious Mountains

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

The Samaria Gorge: A Hiker’s Paradise

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

Discover the Palace of Knossos

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

Experiencing Cretan Gastronomy and Local Flavors

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

Indulge in Traditional Cretan Cuisine

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

Guide to the Best Seafood Tavernas on the Coast

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

The Finest Cretan Olive Oils and Wine Tasting Tours

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

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

How to Get Around in Crete

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

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

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

Things to Know About Crete Accommodations and Travel Tips

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

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

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

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

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

Crete Awaits You

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

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

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

More tips for Greece:

5 Day Crete Itinerary: Must-See Places Based on Our Experience
10 Best Crete Restaurants
8 Best Chania Restaurants
Top Things To Do in Chania
Cheapest Greek Islands to Visit on a Budget
7 Best Greek Islands to Visit

Greek Islands to Avoid Crowds & Overspending

Greek Islands Without Airports
Best Greek Islands for Families

Compare other Greek islands with Crete:

Crete vs Santorini
Crete vs Corfu
Crete vs Mykonos

What are the must-see historical sites in Crete?

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

When is the best time to visit Crete?

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

What are some top outdoor activities and attractions in Crete?

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

What are some traditional Cretan dishes to try?

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

What are the different transportation options in Crete?

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

How do I choose the right accommodation in Crete?

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

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Top Things to Do in Chania (Crete)

How to Find Flights with Layovers in Certain Cities?

Read more about the article Greek Islands to Avoid Crowds & Overspending

Crete Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

Aerial view of Chania with brightly colored houses on the harborfront and mountains in the background on the island of Crete in Greece

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

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

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

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

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Crete

1. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

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

2. Relax on the Pink Beach

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

3. Explore Chania

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

4. Visit Knossos

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

5. Hike Samaria Gorge

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

Other Things to See and Do in Crete

1. take a trip to spinalonga island.

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

2. Explore Koules Fortress

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

3. Visit Aptera

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

4. See the Lassithi Plateau

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

5. Wander Rethymnon

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

6. Tour the Historical Museum of Crete

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

7. Hit Balos Beach

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

8. Take a wine tour

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

9. Wander Chrissi Island

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

10. Visit Plakias

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

11. Relax at Preveli Beach

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

12. Take a Cretan cooking class

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

13. Visit a Cretan olive oil farm

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

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

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

Crete Travel Costs

Flagstone-lined street flanked by brightly colored houses with wooden doorways on the island of Crete in Greece.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Backpacking Crete Suggested Budgets

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

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

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

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

Crete Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

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

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

Where to Stay in Crete

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

Youth Hostel Plakias
Rethymno Youth Hostel
Cocoon City
Intra Muros

How to Get Around Crete

Lone boat in the clear turquoise waters of a bay lined with white houses on the island of Crete in Greece.

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

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

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

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

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

When to Go to Crete

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

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

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

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

How to Stay Safe on Crete

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

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

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

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

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

If you experience an emergency dial 112 for assistance.

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

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

Crete Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

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

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

Crete Travel Guide: Related Articles

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

The 6 Best Hotels in Athens

The 6 Best Hostels in Athens

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

The Best Walking Tours in Athens

Traveling Greece: How Much Does It Cost?

Fulfilling Childhood Dreams in Crete

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ZigZagonEarth

Plan unforgettable road trips!

How to plan a road trip in Crete (by car) – Guide + Itinerary Tips

Last updated on November 6, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

Below are all my tips to help you plan your ideal Crete Road Trip. Exploring Crete by car is definitively the best way to discover the best that the largest of the Greek islands has to offer: beaches, mountains, gorges, monasteries, caves and villages. This should help you decide the best time to visit, where to go, define your Crete itinerary and prepare for your trip! Let’s make your trip unforgettable!

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Crete:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Crete: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Gramvousa island + Balos Lagoon

Fun activity: Quad excursion off the beaten path

My favorite places to stay:

Chania: see best rated hotels – e.g. Casa Delfino
Palaiochora: see best rated hotels – e.g. Blue Horizon Hotel
Rethymno: see best rated hotels – e.g. Leo Hotel

STEP 0 – Essentials to know before planning a Road Trip in Crete

Let’s start with a few essential facts to keep in mind before planning your trip to Crete :

PLANNING – There are lots and lots of places to see in Crete ( see my best-of list ), often separated by mountain roads, so be reasonable in the planning o your Crete itinerary
HIGHWAYS – There are a couple of high speed roads on the North coast but no highways. No tollroads either. On those high-speed road, you should drive partially on the emergency lane to let vehicles overtake you (this is how it works here in reality)
MOUNTAINS – There are mountain chains on the island, so you will find twisting roads and sometimes snowy conditions in Winter. My opinion is that there are not many very difficult roads, they are mostly wide enough.

ACCOMMODATIONS – Some destinations get very busy during the touristic season and you’d better book accommodations in advance (Elafonisi, Chora Sfakion…)
CROWDS – July and August get really really crowded
WEATHER – Pack layers of clothes. Because of the mountains the weather can change, with storms and rain. Be ready for all weather.
HOLIDAY TYPES – The North Coast is developed with organized beaches, while the South Coast is wilder
GOOD TO KNOW – Part of the South coast is not accessible by car (around Agia Roumeli and Loutro, East of Palaiochora)

STEP 1 – Decide the best time to visit Crete for your road trip

If your dates are already blocked and you have no choice, skip to the next step. And don’t worry the island of Crete is beautiful all year round!

If you have not decided when to visit Crete yet, here are a few things to consider:

Official Summer period – Best months to visit Corsica are considered to be from April to November – during those, temperatures are nice reaching above 20°C during the day (Above 68°F)
Opening sites – The Summer opening hours of the archaeological sites and museums are from April to November. Some places may be closed during Winter
Crowds – July and August get really crowded especially on the popular beaches and famous town such as Chania and Rethymno.
May and October are my favorite months. The water is still find to go swimming, especially in the shallow depth of lagoons

If traveling in Winter, there will be snow in the mountains, and some passes may be closed
In Winter, days are shorter and limit your exploration hours on a road trip
In Summer you can have storms because of the mountains. And in shoulder seasons, you will probably wind and rain up in the mountains.

STEP 2 – Where to go in Crete – Regions and Map

Map of crete – touristic regions.

Crete is cut in 4 main touristic regions. They are all home to nice beaches, archaeological sites and other wonders. However in all my favorite places to see, the highest numbers are in the Chania district and the Lassithi district. Below is a rough Map of the regions with just a few of the most famous sites

Overall touristic approach

The main distinction is that the North coast is much more developed with:

The high speed road from Kissamos at the West end to Sitia at the East end
All the main towns: Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos
You will hardly find any wild beaches. They are all organized.

While on the South Coast the mountains are close to the coast, so some beaches are still quite wild and there are even areas not reachable by car.

The touristic regions of Crete – best places to visit in Crete by car

Here is an overview of the 4 regions and their highlights to help you narrow down where to go on your Crete road trip:

Chania Region

Chania is the Western part of Crete. You won’t find many ruins here but some of the most beautiful beaches in Crete. The West coast is rather wild and you can choose between the inspired town of Chania or the isolated option of Palaiochora between mountains and sea.

Highlights:

The inspiring landscapes Balos Lagoon
The pink sand of Elafonisi beach
The Venetian harbour of Chania
The famous hike of Samaria Gorge

Rethymno Region

Rethymno one of the main town in Crete. It does not have the charm of Chania but it has a very long beach with seafront hotels. The region is home to some famous beaches and monasteries

Preveli beach with the lake and the Palm trees
The historical monastery of Arkadi
Chora Sfakion and the ferry access to the undeveloped coast
Lake Kournas, the only fresh water lake in Crete

Heraklion Region

If you want to discover more about the Minoan civilization, this is the region for you. And it is home to the capital of Crete: Heraklion with its airport and major harbor.

Knossos Minoan Palace (home of the Minotaur legend)
Phaistos Minoan Palace
Matala Beach and its cave
Gortyna ruins with the code of Law
and the fantastic Archaeological museum in Heraklion

Lassithi Region

Lassithi is the region that has it all: Minoan sites, historical sites, organized beaches, cild beaches, mountains, monasteries… This is the region that gives one of the best overall view of Crete, in my opinion.

Malia Minoan Palace
Voulisma beach with unbelievable colors
Vai beach with its palm trees
Spinalonga island , the fortified islet with a long history
Zakros: beach, ruins and gorge
The Lassithi plateau with the famous Cave of Zeus

or check out my article: Which side of Crete is best? East or West? North or South?

STEP 3 – How long to tour Crete by car

Time for the complete tour of crete by car.

I would not attempt the tour of the island if you have less than 10 days. And even with 10 days, you will have to be rigorous in your planning and only select a few places to get an overall feel of each area in order to tour Crete by car.2 to 3 weeks is way more comfortable

Time to dedicate to each region

Of course you can focus on just one single region and visit it in depth. But below are my estimations to give you a general idea of what to plan. This timeframe do not include spending long hours laying on beaches or long hikes. I love road trips and seeing as much as possible:

Chania Region – 4 to 7 days
Rethymno Region – 3 to 6 days
Heraklion Region – 2 to 5 days
Lassithi Region – 4 to 7 days

Driving times in Crete

STEP 4 – How to get to Crete

Crete being an island, there are 2 ways to reach it: by plane or by boat.

Flight to Crete

For shorter travel time, I recommend the plane. You easily save one day of travel and the rental car prices are reasonable.

The major airport is in Heraklion
Smaller airport in Chania
Coming from outside Europe, you will probably have a layover in Athens
The local company is called Aegan Airlines
Flights from Athens take 1h
Flights from London takes 4h (if non-stop)
Check out flight options on Skyscanner

Ferry to Crete

If you really want to come with your car you can take a ferry from Athens or from one of the other Greek islands (if doing a longer trip)

Most ferries arrive in Heraklion
The ferry from Athens takes 7 to 9 hours depending on which company you select. There are overnight crossing options.
You can find all your ferry options and times on Directferries.com

Don’t forget to check if you need a Visa to travel here. Crete is part of Greece and inside the Schengen area.

STEP 5 – Rent your car in Crete

If you fly in, it is now time to rent your car. You will find all the international brands and many many local companies at the Heraklion airport. It is very impressive. I have never seen that many options at an airport!

Here are a few tips:

If you are not the most skilled driver, pick a car that is not too large so that you will be more comfortable in the more narrow sections of the roads
Pick a car that has a good motor so that you can drive more comfortably in the mountains
Note: In Crete, most cars are manual, so you will pay more to get automatic
You don’t really need a 4WD, especially as most companies do not allow you to drive offroad even with a 4WD for insurance reasons
If driving in the mountains, I recommend getting insurance for window protection because I saw a lot of gravels and rocks fallen on the side of the road

Where to rent? My recommendations:

Option 1 – Check out the local company Rental Center Crete – excellent ratings and a zero-excess insurance policy included
Option 2 – Compare offers on Discovercars.com – one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!
Choose the car and company you prefer (with enough power for comfort on mountain roads)
Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
See my 36 tips about renting a car in Crete

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets! Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

STEP 6 – Create your Crete Itinerary

Now that you have dates and transportation, you “just” have to decide on your Crete itinerary.

For some inspiration you can check my overall articles:

The 30+ best things to do in Crete
The best beaches in Crete
The best archaeological sites in Crete
Monasteries and churches
Crete hidden gems

And if you want a practical tool to simplify the planning of your Crete road trip, check out my eBook:

Plan your dream trip in Crete thanks to my guide

Small Mainland Portugal Algarve ebook cover

5 maps to easily plan your itinerary
60+ pre-selected locations
GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
Tips to make the most of your time
150+ original photos to help you choose

When planning your Crete road trip itinerary don’t forget to consider the following essentials:

DRIVING TIMES – Always plan more time to go from point A to point B than what Google says. You will want to stop all the time to admire the scenery and the roads might have animals or traffic
DAYLIGHT HOURS – Check out the daylight hours you have available when you are traveling. Check out how long you have to see all the sites during the days
PLAN FLEXIBILITY – Sometimes you can have bad weather conditions in the mountains. So plan to be flexible.
BOAT TOURS – plan time to enjoy boat trips to some amazing locations (Balos, Loutro, Spinalonga).. and this give you a break from driving; Check out my list of the best Boat trips in Crete

STEP 7 – Book your Accommodations for your Crete road trip

There is a very large choice of accommodations in Crete – campsites, hotels, resorts, rentals and all inclusive resorts. You can find something for everyone’s taste.

A few things to be aware of:

Generally wifi is good
Swimming pools at hotels are not often heated, so it can be cold during shoulder seasons
Most establishment accept credit cards, but you may find a few places that will ask for cash
A lot of places have very small showers. This is something to be aware of. It this is important to you, check out the pictures in details before booking.

You can find a lot of choice on Booking.com . This the platform where I book almost all my stays.

Below is a snapshot of some of the places where I stayed. I will tell you more in my article about accommodations in Crete .

I think some of the best places to stay in Crete are:

Chania -The Venetian harbour and old town deserves for you to stay overnight. There is a great atmosphere in the evening – Check out the best rated accommodations in Chania
Elafonisi – The shallow lagoon and beach are very popular. The best time to see it is at sunset or sunrise. There are not many accommodations but you can sty nearby. I stayed at the Elafonisi resort by Kalomirakis Family in a nice villa surrounded by olive trees – Check out photos and availability
For stunning scenery , away from the large crowds – See best rated options in Palaiochora
For a very quiet area – see best rated options in Mochlos
For a sandy beach and some nightlife – See best rated options in Malia or in Bali
And many many places where you can stay right by the water with seaviews (for relatively cheap off the main touristic months)

More tips on my article about where to stay in Crete .

STEP 8 – Get all the equipment you need to tour Crete by car

Classic clothes. Nothing special to think about. Check my overall preparation and packing checklists to help you.

And don’t forget:

Layers for rain and for colder night in the evening in the mountains
Sunglasses & Hat
Hiking shoes

And regarding electronics and other equipments, I recommend

Photography equipment
GoPro for snorkeling
An extra battery to recharge your phone – you will want to take many photos and videos!
I also recommend binoculars to see the geological details and animals in the gorges and the wild areas – see my guide to help you choose your binoculars

Binoculars to be able to admire all the details in the scenery and monuments ( see my guide )

Thermal Blanket. They don’t take a lot of space and it is safer to have one when driving in Winter or hiking

Power strip + adapter to be able to charge all my equipment at once

STEP 9 – Get ready to drive in Crete

I know you can find a lot of comments from people who got scared driving in Crete. Personally, I did not find it that difficult. There are a few things to be aware but nothing really scary.

You just have to be aware that:

On the high seep roads, you have to drive half over the emergency lane, to let the other cars overtake you. This is not in the driving rules, but it is how it works. If someones behind you i flicking its lights, move over the emergency lane.
Animals can appear in the middle of the secondary road, so be vigilant!
The other danger are small rocks falling in the mountains. You will see a lot on the side of the roads. Make sure you take an insurance that covers that.
Just take your time and breathe. The millions of people who have had no issues tend not to write on the Internet that all went smoothly you only see people who got scared

Learn more on my article about Driving in Crete.

STEP 10 – Fill your GPS with the coordinates

What I hate the most when road tripping is wasting time. Turning around to find a place, missing an exit. Sometimes it leads to adventure, but most of the time it just leads to frustration.

This is why I don’t rent a GPS with the car. I have my own TomTom. With this system I can use the MyDrive system on my computer to add all the hotels’ GPS coordinates as well as the carparks’ coordinates for all the attractions I would like to see.

This way I just pick the favorite and follow the directions!!! I recommend you do that for your road trip in Crete.

NOTE – All the locations in my eBooks include the GPS coordinates of the nearest carpark, exactly for that reason

Get it on Amazon

STEP 11 – Get ready for your Travels in Crete

Generally they speak good English throughout the island. Just in a few places it was a bit more difficult but we managed. Saying a few words in greek is always appreciated:

Good morning – Kah-lee-MER-ah
Bye – YAH-soo
Please – Pa-ra-ka-LOH
Thank you – eff-kha-ri-STOE
Excuse me – sig-NO-mii

Food is great! A few things to know

Almost all the places where we ate had menus in English (even in isolated areas).
You will always find salads on the menu
Sometimes the bread is placed on the table but not free
Portions are very large. We used to take 2 dishes for 3 adults or share a selections of delicious appetizers
Don’t miss the freshly squeezed juices !

Other tips for traveling in Crete

Emergency number is 112
Plug is 2 round holes
Generally avoid tap water and use bottle water
You must not throw the toilet paper in the toilet but in the bin of the bathroom

Need to rent a car in Crete ?

Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
Prefer a compact car for the narrow streets in villages
Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

And keep track of your own trip!

Want to see more of CRETE?

21 best towns and villages in Crete

How to rent a car in Crete

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Reader Interactions

September 1, 2019 at 5:17 PM

Just wanted to say thank you for a great article with a very clean and straightforward presentation.

September 2, 2019 at 9:12 AM

Hi Jerry, I am glad you enjoyed it. I wish you wonderful travels!

Par Claire Robinson Region Lovers SARL 76600 Le Havre FRANCE VAT FR21845103191

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Crete Travel Guide

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The tour to Greece was a pleasant surprise for me! Perfect organisation, pleasant team, amazing landscapes and cultural sites!

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

Brief history

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

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

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

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

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Greece, created by local experts

10 days / from 2657 USD

The Historical and Mythological Cyclades islands

The Cyclades islands include two of the most famous Greek Islands: Mykonos and Santorini. Visit these and some of the smaller, quieter, islands. With white washed houses, narrow cobbled streets, blue domed roofs and stunning beaches, they are what Greece is all about.

9 days / from 2246 USD

A secluded villa stay on Mainland Greece

Stay in a secluded private villa with magnificent views to the sea and explore this beautiful corner of Mainland Greece with your own rental car. Under the impressive Mt Taygetos in Southern Peloponnese, the region of Mani will give you a snapshot of authentic Greece.

10 days / from 2030 USD

Along the Coast of Crete: from Heraklion to Platanias

As Greece's largest island, Crete's culture and atmosphere is distinctly different from mainland Greece. Thousands of years of unique culture and rich history complement the island's untamed natural beauty. Explore Crete at your own pace with this unique self-drive trip!

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

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

Climbing/adrenaline sports

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

Horseriding

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

Walking and cycling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inland from Iráklion

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

East of Iráklion: the package-tour coast

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

Mount Psilorítis

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

Hiking routes on Mount Ida

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

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

Getting to Mount Ida

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

History of Mount Ida

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

Climbing Mount Psilorítis

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

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

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

Áyios Nikólaos

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

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

Lasíthi Plateau

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

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

Island escape: Gaidhouronísi

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

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

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

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

Hiking the Amári valley

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

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

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

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

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

The southwest coast

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

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

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

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

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

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

Royal Apartments

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

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

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

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

The Throne Room

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

Theatre Area

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

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

Dante, Inferno, Canto XII

'Into the chasm was that descent: and there

At point of the disparted ridge lay stretch’d

The infamy of Crete, detested brood

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

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

Top Image: Knossos Palace © Constantinos Illiopoulos / Shutterstock

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

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

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

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

last Updated: February 15, 2023 crete greece greek islands

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An Insiders Guide to Crete: All the best things to do in Crete, where to stay, what and where to eat, and more!

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

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

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

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

HOW TO GET TO CRETE:

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

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

WHERE TO STAY IN CRETE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHEN TO VISIT CRETE:

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

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

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

HOW TO GET AROUND CRETE:

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

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

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

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

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

WHAT TO BRING ON YOUR ISLAND ADVENTURE:

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

Other things to note:

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

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

Best things to do in crete:.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Know in advance:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHERE AND WHAT TO EAT IN CRETE:

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

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

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

Where to Eat in Heraklion

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

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

Where to Eat in Rethymnon

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

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

Where to Eat in Chania

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

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

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

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

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

Pin for later:

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

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Braeden Smith Planning Visit to Gonzaga

The Patriot League Player of the Year is coming to Spokane in the near future.

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The 6’0” sophomore guard from Colgate recently visited Davidson over the weekend and is now planning to visit Washington, Gonzaga, and Cal within the next week. A return to Colgate is also an option. The Seattle native averaged 12.5 PPG on 39.3 FG%, 5.5 RPG, 5.6 APG, 1.9 SPG this past season with the Raiders. Smith started all 70 of Colgate’s games in his two seasons there and helped guide his team to the NCAA Tournament in 2023 as well as 2024.

The Gonzaga backcourt is filling up with Ryan Nembhard, Nolan Hickman, Khalif Battle as well as Steele Venters and Dusty Stromer in spots. A backup point guard isn’t at the top of the list of needs but a rim protector/backup big man is. The Zags have 10 scholarships filled with 3 available to be give out.

The Patriot League Player of the Year may be a bit on the smaller side but makes up for it with his high basketball IQ and ability to make those around him better. His shot selection as well as the expansion of his range could use some work and a year under Gonzaga’s development would be valuable for him before a potential breakout redshirt junior or senior season.

Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area... Follow him on Twitter @a_cravalho

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How to Navigate London’s Wondrous (and Very Big) V&A Museum

Paintings, ceramics, photography, fashion, furniture and more: The Victoria and Albert Museum is a treasure trove of art and design. Here’s one besotted visitor’s plan for taking it all in.

In a museum gallery full of replicas of centuries-old sculptures, visitors are tiny in comparison to a huge sculpture of a nude male figure: Michelangelo's David.

By Andrew Ferren

Andrew Ferren, a frequent contributor to the Travel section, has visited the V&A dozens of times and looks forward to exploring the new satellite buildings when they open in East London in 2025.

Even for someone who loves getting lost in museums — especially “everything museums” like the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York — London’s Victoria and Albert Museum might have been my Waterloo. The statistics are daunting: 5,000 years of artistic production with more than 60,000 works on view (from a collection of some 2.8 million) in about 150 galleries beneath 21 acres of roof.

The V&A typically draws around 3 million annual visitors, but even on the busiest days, the museum has the space and setup to largely avoid the sense of competing with the crowds. Since visiting the permanent collection is free (some exhibitions cost up to 20 pounds, or about $25), once you’re in the door you can just start wandering. Step right for medieval mosaics and Renaissance tapestries or go deep for 1940s Paris fashion, Baroque sculpture and, beyond that, Buddhist art.

It’s easy to spend an entire day in the V&A. Here’s a plan for making the most of your visit. But first a bit of background.

An eclectic treasure trove

If the British Museum is known as Britain’s attic — an abundance of artistic and cultural relics from the realm and around the globe — then the V&A is the country’s classroom. It, too, is a trove of exemplary works, from exquisite Raphael drawings to groovy 1970s plastic radios; Coptic tunics to Alexander McQueen couture gowns; vividly hued Islamic tiles to a bunch of grand English beds. These objects were displayed not just to delight connoisseurs, but to provide great art and ideas to educate British designers, manufacturers and workers in good taste and technical prowess.

The museum was the pet project of Prince Albert, consort to Queen Victoria, who had seen firsthand that British manufactured goods were not always top of the class. By displaying applied arts (textiles, ceramics, glass and other manufactured objects) alongside fine arts (architecture, painting and sculpture), the new museum would democratize aesthetic appreciation and inspire better designs for better products.

Originally known as the South Kensington Museum, the V&A opened in 1857 in temporary structures while new buildings were constructed. Incorporated into the new museum were libraries and schools for science and art, including one for women. The leading artists of the time, such as Frederic Leighton and William Morris, contributed to its décor. Such was its embrace of modernity, that the world’s first museum exhibition of photography (the medium was “invented’ only in the 1820s) was held here in 1858.

Though Prince Albert died in 1861, the museum continued to expand. In 1899, Queen Victoria laid the cornerstone of a grand new entrance wing along Cromwell Road and renamed the complex the Victoria and Albert Museum.

If that sounds fusty, it’s not. More than 165 years after its opening, the V&A’s pioneering spirit hasn’t faded. Its fashion blockbusters, like “Naomi: In Fashion,” celebrating the model Naomi Campbell (opening June 22), are must-see shows. And its outreach programs, studio classes and parties engage the public as few museums do. Recently, the V&A’s reach has been growing, with offshoots such as the Scottish V&A Dundee , a kid-centric Young V&A and two new museum buildings — one featuring nearly 250,000 works — opening in East London in 2025.

Many contemporary artists and designers claim the V&A as among their favorite museums, and one to which they return again and again. Though neither artist nor designer, I, too, claim the V&A as a favorite museum and have visited dozens of times, often for less than an hour just to wow my young kids with the monumental plaster casts of European monuments or even just to get out of the rain.

But I knew there were still sections I’d never visited. So, after an absence of three years, I spent a day there and came up with a game plan for others to navigate those vast halls.

Get there at 10 a.m., when the doors open, so you can breeze through the ground-floor galleries while they are still virtually empty and then head to more remote parts.

Since fabrics are fragile and fade, the fashion exhibits are changed regularly and there’s always something fresh and engaging to see. From there, wind past the entrance through the arts of Asia, from the elegantly simple furniture of Ming China to the intricately carved lacquerware of Japan, to the eye-poppingly vivid blue tile reliefs and stunning silk carpets such as the 16th-century Ardibil carpet from Persia.

Then into the Cast Courts, three huge galleries packed with full-size reproductions — plaster and metal casts — of sculptures and building fragments from around Europe. Exact copies of medieval tombs line the floor while masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David, Trajan’s Column and Renaissance church facades rise toward the ceiling. One can easily get stuck here, awed by the scale and charmed by the concept of corralling massive replicas from across the centuries into a playground for architecture buffs.

From there it’s an easy slide into the adjacent medieval and Renaissance galleries, which cover Europe from 300 to 1600, and where the colorful fourth- and fifth-century tapestry fragments on view or the radiant gold-backed mosaics from Ravenna, Italy, reveal that the Dark Ages were not entirely devoid of light and color.

The later galleries reveal just how connected and sophisticated many parts of Europe were in the Renaissance. Exquisite regional products — metalwork and armor from Germany, shimmering lusterware ceramics from Spain, tapestries from Brussels — became sought after on an international marketplace.

Carving your own path

In such a sprawling museum, there is no single logical or even chronological path to follow. For many, that’s part of the V&A’s appeal: the quirky juxtapositions one encounters roaming it’s six floors (the ground floor is numbered zero, so the “fourth floor” is actually the fifth level; the V&A also has a -1 basement level).

So on my visit, once the galleries started filling up at midday, I took the elevator to the remote fourth-floor ceramics galleries and then made my way to the lower floors.

On the fourth floor, it feels as if virtually everything ever made of clay or porcelain — Ming, majolica, Meissen, you name it — is displayed in floor-to-ceiling cases, including stacks of Chinese bowls salvaged from a ship that sank in 1400 off the Malay Peninsula.

Just when you think one can’t stretch the clay any further, you get to a display about Josiah Wedgwood and his innovative Jasperware that became the rage around the world in the 18th century. (The V&A also has an outpost in Stoke-on-Trent dedicated entirely to Wedgwood). The remaining fourth-floor galleries showcase furniture from the last 600 years.

The third floor offers a similar range of media and epochs — from international glass in all its facets to architectural models. One might expect Venetian Murano glass to reign supreme, but the quirky and colorful 18th-century German enameled glass, as well as green-hued glasses and goblets adorned with blobs of glass steal the show.

On the second floor, a network of long galleries offers deep dives into religious stained glass, small-scale bronze sculptures, English paintings and drawings, as well as tapestries. Nearby, gorgeous murals by Frederic Leighton push the V&A propaganda in themes like “The Arts Applied to War” and “The Arts Applied to Peace.”

Also on the second floor, the Photography Center recently expanded its galleries to become Britain’s largest photography exhibition center. Part of a display called “Design: 1900-Now,” features a recent acquisition: a store-bought snorkeling mask that had been adapted by an Italian designer into a functioning oxygen mask during the darkest days of the Covid crisis in 2020.

In a country famous for its crown jewels, the V&A’s spot-lit jewelry gallery packs in everything from fifth-century Byzantine bracelets to jaunty 1970s body jewelry. Standouts include the Townshend jewels — a virtual encyclopedia of gemstones, from colored diamonds to opals, each set in individual rings and displayed in swirls of brilliant color.

And finally, stretching almost across the entire second floor is a display of every imaginable type of ironwork. Seeing these works, such as the monumental 19th-century Gothic Revival choir screen from Salisbury Cathedral, calls to mind the Goethe quote that “architecture is frozen music.”

Take a break then keep going

Even if you’re not hungry, head to the ground level to the Refreshment Rooms, the world’s first museum cafe, which opened in 1868. Designed by the leading talents of the day — James Gamble, William Morris, Philip Webb, Edward Burne-Jones and Edward J. Poynter — the original decoration remains largely intact, a snapshot of Victorian modernity. Back in the day, each room had a different menu and proposed clientele, but today, for about £10, visitors can choose from a buffet of hot English fare, quiches, sandwiches, beer, wine or soft drinks, and take their meal into whichever room they find most pleasing.

Back in the galleries, I had saved what I considered the best for last: some two dozen British galleries (spread between levels 1 and 3) that tell the country’s history from the Tudors to the Victorians through paintings, furniture, clothing, musical instruments, textiles and truly fabulous beds, including the Great Bed of Ware, a massive four-poster built in 1590 for an inn. It measures nearly 11 feet on each side, supposedly able to accommodate four couples. Centuries-old graffiti covers practically every plank, and its fame merited a mention in Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”: “… as many lies as will lie in thy sheet of paper, although the sheet were big enough for the bed of Ware.”

And then finally, the most extraordinary works in the museum, shown in a cathedral-like space: the famous Rafael cartoons for the tapestries that were created to adorn the Sistine Chapel in 1515-16. Commissioned by Pope Leo X, Raphael painted the designs on paper, which would have been used as the guide for the weavers to follow. Now owned by King Charles III and considered among the greatest works of Renaissance art, they were created as part of a manufacturing process, so it seems wholly appropriate they are on loan to the V&A, where fine art and manufacturing go hand in hand.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places: Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai: Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto: The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland: The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas: Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

Human-sounding AI can plan, help book your travel. But can you trust it?

It wasn’t so long ago that travelers planned trips without the internet.

“Back in the day, our parents used to go to these travel agents and really kind of express what they were looking for and what kind of vacation they wanted,” said Saad Saeed, co-founder and CEO of Layla, an AI travel planner whose website launched this year. “Slowly, we kind of acclimatized ourselves to start using these search boxes, clicks, these forms and filters.”

Artificial intelligence-driven tools like Layla can now turn back the clock on that experience, engaging with users almost like humans to customize travel plans with lightning speed plus all the resources of the web. But does AI actually make travel planning easier and can it compare to human expertise?

Yes and no. Here’s why.

Can AI actually understand us?

It can try.

“What are you personally looking for in this trip and what do you want out of it?” asked Saeed. “Do you want to reconnect with your partner, for example, or do you want to just feel some adventure and thrill?”

A human travel agent may ask a series of questions to understand a client’s needs. So can generative AI , which picks up on keywords. Mindtrip, an AI planner launched publicly on May 1, has an actual travel quiz that asks users to rank priorities like “Is your ideal vacation day an exhilarating adventure or a relaxing break?” using sliding scales.

“What we get at the end of that quiz, using the AI, is a really customized description,” explained Mindtrip Founder and CEO Andy Moss. That then informs what the AI suggests to the traveler.

Informed suggestions can save users time in narrowing down destinations and experiences, as well as introduce places users may never have discovered on their own.

AI travel planning is here: How to use it to plan your next vacation and what you should know first

Can AI fully replace humans?

No. Layla may sound human, using conversational phrases like “I've got three cozy nests that won't make your wallet cry.”

“She has a personality. We try to make her funny and so on, where it's really that friend that can get to know you and then recommend you the perfect stuff,” Saeed said.

But part of Layla’s expertise comes from the real-life experiences of some 1,600 travel content creators the Berlin-based platform has partnered with. Their videos and insights can give users a richer picture of what to expect.

Mindtrip also leans on human expertise, having tapped a limited group of travel influencers for curated content with plans to eventually open it up so anyone can share their travel itineraries and experiences with the public.

Story continues below.

Is AI a threat to privacy?

With all the rapid advancements in AI in just the past year, some users are wary of its safety .

“Data privacy is definitely one of our biggest concerns, and we ensure that none of the personal identifiable information ever reaches basically the model providers. That will all stay with us,” Layla’s Saeed said. “None of their personally identifiable data can ever be basically used to profile them or basically go into any of these systems, which are training these different models.”

Booz Allen Hamilton, the nation’s largest provider of AI to the federal government , focuses heavily on ethical and secure AI, as well as adhering to the government’s policies on data collection.

“We collect as little information as we can in order to provide a secure transaction,” said Booz Allen Hamilton Senior Vice President Will Healy, who heads up their recreation work, including Recreaton.gov , the government’s central travel planning site for public lands like national parks. “We don't save your searches. We don't save your credit card data. We're very careful about the data that we store.”

Yoon Kim, an assistant professor in MIT’s Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department and Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory , isn’t too worried about security in the initial brainstorming stages of travel planning with AI.

“I don't see, at this point, how AI-generated advice is spiritually different from travel guide articles that you might read on certain websites,” he said. “Travel planning is one really nice use case of these models, as narrow as it is, because it's a scenario in which you want to be given ideas but you don't actually need to commit to them.”

What’s next for AI?

Things could be different, though, if AI is used beyond trip planning. Deloitte sees AI being woven into all parts of travel.

“There is an opportunity for a real engine – I'm going to just use a generic term, engine – that allows you to search and pull it all together and to sort based off of your personal reasons for prioritization and then not stopping at ‘hey give me a list’ or ‘here's what to do,’ but ‘OK, now go create my itinerary, help me book it, track it all the way through that travel process,” said Matt Soderberg, principal, U.S. airlines leader for Deloitte.

Deloitte’s Facing travel’s future report, released in early April, identifies seven stages where AI can intersect with a trip, from personalized recommendations based on past travel, online purchases and tendencies to day-of issues to a post-travel pulse, where travelers may be asked about their experience and start thinking about future trips.

“When you solve across all of those, that's going to be the Holy Grail,” Soderberg said. “The difficulty is that doesn't all sit in one place. And so how do you get the right information and the right data to bring all of that together for a single experience for the consumer? And who's going to own that?”

Layla and Mindtrip, among others, already offer booking through partners like Booking.com. “It's all about making things actionable,” Moss said.

But for now, if issues come up mid-trip, AI tools can’t fix them like humans can. Humans still have to get involved.

Tired of overcrowded national parks? Here’s how to go backcountry camping.

How to dig a toilet and other essential lessons for backcountry camping.

Everyone seems to be a camper these days, including folks who once feigned an allergy to nature.

According to Recreation.gov, which handles reservations for nine federal agencies, the number of camping reservations increased from 2.72 million in 2019 to 4.14 million last year. For this summer, 143 campground facilities are sold out from June through August and another 232 campgrounds are at capacity for a least one peak month.

If your version of the outdoors does not include trunk-slamming car campers and wheezing RVs, then you need to venture deeper into wild.

“Backcountry camping is an opportunity to connect more with the wilderness, to have a little more solitude and to get away from cellphone service,” said Sarah Martin, Rocky Mountain director of the National Outdoor Leadership School .

Not surprisingly, wilderness or backcountry camping has also grown in popularity. Recreation.gov issued 371,000 permits last year, compared with 188,000 in 2019. Due to demand, the number of permit facilities has jumped from 38 in 2019 to 81 this year. However, the rigors of backpacking without standard services works as a filter; only the heartiest apply.

“Nobody is responsible for taking care of you, for cleaning up after you, for making sure that you put out your fire,” said Andrea Ference , an experienced backcountry camper based in the Canadian Rockies. “It is more self-reliant camping than traditional front-country camping.”

For first-timers, backcountry camping might seem intimidating. But with the right tools, digging a latrine and sleeping far from civilization will become second nature.

What is backcountry camping?

The National Park Service defines the category as “one or more primitive or wilderness areas which are reached primarily by hiking, boating or horseback.”

The agency emphasizes that a developed campground on a remote parcel of land, such as Isle Royale National Park in Michigan, does not qualify. The campsites fall into one of three categories: designated, designated-dispersed and dispersed , the most rugged option.

Backcountry camping is available on public lands in a range of environments, such as mountains, deserts and wetlands. The parks distinguish the backcountry from the more established hiking and camping areas.

For example, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia boasts more than 196,000 acres of backcountry and wilderness. Denali National Park in Alaska divides its 6 million acres into 87 backcountry units covering thousands of acres each. In Everglades National Park, the 1.4 million-acre Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness is the largest subtropical wilderness in the country.

Though backcountry campers carry all of their gear and basically fend for themselves, the activity has a few guardrails. Many parks will map out routes and designate campsites for backcountry campers. You might even share trails with day-trippers or less ambitious campers. But in the wilder spots, you will be alone. Well, not entirely alone.

Purchase your permit

Many parks require backcountry campers to acquire a permit during peak times or year-round. Purchase it as soon as possible. The number of spaces is capped, and demand can be high.

“Gaining access to the permit has become a much bigger hurdle, especially since the pandemic,” said Ference, who has camped in about 20 national parks. “If you don’t have a permit in advance, there’s almost a zero percent chance that you’ll be able to go backcountry camping, especially within a national park.”

The booking systems vary by park.

Mount Margaret in Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument opens reservations to the Washington state lands the first day of a month before the month of your reservation.
Santa Rosa Island in Channel Islands National Park uses a six-month rolling system. On May 9, the California park started releasing permits for its Aug. 15 through Nov. 9 camping season.
Yellowstone National Park , which maintains nearly 300 backcountry campsites, offers an early-access lottery, a general sale period and walk-up permits two days before your trip.

When purchasing a permit, note any restrictions, such as length of stay, group size, open fires and pets. Also check the reservation policy. You can often cancel a few days before your booking and receive a partial refund. Unless you’re Yosemite and keep the entire $15.

Test equipment

For a backcountry camping trip, you don’t need to train with the same intensity as a marathon. Frequent neighborhood walkabouts in your hiking boots and pack will suffice.

“The biggest part of physical training is just time on your feet. Go on long walks and break in your gear,” Ference said. “The worst thing you can do is head out on the trails with a pair of brand-new hiking boots.”

If you purchased gear for your adventure, Ference recommends camping out in your yard for a night. This way, you can familiarize yourself with your equipment, work out any kinks and identify any ill-conceived items. On a test run, Ference discovered that her sleeping pad did not fit inside her one-person tent.

Campers not ready to invest in gear can rent a variety of items from REI . The inventory varies by store, but some common objects include sleeping bags, tents, propane stoves, trekking poles and bear canisters.

Bring only essentials

Before packing your rucksack, determine whether the campsite offers any amenities. The perk might be minor, such as an animal-proof food container, but it’s one less thing you’ll have to lug.

At Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, for example, the sites come with campfire rings and tent pads. Yellowstone provides bear-resistant food boxes or storage poles (35-foot rope not included). Sylvania Wilderness camping in Michigan’s Ottawa National Forest has pit latrines.

Many national parks and outdoor outfitters provide checklists (check Backcountry.com ). NPS spokesman Dave Barak shared his list of 10 essential items:

Navigational supplies, such as maps, a GPS unit and a compass.
Sun and insect protection.
Extra clothing for insulation.
Light source, such as a headlamp and flashlight.
First-aid kit.
Fire starter.
Extra food and water.
Repair kit and tools.
A communication device that is more reliable than a cellphone, such as a personal locator beacon or satellite phone.

Ference brings a camping pillow, her one little luxury, and dehydrated meals, which she swears are tasty.

“The backpacking meals they make these days are shockingly delicious,” she said. “They are also made for the activity that you’re doing. So, it has a really high sodium content, because you’re sweating all day.”

As your camping skills advance, so can your cooking. If you carry a pot or pan, choose the nonstick kind, because cleaning burned dehydrated eggs is a thankless chore.

To calculate your food quantity, take into account the activity level, weather and weight you are carrying. NOLS recommends 1 to 1.5 pounds of food (2,000-3,000 calories) per day for a short, leisurely trip in mild temperatures. For a more strenuous outing, increase your supply to 1.75 to 2 pounds, or 3,000 to 3,500 calories.

For drinking water, Martin plots out routes with natural water features, such as rivers and lakes in the mountains and springs in the desert. She uses chlorine tablets called Aquamira to purify the water. To rinse off before bed, she carries a hanging shower bag and small bottle of Dr. Bronner’s biodegradable soap.

“It keeps me feeling more like a human and less like a wild animal,” she said.

Martin reminds campers to keep at least 200 feet away (or 70 paces) from a water source, to avoid contamination.

Find a campsite

If your permit includes a designated campsite, then you can stop there. If you are in charge of scouting out a site, location is critical.

The National Park Service advises against ledges, high peaks and the middle of a field, which can be a vulnerable spot in high winds or lightning storms. Also avoid setting up camp under dead branches that could crash down on your tent. Stay away from ravines that might flood.

Stake your tent at least 200 feet away from any trails and natural water sources. Ditto for your toilet and food storage and cooking area, especially in bear country.

Dig a toilet

When constructing a latrine, dig a hole at least eight inches deep. Martin said most people bury their toilet paper, but she said the product does not always quickly decompose.

“We cannot count on toilet paper to break down season after season. It just takes a lot longer than we think,” she said. “I think any sort of human products that we use in the backcountry need to be packed out.”

To reduce the ick factor, she said some people store the used toilet paper in empty coffee bags, so the coffee scent masks the less pleasant odors. If you use a plastic zip-top bag, she recommends covering it with duct tape.

“You don’t need to look at what’s in that trash bag,” Martin said.

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .

AAA Newsroom

Automotive, Travel, and Traffic Safety Information

Nearly 44 Million Travelers Leaving Town for Unofficial Start of Summer

Second highest memorial day holiday travel forecast since aaa began tracking in 2000.

WASHINGTON, DC (May 13, 2024) – AAA projects 43.8 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Memorial Day holiday travel period*. This year’s total number of travelers is a 4% increase over last year and comes close to matching 2005’s record of 44 million Memorial Day travelers.

“We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.”

Road trips are expected to set a record. AAA projects 38.4 million people will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend, the highest number for that holiday since AAA began tracking in 2000. The number of drivers this year is up 4% compared to last year and 1.9% higher than in 2019. Traveling by car is appealing for many people because of the convenience and flexibility it provides. AAA car rental partner Hertz says Orlando, Denver, Atlanta, Boston and Las Vegas are the cities displaying the highest rental demand , with the busiest pick-up days projected to be Thursday, May 23 and Friday, May 24.

This Memorial Day weekend drivers can expect similar gas prices as last year when the national average was roughly $3.57. Pump prices rose this spring but have held somewhat steady in recent weeks. Prices may creep higher as the summer driving season gets underway. The wildcard remains the cost of oil, and unlike last year, there are now two wars – in the Middle East and Ukraine – that could roil the oil market.

Airports are bracing for a spike in travelers. AAA expects 3.51 million air travelers this holiday weekend, an increase of 4.8% over last year and 9% jump compared to 2019. This will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005, when 3.64 million flew for the holiday as the travel industry finally rebounded post 9/11. This Memorial Day weekend, air ticket prices are comparable to last year. AAA booking data shows a 1% to 2% increase in prices for domestic flights. Several factors play into how much travelers pay for airfare, including destination, number of stops, and fare class. For example, passengers who book nonstop flights with seat selection and carry-on bags included will likely pay more than those who select basic economy with a layover.

Nearly two million people are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, including buses, cruises, and trains. AAA projects 1.9 million people will take these other modes of transportation, an increase of 5.6% compared to last year. “This category took the biggest hit during the pandemic with fewer people taking public transportation or not cruising at all,” Twidale said. “Now – five years later – we’re back to 2019 numbers. Travel demand has been soaring, and long holiday weekends create the perfect windows for getaways.”

Best/Worst Times to Drive and Peak Congestion by Metro

INRIX , a provider of transportation data and insights, says drivers leaving Thursday or Friday should hit the road early to avoid mixing with commuters. Travelers going back home on Sunday or Monday should avoid the afternoon hours when return trips will peak.

“Travel times are expected to be up to 90% longer than normal. Travelers should stay up to date on traffic apps, 511 services, and local news stations to avoid sitting in traffic longer than necessary,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX.

Please note that the times listed below are for the time zone in which the metro is located.

For example, Atlanta routes = ET and Los Angeles routes = PT

Source: INRIX

Top Destinations

This Memorial Day weekend, travelers are seeking theme parks and entertainment venues in Orlando, New York, Las Vegas, and Southern California. Seattle, Anchorage, and Vancouver rank high because of the popularity of Alaska cruises this time of year. Florida beaches and cruise ports will also be packed. European cities dominate the international list. The top 10 domestic and international destinations below are based on AAA booking data.

Travel Trends

As travelers make plans for summer and beyond, AAA Travel has identified the following trends:

Bucket Lists : Travelers taking once-in-a-lifetime trips
Milestones : Families booking anniversary, retirement, and family reunion trips
Asia : More travelers interested in visiting Asia, especially Japan
Solo Trips : More people, especially women, interested in traveling by themselves
Luxury Vacations : More travelers seeking high-end cruises and tours
Trains : Many travelers interested in rail vacations across New England, Canada, and Europe
Adventure in Nature : Travelers booking trips to Antarctica, Africa, and South Pacific

Travel Agent Survey

A recent survey of AAA travel agents highlights topics travelers are frequently discussing when booking trips:

Travel Insurance : 51 % of agents say more travelers are interested in protecting their trips
77% of agents say ocean cruises
70% of agents say all-inclusive vacations
67% of agents say river cruises

Holiday Travel Forecast Methodology  

In cooperation with AAA, S&P Global Market Intelligence (SPGMI) developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes. The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from SPGMI’s proprietary databases. These data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment, output, household net worth, asset prices, including stock indices, interest rates, housing market indicators, and variables related to travel and tourism, including gasoline prices, airline travel, and hotel stays. AAA and SPGMI have quantified holiday travel volumes going back to 2000. 

Historical travel volume estimates come from DK SHIFFLET’s TRAVEL PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM . The PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM is a comprehensive study measuring the travel behavior of U.S. residents. DK SHIFFLET contacts over 50,000 U.S. households each month to obtain detailed travel data, resulting in the unique ability to estimate visitor volume and spending, identify trends, and forecast U.S. travel behavior, all after the trips have been taken.

The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and SPGMI forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation. The travel forecast presented in this report was prepared the week of April 15, 2024.

*Memorial Day Holiday Travel Period

For this forecast, the Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as the five-day period from Thursday, May 23 to Monday, May 27, 2024.

AAA Travel Agent Survey Methodology

AAA clubs distributed surveys to a random sample of their travel agents between March 18 and March 29, 2024 to understand recent traveler trends over the past 60 days. 186 AAA agent responses were collected from 13 AAA clubs (representing 97% of AAA membership overall as of February 2024).

About AAA  

Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of 64 million members across North America, including 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA has to offer or to become a member, visit AAA.com. 

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Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights. This revolutionary approach enabled INRIX to become one of the leading providers of data and analytics into how people move. By empowering cities, businesses, and people with valuable insights, INRIX is helping to make the world smarter, safer, and greener. With partners and solutions spanning across the entire mobility ecosystem, INRIX is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and transportation – whether it’s keeping road users safe, improving traffic signal timing to reduce delay and greenhouse gasses, optimizing last mile delivery, or helping uncover market insights. Learn more at INRIX.com. 

The best time to visit Crete: high season crowds to low season chills

Jul 14, 2022 • 7 min read

Matala beach through caves on the rocks that were used as a roman cemetery and at the decade of 70's were living hippies from all over the world, Crete, Greece

If your image of Crete is beaches lined with sweaty bodies roasting during long days of blasting sunshine , well you've got summer correct. But the island is seasonal, and in winter it can get cold, windy and wet.

Sights and businesses set their schedule to the tourist season. While summer sees endless festivals and people enjoying long nights on taverna terraces, by winter, much of the island is closed, with residents hunkered down indoors. In shoulder season, when things are open, temperatures are mild and crowds are moderate. This can be an ideal time to visit Crete .

Join the masses reveling in high-season heat during July and August

Everything is open in high season and there are non-stop parties wherever visitors gather. The temps are sweaty but the Med offers temperate relief. Book everything far in advance as flights and hotels fill up quickly.

Average summertime highs are 29ºC (84ºF), with higher temps on the beaches and hillside trails. Rain is rare.

Crete is open and uncrowded in shoulder season (April to June, September and October)

Most businesses and attractions are open, which means you can rent a beach umbrella, enjoy a seaside taverna lunch and visit a remote church on a mountain pass. Prices are moderate and the availability of flights and rooms is good. You may even find last-minute deals.

Average daytime highs range from 20ºC to 27ºC (68ºF to 80ºF) depending on your proximity to summer. Most days have less than a 10% chance of rain.

Windmills on a plateau with snow-capped mountains in the background

Have the beaches to yourself during the low season of November to March

Because almost every tourist-focused business is closed, a lack of visitors also means there is a lack of available places to stay. Still, people ready to explore wintertime Crete, when the waves pound desolate beaches and most Cretans prefer the comforts of a well-stoked fire, will find rooms for rent in larger towns and cities. And note: the world-class ruins at Knossos are open year-round.

Average temps during the short days of weak sunlight hover around 15ºC (59ºF), and storms off the Med can drop large amounts of rain and blow chilly winds for days on end.

January is the month for museums and churches

Few visitors ply the winding roads of Crete during January when the tallest peaks are often capped with snow. It's cold so bundle up for bracing walks on the deserted beaches and seek out warmth and intellectual stimulation in museums and churches. The big days for Cretan families are New Year's Day when people eat vasilopita (golden glazed cake) and January 6, the day of the Epiphany when priests bless the waters. Key events: New Year's Day (Feast of St Basil), Epiphany (Blessing of the Waters).

February equals fun, from country hikes to Carnival

The brisk temps continue into February, although hillsides show flashes of green and speckles of color from the very first wildflowers. Families venture out for walks in the hills, especially on the first Monday of Lent. Life in towns and cities is punctuated by Carnival, a thrilling three-week pre-Lenten celebration featuring masquerade balls, street parties, treasure hunts and more. The final Sunday sees spectacular parades that devolve into mass frivolity. Rethymno has the wildest scene. Key events: Carnival, Shrove Monday.

March is great for venturing outside

While only the hardiest are plunging into the still-chilly Med, crystal-clear days and moderating temps mean that the island is open for exploration. Find a trail to the remotest beach or the loftiest peak and revel in the springtime freshness. March 25 is a major holiday when local life shuts down and people celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation when Mary found she was pregnant. On the same day parades wind through the streets for the second month in a row as Greeks celebrate Independence Day. Key events: Feast of the Annunciation and Independence Day, both on March 25.

Fireworks light up the night sky above a coastal town

April features joyous Easter festivities

Orthodox Easter, which occurs on a changing date that's different from Catholic Easter, is the most important religious date in a nation that takes its religious dates very seriously. Good Friday features massive processions, often accompanied by a blessing of the boats in coastal towns. At midnight on Easter Saturday, fireworks light up the sky in every town, large and small. This is followed by a late-night feast of roast lamb and other iconic Greek dishes. In Crete, residents love to invite visitors to join the celebrations. Key event: Orthodox Easter.

May brings picnics and adventures outdoors

Beachside tavernas, cafes and clubs begin opening right after Orthodox Easter. This is one of the best months to visit Crete as prices are still moderate as are the crowds. On May Day, the hills come alive with families and groups out hiking. The air is redolent with the verdant spring scents of sage, thyme, rosemary and other wild herbs. Wildflowers are made into wreaths that decorate houses. Head to Hania for the largest of the island-wide celebrations of the Battle of Crete, the epic WWII struggle against the Nazis. Key events: May Day, Battle of Crete Anniversary.

June means summer is here

Hit the beaches, which are now fully open. The water is rapidly warming and businesses still have a gloss from winter renovations. In Hania, Rethymno and Iraklio , look for special exhibits in galleries and music festivals large and small. Markets burst with local produce, where everything seems to be in season at once. Navy Week gives port towns a chance to celebrate sailors, boats and the sea. Key event: Navy Week.

People eat outside tavernas in a village in Crete

July is the start of peak season

Crete is hot, from the beaches to the mountainsides. At night the temps may be moderate but not the energy – peak season means that every top taverna and club is heaving. Be sure to book your favorite places for dinner. Relive the Renaissance at a huge cultural festival in Rethymno; in Iraklio, the Summer Arts Festival runs to mid-September and features top classical music, dance, art, films and more. Key events: Renaissance Festival, Iraklio Summer Arts Festival.

August is the hottest month

Festivals large and small are held across Crete. It seems like every town, no matter how tiny, plans something special during August. But everything comes to a halt on August 15 for the Feast of the Assumption, the day Mary ascended to heaven. Families reunite, the roads are clogged and businesses close. Otherwise, this is the month to dunk your sweaty self in the temperate waters of the Med. Key event: Feast of the Assumption.

September is still hot but with fewer crowds

After August, Crete's crowds rapidly diminish and the vibe becomes older and more mature as children and young adults head back to school. But the temps are still hot by day and balmy by night. This is an excellent time to hit the beaches, as they're uncrowded, yet the tavernas are still open and the water is bathtub-warm. Key event: Feast of Agios Stavros

October is good for mellow explorations

Shutters begin coming down on beach businesses and the island's focus moves on from tourism. Yet the weather remains delightful, most churches and museums are open, and you can hit the hiking trails with less worry about heat stroke. Another WWII event is celebrated with parades on October 28, Greece's Ohi (no) Day, when Mussolini was told his troops couldn't pass through Greece. Key event: Ohi Day.

November brings fresh raki

After the fall grape harvest is pressed for wine, the leftover mush is fermented and turned into raki, the national drink of Crete. A symbol of friendship and hospitality, the clear and highly alcoholic drink is served on almost any occasion. To welcome people into your home and not serve raki is unthinkable. Fresh batches issue forth from producers large and small all month. An ample excuse to tip back a glass – as if any is needed – occurs during the Moni Arkadiou Anniversary , which is celebrated from November 7 to 9. It recalls the time in 1866 when Cretan defenders blew themselves up, taking many Turk invaders with them. Key event: Moni Arkadiou Anniversary.

December is a good time put another log on the fire

Almost every tourist business is closed by December and the focus on Crete turns to families and Christmas. Temperatures fall, along with snow in the mountains. Fires are kept burning on hearths and heavy wool sweaters are retrieved from storage. Although Western commercialism has brought seasonal icons like Santa Claus and Christmas trees, in some seaside villages the holiday is still honored in the traditional way, by decorating fishing boats. Key event: Christmas.

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IMAGES

A Planning Guide to Help You Visit Crete
A Planning Guide to Help You Visit Crete
Planning a trip to Crete, Greece? Here are the best tips for visiting
10 Best Things to Do in Crete
14 Best Things To Do In Crete, Greece
Explore the Top 20 Must-See Destinations: Best Places to Visit in Crete

VIDEO

Crete Greece
Milatos Crete, walking tour 4k, Kreta, Greece 2023
Why you should visit Crete in October #crete #jet2pics #incredible_crete #cretegreece (Ad/presstrip)
I Stayed in Crete's Cheapest All Inclusive Hotel
Let's Visit Crete 💙 #travel #crete #greece #shorts
Come with as we visit Crete and Cyprus

COMMENTS

How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Crete, Greece
Best Time to Visit. The best time to visit Crete is from June to August when the weather on the island is at its prime. As WeatherSpark notes, the warmest weather can be found between early June ...
How to Plan a Trip to Crete
7-day Crete Itinerary. For this 1-week itinerary, my suggestion is to make Heraklion your base for the first four days, and then to find an accommodation in Chania for the last three days. Here's the plan: Day 1 - Heraklion: Heraklion city, Knossos, Archaeological museum, Koules fortress, Helidoni or Arena beach.
How To Plan A Perfect Crete Itinerary
This site is owned by Apa Digital AG, Bahnhofplatz 6, 8854 Siebnen, Switzerland. Rough Guides® is a trademark owned by Apa Group with its headquarters at 7 Bell Yard London WC2A 2JR, United Kingdom. Planning a holiday in Crete? Check out our Crete itineraries and find out how to spend 5, 7, 10 or 14 days on this beautiful Greek island.
15 of the best things to do in Crete, Greece
1. Visit the famous historical Palace of Knossos. At the Palace of Knossos , you can feel the playful passion of the artists who painted its many frescoes 4000 years ago, such as the one in the queen's megaron (bedroom) showing dolphins frolicking. Check out the charging bulls on the famous work near the North Entrance.
Ultimate Crete itinerary in 3, 5, 7 or 14 days (2024 updated)
Places close to Heraklion (*) Knossos: the must-visit archeological site of Crete, considered to be the oldest city in Europe with the first houses built around 4,000 years ago.Knossos is also a Unesco site with minor works still ongoing. The visit can take anything from 1.5 hours to 3 hours. I personally suggest buying the skip-the-queue ticket in advance to avoid wasting time (queues can be ...
8 best places to visit in Crete
Whatever your mood, Crete has the perfect place for you - here are eight of our favorites. 1. Hania. Best city for dining and walking. Crete's second-largest city has many excellent places to eat, lining the labyrinth of ancient stone lanes that make up its 17th-century Venetian quarter. Some of the finest food in all of Greece can be found ...
The Ultimate Crete Itinerary: How to Spend 7 Days in Crete
Renting a Car in Crete. This Itinerary for Crete. Day 1: Chania Old Town. Day 2: Elafonisi. Day 3: Balos Beach and Lagoon. Day 4: Last Day Visiting Chania + Moving East. Day 5: The Minoans (Palace of Knossos) Day 6: Learn About Crete Wine. Day 7: Visit Matala in Southern Heraklion.
Crete travel
Experience the real Crete. Let a local expert handle the planning for you. Get started. Attractions Must-see attractions. Palace of Knossos. Knossos. ... The 8 best places to visit in Crete. Feb 3, 2024 • 6 min read. Crete packs a lot of incredible attractions onto one island. Here are eight of our favorite places to visit when you get there.
Crete: Ultimate Greece Travel Guide
Updated on: February 16, 2023. Guides. As the largest and southernmost island in Greece, Crete offers visitors an abundance of things to see and do, from hiking the mountains to relaxing on the beach. The warm, sunny climate and fertile agricultural fields mean Crete would prosper even without its thriving tourism industry, but its lush ...
Exploring Crete: A Comprehensive Guide for Holidaymakers
Planning a journey to Crete is the first step in what promises to be a remarkable adventure. This chapter guides you in making the necessary preparations to ensure your visit to this captivating island is seamless and enjoyable. When to Visit. Crete experiences a Mediterranean climate, so you can visit the island year-round.
10 Days in Crete: The Perfect Itinerary (+ My Best Tips)
Day 1 - Arrival at and visit of Chania. To visit Crete in 9-10 days, I have chosen an arrival in Chania*. *Note that you can also make this itinerary from Heraklion. Just start with this article at leg 3 of Heraklion and follow the same circuit (Heraklion - Rethymnon - Chania - Matala). The visits and the stay durations are the same.
Visiting Crete in 2023: Complete Travel Guide
Complete Travel Guide to Crete in 2023. Many people book a trip to Crete with the sole purpose of relaxing on the gorgeous beaches. But, there's so much more you can see and do in Crete than just lazing by the sea. It's possible to go trekking, snorkeling, mountain biking, sailing, or even fishing!
Crete Travel Guide: Exploring the Gem of the Mediterranean
Local Festivals and carnivals: Vibrant celebrations of Crete's culture; Best Time to Visit Crete. When it comes to Crete vacation planning, timing is a crucial factor to ensure an unforgettable experience. Although Crete offers a wealth of attractions and activities year-round, the ideal time to enjoy this Mediterranean gem is during late ...
Crete Travel Guide for 2024
Crete Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips. Crete, like the rest of Greece, is very budget-friendly. But if you're looking to cut down your expenses even more, here are some of my favorite ways to save money in Crete: Use the Greek salad/bread rule - If the bread cover is .50 EUR or a Greek salad is less than 7 EUR, the restaurant is cheap. If ...
How to plan a road trip in Crete (by car)
STEP 0 - Essentials to know before planning a Road Trip in Crete. Let's start with a few essential facts to keep in mind before planning your trip to Crete:. PLANNING - There are lots and lots of places to see in Crete (see my best-of list), often separated by mountain roads, so be reasonable in the planning o your Crete itinerary; HIGHWAYS - There are a couple of high speed roads on ...
Travel to Crete: Resources to Plan a Trip to Crete
I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and had more glasses of frappe than any regular person could ever handle. These are the best resources you need totravel to Crete: Plan the trip, check accommodation and car rental, travel insurance, travel guides, tickets, & more!
Crete Travel Guide
Rough Guides® is a trademark owned by Apa Group with its headquarters at 7 Bell Yard London WC2A 2JR, United Kingdom. Plan your visit to Crete, Greece: find out where to go and what to do in Crete with Rough Guides. Read about itineraries, activities, places to stay and travel essentials and get inspiration from the blog in the best guide to ...
How to Plan a Fabulous Road Trip in Crete (The Right Way)!
The National Road (also known as BOAK or A90 on road signs) connects the four main cities of Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos, as well as important towns such as Kissamos in the west, and Sitia in the east. LANDSCAPE. Crete is more than 80% mountains; therefore, roads are rarely straight.
Crete trip planner: make a Crete itinerary & map
Plan on the go with our free travel app. With Wanderlog's mobile travel planner on Android and iOS, access and edit your trips wherever you go — even while offline. Keep your places to visit, flight/hotel reservations, and day-by-day itineraries for your trip to Crete in our web and mobile app vacation planner.
Things to know before traveling to Crete
Crete is easy. There's little you need to do to prepare for your trip to this glorious Greek island beyond making a few advance bookings. Packing is simple - and if you forget something, you can buy it there. The island is safe. The local economy counts on tourists, and the Cretans - like most Greeks - are friendly and welcoming.
Best Things to Do in Crete: An Insider's Guide to Greece's Largest Island
WHEN TO VISIT CRETE: Honestly, there's never really a horrible time to visit Crete. The weather on the island is mild and relatively pleasant all year round. However, winter brings a bit of rain, especially in the western region, and the sea is still a bit chilly. You will still see (a few) people swimming in Crete all year round though!
Crete
If you're planning a visit to Crete or thinking if it's worthy (it sure is), I'll compile the summary of my trip, with locations, if they are worth it or not, and our budget (we were a couple, 27y, living in Portugal). We visited in September 2022 (11-18), and we got amazing weather (always around 30ºC), and barely any wind.
Braeden Smith Planning Visit to Gonzaga
The 6'0" sophomore guard from Colgate recently visited Davidson over the weekend and is now planning to visit Washington, Gonzaga, and Cal within the next week. A return to Colgate is also an ...
Comcast planning bundle including Peacock, Netflix, Apple TV
Comcast is planning a bundle that will include access to Peacock, Netflix and Apple TV, the company's chair said this week. The new service, which will be called "StreamSaver," will be ...
How to Plan a Visit to the V&A Museum in London
Andrew Ferren, a frequent contributor to the Travel section, has visited the V&A dozens of times and looks forward to exploring the new satellite buildings when they open in East London in 2025.
Real ID required to fly in US by May 2025: Here's how to get a Real ID
Here are a couple TSA-approved alternatives, if you're on the fence about getting a Real ID. State issued enhanced driver's license DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
AI can make planning travel easier, but not without humans
A human travel agent may ask a series of questions to understand a client's needs. So can generative AI, which picks up on keywords. Mindtrip, an AI planner launched publicly on May 1, has an ...
Backcountry camping 101: How to plan, pack and prepare for the wild
More travel tips Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness .
AAA: Nearly 44 Million People Traveling for Memorial Day
Travel Trends As travelers make plans for summer and beyond, AAA Travel has identified the following trends: Bucket Lists: Travelers taking once-in-a-lifetime trips ; Milestones: Families booking anniversary, retirement, and family reunion trips ; Asia: More travelers interested in visiting Asia, especially Japan ; Solo Trips: More people, especially women, interested in traveling by themselves
The best time to visit Crete
This is one of the best months to visit Crete as prices are still moderate as are the crowds. On May Day, the hills come alive with families and groups out hiking. The air is redolent with the verdant spring scents of sage, thyme, rosemary and other wild herbs. Wildflowers are made into wreaths that decorate houses.

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

Best Hotels and Resorts

Top 5 Can’t Miss

Elounda Bay Palace

Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection

Blue Palace

Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa

Explore the Palace of Knossos.

Hike the Samaria Gorge.

Visit the Old Venetian Harbor of Chania.

Learn something new at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Elafonissi Beach

Balos Lagoon

Public Transit

Related Articles

Exploring Crete: A Comprehensive Guide for Holidaymakers

Brief Overview of Crete

Purpose of the Book

What to Expect from the Guide

Chapter 1: Getting Acquainted with Crete

Chapter 2: Planning Your Trip

Chapter 3: Exploring Crete’s Regions

Chapter 4: Immerse in Crete’s Culture

Chapter 5: Outdoor Adventures

Chapter 6: History and Mythology

Chapter 7: Practical Tips for Your Trip

Chapter 8: Making the Most of Your Crete Experience

Chapter 9: Conclusion

10 Days in Crete: The Ultimate Itinerary + My Best Tips

Day 1 – Arrival at and visit of Chania

2) Preveli and Matala (1 day)

3) Heraklion and its surroundings (2 days)

4) Rethymnon (1 day)

10 Days in Greece: flights & ferries prices

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Key Takeaways

Delving into Crete’s Rich History and Culture

Best Time to Visit Crete

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Indulge in Traditional Cretan Cuisine

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How to Get Around in Crete

Things to Know About Crete Accommodations and Travel Tips

Crete Awaits You

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When is the best time to visit Crete?

What are some top outdoor activities and attractions in Crete?

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Crete Travel Guide

Table of Contents

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Crete

1. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

2. Relax on the Pink Beach

3. Explore Chania

4. Visit Knossos

5. Hike Samaria Gorge

Other Things to See and Do in Crete

2. Explore Koules Fortress

3. Visit Aptera

4. See the Lassithi Plateau

5. Wander Rethymnon

6. Tour the Historical Museum of Crete