Curator’s statement
Crete is a destination that blends stunning natural beauty, rich history, and warm Mediterranean culture into one unforgettable experience. From its crystal-clear beaches and dramatic mountain landscapes to the ancient Minoan ruins of Knossos, the island offers something for every kind of traveler. You can wander through charming villages, savor fresh local cuisine, and soak in sunshine nearly year-round. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deeper cultural journey, Crete’s welcoming atmosphere and diverse attractions make it a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
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Where to stay in Crete
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Things to do in Crete
Exploring Chania Old Town
Explore the Palace of Knossos
Wander the ancient Minoan ruins and discover the legends of King Minos and the Minotaur.Relax at Elafonissi Beach
Famous for its soft pink sand and shallow turquoise waters—perfect for swimming and photos.Swim at Balos Lagoon
A breathtaking lagoon with bright blue water and white sand. A top Crete highlight accessible by boat or a scenic hike.Visit Seitan Limania Beach
A dramatic, narrow cove with glowing blue water nestled between steep cliffs—great for adventurous travelers.Hike the Samaria Gorge
One of Europe’s longest gorges, offering a full-day trek through incredible landscapes and wildlife.Stroll the Old Town of Chania
Discover Venetian architecture, a charming harbor, boutique shops, and cozy tavernas.Tour the Rethymno Venetian Fortress
Enjoy panoramic island views and a beautiful, well-preserved piece of Crete’s history.Visit Heraklion Archaeological Museum
See exceptional Minoan artifacts, frescoes, and treasures from ancient Crete.Go to Vai Palm Beach
Home to Europe’s largest natural palm forest—an exotic, tropical-feeling spot for swimming and relaxing.Try traditional Cretan food and wine
Savor dishes like dakos, fresh seafood, and local cheeses, and sip raki or Cretan wine at a seaside taverna.
Places to eat & drink in Crete
Restaurant near Kalathas beach
Skalakia
A quaint spot that hovers above Kalathas beach. It is pictured and I cannot recommend it enough. Amazing chicken gyro and service.Ntounias Tavern (Drakona Village)
Family-run, very traditional Cretan fare cooked in a wood oven using home-grown ingredients.To Xani (Old Town)
Long-standing family restaurant, warm and homey, serving traditional dishes and homemade gyro.Chrisostomos
Authentic Cretan tavern, run by a local family. Great for hearty, classic island dishes.Kavouras Tavern (Old Harbor)
Family-owned, relaxed vibe, excellent seafood and local meat dishes, with a lovely view over the harbor.Peskesi (Heraklion)
Farm-to-table family restaurant; they run their own farm and use those fresh ingredients in traditional Cretan recipes.Xylouris Traditional Tavern (Heraklion)
Family-operated, focused on grilled meats, slow-cooked specialties, and local hospitality.Athali (Heraklion)
Home-style cooking, warm tavern atmosphere, stone-oven roasted dishes, very Cretan.Erganos (Heraklion)
Rustic, cozy, family-run place. Great for meze, local pies, and grilled meats.
Need to know
Crete is massive
Crete is the largest island in Greece, and it feels more like a small country than an island. Distances between cities can be long—for example, driving from Chania to Heraklion takes about two and a half hours. Many of the best beaches, villages, and mountain areas are spread out, so planning extra travel time is essential.Renting a car is highly recommended
Because of Crete’s size and the many beautiful places hidden away in the countryside, a rental car gives you flexibility. Buses mainly run between major cities, but not all beaches or mountain villages are accessible without a car. With your own car, you can reach spots like Balos, Elafonissi, Seitan Limania, and small villages at your own pace.Expect winding mountain roads
Crete has stunning mountains, but that also means curvy roads. Drive slowly, especially at night, and don’t be surprised by goats crossing the road.Book popular beaches early in the day
Places like Elafonissi, Balos, and Seitan Limania get very busy in summer. Arriving early helps with parking and gives you quieter time on the beach.Stay in more than one area
Because the island is so big, many travelers choose to stay in two cities—for example, Chania and Heraklion. This reduces travel time and lets you experience both western and central Crete.Try traditional Cretan food
Crete is known for farm-fresh dishes. Look for family tavernas serving lamb, dakos, local cheeses, honey, and homemade wine or raki. Meals are slow-paced—enjoy it!Summer is hot and dry
From June to September, days can be very hot. Always carry water, wear sunscreen, and bring hats or cover-ups—especially if you plan to hike or visit gorges.Beaches are very diverse
Crete has calm tropical lagoons (Balos), pink sands (Elafonissi), dramatic cliff coves (Seitan Limania), palm forest beaches (Vai), and endless stretches perfect for kids. Each region offers something different.Book ferry or boat trips ahead
If you plan to visit Balos Lagoon or Gramvousa by boat, reserve early during peak season to avoid long waits.Enjoy the local pace
Cretans are relaxed, friendly, and welcoming. Things move slower than in big cities, so embrace the atmosphere—long meals, wandering old towns, and chatting with locals.
Travel Advisor
Whitney Bonin
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Crete page.