The Greek island of Crete has all the time been the right vacation spot for a soothing vacation. It’s filled with thrilling experiences and is right for any sort of traveller. Actually, there are such a lot of unbelievable issues to do in Crete that it may be sort of overwhelming to resolve the place to go on the island!
Crete is the most important island in Greece and gives gorgeous shores the place you possibly can lazily lounge all day lengthy underneath the nice and cozy Mediterranean solar. In distinction, there are imposing mountain peaks and gorges ready so that you can conquer.
House to distinctive pure surroundings and countless alternatives for leisure, it’s all the time arduous to provide you with an inventory of the very best issues to do in Crete.
15 Finest Issues to Do in Crete
I’ve been residing on the island for over 5 years now, and have found the entire wonderful locations to go to in Crete, and the highest websites and sights. It’s not solely my favourite place in Greece, however simply one in all my favourite locations in the entire world!
This listing that includes 15 distinctive issues to do on the island will definitely allow you to resolve why it is advisable to go to Crete a minimum of as soon as in your lifetime — it actually is likely one of the prime locations to see in Greece.
Right here’s my listing of the highest 15 issues to do in Crete, Greece.
1. Uncover the Lovely Seashores
There are a number of seashores you could discover in Crete, Greece. I’ve made it my mission to dip my toes within the sea from all of them.
Three of Crete’s most well-known seashores are within the area of Chania — go to all of them or select the one which most closely fits your vacation fashion. A number of the prime seashores in Greece are present in Crete, so don’t miss them.
Balos Seaside and Lagoon
Balos Seaside is situated in the direction of the top of the Gramvousa Peninsula, about one hour drive from Chania.
If you happen to want to skip the highway to Balos, which is usually a dust observe subsequent to a steep hill overlooking the ocean, it’s a good suggestion to e book a day cruise departing from the close by harbour of Kissamos.
A day cruise won’t solely take you to Balos but additionally to the close-by island of Imeri Gramvousa.
The seaside of Balos is likely one of the most unique locations on the island. The crystal waters type a shallow lagoon that’s surrounded by a harsh mountain panorama of hanging distinction in opposition to the turquoise seas.
The seaside is nicely organized though there’s only one canteen on the seaside. If you happen to’re on a finances, I’d recommend you pack your lunch in order to avoid wasting cash.
Regardless of whether or not you go to Balos by automobile or boat, don’t overlook how cruel the solar will be in Crete. Carry sufficient water with you and excessive SPF sunscreen lotion.
Pink Sand Seaside of Elafonisi
Elafonisi Seaside is one other spectacular place to go to in Crete. It’s a worldwide well-known shore identified for its implausible pink sand, but additionally for a reasonably calm sea with alluring shades of blue.
The shore is large and though it may be actually packed in summer time, there’s all the time sufficient house for everybody.
Elafonisi is about 70 km south from Chania, and though there are buses going there from Chania’s central station, one of the simplest ways to get there’s by automobile.
To succeed in Elafonisi, you possibly can drive by way of the gorge of Topolia or mix the journey with a cease on Crete’s third well-known seaside, Falasarna, driving alongside the coastal highway. For these of you who don’t have a car, be a part of this extremely rated journey to Elafonisi Seaside.
Falasarna Seaside
The large shores of Falasarna are on the west coast of Crete and it’s the very best place on Crete to benefit from the sundown. The village is small and enjoyable, with not many issues to do, however I all the time have time there anyway.
The primary cause to go to Falasarna is the spectacular bay and the perfect climate situations that make it an ideal place to follow windsurfing and different water sports activities.
There are a couple of seaside bars and eating places serving fundamental dishes and chilly drinks, so that you don’t have to pack a lunch in case you plan to spend your day in Falasarna.
2. Stroll the Alleys of Chania’s Outdated City
The previous city of Chania has typically been described as Crete’s prettiest metropolis, and for good cause! The previous city is residence to a chic Venetian quarter, a romantic previous port, a gorgeous Egyptian lighthouse, and far more.
A good way to get to know the town whenever you first arrive is to hitch this strolling tour with a neighborhood information. Through the expertise, you’ll uncover hidden areas, implausible eating places and find out about Chania and the island of Crete. Study extra about this reasonably priced, highly-rated journey right here.
The Venetian district of Chania’s previous city is the right place to admire the gorgeous city panorama of the town. You too can go to the previous Jewish neighbourhood of Zudecca which is residence to a Synagogue relationship from the fifteenth century.
On the seaside space, you possibly can step into the Ottoman previous of the island by visiting the small Mosque of the Janissaries, one in all Chania’s best-known landmarks with its typical pink domes and arches.
At evening, you possibly can dine in any of the a number of tavernas that line up alongside the Venetian Arsenals. That is the right spot to get pleasure from a sundown whereas sipping a glass of the native Vidiano white wine (my private favourite).
Also referred to as the New Marina, the Arsenals are an ideal place to expertise the distinctive flavors of Crete.
Select Salis for a refined eating expertise with merchandise coming immediately from the producers and the restaurant’s personal vineyard.
If you happen to’re on a finances, as an alternative, go for a spherical of native meze (small Greek dishes) in Faka. The views of the harbour are equally inspiring in each venues.
To finish the day, have a cocktail in Pallas, proper in entrance of the lighthouse. There you possibly can take heed to some music and have interaction in dialog with the pleasant locals.
☞ SEE ALSO: Information to Visiting Elounda, Crete
3. Catch a Ferry to Loutro (The most effective issues to do in Crete)
Taking the ferry to small fishing village of Loutro is likely one of the prime Crete actions, each for the vacation spot and the journey to get there. Each time I do it, I’m astounded by how beautiful the environment are.
One of the crucial scenic drives within the area of Chania is the one which takes you all the way in which right down to the southern village of Chora Sfakion, passing by way of the spectacular gorge of Imbros. As soon as in Chora Sfakion, attain the port and board a ferry to spend a day and even two in Loutro.
If you happen to’re an skilled hiker or just simply love adventures, it’s also possible to attain Loutro by mountain climbing the coastal mountain path that connects Chora Sfakion to the village. In your manner, you possibly can cease and swim within the fantastic hidden seashores of Illingas or Glyka Nera.
There’s not a lot to do in Loutro, however that’s the great thing about it.
Loutro is the right place to calm down and revel in a peaceable vacation, and it’s commonplace for day-trippers to alter their thoughts on the spot and e book a keep as soon as they’re there.
You possibly can swim within the emerald inexperienced waters and benefit from the easy however tasty native delicacies served in any of the seaside tavernas. My favourite has all the time been Notos, specializing in seafood but additionally catering to vegetarians. Their costs are additionally very budget-friendly.
4. Discover the Native Historical past in Arkadi Monastery
Arkadi Monastery is a very powerful religious middle of Crete. It’s a spot cherished by the locals not just for the great thing about the church and the gardens however particularly due to the important thing position it performed in the course of the occasions of the Ottoman occupation of the island.
The Holocaust of Arkadi is a vital occasion up to now of the island. About 900 folks – principally children and ladies – selected to take their very own lives reasonably than give up to the Turks.
These occasions didn’t result in the fast liberation of the island however did begin a strategy of worldwide help which, by 1898, lastly put an finish to 267 years of oppressing ottoman ruling on the island.
Arkadi Monastery is likely one of the many monasteries of Crete. It’s about 25 minutes away from the town of Rethymnon, and in case you’re an actual fan of native historical past, it could possibly be an ideal day journey if mixed with a go to to the Archaeological Web site of Eleftherna and its museum.
Deal with: Rethymnou-Arkadiou 741 50 Rethymno, Crete, Greece
5. Admire the Turkish Structure within the Outdated City of Rethymnon
Yet one more good thing to do in Crete is to pay a go to to the previous city of Rethymnon. This is likely one of the first spots I take my out-of-town guests to allow them to get an thought of what to see in Crete past probably the most well-known locations.
Rethymnon isn’t just a stunning Venetian city with a picturesque port and a maze of cobblestone alleys, it’s additionally the place the place the remainder of the Turkish previous of the island is healthier preserved and simple to find.
Within the city, it’s a good suggestion to discover the implausible Venetian mansions with picket balconies in good Turkish fashion. You’ll additionally discover excessive minarets, such because the Valide Sultana minaret and the one within the Mosque of Neratzes.
Nevertheless, probably the most imposing mosque on the town will be visited contained in the Fortezza, the imposing Venetian fortress that faces the Sea of Crete.
When you’re executed exploring, you possibly can get pleasure from lunch or dinner within the previous city.
For a fast and light-weight lunch, select Raki BaRaki for the countless selection of meze. For a extra refined meal, Avli is one in all Crete’s most well-known eating places. It has a gorgeous herb backyard and one in all Greece’s greatest wine lists.
6. Go Wine Tasting
It’s unimaginable to go to Crete and never come throughout one of many over 50 wineries that populate the villages of the island. Most wineries are open to the general public and produce implausible wines from 12 totally different grape varieties that develop solely on Crete.
The area of Rethymno is residence to Crete’s star grape, Vidiano, which produces probably the greatest white wine labels of Crete. One of many wineries open to the general public in Rethymno is Klados, a boutique producer with simply 6 labels price attempting.
For a enjoyable day journey out, be a part of this expertise which incorporates transport, olive oil tasting, lunch, and drinks (5 totally different wines, raki, and limoncello).
In Chania, you need to make a degree to go to Manousakis vineyard, which isn’t removed from the middle. If you happen to’re driving to catch that ferry to Loutro, you possibly can test Dourakis vineyard, on the way in which to Sfakia.
Heraklion, nevertheless, is a very powerful wine area of Crete. Take a look at this enjoyable expertise which features a 3-course meal with wine.
Lyrarakis vineyard is likely one of the most conventional locations to go to in Crete. You possibly can get pleasure from a small wine tasting session with a couple of labels and native cheese, or get pleasure from a whole meal with a complete wine tasting expertise.
There are some nice wine excursions you could take part Crete, lots of which embrace meals as nicely. Ingesting and driving isn’t secure, and by becoming a member of a tour, not solely will you be capable of drink as a lot as you need, however you’ll meet some nice folks alongside the way in which.
This highly-rated tour contains vineyard visits, olive oil tasting, lunch, transport, information and extra. This small-group tour gives 15 totally different tastings, lunch, olive oil, transport, information and extra.
7. Benefit from the Meals and Surroundings of Argyroupolis
Midway between Rethymnon and Chania, Argyroupolis is a really particular little city that lies surrounded by inexperienced valleys, excessive mountains, and pure springs.
The inexperienced panorama is an inviting ambiance for a day away from the ocean, to see a totally totally different facet of the island.
Argyropoulis is legendary amongst locals as a result of it serves one of many island’s best-known dishes, goat on the spit. Nevertheless, many go to the village for a special meals deal with.
In Argyroupolis, it’s additionally potential to eat recent grilled trout. Actually, not many individuals are conscious of the truth that, regardless of being an island, the protein of selection just isn’t all the time fish.
On Crete, fish is usually for vacationers whereas locals want lamb or goat. For nice fish, Argyroupolis is the reply.
8. Discover Historic Knossos
No go to to Crete is full with out paying a go to to the Minoan Palace of Knossos, about 11 km from the capital of Crete, Heraklion.
Knossos is likely one of the most-visited archaeological websites in Greece. Corresponding to the Parthenon in Athens, it’s additionally one of many largest archaeological ruins of Europe.
The Minoan civilization flourished on the island over 3000 years in the past, particularly in the course of the Bronze Age, and engaged in buying and selling with different essential Mediterranean cultures.
Contained in the palace, you possibly can admire distinctive buildings, storage rooms, and genius engineering innovations, together with advanced piping methods to offer recent water to the inhabitants, forestall floods, and flush their bathrooms.
After testing the archaeological website, head again to the middle of Heraklion to discover the Archaeological Museum. It is going to shed new mild in your latest go to to Knossos, placing all the things into perspective.
It is possible for you to to admire the intricate high quality of the objects found within the archaeological website, at present exhibited within the museum.
One of the simplest ways to go to Knossos is to e book a guided go to. This may deliver the location to life, plus you’ll be capable of skip the lengthy traces and save quite a lot of time.
This tour contains each the Knossos website and the Archaeological Museum, a 90 minute guided tour with an English-speaking information, and skip-the-line entry.
Deal with: Knosos 714 09 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
9. Nightlife in Malia
Malia is a full of life seaside city on the northern coast of Heraklion, with a gorgeous seaside and an ideal number of pubs, seaside bars, and some discos to bounce the evening away.
Those that journey to Crete anticipating an thrilling nightlife scene ought to possibly rethink. Crete just isn’t a loopy celebration island except you go to Malia.
Nevertheless, there’s extra to Malia than loopy evenings on the dance ground. If you happen to’re like me, you come for the celebration, however keep for the historical past.
The village was additionally an essential Minoan settlement in historical occasions, and at the moment you possibly can commit some hours to visiting the Minoan Palace of Malia, only a few meters from the Sea of Crete.
10. Swim within the Hippie Seaside of Matala
The southern coast of the area of Heraklion is legendary everywhere in the world for Matala. Matala has been a widely known hippie assembly level because the early sixties, and it was one of many first locations the place ex-pats would return to them.
They weren’t digital nomads, however they have been positively the primary expression of recent nomadism and insurrection in opposition to the norms. Once I lay out my seaside towel in Matala, I all the time really feel like I’m a part of this lengthy custom.
The hippies of Matala lived for months within the mountain caves that stand proper subsequent to the seaside, residing a easy life free from stress — a novel vibe that this small coastal city managed to take care of by way of the years.
These caves within the rock are one of many extra distinctive issues to see in Crete.
Regardless of being one in all Crete’s vacationer scorching spots, Matala is a tranquil resort to spend a couple of days disconnecting from the remainder of the world. Click on right here for a day journey to this distinctive spot.
11. Go Village Hopping Across the Lasithi Plateau
When you’ve explored the central area of Heraklion, drive to Lasithi, Crete’s easternmost area and the place that greatest treasures Crete’s mountain custom.
In all probability probably the most genuine factor to do in japanese Crete is to drive across the conventional villages of the Lasithi Plateau. A few of them are so small that you just’ll want simply a few minutes to see them.
The plateau is an excellent inexperienced extension, the place locals domesticate totally different sorts of fruit and veggies, the tavernas prepare dinner and serve genuine home made meals, and the mountain panorama is really inspiring.
A should cease within the Lasithi Plateau is the small village of Psychro, identified for the imposing Cave of Zeus, an historical Minoan place of worship.
In keeping with totally different legends, Greece’s most essential god, Zeus, was not simply born on Crete, however he was additionally raised inside this cave.
12. Hike the Gorge of Richtis
Neglect the extraordinarily busy Samaria Gorge, the Gorge of Richtis is one in all Crete’s lesser-known strolling paths alongside a small stream. This is likely one of the most lovely pure sights in Crete and one in all my favourite swimming holes and mountain climbing spots.
Not all the things is about mountain villages within the east. Alongside the coastal highway that takes you from Heraklion to Sitia, you’ll find this implausible pure place to go to that can actually depart you in awe.
After about an hour hike by way of the inexperienced panorama, it takes you thru a tiny however refreshing waterfall, and from there to a gorgeous seaside on the northern coast of the islands.
To hike the trail it is advisable to entry the doorway of the gorge by automobile, and depart it earlier than beginning the hike, proper subsequent to the parking spot.
The seaside just isn’t organized, so take all the things you may want, together with a seaside towel and chilly drinks. After the hike, a swim at Richtis seaside can be greater than welcome.
13. Sunbathe on the Palm Tree Seaside of Vai
The seaside of Vai is legendary for being residence to one in all Europe’s largest date palm tree groves. It’s situated in a protected bay, well-protected from sturdy winds and sea currents, and the realm has facilities comparable to eating places, showers, and lifeguards.
The acute east of Crete has a number of the most lovely seashores on the island, and Vai is likely one of the greatest. Wherever near the ocean you drive within the area of Lasithi will provide spectacular scenic views and a number of the cleanest seashores of Crete, most of them normally empty, because the space is taken into account to be fairly distant.
These of you who would reasonably swim in a extra remoted seaside will discover a good different simply 5 km away from Vai. The hidden seaside of Itanos is one other fantastic shore on the east coast, simply beneath historical Dorian ruins.
The place is really spectacular throughout sundown. To greatest go to the east, I recommend you selected a spot to remain within the close by metropolis of Sitia or in Agios Nikolaos.
14. Style the Robust Native Spirit: Raki
You is perhaps questioning what raki is. Properly, likelihood is that raki is the primary (or shut second!) factor you style on the island. Let me clarify…
Raki (also called tsikoudia) is a powerful, home made spirit with excessive alcohol content material. It’s served as a complimentary deal with after each meal normally along with recent fruit or one other candy delicacy.
Nevertheless, raki is far more than only a drink. It’s a welcoming expression of hospitality typical of the island, and it may also be loved earlier than lunch, with a spherical of olives and acts as a implausible starter for any meal.
15. Style the Distinctive Cretan Delicacies in an Genuine Mountain Village
As I’ve already stated, one of the simplest ways to see the hidden locations of Crete is by renting a automobile and driving across the island.
Driving in Crete just isn’t actually that troublesome and it lets you undergo spots that you just wouldn’t have imagined existed. In addition to, it’s unimaginable to entry a few of these locations utilizing native public transport.
Whereas driving round, you don’t wish to miss probably the most genuine delicacies.
After all, you’ll be capable of style the well-known Greek gyros whereas visiting a very powerful cities, however lunch in a mountain village can be a totally real expertise of taste and hospitality.
Simply cease everytime you see a small taverna, you’ll be informed the specials of the day and, belief me, it doesn’t matter what you select, you’ll be amazed on the recent components and distinctive style of home made olive oil, ample herbs, and the tender meats.
And in case you’re a vegetarian, there’s no want to fret, the Cretan eating regimen gives an countless number of greens and greens baked in pies, cooked in tomato sauce, or just ready with olive oil, sea salt, and lemon.
Extra Issues to Do in Crete
There are such a lot of actions and issues to see and eat in Crete that I’ve added a couple of extra to the listing.
Be a part of a Tasty Meals Tour
Regardless of the place on this planet you’re, probably the greatest methods to find the native tradition is thru its tastes, aromas, and dishes. And on Crete, flavors are actually easy and genuine however filled with nuances that can seduce any palate.
Within the metropolis of Heraklion, you possibly can be a part of a gastronomic tour of the capital, whereas stopping at 8 genuine locations off the vacationer observe. Not solely will you eat your manner across the metropolis, however you’ll be taught concerning the island of Crete out of your enjoyable and informative information. Study extra right here.
Go Paddleboarding (SUP)
Get out on the water with this enjoyable SUP journey in Chania. Meet up along with your native information, and head out on the water to get pleasure from some train, a swim, some sunbathing, and unbelievable views.
The journey is 2 hours and there are a couple of totally different departures all through the day. Study extra about this enjoyable expertise right here.
Prepare dinner Conventional Cretan Meals
Discover ways to make some scrumptious native meals in this enjoyable cooking class. The venue is situated outside on a farm surrounded by lovely olive bushes… however, you’ll be completely shaded from the solar, so the warmth received’t be an issue.
Collectively along with your cooks and guides, you’ll discover ways to make a 4-course meal which you’ll get pleasure from — with wine! Any leftovers are packed up so that you can take with you. Discover out extra about this prime exercise in Crete right here.
Go Paragliding (See Crete from Above)
This is likely one of the extra adventurous issues to do in Crete. Be a part of the founding father of Paragliding Crete and spend quarter-hour hovering excessive above the island, whereas having fun with the spectacular view.
The pilots are licensed Skilled Tandem Pilot instructors, Pilots of Paratrike Paramotor, and skilled Paragliding pilots. You’ll be in good palms. Discover out extra about this unbelievable expertise right here.
FAQs In regards to the Finest Issues to Do in Crete
Listed below are some solutions to some steadily requested questions on what to do in Crete.
A number of the most well-known sights in Crete are the Palace of Knossos, the previous city of Chania, and the Samaria Gorge. And don’t neglect unbelievable seashores comparable to Elafonisi, Matala, and Vai, that are a number of the most lovely locations to go to in Crete.
Though you may get a style of the island over a weekend, I’d say you want a minimum of 5 days to get grasp of what the island is all about. There are such a lot of issues to see in Crete that you just may discover you want greater than a full week, or probably even two.
I feel it principally will depend on how a lot time you’ve. Crete is far bigger with a greater variety of issues to do, so it’s higher for an extended journey. Santorini is far smaller and higher fitted to a shorter journey. I say, if you are able to do each, even higher.
Sure, you possibly can get pleasure from lots of the greatest locations to go to in Crete and not using a automobile. Having one, nevertheless, will make it a lot simpler to achieve out-of-the-way Crete sights like distant seashores and wineries.
There are such a lot of fantastic issues to see in Crete, however in case you can solely select one, I like to recommend Chania. Staying within the beautiful previous city offers you the very best alternative to have a basic Crete expertise.
Now You Know What to Do in Crete
Any journey to Crete can feed your wanderlust and ignite your creativeness from the preliminary planning section. The extra you learn concerning the island, the extra stuff you’ll wish to expertise.
Don’t be shocked in case you really feel the necessity to add some further days to your journey to discover extra. These 15 wonderful issues to do in Crete simply scratch the floor — there’s a lot on provide.
My 5 years residing right here have been a number of the greatest in my life, palms down. There are such a lot of actions in Crete which can be enjoyable and rewarding that I can hardly think about leaving.
Crete stole my coronary heart and I might by no means image myself residing anyplace else. After all not each vacationer who visits Crete decides to start out a life right here, however many do return yr after yr, all the time keen to find extra. Will you be the subsequent one?
Visiting Different Locations in Greece?
Take a look at our full journey guides to Chios, Lesvos, Zakynthos, Meteora Monasteries, Zagori, Rhodes, and Kefalonia. And, don’t miss our information to the Greek Islands and Greece as an entire.
For enjoyable actions, sights, and issues to do, take a look at our posts on Athens, Paros, Thessaloniki, Ios, Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Zakynthos, and issues to do in Greece as an entire.
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