Wondering what to see on your trip around the main Greek island?
Below is my selection of the best things to do in Crete, with pictures to help you decide if you want to add it to your itinerary and a map of my top 10.
What to do and visit in Crete: the best landscapes, beaches, archaeological sites, monasteries, gorges, caves, attractions…
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
Content
Top 10 – Best things to do in Crete
The island of Crete offers a variety of colorful landscapes with mountains and coastline. Plus it has been inhabited by several civilisations who have left traces of their constructions. So there is no way you can get bored on the largest of the Greek islands!
The issue is the opposite, how to select what to see, visit and do on your trip around Crete?
So let’s start with my absolute favorites things to do in Crete – my top 10 of locations, beaches, historical sites and activities.
1. Take a boat trip to admire the colors of the Balos Lagoon
- Why visit? –
This is clearly one of the highlights of any trip around Crete. It is a very popular spot for a good reason.
The area is wild with mountains dropping into the sea, islands creating a bay and a shallow lagoon to enjoy it all.
The sand is white and pink, the water is turquoise, the rock dark and (hopefully) the sky is blue… this is a beautiful rainbow of colors! - Location –
At the North West Tip of Crete - How to get there –
The easiest option is to take the boat from Kissamos, it first stops at Gramvousa island and then takes you to the Lagoon. Book here
Otherwise, there is a 4WD track starting West of Kissamos - Tips –
Bring layers, it can get windy and cold, especially on the boat - More
Have a look at my article about Gramvousa and the Balos Lagoon
2. Admire the fascinating art of the Minoan at the Heraklion Museum
- Why visit? –
I am normally not a museum person, I thought I was going to prefer the actual archaeological sites. But I thoroughly enjoyed the Heraklion museum (even more that the World-renowned Athens museum).
It has a very extensive collection of pieces and arts from the Minoan period, coming from all the sites around the island. You have the minotaur head, the Phaistos disc, Knossos mosaics… and pieces of all sizes in good conditions. - Location –
Located in the heart of Heraklion - How to get there –
If you have an accommodation in the old center of Heraklion, it is very easy to walk to the museum - Tips –
Go early or late afternoon to avoid the crowds visiting on a day trip
3. Understand the pink sand at Elafonisi
- Why visit? –
Elafonisi is a beautiful isolated beach on the South Coast. It has become famous for its shallow warm water and pink sand (due to crushed shells). It is even often listed as one of the best beaches in Europe.
The lagoon has formed between the small Elafonisi island and the coast.
When not crowded, it is a stunning wild and peaceful environment. - Location –
At the South West tip of Crete, away from any main towns
Chania to Elafonisi – 1h40 drive - How to get there –
The easiest way to visit is with you own car. Drive down the Topolia gorge and all the way to the South Coast
Otherwise there is a bus service in Summer from Chania
Or you can book a bus tour from the major towns, sit back and relax – Check out programs - Tips –
Elafonisi also gets really crowded during the day in Summer. It is a great place to stay overnight and enjoy a peaceful sunset.
Learn more on my article about Elafonisi beach
4. Enjoy a cafe with a view at Palaiochora
- Why visit? –
On this website, I rarely mention places to eat. But, we had a big big crush on one place in Crete.
It had it all, enjoyable terrace with great seating, lovely team, fantastic views of the town and mountains and delicious food.
So I am doing an exception and recommending you have lunch at Castro in Palaiochora - Location –
Town of Palaiochora on the South Coast of Crete.
The bar and restaurant is located along the steps that lear from the church tower to the ruins of Castel Selino - How to get there –
Park along the beach or on the port side and walk up towards the fort’s ruins - Tips –
It is also famous for sunset, but the it will be crowded and loud. It was just fantastic at lunch!
5. Be fascinated by the lush valley at Preveli beach
- Why visit? –
Preveli is such a unique location in Crete. The gorge leading to the beach is full of water and palm trees.
Plus you can see it from above with your own eyes (not with a drone). I love that! I think this is one of the best viewpoints in Crete. - Location –
On the South Coast of Crete, East fo the resort town of Plakias - How to get there –
You can drive to the large carpark and walk the 400 steps down to the beach
Or you can take a day trip that includes Preveli beach – Check out programs
Or you can take a boat from Plakias that takes you directly to the beach - Tips –
If you don’t want to go down the 400 steps and (back up at the end), you can still go see the view. From the carpark, you must go down 130 steps to the viewing platform.
6. Go off the beaten path at Xerokampos
- Why visit? –
I drove all around Crete and this was one of my favorite parts of the drive (by the way, see my guide on driving in Crete). Totally away from all the crowds, this area is very dry, the vegetation low.
You drive with views of the Xerokambos gorge all the way to the beach where there are hardly any buildings. Some fo the best landscapes I have seen.
The best thing to do in Crete off the beaten path (see my full list)! - Location –
West Coast of the island - How to get there –
You need your own car to get there, no other options - See more pictures on my article about Xerokampos
7. Admire the work of Nature at Triopetra beach
- Why visit? –
Triopetra is rarely listed as one of the best beaches in Crete, probably because it is a pebble beach, without many facilities.
But the rock formation at the end is really worth a detour. The name of the beach means 3 rocks.
Their structure is fascinating as it looks like sheets of rocks stacked on top of each others. - Location –
Middle of the South Coast of Crete - How to get there –
You absolutely need to rent a car to reach this beach. The rocks are a few minute walk from the carpark - Tips –
They are even more beautiful at sunset when the low sun is hitting the rocks. - See more pictures here
8. Travel back in time at Arkadi
- Why visit? –
Arkadi is the most famous monastery in Crete. The tragedy that happened here in 1866, killing hundreds of locals had a significant impact on how the revolution against the Turks was perceived internationally.
Today you can explore many rooms in the monastery and see the traces of the battle. The museum has some great pieces.
But I thought the atmosphere was the most impacting. It was like no other monasteries I visited in Crete. - Location –
Close to the North Coast, just 30min from Rethymno - How to get there –
There are day trips from Chania or Rethymno including the Arkadi Monastery – Check out their programs
Otherwise it is easy to access by car - More –
Learn more on my article about the Arkadi monastery.
9. Feel small in the Samaria Gorge
- Why visit? –
Samaria is the most famous gorge and the most famous hike in Crete.
The walk takes you between vertiginous walls of mountains. It is sometimes very narrow
If you complete the whole hike it is 16 to 18km (you can pay for a bus for the last 2km) - Location –
South Coast - How to get there –
You can either do the whole hike (walk down and then flat, no technical difficulty) – from Omalos to Agia Roumeli – the easiest option is to book a day trip from one of the major towns (because you don’t finish where you started) – Check out options
Another option is to take a boat from either Chora Sfakion or Sougia to get to Agia Roumeli, and walk the bottom of the gorge (even just 1h30 return and you can see the view in the picture above) - Tips –
Bring plenty of mosquito repellent. But you don’t need too much water because there are sources along the way
10. Watch sunset at Matala
- Why visit? –
If you want a hippy vibe combine with a beautiful sunset, Matala is for you.
The beach has a great orientation, and, when the sun is getting lower, it makes the wall and its cave even more fascinating - Location –
South Coast - How to get there –
Easy drive from Rethymno and Heraklion
If you don’t want to drive, you can visit Matala on a day trips with other sites in the same region (but you won’t be there for sunset) – check out programs - Tips –
Combine you trip with a morning visit to the Phaistos archaeological site to avoid the crowds - More? Check out my article about Matala.
Note
You might have noticed that some of the most famous places in Crete (Knossos, Spinalonga, Vai beach…) are not listed in my Top 10. Probably because I don’t like crowds… But you will find them further in this article by categories.
Top things to do in Crete – Map
Below is map to help you locate my selection of the top 10 things to do in Crete. As you can see they are spread out, but as a tendency, I have preferred the locations that were not on the North coast, because it was wilder.
All the locations listed in this article are included in my eBook. They are identified on more detailed maps, and you can find all the info you need to plan your visit (time required, GPS coordinates, opening times, facilities…):
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
What to do in Crete – 3 other Best beaches
I have already mentioned several of my favorite beaches in the top 10 things to do in Crete: Balos lagoon, Elafonisi, Preveli, Triopetra, Xerokambos… But here are 3 other suggestions of famous beaches in Crete (or you can read my complete article about the most beautiful beaches in Crete):
11. Falassarna Beach
- Why visit? –
Falassarna is often considered one of the best beaches in Crete because it has a large expanse of sand and turquoise water - Location –
Located on the East Coast (North part) - How to get there –
It is easy to access Falassarna by car. There are several carpark
Chania to Falassarna = 1h drive - Learn more –
Plan your visit with my more detailed article about Falassarna beach
12. Voulisma Beach
- Why visit? –
Voulisma beach is a cove that will mesmerize you with the colors and the the shapes created by the waves. - Location –
On the North Coast, East of Agios Nikolaos, near the town of Istron - How to get there –
Easy drive on main road E75, large carpark - Tips –
It is quite busy and loud in the middle, but you can walk further to find quieter spaces
13. Vai Beach
- Why visit? –
Vai is another famous beach in Crete. It is a sandy beach at the end of the a valley filled with palm trees. So it is one of the most exotic-looking beach on the island. - Location –
East Coast, North end
Sitia to Vai beach = 30min drive - How to get there –
Easy drive from Sitia, large carpark for a fee - Tips –
Plus you can climb at both end to admire it from above; and in the South side you can continue hiking to the next beautiful coves (note: next one is naturist)
Best places to visit in Crete – 3 Archaeological sites
It might be surprising to some that I have not included one of the archaeological sites in my top 10 of places to visit in Crete. That’s because the Minoan site are a lot more difficult to grasp that the Greek one (like around Athens). Most of what you see are just the bases of walls for very small rooms. It is quite difficult to imagine the palace and houses that stood there.
But it is still very cool to be able to see how much they were able to built.
You can learn more on my article about the best archaeological sites in Crete.
Below are the top 3 Minoan palaces in Crete:
14. Knossos
- Why visit? –
Knossos is the most famous of the archaeological sites in Crete. Very easy to access from the Capital, some of the building have been recreated by Sir Arthur Evans and his team.
Knossos has been called by some the oldest city in Europe. It was organized around a major Minoan palace from the Bronze age. - Location –
Just South of Heraklion - How to get there –
Very easy access from Heraklion by car
Or you can choose an organized tour with a tour guide to get more explanations – Check out options - Tips –
If you come by yourself, I recommend arriving at 8am so that you can enjoy the site without all the big tour group (coaches start arriving around 8:45am) - Learn more –
Check out my article about the Knossos palace
15. Malia
- Why visit? –
Malia was our favorite of the 3 main Minoan palaces in Crete. Not only because my uncle used to be an archaeologist there, but because the walls are standing higher than at other site. So it is a lot easier to imagine what it could have looked like. - Location –
North Coast, between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos - How to get there –
Easy access from the main road E75
Heraklion to Malia = 45min - Tips –
Start by the small building with the miniatures and the explanation so that you will understand better what you see later on - Learn more –
Read the Article
16. Phaistos
- Why visit? –
Phaistos is a quieter archaeological sites with some great explanations on the signs.
You can really see the different levels and walk in the ruins with views of the surrounding valley. - Location –
South Coast, near Matala beach - How to get there –
Easy drive from Heraklion and Rethymno - Learn more –
Read the article
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!
What to visit in Crete – 3 Monasteries & Churches
Crete is full of monasteries, churches and small chapels.
It is hard to select the best ones in this list of what to visit in Crete.
I have already mentioned Arkadi in my top 10 things to do in Crete, below are 3 others to consider visiting.
And you can see more in my article about churches and monasteries in Crete.
17. Kritsa Panagia Kera
- Why visit? –
The church is the most unique in Crete. It has a very strange form with 3 naves, so it is already intriguing from the outside.
And inside you can see a lot of stunning frescoes on all the walls - Location –
At the entrance of the Kritsa village, South of Agios Nikolaos - How to get there –
Easy drive from main road, carpark along the road and then 2min walk
18. Toplou Monastery
- Why visit? –
All the monasteries have something special, so it is difficult to choose.
The Tolpou one was like a fortress with high walls and a charming central courtyard - Location –
North Coast, East of Sitia - How to get there –
Along the road on the way between Sitia and Vai beach
19. Fodele church
- Why visit? –
This is, I think, the most charming church in Crete.
It does not have a special story or anything.
I just love the colors of the rocks, the small shapes with arches, and the surrounding lush valley - Location –
Near the village of Fodele, West of Heraklion - How to get there –
Drive through the valley to Fodele village and continue past the village. It is across from the small El Greco museum.
Some narrow sections but not difficult
Best places to see in Crete – 2 Caves
Underground Crete you can find hundreds of caves. Most of them are only accessible to experience speleologists.
But some are open to the public, not technical to visit.
They are nice and some of the best places to see in Crete, but don’t expect giant caves and crazy tunnels like we can see in other country (such as the Postojna caves in Slovenia).
Below are 2 caves to consider visiting:
20. Melidoni Cave
- Why visit? –
Melidoni was my favorite. The chamber you can visit is one of the largest in Crete.
Contrary to other caves, I have found the lighting very well done.
This cave also has a tragic history when in locals hiding inside were suffocated by the Turks in 1824. - Location –
North coast, mid-way between Heraklion and Rethymno, closed to the Bali beaches - How to get there –
Mountain road to access it but not difficult
Around 100 steps not too high – Visit only takes 30min (without guide) - Learn more –
Discover more in my article about the Melidoni Cave
21. Cave of Zeus (Psychro cave a.k.a. Dikteon Cave)
- Why visit? –
The Cave of Zeus is the most famous in Crete. You can visit a single chamber full of beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. - Location –
Located in the Lassithi plateau, the cave is on the West side - How to get there –
Mountain road to the plateau + up a short narrow road from the plateau
The carpark is a bit of a mess.
Then you have to climb a steep slope for 20min to enter the cave – inside you have 200 steps to go down and then back up (not for people with knee problems) – unguided visit - Tips –
Avoid the middle of the day – it is very crowded - Learn more –
More information and photos
What to see in Crete – 3 Best Gorge Drives
A lot of the gorges in Crete are only accessible by hiking.
But there are a few where the road takes you inside, at the top of the gorge or at the bottom. Below are 3 options to consider for your list of what to see in Crete.
GPS coordinates for the best views are included in my eBook: The road trip guide – Crete
22. Kourtaliotiko Gorge
- Why visit? –
This is a very short drive between the giant canyon walls on each side with holes and caves.
There is a large carpark where you can stop and take the time to enjoy the views - Location –
South Coast, North of Preveli beach - How to get there –
Close to the main road along the South Coast, easy short drive - Tips –
Best to drive it from South to North in order to have the sun on your back
23. Topolia Gorge
- Why visit? –
Topolia is the most famous drive in a gorge in Crete.
The gorge is lush and the the walls of the canyon covered with vegetation. It is also famous for the Agia Sofia cave you can access along the road (it even has a small chapel inside – but 250 steps to reach it)
Sadly, the weather was not on my side, so my picture does not do it justice. - Location –
It is located South of Kissamos on the way to Elafonisi beach - How to get there –
Mountain road, some narrow sections, but generally not a difficult drive
24. Theriso Gorge
- Why visit? –
Theriso Gorge is one of the rare gorge where you can drive at the bottom. It leads to the Theriso village.
It is often overlooked because the walls are not as high, but I think it is quite a different scenery and atmosphere from the rest of Crete and it is worth a detour - Location –
South of Chania, route leading to Theriso village - How to get there –
Easy drive with one lane each way but not much space to stop in the narrowest part
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
What to do in Crete – 2 Gorge Hikes
When you search of What to do in Crete, the Samaria Gorge is often listed in the Top 5. This is the most famous gorge hike in Crete.
But there are other options to consider, that are shorter and also really beautiful.
Sadly I had a strained ankle and was not able to complete those hike. But those are the ones I had selected based on research:
25. Zakros Gorge (Valley of the Dead)
- Why visit? –
The gorge is stunning with high walls (red-orange) and large caves in them. It has been inhabited for a long time.
In the caves, tombs from the Minoan era have been found, hence the name Valley of the dead.
More photos in my article - Location –
East Coast - How to get there –
The hike start below the village of Ano Zakros and ends at the beach in Kato Zakros
Mountain roads to reach the top and the bottom - Length –
4km – plan 3hours
26. Imbros Gorge
- Why visit? –
I had selected Imbros because it had wave like walls. And there is a section at the bottom that is very narrow and impressive.
But even from the road at the top it is quite nice to see.
I am really disappointed I could not do it. - Location –
Near Chora Sfakion, South Coast - How to get there –
You can start at the bottom of the gorge near the sea or at the top just below the Imbros village - Length –
11km – Plan 3h one way
Best places to go in Crete – 3 Best Towns & villages
I am generally not a big fan of cities, and this was even more the case in Crete.
I know some people love them, but I prefer nature.
Nevertheless, here are 2 towns that are some of the best places to go in Crete and 1 village worth the detour.
27. Chania
- Why visit? –
Chania (sometimes referred to as Hania) is the most famous town in Crete. This is due to its old center with a Venetian harbour. The houses are colorful, and it is surrounded by fortifications and a lighthouse.
It is home to a great maritime museum. - Location –
North Coast, West part - Staying in Chania –
I recommend planning a night there to enjoy the lights of the harbour – Check out the best rated accommodations in Chania - How to get there –
Easy drive from Heraklion and Rethymno
28. Palaiochora
- Why visit? –
Palaiochora was our crush of the trip.
It does not really have an old center like the other towns, but it is build on a peninsula between mountain and see.
The views are spectacular, especially from the ruins of Castel Selino.
Plus it is out of the way compared to the other towns, you really have to want to go there, so the ambiance is quite different - Location –
South Coast, West part. - Staying in Palaiochora –
I recommend planning a night there to enjoy the sunset – Check out the best rated accommodations in Palaiochora - How to get there –
Mountain drive, not too difficult
29. Loutro Village
- Why visit? –
Don’t go to Loutro if you are hoping to find a traditional village because the buildings are now only hotels and restaurants.
Do go there for the scenery.
The village is isolated in a small cove on the wild South coast. The white of the houses contrasts with the orange of the mountains and the emerald of the water.
The location in stunning! - Location –
South Coast, East of Chora Sfakion - How to get there –
Hiking from Chora Sfakion or by 40min by boat from Chora Sfakion - Staying in Loutro –
You can enjoy a stay in this isolated part of Crete – Check out the best rated accommodations in Loutro - Learn more –
Discover many more photos on my article about Loutro village
Other attractions in Crete
So so many things to do and attractions in Crete!
Below are 2 extras to consider visiting:
30. Botanical Garden of Crete
- Why visit? –
Stunning location, great restaurant
And a nice walk with lots of plants I have never seen.
Plus there is some shade at the beginning, so it can be nice on a hot Summer day - Location –
South of Chania – 30min drive - How to get there –
Easy drive from the main North Road 90 - Tips –
A bottle of water is included in the price and you can borrow walking sticks near the restaurants
Plan 2 hours (the walk back took us 30min)
Mosquito repellent is a good idea - Learn more –
Check out my article on the Botanical Park
31. Spinalonga island
- Why visit? –
Spinalonga is one of the most famous attractions in Crete. It is a small island with Venetian fortification which had a tumultuous history and ended up being a leper colony.
It is easy to walk around and enjoy the history of the very small island - Location –
north Coast, North of Agios Nikolaos - How to get there –
Boat tours from Agios Nikolaos going around the peninsula (day trip)
Transfer from Elounda (20/30min)
Transfer from the small village of Plaka (10min) – cannot be booked in advanc
Day Trips can be booked from all the main towns – Check out online booking options - Tips –
If you are going without a guide, go anticlockwise to be opposite all the tour groups - Learn more –
Check out my article
Best time to visit Crete and do all these things
What to visit in Crete in April? Best things to do in November…?
The list remains basically the same for all the months of the year.
However what you should know is that :
- The Summer Touristic season is from April to October
- The Winter off season is from November to March
- Most beaches are accessible all year-round, but if crossing mountainous plateau in Winter, you can encounter snow
- All the main attractions (sites, museums, monasteries…) remain opened in Winter but with shorter opening times, however the smaller attractions close in Winter
- July and August are the peak of the touristic activity, accommodations and tours should be booked in advance
Video – Introduction to all the types of things to do in Crete
And to finish, below is a short video to transport you to Crete and give you snapshot of all the types of things there is to enjoy around the island:
Want to see more of the best Crete has to offer?
- 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
- 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 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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Love your way of thinking about travel planning! You and your likes seem to line up with mine !
Thanks Joni.
This is why I started my blog. I could not find what I needed on the Internet at the time and thought other people might be like me and I could help.
I wish you wonderful travels!
Claire