The largest Greek island and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean, Crete stretches for 160 miles west to east and boasts a diverse array of landscapes. Take a memorable trek through rugged canyons and mountains covered in lush greenery brightened with colorful flowers or spend the day at one of many spectacular beaches edging calm, translucent turquoise waters for swimming. Fuel your exploits at traditional eateries serving mouth-watering Cretan dishes. Signature cheeses, wild herbs, greens, and locally caught fish and seafood in the ultimate place for true farm- and sea-to-table delights. With a long history of wine production and over 60 wineries, you’ll find plenty of local and regional wines to enjoy with it.
Crete offers fascinating ruins to explore too, with everything from the famous Palace of Knossos that dates back to 1700 BC to the 16th-century fortress on Spinalonga Island, which housed Europe’s last leper colony.
As Crete covers such a wide swathe of terrain, you’ll want to choose your base carefully or perhaps split the time you have between its western and eastern regions. Some of the top spots include Chania in western Crete. Old Town Chania with its magnificent Venetian-era buildings, while beautiful beaches and mountains are nearby. Heraklion is Crete’s largest city, tucked between Mount Psiloritis and the Dikti mountains along the northern coast. A stay near the main square or old market provides a perfect place for exploring the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, trendy eateries, and boutiques.
Rethymno is about midway between Chania and Heraklion, making it a good base for exploring both cities. It has a gorgeous Venetian fortress and Old City with a maze of cobbled streets and 16th-century architecture. Agios Nikolaos in eastern Crete is popular for beach getaways with many picturesque stretches lapped by clear blue waters, while Hersonissos offers a number of popular beach resorts, waterparks, an aquarium, and plenty of other perks for a family-friendly trip.
Take a step back into ancient times in Europe’s oldest city of Knossos where between 1700 and 1450 BC, the Minoan civilization was at its peak. It’s home to the Palace of Knossos, a magnificent complex that local folklore says was once the home of the minotaur of King Minos. View the gorgeous frescoes and massive columns while discovering more about the unique history of the region.
Just a couple of miles east of Malia is the Palace of Malia which dates back to about 1900 BC, built about the same time as the Palace of Knossos. The original palace was rebuilt following the earthquake in 1700 BC, leveled again by an earthquake 250 years later. Most of what can be seen today are the ruins of the second palace, where many Minoan artifacts have been found, like the famous gold pendant.
One of the top museums in all of Greece, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum showcases artifacts that span 5,000 years of history, with everything excavated exclusively from archaeological sites on Crete. It includes an extensive collection of Minoan art, with some of the highlights the Phaistos Disk, a clay tablet with markings that have yet to be deciphered, and a miniature statue of a snake goddess.
There aren’t many places in the world where you can spend time on a pink beach, but Crete is one of them. Its pink-colored sand is the result of thousands of crushed shells which create a stunning contrast against the brilliant waters of the Mediterranean. Spend the day here relaxing or swim across the shallow lagoon to the small, uninhabited island that’s home to a historic lighthouse and chapel.
Samaria National Park is a great place to get out for a hike, exploring one of Europe’s longest canyons, the 11-mile Samaria Gorge. The trek begins at Xyloskalo, the entrance to the park. Along the way, watch for creatures like the spiny mouse, Cretan badger, and the endangered kri-kri, a goat that’s native to the island.
You may want to spend a day in Rethymnon, wandering the alleys of the picturesque Old Town. This neighborhood by the sea dates to the 11th century and is filled with Venetian Renaissance architecture, with splashes of Turkish influence. There are a dizzying array of shopping and dining options, including tavernas serving Greek delicacies and iced coffees, throughout the maze of streets. You’ll also find countless photo-ops, like the Venetian harbor, Platanos Square, and Our Lady of the Angels.
Crete’s tourist season generally runs from May through October, peaking in July and August. If your main goals are sightseeing and hiking, you may want to come in the spring or fall when the weather won’t be too hot, and the crowds won’t be too thick. Mid-April through early June or late September and October are typically ideal. For a relaxing beach escape with good weather guaranteed, aim for June or September. Of the two, September is best with the sea warmer thanks to the higher summer temperatures. Summer is the liveliest time to visit, with lots of nightlife to enjoy.
As such a large island, you really need six or seven days in Crete to properly explore it. If you want to see all the highlights, it requires a two-week stay. For those who want to do it in less, you’ll want to choose one base such as Chania that makes it possible to explore other popular destinations like Samaria Gorge and Balos Beach. With six days, you can split your time into two areas, perhaps flying into Heraklion and out from Chania or vice versa, which makes it possible to cover quite a few highlights, including Knossos Palace.
The best season to visit is in spring or early fall when temperatures will be comfortable, and it won’t be as busy. But regardless of the season, the best time of day to visit is early in the morning or toward the end of the day, about two hours before closing to ensure you have enough time to take it all in. Try to avoid dates when cruise ships are in Heraklion’s port by searching Google for the Crete cruise ship calendar.
The Palace of Knossos is a must as Crete’s most important archaeological site, home to the Minoan civilization, at its peak from 1700 to 1400 BC. It provides a fascinating look at life during ancient times, complete with a sewage system, water piped in, and even flush toilets. Chania’s Old Town, with pastel-hued buildings enveloped by 16th-century walls, and backed by the White Mountains, is a sight to behold. Balos Beach is arguably the island’s most stunning with white powdery sands and a pink stretch, all framing a dreamy turquoise lagoon. The 11-mile-long Samaria Gorge is also impressive in terms of scenery and wildlife.
Crete is not only worth visiting, it’s one of the top islands to consider on a trip to the Greek islands with rich traditions, ancient history, incredible cuisine, and breath-taking views. Its sheer size and diverse offerings mean there’s something for everyone here. It’s home to some of the most beautiful beaches for soaking up the sun and swimming, mountains for hiking, wineries for tasting, and much more. The island’s size also means you can almost always find a way to escape the crowds and enjoy it in tranquil seclusion.
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