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Crete Travel Guide

Crete, Greece is one of the most beautiful islands in Europe with breathtaking scenery from Mountain to Sea.Below is my Crete Travel guide to help you plan your ideal itinerary including the best places in Crete (especially beaches, gorges, archeological sites…), a road trip guide and plenty of photos and video to make you dream of your next trip!

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME IN CRETE!

Content
Best things to do in Crete island
Crete Travel Guide – How to Plan your Trip
Best places in North Crete, Greece
Best places in South Crete Island
Visiting the East coast of Crete
Boat trips & Excursions
GENERAL TRAVEL TIPS

In this article, no ads, no sponsored posts. Just some affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (Disclosure).

Travel Guide written by Claire, the ultimate Travel Planning Geek

“With the Zigzag Travel Guides, Planning is half the fun of Traveling”

Pure Travel Planning Inspiration! (No Ads – No Sponsored Content)

Best things to do in Crete island

Discover general articles about the best things to do and destinations in Crete. Get inspired to visit this magnificent Greek island with many landscapes from mountains to sea displaying unbelievable colors: You won’t get bored! The whole island offers breathtaking scenery everywhere you look. Discover mountains, gorges, beaches, monasteries, archeological sites…

Best landscapes in Crete (in 40 pictures) 

Best landscapes in Crete (in 40 pictures)

Best things to do in Crete

Best things to do in Crete

Best beaches in Crete

Best beaches in Crete

Best archaeological sites in Crete

Best archaeological sites in Crete

Churches and Monasteries in Crete

Churches and Monasteries in Crete

Off the beaten track in Crete

Off the beaten track in Crete

21 best towns and villages in Crete

21 best towns and villages in Crete

Plan your dream trip in Crete thanks to my guide
Small Mainland Portugal Algarve ebook cover
  • 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
Discover it!

Crete Travel Guide – How to Plan your Trip

Here is a map to help you understand where the Crete island is located in the Mediterranean Sea, South of GreeceYou can also get a better understand of where the main towns are.Detailed maps designed to help planning are available in the eBook.

Tourism crete map travel

Below are my articles to help you define your ideal itinerary, get ready to drive in Crete, plan your accommodations, pack and have a fantastic trip!

How to plan your Crete Road Trip and Crete itinerary

How to plan your Crete Road Trip and Crete itinerary

How to rent a car in Crete

How to rent a car in Crete

Driving in Crete

Driving in Crete

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!

See all my tips

See available cars
Where to stay in Crete - 15 best places

Where to stay in Crete – 15 best places

Chania or Heraklion or Rethymno? Where to go?

Chania or Heraklion or Rethymno? Where to go?

Which side of Crete is best? East or West? North or South?

Which side of Crete is best? East or West? North or South?

Other practical websites to book your trip

BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION & TOURS

  • I personally use Booking.com for their large choice of both hotels and apartments, their real reviews and reductions for repeat customers – Book your accommodations via Booking.com (or if you prefer – Book with Hotels.com)
  • DAY TRIPS – The other travel option I like to just seat and relax while admiring the scenery it to Book day trips and organized tours. I also like to have my tickets beforehand to save time. I personally use GetYourGuide.com and Viator.com 

GET TRAVEL INSURANCE

  • I wish you a very smooth trip, but my policy is: better be prepared. I personally use World Nomads. Get a quote online here.

Best places in North Crete, Greece

North Crete is the more developed region – it offers organized beaches, main archeological sites, historical monasteries and all the main towns. 

Minoan palace of Knossos Crete

Minoan palace of Knossos Crete

Melidoni Cave Crete

Melidoni Cave Crete

Arkadi Monastery Crete

Arkadi Monastery Crete

Falassarna Beach Crete

Falassarna Beach Crete

Gramvousa Island + Balos Lagoon Beach Crete

Gramvousa Island + Balos Lagoon Beach Crete

Cave of Zeus (Psychro) Crete

Cave of Zeus (Psychro) Crete

Island of Spinalonga Crete

Island of Spinalonga Crete

Botanical Park of Crete

Botanical Park of Crete

Village of Mochlos Crete

Village of Mochlos Crete

Malia Palace Crete (archaeological site)

Malia Palace Crete (archaeological site)

Best places in South Crete Island

South Crete is the wild region of the island – it offers national parks, gorges, wild coast, isolated villages, colorful beaches… and a more relaxed vibe!

Elafonisi Pink Beach Crete

Elafonisi Pink Beach Crete

Village of Loutro Crete

Village of Loutro Crete

Chrysoskalitissa Monastery Crete

Chrysoskalitissa Monastery Crete

Triopetra Beach Crete

Triopetra Beach Crete

Matala Beach Crete

Matala Beach Crete

Minoan Palace of Phaistos Crete

Minoan Palace of Phaistos Crete

Visiting the East coast of Crete

The East coast is wild with canyons, beaches, ruins and small villages. It offers vibrant colors and unspoiled areas.

Xerokampos Crete (beach and gorge)

Xerokampos Crete (beach and gorge)

Zakros Crete (Beach, ruins and gorge)

Zakros Crete (Beach, ruins and gorge)

Boat trips & Excursions

Greece is full of islands, you can enjoy boat trips to some stunning and very close small islands or plan a full day excursion to the famous Santorini.

Boat trips from Crete

Boat trips from Crete

Crete to Santorini Day trip

Crete to Santorini Day trip

And keep track of your own trip!

Crete road trip journal

GENERAL TRAVEL TIPS

Travel Checklists

Travel Safety Tips

Best Travel Binoculars

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