Top Things to See & Do in Crete

Crete is the country’s largest island, with a diverse range of landscapes that include everything from rugged mountains, canyons, and caves to pink sandy beaches lapped by translucent turquoise waters. There are luxury resorts where you can relax and soak up the sand, but those who want to delve into the island’s history can enjoy a wide range of options. Explore ancient ruins like Knossos Palace, a Minoan settlement and the oldest city in Europe dating between 1700 and 1400 BC. There are world-class museums like the Heraklion Archaeological Museum displaying many artifacts from Knossos Palace, covering 5,000 years of history. With many restaurants serving sea- and farm-to-table dishes, you’ll have plenty of delicious eats to fuel all your exploits.

There are many options for getting to Crete. If you want to save time, you can fly. There are two major international airports, including one in Chania, Daskalogiannis Airport Chania (CHQ) located in the northwest and Nikos Kazantzakis Airport Heraklion (HER) in the north-central region. Many arrive by ferry with six different ports here: Heraklion, Chania, Agios Nikolaos, Rethymnon, Kastelli-Kissamos, and Sitia. Traveling by ferry is generally more comfortable as you can stand out on the deck enjoying the fresh salty sea air and a view of the Mediterranean. Standard ferries take 8.5 to 13.5 hours to reach Crete from Athens, but the high-speed ferry can bring you to Chania in five hours.

Old Town Chania is one of Crete’s most romantic towns. It has an intriguing history that dates back more than 5,000 years, built on the ruins of ancient Kydonia along the northwest coast. The name Chania came into use around the early 13th century when it was occupied by the Venetians who fortified the town around its fortress while restoring the city. You’ll see Venetian influences throughout with many of the elegant homes and buildings constructed in Venetian style. Stroll the narrow streets and around the beautiful harbor to soak up the enchanting atmosphere. Highlights include the Venetian harbor itself and the early 17th-century Firka Castle where you can climb to the top for a panoramic view and explore the maritime museum.

Tucked just beneath the Acropolis in Athens, the Agora is a testament to the city’s status as the birthplace of Western civilization. It was first developed in the 6th century BC before being devastated by the Persians in 480 BC with a new one immediately built on the site. Today, it provides a lush respite from the hustle and bustle with greenery inhabited by lizards and various birds, the Temple of Hephaestus, a museum, and the 11th-century Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles. It once served as the heart of public life, a popular trading place and meeting spot where the early Athenians came to discuss the nature of the universe, politics, and other current events, as well as to conduct business. 

Samaria National Park in the White Mountains is one of the most popular places to immerse yourself in nature, and it’s home to Crete’s top hike, the Samaria Gorge. The park’s crown jewel, it is the longest canyon in Europe, stretching 11 miles through the spectacular, rugged landscape. Framed by high mountains, in addition to the picturesque scenery, the gorge is home to more than 450 plant and animal species. Keep watch for unique wildlife like Crete’s native goat, the rare and endangered kri-kri, along with the Cretan badger and the spiny mouse. The path starts from Xyloskalo near Omalos and concludes in the village of Agia Roumeli which touches the Libyan Sea. It’s possible to return by bus or boat.

A boat tour to Spinalonga Island reveals yet another example of Crete’s incredibly diverse history. Another one of its most popular attractions, the tiny island lies off the southern coast in the Lassithi region. Looking at the island from the coast, you can see the remains of its 16th-century Venetian fortress that was built to protect the Bay of Mirabella. But once you arrive, the ruins of a leper colony, a settlement here between 1903 and 1957 with homes and buildings, can be explored. A just under mile-long path that traverses the perimeter of the island is accessed after passing through Dante’s Gate, a tunnel that served as the entrance to the leper colony. Many tours include lunch and time to swim.

The mythological Cave of Zeus, also called Diktaion Andron, is located in eastern Crete. It’s said to be the birthplace of the god Zeus and a place of worship during ancient times. There have been many artifacts uncovered here, including knife blades, axes, various objects in bronze, stone and ceramic lamps, and clay human figurines.  Today, most come to explore its vast chambers with stalagmites and stalactites on a guided tour. Accessing the cave requires a steep but manageable 35- to 40-minute hike with picturesque views enjoyed along the way. While you can reach it on your own, there are multiple tours available that will bring you here with other attractions explored too, like the Palace of Knossos and the Lassithi Plateau.

The Lasithi Plateau is known for its tranquil villages where locals enjoy a more traditional way of life. You’ll find shops with locally crafted items, family-run tavernas, and welcoming residents. Along the coast, there are secluded beaches, and, in the mountains, scenic hiking paths. Zakros is known for its Minoan Palace, one of the four main administrative centers of Minoan Crete. It has a pretty natural harbor, a beach for swimming, and two museums, the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Water and Hydraulics. Lastros is a typical Cretan mountain village with narrow streets and alleyways lined with whitewashed homes, flower-filled courtyards, a historic Byzantine church, and traditional cafes and tavernas serving Cretan delicacies.