Crete highlights: The 20 best tips for the island

Crete is the largest Greek island and has something to offer for every Greece lover. We have explored the island extensively and would like to share with you the best travel tips for Crete and show you our favourite places. Among them are the most popular sights, but also insider tips for Crete away from the crowds.

»The island is so diverse that one holiday is not enough to explore all the sights of Crete.«

Crete comprises four major regions from west to east: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion and Lasithi. With an extension of about 250 km and a coastline of over 1,000 km, a holiday in Crete is hardly enough to explore the island intensively. It would be beyond the scope of this article to cover all the Crete sights.

So we’ll limit ourselves to the most important things and take you to Caribbean beaches, sleepy mountain villages, historical sites and roam wildly romantic nature. Let yourself be inspired by our personal Crete Highlights and immerse yourself in the most diverse island in Greece. You can find out our conclusion about Crete at the end of the article.

#1 Crete tips in the West

In order to see all the beautiful places on Crete, you should plan enough time on the island. We were on the road in Crete with our own car for a total of two months and explored the island extensively. In the end, we had 3,750 km more on the odometer 🙂

Above all, the West of Crete really has something to offer for every taste. The region around Chania is very well developed for tourism through the international airport and some popular destinations are waiting for you. Provided you like to sit in a rental car on vacation, because the distances in Crete should not be underestimated.

You should not miss the beautiful city of Chania, for us personally the most photogenic place in Crete. In the high season you have to share the most popular Crete Attractions like Balos and Elafonissi with hundreds of other holidaymakers. With the spectacular Samaria Gorge, the region has one of the most popular hiking destinations in Europe.

If you have the opportunity to stop by at the beginning of May or the end of September, you can look forward to a little more peace and quiet. The villages in the hinterland between Kissamos and Paleochora are very original and convey a piece of authentic Crete. A paradise for individual travelers and with the right tips you are also well equipped.

#2 Balos and Elafonisi

Real visitor magnets in the west are the Caribbean lagoons of Crete. For us personally, the most impressive is the lagoon of Balos on the Gramvousa Peninsula in the northwest of Crete. The lagoon has an offshore island that is connected to the peninsula by a sandbank.

Balos can only be reached by boat or via a bad gravel road. As many car rental companies contractually exclude driving on unpaved roads, it is advisable to take a boat trip to Balos. The tours depart several times a day from the port town of Kissamos. About our partner GetYourGuide* you can find out more about prices and availability of the tours:

➲ To the guided boat trip to Balos*

A trip to the southwest, to the lagoon landscape of Elafonisi, is also highly recommended. Here, the sea shimmers in the most beautiful shades of blue, too. Due to the long journey to the farthest tip of Crete, the rush of visitors to Elafonisi is not quite as large in the low season.

Nevertheless, both lagoons of Crete are very busy places in the summer months. It’s best to stop by early in the morning before 10 a.m., otherwise the paradisiacal holiday mood will be lost among the crowds. If you want, you can also join a guided bus tour here, e.g. via GetYourGuide*:

➲ To the guided tour to Elafonisi*

As a bathing alternative, we can recommend you the kilometre-long Falassarna Beach not far from Kissamos. Due to the size of the sandy beach, the crowds are better distributed here. On some sections of Falassarna Beach you will always find a quiet spot.

#3 Chania: Crete’s most beautiful city

Chania is often called the most beautiful city in Crete, and with good reason. The sometimes turbulent traffic in the city centre and the inadequate parking situation hardly spoil the overall impression of the beautiful old town.

The historic alleys of Chania are lined with colorful bougainvillea and on every corner you will find numerous great photo opportunities. You can stroll through the maze of alleys for hours, small shops and boutiques alternate with quaint taverns and cafés.

From the Firka Fortress you can enjoy a great panorama of the city. Around the picturesque Venetian Harbour of Chania there are countless restaurants that vie for the favor of customers with fresh fish.

The second largest town in Crete is also one of the oldest inhabited settlements in Europe and is home to numerous historic buildings, such as the Hassan Pasha Mosque or the striking Lighthouse of Chania at the Venetian harbor.

Chania is a wonderful starting point for other beautiful excursions in the west of Crete. GetYourGuide* offers a wide variety of guided tours. We recommend quad or jeep safaris in the hinterland:

➲ To the guided tours from Chania*

#4 Samaria Gorge Hike

The Samaria Gorge in the national park of the same name, is considered the most popular hiking destination in Crete. After all, more than 3,000 people make a pilgrimage through the gorge every day in summer. The hike itself is not an easy undertaking, but you will be rewarded with a breathtaking landscape.

The region around the gorge has been considered a nature reserve since 1962 and today forms the the only national park on Crete. The so-called Kri-Kri, the Cretan wild goats, still live in the wild nature. On a hike, you may encounter the distinctive Greek chamois.

The almost 13-14 km long gorge takes at least 5-6 hours. Nature-loving Crete holidaymakers can expect fantastic hiking panoramas. Highlights of the gorge are the very narrow rock gates, called Iron Gates. The Samaria Trek can be done on your own or as a guided hiking tour, bookable via GetYourGuide*:

➲ To the guided Samaria hiking tour*

#5 Akrotiri Peninsula

The Akrotiri Peninsula is located in the northwest of Crete, not far from Chania. Even today, the area is mainly used for agriculture for olive and fruit cultivation. In the west of the peninsula, the first Crete luxury resorts and holiday parks have already settled.

The region knows how to inspire, beautiful beaches and bays are spread around the whole peninsula. The town of Stavros in particular enjoys great popularity. At Zorbas Beach in 1964, parts of the movie Zorbas the Greek with Hollywood star Anthony Quinn were filmed, including the famous Sirtaki dance and the cable car scene.

Monastery of Agia Triada

The Akrotiri peninsula has been considered a retreat for the Orthodox Church for centuries. The Monastery of Agia Triada is an interesting place to visit close to Chania Airport. It is worth coming here before 11 a.m. to avoid the big tourist rush (including bus tours).

In the early morning hours, a magical silence accompanies you through the well-kept grounds, numerous cats roam around and look for a shady spot before the midday heat sets in.

The impressive Cretan monastery was built in the 17th century under the Venetians and is a photogenic gem due to its terracotta-colored buildings. In the middle of the complex is the Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity with magnificent icons.

Around the monastery, the monks living here grow good wine and olives. You can buy the organically produced products in the monastery shop. A small entrance fee is charged for visiting the interior of the monastery.

Katholiko Monastery Walking Tour

About 4 km northwest of Agia Triada, you will find another monastery of Crete worth seeing, the Gouverneto Monastery (€2.50 admission). From here, it is worth taking a hike along the Avlaki Gorge to the Katholiko Monastery (40 min), which is one of the most impressive buildings on Crete. Behind the church you can cross the bridge down to the bay of the same name (1 hour).

Seitan Limani Beach

From the monastery of Agia Triada, it is worth taking a detour to one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete – Seitan Limani Beach. What sounds more like an Asian dessert is actually a picturesque bay that shows itself in a spectacular turquoise blue at lunchtime.

You would like to jump in from above. Magically, numerous people are attracted and so the bay is very well visited and the small beach offers hardly any space for the big rush. From the car park, a trail leads down to the left, sturdy shoes are recommended.

For us, the real highlight was the view from above of the bay of Seitan Limani. If you don’t want to swim between crowds in the high season, we think you can save yourself the steep descent and enjoy the view from the top.

#6 Crete tips in the south

South Crete is still partly sleepy and has so far been spared from mass tourism. In the past, hippies used to roam around here. Today, you will meet numerous individual holidaymakers between Plakias and Ierapetra. Quaint coastal hamlets such as Agios Pavlos and Triopetra near Agia Galini or Lentas near Matala have their charm.

Tourism has its price, so the primeval landscape in southern Crete had to give way to large greenhouses in many places. Especially the area around Ierapetra has been very affected by this. Some of the facilities no longer seem to be in operation and are a real eyesore on the otherwise very pretty coastal strip.

#7 Preveli Palm Beach

One of the most beautiful Crete highlights is undoubtedly the Palm beach of Preveli. While 20 years ago only hikers got to see this natural paradise, today the beach is the place to go for numerous Crete vacationers. Preveli is located about 45 minutes from Rethymno and already the approach through the Kotsifou Gorge knows how to inspire.

The Megalopotamos River flows into the sea at Preveli Beach. A striking number of Cretan date palms Phoenix theophrasti are located in the river valley, so the picturesque place looks like an enchanted oasis. You can only reach Preveli by boat or on foot from the parking lot above the beach or from the hamlet of Ammoudi.

From Preveli Beach, a short hiking trail leads through the idyllic palm grove. Afterwards you can visit the Preveli Monastery above the beach. This must-see sight in Crete can also be experienced by joining an organised bus tour through our partner, GetYourGuide*:

➲ To the guided tour to Preveli*

Coastal town of Agia Galini

About 45 kilometres from Preveli lies the coastal town of Agia Galini. This place is known in many travel guides as the Pearl of Southern Crete. However, our first impression was rather sobering.

Agia Galini seemed to us like a quickly raised village and so there was no great enthusiasm. Maybe it was simply because we had already seen much more beautiful Greek coastal towns. Only the view of the city from the harbor pier and the amphitheater could inspire.

#8 Red Beach (Kokkini Ammos)

We continue our exploration along the south coast towards Matala. At the end of the village, there is a footpath on the left that leads up into the mountains. Follow this to reach the Kokkini Ammos Beach.

This gentle beach of Crete is also known as Red Beach. The bay lives up to its name and welcomes you with a reddish sandy beach and turquoise-blue water.

Since the beach has been voted one of the most popular nudist spots in Europe, you have to share it with a few nudists and in the high season with numerous other tourists.

#9 Matala: Crete’s hippie village

The former Hippie Village of Crete is picturesquely embedded in mighty sandstone cliffs. The striking caves have been inhabited since ancient times and so the hippies and flower children also resided here in the 1970s. Today, the former fishing village looks more like a tourist attraction.

The visit to the (unsecured) cave dwellings now costs 5 € entrance fee and the nice sandy beach of Matala is paved over by parasols in the high season. The alleys have been converted into shopping streets and are home to countless shops and souvenir shops.

Among the numerous shops there are also interesting shops, such as the Pottery AP Ceramics, where you can buy handmade and inexpensive ceramics. Matala’s Bar Mile, located on the southern outskirts of the village, exudes plenty of charm. Although it was redesigned in 2021 and no longer looks quite as rustic, it is still a good place to linger.

If it’s too much hustle and bustle at Matala Beach, you can swim in the clear sea water from rocky cliffs behind the bar mile via a few steps. Alternatively, we recommend the beaches of Kommos and Kalamaki.

Botano: Herbs from Crete

On your exploration tour in the south of Crete, it is worth stopping in the tranquil village of Listaros, not far from Matala. Entrepreneur Jannis, he has realized his dream of having his own herb shop on Crete here. At »Botano« numerous teas and spices from the island will be offered.

As soon as you enter, an ethereal scent flows towards you. We have stocked up abundantly with the finest herbs from Crete. The herb shop became known through the German TV-show “At the Table on Crete”. In the evening it is worth going to the Cafe Bistro Wine Bar Zoi from Manolis (speaks German).

Until 2022, Botano’s location was in the village of Kouses, which is worth a detour. In the middle of Kouses, the white Agia Anna village church shines with colourful bougainvillea. From here you have a great view of the Messara Plain. In the village of Kousses there is a small kafenion, ideal for a midday snack.

#10 Crete tips in the east

The further east you go, the quieter it gets. While there is still hustle and bustle in the town of Agios Nikolaos, Sitia is 60 km away. Even if the city of Sitia does not seem very inviting from afar, it is worth a visit. The harbour promenade invites you to take a walk and every evening there is a real folk festival atmosphere here.

The region hardly plays a role in international tourism and so it is therefore considered an undiscovered jewel with partly lonely Crete beaches. Especially in the southeast, real Crete highlights await you, including Zakros and Xerokampos. In order to promote soft tourism, the Sitia Geopark has been established in recent years.

The Sitia Geopark stretches from Mouliana to Cape Sidero in the north and reaches Xerokampos in the south. Picturesque mountain landscapes alternate with dreamlike stretches of coastline. There are many traditional villages in between, with countless hiking trails that take you far away from mass tourism.

#11 Town of Agios Nikolaos

We liked the coastal town in the northeast right away. Although the atmosphere is lively and touristy, Agios Nikolaos, located on a narrow headland, is particularly atmospheric.

The typical white houses in the centre are lined up around the striking Lake Voulismeni, a 65 m deep freshwater basin, which has been connected to the sea since 1870. Agios Nikolaos is worth visiting in the morning for a long walk around the city.

Along the cozy promenade, one restaurant follows the other. Above the lake there are some cafés where you can enjoy a cool frappé with a fantastic view of the harbour and the turquoise-blue Mirabello Bay .

The lower streets of Agios Nikolaos are traffic-calmed and are home to many shops and boutiques. Ammos Beach near the city’s marina is also perfect for cooling off after a stroll through the city. From Agios Nikolaos, it is worth taking a trip to the Lasithi Plateau, located around 40 kilometres west of the city. There, you will find peace and a sense of authenticity.

#12 Elounda and Spinalonga

Elounda is located about 10 km north of Agios Nikolaos. While it was tranquil here a few years ago, the former fishing village has now developed into a real visitor magnet. The Bay of Elounda is the reason for this, with its picturesque offshore peninsula (Spinalonga) and turquoise-blue lagoon.

Along the lagoon-like coastline you can relax wonderfully. However, the region around the former settlements of Elounda (including Schisma, Pano Elounta, Mavrikiano, Pinai and Plaka) is heavily occupied by investors in the tourism industry. For example, some parts of the picture-book coastal landscape are already sprawling.

The main attraction of Elounda is the Island Spinalonga Kalydon, directly opposite the hamlet of Plaka. Here, the Venetians built a mighty fortress in the 16th century. Later, the small island served as the leper colony of Crete until 1957. Today, you can visit the island with the buildings of the Spinalonga exiles from Plaka by boat.

➲ To the excursions to Spinalonga (GetYourGuide)*

#13 Mochlos and Richtis Gorge

Our journey continues along the Gulf of Mirabello to the pretty fishing village of Mochlos. The sun was just setting when we spontaneously decided to stop here for dinner. What can we say – we have not regretted it!

For us, Mochlos turned out to be one of the most beautiful coastal villages on Crete. It is tranquil and quiet here even at the beginning of August. Directly on the shore, which is lined with rugged cliffs, one tavern follows the other.

With a glass of wine, you can sit under flickering fairy lights, enjoy delicious Greek food and listen to the sound of the sea. Opposite Mochlos is the island of the same name with the remains of a Minoan settlement.

The place exudes a magical atmosphere and an originality that is unparalleled in Crete. This is probably one of the reasons why the region around Mochlos is still considered an insider tip in the north of Crete.

Hike to the Richtis Gorge

Near the village of Exo Mouliana, about 20 km from Mochlos, is the Richtis Gorge. A hike through the lush Richtis Gorge is well worth it, especially to see the stunning Richtis waterfall halfway along the route.

Like a fairy tale, the water falls along moss-covered slopes into a small lagoon. If you are resistant to the cold, you can refresh yourself wonderfully in the pool. Despite icy water temperatures, the magical scenery gave us a little Bali feeling.

There are two starting points for the hike through the gorge. From the village of Exo Mouliana you descend over numerous steps into the Richtis Gorge. It will take you about two hours to get to the waterfall. If you start at Richtis Beach, it only takes about 30 minutes to reach the heart of the gorge.

You can drive your rental car down to the beach, but the adventurous asphalt road is in a desolate condition, so caution is advised when approaching. At the bottom you will find a parking lot from which it goes into the Richtis Gorge.

#14 Vai Palm Beach

At the very northeasternmost tip of Crete you can admire one of the few real palm beaches in Europe. In Vai, hundreds of Cretan Phoenix theophrastii palm trees line an entire valley and reach up to the bright, sandy beach.

It is a dreamlike place, if you didn’t have to share it with numerous other tourists every day. On the beach of Vai there is a paid parking lot, as well as several cafes and a sunbed rental.

From Vai Beach, you can walk along the mountainside to an observation deck. From here you have a great panorama over the palm forest and the bay. This is the largest palm forest in Crete, but it is now closed to visitors.

The reason for this is the randomly discarded garbage in the past. In addition, numerous people have immortalized themselves in the trunks of the endangered palm species. Therefore, a selfie under the palm trees at Vai Beach is only possible near the sea.

#15 Xerokambos and Zakros

Long and winding, the road from Vai runs through barren landscape to the southeasternmost end of Crete. When you have passed the last barren ridge, you will be greeted by a breathtaking view of the turquoise blue Xerokambos Bay.

Along the coastal road there are several bays like out of a picture book. The white sandy beach is fine sand and the sea is turquoise blue and crystal clear. It is a Caribbean-style bathing paradise on Crete for those seeking peace and quiet and beach lovers. Due to the isolated location far away from the tourist centers, only a few people get lost here.

On the many beaches you will still find enough free places and can swim quite undisturbed. With the Minoan Palace of Zakros, the region even offers another Crete attraction for history fans. The gorge of the same name, also known as the Valley of the Dead, is one of the most impressive hiking spots in Crete

In recent years, several taverns (tip: Liviko View Restaurant) and holiday homes and are increasingly attracting individual travellers in particular. Only time will tell how long this paradise will remain so peaceful. We hope to be enchanted again when we visit next.

#16 Crete tips in the north

The two tourist centres in the north are the cosy harbour town of Rethymno and the Cretan capital of Heraklion. In between there are countless beaches and numerous Crete Holiday Resorts such as Bali, Agia Pelagia or Hersonisos. In the background of the region is the mighty Psiloritis, the highest mountain of Crete at 2,456 m.

With the Palace of Knossos, the north has the most visited ancient site in Crete. Every year, hundreds of thousands make a pilgrimage to Knossos. Hiking enthusiasts, on the other hand, roam the well-known Myli Gorge (Mill Valley of Crete) not far from Rethymnon. Arkadi, the most important monastery on the island, is only 30 minutes away from the city.

#17 Knossos Palace near Heraklion

The Minoan Palace of Knossos is one of the most important archaeological sites of Greece. The high culture of the Minoans originated in Crete and shaped ancient Greece for over 1,000 years. History enthusiasts should make sure they visit this attraction during their Crete Holidays.

We recommend a guided tour of the complex, as the complexity of the Minoan culture requires a little expertise. The Minoans were very strongly connected to nature and already cultivated a pronounced cult of the gods, especially around the father of the gods Zeus. If Knossos is too overcrowded for you, you should go to the Phaistos Palace.

If you want to visit Knossos on Crete, you should definitely buy your ticket online to avoid the queue at the entrance. For history buffs, it’s also worth booking a professional guide to take you through the complex. We booked our guide directly through GetYourGuide* and were very satisfied:

➲ To the online ticket for Knossos*

Walking tour of Heraklion

As the largest city on Crete, Heraklion does not have the typical island flair, but there are some nice corners to discover. You will also find some of the best restaurants on the island. Those interested in culture will be pleased with the density of museums (including the Archaeological Museum), art galleries and historical sites from different eras.

Heraklion is a young capital and is also considered a Greek student city, the University of Crete is known for its medical and philosophical faculty. In recent years, some trendy bars and restaurants have established themselves, which can be discovered in the alleys of the hustle and bustle of the city.

The most beautiful corners of the city of 200,000 inhabitants are waiting to be discovered on an organised guided tour of Heraklion. Click on the link to see suitable city tours via GetYourGuide*:

➲ To the guided tours in Heraklion*

A visit to the wine village of Archanes

Less than ten minutes from Knossos is the cozy village Archanes, which has only been discovered by a few tourists so far. The large village is located below the mighty mountain Giouchtas (also called Juchtas – 811 m), from the summit of which there is a breathtaking view of Heraklion and the north coast.

Archanes and the surrounding municipalities are among the oldest settlements in Crete and are also considered the largest wine region on the island. The small town has been able to retain its originality to this day. There is more going on on the Platia every evening than in many a hotel complex. Numerous traditional taverns (tip: Critamon) invite you to linger.

#18 City tour of Rethymnon

Rethymnon is the third largest city in Crete after Heraklion and Chania and a trip to the pretty coastal town is worthwhile. Rethymnon is nowhere near as hectic as the other two big cities. On the contrary, the place sometimes even exudes a cozy small-town flair. The landmarks are the Fortezza Fortress and the old Venation Lighthouse.

Stroll around the pretty Old Town of Rethymno, where you’ll find buildings from both the Venetian and Ottoman periods.. In the winding streets you will find many restaurants and pretty cafes as well as boutiques and shops with original island souvenirs.

The Venetian port of Rethymnon looks like a mini version of Chania. If Chania was too turbulent for you, you will feel more comfortable in Rethymno. And bathing enthusiasts also get their money’s worth, Rethymno Beach, which is only a few meters away from the old town, is one of the longest sandy beaches in Crete.

The surroundings of Rethymno offers many opportunities for individual explorers, but also for holidaymakers who like to join guided excursions, like a wine tasting, a quad bike tour or a hike. On GetYourGuide* you will find suitable tours:

➲ To the organized Rethymno excursions*

#19 Arkadi: Crete’s most important monastery

That Monastery of Iera Moni Arkadiou, Arkadi for short, is located about 20 km from Rethymno and is now considered by the Cretans to be the most important national monument on the whole island. The complex was founded in the 14th century and existed continuously until 1866. The monastery played an important role in the Greek liberation struggle.

During the fight against the Ottoman occupiers, many Cretan inhabitants, including numerous resistance fighters, took refuge in the Arkadi Monastery. On November 7, 1866, the Ottomans attacked the monastery with a superior force of 15,000 soldiers.

In their desperation, the inhabitants seeking protection, including many women and children, blew themselves up in the former powder magazine of the monastery. The ceilingless room where the tragedy took place can still be visited today.

Opening hours Arkadi Monastery: in summer 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., free admission to the monastery – museum 3 €

• March: 09:00 to 18:00
• April – May: 09:00 to 19:00
• June – July – August: 09:00 a.m. to 08:00 p.m.
• September: 09:00 to 19:00
• October: 09:00 to 18:00
• November: 09:00 to 17:00

#20 Sfentoni stalactite cave

There are countless caves and grottos in Crete, most of which are hardly sufficiently developed for tourists. One of the most impressive caves, which you can even walk through, is the Sfentoni Cave near Zoniana. The stalactite cave is located below the mighty Psiloritis mountain massif and is about an hour away from Rethymno.

The Sfentoni Cave has an area of 3,000 m² and about two thirds of it can be visited as part of an entertaining guided tour. The huge columns and labyrinthine vaults are even skilfully staged with spotlights.

• Opening hours Sfentoni Cave: daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last tour approx. 4.30 p.m.), 6 € entrance fee (reduced 4 €)

After visiting the cave, it is worth visiting the 740 m high mountain village of Anogia. Although the village was burned down by German soldiers in 2nd World War, it has been extensively restored in recent years. Especially the lower village of Anogia with its rustic Platia exudes a lot of charm.

More Crete travel tips

Beautiful beaches in Crete

Picturesque bays and beaches are spread all around the island. In the north of Crete you will find golden sandy beaches in many places, but in the south there are only gray sand and pebble beaches with a few exceptions (including Matala Red Beach). The dream bays of Crete are located in the far west and east.

Here is a selection of the best beaches of the island of Crete:

• Elafonisi Beach
• Balos Beach
• Preveli Beach
• Vai Beach
• Falasarna Beach
• Seitan Limani Beach
• Voulisma Beach
• Matala Beach
• Stavros Beach
• Potamos Beach

Information about the Crete beaches: To find the exact location, the beach names can be entered into Google Maps as listed above. Unfortunately, the names change from time to time. The best thing to do is to ask the locals about the beaches, they usually also have real Crete insider tips in store.

Popular Tours on Crete

We have listed the best tours in Crete for you here. Very popular are the jeep safaris in the Lasithi plain, the sailing tours along the island coast and the hike through the Samaria Gorge. Clicking on the link leads to our partner GetYourGuide* for more details.

➲ To the jeep tour to Lasithi*

➲ To the sailing trip along the coast*

➲ To the guided Samaria hike*

Restaurant recommendations for Crete

On Crete, almost every holidaymaker is spoiled with culinary delights. In the tourist centers and Crete resorts, both dishes of the typical Greek cuisine, as well as Mediterranean and international dishes.

In our experience, the further away from the coast, the cheaper and more traditional the food. However, exceptions prove the rule! In the taverns of the mountain villages you always get a raki for dessert. Here is a small selection of recommendations for restaurants on Crete:

Restaurants in the West of Crete

Gramboussa Restaurant, Kaliviani near Kissamos

Tastefully decorated restaurant near the access road to Balos with a beautiful view of the Gulf of Kissamo. Great selection of Cretan dishes and attentive staff. In the summer months, reservations are recommended.

Ta Lemonadika Mezedopoleio, Fres near Chania

About 30 min from Chania quaint family tavern in the quiet mountain village of Fres. Innkeeper Michalis serves delicious Greek home cooking in the village square. The Cretan pasta was particularly delicious. Lovers of traditional food can try “staka” here.

Restaurants in the North of Crete

To Sideradiko, Spili near Rethymnon

Small originally furnished tavern on the main road at the exit of the village of Spili. Father and son cook fresh and varied dishes every day, choosing directly from the cooking pot. Fair price-performance ratio.

Restaurant Kritamon, Archanes near Heraklion

In a cozy courtyard with a maple tree, creative Mediterranean and Greek dishes are served at fair prices. Reserved hosts, only open in the evenings. Our favorites are the “Greek sushi” and the original Saganaki.

Semeli Cafe-Snack-Restaurant, Choudetsi near Heraklion

In the authentic village of Choudetsi lies this cozy restaurant with a large courtyard. The friendly landlord Andreas (speaks German) serves delicious Greek dishes at reasonable prices. We found the rooster with mashed potatoes (large portions!) particularly delicious.

Restaurants in the south of Crete

LIvas, Pitsidia near Matala

Dimitris and his wife Maru run a very cozy tavern with a beautiful roof terrace in the village of Pitsidia. The menu includes Mediterranean dishes with an oriental touch, such as hummus, kebabs & Co. Family atmosphere like with friends!

Taverna Agía Paraskeví, Christos at Myrtos

In the ghost village of Christos above Myrtos, a quaint tavern is located. Friendly owner and great atmosphere in the evening under a large plane tree next to a mountain spring. Authentic Cretan cuisine with fresh ingredients. Popular with locals!

Xatheri, Kroustas near Agios Nikolaos

Modern mezedopoleio opened in 2020 in the quaint neighboring village of Kritsa. Great atmosphere in the evening right on the village square, popular with locals. Jungwirt Konstantinos and his parents offer very tasty Cretan cuisine at very reasonable prices.

Want more restaurant tips for Crete?

→ In our Google map you will find over 100 (!) recommended cafés and taverns in Crete: To the Crete Map

Accommodation on the island of Crete

On the island of Crete you will find countless family hotels, clubs, resorts and apartments for almost every budget. Are you looking for an affordable holiday on Crete? Then it is worthwhile to compare the prices for Crete holiday offers in advance. Especially in the low season, great holiday bargains for Crete are available.

→ The Best Crete Hotels and apartments can be found here: Booking.com*

→ Offers for Package holidays to Crete available at: Holidaycheck*, Check24*

Via Booking.com* you will find many Hotels on Crete and you can check prices here:

Hotel recommendations for Crete

Casa Delfino Hotel, Chania

Stylish 4-star hotel with spacious suites and beautiful rooms, some with a view of the Venetian harbour. Friendly staff and very good breakfast. Cheap offers and booking here:

➲ To book Casa Delfino*

Idili Guesthouse, Panormos near Rethymno

Markos rents out three traditional apartments in the quiet coastal village of Panormos, about 25 minutes from Rethymno. Very warm host, cozy garden and delicious varied breakfast.

➲ To book from Idili Guesthouse*

Seascape Luxury Residences, Agia Pelagia

4-star aparthotel near Agia Pelagia beach. Compact pool with bar in the cozy courtyard, family atmosphere and fair prices.

➲ To book Seascape Residences*

Casa Blu Boutique Hotel, Piskopiano near Hersonissos

4-star hotel with modern rooms far away from the hustle and bustle in the cozy village of Piskopiano. Helpful staff and great view from the hotel terrace.

➲ To book from Casa Blu Hotel*

Corissia Beach Hotel, Georgioupoli

The proximity to the beach and the relaxed atmosphere distinguish the Corissia Beach Hotel in Georgioupolis. The complex has swimming pools, a very good restaurant and comfortable rooms with sea views.

➲ Book Corissia Beach Hotel*

*Links to Booking.com

Getting to Crete

From May to October, there are numerous direct flights to Crete. Two international airports welcome holidaymakers. Depending on the hotel location, you can fly west to Chania (Airport CHQ) or to the center to Heraklion (Airport HER). You can find the best flight deals via the portal Skyscanner*:

➲ To cheap flights on Skyscanner*

From Berlin you can get real flight bargains to Crete with Ryanair & Co. If we travel to the airport with our own car, we use the reliable service of Your pitch*. Here your car is safe and inexpensive during your holiday – including a free shuttle to the airport.

➲ To the airport car park in Berlin*

In the low season or in winter, there are hardly any direct flights to Heraklion. In winter, only Aegean Airlines offers flights from Munich to Heraklion. Alternatively, you can also travel from Germany to Athens fly. From here we continue with a small plane of Olympic Air or Skyexpress to Crete.

Car rental for Crete

At Heraklion or Chania airport, you can get a rental car for Crete. Many local car rental companies, but also international companies such as Hertz, Europcar and Sixt are represented at the airports. We use the portal Discover Cars* to book a rental car:

➲ Book cheap rental cars here*

By ferry to Crete

You can also take one of the large ferries to the island. Since Crete is located in the very south, the journey takes about 10 hours. Some of the Cycladic islands, including Santorini, may be passed on the ferry ride to Crete.

If you explore Crete by car and have at least 3 weeks, then the ferry is definitely worth it. At our partner Ferryhopper* you have all connections to Crete at a glance:

➲ Book ferry tickets here*

Crete Sights Video

A detailed summary of Crete with many great pictures can be found in the video by filmmaker Robert Polasek. Have fun watching:

→ All posts about the island with many valuable Crete Travel Tips can be found here: Crete Blog

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