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Are you in search of issues to do in Crete, Greece? Years in the past, we have been in a position to go to the most important island in Greece. Touring to Crete then was a Minoan dream we needed to fulfill earlier than we left the Mediterranean. Three years later, we discovered ourselves revisiting the 260 km lengthy island, looking for one of the best issues to do in Crete, Greece.

We have been by no means dissatisfied after we traveled from Stefanou Seaside to the well-known Pink Sand Seaside. The Wikitravel web page for Crete states, “If there have been a magnificence contest for Greek islands, Crete would absolutely be among the many favorites.” After visiting Crete, with its secluded bays, empty villages, deep valleys, and pink sand seashores, we will attest that Wikitravel is true.

Whether or not it’s lounging on the picturesque Stefanou Seaside or exploring the distinctive pink sand seashore of Elafonisi, guests are positive to be captivated by the island’s pure magnificence. Moreover, historical past fans can delve into the traditional ruins of the Palace of Knossos or discover the charming previous city of Chania.

The island is huge, gorgeous, rugged, and full of pleasant Cretans who could even be extra hospitable than their mainland counterparts. It’s no marvel that the island is a prime vacation spot for European seashore vacation goers. Listed below are a few of our favourite issues to do in Crete, divided by the 4 completely different areas of Crete.

The place is Crete?

Earlier than we dig into the finest issues to do in Crete, let’s speak about the place Crete is situated. Crete is the most important island in all of Greece, and when you’re on the island and driving round, you’ll undoubtedly really feel the dimensions. It’s one of the vital well-known Greek islands and can be one of the vital visited, particularly in the summertime months. Being the fifth largest island in all the Mediterranean Sea, there’s loads of house to wander round right here. Nonetheless it will probably take hours to get from one space to the following, which isn’t frequent on most different Greek islands.

Crete is situated within the southern Aegean Sea between mainland Greece and Libya. Crete has drastic white mountains rising out of the ocean and gorgeous white-sand seashores. The Greeks listed here are referred to as Cretan. Crete has a inhabitants of just about 635,000 folks!

Greatest Issues to Do in Crete, Greece

While you’re questioning what to do in Crete, Greece, take into account that there are 4 foremost areas of this large island. The areas are damaged down as follows: Lasithi, Chania, Heraklion, and Rethymno. We’ll break down all the highest locations in Crete by area.

Lasithi Area

Lasithi is the least visited out of all of the prefectures of Crete. Nonetheless, Lasithi has loads to supply guests with its clear seashores, crisp mountain air, and undiscovered Greek villages.

Loosen up in Elounda

Elounda is well-known for being the resort hub of Crete. When you have cash, are a celeb, honeymooner, or simply plain fancy, you could be staying someplace in Elounda. Sadly, we aren’t any of these items, however we determined to enterprise round Elounda.

After driving previous all of the resorts, we discovered a quiet pebble seashore with calm and clear waters to hang around in for the day with an awesome view of the tiny island of Spinalonga.

Test Out the Lasithi Windmills

In the event you’re questioning what to do in Crete and need one thing completely different head to the Lasithi windmills. I discovered photographs of the windmills on Pinterest and instantly made positive we drove to the Lasithi Plateau whereas we have been in Lasithi. The plateau has a few small, conventional Greek villages round, however the true draw listed here are the windmills.

There should have been 1000’s of white-sailed windmills on this stunning plateau again within the day. Nonetheless, most are deserted now in favor of contemporary applied sciences, however there are nonetheless a number of which have the white sails on them and so they make for nice photographs and good viewing. I actually thought visiting the windmills resembled one of the best of Crete.

Guide a Tour and Observe within the Footsteps of Greek Mythology

Discover Agios Nikolaos

While you go to Crete make certain to discover Agios Nikolaos. Within the far east of Crete is the capital of Lasithi, Agios Nikolaos. It’s an awesome little city to discover and is unquestionably one of many least visited on the island. We loved having a espresso alongside Mirabello Bay whereas gazing on the Sitia mountains.

Take pleasure in Vai Seaside

Vai Seaside is likely one of the should do issues in Crete because it’s one of the vital stunning Crete seashores. Vai Seaside options the most important pure palm forest in all of Europe. Right here you’ll discover Cretan date palm which can be arduous to seek out nearly anyplace else on the earth.

Again within the day, Vai was a full-on backpackers vacation spot, however now it’s a protected space with the forest being utterly recovered from the dumping floor.

Chania Area

We discovered all of the prettiest and vastly completely different seashores in Chania (pronounced HAN-YA). For my part, you probably have the time to go to just one area to go to in Crete, it ought to be Chania. It’s finest to hire a automobile in Crete and hit up as a lot as you’ll be able to. 

Swim on Balos Seaside (Top-of-the-line issues to do in Crete, Greece)

When contemplating what to do in Crete, take into account Balos Seaside! This seashore could also be touristy, however it’s the most stunning touristy seashore I’ve ever seen. To many, this is likely one of the prime issues to do in Crete and undoubtedly one of many finest seashores in Crete. Positioned on the very western tip of Crete previous Kissamos is Balos Seaside.

When you pay the €1 entrance charge per individual to drive on the endless filth street to the parking space, you need to then stroll all the way down to Balos seashore.

Your entire approach down, you’ll have essentially the most gorgeous view of Balos seashore and all of the completely different colours of blue that embody it. Spending the day right here is stress-free, cool, and idealistic. Avoid wasting ingesting water, although, for the one approach out is to stroll up all the steps you simply got here down. It’s potential to rent a donkey, however we wouldn’t suggest it as these donkeys aren’t saved within the biggest situation.

Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour

Discover Seitan Limania (Stefanou Seaside)

Warning – the drive to Seitan Limania (in any other case often known as Stefanou Seaside) is heart-stopping, and when you determine to take the trail all the way down to this seashore, there’s completely no turning again. The street down is slim, zig-zagged, and straight down. I actually thought we have been going to die on our approach all the way down to Stefanou Seaside. Nonetheless, as soon as we obtained to the parking space and noticed this seashore, I forgot all in regards to the drive as a result of it was completely unbelievable.

The enjoyable doesn’t finish when you get out of the automobile both; you continue to should stroll down 15 extra minutes by way of tough terrain to get to the sand, so deliver some tennis footwear. Be sure that to deliver some snacks and drinks whilst you’re at it too, belief me, you don’t wish to have the make the trek again up for goodies.

Both nobody has heard of this seashore, or folks don’t wish to make the arduous trek to it as a result of it was fairly remoted when it comes to vacationers after we visited. Once we have been right here, not a single individual sunbathing was over 30 years previous. Perhaps it’s simply the youngins who’re keen to danger their lives to have a secluded seashore. It’s one in all my favourite issues to do in Crete and possibly all of Greece, for that matter. I’d even do the drive once more to spend one other day right here!

Discover Pink Sand on Elafonissi seashore

Do the seashores of Crete sound engaging but? Properly, I’m lastly attending to that pink sand seashore in Greece.  Be sure that to spend at the least in the future at Elafonissi seashore (that’s what the pink sand seashore is named).

This seashore shouldn’t be too crowded, is located subsequent to a nationwide park, and the sand is PINK. Okay, it’s not vibrant pink like another locations on the earth, however within the daylight, the sand positive does shimmer completely different hues of pastel pink.

The pink sand is brought on by the coral being damaged down into tiny fragments. **Between Balos, Stefanou Seaside, and Elafonissi seashore, the pink sand seashore is the simplest to get to by automobile (by way of paved mountain roads). In the event you’ve executed every little thing else and nonetheless what to do on Crete Island that is it.

Elafonissi Pink Sand Seaside Small Group Tour

Chill at Lake Kournas

The one freshwater lake in Crete lies in a valley amongst inexperienced, rolling hills. The lake isn’t huge, however it’s value a number of hours to cease to see the clear, blue, freshwater. The factor to do right here is hire a paddleboat for €5 and benefit from the calm lake water.

Hike Samaria Gorge

This can be a Nationwide Park of Greece and a foremost vacation spot for vacationers in Crete. It’s arguably among the best locations to see in Crete and is many guests’ favourite factor to do in Crete. Guests can hike by way of the gorge from the Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli.

This Greek hike takes 5 to seven hours, relying on bodily potential and the way a lot you cease. Summers in Greece are very popular and really humid so make certain to begin early and produce numerous water to keep away from a horrible day.

Guide a Full-Day Tour from Rethymno

Snap Photographs of Loutro

Loutro, on the coast of Crete, could also be one of many prime issues to do in Crete, Greece. For the well-known whitewashed homes which might be so identifiable as “Greek” head to Loutro. Loutro is a small seaside village within the southernmost a part of Chania.

There aren’t many vacationers right here as a result of Loutro can solely be accessed by foot or boat. No automobiles, no massive motels, no overcrowded streets, simply pure Greece. Top-of-the-line issues to do in Loutro is get pleasure from a Greek meal at Anopoli Tavern.

Stand-Up Paddleboard

There are limitless alternatives to face up paddleboard across the Greek islands, however Chania has obtained to be among the best areas. The water right here is crystal clear, calm, and you could even spot a sea turtle. In the event you ebook a tour, you’ll seemingly be capable of discover some superior cliff leaping spots as properly!

Guide a Stand Up Paddleboard Tour

Wine and Olive Oil Tour

Crete is house to many household wineries and olive oil factories, so why not mix a visit to see each! Spend the day meandering round aromatic olive timber (among the oldest on the earth at 3000 years previous), and after get pleasure from some chilly Greek wine.

Most of the wines on this space are award-winning native wines proper from the Kissamos area!

Guide a Tour to the Household Farm!

Heraklion Area

Most journeys to Crete will begin or finish within the capital. Heraklion is house to the primary port in Crete and in addition the most important airport on the island. Heraklion is the capital metropolis and has all of the capital metropolis issues for an island nation.

A Starbucks, an Archaeological Museum, and much and many visitors. The town is an efficient place to go to for a day or so earlier than leaping off to the remainder of the prefecture.

Be taught About Historical past at Knossos

Knossos is the most important archeological website on the island and is taken into account the oldest metropolis in Europe. Visiting right here is likely one of the finest issues to do in Crete for households. Knossos is located very near the capital and might simply be visited in a few hours. It’s undoubtedly one of the vital fascinating issues to see in Crete. The Palace of Knossos is undoubtedly the spotlight of the archeological website and is the place most Minoan political and ceremonial exercise happened.

If you’re unaware of who the Minoans are, like I used to be, then simply know that they have been an Aegean Bronze Age civilization from Crete earlier than Historic Greece was even a factor. These Minoans are OLD, like 3600 B.C. previous.

Guide a Knossos Palace Skip-the-Line Ticket & Guided Tour

Social gathering in Malia

Hailed because the celebration city of Crete, we made positive to attempt to keep away from Malia. Nonetheless, if partying is your factor, then Malia is the place to drink, eat, and celebration the evening away with like-minded younger British vacation goers.

We by accident drove by way of this city and couldn’t wait to get out. Crowds have been sky excessive and I utterly forgot I used to be in Greece and began to recollect my early school days in Panama Metropolis Seaside…and never in a great way.

Catch the Sundown at Chersonissos

Not removed from the city of Heraklion lies Chersonissos. We didn’t discover something extremely notable in Chersonissos however spent a few week right here as a result of it had among the most reasonably priced lodging on Crete.

Chersonissos has loads of little Greek villages to walk round earlier than heading to the seashore and makes for an awesome base to discover the remainder of Heraklion.

Be like Zeus in Matala

It’s stated that Matala Seaside is the place Zeus swam ashore within the guise of a bull with Europa earlier than having intercourse along with her. Romantic. Matala Seaside is a good base for exploring southern Crete.

The seashores listed here are clear, the water pure blue, and there are spectacular rock cliffs and caves to discover. Matala Seaside is often known as a “hippie haven,” significantly from the ’60s when European hitchhikers and free spirits settled right here.

Pattern Native Wines on a Vineyard Tour

Lots of Crete’s finest wineries are located within the Heraklion prefecture. We went to Lyrarakis Vineyard in Monofatsi village and had a wonderful wine tasting with cheese for €10.

Nonetheless, in your individual automobile, you’ll be able to simply spend the entire day visiting all of the completely different wineries within the area. Be sure that to have a chosen driver to get you safely house on the Cretan roads! Right here is an efficient wine tour that may deal with all that for you!

Sail to Dia Island

Dia, additionally pronounced domestically Ntia, is a small uninhabited island off northern Crete. You’ll be able to simply take a crusing journey there from Heraklion and discover the numerous coves.

Small group sails of 8 folks or much less go away often and can guarantee you’ve a implausible time out on the water, whether or not that’s swimming, fishing, snorkeling, or having fun with some climbing on the paths on Dia.

Guide a Crusing Journey

Rethymno Area

Positioned proper within the middle of the island, Rethymno (or Rethymnon) shouldn’t be missed. Rethymno’s previous city is vibrant and lively. The encompassing villages exhibit true Cretan hospitality. 

Wander Round Rethymno City

When questioning what to see in Crete, don’t skip Rethymno. Rethymno is a colourful coastal city with one of the best nightlife in Crete and undoubtedly value exploring for a day or two.  You’ll be able to spend an entire day right here simply wandering by way of the alleyways and cobbled streets, snapping photographs at each colourful constructing.

If historical past is your factor, then Rethymno is full of historic ruins. Or promenade alongside the harbor, and choose from the plethora of eating places to eat.

Bask within the Solar at Plakias Seaside

Right here on the southern aspect of Rethymno prefecture, you will see that a 1300-meter-long sandy seashore. Plakias is a small village nestled deep within the mountains, and beneath the city is Plakias Seaside, one in all Cretes’ most well-known nudist seashores.

After all, not the entire seashore is for baring all of it. In actual fact, a majority of the seashore is the place you will discover households and your common sunbather. The southeastern finish of the seashore, close to the Kakomouri headland, is the one half utilized by nudists.

Climb Right down to Prevali Seaside

Top-of-the-line issues to do in Crete is go to Prevali Seaside. In the event you go farther previous Plakias, you will see that Prevali seashore. Prevali seashore is a steep climb down and leads into a gorgeous secluded little bay. Behind the seashore are intensive rows upon rows of palm timber, of which Prevali seashore is most identified for.

Try the Clear Waters of Bali Seaside

Bali seashore felt like it might have been a vacationer’s dream within the ’80s; now it’s full of motels and vacationers. Nonetheless, it does boast extremely clear waters and gorgeous cove seashores.

Eat all of the Cretan Specialties

Top-of-the-line issues to do in Crete is eat! The Cretans used to have one of many healthiest diets globally (till consuming quick meals grew to become extra handy and funky). The core conventional Cretan weight loss plan focuses totally on meals from pure sources from seasonal merchandise. There are such a lot of scrumptious meals to attempt that aren’t simply the standard Greek fare.

Listed below are a few of our absolute Cretan favorites:

Greatest Eating places on Crete Island

Tavern Stelios in Heraklion: Superb employees, tremendous clear, moderately priced and well-reviewed Greek restaurant in Heraklion.
Peskesi in Heraklion: Conventional Cretan delicacies in an superior setting.
Ya Seafood Restaurant in Hersonissos: Worth delicacies that tastes completely phenomenal. You received’t go away dissatisfied.

The best way to Get to Crete

By Airplane

Most Greek Islands both don’t have any airport, or a really small one. Nonetheless on Crete, there are three airports, two of them being worldwide. Heraklion Worldwide Airport is the primary worldwide airport and is the place you’ll discover many flights that may join you on to mainland Europe.

Chania Airport is way smaller and much much less busy than Heraklion airport and in addition has direct connections to the UK, Italy, Cyprus, and loads of different nations. Then there’s Sitia, which primarily connects to Athens. You’ll be able to usually discover nice offers to Crete by air, which makes it a significantly better choice than taking an extended ferry.

By Ferry

Crete is extraordinarily properly related by ferry. One of many foremost routes is to Athens, nevertheless that ferry takes over 8 hours, so it’s usually value it to fly as an alternative. You may as well simply get to many islands within the Cyclades from Crete like Paros and Santorini. We suggest checking instances and costs on Ferryhopper.

The best way to Get Round Crete

The very first thing I want to notice is that we have been in a position to get to all these fantastic locations in Crete as a result of we had a rental automobile. Touring across the island could be a critical hindrance if we have been solely relegated to public transport. Most of the secluded seashores and bays talked about are solely accessible by automobile. It’s good to notice that the terrain on the island varies a lot that even when your GPS says one thing is 10km away, it will probably nonetheless take one hour to get to! A phrase of warning…

Driving in Crete shouldn’t be for the faint of coronary heart. The roads are rugged, windy, and typically very slim. It additionally appears that each Cretan has someplace to be and that your presence hinders them from attending to their subsequent vacation spot. Take warning, and don’t say that I didn’t warn you. (Folks right here trip on the shoulder so their sooner counterparts can whizz previous.)

It doesn’t matter the place you go in Crete. There’s something to see in every nook and cranny of the island and there are such a lot of prime issues to do in Crete. As talked about, your finest guess is to rent a car and ensure it’s a dependable automobile. A few these roads are among the many worst now we have ever been on earlier than, and after driving by way of all these windy and bumpy roads for awhile, it simply will get exhausting.

It’s additionally essential to do not forget that every little thing in Crete could be very unfold out. We didn’t actually take into account that when planning and rapidly needed to drop websites and sure seashores out of our day as a result of it merely took too lengthy to get to, even with a automobile.

Map Of Issues To Do in Crete, Greece

When is the Greatest Time to Go to Crete?

Excessive season (June-September)

Like most locations in Europe, Greece’s excessive season runs from June to mid-September. That is when you will see that one of the best sunny climate as famous above, but in addition crowds, particularly on the favored islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete. Days are longer; the climate is HOT, so that you’ll wish to be near a pool or ocean. Lodge and automobile rental costs are at their highest, however general it’s one of many finest instances to go to Greece.

Shoulder Season (April -Could and October-November)

The climate in Greece is cooler throughout these months; some would take into account it way more comfy than prime summertime climate. It’s not as busy as {the summertime}, however you’ll nonetheless see numerous vacationers lingering about. Costs on lodging and automobile leases will drop throughout this time. The shoulder season is often a implausible time to go to Greece.

Low Season (Late November- early April)

The temperatures are cooler throughout the off-season in Greece. You’ll nonetheless see loads of sunny days but in addition overcast days and little to no sunbathing. It’s too chilly to take a dip within the water, however you’ll be able to nonetheless benefit from the seashores with some garments on to maintain heat within the breeze. The upside is you’ll discover low costs and low numbers of vacationers.

The place to Keep in Crete?

There are such a lot of choices for lodging round Crete it might make your head spin when reserving. We have been on the island for 2 weeks staying at a plethora of lodging choices. Listed below are a few of our favorites.

How Lengthy Ought to You Spend on Crete?

Crete is the most important island in Greece, and also you’ll notice that as quickly as you get there and begin fascinated with all one of the best issues to do in Crete. When you have been to another Greek islands and suppose they appear bigger than anticipated, you’ll be shocked if you get to Crete. It will possibly take over 5 hours to get from one finish of the island to the opposite!

You’ll be able to simply spend three days right here and really feel fulfilled. Nonetheless, you may as well spend a full month in Crete and by no means get bored. There may be a lot to do and see! If you’re heading to Crete, I like to recommend staying at the least one week on the island.

We personally spent two weeks in Crete and by no means even scratched the floor of issues to do. We all know we can be again sometime to discover extra!

The Greatest Seashores Round Crete

I’ve talked about a number of of our favourite seashores round Crete on this publish, however there are such a lot of extra to discover! In the event you’re a seashore lover like me, take into account including a number of of the next to your Crete itinerary.

Agiofarago Seaside: Positioned 80km southwest of the city of Heraklion, it’s way more secluded than your common seashore, because it’s simply off the sting of (and sheltered by) a big gorge.
Sissi Seaside: Sissi, an enthralling seaside hamlet famend as one in all Crete’s prime seashore locations, exudes a tranquil ambiance regardless of its widespread recognition. Positioned 40 kilometers to the east of Heraklion and 26 kilometers to the northwest of Agios Nikolaos city, it stays a peaceable oasis.
Kommos Seaside: An open seashore, that’s nice for windsurfers because it will get very windy. As this seashore is extra open, it’s an ideal place to observe the sundown, possibly with a drink in hand from one of many seashore taverns.
Rodakino Seaside: Massive and sandy seashore of Rodakino excellent for households and youngsters

20 BEST Crete Seashores To Go to

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I hope you loved this information on what to do on Crete! Hopefully, you discovered it helpful. Listed below are a number of related articles for extra journey round Greece!

Greatest Issues to do in Crete