The Greek island of Crete is a tourist hub with beautiful beaches, ancient archaeological sites, sun and good food.
So it is not so easy to find unspoilt wonders, hidden gems in Crete.
Below is my selection of 10 off the beaten track Crete destinations for you to consider, “secret places”, if you want to get away from the crowds…
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
Off the beaten track Crete – intro
The reality of tourism in Crete
Let’s be honest.
Crete is a highly sought-after tourist destinations.
It offers sun, beaches and lots of attractions.
Therefore not many spots are still “underdiscovered”.
Even isolated locations at one end of the island such as Elafonisi beach are take over by tourists.
And even the very very long hikes such as Samaria gorge are full of visitors!!! It is crazy
One of the first things you can do to avoid crowds is to avoid June to September, and especially July and August.
My selection of off the beaten track Crete destinations
There are often big discussion about what is or is not off the beaten track. Everyone has its own definition.
I have selected those 10 spots because:
- There were hardly anyone around when I visited compared to other locations
- They are not often listed in guide article about Crete
- I found them really beautiful – some of them ended up on my list of the best things to do in Crete and in my list of where to stay in Crete
- They are still easily accessible. You might have to drive for a while but they don’t require hiking or 4WD. So you can rent the type of cars you like – check out the options on Rental Center Crete
I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.
All the locations listed in this article are included in my Travel Guide eBook:
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
#1 – Xerokampos – unspoilt beach in Crete
- About
My very first choice is Xerokampos.
It is quite unbelievable that one of the nicest beaches in Crete (see my list) is so untouched.
There are hardly any constructions around and almost nobody on the sand.
I think we crossed path with no more than 10 cars while driving down there.
The water is clear, the sand golden, and the surrounding mountains arid and beautiful.
The beach is at the end of a Gorge which you can partially admire along the drive down.
This was also on of my favorite roads in the whole road trip around Crete!
- Location
South of the West Coast of Crete. No large town nearby
Sitia to Xerokampos = 1h
Ierapetra to Xerokampos = 1h30 - How to get there
You have to drive on mountain roads to reach it. However the roads are in very good condition and there is hardly any traffic. So it is not a difficult drive. - Practical info
It is a perfect orientation for sunrise.
There are only a few accommodations nearby, so you should book in advance – Check them out and book - Learn more on my article about Xerokampos
#2 – Triopetra Beach – off the beaten path gem in Crete
- About
My next choice is Triopetra beach. The name means “three rocks”.
It is a little less off the beaten path than Xerokampos, but if you select the 1km long beach (not the small beaches on the other side) you will feel the space and lack of crowds.
Plus from this beach, you can approach and climb around the 3 rocks to appreciate the fascinating rock formations. It looks like a giant stacked sheets of rocks!
It is so fascinating.
Check out more pictures on my article about Triopetra.
- Location
Located on the South Coast of Crete, between Plakias and Matala
Plakias to Triopetra = 1h driv
Matala to Triopetra = 1h10 drive
Rethymno to Triopetra = 1h drive - How to get there
A little out of the way, you drive down the mountain from the main road - Practical info
There are sunbeds and 1 tavern at the end of the beach opposite the rocks
There is a limited choice of accommodations – Check out the options
- About
I was really stunned but difference between caves: the huge crowds at Zeus cave whereas I was totally alone when visiting Melidoni.
There are little less stalagmites and stalactites in Melidoni but the access is much easier and the size of the chamber is quite impressive. A hidden gem in Crete!
However know that, like many sites in Crete, it has a tragic history with locals being suffocated inside (hence the ossuary).
Learn more on my article about the cave
- Location
Very close from the Resort town of the Bali Beaches
Along the North Coast, Mid-way between Heraklion an Rethymno - How to get there
Short drive from the main high speed road. Only the last hundred meters are more impressive as you go up the mountain - Practical info
at least 8am to 3pm Apr to Oct – 4 euros – around 100 stairs inside
For those looking for a quiet place to stay in a charming village, I recommend Panormos. We stayed at the Castello Apartments in Panormos and really enjoyed it. Modern apartment, nice sea views and a great shower (which is rare in Crete) – Check out photos and book
#4 – Stomio Beach – non-touristy destination in Crete
- About
Stomio beach is a paradise for photographer.
It does not attract crowds because the beach is made of large pebbles (which people don’t really enjoy) and it can have big waves because it is facing West.
However the location feels so out of the way where mountains drop into the sea, valleys are lush.
The water is transparent and there is even a little chapel to make it postcard-perfect.
- Location
On the West Coast of Crete, South part
Chania to Stomio = 1h30 drive - How to get there
Stomio is on the road that leads to Elafonisi. Some people will overlook it, eager to arrive at the pink beach, but I recommend you enjoy a stop to take in the landscape - Practical info
When arriving at Stomio, turn right and drive to the little white chapel for the best views
Need to rent a car in Iceland?
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!
#5 – Vossakos monastery – “secret place” in Crete
- About
Visiting Vossakos felt completely different from the other monasteries in Crete (see my list).
It does not have the same history as other or their architecture. The main interest is the atmosphere.
It is really located off the beaten path in Crete. You come here only to visit the monastery. But the views of the valley, the gardens, the tranquility are what make its charm.
- Location
North Coast of Crete, West of Heraklion
Heraklion to Vossakos = 1h drive - How to get there
Careful, Google Maps tend to recommend a road arriving to the monastery from the North, this is a track only. Make the detour from the South via the village of Drosia. Mountain roads all the way from the main high speed road. The last few kilometers of roads are narrower. (see my guide on driving in Crete) - Practical info
Even if the gate is closed, you might still enter, it is written to close the gate behind you.
When we visited we did not meet anyone, not even monks or anyone in charge… Very strange
#6 – Theriso Gorge
- About
Theriso is one of the rare gorges in Crete where you can drive at the bottom of it.
Normally you can either hike the bottom, or drive the road at the top.
This is not as impressive as certain gorges on the island, but it is still very nice and so easy to access. I don’t understand how we were almost the only car on the road…
The weather was not on my side, so the pictures don’t really reflect the beauty of the place. But I recommend it!
- Location
South of Chania - How to get there
Easy drive from Chania to Theriso village, return the same way
Chania to Theriso – around 25 min - Practical info
You might want to park at one end and walk a little inside to have more time to appreciate it, because there is not always enough space to stop the car safely.
#7 – Mochlos Village
- About
This is a good exemple of where people can argue that it is not really off the beaten path.
The small village has almost only restaurants and accommodations..
However I have found the vibe of the place to still be relaxed and unspoilt.
A lot of French people come here because it is listed in one of their traditional guidebooks. But it still has the charm of a small village and it feels peaceful.
Seafood is excellent here! - Learn more on my article about Mochlos
- Location
East part of the North Coast, mid-way between Agios Nikolaos and Sitia
Sitia to Mochlos = 50min - How to get there
15min drive from the main road - Practical info
The beach is small.
You can ask the locals to get a taxi boat (5min) to the island is order to visit the ruins.
Check out the best rated accommodations in Mochlos
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
#8 – Zakros Beach – Unspoilt Crete
- About
Zakros is where the famous “Valley of the Dead” Gorge is.
But being off the beaten path on the East Coast, it remains quite unspoilt compared to other gorges.
Kato Zakros is the small village at the end of the canyon.
It is one of my favorite places in Crete, because it mixes stunning landscapes with orange soil, a beach, significant Minoan ruins and a beautiful drive to get there.
The few restaurants might fill up in Summer, but during the shoulder season it is very quiet and laidback. - More pictures on my article about Zakros
- Location
Middle of the East Coast
Sitia to Zakros = 1h drive
Ierapetra to Zakros = 2h drive - How to get there
Mountain drive to reach it, but not particularly difficult. - Practical info
You can find accommodations at Zakros high at the other end of the gorge and at the beach. Book by the beach (Kato Zakros)
#9 – Toplou Monastery
- About
A little bit more people were visiting the monastery when I was there, but nothing compared to the visitors of Arkadi.
Toplou does not look inviting from the outside because it was built like a fortress, but this is what makes it charm.
I love the structure a little like a Labyrinth, the square of the main central courtyard, the arches…
- Location
East of Crete, between Sitia and Vai beach (palm beach)
Sitia to Toplou = 20min - How to get there
Just off the road with large carpark. Easy access - Practical info
9am to 6pm – 2 euros entrance
#10 – Tylissos Ruins
- About
After the crowds of Knossos, it was surprising to drive 30min and have others ruins just to ourselves. Nobody else there!
Granted there is no palace, but the structure of those 3 main houses were quite fascinating to visit with nice explanatory boards.
It is a Minoan site from 16th to 15th century BC.
It has been excavated at the beginning of the 20th century.
- Location
West of Heraklion
Heraklion to Tylissos = 25min - How to get there
Slightly up in the mountains – out of the beaten path but easy access - Practical info
At least 8am to 3pm – 2 euros
Want to see more of the best Crete has to offer?
- 40 best landscapes in Crete (in pictures) – read article
- 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
- 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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