Wondering what amazing scenery you could see if traveling to Crete, Greece?
Below is my selection of 40 Crete pictures to show you the best landscapes on the island:
- Coastal landscapes of Crete,
- Mountain scenery,
- Cities,
- And more!
The island is so magnificent that it is difficult to only pick 40, but I hope those photos of Crete will inspire you to visit!
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
#1 – Preveli beach – Mountain to beach
The best place to see almost everything Crete has to offer in a single viewpoint is Preveli beach.
The viewpoint is easy to access, but the beach will be a reword for those who make the effort only.
Here the scenery includes mountains, gorge and beach. One of the best beaches in Crete.
#2 – Balos Lagoon – paradise scenery in Crete
One of the most exotic locations on the island of Crete is Balos lagoon. Isolated and protected from development, the place is mesmerizing.
You can enjoy warm emerald waters, soft sand and be surrounded by mountains.
Access is only by 4WD, hiking or by boat – see organized tour options
Learn more on my Balos Lagoon article.
#3 – Kourtaliotiko Gorge
This is a very short drive between the giant canyon walls with holes and caves.
Such a perfect example of the gorges cutting through the mountains of Crete.
There is a large carpark where you can stop and take the time to enjoy the views.
#4 – Elafonisi Beach – Classic Crete picture
This is such a classic picture to take, but you can understand why, don’t you?
At Elafonisi beach, some of the sand appears pink. The contrast with the turquoise water and brown mountain is picture perfect.
However, the beach is very popular, so visit early or late to enjoy it more!
More tips in my article.
#5 – Fodele Church
Fodele is one of the most charming churches in Crete. And, I think it is one of the most photogenic places on the island.
The stones, the shapes, the olive trees and the mountain…
#6 – Knossos Palace
These 3 red columns at the Palace of Knossos are probably one of the most common pictures of Crete.
In the middle of the ruins, this reconstruction gives us an idea of what the palace looked like.
#7 – Triopetra beach – one of the Crete hidden gems
If you are a fan of geological features, don’t miss Triopetra beach. It is one of the hidden gems of Crete.
The beach attracts less because it is made of little stone and can have wind and waves. But at the end, there are fascinating rocks that look like giants stacked sheets of rocks.
#8 – Cave of Zeus – underground Crete landscapes
Crete is a home to several underground caves. The most famous is the Cave of Zeus also known as Psychro cave.
After a hike, you can enter the inside of the mountains where Zeus was born, according to the myth.
#9 – Loutro village – one of the best places in Crete
Another landscape worth discovering, but not so easy to reach. The charming white village of Loutro is isolated on the South Coast.
You can access it only on foot or by boat. From the headland you can see the contrasts in colors: emerald and blue waters, white houses and orangy mountains.
Learn more in my article.
#10 – Chania harbor – urban landscape in Crete
In terms of urban landscapes, one of the most picturesque towns in Crete is Chania.
Plan time to stroll around the harbour with the lighthouse, dyke and colorful houses.
My Travel Guide eBook includes all these amazing Crete Photo spots to help you plan a wonderful trip around the island!
Plan your dream trip in Crete thanks to my guide
- 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
#11 – Xerokampos
Away from the crowds, the East coast offers some of my favorite sceneries in Crete.
The bare mountains are stunning at every turn and twist of the road.
Here is Xerokampos, as you drive down to the beach.
#12 – Gramvousa island
On the way to Balos lagoon, some boat trips stop at Gramvousa island, also known as the pirate island.
I think it could deserve an entire day with the stunning beaches, hike to the fortress and a shipwreck.
See organized tour options and learn more on my Balos Lagoon article.
#13 – Vai beach
Olive trees cover most of the island of Crete. You might get sick of seeing them by the end of your road trip.
So, if you want to see other trees, head to Vai beach, as it is also known as Palm Beach.
Plus, you can climb a little to enjoy beautiful views of the coastline.
#14 – Spinalonga Island – historical landscape of Crete
The small fortified islet of Spinalonga is a classic excursion in Crete.
The boat tour allows you to admire the scenery, and once on the island you can learn more about its long history: from the Venetians to the Ottoman and to the leper colony. More pictures in my article.
#15 – Lake Kournas – inland Crete scenery
If you are getting tired of beautiful coastal beaches, head inland and spend some time on a lake beach.
Lake Kournas is niched in the mountains with splendid views.
#16 – Matala Beach – THE Crete photo for sunset
Matala was a “hippie capital” in the 70s and it has retained some of that vibe today. This is a unique beach town in Crete, that deserves a stop, especially at sunset.
The cliffs surrounding the beach have caves cut into the soft limestone, and it turns orange as the sun lowers.
See more photos
#17 – Palaiochora
In my opinion, one of the most scenic town and beaches in Crete is hidden on the South Coast: Palaiochora.
It offers a great relaxing atmosphere and many options of amazing viewpoints.
#18 – Xerokampos Beach – one of the best beaches in Crete
Want to get away from the crowds? Head to the West coast. I have introduced you to the mountain and gorge of Xerokampos above (#11).
And now I am showing you its beautiful beache. Very little buildings, but ruins, rock formations and crystal clear water.
What else could you want?
#19 – Stomio
Another scenic destination off the beaten path, is the small village of Stomio.
I think the picture speaks for itself…
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…
#20 – Samaria Gorge
As I explained earlier, Crete is full of deep cut in the mountains.
The most famous of the gorges is Samaria. It is a very long but very impressive hike.
Need to rent a car in Crete?
My tips:
- 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!
#21 – Zakros beach
And we are back on the East coast, in Zakros. I told you I love the East.
Another incredible mix of colors with deep blue water, orangy mountains, and trees in the valley.
Plus, very close to the beach is one of the main archaeological sites on the island.
#22 – Chrysoskalitissa Monastery
Located on a promontory right by the sea, the Chrysoskalitissa Monastery has a privileged situation.
On top of that, this historical site is famous for the legend of the Golden step, learn more in the article. Are you pure of heart?
#23 – Arkadi Monastery
Arkadi is the most famous and most visited monastery in Crete.
It played a significant role in the history of the island and such a powerful place to visit, with a unique atmosphere.
#24 – Botanical Garden of Crete
For a change of scenery, you can also head inland to visit the Botanical Garden of Crete. Brothers turned a land destroyed by fire into a beautiful terraced park full of exotic and Mediterranean trees. See more pictures.
#25 – Palaiochora Venetian Ruins – Castelo Selino
And we are back in Palaiochora with the opposite view, taken from the top of the headland at the Venetian ruins.
Stunning and peaceful!
#26 – Driving in the mountains
Just driving around Crete is a pleasure for the eyes. You can see mountains, valleys, olive trees and after some turns, the sea!
#27 – Spili
Once in a while, on those drives, you find villages nestled at the foot of mountains.
This one is Spili, famous for its fountain.
#28 – Chania lighthouse
Back in the town of Chania, this is a picture of the lighthouse.
You can see it from almost every angle, as you walk around the harbor and on the dyke.
#29 – Heraklion Fortress – Koules
Crete is home to several fortresses built to protect it from attacks. The island has had a tumultuous history…
This one is located in the main town: Heraklion.
#30 – Marmara Gorge
I told you about the impressive gorges throughout the island of Crete.
The boat trip around Loutro on the South Coast, is one of the best opportunity to understand how impressive they can be. Here is Marmara Gorge, with the tall walls and narrow canyon.
Where to stay in Crete?
My favorites:
- Chania, a charming town: See best rated accommodations
- Rethymno, history, beach and central location: See best rated options
- Heraklion, main city: See best rated options
- Palaiochora, for stunning scenery, away from crowds – See best rated options
- Mochlos, for a very quiet area: see best rated options
- For a sandy beach and some nightlife: Malia or Bali
#31 – Impressed at every turn
I am going to repeat myself, but simply driving around is a pleasure. The only difficulty is that there is not always enough space to stop and admire the scenery.
But whenever you can, you should!
#32 – South coast drive
Same…
#33 – Phaistos Palace
Of all the Minoan ruins on the island, the site of Phaistos has the best views. It is located on top of a hill in a beautiful valley.
The light was not ideal when I visited, so the photo does not do justice to the place.
#34 – Olive trees
Everywhere you look, there are plantations of olive trees, surrounded by beautiful, bare scenery.
As you drive close by, look at their irrigation set up. It is also very impressive.
#35 – Lassithi Plateau
Even if you cannot hike to the Zeus cave, drive up to the carpark. From there, you have an open view of the Lassithi plateau and its farmlands.
The weather was not ideal for pictures, but the view is quite impressive considering how mountainous the rest of the island is. Strange to find this large flat piece of land.
#36 – Gortyna Roman Ruins
Gortyna offers a different ancient ruin experience.
The town peaked during the Roman period (1st to 5th centuries AD). Highlights include the theater, the ruins of Saint Titus church, a legendary tree, sculptures… and the Code of Law of Gortyn (5th century BC) written on a wall.
#37 – Melidoni Cave
The Melidoni cave has only one chamber open to the public, but what a treat!
The cathedral cave is huge and very impressing, with a soft lighting to appreciate the work of nature.
Compared to other caves in Crete, it is not too difficult to access. And it is not full of tourists!
See more pictures.
#38 – Paligremnos Beach
Plakias is a big resort with a long beach. Not fascinating, but great for families.
However, if you get all the way to the end of the beach, past the sand dune, there is a 80m rock wall standing facing the beach.
It is even more special in Winter during a full moon where the light is reflected by the cliff in the water, attracting big squids.
#39 – Mountains and sea
As I wrote before, the best part of Crete is the mix of mountains and sea…
#40 – Sunset at Elafonisi
And let’s finish by a sunset picture from Crete. This was taken at Elafonisi beach.
When the pink beach turns orange!
Want to see more of the best Crete has to offer?
- 20 best things to do in Crete – read article
- The 27 best beaches in Crete – read article
- The most beautiful archaeological sites – read article
- The most beautiful churches and monasteries in Crete – read article
- The best destinations in Crete, where to stay – read article
- Advice for planning your road trip in Crete and your itinerary – read article
- Tips for driving around Crete – read article
- The most beautiful boat trips around Crete – read article
- Which side of Crete is best? – read article
Planning a trip to Crete?
Check out my travel guide eBook to help you plan:
Plan your dream trip in Crete thanks to my guide
- 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
And keep track of your own trip!
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