Crete: A Guide to Exploring Greece's Largest Island

Heraklion, Archanes, & Agia Pelagia

Many travelers arrive on Crete in Heraklion, either at the ferry port or the airport. It is a great area to base yourself as it is central and you can do a fair amount of sightseeing from here. This region offers a mix of city life, traditional village charm, and coastal tranquility, making it an ideal destination for a diverse range of travelers or for those that want a good mix of experiences.

Sights to see

Heraklion Archaeological Museum: A must-see for history enthusiasts, this museum is home to one of the most impressive collections of Minoan artifacts in the world. Highlights include frescoes, statues, and pottery from Crete’s ancient civilization.

Knossos Palace: Just outside of Heraklion, this Minoan palace is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece, offering a peek into the island’s ancient history with stunning frescoes and remnants of its grand structures.

Heraklion Fortress (Koules): A Venetian fortress at the harbor, perfect for exploring and taking in great views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.

Archanes wine region: Located just south of Heraklion, Archanes is known for its wine production. Visit local wineries like Domaine Paterianakis and Lyrarakis Winery for wine tastings and to learn about the region’s winemaking traditions. I work with an incredible sommelier who does small group tours of wineries in the region and finishes with a lunch in the charming town square of Archanes.

Mount Giouchtas/Juktus: For nature lovers, a hike up Mount Giouchtas, near Archanes, offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including Heraklion and the sea. We did this hike on Easter Sunday and took a picnic to enjoy at the top. We met more goats than humans on this hike!

Places to eat & drink

Stilianou Winery

Peskesi (Heraklion): A top-rated restaurant serving traditional Cretan cuisine with a modern twist. It’s a great place to savor local specialties in a cozy setting. Book well in advance to avoid disappointment!

To Thalassino (Heraklion): A seafood lover’s paradise, offering fresh seafood with stunning views of the harbor.

Bakaliko (Archanes): This deli also serves food and offers olive oil tastings. We tried the dolmades (stuffed vine leaves) and the leaves had been freshly picked. They also have an incredible selection of Cretan wines to purchase to take away or just to have a glass in the square and watch the world go by.

Domaine Paterianakis (Archanes): Visit this winery for a fantastic wine-tasting experience, complemented by delicious food made from locally sourced ingredients.

Taverna Katerina (Agia Pelagia): Known for its grilled meats and traditional Greek dishes, this taverna offers a warm, friendly atmosphere with great food.

Places to stay

Amirandes, Grecotel Boutique Resort: A luxurious resort inspired by Minoan palaces and Venetian mansions, offering lagoon-style pools, fine dining, and a serene atmosphere. Ideal for couples and families seeking elegance and relaxation.

Amirandes Grecotel

Amirandes Grecotel

Inotropes Boutique Suites – Adults Only: An adults-only boutique hotel offering tranquil accommodations with a focus on relaxation and personalized service. Ideal for couples seeking a peaceful retreat.

Acro Wellness Suites – Adults Only: A serene, adults-only sanctuary with breathtaking views, luxurious amenities, and a focus on wellness. Perfect for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

Agios Nikolaos & Elounda

The towns of Agios Nikolaos and Elounda are nestled on the northeastern coast of Crete. Agios Nikolaos, with its picturesque lakeside setting, and Elounda, known for its high-end resorts, provide a relaxing escape for all types of travelers.

Sights to see

Lake Voulismeni (Agios Nikolaos): A stunning freshwater lake surrounded by cafes and shops, it’s a must-see in Agios Nikolaos. The lake is steeped in mythology and is the heart of the town, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Spinalonga Island (Elounda): Just a short boat ride from Elounda, this small island was once a leper colony and is now an uninhabited island with ruins to explore. The history of Spinalonga makes it one of the most fascinating historical sites in Crete.

Elounda Beach: Known for its beautiful clear waters, sandy beaches, and views of the Mediterranean, this beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying a leisurely walk along the shore.

Rent a boat: You can (and should) rent a speedboat for the day to explore the small islands dotted along the coast, swim in quiet coves, and take in the stunning coastline from the water.

Places to eat & drink

Piato Restaurant (Agios Nikolaos): Located by the water, this restaurant offers a fantastic variety of fresh seafood and Mediterranean cuisine, perfect for a leisurely meal while overlooking the beautiful coastline.

Antico Caffè (Agios Nikolaos): A lovely café by the lake, known for its coffee, pastries, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Karnagio (Agios Nikolaos): Right on Lake Voulismeni, Karnagio is an experience in itself with its multicolor tables, buzzy atmosphere, and running servers. Serving up Cretan local products, anything from the grill is recommended. We had so much fun here, we went back twice.

Blue Door Restaurant (Elounda): A small, charming taverna offering delicious Cretan food. It’s known for its authentic flavors and friendly service.

Places to stay

Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas (Agios Nikolaos): A five-star luxury resort with private villas, an exclusive beach, and world-class dining. Ideal for those seeking a high-end, relaxing experience.

Minos Beach Art Hotel (Agios Nikolaos): We stayed here and we absolutely loved our waterfront bungalow. There are unique art installations throughout the property and two beaches. It is an easy walk into Agios Nikolaos or they offer complimentary bicycles for guests to use.

Minos Beach Art Hotel

Minos Palace (Agios Nikolaos): This adults-only resort is the sister property to Minos Beach Art Hotel and offers panoramic views of Mirabello Bay. A super tranquil, design-forward retreat ideal for couples and solo travelers seeking relaxation, wellness, and a touch of luxury. They offer a wellness retreat called Nao with a focus on longevity.

Minos Palace

Phāea Blue Palace (Elounda): Situated between the quaint fishing village of Plaka and the upscale port town of Elounda, Phāea Blue Palace boasts panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the historic island of Spinalonga. The hotel is only a few miles from Elounda, offering a tranquil setting that remains accessible for doing some local sightseeing.

Chora Sfakion & Loutro

Located on the rugged southwest coast of Crete, Chora Sfakion and Loutro offer a more off-the-beaten-path escape, with dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and traditional, unspoiled Cretan charm. Both destinations are known for their natural beauty, peace, and seclusion, making them ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, history lovers, and those looking to unwind in an authentic setting. We used this area as a base for doing some amazing hikes in Crete’s famous gorges.

Chora Sfakion

Sights to see

Samaria Gorge (Chora Sfakion): One of Crete’s most famous hikes, the Samaria Gorge offers a 16-km trek through dramatic landscapes, from lush forests to rugged cliffs. Starting in Omalos, it ends in Chora Sfakion, where you can take a ferry to nearby destinations.

Chora Sfakion Village: The small, picturesque village is a gateway to the mountains and gorges. With its quaint harbor and charming streets, it provides a calm, serene atmosphere for those looking to escape the crowds.

Loutro Village: Accessible only by boat or foot, Loutro is a small, car-free village that sits on a beautiful bay surrounded by cliffs. It is a perfect spot for relaxing by the water or exploring the nearby Aradena Gorge.

Aradena Gorge (Loutro): A more challenging hike, Aradena Gorge offers another opportunity to immerse yourself in Crete’s natural beauty. This trail takes you through steep terrain and stunning landscapes, ending in Loutro, where you can relax by the sea.

Hiking: Both Chora Sfakion and Loutro are known for their excellent hiking trails, with Samaria Gorge and Aradena Gorge being the most popular. Hikers can enjoy the diverse landscapes, from coastal paths to mountain treks. The Imbros Gorge is also close by to Chora Sfakion.

Ferry to Agia Roumeli: From Chora Sfakion, visitors can take a ferry to Agia Roumeli, a small village at the end of the Samaria Gorge. It’s a scenic ride with beautiful views of the coastline.

Swimming & snorkeling: Both villages are ideal for relaxing by the water, with Loutro being particularly famous for its crystal-clear waters. Enjoy swimming or rent a boat to explore the coastline.

Places to eat & drink

Taverna Gavdos (Chora Sfakion): Known for its fresh seafood and traditional Cretan dishes, this taverna offers great views of the harbor.

Taverna Nikos (Loutro): Located by the water, this family-run taverna was one of our favorites. The food was delicious and the service was warm and entertaining!

Places to stay

Ventus Luxury Suites (Chora Sfakion): A boutique aparthotel situated in the heart of Chora Sfakion, Crete, offering a blend of modern comfort and traditional charm. Opened in June of 2024, it provides an ideal base for travelers seeking tranquility, proximity to the sea, and easy access to local attractions.

Panorama New Generation (Chora Sfakion): We stayed here and enjoyed the view overlooking the harbor. The infinity pool was an ideal spot to relax after a long hike. Ava, who prepared our breakfast every morning, was a joy to chat with.

Hiking Mount Juktas

Xerokampos

Travel tips: Crete’s distances can be deceiving on maps—always allow extra time for driving, especially when traveling through the mountainous regions. Renting a car is the most efficient way to explore the island.

Dining: Cretan cuisine is exceptional, so don’t miss trying local specialties like dakos, Sfakian pie, slow-cooked stews, and Cretan salads (every taverna has its own version). Also, you must sample the locally produced olive oils, honeys, and wines. Most tavernas will bring you complimentary dessert and raki before letting you pay the bill!

Accommodation: I can help with finding the right accommodation to suit your preferences. Crete has a wealth of beautiful small boutique hotels, but also has many five-star resorts with every amenity you could possibly need.

Check out my other guide to Crete to learn about the western part of the island, including Chania.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Crete page.