Crete, Greece

by Mary Howard
- June 15, 2024

Crete, being the largest Greek island in both area and population, possesses a size akin to a small nation yet feels dissimilar to islands like Santorini and Mykonos in its island nature. To merely scratch the surface of Crete deserves a weeklong visit, while circumnavigating and thoroughly exploring the island would necessitate two weeks. A highlight of a Crete trip involves the charming seaside town of Chania, replete with boutique hotels, quaint eateries, and local boutiques. Nonetheless, towns along the north coast like Rethymno,Heraklio, Agios Nikolaos, and Elounda all make excellent bases for exploring the island. Destinations such as the Samaria Gorge, Lasithi Plateau, Wine Country, and Knossos (one of Greece`s foremost historic sites) each deserve a visit. While bus transportation between the primary towns is excellent, renting a vehicle (likely from the Heraklion Airport) is recommended for stays exceeding a few days.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Crete

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Where is Crete?

Positioned 160 kilometers south of mainland Greece and 320 kilometers north of Africa, Crete is the largest Greek island and fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea. Crete boasts more than a thousand kilometers of coastline, a land area of 8,450 square kilometers, and a resident population of 636,504.

What is Crete famous for?

Millions of tourists visit Crete annually, drawn to its crystal clear beaches, vibrant mountain scenery, and mild climate. Cretans are renowned for their warm welcome and rustic cuisine incorporating mountain herbs and greens, local produce and cheese, fresh seafood, and lots of olive oil – over 30 million olive trees grow on Crete, generating between 80,000 to 120,000 tons of olive oil per year.

Between 2700 and 1420 BC, the island of Crete was home to the Minoans, Europe’s first advanced society. Minoan culture was notable for innovative cities and palaces, vibrant artistic works, extensive trade networks spanning continents, and usage of written language. In Greek mythology, Crete is described as both the birthplace of Zeus and land ruled by King Minos, who refused to sacrifice a white bull to the gods. As punishment, the god Poseidon caused Minos` wife to fall in love with the bull; their offspring was the greatly-feared minotaur, a figure with a man`s body and bull`s head kept in an underground labyrinth beneath the palace. King Minos` labyrinth housing the minotaur feature prominently in the myth of Icarus and his wax wings, and the romance between Theseus and Ariadne.

What is the best way to get to Crete?

Travelers can arrive to Crete by both aircraft and ferry. All three of the island’s airports (Heraklio, Chania, and Sitia) serve frequent flights from Athens International Airport; the journey takes about an hour, and tickets are moderately priced. (Book far ahead to get the best prices.) Straight flights from many towns across Europe are accessible to Heraklio and Chania from May to October.

The AGO’s holds one of the largest art collections in North America, having over 80,000 artworks. Their collection of Canadian art is the single biggest assortment, and there is also expansive selections of photography, contemporary art, and art from Africa, Europe, and Asia. The building itself is a work of creative design, with the restructuring led by Frank Gehry deemed a masterpiece; notably, the remodeling included Galleria Italia, a glass and wood facade spanning the whole city block, plus an irregular spiral staircase. Most evenings, the AGO remains open until 5:30 PM, except on Wednesdays and Fridays when it closes at 9:00 PM. General admission is approximately $20, but is complimentary on Wednesdays after 6:00 PM

What cities have direct flights to Crete?

All airports on Crete provide regular daily flights to and from Athens. The Heraklion Airport offers direct seasonal flights from many European cities, plus Israel and Abu Dhabi; the Chania airport accommodates seasonal flights across Europe and from Israel; and the Sitia airport serves domestic flights solely. There are no nonstop flights from the United States to Crete. Most flights originating in the U.S. and connecting through Europe (London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Rome being the most common) will arrive in Heraklio.

What are the best months to visit Crete?

Crete is one Greece`s best all-year destinations, but the best time to visit will rely on what you want to do there. The most perfect time for sightseeing in Crete is spring and fall, when there`s little chance of rain, the climate remains warm by northern European norms, and crowds are thinner than at the height of summer. Though Crete reliably sees warm, sunny weather from mid-May to mid-October, the hottest times in Crete are late June, July, August, and early September and Crete`s beaches are at their finest during this time, when the sun is strong and the sea water is ideal for swimming. Summer is also peak tourist season in Crete and the ideal time for island hopping in the Aegean, as the greatest number of ferry routes are accessible during this time – though hotel rates will also be at their peak.

To conserve funds, see Crete during the transitional months (particularly May moving into early June, and late September moving into early October), accommodation rates aren’t quite so steep. The absolute best month to experience Crete is May, which offers weather perfectly suited for both shorelines and sightseeing, good inter-island travel, and lower costs.

How long should I spend in Crete?

How much time do you have available? There is so much to see and experience in Crete (and with its expansive size those attractions are fairly scattered), that you could easily spend a week or two and barely survey the highlights. Three weeks to a month would be ideal for taking in all of Crete, but we recognize that most of us don’t have that much time at our disposal. An excellent 10-day itinerary would encompass the following:

2 to 3 days exploring Heraklio and the surrounding region (Knossos, excellent museums & restaurants, nearby wine country).
2 days in the seaside resort towns of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos (spend one beach day and one day touring the ruins on the nearby island of Spinalonga).
3 days in Chania to wander the charming roadways of the Old Town, see the Venetian Harbor and fortress, pop into a few of the smaller museums, and visit the Samaria Gorge and/or the farther-flung beaches of Elafonisi or Balos. (Or stay the night in Elafonisi and subtract a day from Chania.)
Spending 2 to 3 days in Rethymno, exploring the town and using it as a home base to discover the island’s remote southern beaches OR skipping Rethymno and investing 3 days exploring the southern beaches, using Loutro as a home base.

What are the most interesting cities and towns in Crete?

Crete’s three main towns are all located along the northern coast, with good bus access running between them. Chania (pronounced “han-YA”), in western Crete, is the prettiest of all the Cretan towns, with a picturesque harbor and tangled warren of pedestrian lanes that are wonderful for wandering. An hour east along the coast, Rethymno has a similar quaint feel to Chania, and is almost as pretty and charming, though less touristy and more authentic. One hour further is the island’s capital city, Heraklio. If Heraklio isn’t quite as charming as Chania and Rethymno, it is worth a visit for its busy sea port, excellent restaurants and museums, interesting historical sites, good shopping, and proximity to Cretan wine country and the ancient Minoan palace of Knossos – the most important archaeological site in Crete.

Also along Crete`s northern shore are the neighboring beach towns of Agios Nikolaos and Elounda. Only ten minutes apart, Agios Nikalaos offers more of a community vibe, while Elounda revolves more around seasonal holiday resorts. Both locations feature attractive scenery, luxury hotels, and boat access to the enchanting historic island of Spinalonga. On Crete`s southern coast, the laid-back beach towns of Sfakia and Loutro provide a noticeably different feel, with more backpackers and fewer 5-star amenities. Both towns line the water taxi route that runs along the island`s more remote southern beaches; Sfakia is easier to reach and has more facilities, but those travelers seeking a peaceful stay will prefer the lovely beach bay of Loutro, bordered by small charming hotels and eateries.

Toward the center of the island, in the wine region south of Heraklio, the picturesque restored village of Archanes is charming and friendly, with great food and beverages, mountainous hiking trails on the slopes of mount Giouhtas, and a few small but noteworthy museums. With most of its buildings having recently been returned to traditional Cretan architecture, Archanes has been awarded the title “the best restored village in Europe”. Also toward the center of the island but closer to Rethymno is Margarites, a beautiful traditional village with wonderful Byzantine churches and a history of pottery and ceramics that spans centuries. Both villages make a great choice for either a day visit or for a village stay with a historical feel.

See Also: Where to Stay and the Best Accommodations on Crete

What are the best beaches in Crete?

With over a thousand kilometers of spectacular coastline, the island of Crete has more than 110 blue flag-certified beaches deserving high praise. Here are some of our favorites:

Elafonisi. Consistently voted one of the world’s best beaches, Elafonisi Beach is famous for its powdery pink sand (made from the crushed shells of tiny sea creatures). It also features pillowy dunes and clear, shallow, crystal-blue water along a long strand, studded by coves. During the busy summer months especially, spend the night here for a more memorable, and less crowded, experience. To get there without a car, take a day trip from Chania or Rethymno.
Balos. A popular remote, shallow, clear, and lagoon-like beach backed by steep rocky crags. Note that there is no shade here, and limited facilities. Balos Beach is accessible primarily by pedestrian ferry out of Kissamos – book ahead to secure a spot.
Vai. A picturesque although somewhat pebbly seaside that is backed by an abundant growth of date palm trees, Vai Beach has good facilities and has straight lines upon straight lines of umbrella-shaded sun beds; arrive early in the summer months to acquire one. Preveli Beach, situated at the mouth of the Megalopotamos River, is also backed by palms, but is notably less crowded. Both are family-friendly.
The lovely southern shorelines of Sweetwater, Loutro, and Marmara offer an idyllic retreat from the more crowded and famous northern shorelines. Isolated and serene, they are accessible only by water taxi from Sfakia.
Falasarna, on Crete’s distant western shore, is famed for its massive waves and beautiful sunsets.
Xerokambos. 14 sandy and generally deserted beaches are spread along 4.5 kilometers of coastline here, backed by mountain cliffs, sand dunes, and interesting caves.
Elounda. This popular coastal town features an attractive shoreline backed by a line of luxury lodgings, and amenities like sailing excursions and diving centers.
Kolymvari. A long, pebbled beach with superb seafood taverns and a relaxed atmosphere.
Rethymno. The finest and longest beach of the 3 main coastal towns.
Matala. Popular, sandy, southern coast beach backed by ancient cliffside caves.
Hersonissos. This crowded tourist town has a lovely extended sandy beach backed by many hotels, restaurants, beach clubs, and family-friendly activities.
Elephant Cave. Not technically a beach, but an awesome sea cave that’s great for diving exploration.

What other islands are closest to Crete?

Santorini is the handiest and most natural island to go after Crete, and may function as a transition point for ferries to Milos,Ios,Folegandros,Sifnos, and Serifos, however other Cycladic islands are well-served by ferries out of Crete, too. Throughout the summertime travel season, the harbor of Heraklion serves daily routes to the islands of Naxos,Paros, and Mykonos, frequently presenting various trips each day. Based upon the dimensions of the boat (conventional ferries travel more slowly and are more stable, high-speed ferries can slice the travel time in half yet can be a bumpy ride in powerful winds), it will take 2-6 hrs to commute from Crete to Santorini. From Crete to Naxos requires about 4 hrs, and the Crete-Mykonos ferry takes from 4 to 8 hrs. Rhodes can be directly attained from Heraklio and Sitia, though the crossing time is no less than 10 hrs. At the height of summer, there are a couple high-speed ferries each week that operate from Rethymno to Santorini, with a crossing time of about 2.5 hrs.

What are the top historical sites in Crete?

Crete`s lengthy history dates back to 7000 BC, inhabited successively by prehistoric, Bronze Age Minoan, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman cultures. Now the island presents a treasure trove of historical sites and artifacts for visitors to explore – there are far too many options to fully list here, but we offer our favorite selections.

Minoan Palaces
The island of Crete is perhaps most notable as the ancient home of the Minoan civilization, and the Minoan Palace of Knossos outside of Heraklio is one of the most significant historical attractions in Greece. The enormous palace complex incorporates a central courtyard, domestic living areas, places of worship, workshops, and additional facilities. In Greek folklore, the extensive labyrinth underneath the palace housed the half-man/half-bull Minotaur, from which Daedalus and Icarus escaped. (Theseus also found his way out with some help from Ariadne.) The site`s colorful – and still debated – reconstruction aids visitors in envisioning what the palace may have appeared like long ago. For the best experience, book a guided tour.

Situated about a half hour east of Knossos on Crete’s northern coastline, the Minoan Palace of Malia offers a cruder yet more authentic archaeological experience, with excavations still ongoing to the palace and surrounding settlements. On the island’s south coast, the Minoan Palace of Phaistos includes ruins that date back to the Neolithic Era and excellent views to Mount Ida and over the Messara Plain. It’s also where the Phaistos Disc was found, with its cryptic, circular script that has yet to be fully decoded. The Phaistos Disc and other important artifacts from all of these sites can be seen at the excellent Heraklion Archeological Museum.

Classical Era Treasures
Gortyn” was an extremely productive Cretan city during the Hellenistic and Roman ages, and now highlights remarkably preserved archeological ruins which incorporate the “Gortyn Code”. Discovered in 1884 and carved on the side of an “odeon” (theater) developed by the Roman head of state “Trajan”, the “Gortyn Code” is the oldest and most thorough case to date of a code of historical Greek law. Along with different matters, the 2600-year-old lawful record contacts on the lawful issues of family relations and legacy, possession of instruments, and property rights

Venetian Fortresses
Among Crete’s top 14th-century Venetian destinations are the fortress structures in the island’s three main harbor towns in the north, the most impressive being the Venetian Fortezza in Rethymno, which also includes the Ibraham Han Mosque and the late 19th-century church of Agios Theodoros Trichinas.

The imposing citadel of Koules (also known as Castello a Mare or Rocca a Mare) shields the entrance to the Venetian harbor in Heraklio, boasting exterior walls almost 9 meters thick. Koules was the location of the 21-year-long siege of Candia, where citizens and Venetian held off the Ottomans for decades. Nowadays, Koules plays host to indoor art exhibitions and outdoor summer concerts.

The charming Venetian harbor in Chania lines shops and eateries and features a walkable seaside wall with a lighthouse at the conclusion – the oldest lighthouse in Greece and among the most aged globally. It was first constructed by the Venetians around 1595, then remodeled into its current form to resemble a minaret by the Egyptians in 1839.

Spinalonga
Accessible via watercraft from the towns of Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Plaka along Crete`s northeast shoreline, the small Spinalonga Island is home to the picturesque remnants of a 16th century Venetian citadel, but perhaps most notably served as one of Europe`s last operational leper colonies in the early 20th century. Initially viewed as a dismal death sentence for those evacuated from the mainland, over time the afflicted inhabitants transformed the locale into a community providing possibility despite limitations. At the peak of the outbreak, Spinalonga supported a population of nearly 400 individuals, with all receiving food, water, and medical care on the island. Today, visitors tour the streets and structures of the deserted settlement, often profoundly moved by its tragic yet inspiring historical narrative • Boat Tour of Spinalonga Island and Mirabello Bay

Monasteries and Mythology
Some of Crete`s finest monasteries include the 15th-century fortified Moni Toplou, replete with magnificent icons, the 16th-century Moni of Arkadi set in a lovely location with a sorrowful history, and the 17th-century Moni Preveli boasting small exhibits and panoramic ocean views. Predating all these is Dikteon Cave (also referred to as Psychro Cave), the mythical birthplace of the god Zeus where worship and sacrifices occurred in Minoan and Roman times. To visit the cave without a vehicle, reserve a guided excursion

What are the best things to do in Crete?

We’ve touched on Crete’s best towns, villages, beaches, and historical sites. But what else is there to do? Here are some of the prime tours and activities offered around Crete island that are worthy of your time.

Hike through the magnificent Samaria Gorge from either Chania or Rethymno on the island of Crete.
Embark on a culinary tour of Heraklio or Chania.
Participate in a traditional Cretan cooking experience from Chania.
Visit a farm to learn wine and olive oil making. We love beautiful Agreco Farm outside of Rethymno, or take this tour of small family farms out of Chania.
Take a wine tasting trip out of Heraklio.
Go horseback riding in the Finikia Mountains (outside Heraklio).
Visit Takis, a unique animal shelter currently caring for over four hundred dogs and cats within a beautiful olive grove.
Take a voyage by boat to Dia Island from Heraklio.
Explore snorkeling or stand-up paddleboarding out of Chania.
Visit traditional craft workshops, like the luthier who fashions string instruments in Old Town Rethymno, or the pottery studio in Margarites.
Take the children to the CRETAquarium in Heraklio.

about me

Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

Join us on our journey!

Crete, Greece