Travel Guide to Crete, Greece

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.

“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, [is] the people. The farmers, cheesemakers, fishmongers, artists, restaurateurs, winemakers, musicians, and homemakers create unique experiences for those lucky enough to visit this incredible island.” 

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

Best Hotels & Resorts

Elounda Bay Palace

This luxury hotel has long been beloved for its 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 Elounda Beach 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. The resort, which is known for its breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the historic island of Spinalonga, exclusively offers suites and villas. The accommodations open to fantastic patios with private Jacuzzis or plunge pools. While the hotel has its own spa, guests can also indulge in the luxury of in-room treatments.

Phāea Blue

Phāea Blue is a modernist boutique hotel with a spa and 47 suites and bungalows, some with private plunge pools. If you don’t book accommodations with a pool, don’t worry—there’s a stunning guests’ pool with a bar and views of the Aegean, plus 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 Chania’s Old Town, allows travelers to stay at the heart of the action while also offering a retreat-worthy rooftop garden with sweeping views of the sea. It’s a perfect place for families thanks to its one- and two-bedroom suites. 

Cities to Visit

Chania

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 here, book a tour with a guide who can show you the best sights and prime spots to get a great meal.

Rethymno

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. 

Heraklion

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

Best Things to Do

Explore the Palace of Knossos.

Dive into more than 4,000 years of Greek history at the Palace of Knossos. 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. 

Visit the Old Venetian Harbor of Chania.

A stroll through the Old Venetian Harbor of Chania, takes you past homes and buildings showcasing Crete’s unique melding of history, including Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences. Shop in the area’s boutiques, grab a frappe in a cafe, view the massive fortress, and dine on plenty of fresh ingredients (hello, Greek salads) at waterfront restaurants. The harbor’s colorful buildings make the perfect Instagram backdrop.

Immerse yourself in Minoan history at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Gain a deeper understanding of 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 said to be more than 3,000 years old that bears more than 240 symbols. As the museum notes, “experts have not yet reached a definitive conclusion of the contents of the inscription,” so maybe you can uncover what it all means during your visit.

Best Beaches

Elafonissi Beach

Get ready to set foot on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Elafonissi Beach. This romantic 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 quiet spots for adults to put down their towels and umbrellas.

Balos Lagoon

The beach at Balos Lagoon is 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.” 

Vai Beach

Find a different kind of landscape at Vai Beach, famous for the palm forest lining the coast. Travelers will still find stretches of soft sand and beautiful blue waters, just this time with the bonus of tree shade for the perfect beach snooze. 

Best Time to Visit

For the warmest weather, visit Crete between early June to late September, when average daily high temperatures are above 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Things get particularly hot in July, with an average high of 84 degrees. 

“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.” 

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, plan to visit in the spring or fall. “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.  

How to Get There

By Plane

Crete is accessible via its international airports in Heraklion (HER) and Chania (CHQ). Heraklion is the island’s busiest airport, and it is also the second-largest airport in Greece, just behind Athens. It’s served by several major airlines, including Emirates, Aegean, Ryanair, and easyJet. 

By Ferry

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 sailing can take between nine and 10 hours.

How to Get Around

Rental Car

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. 

Public Transit

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

Scooter

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