The TOP 18 sights of Crete Island

As the largest Greek island with over 1,000 km of coastline and mountains up to 2,500 m high, the island is home to numerous Crete Attractions. In addition, the home of Zeus has an almost 10,000-year-old settlement story to tell.

»The many archaeological sites, dream beaches and natural treasures make Crete one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. Crete is considered the true treasure trove of Greece and there are countless things to discover in every direction.”

We have found the most popular places on the island for you and summarized them in this article including a map. In summer, unfortunately, many of the Top Highlights on Crete are crowded due to the crowds, so we have also listed quieter alternatives for you.

#1 Knossos Palace

The Knossos Palace is one of the most popular historical sites in the whole country after the Acropolis of Athens. There are said to be over 500,000 visitors per year, including many cruise tourists and package holidaymakers, but also individualists control the Top sights of Crete which resembles a place of pilgrimage in summer.

The excavation site includes several restored buildings, which have been elaborately decorated with red columns and murals , including at the north entrance. Information boards provide information about the 4,000-year-old history of the Minoan culture. If you want to learn more about the facility, we recommend a tour guide.

→ View tours on GetYourGuide* to this Crete sight: Knossos Tour*

Alternative for the Crete attraction Knossos

History buffs can use the Minoan Palace of Malia scout. The much quieter historical site is about 35 minutes from Heraklion. Here, too, guided tours are offered in German.

#2 Elafonisi Lagoon

The lagoon landscape of Elafonisi is located in the very southwest of Crete and is one of the most famous extraordinary beauty among the most popular Things to do in Greece. Despite the isolated location, many holidaymakers cavort on the Caribbean beaches of Elafonisi in the summer months.

Elafonisi is known as the pink beach of Crete. The colour is caused by deposits of the smallest coral and shell sediments. Elafonisi is a nature reserve, taking the sand with you is strictly prohibited. On a short hike you can explore the offshore dune island of the same name.

View → tours on GetYourGuide* to this Crete sight: Elafonisi Excursion*

Alternatives for the Crete attraction Elafonisi

If you are bothered by the crowds, you can take a gravel road to the 3 km east Kedrodasos Beach visit. The beach is smaller, but not as frequented and the sand is also pink in places.

#3 Chania Old Town

Chania is the second largest city in Crete and is now home to numerous historic buildings from Venetian and Ottoman times. The picturesque waterfront promenade at the old Venetian harbour is one of the most popular sights in Crete. The striking lighthouse (16th century) at the entrance to the harbour is considered the city’s landmark.

Along the cobbled alleys, colorful bougainvillea climb up the colorful house facades. In the labyrinth of alleys there are many small shops and boutiques, as well as traditional taverns and fine restaurants. A long walk through the Old Town of Chania should be based on a Crete Holidays definitely not to be missed.

→ View tours on GetYourGuide* to this Crete sight: Chania Tours*

Best time to visit for a trip to Chania

Chania is and remains a unique place in Crete, and the crowds are correspondingly high. In the morning, the alleys are still cozy. From noon onwards, it gets very crowded in the city on a daily basis, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.

#4 Archaeological Museum in Heraklion

That Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is the largest museum in Crete. Due to its important exhibits (up to 7,000 BC), it is one of the most important exhibits in the world, along with the National Museum of Athensto the most important museums of Greece. Especially in combination with a visit to Knossos, a visit to the museum is worthwhile.

→ View tours on GetYourGuide* to this Crete sight: Museum Ticket*

Alternatives for the Heraklion Archaeological Museum

A visit in the late afternoon hours is recommended, after all, the museum is open until 8 p.m. in summer. Alternatively, it is also worth visiting the Historical Museum of Crete.

#5 Capital Heraklion

Even though the capital of Crete largely lacks historical buildings, the old town is one of the most popular destinations on the island. At the old Venetian harbour with its restored Koules Fortress it is wonderful to stroll. Very worth seeing are the Fountain of the Lions (Morosini), the Venetian Loggia and the Ag. Tito’s Church.

As a Greek student city, Heraklion also has a variety of trendy cafés, bars and restaurants. If you get involved in the colorful mixture of modern architecture and historical relics of the big city labyrinth, you will quickly feel at home in Heraklion. History buffs will get their money’s worth in the city’s numerous museums anyway.

→ View tours on GetYourGuide* to this Crete sight: Heraklion Tours*

Best time to visit for a trip to Heraklion

If you want to explore the city at your leisure, you should choose Sunday for a visit. Many shops are closed then, but most tourist shops, museums and almost all restaurants in the city centre remain open.

#6 Rethymno Old Town

Rethymno is one of the most interesting places in Crete due to its old town including the Venetian fortress Fortezza. Many Crete holidaymakers feel at home in Rethymno right away. The old town around the famous Rimondi Fountain is compact, numerous restaurants and cafés invite you to linger in the maze of alleys.

Even the Old Town of Rethymno is worth a day trip, but the hinterland also has a lot to offer. In the traditional villages from Armani (Minoan cemetery) to Myli (mill gorge) to Spilli (lion fountain), history buffs and nature lovers alike get their money’s worth.

→ View tours on GetYourGuide* to this Crete sight: Rethymno Tours*

Best time to visit for a trip to Rethymno

Although Rethymno is not quite as crowded as Chania or Heraklion, it can still get crowded in the old town at lunchtime. Especially on windy days, many tourists flock to the city, as it is too uncomfortable on the beach.

#7 CretAquarium Thalassokosmos

The “CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos” is located about 20 minutes from Heraklion in the village of Gournes. That Sea Worlds Museum has several large pools where you can see the nautical wildlife of Greece. With the abundance of marine animals, not only children are amazed, the informative visit is also worthwhile for adults.

→ View tours on GetYourGuide* to this Crete sight: CretAquarium Tour*

Alternatives for the Crete attraction CretAquarium

As the region is one of the most popular Crete Resorts there are a few alternatives nearby. For animal lovers and families with children, the following are recommended: Dinosauria Park, Labyrinth Park, Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre.

#8 Balos Lagoon

TheBalos Lagoon is located in the northwest of Crete on the Gramvousa Peninsula. Unlike Elafonisi, Balos can only be reached by boat or via a very bad gravel road. From the parking lot you have to hike down for another 20 minutes. The lagoon and the offshore island shine in the most beautiful shades of blue.

Alternatives for the Crete attraction Balos

If you are deterred by the approach via the dilapidated gravel road to Balos, we can alternatively offer a Boat tour to the lagoon recommend. Otherwise, there is hardly any way around this beautiful place, for us personally one of the most beautiful spots in Crete. The picturesque Falassarna Coast with its golden sandy beaches is a quieter bathing alternative.

→ View tours on GetYourGuide* to this Crete sight: Balos Excursion*

#9 Spinalonga Island

Spinalonga-Kalydon is a small islet in the bay of Elounda not far from the small town Agios Nikolaos. In the 16th century, the Venetians built a mighty fortress due to its strategic location, of which remains still exist today. After that, Spinalonga was home to the leper colony of Crete until 1957. A boat trip to the island is one of the most popular excursions in the region.

→ View tours on GetYourGuide* to this Crete sight: Leper Island Tour*

Alternatives to the Crete attraction Spinalonga

In fact, the fortress can be seen well from the shore. If you don’t necessarily have to set foot on the island, you can also rent a motorboat and explore the waters on your own, e.g. at Minos Boats – boat rental service

#10 Matala Caves

The former hippie village Matala is among the top sights of Crete. The idyllic location in the middle of mighty sandstone cliffs gives the village of 100 inhabitants a certain attraction. Unfortunately, the place is completely overcrowded in summer. The highlight are the Cave dwellings of Matala, which were already inhabited in the Neolithic Age.

→ View tours on GetYourGuide* to this Crete sight: Matala Excursion*

Alternatives for the Crete attraction Matala

If Matala is too much hustle and bustle for you, you can flee to the quiet villages of Pitsidia, Sivas and Kamilari in the hinterland. As beach alternatives, Kommos and Kalamaki are available. Highly recommended is a hike through the Agiofaraggo Gorge.

#11 Vai Palm Beach

In the northeast of the island is one of the largestPalm groves of Crete. Like an oasis, the palm trees of the species Phoenix-Theophrastii line an entire valley to the beach in the otherwise barren landscape. The palm forest is a nature reserve and is closed to visitors. However, you can walk along the dream beach under some palm trees.

→ View tours on GetYourGuide* to this Crete attraction: Vai Excursion*

Alternatives for the Crete attraction Vai

In summer, the Vai Beach literally over. The lush palm grove can also be seen from the road. A little further north, the beaches of Erimoupolis and Itanos are idyllic. The latter even has a dozen palm trees on site.

#12 Palm Grove of Preveli

Next to Vai, Preveli in the south is considered the second largest palm grove in Crete. In contrast to Vai, Preveli offers a magnificent backdrop, the palm trees line up along an emerald green river through a gorge to the sea. A short circular path leads along the palm forest. In summer, on the Preveli Beach hardly a place left.

Alternatives for the Crete attraction Preveli

Preveli is unique for this part of Crete. Until 10 a.m. you can enjoy the scenery largely without crowds. Afterwards, the excursion boats from Plakias and Agia Galini reach the beach. The beach Drymiskiano Ammoudi is also suitable for swimming.

→ View tours on GetYourGuide* to this Crete sight: Preveli Excursion*

#13 Psychro Cave in the Lasithi Plateau

The Lasithi Plateau is located at an altitude of over 800 m and is surrounded by mighty mountains. It is the largest plateau of Crete and the many wind turbines with their white sails are considered the landmark of the region. The highlight is theZeus Cave by Psychro (Dictaean Cave or Dictaean Grotto), which is considered the birthplace of Zeus.

→ View tours on GetYourGuide* to this Crete sight: Lasithi Excursion*

Alternatives for the Crete attraction Psychro Cave

The cave on the Lasithi Plateau is a real pilgrimage site in summer, when countless bus tourists from all over the world crowd into the abyss for 5 minutes. There are much more interesting caves in Crete, including Melidoni and Sfentoni (see #15).

#14 Seitan Limani Bay

The distinctively curved Seitan Limani Bay is one of the most popular destinations in the north of Crete. From the car park, a path leads down to the left, sturdy shoes are recommended. If you want to save yourself the descent, you can enjoy the view of the dream bay from the car park.

Alternatives for the Crete attraction Seitan Limani

The narrow section of beach is jam-packed on summer weekends. As bathing alternatives, the beaches of Marathi or Stavros. Hiking enthusiasts are recommended to visit the picturesque Katholiko Bay and the monastery of the same name.

#15 Melidoni and Sfentoni stalactite caves

Due to the rugged topography, there are numerous grottos and caves on Crete. Many of them are not accessible, but others have been staged with sidewalks and spotlights for tourism. The Caves of Melidoni and Sfentoni in the Ida Mountains are among the most popular sights in Crete.

Alternatives to the Melidoni and Sfentoni Caves

The quietest tours of the two caves are the first in the morning and the last in the afternoon. If you have the urge to explore, take a look at these caves: Idaean Grotto, Labyrinth Cave, Milatos Cave and Vreiko Cave (at your own risk!).

#16 Arkadi Monastery

About 20 km south of Rethymno is the most important monastery of Crete situated. The monastery complex was founded in the 14th century and existed continuously until 1866. In the liberation struggle against the Ottomans, many people seeking protection died in the monastery. Due to its proximity to Rethymno, the facility is usually well visited.

Alternatives for the Crete attraction Arkadi

Even if the Arkadi Monastery is now considered a national monument, there are many other convents on Crete that are worth seeing and quieter. Via Google Maps you can display all of them with the search term “Crete Monastery” and visit a monastery far away from the crowds.

#17 Minoan Palace of Phaistos

Phaistos (also Festos) is located in the south of Crete and is considered the second most famous excavation site from Minoan times after Knossos. However, conditions like on Knossos do not prevail here, the rush of visitors is limited. In midsummer, however, a visit to the shadowless facility in the late afternoon is recommended.

Alternatives for the Crete attraction Phaistos

Phaistos is considered a quieter alternative to Knossos, but a few buses reach the Minoan Palace of Matala. There are other historical sites nearby, history fans can still visit Agia Triada and especially Gortys (Gortyna).

#18 Samaria Gorge National Park

With a length of about 16 km, the Samaria Gorge is one of the longest gorges in Europe. The very scenic region is considered the only national park in Crete. Attracted by the natural beauty, thousands of holidaymakers hike every year from the Omalos Plain at an altitude of 1,200 m along the wild gorge down to the sea.

→ View tours on GetYourGuide* to this Crete sight: Samaria Tours*

Alternatives to Crete Attraction Samaria Gorge

There are said to be about 400 gorges on Crete, but not all of them are accessible to hikers. If you don’t like the crowds at the Samaria Gorge is too high, it wanders along the gorges of Lissos, Imbros, Kourtaliotiko, Agiofaraggo or Sarakina.

Further contributions and numerous travel tips for Crete can be found at:

• Crete Island Overview
• Best Crete Hotels
• Crete Beaches
• Island of Crete

FAQ about Crete attractions & sights

What should you see in Crete?

The Balos and Elafonisi lagoons, the old town of Chania with its Venetian harbor, the Preveli palm grove, and the Matala cave dwellings are truly impressive places. The Palace of Knossos is cool, but only for history buffs. It’s also always very crowded. It’s better to visit one of the many museums in Heraklion. The Natural History Museum and the Archaeological Museum are worth seeing, for example. The Samaria Gorge is a worthwhile destination for hikers and nature lovers, but not a must for the average tourist.

Where is the most beautiful place in Crete?

The Balos Lagoon in the northwest, with its turquoise blue water, offshore island, and dreamlike backdrop, is an absolute highlight. Equally spectacular are Elafonisi with its pink sand, Preveli with its palm trees on the emerald green river, and the old town of Chania. Seitan Limani is photogenic, but tiny and overcrowded. Instead, it’s worth taking a detour to Stavros Bay, which served as the film set for “Zorba the Greek.” The mountain regions of Lefka Ori and Psiloritis as well as the Lasithi Plateau with its windmills are scenically impressive.

What are the insider tips for Crete?

– The coast between Paleochora and Sougia,
– the coast below Falassarna near Sfinari and Livadia,
– the Agiofaraggo Gorge and Lentas near Matala, and
– the many stalactite caves in the Psiloritis Mountains.
– Katholiko Bay with the monastery on Akrotiri.
– the beaches of Erimoupolis and Itanos above Vai
– and much more.

What is the most beautiful old town in Crete?

Chania is considered the most beautiful old town with a Venetian harbor and lighthouse, colorful houses with bougainvillea, cobbled streets full of boutiques and taverns. Rethymno is more charming and compact with the Rimondi Fountain and Fortezza Fortress – many people immediately feel at home here. Heraklion lacks historical buildings, but the city has a student town flair and the Koules Fortress at the harbor.

Is Chania or Heraklion more beautiful?

Chania is definitely more beautiful! It has a picturesque Venetian harbor, a historic old town, and a relaxed atmosphere. Heraklion is larger, busier, and has little historical architecture, but it is a student city with trendy cafes and bars and is home to the most important museums. Chania is better suited for sightseeing. Heraklion is better suited for museums and a visit to Knossos. It’s best to visit both, but allow more time for Chania with its many photo opportunities 🙂

What should you avoid in Crete?

During the high season (July/August), the top sights in Crete are completely overcrowded at midday! With hundreds of thousands of visitors per year, Knossos resembles a pilgrimage site, and Elafonisi, Balos, Vai, and Preveli are also packed. Chania becomes uncomfortably crowded from midday onwards, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. Preveli is only recommended until 11 a.m. in summer, after which it gets unbearably hot and really crowded, and parking spaces are scarce. Avoid windy days in Rethymno, because that’s when everyone flocks to the city!

Where is the most beautiful sandy beach in Crete?

Elafonisi and Balos Lagoon offer pink and white sand, turquoise blue water, and a Caribbean feel! The beaches of Falassarna (golden sand, long), Preveli (palm trees by the river), Vai (palm tree beach), and Malia are also fantastic. In the south, the beaches of Kommos and Kalamaki near Matala are beautiful. If you are looking for peace and quiet, Marathi, Stavros, or Drymiskiano Ammoudi are recommended. Since Crete has over 1,000 km of coastline, there are plenty of quiet places to be found. It’s best to ask the locals.

Which sights in Crete are suitable for families with children?

Excursion destinations include the CretAquarium Thalassokosmos in Gournes with its marine animals and large tanks, Dinosauria Park, Labyrinth Park, and Aquaworld Aquarium with its reptile rescue center. The beaches of Elafonisi and Balos have shallow water for splashing around. However, Balos is difficult to reach (gravel road or boat). The beaches of Vai and Preveli with their palm trees are a real adventure and sure to be a highlight for the little ones. Caves such as Melidoni Cave are exciting because they are beautifully lit.

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