Three months in Crete spread over two trips, traveling by car, with nearly 4,000 kilometers on the odometer and a young daughter in tow. We crossed the island from west to east, swam in secluded coves, drank raki in mountain villages, and asked ourselves more than once why we should ever leave. In short: Crete has won us over, and we’ll be back.
In this post, we’ll share our honest experiences from our Crete holiday with you. What makes the island so special, what kind of traveler it’s truly suited for, which regions we loved, and which ones didn’t quite win us over. So you’ll know what to expect before you book your holiday on Crete.
🏖️ Dream beaches & hidden bays
🍽️ Restaurants, tavernas & cafés
🏛️ Must-see highlights & ancient sites
🗺️ Worthwhile spots & insider tips
🚘 Practical info like rentals & parking
♾️ Lifetime access & updates
#1 Where is the island of Crete?
The island of Crete is located in the very south of the Aegean Sea. The small islet of Gavdos, just south of Crete, is even considered the southernmost island in Europe. The sea south of Crete is called the Libyan Sea. Crete has no major neighboring islands; Santorini, to the north, is about a four-hour ferry ride away by car ferry.
By the way, many people ask us whether Santorini is worth a day trip from Crete. Our honest answer: No, you can really save yourself the stress and the money. With a travel time of 1.5 hours each way on the (expensive!) high-speed catamaran, you usually have less than five hours on Santorini to see just a small fraction of the island amid the crowds.
If you’re planning a Greek island-hopping trip from Crete to Santorini, you should definitely plan for at least one or two overnight stays—it’s simply more relaxing, and you’ll really get to experience the island. Or you can just stay in Crete, since there’s plenty to discover there anyway.
#2 How big is the island of Crete?
The island of Crete is 254 km long and has a maximum width of 60 km. With an area of 8,336 km², Crete is the largest Greek island and even the fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean.
It takes at least five hours by car to travel from the idyllic palm-lined Vai Beach in the east of the island to the Balos Lagoon in the far west. To explore as many of Crete’s highlights as possible, a vacation on Crete with a rental car is well worth it. Alternatively, organized tours are offered all over the island, which you can book via GetYourGuide*, for example:
➲ To the organized island tours*
We also underestimated the distances during our own visit, and we say this as people who have already traveled to over 50 Greek islands. Although we spent a full two months on the island, even that time wasn’t quite enough to truly explore everything from west to east.
When vacationing in Crete, focus on one region for example, the western part of Crete and explore it thoroughly. For the west, a direct flight to Chania is ideal, with accommodations somewhere between Chania and Kissamos in Western Crete, or alternatively Paleochora if you prefer a quieter, more authentic atmosphere.
#3 Getting There and Airports
Crete is home to three airports. The two international airports, Heraklion HER (Nikos Kazantzakis Airport) and Chania CHQ (Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport), are served by direct flights from all over Europe during the season. Heraklion is served by Condor, Eurowings, TUI, and EasyJet, among others, while Chania is served by Condor, Eurowings, and Ryanair. Flights to Crete also depart from Athens during the winter. In addition, there is the domestic airport Sitia JSH in the east, which is accessible only via Athens.
A quick note upfront: The airport in Heraklion is getting a bit long in the tooth, but please don’t let that deter you. A new airport near Kastelli is in the planning and construction phases, but it will be a while before it’s completed—likely not until 2027 or 2028.
Which airport is better for you depends on the location of your accommodation. As a rule of thumb: if you’re staying in the west, fly to Chania. If you’re staying in the north, east, or south, fly to Heraklion. Approximate flight times to Crete:
- Berlin to Crete: approx. 3 hours 10 minutes
- Frankfurt to Crete: approx. 3 hours 5 minutes
- Munich to Crete: approx. 2 hours 50 minutes
→ On the Skyscanner* portal, you can find the best flight deals to Crete and check prices directly:
➲ Find cheap flights to the island*
→ You can find all the information on getting there, ferries, and rental cars in Crete summarized here: Crete Travel Tips
#4 Overview of Crete’s Regions
The island can be divided into four major regions: Chania in the west, Rethymno and Heraklion in the center, and Lasithi with Agios Nikolaos as its administrative center in the east. Each region has its own character, and depending on what you’re looking for, one of them is the perfect base for your vacation.
Personally, we especially like the south and east of Crete, simply because these regions are not yet heavily developed for tourism and you can still experience the real, authentic Crete there.
Northern Crete
The north coast is the most developed region for tourism and offers the widest selection of hotels, restaurants, and attractions. In the heart of the island lies the Ida Mountains, crowned by Psiloritis, the highest peak in Crete at 2,456 meters. The major cities in the north are Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania, and the family-friendly resort town of Georgioupoli. Mass tourism, however, has taken hold between Hersonissos and Malia, so those seeking peace and quiet should avoid these areas.
During the off-season, the coastal towns of Panormos and Bali are highly recommended. East of Heraklion, we really liked the coastal town of Sisi and the small village of Paralia Milatou. As a place to stay away from the coast, we found Archanes truly beautiful and authentic; we even lived there for a month. And those who enjoy cities will feel right at home in Rethymno.
Western Crete
For many lovers of Crete, the west is the most beautiful region of the island, characterized by the picturesque city of Chania, the stunning lagoons of Balos and Elafonisi, and the Samaria Gorge National Park. The so-called White Mountains (Lefka Ori) in the hinterland offer a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. The coastal town of Kissamos and the southwestern tip around Paleochora are still relatively quiet and unspoiled.
Our personal favorites in the west: Paleochora in the southwest for a quiet, relaxing stay, Kalyves as a lovely base with a good beach, and Chania, of course, for its urban flair and atmosphere.
Southern Crete
The south coast is quiet and not yet as developed for tourism as the rest of the island. Places like Agia Galini, Plakias, and Agios Pavlos have their own charm and attract mainly independent travelers. The former hippie village of Matala, with its famous cave dwellings and nearby Red Beach, is a must-visit. Only the area around Ierapetra is less appealing due to numerous greenhouses.
In the south, you’ll find plenty of self-catering accommodations and typical Cretan coastal towns that haven’t yet been overrun by mass tourism. There are also great options for active travelers who can go hiking through gorges and along wild coastlines. We particularly liked the following places in southern Crete: Plakias, Lendas, and Myrtos, as well as the authentic area around Kouses.
→ All Tips for Southern Crete can be found in our separate article: Southern Crete
Eastern Crete
The further east you travel, the quieter it gets. The most significant towns in the east are Agios Nikolaos, charmingly situated with a freshwater lake at its center, and the lively and authentic Sitia. The southeast, in particular, offers unspoiled dream beaches with turquoise waters. The Dikti Mountains surround the fertile Lasithi Plateau, one of Crete’s most beautiful destinations.
For us personally, the east has remained very authentic. Sitia is a charming little Cretan town that we immediately took to our hearts. The region around Xerokampos is ideal for a beach vacation away from the crowds. And the northeast is great for exploring on your own with a rental car. In addition to Sitia and Xerokampos, we also really liked Agios Nikolaos and the small town of Mochlos in the east.
→ We’ve provided more information about the resorts in Crete here: Crete Vacation Destinations
#5 Who is a Crete vacation suitable for?
Crete is like a mini-version of Greece. Here you’ll find picturesque beaches, Europe’s southernmost mountain range, bustling cities, and unspoiled villages. That’s why a vacation in Crete is worth it for just about every type of traveler. First-time visitors to Greece and families with children will feel right at home in Crete!
The island’s beautiful sandy beaches are perfect for sunbathers or a family vacation in Crete. Greece connoisseurs are drawn to the mountains, such as the Lefka Ori range with the Samaria Gorge or the Lasithi Plateau, a paradise for hikers. Crete, however, is less suited for a lively nightlife, apart from cozy evenings in taverns.
In our opinion, there is really only one group for whom Crete might not be the right choice: fans of small, quiet Greek islands. If you’ve previously vacationed on Anafi, Kasos, Lipsi, or Fourni and are looking for exactly that again, Crete might feel a bit overwhelming. And one more important point: mass tourism isn’t a reason to avoid Crete, because the island is so large that even in the high season, you can still find a secluded spot—in the south, the east, or in the mountain villages of the hinterland. We guarantee it.
Crete or Rhodes? Not sure yet exactly where in Greece you want to go? Maybe you’ll find what you’re looking for in our island guide: Which Greek island is right for me?
#6 Most Beautiful Beaches in Crete
There are countless beautiful beaches in Crete, with light or dark sand as well as pebbles. In the central south, the beaches are mostly gray, while light sandy beaches dominate in the north. Due to the size of the island, you can almost always find a quiet stretch, provided you have your own vehicle.
In the west and north, between Chania and Heraklion, many of Crete’s beaches are very crowded in the summer. In the south and east of the island, however, you can find relatively secluded swimming coves even in the height of summer. Some beaches in the southeast are even deserted in July.
Our tip for your Crete vacation: The most beautiful beaches are often the ones that are already completely overcrowded by mid-May. That’s why we always recommend renting a car and simply driving along the coast near your accommodation. This way, you’ll find hidden beach gems away from Elafonisi, Vai, and the like—ones that aren’t listed in any travel guide.
You can find affordable car rental deals from Chania or Heraklion through our partner Discover Cars*:
➲ View offers on Discover Cars*
On our Google Maps map of Crete, we’ve already saved some of these secluded beaches for you. The beaches we personally find most beautiful in all of Crete are located in Xerokampos in the far southeast of the island, such as the wonderful Paralia Mazida Ammos.
Recommendation for beautiful beaches in Crete:
- Falassarna
- Elafonisi
- Balos
- Beaches on the Akrotiri Peninsula (including Seitan Limani, Marathi, Stavros)
- Preveli
- Beaches near Pavlos and Triopetra
- Kokkini Ammos near Matala
- Beaches near Xerokampos
- Erimoupolis Beach near Sitia
- Potamos Beach near Malia
- Bontalaki Beach near Palekastro
→ We’ll share our favorite beaches in Crete with you here: Crete Beaches
#7 Our Experience on Our Crete Vacation
In 2018, we spent a month on the island as a couple, mainly in the region around Archanes in the north. In 2022, we traveled for two months from west to east with our then-one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, from Balos Beach in the far west to Vai Beach in the far east. By the end, we had clocked nearly 4,000 kilometers in our own car and had a wealth of unforgettable moments to take home.
After visiting over 50 Greek islands, we can honestly say: Crete isn’t one of our absolute favorites, because the island is simply too big for us. But it’s definitely an island we’d love to return to, because it has an incomparable identity that the locals truly live by, and you can feel that right away.
The locals are incredibly friendly and love children. Filoxenia, or Cretan hospitality, isn’t just a cliché here—it’s still truly practiced. In many places, you’ll still get a complimentary dessert. That hasn’t been the case on Santorini or Mykonos for a long time. Tavern prices in Crete are generally still quite affordable compared to the rest of the Greek islands.
And then there’s the delicious Cretan cuisine, which is perhaps the main reason why you keep coming back to the island. We actually had our best meals in the mountain villages in the hinterland. You can find tavern recommendations on our Google Maps map of Crete.
What didn’t we like about Crete? The trash problem on Crete. This is, of course, an issue on many other islands as well, but given how proud the Cretans are of their island, it’s really unclear to us why they let it get so dirty. Tourists and locals are equally to blame for this. Unfortunately, many areas look really dirty, and even on secluded beaches, washed-up trash is often found. We usually bring a bag with us and pick up whatever has accumulated on the beach.
And here’s another tip from us: You should definitely visit the cities of Chania and Rethymno on a day trip. For us, they’re among the most beautiful places in Crete and feature many picturesque alleys along with impressive historic buildings. We also personally really liked the coastal town of Agios Nikolaos in the east. Click on the GetYourGuide* links to view suitable city tours:
If you’re still looking for a comprehensive travel guide for Western Crete, feel free to check out our Western Crete Guide. Across 165 pages, we take you on ten fully planned day trips from Chania to Elafonisi. You’ll receive navigation maps, beach tips, recommendations for taverns, and many insider tips we’ve gathered ourselves on our travels. Available as an e-book (PDF) or paperback.
🗺️ 10 road trip routes with maps
🏖️ Beautiful beaches & swimming spots
🏛️ All top sights & attractions
🤫 Unpublished insider tips
🍽️ Accommodation, tavernas & cafés
#8 Hotels, Vacation Homes & Package Tours
Crete has the highest concentration of hotels in all of Greece, ranging from affordable studios and family-run guesthouses to large resorts and luxury villas with pools. We found affordable hotels in Crete via the Booking.com* platform. Luxury hotels, family hotels, apartments, and vacation rentals in Crete are also available here:
➲ To beautiful hotels on the island*
Crete Vacation Homes & Villas with Pools
Personally, we prefer self-catering apartments or vacation homes with a kitchen and washing machine—simply indispensable when traveling with kids. There are so many good and affordable taverns in Crete that, if anything, you only need breakfast at home; the Cretan cuisine takes care of everything else.
As a couple, we also like small private hotels with just a few rooms, which often offer a truly delicious Greek breakfast. Large all-inclusive resorts aren’t really our thing, but with older children, they can of course be very practical and stress-free.
There are many vacation rentals in Crete, both in the mountains and right on the coast. You’ll find supermarkets, shops, and restaurants in nearly every town. Check out beautiful Crete villas with pools on Booking.com*:
➲ View vacation rentals on Booking.com*
Package Tours to Crete
Package vacationers will also find a suitable option in Crete. Several all-inclusive hotels have opened along the north coast near Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, and Elounda. Current offers for package tours to Crete are available at:
➲ View package tours on Holidaycheck*
➲ View package tours on Check24*
→ We’ve compiled the top hotels in Crete and beautiful apartments & studios here: The best hotels in Crete
Here you’ll find more information to help you plan your vacation, as well as interesting tips for your trip to Crete:
- Crete Blog – All posts at a glance
- Crete Highlights – Our 20 Most Beautiful Places on the Island
- Crete Excursions
- Crete Attractions
- Crete with kids
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