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Are you in search of issues to do in Crete, Greece? Years in the past, we had been in a position to go to the biggest island in Greece. Touring to Crete then was a Minoan dream we needed to fulfill earlier than we left the Mediterranean. Three years later, we discovered ourselves visiting the 260 km lengthy island once more, trying to find the very best issues to do in Crete, Greece.
We traveled from Stefanou Seashore to the well-known Pink Sand Seashore and had been by no means upset. The Wikitravel web page for Crete states, “If there have been a magnificence contest for Greek islands, Crete would absolutely be among the many favorites.” After visiting Crete, with its secluded bays, empty villages, deep valleys, and pink sand seashores, we are able to attest that Wikitravel is true.
The island is huge, beautiful, rugged, and crammed with pleasant Cretans that will even be extra hospitable than their mainland counterparts. It’s no surprise that the island is a prime vacation spot for European seaside vacation goers. Listed here are a few of our favourite issues to do in Crete, divided by the 4 completely different areas of Crete.
On this Crete Journey Information we’ll cowl
- The place Is Crete?
- The Greatest Issues To Do In Crete
- Greatest Eating places On Crete
- How To Get To Crete
- The Greatest Time To Go to Crete
- The place To Keep In Crete
- How Lengthy Ought to You Spend On Crete
- The Greatest Seashores Round Crete
CRETE AT A GLANCE
- When to Go to: The very best time to go to Crete is between Could and September. I completely love touring to Greece in September when the climate just isn’t so scorching sizzling and crowds are slightly decrease.
- The place to Keep: Essentially the most luxurious place to remain on the island is Nana Princess Suites Villas & Spa in Hersonissos.
- Methods to Get Round Crete: Crete is a big island, and the easiest way to get round is together with your personal rental automotive.
- High 3 Crete Highlights: Balos Seashore, Stefanou Seashore, and Elafonissi Seashore
- Good to Know: Crete is split into 4 prefectures Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, and Lasithi Prefecture
- Journey to Different Islands: Crete is properly linked to different Greek islands. All the time verify Ferry Hopper to plan your route.
The place is Crete?
Earlier than we dig into the greatest issues to do in Crete, let’s speak about the place Crete is situated. Crete is the biggest island in all of Greece, and when you’re on the island and driving round, you’ll positively really feel the dimensions. It’s probably the most well-known Greek islands and can also be probably the most visited, particularly in the summertime months. Being the fifth largest island in the entire Mediterranean Sea, there may be loads of area to wander round right here. Nevertheless it may well take hours to get from one space to the following, which isn’t frequent on most different Greek islands.
Crete is situated within the southern Aegean Sea between mainland Greece and Libya. Crete has drastic white mountains rising out of the ocean and beautiful white-sand seashores. The Greeks listed here are referred to as Cretan. Crete has a inhabitants of just about 635,000 folks!
If you’re questioning what to do in Crete, Greece, think about that there are 4 principal areas of this enormous island. The areas are damaged down as follows: Lasithi, Chania, Heraklion, and Rethymno. We’ll break down all the highest locations in Crete by area.
Lasithi Area
Lasithi is the least visited out of all of the prefectures of Crete. Nevertheless, Lasithi has lots to supply guests with its clear seashores, crisp mountain air, and undiscovered Greek villages.
Calm down in Elounda
Elounda is well-known for being the resort hub of Crete. If in case you have cash, are a celeb, honeymooner, or simply plain fancy, it’s possible you’ll be staying someplace in Elounda. Sadly, we aren’t any of these items, however we determined to enterprise round Elounda.
After driving previous all of the resorts, we discovered a quiet pebble seaside with calm and clear waters to hang around in for the day with a fantastic view of the tiny island of Spinalonga.
Examine Out the Lasithi Windmills
Should you’re questioning what to do in Crete and wish one thing completely different head to the Lasithi windmills. I discovered pictures of the windmills on Pinterest and instantly made positive we drove to the Lasithi Plateau whereas we had been in Lasithi. The plateau has a few small, conventional Greek villages round, however the true draw listed here are the windmills.
There should have been 1000’s of white-sailed windmills on this stunning plateau again within the day. Nevertheless, most are deserted now in favor of contemporary applied sciences, however there are nonetheless a couple of which have the white sails on them they usually make for excellent images and good viewing. I really thought visiting the windmills resembled the very best of Crete.
E-book a Tour and Comply with within the Footsteps of Greek Mythology
Discover Agios Nikolaos
If you go to Crete ensure that to discover Agios Nikolaos. Within the far east of Crete is the capital of Lasithi, Agios Nikolaos. It’s a fantastic little city to discover and is certainly one of many least visited on the island. We loved having a espresso alongside Mirabello Bay whereas gazing on the Sitia mountains.
Get pleasure from Vai Seashore
Vai Seashore is among the should do issues in Crete because it’s probably the most stunning Crete seashores. Vai Seashore options the biggest pure palm forest in all of Europe. Right here you’ll discover Cretan date palm which will likely be exhausting to seek out nearly wherever else on the planet.
Again within the day, Vai was a full-on backpackers vacation spot, however now it’s a protected space with the forest being utterly recovered from the dumping floor.
Chania Area
We discovered all of the prettiest and vastly completely different seashores in Chania (pronounced HAN-YA). For my part, in case you have the time to go to just one area to go to in Crete, it needs to be Chania. It’s greatest to lease a automotive in Crete and hit up as a lot as you’ll be able to.
Swim on Balos Seashore (Among the finest issues to do in Crete, Greece)
When contemplating what to do in Crete, think about Balos Seashore! This seaside could also be touristy, however it’s the most stunning touristy seaside I’ve ever seen. To many, this is among the prime issues to do in Crete and positively the most effective seashores in Crete. Situated on the very western tip of Crete previous Kissamos is Balos Seashore.
When you pay the €1 entrance price per individual to drive on the endless filth street to the parking space, it’s essential to then stroll all the way down to Balos seaside.
The whole means down, you should have probably the most beautiful view of Balos seaside and all of the completely different colours of blue that embody it. Spending the day right here is stress-free, cool, and idealistic. Avoid wasting ingesting water, although, for the one means out is to stroll up all the steps you simply got here down. It’s potential to rent a donkey, however we wouldn’t suggest it as these donkeys aren’t saved within the biggest situation.
Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour
Discover Seitan Limania (Stefanou Seashore)
Warning – the drive to Seitan Limania (in any other case often known as Stefanou Seashore) is heart-stopping, and when you determine to take the trail all the way down to this seaside, there may be completely no turning again. The street down is slender, zig-zagged, and straight down. I actually thought we had been going to die on our means all the way down to Stefanou Seashore. Nevertheless, as soon as we received to the parking space and noticed this seaside, I forgot all concerning the drive as a result of it was completely unimaginable.
The enjoyable doesn’t finish when you get out of the automotive both; you continue to must stroll down 15 extra minutes by means of tough terrain to get to the sand, so carry some tennis footwear. Be sure to carry some snacks and drinks when you’re at it too, belief me, you don’t wish to have the make the trek again up for goodies.
Both nobody has heard of this seaside, or folks don’t wish to make the exhausting trek to it as a result of it was fairly remoted by way of vacationers after we visited. After we had been right here, not a single individual sunbathing was over 30 years previous. Perhaps it’s simply the youngins who’re keen to threat their lives to have a secluded seaside. It’s one among my favourite issues to do in Crete and doubtless all of Greece, for that matter. I’d even do the drive once more to spend one other day right here!
Discover Pink Sand on Elafonissi seaside
Do the seashores of Crete sound engaging but? Properly, I’m lastly attending to that pink sand seaside in Greece. Be sure to spend at the very least in the future at Elafonissi seaside (that’s what the pink sand seaside is known as).
This seaside just isn’t too crowded, is located subsequent to a nationwide park, and the sand is PINK. Okay, it’s not vivid pink like another locations on the planet, however within the daylight, the sand positive does shimmer completely different hues of pastel pink.
The pink sand is attributable to the coral being damaged down into tiny fragments. **Between Balos, Stefanou Seashore, and Elafonissi seaside, the pink sand seaside is the simplest to get to by automotive (by means of paved mountain roads). Should you’ve carried out all the things else and nonetheless what to do on Crete Island that is it.
Elafonissi Pink Sand Seashore Small Group Tour
Chill at Lake Kournas
The one freshwater lake in Crete lies in a valley amongst inexperienced, rolling hills. The lake isn’t large, however it’s price a couple of hours to cease to see the clear, blue, freshwater. The factor to do right here is lease a paddleboat for €5 and benefit from the calm lake water.
Hike Samaria Gorge
It is a Nationwide Park of Greece and a principal vacation spot for vacationers in Crete. It’s arguably the most effective locations to see in Crete and is many guests’ favourite factor to do in Crete. Guests can hike by means of the gorge from the Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli.
This Greek hike takes 5 to seven hours, relying on bodily potential and the way a lot you cease. Summers in Greece are highly regarded and really humid so ensure that to start out early and produce a number of water to keep away from a horrible day.
E-book a Full-Day Tour from Rethymno
Snap Photographs of Loutro
Loutro, on the coast of Crete, could also be one of many prime issues to do in Crete, Greece. For the well-known whitewashed homes which might be so identifiable as “Greek” head to Loutro. Loutro is a small seaside village within the southernmost a part of Chania.
There aren’t many vacationers right here as a result of Loutro can solely be accessed by foot or boat. No vehicles, no giant inns, no overcrowded streets, simply pure Greece. Among the finest issues to do in Loutro is get pleasure from a Greek meal at Anopoli Tavern.
Stand-Up Paddleboard
There are countless alternatives to face up paddleboard across the Greek islands, however Chania has received to be the most effective areas. The water right here is crystal clear, calm, and it’s possible you’ll even spot a sea turtle. Should you guide a tour, you’ll seemingly be capable to discover some superior cliff leaping spots as properly!
E-book a Stand Up Paddleboard Tour
Wine and Olive Oil Tour
Crete is house to many household wineries and olive oil factories, so why not mix a visit to see each! Spend the day meandering round aromatic olive bushes (among the oldest on the planet at 3000 years previous), and after get pleasure from some chilly Greek wine.
Most of the wines on this space are award-winning native wines proper from the Kissamos area!
E-book a Tour to the Household Farm!
Heraklion Area
Most journeys to Crete will begin or finish within the capital. Heraklion is house to the primary port in Crete and in addition the biggest airport on the island. Heraklion is the capital metropolis and has all of the capital metropolis issues for an island nation.
A Starbucks, an Archaeological Museum, and plenty and many visitors. Town is an effective place to go to for a day or so earlier than leaping off to the remainder of the prefecture.
Study About Historical past at Knossos
Knossos is the biggest archeological web site on the island and is taken into account the oldest metropolis in Europe. Visiting right here is among the greatest issues to do in Crete for households. Knossos is located very near the capital and might simply be visited in a few hours. It’s positively probably the most fascinating issues to see in Crete. The Palace of Knossos is undoubtedly the spotlight of the archeological web site and is the place most Minoan political and ceremonial exercise happened.
If you’re unaware of who the Minoans are, like I used to be, then simply know that they had been an Aegean Bronze Age civilization from Crete earlier than Historic Greece was even a factor. These Minoans are OLD, like 3600 B.C. previous.
E-book a Knossos Palace Skip-the-Line Ticket & Guided Tour
Social gathering in Malia
Hailed because the get together city of Crete, we made positive to attempt to avoid Malia. Nevertheless, if partying is your factor, then Malia is the place to drink, eat, and get together the night time away with like-minded younger British vacation goers.
We by chance drove by means of this city and couldn’t wait to get out. Crowds had been sky excessive and I utterly forgot I used to be in Greece and began to recollect my early faculty days in Panama Metropolis Seashore…and never in a great way.
Catch the Sundown at Chersonissos
Not removed from the city of Heraklion lies Chersonissos. We didn’t discover something extremely notable in Chersonissos however spent a few week right here as a result of it had among the most reasonably priced lodging on Crete.
Chersonissos has loads of little Greek villages to walk round earlier than heading to the seaside and makes for a fantastic base to discover the remainder of Heraklion.
Be like Zeus in Matala
It’s mentioned that Matala Seashore is the place Zeus swam ashore within the guise of a bull with Europa earlier than having intercourse together with her. Romantic. Matala Seashore is a good base for exploring southern Crete.
The seashores listed here are clear, the water pure blue, and there are spectacular rock cliffs and caves to discover. Matala Seashore is also referred to as a “hippie haven,” notably from the ’60s when European hitchhikers and free spirits settled right here.
Pattern Native Wines on a Vineyard Tour
A lot of Crete’s greatest wineries are located within the Heraklion prefecture. We went to Lyrarakis Vineyard in Monofatsi village and had a wonderful wine tasting with cheese for €10.
Nevertheless, in your individual automotive, you’ll be able to simply spend the entire day visiting all of the completely different wineries within the area. Be sure to have a delegated driver to get you safely house on the Cretan roads! Right here is an effective wine tour that can maintain all that for you!
Sail to Dia Island
Dia, additionally pronounced regionally Ntia, is a small uninhabited island off northern Crete. You may simply take a crusing journey there from Heraklion and discover the various coves.
Small group sails of 8 folks or much less go away continuously and can guarantee you could have a unbelievable time out on the water, whether or not that’s swimming, fishing, snorkeling, or having fun with some climbing on the paths on Dia.
E-book a Crusing Journey
Rethymno Area
Situated proper within the middle of the island, Rethymno (or Rethymnon) shouldn’t be missed. Rethymno’s previous city is vibrant and energetic. The encircling villages exhibit true Cretan hospitality.
Wander Round Rethymno City
When questioning what to see in Crete, don’t skip Rethymno. Rethymno is a colourful coastal city with the very best nightlife in Crete and positively price exploring for a day or two. You may spend an entire day right here simply wandering by means of the alleyways and cobbled streets, snapping images at each colourful constructing.
If historical past is your factor, then Rethymno is crammed with historic ruins. Or promenade alongside the harbor, and choose from the plethora of eating places to eat.
Bask within the Solar at Plakias Seashore
Right here on the southern aspect of Rethymno prefecture, you will see that a 1300-meter-long sandy seaside. Plakias is a small village nestled deep within the mountains, and under the city is Plakias Seashore, one among Cretes’ most well-known nudist seashores.
In fact, not the entire seaside is for baring all of it. The truth is, a majority of the seaside is the place yow will discover households and your common sunbather. The southeastern finish of the seaside, close to the Kakomouri headland, is the one half utilized by nudists.
Climb All the way down to Prevali Seashore
Among the finest issues to do in Crete is go to Prevali Seashore. Should you go farther previous Plakias, you will see that Prevali seaside. Prevali seaside is a steep climb down and leads into an attractive secluded little bay. Behind the seaside are in depth rows upon rows of palm bushes, of which Prevali seaside is most recognized for.
Take a look at the Clear Waters of Bali Seashore
Bali seaside felt like it might have been a vacationer’s dream within the ’80s; now it’s crammed with inns and vacationers. Nevertheless, it does boast extremely clear waters and beautiful cove seashores.
Eat all of the Cretan Specialties
Among the finest issues to do in Crete is eat! The Cretans used to have one of many healthiest diets globally (till consuming quick meals grew to become extra handy and funky). The core conventional Cretan eating regimen focuses totally on meals from pure sources from seasonal merchandise. There are such a lot of scrumptious meals to attempt that aren’t simply the standard Greek fare.
Listed here are a few of our absolute Cretan favorites:
- Fried snails
- Cretan Raki
- Fried Feta with Honey
- Yogurt with Honey and Seasonal Fruit
- Dakos
- Olives and Olive Oil
Greatest Eating places on Crete Island
- Tavern Stelios in Heraklion: Superb workers, tremendous clear, moderately priced and well-reviewed Greek restaurant in Heraklion.
- Peskesi in Heraklion: Conventional Cretan delicacies in an superior setting.
- Ya Seafood Restaurant in Hersonissos: Worth delicacies that tastes completely phenomenal. You gained’t go away upset.
Methods to Get to Crete
By Airplane
Most Greek Islands both haven’t any airport, or a really small one. Nevertheless on Crete, there are three airports, two of them being worldwide. Heraklion Worldwide Airport is the primary worldwide airport and is the place you’ll discover many flights that can join you on to mainland Europe.
Chania Airport is far smaller and much much less busy than Heraklion airport and in addition has direct connections to the UK, Italy, Cyprus, and loads of different nations. Then there may be Sitia, which primarily connects to Athens. You may usually discover nice offers to Crete by air, which makes it a a lot better possibility than taking a protracted ferry.
By Ferry
Crete is extraordinarily properly linked by ferry. One of many principal routes is to Athens, nevertheless that ferry takes over 8 hours, so it’s usually price it to fly as a substitute. You too can simply get to many islands within the Cyclades from Crete like Paros and Santorini. We suggest checking instances and costs on Ferryhopper.
Methods to Get Round Crete
The very first thing I would like to notice is that we had been in a position to get to all these great locations in Crete as a result of we had a rental automotive. Touring across the island can be a critical hindrance if we had been solely relegated to public transport. Most of the secluded seashores and bays talked about are solely accessible by automotive. It’s good to notice that the terrain on the island varies a lot that even when your GPS says one thing is 10km away, it may well nonetheless take one hour to get to! A phrase of warning…
Driving in Crete just isn’t for the faint of coronary heart. The roads are rugged, windy, and generally very slender. It additionally appears that each Cretan has someplace to be and that your presence hinders them from attending to their subsequent vacation spot. Take warning, and don’t say that I didn’t warn you. (Individuals right here experience on the shoulder so their quicker counterparts can whizz previous.)
It doesn’t matter the place you go in Crete. There’s something to see in every nook and cranny of the island and there are such a lot of prime issues to do in Crete. As talked about, your greatest wager is to rent a car and ensure it’s a dependable automotive. A few these roads are among the many worst we now have ever been on earlier than, and after driving by means of all these windy and bumpy roads for awhile, it simply will get exhausting.
It’s additionally necessary to keep in mind that all the things in Crete could be very unfold out. We didn’t actually think about that when planning and shortly needed to drop websites and sure seashores out of our day as a result of it merely took too lengthy to get to, even with a automotive.
Map Of Issues To Do in Crete, Greece
When is the Greatest Time to Go to Crete?
Excessive season (June-September)
Like most locations in Europe, Greece’s excessive season runs from June to mid-September. That is when you will see that the very best sunny climate as famous above, but additionally crowds, particularly on the favored islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete. Days are longer; the climate is HOT, so that you’ll wish to be near a pool or ocean. Lodge and automotive rental costs are at their highest, however general it’s the most effective instances to go to Greece.
Shoulder Season (April -Could and October-November)
The climate in Greece is cooler throughout these months; some would think about it way more comfy than prime summertime climate. It’s not as busy as {the summertime}, however you’ll nonetheless see a number of vacationers lingering about. Costs on lodging and automotive leases will drop throughout this time. The shoulder season is usually a unbelievable time to go to Greece.
Low Season (Late November- early April)
The temperatures are cooler in the course of the off-season in Greece. You’ll nonetheless see loads of sunny days but additionally overcast days and little to no sunbathing. It’s too chilly to take a dip within the water, however you’ll be able to nonetheless benefit from the seashores with some garments on to maintain heat within the breeze. The upside is you’ll discover low costs and low numbers of vacationers.
The place to Keep in Crete?
There are such a lot of choices for lodging round Crete it might make your head spin when reserving. We had been on the island for 2 weeks staying at a plethora of lodging choices. Listed here are a few of our favorites.
How Lengthy Ought to You Spend on Crete?
Crete is the biggest island in Greece, and also you’ll understand that as quickly as you get there. If in case you have been to some other Greek islands and suppose they appear bigger than anticipated, you’ll be shocked once you get to Crete. It might take over 5 hours to get from one finish of the island to the opposite!
You may simply spend three days right here and really feel fulfilled. Nevertheless, you too can spend a full month in Crete and by no means get bored. There may be a lot to do and see! If you’re heading to Crete, I like to recommend staying at the very least one week on the island.
We personally spent two weeks in Crete and by no means even scratched the floor of issues to do. We all know we will likely be again sometime to discover extra!
The Greatest Seashores Round Crete
I’ve talked about a couple of of our favourite seashores round Crete on this put up, however there are such a lot of extra to discover! Should you’re a seaside lover like me, think about including a couple of of the next to your Crete itinerary.
- Agiofarago Seashore: Situated 80km southwest of the city of Heraklion, it’s way more secluded than your common seaside, because it’s simply off the sting of (and sheltered by) a big gorge.
- Sissi Seashore: Sissi, an enthralling seaside hamlet famend as one among Crete’s prime seaside locations, exudes a tranquil ambiance regardless of its widespread recognition. Positioned 40 kilometers to the east of Heraklion and 26 kilometers to the northwest of Agios Nikolaos city, it stays a peaceable oasis.
- Kommos Seashore: An open seaside, that’s nice for windsurfers because it will get very windy. As this seaside is extra open, it’s an ideal place to look at the sundown, possibly with a drink in hand from one of many seaside taverns.
- Rodakino Seashore: Massive and sandy seaside of Rodakino excellent for households and kids
20 BEST Crete Seashores To Go to
READ MORE GREECE TRAVEL TIPS
I hope you loved this information on what to do on Crete! Hopefully, you discovered it helpful. Listed here are a couple of related articles for extra journey round Greece!
Greek Journey Planning Sources
- ‘Good day’ and ‘Thank You’ in Greek: “Yasou” and “Efharisto”
- Foreign money: Euro – (EUR) – €
- Visa: Schengen visa. Which is 90 days within the European Union out of 180. Many nationalities are granted this on arrival without cost. Examine together with your embassy to see if that’s you.
- Climate: The climate in Greece is a Mediterranean local weather. This implies winters are delicate and wet, whereas summers are heat and dry with loads of sunshine all year long.
- What to Pack: Heat climate garments and a swimsuit, don’t overlook an excellent pair of garments to go and a jacket for cool nights. Examine what to put on in Greece.
- Price range: Should you’re within the preliminary phases of planning try our superior put up that breaks down how a lot a visit to Greece prices.
- Hire a Automobile: We recommend most guests think about renting a automotive for the very best journey potential. Attempt Uncover Automobile Rent to match quotes from completely different rental businesses. Examine Value Right here!
- Shield Your Journey: Don’t overlook to buy journey insurance coverage! We all the time carry journey insurance coverage to guard from harm, theft, or a canceled journey.
- Excursions in Greece: Take a look at our listing of the very best excursions you’ll be able to get pleasure from in Greece!
- Journey Adapter: Ensure you discover a good adapter to maintain your private electronics charged. In any other case, it’s possible you’ll be paying for an inexpensive one when you land. Buy one right here.
Greatest Issues to do in Crete
- Vai Seashore
- Balos Seashore
- Seitan Limania
- Elafonisi Seashore
- Lake Kournas
- Samaria Gorge
- Loutro
- Stand-Up Paddleboard
- Wine And Olive Oil Tour
- Knossos
- Malia
- Chersonissos
- Matala
- Vineyard Tour
- Dia Island
- Rethymno City
- Plakias Seashore
- Prevali Seashore
- Bali Seashore
- Cretan Meals
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