Crete, Greece
Locavy ratings
Party
4.5/5
Sightseeing
4.5/5
Relaxation
Top 20
5/5
Value
4/5
Transport Links
3/5
Experiences
4/5
Party
4.5/5
Sightseeing
4.5/5
Relaxation
Top 20
5/5
Value
4/5
Transport Links
3/5
Experiences
4/5
At a glance
As the largest of the Greek islands, Crete beckons with its stunning beaches, captivating hiking trails, and vibrant nightlife.
Party
Dive into Crete’s vibrant nightlife, with Chania and Heraklion offering enticing options, but Malia stands out as the epicenter of the island’s lively party scene. Drawing revelers from across Europe, Malia’s Dimokratias Street is a must-visit, boasting the best bars and nightclubs on the island. For an unforgettable experience, explore Malia’s party boat offerings.
Sightseeing
Discover the ancient allure of the Palace of Knossos, a must-see archaeological site. Ascend Mount Ida for a panoramic view of the stunning Cretan countryside, then explore the charming towns of Chania and Agios Nikolaos, each offering distinct picturesque beauty, making them essential stops for a well-rounded sightseeing experience in Crete.
Relaxation
Crete emerges as a premier relaxation destination in Europe, celebrated for its breathtaking beaches that rank among the continent’s finest. Nestled in the heart of the island, captivating gorges provide an idyllic retreat and consider a leisurely boat trip along Crete’s scenic coastline, offering a perspective of the island’s coastal beauty.
Value
Renowned for its affordability, Crete stands out as one of the most budget-friendly islands in Greece. Its ample size and favorable climate contribute to locally grown produce, ensuring that food prices remain economical. Additionally, many of the island’s top activities come at a reasonable cost.
Transport links
Fly
Train
Drive
Fly
Crete features two international airports, with Chania ideal for eastern exploration and Heraklion for western adventures. Both airports offer reliable transportation options across the island, including regular shuttles and taxis. Note that, being the second busiest in Greece, Heraklion Airport, opting for Chania Airport may ensure a more relaxed experience.
Train
Crete does not have a train station, so transportation on the island primarily relies on buses, taxis, and other road-based options.
Drive
Opting for car rental is strongly advised for exploring Crete, especially given the numerous mountainous villages and secluded beaches that pose challenges for public transport accessibility. It’s worth mentioning some mountain roads can be winding and narrow, making it less suitable for inexperienced drivers.
Experiences
Explore Crete’s diverse experiences by immersing yourself in the captivating remnants of one of Europe’s most iconic ruins, a site rich in both history and legend. Enhance your visit with unforgettable boat trips and tours, ranging from lively parties along the shores of Malia to serene sailing along Chania’s tranquil coastline. Embark on a delightful wine tour to savor the unique flavors of Crete’s local vineyards.
Best Things To Do
1. Crete Ruins
Explore Europe’s best-preserved ruins at the Palace of Knossos, where the legendary Minotaur myth originated. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Crete as you wander through these ancient archaeological wonders.
Opt for a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the historical significance and stories behind the ruins.
2. Heraklion
Experience the vibrant capital of Crete in Heraklion, a beautiful port city offering a central location for the island’s top activities. Discover the island’s cultural treasures, including the renowned Archaeological Museum.
Start your exploration early to avoid crowds and make the most of your day in Heraklion.
3. Relax at the Beach
Indulge in the sun and sea at Crete’s stunning beaches. Elafonisi, with its pink sand, and Balos Beach, known for its unmatched beauty, are must-visit coastal gems.
Bring sunscreen and comfortable beachwear for a day of relaxation and exploration.
4. Boat Tours
Embark on a boat tour adventure, from lively party boats in Malia to serene sunset cruises or day trips to neighboring islands. Explore Crete’s coastline and indulge in the diverse offerings of sea excursions.
Book your boat tour in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot and enjoy a hassle-free experience.
5. Charming Chania
Discover the enchanting beauty of Chania, a picturesque town on the west side of Crete. Often regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in Greece. With its historic sites, excursions, and shopping opportunities, Chania is a must-visit for its captivating atmosphere.
Stroll through the Old Town for a delightful blend of history, culture, and local charm.
6. Nature Trails
Explore the natural beauty of Crete through its popular hiking trails, including gorge walks and the ascent of Mount Ida (the highest point in Crete), offering breathtaking panoramic views of the island.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and carry sufficient water for a comfortable and enjoyable trek.
7. Agios Nikolaos
Experience the vibrant coastal town of Agios Nikolaos in the east, known for its lively bars, restaurants, and as a perfect base for exploring the eastern part of the island.
Visit the Voulismeni Lake for a tranquil escape and stunning views.
8. Malia Nightlife
For the party enthusiasts, Malia is Crete’s nightlife hub. Explore Dimokratias Street for the best nightclubs and experience some of the most vibrant nightlife in Europe.
Plan your night out, and consider joining a pub crawl to explore multiple hotspots in one evening.
9. Wine Tour
Delight in Crete’s wine culture with a wine tour, exploring vineyards and wineries across the island. Learn about the art of winemaking and discover your personal wine preferences.
Purchase some local wines as souvenirs to savor the taste of Crete back home.
10. Zeus's Cave Exploration
Uncover the mythological charm at the Cave of Diktaion Andron, believed to be the birthplace of Zeus. Marvel at the beautiful limestone cave adorned with impressive stalagmites and stalactites.
Check for guided tours to enhance your experience with insightful narratives about Greek mythology and geological wonders.
1. Crete Ruins
Explore Europe’s best-preserved ruins at the Palace of Knossos, where the legendary Minotaur myth originated. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Crete as you wander through these ancient archaeological wonders.
Opt for a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the historical significance and stories behind the ruins.
2. Heraklion
Experience the vibrant capital of Crete in Heraklion, a beautiful port city offering a central location for the island’s top activities. Discover the island’s cultural treasures, including the renowned Archaeological Museum.
Start your exploration early to avoid crowds and make the most of your day in Heraklion.
3. Relax at the Beach
Indulge in the sun and sea at Crete’s stunning beaches. Elafonisi, with its pink sand, and Balos Beach, known for its unmatched beauty, are must-visit coastal gems.
Bring sunscreen and comfortable beachwear for a day of relaxation and exploration.
4. Boat Tours
Embark on a boat tour adventure, from lively party boats in Malia to serene sunset cruises or day trips to neighboring islands. Explore Crete’s coastline and indulge in the diverse offerings of sea excursions.
Book your boat tour in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot and enjoy a hassle-free experience.
5. Charming Chania
Discover the enchanting beauty of Chania, a picturesque town on the west side of Crete. Often regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in Greece. With its historic sites, excursions, and shopping opportunities, Chania is a must-visit for its captivating atmosphere.
Stroll through the Old Town for a delightful blend of history, culture, and local charm.
6. Nature Trails
Explore the natural beauty of Crete through its popular hiking trails, including gorge walks and the ascent of Mount Ida (the highest point in Crete), offering breathtaking panoramic views of the island.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and carry sufficient water for a comfortable and enjoyable trek.
7. Agios Nikolaos
Experience the vibrant coastal town of Agios Nikolaos in the east, known for its lively bars, restaurants, and as a perfect base for exploring the eastern part of the island.
Visit the Voulismeni Lake for a tranquil escape and stunning views.
8. Malia Nightlife
For the party enthusiasts, Malia is Crete’s nightlife hub. Explore Dimokratias Street for the best nightclubs and experience some of the most vibrant nightlife in Europe.
Plan your night out, and consider joining a pub crawl to explore multiple hotspots in one evening.
9. Wine Tour
Delight in Crete’s wine culture with a wine tour, exploring vineyards and wineries across the island. Learn about the art of winemaking and discover your personal wine preferences.
Purchase some local wines as souvenirs to savor the taste of Crete back home.
10. Zeus's Cave Exploration
Uncover the mythological charm at the Cave of Diktaion Andron, believed to be the birthplace of Zeus. Marvel at the beautiful limestone cave adorned with impressive stalagmites and stalactites.
Check for guided tours to enhance your experience with insightful narratives about Greek mythology and geological wonders.
10 Things You Need to know
1.
Crete is Big
As the largest Greek island, exploring the entirety of Crete in one visit can be challenging; consider focusing on either the east or west for a more immersive experience.
6.
Dining Later
Embrace the local dining culture by opting to eat later in the evening, as many restaurants come to life during the late hours.
2.
Where to Stay
Choose accommodations wisely based on your preferred region: Chania for the east, Heraklion or lively Agios Nikolaos for the west, and Malia for the best nightlife experience.
7.
Tipping Culture
Familiarize yourself with the tipping culture in Crete; tipping is appreciated but not always obligatory, and rounding up the bill is a common practice.
3.
Visit Year Round
Crete’s consistent tourism and weather throughout the year make it an ideal destination any season, though prices may spike during the summer months.
8.
Drive Cautiously
Exercise caution when driving on the island, as roads can be winding and challenging; prioritize safety to fully enjoy your travel experience.
4.
Mosquitoes
Be prepared for mosquitoes in Crete by packing insect repellent to ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable stay.
9.
Drink Bottled Water
Ensure a healthy stay by choosing bottled water, addressing any concerns about water quality and keeping you refreshed throughout your journey.
5.
Difficult Bus Network
While there are buses on the island, navigating Crete’s bus network can be challenging; consider alternative transportation options for greater convenience.
10.
Take Cash
Cash is widely accepted in Crete, and having some on hand is advisable for small purchases and places that may not accept cards.
6.
Dining Later
Embrace the local dining culture by opting to eat later in the evening, as many restaurants come to life during the late hours.
7.
Tipping Culture
Familiarize yourself with the tipping culture in Crete; tipping is appreciated but not always obligatory, and rounding up the bill is a common practice.
8.
Drive Cautiously
Exercise caution when driving on the island, as roads can be winding and challenging; prioritize safety to fully enjoy your travel experience.
9.
Drink Bottled Water
Ensure a healthy stay by choosing bottled water, addressing any concerns about water quality and keeping you refreshed throughout your journey.
10.
Take Cash
Cash is widely accepted in Crete, and having some on hand is advisable for small purchases and places that may not accept cards.