Crete is an increasingly important tourist destination. It is the largest island in Greece and the second in the Mediterranean Sea. Indeed, it stretches over 260 kilometers south of the Aegean Sea. Dock on the island and discover all the visits to do, as well as all our practical information!
Spectacular landscapes to see in Crete
Crete is bordered by numerous beaches, including the most famous is undoubtedly that of Heraklion. These vast tongues of golden sand are located mainly on the north coast of the island and directly facing Greece. This is where the largest Cretan towns and tourist hotels are located.
Heraklion port
Very popular for its beaches, especially in the regions of Heraklion, Rethymno and Agios Nikolaos, Crete is less known for its mountains. However, the high mountains are characteristic of Crete and offer spectacular landscapes. To the east, the Lassithi plateaus appear on many postcards thanks to the picturesque windmills that raise their wings in the sky. To the west, the limestone mountains allow many walks, especially that of the gorges of Salmithia near Chania. All this natural heritage is to be visited during your holidays in Crete!
An extraordinary heritage
Crete has an extraordinary cultural heritage of incredible wealth. From the Minoan era, it preserves the Knossos Palace, of which the undergrounds contain the famous labyrinth of the Minotaur. Moreover, Crete is the subject of numerous archaeological excavations. Most of the finds are exhibited in museums, such as the one in Heraklion. The island was also dominated by the Byzantine Empire, then by the Venetians. Each of these great civilizations left a very rich heritage in Crete, notably in Chania or Rethymno, as well as in the Cretan hinterland.
Where to go in Crete? The unavoidable
If you are only spending a few days on the island, here is a selection of the best things to do in Crete! Discover the regions of Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Chania or even Rethymno.
• Visit Heraklion and its surroundings
Heraklion is the main city of Crete. With its 135 inhabitants, it benefits fully from tourist activity. To attract more and more people, she knows how to use her charms: its Venetian fort and its archaeological museum are among the unmissable things to do in Crete.
The Venetian Fortress
The Venetian fortress is part of the heritage of Heraklion. Located on the seafront, at the end of the port, the fort protected the main city of Crete from Byzantine attacks.
Heraklion fortress
The Archaeological Museum
If you are interested in the Minoan civilization, you should definitely go to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Visitors can follow the evolution of the Greek island chronologically.
The Cathédrale Agios Minas
The frescoes in Agios Minas Cathedral are a pure wonder to contemplate. Stroll through this cathedral, rebuilt in the 19th century.
El Greco Park
El Greco Park promises you a restful stopover in the heart of Heraklion. You will then have the possibility to admire a statue of the famous Spanish painter of Greek origin. You will also find the ruins of ancient terms.
The Museum of icons and sacred objects
Art lovers will find their happiness in the museum of icons and sacred objects adjoining the cathedral. You will see the riches from the east, as well as the meticulous paintings of Eastern Christians. They are just as many works of art to be contemplated without moderation.
Knossos Palace
The Palace of Knossos was excavated by Sir Arthur Evans and it was thanks to him that the Minoan civilization was brought to light. Discover the remains of this palace, or rather the reconstructions made by the archaeologist. After having traversed the maze of corridors and alleys, one understands better what was the labyrinth of the Minotaur! This palace is easily accessible from Heraklion and it is a must-do activity to do in Crete.
Knossos Palace
The Vrondissi Monastery
Less than an hour from Heraklion, discover the Vrondissi Monastery. By visiting it, you will enjoy a magnificent view of the Libyan Sea and the Mesara plain. Above all, you will get a glimpse of Byzantine-Venetian architecture and a very good idea of the site's cultural influence throughout Crete.
PRACTICAL TIPS : check the weather trends in Heraklion
• Visit Rethymno and its surroundings
The ideal destination to do in Crete is definitely Rethymno. With its Venetian charm (the old town, the fortress, the loggia ...), its magnificent beaches and its hotels, each more beautiful than the next, Rethymno really has it all. Here are our essentials to see if you are planning Rethymno on your itinerary:
Rethymno
The Venetian port
Venice has brought a lot to Rethymno. Indeed, the port is part of this Italian heritage. Have a coffee by the sea and enjoy the view of the intricately carved buildings.
The fortress of Rethymno
The fortress of Rethymno proudly rises its high Venetian walls above the Cretan city. Built to fight against the Turkish invasion, it is an integral part of the city's heritage. You will be able to access and visit this superb historical monument. You will then have a spectacular view of Rethymno and its magnificent region.
Rethymno Gardens
The gardens of Rethymno constitute a real break in this small city still in full effervescence. Breathe in the shade of the many trees and enjoy the zoo, located in this huge park. In summer, for three weeks, you can also participate in the wine festival which is held precisely in this public garden, under the aegis of the Greek god Dionysus. The producers will make you taste their Greek products and you can listen to Cretan music.
The beaches
Sunbathing on the beaches of Rethymno is one of the great attractions to do in Crete. That of Rethymno itself stretches over no less than 20 kilometers! Other fine sandy beaches run along the Mediterranean Sea: that of Panormo is the closest. In Plakias you will find everything you need to spend a whole day sunbathing: a vast expanse of sand, barracks, restaurants and taverns. If you are looking for a quieter beach, go instead to Ammoudi or Préveli. However, swimming will not be supervised there, and you will not find as much infrastructure as on the other beaches.
Rethymno Beach
The Caves of Rethymno
There are many caves to visit in the Rethymno area. The cave of Melidoni near Pérama or the cave of Ida, near Anoghia, in which was born the most famous of the Greek gods: Zeus himself!
The Prévéli monastery
The Prévéli monastery dominates the Libyan Sea. You can visit it and admire the different buildings, built successively over the ages. An important architectural ensemble with Byzantine icons no less exciting, rich in color and gilding. A marvel to discover!
• Visit Chania and its surroundings
Located in the west of Crete, the region of Chania is a huge natural space dominated by the White Mountain (Lefka Ori). If you are looking for peace and quiet, it is in this part of the Greek island that you will have to spend your holidays. The Chania region is covered by the immense Samaria Natural Park in which it is possible to take many walks.
The city of Chania
The old town of Chania is a little wonder to discover. Walk through its narrow and steep streets, admire the historic facades and experience exceptional moments in this picturesque town. Extend this walk in Chania with a visit to its port, and in particular its arsenal dating from the 15th and 16th century, at the time when Venice was master of the place and imprinted its prestige on all the buildings of Crete. Throughout your walk in Chania, you will discover many activities to do in this small town in West Crete.
Chania
The maritime museum
For a nice glimpse into the history of Crete, nothing better than this superb maritime museum located in the Firka fortress. The visit lasts approximately 1 hours and immerses you in the Cretan maritime roots with many measuring instruments, old maps, models of ships ...
The Gorges of Samaria
The Samaria Gorge is a real encounter with nature. Discover incredible flora and fauna during your walk. To visit them, take a bus in the direction of Omalo. He will drop you off at the entrance to the Samaria Gorge. Be careful not to show up too late at the entrance: the guards will then forbid you to walk the entire route in order to ensure your safety.
The Gorges of Samaria
The Gorges of Garadenas
There is a variant of the very touristic Gorges de Samaria: the Gorges de Garadenas. Along a paved path, you will enjoy a parade along beautiful white cliffs which will take you to Marmara beach.
Visiting picturesque villages
There are many, many villages to get lost in. All as magnificent as each other, they exude simplicity and authenticity and you will have no trouble connecting with the locals. They will certainly be able to advise you on the best things to do in Crete! Preferably go to small villages like Skafia. Located in the White Mountains, it is one of the most traditional in Crete. It is especially here that two Greek cheeses are produced: anthotiro and mizithra.
PRACTICAL TIPS : Check the weather trends in Chania
• Visit Agios Nikolaos and its surroundings
Sports enthusiasts will love Agios Nikolaos, in the Lassithi region characterized by lush green mountains. You will also find beaches and many caves on site. Agios Nikolaos is one of the very great tourist destinations to do in Crete. Its main advantage over Heraklion or Chania? Its sublime lake around which the city revolves. Agios Nikolaos is a wonderful destination to discover!
A walk around the lake
The lake of Agios Nikolaos is a magical place. Contrary to what the legend says, its waters are clear and invite you to explore the historic district from the city. You will then find many taverns where you can quench your thirst.
Agios Nikolaos
The archaeological museum
The archaeological museum brings together a huge collection from the various Cretan excavation sites, but mainly from the surroundings of Agios Nikolaos. Each object and each sculpture tells a part of the history of the Cretan people. A nice museum to visit!
The Lassithi Plateau
The Lassithi Plateau is a marvel of greenery and wild nature to do during your stay in Crete. Many paths crisscross these rich landscapes. You will see the many mills below the plateau which are part of the charm of this part of the Greek island.
Mont Dicté
If these mountains are not as high as those of Chania and the Samaria Gorge, they have the merit of being accessible to all Sunday hikers. Take to the skies to embrace spectacular views on landscapes sometimes lunar, scorched by the rays of the sun, sometimes green and fertile.
Mont Dicté
La grotte du Dikti
This cave is often appreciated by tourists for its underground lake which can be reached after a short walk.
Spinalonga Island
One hour from Agios Nikolaos, the small island of Spinalonga is enchanting. In the 16th century, the Venetians had made it a fortress island and the massive silhouette of the maritime fort will remind you of this. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was on this islet that lepers were transported.
Spinalonga Island
Useful information
Find all our practical information to complete the preparation of your stay in Crete:
The Tourist Office: The official site of the tourist office of Greece will allow you to find out more about the visits not to be missed. Formalities: For European nationals, a simple valid identity card is sufficient, or the passport. Currency: Crete is part of Europe therefore the currency is the Euro.
- The tourism office : Find out more about the must-see sights on the official Greece Tourist Board website.
- Formalities: For European nationals, a simple valid identity card is sufficient, or the passport.
- Cash : Crete is part of Europe therefore the currency is the Euro.
If you combine your stay with the discovery of mainland Greece, do not miss a visit to Athens. Also discover our itinerary ideas according to your desires! Finally, our guide to Greece will perfectly complement the information on the activities to do in Crete.
