Greece's largest island boasts a rich tapestry of ancient heritage, beautiful resorts, and breathtaking pink-sand beaches.

Covering over 3,000 square miles, Crete is Greece's largest island, teeming with ancient history, delectable cuisine, and stunning landscapes to discover. But don't just take my word for it—experience the magic of Crete for yourself.

'I often liken Crete to a compact version of California. In winter, we enjoy surfing and backcountry skiing. Summer brings canyon hikes, mountaineering, and my absolute favorite—secluded beaches accessible only by boat. The shoulder seasons? Pure perfection,' shares Anastasia Sotiropulos, a tour guide in Chania, Crete. 'The true gems of Crete are its people—farmers, cheesemakers, fishmongers, artists, restaurateurs, winemakers, musicians, and homemakers—all crafting unforgettable experiences for visitors to this remarkable island.'

Excited to embark on your own adventure? Here's all the essential information to plan your trip to Crete.

Top Hotels and Resorts

Elounda Bay Palace Resort

This opulent hotel has been a favorite for its blend of sophistication and warmth. The rooms and suites boast stunning vistas of the deep blue Mediterranean, while the hotel's private beaches guarantee you always have access to a lounge chair (and shade). Don’t miss a visit to the Chenot Spa, which features massages, facials, and body treatments utilizing cutting-edge ingredients and techniques. 

Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection

Want to unwind in style? Domes of Elounda is the ultimate destination. Renowned for its stunning views of the Mediterranean and the historic Spinalonga Island, this resort features only suites and villas, each with fantastic terraces and private plunge pools. While there's a spa on-site, guests can also enjoy in-room treatments for complete relaxation without lifting a finger. 

Blue Palace

Blue Palace was honored as a Dinogo reader favorite in the 2023 World's Best Awards, and in 2024, it will unveil a fresh new look. This esteemed hotel is reopening as a contemporary boutique retreat featuring just 47 bungalows and suites, all with brand-new designs and some equipped with private plunge pools. Even if you opt for a room without a pool, don't worry—the hotel is just a short stroll from the beach. 

Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa

Immerse yourself in a 17th-century Venetian mansion transformed into a boutique hotel at Casa Delfino. Situated in the vibrant heart of Chania's Old Town, this hotel offers guests the excitement of the locale along with a serene rooftop garden that boasts breathtaking sea views. It's an ideal spot for families, featuring one- and two-bedroom suites. 

Must-See Cities

Chania

A trip to Chania's Old Town is essential, showcasing its delightful mix of Venetian, Turkish, and Greek architecture. To truly enjoy your experience in Old Town, consider booking a guided tour that highlights the top attractions and the best dining spots. 

Rethymno

Discover more Venetian charm in Rethymno Old Town, one of the most well-preserved historical areas in Crete. The city centers around a Venetian fortress that offers stunning panoramic views from its elevated position. Be sure to explore the artisan shops for unique souvenirs. 

Heraklion

A trip to Crete wouldn’t be complete without exploring its capital, Heraklion. Here, visitors can discover a wealth of historic sites, including the renowned Archaeological Museum, as well as the vibrant markets, cafes, and bars that fill the city. Plus, the famous Palace of Knossos is just a short drive away. 

Top Activities

Discover the Palace of Knossos.

Immerse yourself in over 4,000 years of Greek history at the Palace of Knossos, the most famous archaeological site in Crete. This expansive ancient complex offers breathtaking sea views from its elevated hillside location. 'Crete's most renowned archaeological site is the grand Minoan Palace of Knossos, the oldest, largest, and most intricate of its kind,' says Peter Sommer of Peter Sommer Travels. 'Within its vast courtyards, shaded colonnades, and complex rooms across multiple levels, one can truly connect with a civilization from the distant Bronze Age and ponder questions that remain fiercely debated—what did these palaces look like, what was their purpose, who resided there, and how did they operate?'

Trek the Samaria Gorge.

Nature enthusiasts will love spending a day trekking through the Samaria Gorge, an extensive hike through Crete's White Mountains. This trail spans nearly 10 miles, winding through ancient cypress and pine forests and the ghost town of Samaria, ultimately leading to the sea. The hike’s most iconic section features the 'Gates,' where the gorge narrows to just 13 feet but towers over 1,500 feet high. Be sure to allocate plenty of time if you intend to complete the full trail; the park's official website suggests it takes about five hours to finish the hike. 

Explore the Old Venetian Harbor of Chania.

Take a leisurely stroll along the Old Venetian Harbor of Chania and soak in the vibrant hues of Greece. Wander past charming homes and buildings that reflect Crete's rich tapestry of history, showcasing Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences. Browse local boutiques, enjoy a frappe at a café, admire the imposing fortress, and savor fresh dishes (hello, Greek salads!) at the waterfront eateries. Don't forget your camera—the colorful buildings provide the perfect Instagram-worthy backdrop. 

Discover fascinating history at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Deepen your understanding of the island's past with a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to the world's most extensive collection of Minoan artifacts. The highlight is the Phaistos Disc, a clay artifact adorned with over 240 symbols, believed to be more than 3,000 years old. As the museum states, 'experts have not yet reached a definitive conclusion regarding the inscription's meaning,' so perhaps you can unravel its mystery during your visit.

Top Beaches

Elafonissi Beach

Prepare to set foot on one of the globe's most stunning and romantic beaches, Elafonissi Beach. This picturesque shoreline is famous for its pink sand—formed from countless crushed seashells—that fades into shallow, turquoise waters. As part of a nature reserve, the beach is perfect for families with young children thanks to its tranquil waters, while adults can find plenty of quiet spots to lay down towels and umbrellas for a relaxing beach day. 

Balos Lagoon

Another stunning beach to explore is Balos Lagoon, known for its dazzling white sand and breathtakingly blue waters. 'A top must-see destination in the Chania region is Balos Lagoon, with its mesmerizing turquoise waters and sweeping scenery,' says Alonso Marly, a travel expert at Skylux Travel. 'I recommend arriving early in the morning to enjoy the lagoon in its most peaceful state and avoid the tourist crowds.' 

Vai Beach

Experience a unique landscape at Vai Beach, renowned for its palm tree-lined shores. Here, travelers can enjoy warm sandy beaches and stunning blue waters, enhanced by the added benefit of shaded trees perfect for a relaxing beach nap. 

Optimal Visiting Times

The ideal time to visit Crete is from June to August when the island enjoys its best weather. According to WeatherSpark, the hottest temperatures occur from early June to late September, with average daily highs exceeding 79 degrees Fahrenheit. July tends to be particularly warm, averaging around 84 degrees. 

'When considering the best times to visit Crete, remember that the island has a seasonal nature, and many attractions close during the winter months,' Marly noted. 'However, the high season is vibrant, alive day and night.' 

If you prefer to avoid the crowds, consider scheduling your visit during the island's shoulder seasons, which run from April to May and September to early October.  

'If you can, I suggest visiting during the shoulder season when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are thinner—from April to June or September to October—allowing you to enjoy an authentic Greek getaway filled with sunshine and memorable experiences,' Marly advised. 

Getting There

By Plane

Crete can be reached through its international airports located in Heraklion (Heraklion International Airport, HER) and Chania (Chania International Airport, CHQ). Heraklion is the island's primary airport and ranks as the second-largest in Greece, following Athens. Major airlines such as Emirates, Aegean, RyanAir, EasyJet, and KLM operate flights to this airport. 

By Ferry

For travelers preferring to skip the airport, a ferry service is available, though it's a lengthy journey. Ferries run from Piraeus Port in Athens to either Heraklion or Chania, with travel times ranging from nine to ten hours.

Navigating the Island

Rental Car

The most convenient way to explore Crete is by renting your own car. As the largest island in Greece, having your own wheels is essential for wider exploration. Numerous rental car agencies operate on the island, including well-known names like Avis, Budget, and Hertz, ready to provide you with a vehicle. 

Public Transit

Crete features a comprehensive public bus network that connects you to most attractions. Keep in mind that these buses may be slower than cars, but they offer a budget-friendly option, with fares starting at just a few euros. 

Scooter Rentals

Scooters are a popular transportation choice here, much like on many Greek islands. To rent a scooter, visitors need a valid license and are required to wear a helmet while riding.