Crete, Greece: 34 Best Things to Do and See

Crete, Greece’s largest island, is a must-visit destination with a unique charm that attracts over 4.7 million tourists each year. Known for its fascinating blend of ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant local culture, Crete offers an authentic Greek experience. My own first visit as a child left a lasting impression—tales of the Minoan civilization and the island’s history as a leprosy treatment center captivated me, especially at ten years old!

According to Greek mythology, Crete holds special significance as the birthplace of Zeus, king of the gods, adding a layer of mystique to this incredible island. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best times to visit, essential sights, thrilling activities, and ideal places to stay for an unforgettable holiday in Crete, Greece.

Best Time to Visit Crete

Crete is an ideal summer holiday destination, especially between May and October, thanks to its prime location between Europe and Africa, providing up to 300 days of sunshine each year.

The peak tourist season falls during the summer months, with August being the hottest, reaching air temperatures of around 30°C and water temperatures around 25°C. However, this is also the busiest time, with the highest prices and the most crowds.

For a more relaxed experience with lower prices and fewer tourists, consider visiting in June or September. If you’re curious about the monthly sea temperatures in Crete, check out the table below for more details.

Best Hotels in Crete

For families traveling with kids, Stella Village Seaside Hotel is one of the best choices in Crete, offering an all-inclusive experience complete with water slides that kids absolutely love. If your little ones are anything like mine, a hotel with slides is a must! I’m pretty sure my child will feel the same way when he’s a bit older. 😂

If Stella Village is fully booked, another fantastic option is Arina Beach Resort, which also features a great location and fun water slides for the kids. ☺️

Crete’s Historical Highlights: What You Need to Know

Crete was the birthplace of one of Europe’s earliest civilizations—the Minoan civilization, which emerged around 2000 BC and flourished between 1700 and 1450 BC. This era saw the construction of impressive palaces like Knossos and showcased advanced cultural and technological achievements.

Following the decline of the Minoan civilization around 1100 BC, Crete experienced a period of downturn and later became part of several major empires, including the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. In modern times, Crete eventually joined the independent nation of Greece.

Crete’s rich history and archaeological heritage showcase the influences of various cultural and political powers. From the Ancient Greeks and Romans to the Byzantine Empire, the Arab and Venetian periods, and later Turkish rule, Crete has experienced significant transformations. Each era left its unique mark on the island, reflected in its architecture, art, and local traditions.

In the 20th century, Crete played a notable role in World War II and later became part of modern Greece. This union paved the way for economic development and a thriving tourism industry.

34 Best Things to Do and See in Crete

Curious about what to see and do in Crete? Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with kids, or solo, Crete has so much to offer that a week’s holiday won’t be enough if you want to experience even half of what this incredible island has in store.

Let’s explore some top recommendations for Crete’s most beautiful spots, must-visit beaches, historic landmarks, popular hiking trails, and scenic trips to charming villages and nearby islands.

Crete: the most interesting sights

As noted, Crete is deeply connected to the Minoan civilization and ancient Greek mythology. But that’s just the beginning—remember, I also mentioned an island where people with leprosy were once treated, adding another layer to Crete’s fascinating history.

Knossos Palace

The Palace of Knossos is one of the most visited and significant historical sites in Crete and all of Greece, likely serving as the main center of the Minoan civilization.

The original palace was constructed as early as the 19th century BC, with its peak around 1400 BC. Today, visitors can explore the extensive ruins uncovered in the 20th century, as well as a partial replica of the palace. This archaeological site spans approximately 2 hectares and is located near the capital city, Heraklion.

Knossos is easily accessible from central Heraklion via public bus line 2, which runs every 30 minutes. Tickets cost €1.50 and can be purchased at a newsstand or from a vending machine. For added convenience, tickets are also available on GetYourGuide, and due to the attraction’s popularity, it’s best to buy in advance online to avoid long lines.

Faistos

The archaeological site and Minoan palace of Faistos, also known as Phaistos, sits atop a hill, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Phaestos was the second-largest Minoan city and a key administrative center in south-central Crete, with influence extending over the Amari and Agios Vassilios areas in the Rethymno region and throughout the southern part of Heraklion.

According to legend, the city was founded by Phaistos, son of Hercules. Homer even mentions Phaestos as a participant in the Trojan War, led by Idomeneus, the king of Knossos and all of Crete.

Gortyna

The archaeological site of Gortys, also known as Gortyna, lies about one kilometer outside the village of Agii Deka, along the main road from Heraklion toward Mires, Timbaki, and Agia Galini.

Gortys was initially inhabited during the Minoan period, but it rose to prominence as one of Crete’s most powerful city-states during the Dorian era. Later, under Roman rule, it became the capital of Crete.

The excavations at Gortys reveal fascinating ruins, including the Basilica of St. Titus, the Roman Odeon with a unique 5th-century BC inscription detailing city laws, a small Greek theater, and an ancient acropolis.

Beyond the main site, visitors can explore other remarkable monuments, such as the sanctuary dedicated to the Egyptian deities Isis and Serapis, the temple of Apollo Pythios, the Roman Praetorium, Roman baths, and another Roman theater.

Rethymno

Rethymno, home to over 30,000 residents, is the third-largest town in Crete and a major tourist destination. Nestled nearly halfway between Heraklion and Chania, the town boasts a charming old harbor, a historic center with narrow, winding streets, an impressive Venetian fortress, and the longest stretch of beaches on the island.

Rethymno’s sandy beach begins just steps from the old port and stretches over 9 km through the resort areas of Perivolia, Platanes, Adelianos Kampos, and Sfakaki. This lively, budget-friendly beach is perfect for travelers looking to be at the heart of the action, with a variety of low-rise apartment hotels, tavernas, and bars lining the shore.

Top Sights in Rethymno:

• Fort Fortezza: The largest Venetian fortress in Crete, offering stunning views over the city and sea.
• Venetian Harbor: A charming area in the historic center, featuring a waterfront promenade and a 19th-century lighthouse built by the Egyptians.
• Rimondi Fountain: A decorative Venetian fountain from the 17th century, located in the heart of the old town.

Spinalonga Island

As I mentioned earlier, one of my strongest memories from visiting Crete as a child was learning about the island where people with leprosy were once treated.

This island, Spinalonga, is a small but memorable place in the Gulf of Elounda, located on Crete’s eastern coast.

On Spinalonga, you can explore the well-preserved remains of a Venetian fortress built in the late 16th century to defend the bay and the port of Elounda from Ottoman invaders. Despite holding out for over 70 years, the fortress eventually fell to the Turks in 1715.

After the Turks left Crete in 1905, Spinalonga became a leper colony, one of the last in Europe, and remained in operation until it was closed in 1954.

Getting to Spinalonga is easy—book a tour through your travel agent, use the GetYourGuide platform as we did, or venture out on your own. Entry to the fortress costs €8.

The island is accessible only by boat during the summer season, from May to October. Regular ferries depart from three locations: the resort towns of Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, and the nearby village of Plaka.

Arkadi Monastery

Located southeast of Rethymno, the Arkadi Monastery is an important Eastern Orthodox shrine with a profound role in Cretan history. The monastery was central to the resistance against Ottoman rule, particularly during the 1866 revolt.

During this uprising, 943 Greeks, mostly women and children, took refuge in the monastery. Rather than surrender, they chose to ignite barrels of gunpowder in a powerful act of self-sacrifice. Tradition holds that the monastery was founded by a monk named Arcadius, though its exact founding date is unknown. The current buildings date back to the 16th century.

The monastery is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm, with services held at 6 am and 6 pm. Visitors can also enjoy a small on-site café and browse a souvenir shop for mementos.

Agia Triada Monastery

The charming Byzantine Monastery of the Holy Trinity, also known as Tzagaroli after the two brothers who built it in the 17th century, is nestled on the hillside of the Akrotiri peninsula, just a few kilometers from Chania.

It’s no surprise that this monastery is considered one of the most beautiful in Crete and is undoubtedly one of the island’s most fascinating sights.

Moni Preveli Monastery

Moni Preveli Monastery, located 37 km south of Rethymno, Crete, is set in a stunning landscape overlooking the Libyan Sea and surrounded by an exotic palm forest. The monastery is divided into two separate complexes, “Piso” and “Kato Monastiri,” which are about 2 km apart.

According to legend, the monastery was established during the Venetian period, similar to many other Cretan monasteries. Originally, the site housed two larger monasteries and several smaller ones, which eventually merged to form the larger Preveli Monastery. Over the years, dedicated abbots have made it one of the wealthiest monasteries in western Crete. Preveli Monastery also played a crucial role in Crete’s liberation struggles against the Ottoman Empire.

The first building you’ll encounter upon arriving from Rethymno is Kato Monastiri, dedicated to Agios Ioannis Prodromos. Today, it stands completely abandoned. Piso Monastiri, more familiar to visitors, is dedicated to Agios Ioannis the Theologian. Sadly, none of the original structures have survived intact; those not destroyed by the Turks were heavily altered in later renovations.

Among the monastery’s treasured relics are the 1750 painting Christ the King of Kings by artist Mix. Preveli, a 13th-century icon of St. John the Theologian, a silver chandelier in the Theologos temple with a gilded gospel and chalice, and a bronze Russian-style chandelier from 1908 crafted in Moscow.

The monastery also holds a revered silver cross containing holy wood. For those interested in delving deeper into the monastery’s history, there is an archive and a cadastral book available. The decline of Preveli Monastery began after 1960, and today it is maintained by a single monk.

Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

Located in the historic center of Heraklion, this museum is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Designed by Patroclus Karantinos, the building was constructed between 1935 and 1958 on the site of the Venetian Monastery of Saint Francis, which was destroyed in an 1856 earthquake.

The museum showcases artifacts from the Neolithic period (7000 BC) to the Roman period (200 AD), offering a comprehensive look at Crete’s history, including its Minoan culture.

Highlights of the collection include the famous Disk of Phaistos from the second millennium BC, an enduring mystery with its undeciphered symbols. Other remarkable items are pieces of Minoan jewelry—necklaces, earrings, and diadems—that display impressive craftsmanship and intricate detail.

Tickets can be easily purchased on GetYourGuide or directly on-site, though you may face lines during the summer season.

Chanion Folk Museum

The Chanion Folk Museum, located in the heart of the old town of Chania on Halidon Street, next to the Catholic Church, offers a glimpse into traditional Cretan life during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Visitors can explore a fascinating collection of tools, raw materials, and products from traditional crafts, small industries, and rural life. The museum showcases models of rural occupations, domestic arts, and examples of typical country house interiors. Additionally, there’s a dedicated workshop that keeps the art of Cretan embroidery alive, where intricate embroidery pieces are created for visitors to admire.

The most beautiful beaches in Crete

While Crete’s historical sites are a big draw, you’ll also want to explore its stunning swimming spots. Here’s a look at some of the most beautiful beaches in Crete.

Elafonissi – beach in Crete with pink sand

Elafonissi in Crete is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and unique pink sand beaches. A sandy stretch about 200 meters wide connects the mainland to the small island of Elafonissi, creating a 400-meter-long beach with access to the sea on both sides.

This beach is perfect for families with children, thanks to its shallow, calm waters. It also offers convenient amenities, including sunbed and umbrella rentals, showers, a small bar, and a tavern.

Elafonisi Island is about 1 km long and offers numerous small platforms with stunning views. Due to its distance from major cities, it remains pleasantly uncrowded in the early morning and late evening.

Just 2 km from Elafonisi is the picturesque Kedrodasos Beach, known for its shallow, clear waters and beautiful scenery. Elafonisi is also home to rare plant and animal species, including juniper bushes, sea daffodils, and the endangered loggerhead sea turtle.

Located in western Crete in a secluded area, Elafonisi is best reached by car. It is 76 km from Chania and 211 km from Heraklion. The last stretch of the drive involves narrow, winding roads, and there is a parking lot by the beach for €5 per day. For those without a car, buses run from Chania to Elafonisi once daily, departing around 9:00 am and returning at 4:00 pm, with the trip taking about 2 hours each way. A round-trip ticket costs €11.

Balos beach

Balos Beach in Crete is one of the island’s most picturesque spots, offering perfect swimming conditions far from the busy resorts and towns. A sandy stretch links the Gramvousa peninsula to the small rocky islet of Tigani, creating a tranquil lagoon ideal for families with young children.

Towards the lagoon’s edge, the sea deepens, with waters turning a stunning azure and remaining crystal clear. This protected area is a habitat for sea turtles, cormorants, and falcons, adding to its natural charm.

If you plan to visit, it’s best to arrive early in the morning. There is a small beach bar with a limited number of sun loungers and umbrellas, which fill up quickly during high season.

Balos is accessible by car from Kissamos, with clear signage along the way; however, the final stretch is a gravel road that requires a €1 fee. Alternatively, daily boat trips depart from Kissamos, often stopping at the nearby Gramvousa islet, home to a Venetian fortress dating back to 1579–1582.

Falassarna beach

Falassarna Beach, on Crete’s west coast, is widely regarded as one of the island’s most stunning beaches.

This expansive stretch of fine, light sand with occasional small pebbles is set against a striking, dramatic landscape.

The beach is equipped with showers, sun loungers, and umbrellas, and you’ll find small bars nearby for drinks and snacks. It’s also one of the best spots on the island to watch the sunset.

The easiest way to reach Falassarna Beach is by car. Located 14 km from Kissamos and 52 km from Chania, the route from Kissamos is well signposted and leads directly to a free parking lot next to the beach. During the summer season, regular KTEL buses run from Chania to Falassarna, with one-way tickets costing about €8.50.

Vai beach

Vai Beach, also known as Palm Beach, is located on the eastern tip of Crete and is surrounded by gentle hills. It’s renowned for its stunning date palm grove, a unique natural feature and one of Crete’s iconic symbols.

The palm grove here is unique, as these trees grow naturally, unlike other areas in Crete where palms are planted. While most of the grove is fenced off, the section closest to the beach is open to the public.

Vai Beach features fine white sand and a gentle slope into the sea, with small, colorful pebbles along the shore. You’ll find all the essentials for a comfortable beach day, including showers, restaurants, restrooms, and shops.

A large parking lot is available nearby, with a fee of €3 per day during high season, parking is free in the off-season.

Matala beach

Matala Beach, located on Crete’s southern coast, is one of the island’s most beautiful spots, known for the impressive rock formations surrounding it.

One of these cliffs is dotted with dozens of small caves, carved out around 2000 BC. An interesting fact: in the 1970s, these caves became a popular hangout for members of the hippie movement.

Matala is a smaller, quieter resort with most of its buildings being hotels, apartments, or guesthouses. It’s easily accessible by car from Heraklion, with the drive taking about an hour and 15 minutes. From May to October, buses also run from Heraklion to Matala 3-4 times a day, with a one-way ticket costing around €8.50 and a journey time of about 2 hours.

Seitan Limania beach

Another stunning beach in Crete is Seitan Limania Beach, also known as “Devil’s Harbour.” This picturesque spot is framed by high cliffs, and, as you can see in photos, the water is incredibly clear.

Located near Chania on the Akrotiri peninsula, it’s an easy 30-minute drive from Chania town. There is free parking available for about 30-40 cars, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a spot.

The walk from the parking area to the beach takes about 15-20 minutes. Since there are no shops or restrooms at the beach, be sure to bring everything you’ll need for your visit.

Stavros beach

Stavros Beach, also known as Zorba’s Beach, is located in the northeast corner of Akrotiri, near Chania. This beach gained international fame as the filming location for the movie Zorba the Greek in the 1960s. Today, it’s popular for its stunning appearance, with beautiful golden sand, crystal-clear water, and a highly photogenic setting.

Stavros Beach has all the amenities you might need, including restaurants, public restrooms, sunbeds for rent, showers, and changing facilities at both ends of the beach. However, renting a sunbed here is on the pricier side, costing around €25-30 for two sunbeds and an umbrella.

Frangokastello beach

Frangokastello Beach is one of Crete’s most stunning beaches, distinguished by a medieval Venetian castle overlooking the shore. Nestled in a valley beneath the White Mountains, it is located 13 km east of Chora Sfakion and 80 km southeast of Chania. Free parking is conveniently available right by the beach.

Frangokastello Beach is especially popular with families with young children due to its shallow, calm waters. The area is well-equipped with amenities, including restaurants, restrooms, and shops, making it ideal for a comfortable family day by the sea.

Just a short 300-meter walk east of the main beach, you’ll find the stunning Orthi Ammos Beach, known for its impressive sand dunes.

Triopetra

Another must-see among Crete’s most beautiful beaches is Triopetra. The name “Triopetra,” meaning “Three Rocks,” comes from the striking rock formations that emerge from the sea. Located about 50 km south of Rethymno and 13 km southwest of Akoumia, this beach offers a unique and scenic experience.

Tips for excursions in Crete

Looking to do more than just relax on the beach? Here are our top recommendations for excursions to help you explore Crete further.

Samaria Gorge Trek – 5 – 7 hour trek

If you enjoy hiking and are visiting Crete outside the peak summer heat, don’t miss the Samaria Gorge.

This southeastern area is a sanctuary for the rare kri-kri, a species of Cretan wild goat found almost exclusively here and on a nearby island.

The hike through Samaria National Park covers 13 km, but you’ll need to walk an additional 2 km eastward to reach Agia Roumeli, bringing the total distance to 15 km (about a 5-7 hour trek). The most famous section of the gorge, known as “The Gates,” features walls that narrow to just four meters wide and rise nearly 300 meters high.

The village of Samariá, located within the gorge, was abandoned in 1962 to create the national park. Both the village and the gorge are named after the ancient village church, Óssia María.

Imbros Gorge – alternative for families with children

Imbros Gorge (Greek: Φαράγγι Ίμπρου) is a beautiful, less-crowded alternative to the more famous Samaria Gorge in Crete, offering a shorter yet scenic hike ideal for families with children.

The trail begins in the village of Imbros and ends in Komitades, covering a distance of 8 km with an elevation gain of about 500 meters. The average hiker can complete the route in about 2.5 hours, including stops for photos and refreshments (which you’ll need to bring along).

The narrowest section of Imbros Gorge is only 1.6 meters wide, while the canyon walls tower up to 300 meters, offering spectacular views. Keep an eye out for wild goats as you hike!

The gorge is open year-round, with an entrance fee of €2.50 per adult from May through October.

The main entrance to the gorge is about 1 km from the village of Imbros, where free parking is available. Be cautious of tavernas in the village advertising “gorge entry”—the actual main entrance gate is located elsewhere!

Anogeia

Another beautiful excursion you can book through a travel agency or on GetYourGuide is a trip to the charming village of Anogeia, located on the slopes of Mount Psiloritis at an altitude of 700 meters.

Why visit Anogeia? This village showcases a unique side of Crete. Here, you can admire traditional folk arts and crafts and experience local Christian music, which has deep roots in Cretan culture.

In the first week of July, Anogeia hosts the “Iakinthia” music festival, featuring renowned Cretan musicians like Nikos Xylouris and Vasilis Skoulas, both natives of the village.

For caving enthusiasts, the area around Anogeia offers hidden gems like the Sfendoni Cave in the nearby village of Zoniana. This cave features impressive and rare stalactites and stalagmites, making it a must-visit for those interested in exploring Crete’s underground wonders.

Loutro

Another wonderful excursion is a boat trip to the picturesque village of Loutro. The whitewashed houses stand out beautifully against the stunning natural surroundings, creating a postcard-perfect scene that’s sure to keep your camera busy.

Cooking course in Lefka Ori

If you love Greek cuisine, consider a full-day Cretan cooking course in the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) through GetYourGuide, where you’ll discover the magic of healthy, delicious Mediterranean cooking. This experience is one of the island’s most popular excursions.

Plakias

Be sure to visit Plakias. Once a small fishing village, it’s now a vibrant resort known for its expansive sandy beach stretching over 1 km and stunning views of the island of Gavdos.

Agios Nikolaos

Another must-visit town in Crete is Agios Nikolaos, with roots dating back to the Bronze Age. A key attraction is Lake Voulismeni, a scenic lake connected to the sea and lined with lively cafes and restaurants, especially vibrant in the evening.

Mount Sfakion

Another charming town in Crete is Chora Sfakion, the largest settlement in the remote and mountainous region of Sfakia, though it has just 265 residents. 😁

Visitors can enjoy Vrissi Beach and several nearby pebble beaches. The local economy thrives on tourism, fishing, olive oil production, and sheep and goat farming. During the Venetian and Turkish occupations, up until the 18th century, the town prospered through a flourishing trade with its own small fleet.

Chora Sfakion is known as a stronghold of resistance against both Venetian and Turkish occupiers. The impenetrable White Mountains to the north and rugged beaches to the south helped locals fend off invaders. Nearby, the village of Anopolis is the birthplace of one of Crete’s most famous revolutionaries, Daskalogiannis.

Chrissi – Golden Island

Chrissi (also spelled Chrysi, Chryssi, or Chrisi), known as “Golden Island” or Gaidouronisi (“Donkey Island”), is an uninhabited islet about 15 km south of the resort town of Ierapetra in Crete. With its fine white and golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and fragrant cedar forests, it has the allure of an exotic paradise.

Two of the island’s most beautiful beaches are Golden Beach and Belegrina Beach. Chrissi is also home to a 300-year-old cedar forest in its center and unique marine fossils along the beaches.

Beyond its stunning beaches and cedar groves, Chrissi features the small Orthodox church of Agios Nikolaos, dating back to the 13th century, as well as the remains of a Minoan settlement on the northwest side of the island.

Chrissi is accessible by cruise boats from the port of Ierapetra, with the journey taking about 30 minutes. You can book a boat trip to Chrissi through GetYourGuide.

The village of Mochlos

For an authentic taste of a traditional fishing village, head to the north coast of Crete and visit the village of Mochlos. From here, you can also take a trip to the nearby island of the same name.

Island of Mochlos

Mochlos Island is a lesser-known Minoan archaeological site, discovered in 1907 by American archaeologist Richard Seager with the help of local fishermen. Excavations in 1908 revealed ancient Minoan graves and dwellings.

Zakros

Another stunning area to explore in Crete is Zakros, known for its beautiful Kato Zakros Beach. This pebbly beach lies in a sheltered bay, offering a peaceful and scenic setting.

Don’t miss the Minoan Palace of Zakros, located in Kato Zakros just a few hundred meters from the sea. It was the last Minoan palace discovered in Crete and, although smaller than those at Knossos, Malia, and Phaistos, it’s well worth a visit. The surrounding area, known as the Valley of the Dead, is also notable for its many Minoan tombs.

What to do with children in Crete

If you’re visiting Crete with kids, there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Here’s a look at some of the top excursions and attractions for children in Crete beyond the ones already mentioned.

Snorkeling

One of the most popular activities throughout Greece is a snorkeling trip. These excursions can be booked for a few hours, a half-day, or a full day, with options to go on larger or smaller boats, catamarans, and sometimes even yachts.

Many snorkeling trips include a Greek barbecue or snacks, depending on the trip length. If you’re not traveling through a tour operator, you can easily book a snorkeling excursion through GetYourGuide.

Go to the cave of the god Zeus

The impressive Dikteon Andron, or Zeus Cave, is a stunning stalactite cave located in the Dikte Mountains at an altitude of 1,025 meters, near the village of Psychro (often referred to as Psychro Cave).

Greek mythology holds that this cave was the birthplace of Zeus, the supreme Olympian god. Archaeological research shows that the cave has been inhabited since the Neolithic period and was primarily used as a burial site.

Most tour operators offer excursions to the cave, but you can also visit independently by booking through GetYourGuide.

Visit a waterpark in Crete: Watercity

If your kids are anything like I was, they’ll probably want to spend at least a day at a water park. Watercity is a fantastic water park in Crete, and I can’t wait to take our little one there once he’s a bit older.

Tip: I recommend buying tickets in advance to avoid long lines with the kids. You can easily do this on GetYourGuide or through the official website, although it can be a bit cluttered.

Aquarium in Crete

A visit to the aquarium is a favorite excursion for families with children in Crete, offering an up-close look at the fascinating underwater life of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s one of the island’s most popular attractions for families, and tickets can easily be purchased online through GetYourGuide. While tickets are also available at the entrance, expect long lines during the high season.

Frequently Asked Questions