The Greek island of Crete has all the time been the proper vacation spot for a calming vacation. It’s stuffed with thrilling experiences and is right for any type of traveller. In actual fact, there are such a lot of unimaginable issues to do in Crete that it may be type of overwhelming to determine the place to go on the island!
Crete is the most important island in Greece and provides gorgeous shores the place you may lazily lounge all day lengthy beneath the nice and cozy Mediterranean solar. In distinction, there are imposing mountain peaks and gorges ready so that you can conquer.
Dwelling to distinctive pure surroundings and infinite alternatives for leisure, it’s all the time laborious to give you a listing of the perfect issues to do in Crete.
15 Greatest Issues to Do in Crete
I’ve been dwelling on the island for over 5 years now, and have found all the wonderful locations to go to in Crete, and the highest websites and points of interest. It’s not solely my favourite place in Greece, however simply considered one of my favourite locations in the entire world!
This listing that includes 15 distinctive issues to do on the island will definitely make it easier to determine why you might want to go to Crete no less than as soon as in your lifetime — it actually is likely one of the prime locations to see in Greece.
Right here’s my listing of the highest 15 issues to do in Crete, Greece.
1. Uncover the Lovely Seashores
There are a number of seashores that you could discover in Crete, Greece. I’ve made it my mission to dip my toes within the sea from all of them.
Three of Crete’s most well-known seashores are within the area of Chania — go to all of them or select the one which most accurately fits your vacation type. Among the prime seashores in Greece are present in Crete, so don’t miss them.
Balos Seaside and Lagoon
Balos Seaside is situated in direction of the top of the Gramvousa Peninsula, about one hour drive from Chania.
If you happen to desire to skip the street to Balos, which is generally a mud monitor subsequent to a steep hill overlooking the ocean, it’s a good suggestion to guide a day cruise departing from the close by harbour of Kissamos.
A day cruise is not going to solely take you to Balos but in addition to the close-by island of Imeri Gramvousa.
The seaside of Balos is likely one of the most unique locations on the island. The crystal waters type a shallow lagoon that’s surrounded by a harsh mountain panorama of placing distinction in opposition to the turquoise seas.
The seaside is nicely organized though there’s only one canteen on the seaside. If you happen to’re on a price range, I’d counsel you pack your lunch in order to avoid wasting cash.
Irrespective of whether or not you go to Balos by automobile or boat, don’t overlook how cruel the solar might be in Crete. Carry sufficient water with you and excessive SPF sunscreen lotion.
Pink Sand Seaside of Elafonisi
Elafonisi Seaside is one other spectacular place to go to in Crete. It’s a worldwide well-known shore identified for its improbable pink sand, but in addition for a reasonably calm sea with alluring shades of blue.
The shore is large and though it may be actually packed in summer season, there’s all the time sufficient house for everybody.
Elafonisi is about 70 km south from Chania, and though there are buses going there from Chania’s central station, the easiest way to get there may be by automobile.
To achieve Elafonisi, you may drive by means of the gorge of Topolia or mix the journey with a cease on Crete’s third well-known seaside, Falasarna, driving alongside the coastal street. For these of you who don’t have a car, be a part of this extremely rated journey to Elafonisi Seaside.
Falasarna Seaside
The large shores of Falasarna are on the west coast of Crete and it’s the perfect place on Crete to benefit from the sundown. The village is small and stress-free, with not many issues to do, however I all the time have a very good time there anyway.
The primary motive to go to Falasarna is the spectacular bay and the perfect climate situations that make it an ideal place to apply windsurfing and different water sports activities.
There are a couple of seaside bars and eating places serving primary dishes and chilly drinks, so that you don’t have to pack a lunch when you plan to spend your day in Falasarna.
2. Stroll the Alleys of Chania’s Outdated City
The previous city of Chania has usually been described as Crete’s prettiest metropolis, and for good motive! The previous city is residence to a chic Venetian quarter, a romantic previous port, a stupendous Egyptian lighthouse, and rather more.
An effective way to get to know town once you first arrive is to affix this strolling tour with an area information. In the course of the expertise, you’ll uncover hidden areas, improbable eating places and find out about Chania and the island of Crete. Be taught extra about this reasonably priced, highly-rated journey right here.
The Venetian district of Chania’s previous city is the proper place to admire the gorgeous city panorama of town. You may as well go to the previous Jewish neighbourhood of Zudecca which is residence to a Synagogue courting from the fifteenth century.
On the seaside space, you may step into the Ottoman previous of the island by visiting the small Mosque of the Janissaries, considered one of Chania’s best-known landmarks with its typical pink domes and arches.
At night time, you may dine in any of the a number of tavernas that line up alongside the Venetian Arsenals. That is the proper spot to take pleasure in a sundown whereas sipping a glass of the native Vidiano white wine (my private favourite).
Often known as the New Marina, the Arsenals are an ideal place to expertise the distinctive flavors of Crete.
Select Salis for a refined eating expertise with merchandise coming immediately from the producers and the restaurant’s personal vineyard.
If you happen to’re on a price range, as an alternative, go for a spherical of native meze (small Greek dishes) in Faka. The views of the harbour are equally inspiring in each venues.
To finish the day, have a cocktail in Pallas, proper in entrance of the lighthouse. There you may hearken to some music and have interaction in dialog with the pleasant locals.
☞ SEE ALSO: Information to Visiting Elounda, Crete
3. Catch a Ferry to Loutro (Among the best issues to do in Crete)
Taking the ferry to small fishing village of Loutro is likely one of the prime Crete actions, each for the vacation spot and the journey to get there. Each time I do it, I’m astounded by how attractive the environment are.
Probably the most scenic drives within the area of Chania is the one which takes you all the best way all the way down to the southern village of Chora Sfakion, passing by means of the spectacular gorge of Imbros. As soon as in Chora Sfakion, attain the port and board a ferry to spend a day and even two in Loutro.
If you happen to’re an skilled hiker or just simply love adventures, you may also attain Loutro by climbing the coastal mountain path that connects Chora Sfakion to the village. In your method, you may cease and swim within the fantastic hidden seashores of Illingas or Glyka Nera.
There’s not a lot to do in Loutro, however that’s the fantastic thing about it.
Loutro is the proper place to loosen up and revel in a peaceable vacation, and it’s common for day-trippers to alter their thoughts on the spot and guide a keep as soon as they’re there.
You may swim within the emerald inexperienced waters and benefit from the easy however tasty native delicacies served in any of the seaside tavernas. My favourite has all the time been Notos, specializing in seafood but in addition catering to vegetarians. Their costs are additionally very budget-friendly.
4. Discover the Native Historical past in Arkadi Monastery
Arkadi Monastery is crucial non secular heart of Crete. It’s a spot liked by the locals not just for the fantastic thing about the church and the gardens however particularly due to the important thing function it performed through the occasions of the Ottoman occupation of the island.
The Holocaust of Arkadi is a vital occasion prior to now of the island. About 900 individuals – largely children and girls – selected to take their very own lives relatively than give up to the Turks.
These occasions didn’t result in the instant liberation of the island however did begin a technique of worldwide assist which, by 1898, lastly put an finish to 267 years of oppressing ottoman ruling on the island.
Arkadi Monastery is likely one of the many monasteries of Crete. It’s about 25 minutes away from town of Rethymnon, and when you’re an actual fan of native historical past, it may very well be an ideal day journey if mixed with a go to to the Archaeological Web site of Eleftherna and its museum.
Deal with: Rethymnou-Arkadiou 741 50 Rethymno, Crete, Greece
5. Admire the Turkish Structure within the Outdated City of Rethymnon
Yet another great point to do in Crete is to pay a go to to the previous city of Rethymnon. This is likely one of the first spots I take my out-of-town guests to allow them to get an concept of what to see in Crete past probably the most well-known locations.
Rethymnon is not only a beautiful Venetian city with a picturesque port and a maze of cobblestone alleys, it’s additionally the place the place the remainder of the Turkish previous of the island is best preserved and straightforward to find.
Within the city, it’s a good suggestion to discover the improbable Venetian mansions with picket balconies in good Turkish type. You’ll additionally discover excessive minarets, such because the Valide Sultana minaret and the one within the Mosque of Neratzes.
Nevertheless, probably the most imposing mosque on the town might be visited contained in the Fortezza, the imposing Venetian fortress that faces the Sea of Crete.
When you’re accomplished exploring, you may take pleasure in lunch or dinner within the previous city.
For a fast and lightweight lunch, select Raki BaRaki for the infinite alternative of meze. For a extra refined meal, Avli is considered one of Crete’s most well-known eating places. It has a stupendous herb backyard and considered one of Greece’s finest wine lists.
6. Go Wine Tasting
It’s inconceivable to go to Crete and never come throughout one of many over 50 wineries that populate the villages of the island. Most wineries are open to the general public and produce improbable wines from 12 completely different grape varieties that develop solely on Crete.
The area of Rethymno is residence to Crete’s star grape, Vidiano, which produces top-of-the-line white wine labels of Crete. One of many wineries open to the general public in Rethymno is Klados, a boutique producer with simply 6 labels value attempting.
For a enjoyable day journey out, be a part of this expertise which incorporates transport, olive oil tasting, lunch, and drinks (5 completely different wines, raki, and limoncello).
In Chania, it is best to make a degree to go to Manousakis vineyard, which isn’t removed from the middle. If you happen to’re driving to catch that ferry to Loutro, you may test Dourakis vineyard, on the best way to Sfakia.
Heraklion, nonetheless, is crucial wine area of Crete. Take a look at this enjoyable expertise which features a 3-course meal with wine.
Lyrarakis vineyard is likely one of the most conventional locations to go to in Crete. You may take pleasure in a small wine tasting session with a couple of labels and native cheese, or take pleasure in an entire meal with a complete wine tasting expertise.
There are some nice wine excursions that you could take part Crete, a lot of which embody meals as nicely. Consuming and driving isn’t protected, and by becoming a member of a tour, not solely will you be capable to drink as a lot as you need, however you’ll meet some nice individuals alongside the best way.
This highly-rated tour contains vineyard visits, olive oil tasting, lunch, transport, information and extra. This small-group tour provides 15 completely different tastings, lunch, olive oil, transport, information and extra.
7. Benefit from the Meals and Surroundings of Argyroupolis
Midway between Rethymnon and Chania, Argyroupolis is a really particular little city that lies surrounded by inexperienced valleys, excessive mountains, and pure springs.
The inexperienced panorama is an inviting environment for a day away from the ocean, to see a totally completely different aspect of the island.
Argyropoulis is known amongst locals as a result of it serves one of many island’s best-known dishes, goat on the spit. Nevertheless, many go to the village for a special meals deal with.
In Argyroupolis, it’s additionally attainable to eat contemporary grilled trout. In actual fact, not many individuals are conscious of the truth that, regardless of being an island, the protein of alternative isn’t all the time fish.
On Crete, fish is generally for vacationers whereas locals desire lamb or goat. For nice fish, Argyroupolis is the reply.
8. Discover Historic Knossos
No go to to Crete is full with out paying a go to to the Minoan Palace of Knossos, about 11 km from the capital of Crete, Heraklion.
Knossos is likely one of the most-visited archaeological websites in Greece. Corresponding to the Parthenon in Athens, it’s additionally one of many greatest archaeological ruins of Europe.
The Minoan civilization flourished on the island over 3000 years in the past, particularly through the Bronze Age, and engaged in buying and selling with different necessary Mediterranean cultures.
Contained in the palace, you may admire distinctive buildings, storage rooms, and genius engineering innovations, together with advanced piping programs to offer contemporary water to the inhabitants, forestall floods, and flush their bathrooms.
After testing the archaeological web site, head again to the middle of Heraklion to discover the Archaeological Museum. It should shed new gentle in your latest go to to Knossos, placing the whole lot into perspective.
It is possible for you to to admire the intricate high quality of the objects found within the archaeological web site, at the moment exhibited within the museum.
The easiest way to go to Knossos is to guide a guided go to. This can deliver the location to life, plus you’ll be capable to skip the lengthy traces and save a number of time.
This tour contains each the Knossos web site and the Archaeological Museum, a 90 minute guided tour with an English-speaking information, and skip-the-line entry.
Deal with: Knosos 714 09 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
9. Nightlife in Malia
Malia is a full of life seaside city on the northern coast of Heraklion, with a stupendous seaside and an ideal number of pubs, seaside bars, and some discos to bop the night time away.
Those that journey to Crete anticipating an thrilling nightlife scene ought to possibly rethink. Crete isn’t a loopy occasion island except you go to Malia.
Nevertheless, there’s extra to Malia than loopy evenings on the dance ground. If you happen to’re like me, you come for the occasion, however keep for the historical past.
The village was additionally an necessary Minoan settlement in historical occasions, and at this time you may commit some hours to visiting the Minoan Palace of Malia, just some meters from the Sea of Crete.
10. Swim within the Hippie Seaside of Matala
The southern coast of the area of Heraklion is known everywhere in the world for Matala. Matala has been a well known hippie assembly level for the reason that early sixties, and it was one of many first locations the place ex-pats would return to them.
They weren’t digital nomads, however they had been undoubtedly the primary expression of contemporary nomadism and rebel in opposition to the norms. After I lay out my seaside towel in Matala, I all the time really feel like I’m a part of this lengthy custom.
The hippies of Matala lived for months within the mountain caves that stand proper subsequent to the seaside, dwelling a easy life free from stress — a novel vibe that this small coastal city managed to take care of by means of the years.
These caves within the rock are one of many extra distinctive issues to see in Crete.
Regardless of being considered one of Crete’s vacationer scorching spots, Matala is a tranquil resort to spend a couple of days disconnecting from the remainder of the world. Click on right here for a day journey to this distinctive spot.
11. Go Village Hopping Across the Lasithi Plateau
When you’ve explored the central area of Heraklion, drive to Lasithi, Crete’s easternmost area and the place that finest treasures Crete’s mountain custom.
Most likely probably the most genuine factor to do in jap Crete is to drive across the conventional villages of the Lasithi Plateau. A few of them are so small that you simply’ll want simply a few minutes to see them.
The plateau is an excellent inexperienced extension, the place locals domesticate completely different sorts of vegetables and fruit, the tavernas prepare dinner and serve genuine selfmade meals, and the mountain panorama is really inspiring.
A should cease within the Lasithi Plateau is the small village of Psychro, identified for the imposing Cave of Zeus, an historical Minoan place of worship.
In response to completely different legends, Greece’s most necessary god, Zeus, was not simply born on Crete, however he was additionally raised inside this cave.
12. Hike the Gorge of Richtis
Neglect the extraordinarily busy Samaria Gorge, the Gorge of Richtis is considered one of Crete’s lesser-known strolling paths alongside a small stream. This is likely one of the most stunning pure points of interest in Crete and considered one of my favourite swimming holes and climbing spots.
Not the whole lot is about mountain villages within the east. Alongside the coastal street that takes you from Heraklion to Sitia, you will see that this improbable pure place to go to that can definitely depart you in awe.
After about an hour hike by means of the inexperienced panorama, it takes you thru a tiny however refreshing waterfall, and from there to a stupendous seaside on the northern coast of the islands.
To hike the trail you might want to entry the doorway of the gorge by automobile, and depart it earlier than beginning the hike, proper subsequent to the parking spot.
The seaside isn’t organized, so take the whole lot you would possibly want, together with a seaside towel and chilly drinks. After the hike, a swim at Richtis seaside might be greater than welcome.
13. Sunbathe on the Palm Tree Seaside of Vai
The seaside of Vai is known for being residence to considered one of Europe’s largest date palm tree groves. It’s situated in a protected bay, well-protected from robust winds and sea currents, and the world has facilities similar to eating places, showers, and lifeguards.
The acute east of Crete has a number of the most stunning seashores on the island, and Vai is likely one of the finest. Anyplace near the ocean you drive within the area of Lasithi will provide spectacular scenic views and a number of the cleanest seashores of Crete, most of them normally empty, for the reason that space is taken into account to be fairly distant.
These of you who would relatively swim in a extra remoted seaside will discover a good various simply 5 km away from Vai. The hidden seaside of Itanos is one other fantastic shore on the east coast, simply beneath historical Dorian ruins.
The place is really spectacular throughout sundown. To finest go to the east, I counsel you selected a spot to remain within the close by metropolis of Sitia or in Agios Nikolaos.
14. Style the Sturdy Native Spirit: Raki
You may be questioning what raki is. Effectively, chances are high that raki is the primary (or shut second!) factor you style on the island. Let me clarify…
Raki (also called tsikoudia) is a powerful, selfmade spirit with excessive alcohol content material. It’s served as a complimentary deal with after each meal normally along with contemporary fruit or one other candy delicacy.
Nevertheless, raki is rather more than only a drink. It’s a welcoming expression of hospitality typical of the island, and it can be loved earlier than lunch, with a spherical of olives and acts as a improbable starter for any meal.
15. Style the Distinctive Cretan Delicacies in an Genuine Mountain Village
As I’ve already stated, the easiest way to see the hidden locations of Crete is by renting a automobile and driving across the island.
Driving in Crete isn’t actually that troublesome and it lets you undergo spots that you simply wouldn’t have imagined existed. Apart from, it’s inconceivable to entry a few of these locations utilizing native public transport.
Whereas driving round, you don’t wish to miss probably the most genuine delicacies.
After all, you’ll be capable to style the well-known Greek gyros whereas visiting crucial cities, however lunch in a mountain village might be a totally real expertise of taste and hospitality.
Simply cease everytime you see a small taverna, you may be instructed the specials of the day and, belief me, it doesn’t matter what you select, you may be amazed on the contemporary components and distinctive style of selfmade olive oil, plentiful herbs, and the tender meats.
And when you’re a vegetarian, there’s no want to fret, the Cretan weight-reduction plan provides an infinite number of greens and greens baked in pies, cooked in tomato sauce, or just ready with olive oil, sea salt, and lemon.
Extra Issues to Do in Crete
There are such a lot of actions and issues to see and eat in Crete that I’ve added a couple of extra to the listing.
Be part of a Tasty Meals Tour
Irrespective of the place on this planet you’re, top-of-the-line methods to find the native tradition is thru its tastes, aromas, and dishes. And on Crete, flavors are actually easy and genuine however stuffed with nuances that can seduce any palate.
Within the metropolis of Heraklion, you may be a part of a gastronomic tour of the capital, whereas stopping at 8 genuine locations off the vacationer monitor. Not solely will you eat your method across the metropolis, however you’ll study concerning the island of Crete out of your enjoyable and informative information. Be taught extra right here.
Go Paddleboarding (SUP)
Get out on the water with this enjoyable SUP journey in Chania. Meet up together with your native information, and head out on the water to take pleasure in some train, a swim, some sunbathing, and unimaginable views.
The journey is 2 hours and there are a couple of completely different departures all through the day. Be taught extra about this enjoyable expertise right here.
Cook dinner Conventional Cretan Meals
Learn to make some scrumptious native meals in this enjoyable cooking class. The venue is situated outside on a farm surrounded by stunning olive timber… however, you’ll be completely shaded from the solar, so the warmth gained’t be an issue.
Collectively together with your cooks and guides, you’ll discover ways to make a 4-course meal which you’ll take pleasure in — with wine! Any leftovers are packed up so that you can take with you. Discover out extra about this prime exercise in Crete right here.
Go Paragliding (See Crete from Above)
This is likely one of the extra adventurous issues to do in Crete. Be part of the founding father of Paragliding Crete and spend quarter-hour hovering excessive above the island, whereas having fun with the spectacular view.
The pilots are licensed Skilled Tandem Pilot instructors, Pilots of Paratrike Paramotor, and skilled Paragliding pilots. You’ll be in good fingers. Discover out extra about this unimaginable expertise right here.
FAQs In regards to the Greatest Issues to Do in Crete
Listed here are some solutions to some regularly requested questions on what to do in Crete.
Among the most well-known points of interest in Crete are the Palace of Knossos, the previous city of Chania, and the Samaria Gorge. And don’t neglect unimaginable seashores similar to Elafonisi, Matala, and Vai, that are a number of the most stunning locations to go to in Crete.
Though you would possibly get a style of the island over a weekend, I’d say you want no less than 5 days to get a very good grasp of what the island is all about. There are such a lot of issues to see in Crete that you simply would possibly discover you want greater than a full week, or presumably even two.
I believe it largely will depend on how a lot time you’ve got. Crete is far bigger with a greater variety of issues to do, so it’s higher for an extended journey. Santorini is far smaller and higher fitted to a shorter journey. I say, if you are able to do each, even higher.
Sure, you may take pleasure in lots of the finest locations to go to in Crete with out a automobile. Having one, nonetheless, will make it a lot simpler to achieve out-of-the-way Crete points of interest like distant seashores and wineries.
There are such a lot of fantastic issues to see in Crete, however when you can solely select one, I like to recommend Chania. Staying within the attractive previous city provides you the perfect alternative to have a basic Crete expertise.
Now You Know What to Do in Crete
Any journey to Crete can feed your wanderlust and ignite your creativeness from the preliminary planning section. The extra you learn concerning the island, the extra belongings you’ll wish to expertise.
Don’t be shocked when you really feel the necessity to add some additional days to your journey to discover extra. These 15 wonderful issues to do in Crete simply scratch the floor — there’s a lot on provide.
My 5 years dwelling right here have been a number of the finest in my life, fingers down. There are such a lot of actions in Crete which are enjoyable and rewarding that I can hardly think about leaving.
Crete stole my coronary heart and I may by no means image myself dwelling anyplace else. After all not each vacationer who visits Crete decides to begin a life right here, however many do return 12 months after 12 months, all the time keen to find extra. Will you be the subsequent one?
Visiting Different Locations in Greece?
Take a look at our full journey guides to Chios, Lesvos, Zakynthos, Meteora Monasteries, Zagori, Rhodes, and Kefalonia. And, don’t miss our information to the Greek Islands and Greece as an entire.
For enjoyable actions, sights, and issues to do, take a look at our posts on Athens, Paros, Thessaloniki, Ios, Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Zakynthos, and issues to do in Greece as an entire.
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