With its rich history and a half million inhabitants, Crete is Greece’s largest island, and one of the most visited islands. Due to its location in the south, Crete is one of the islands that enjoy the most sunshine of the year.
The summer season in Crete is longer than on other islands, lasting from April to November. It is also possible to enjoy a sunny winter break in Crete, but keep in mind. A warm jumper will be needed for the chilly evenings.
The nature in Crete is stunning; here you’ll find everything from snow-capped mountain peaks to the long wide beaches with swaying palm trees. With all its exciting archaeological excavations and well preserved memories of one of the oldest cultures, Crete is a great destination for all ages.
Crete is the perfect place if you like walking and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Maybe you want bring your easel and paint? For those who are looking for action and pulsating nightlife, Crete is the perfect place. And for families who want long gorgeous beaches and tranquillity there are plenty of such here in Crete. Crete has something to offer everyone.
The sunny island of Crete is waiting for you.
Dramatic landscape
In the western part of the island, mountains extend high creating a dramatic landscape next to its fertile green valleys. In the East, nature is barren with vast plateaus and silver-green olive groves behind the coast’s numerous sandy beaches. According to legends the god Zeus was born on Crete. Disguised as a bull he received his princess in Europe, and had three sons, of whom Minos of Crete was the first King.
Going up into the mountains, either by foot or by mountain bike you can admire the beautiful surroundings. In the Cretan mountain villages you can still see the black-clad old women come riding on donkeys. You can also make a trip to the peninsula of Spinalonga with Venetian fortresses and a ghost town that once was a colony for lepra.
Heraklion
The capital, Heraklion found on the island’s north coast. This is where you’ll find the island’s largest ports. The city pulsates and has everything you would expect from a big city. In Heraklion you will find a typical market that you should not miss.
Want to go shopping? Find your way to Daidalou Street which is the biggest pedestrian street lined with cosy shops. On Korai Street which is also a pedestrian street you will find a myriad of cafés, also known as the street of cafés. However, if you don’t mind to pay a silly high price for a regular cup of coffee, it will be worth it.
You’ll find two interesting museums in Heraklion, the Museum of History and Heraklion Archaeological Museum where you can see the finds from the famous Knossos.
Just outside Heraklion is Cretes’ most famous archaeological site, Knossos, which at one time was a cultural centre for politics and religion.
Because this is one of Crete’s biggest attractions, many believe that it is a must to see when you come here. Remember that it can be really hot here in summer, so a sun hat and a bottle of water is a necessity.
Chania –the Greek holiday town number one
Chania has long been the favourite destination in Crete, and this is where most of the foreigners who live on the island have been settled. The city was once under Venetian rule, and when you see the beautiful port of Chania you will understand where the architecture comes from.
It’s hard to believe that you are in Greece when you see the old façades in the calm harbour. It is very easy to fall in love here in the cosy harbour, the glow of lights that light up the harbour promenade is the perfect setting for romance. This is where you find the best restaurants, cafés and bars in Crete.
Just behind the harbour you will find the centre of Chania’s night life on the narrow streets. Here you will find plenty of shops and bazaars that are open late into the night.
If you can’t get enough of shopping you’ll find more shops around the Old Town with modern chain stores and the famous “leather street”. If you are you looking for a cool leather jacket or bag, this is the place to go. There is also a covered market here where you can buy anything you ever dreamed of.
You will find a great selection of things to buy in Crete.
Rethymnon
Another popular destination for the tourist on a package holiday is Rethymnon, where you’ll find an incredibly beautiful little fishing port. You have seen it on many postcards and in the travel brochures. This is where you should sit and enjoy the fresh fish, before you find your way up through the quarter to the Old Town with narrow streets and plenty of small cosy bars and cafés.
In Rethymnon you can find lots of beautiful monuments in the midst of today’s buildings and alleys. There is much to see in the city and do not miss the magnificent castle Fortezzan that guards the city. For anyone who is interested in history there is also an archaeological museum.
Hersonissos – for the young who want action
If it is nightlife and action you’re after, then you should travel to Hersonissos. Here you’ll find Crete’s best nightlife, water sports and restaurants – yes, everything the discerning tourists want.
Hersonissos is located on Crete’s north coast. For over 20 years the city has been a hot destination with high class. On the main street you will find plenty of shopping opportunities and cafés and the promenade is where you will find plenty of cosy traditional taverns. The nightlife here is comparable to that of Rhodes.
Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos is one of Crete’s charming small towns that feels so typically Greek. If you want to take it easy on your vacation, this is the perfect place to be. In the fishing port of Agios Nikolaos you will find the town centre. And this is where you will find the bottomless freshwater lake which is said to lead up to the volcanic island of Santorini. There is a wide selection of restaurants, music bars and nightclubs but with a bit more quiet atmosphere.
Kalamaki
In the western part of Chania you will find a small peaceful village called Kalamaki. The village is full of small colourful houses nestled along the waterfront. Not more than 200 residents live in the village throughout the year, while during the summer there are far more people in the village. Here you can dine at any of the small taverns and because Kalamaki is so close to Agii Apostroli and Chania, about 5 kilometres away, it is a nice break to come to this village. Small beaches and rocky beaches can be found here if you want a quiet day at the sea, there are no water sports or other disturbances for those who just want to relax.
Platanias – the action filled resort outside Chania
A popular holiday resort that bloom during the summer, there are mainly youngsters travelling to Platanias. Here you can find luxury hotels and cheap apartment complexes. The area is lined with restaurants and bars, the pulse of night life here is very high during peak season. The beaches offer a wide variety of water sports and everything you need for a sun and beach holiday.
Kissamos
West of Chania you will find the area of Kissamos. The area is surrounded by natural beauty where olives and grapes are grown. This is where the famous Kissamos wine is produced. If you want to get away from the beach one day, take a day trip out and check out the vineyards.
Kastelli-Kissamos is a city of about 20 000 inhabitants located in the area. Here you will find a cosy seaside promenade with lots of cafés and traditional taverns. Here you can try the real Greek food. This area is not far from one of Crete’s most beautiful beaches, many of them even described as “the Maldives of Europe “. The sand is completely white and the water has the right turquoise colour you only see in pictures of attractive travel magazines. The best beach would be Elafonissi and it is located approximately 15 minutes by car from the village.
If you want to go on a day trip you can take a boat out to Balos Bay, another postcard place to visit with a beautiful lagoon where you can sunbathe and swim. Every day, many excursion boats leave from the harbour and local buses makes it possible to get around if you do not want to rent a car.
Crete has some of the best beaches in Greece.
Facts about Crete
The capital Iraklion has 250, 000 inhabitants.
The island has 500, 000 inhabitants.
The island has one airport which was expanded to accommodate charter passengers in 1971, Heraklion International Airport – Nikos Kazantzakis.
Getting Around Crete
The cheapest way to get around is of course the local buses in Crete, bus-service-crete-ktel.com. Otherwise, hire a car to give you more freedom and you can stop where you want. For shorter trips, a moped or bicycle is an excellent option.
Ferries and boats to Crete
From Heraklion port you will find boats to Piraeus, Santorini, Naxos, Ios, Mykonos and Faro. In Crete there are two major ports for merchant ships. There are smaller ports in Rethymnon, Agios Nikolaos and Sitia. There are several small islands near Crete that you may want to explore.
The island of Gavdos which is inhabited, also the islands Hrissi or Gaidouronissi, Koufonissi, Dia, Paximadia, and Gramvoussa are also uninhabited.
The most popular destinations for day cruises from Crete would be the Cyclades islands of Santorini or Thira.
Crete’s best beaches
Elafonissi which is Crete’s own Maldives, located 75 km south west of Chania.
In Rethymnon, you will find a huge 12 km long sandy beach lined with swaying palm trees.
Hersonissos – in the centre of town you will find a huge beach with all imaginable water sports. A bit outside of town you can find lots of small bays and beaches.
Do not miss
Up in the Lefka Ori Mountains of western Crete is the magnificent Samaria Gorge located, a national park and the largest natural gorge. A perfect place for a walk.
Lassithi – famous for its windmills and Zeus’s birth cave is located on Crete’s south coast.
Outside the village lies Georgoupolis Kournas Lake, Crete’s, only freshwater lake. Here you can rent pedal boats and get out on the lake, or just take a picnic and enjoy the view.
Aqua-Splash is a popular water park just outside of Heraklion and not too far from Agios Nikolaos.
Limnoupolis Water Park, 8 km from Chania. The children’s favourite choice, with water slides, pools and a lazy river.
Excursion boats and the glass bottom boats, there are plenty of these in all locations.
