Crete

From the extensive facilities and popular holiday spots along the north coast to the villages and gorges of the mountainous interior and the less-visited south coast, you will feel Crete’s vibrant and ever-welcoming spirit everywhere you go.

What Crete is best known for

Beautiful landscape

Crete’s scenery is full of impressive mountains, dramatic gorges and sweeping coastlines that make it a holiday favourite for all seasons. Dominating the skyline are three main mountain ranges – the White Mountains (Lefka Ori), Psiloritis (Mount Ida) and the Dikti Mountains – each offering panoramic views and unforgettable settings for nature activities. Among the many gorges, the awe-inspiring Samaria Gorge steals the show, drawing visitors eager to explore one of Europe’s longest ravines. But there are plenty of smaller gorges and hiking paths within Natura 2000-protected landscapes to discover. Along the coast, long bays melt into hidden coves and shimmering waters, creating an unforgettable setting.

Beach holidays

From the exotic sands of Elafonisi to the mesmerising colours of Balos Lagoon in the Gramvousa peninsula, Crete boasts some of the best beaches in Greece. There are hundreds of beaches in Crete, all the way along its 1,000km coastline, ranging from small, secluded gems to more developed, family-friendly stretches of sand. Favourite sun and beach destinations include Elounda, known for its relaxed luxury, and Malia and Hersonissos, famous for their mix of vibrant nightlife and sun-soaked fun. The beaches in Falasarna and Preveli also have reputations that have travelled the world.

Discover 15 of the best beaches in Crete

Cretan hospitality

Cretan hospitality displays the same characteristics as the island’s famous landscape: grand, generous and infinitely welcoming. From the moment you set foot on Crete, you’ll be greeted by a warm welcome – often accompanied by a toast of raki or another local product. In traditional tavernas, conversation flows as easily as the wine, and families take pride in sharing their traditions with curious guests. Whether you’re at a village festival or simply chatting with a shopkeeper, you’ll quickly discover that Cretan hospitality is about connection and community – a spirit that stays with you long after your holiday ends.

Mediterranean diet

Synonymous with the Mediterranean diet, Crete is renowned for its fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared with simple yet delicious flair. Sun-ripened fruit and vegetables and wild mountain greens are at the heart of local dishes, complemented by the liberal use of locally produced extra-virgin olive oil. Pulses, lean meats and cheeses add depth and flavour to Cretan cuisine, which is recognised for its health benefits and for contributing to long life as well as the tradition of sharing great food.

A foodie guide to Crete

Culture and history

Crete was home to Europe’s earliest advanced civilisation – the Minoans – whose legacy can be explored at iconic sites such as Knossos and Phaistos. Over the centuries, Venetian and Ottoman influences have also shaped its architecture, music and customs, resulting in a vibrant cultural tapestry that continues to thrive in historic sites and age-old customs. From grand forts and museums to traditional festivals and folk traditions, Crete effortlessly connects its ancient past with a modern, spirited identity.

Discover the best of Crete

Crete is made up of four regions – Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Lasithi – of which the first three are also the names of cities in those regions. It is the largest island in Greece (and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea), so distances can be large. Your holidays in Crete could, therefore, be limited to a single destination (Chania, Heraklion or Elounda, for example). Alternatively, you could create an itinerary that includes various stops within the region, or even across multiple regions of Crete. It will depend on how long you plan to spend in Crete and your interests.

Chania: The city of Chania is known for its enchanting old town and Venetian harbour and is close to beaches and other popular holiday spots on the north coast, such as Platanias, Agia Marina and Kissamos. The west coast is wilder and the south coast is dotted with quieter settlements such as Paleochora, Sougia, Loutro and Hora Sfakion – ideal for a more laid-back vibe. The Apokoronas villages in the foothills of the White Mountains are also wonderful destinations to stay in or visit in Crete.

Discover the best things to do in Chania

Rethymno: Rethymno is best known for its Old Town and Venetian-era Fortezza (fortress), representing Crete’s multicultural past. Its narrow streets merge seamlessly with its lively café, taverna and boutique scene. In summer, a long sandy beach by the waterfront is a major draw. Beyond the city, you’ll find beach getaways like Geropotamos and Panormos in the north and Preveli and Triopetra in the south. Traditional villages like Plakias on the south coast and Arkadi Monastery also offer a different slice of Cretan life.

Heraklion: Heraklion is Crete’s administrative capital and largest city, known for its lively urban atmosphere and waterfront and for its Archaeological Museum. Close to the city are the world-renowned Minoan-era Knossos Palace and fertile vineyards. The heart of the region is dominated by the Psiloritis mountains (the tallest in Crete), which are shared with Rethymno. Popular destinations on the north coast of Heraklion include Kokkini Hani and Gouves (with family-friendly seaside resorts), Hersonissos (known for its beaches and lively nightlife), Malia (famous for its party scene) and Stalis. Favourite beaches on the south coast include Matala and Agia Pelagia.

Lasithi: The main settlement of Crete’s easternmost region is Agios Nikolaos, celebrated for its picturesque lake and vibrant waterfront. Nearby Elounda is famed for its luxurious seaside resorts and sandy beaches and for boat trips to Spinalonga island, while settlements like Sitia (in the northeast) and Ierapetra (on the south coast) showcase the area’s more traditional character, with relaxed beaches. On the east coast, Vai beach boasts one of Europe’s biggest palm forests, while the Lasithi Plateau is a fertile plain dotted with authentic Cretan villages, farms and orchards.

Best time to visit Crete

Every season in Crete is special. The most popular months to visit are July and August, but these are also the busiest and hottest times of year. Therefore, if you are able to visit in May-June or September-October, you will still find the weather hot enough for swimming in the sea, but the crowds are smaller. It is also slightly cooler for outdoor activities. Spring and autumn are popular for outdoor activities (especially hiking) when temperatures are milder and the landscape is greener. Wineries are open all year round (sometimes upon request), but if you visit in spring or during the autumn harvest, you will see the vineyards at their most active. The autumn olive harvest is also a magical time to visit Crete.

How to get to Crete

You can reach Crete by air via its major airports in Heraklion, Chania, and, to a lesser extent, Sitia. There are also frequent ferries from the Greek mainland and other Greek islands, depending on the season.

• By air: Chania and Heraklion have airports with international and domestic flights a third, smaller airport in Sitia (in Lasithi, the easternmost region of Crete) is just for domestic flights. The flight time from Athens to Crete is around 55mins and from Thessaloniki is around 1hr 30mins.

International and domestic flights to Crete

• By ferry: The ports of Chania, Heraklion and Sitia have regular ferry services from Piraeus (the port of Athens) throughout the year. There are also ferry connections to many Cyclades and Dodecanese islands. There are more ferry connections in the summer months, including ferries to Heraklion from Rafina, in eastern Attica (around 45mins from central Athens).
   

Crete island Ferries Schedules

Find real-time ferry schedules, compare prices and plan your trip from Athens to Crete by ferry.