Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, the 88th largest island in the world and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily, Sardinia, Cyprus, and Corsica. It bounds the southern border of the Aegean sea.
20 pictures of Crete from Stefan Kunze, Maarten van den Heuvel, Dawid Zawiła and other travelers
To get to Crete, you can either fly into Heraklion International Airport (HER) or Chania International Airport (CHQ). Several European airlines offer direct flights to these airports, especially during the summer months. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Athens (Piraeus port) to either Heraklion or Chania. The ferry ride takes approximately 9 hours, and overnight options are available.
It is recommended to book your accommodations and any guided tours or activities in advance, especially during the high season (June - August). If you're planning on visiting the Palace of Knossos or other popular archaeological sites, consider booking a guided tour to guarantee entry and learn more about the fascinating history of these locations.
Costs in Crete can vary depending on your travel style. Budget travelers can expect to spend around €40-€60 per day, while mid-range travelers may spend €60-€100 per day. Luxury travelers can easily spend over €100 per day. Entrance fees to archaeological sites and museums typically range from €5 to €15.
Some of the best things to do in Crete include exploring the ancient Palace of Knossos, relaxing on Elafonisi Beach, visiting the Samaria Gorge National Park, and strolling through the picturesque old town of Chania. Additionally, consider taking a boat trip to the island of Spinalonga, a former leper colony with a rich history.
For dining options, you can try The Well of the Turk in Chania, offering a fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine in a charming setting. In Heraklion, Peskesi serves traditional Cretan dishes made with local ingredients. For a more casual option, Ta Kalamia in Rethymno offers delicious seafood dishes at affordable prices.
When it comes to accommodations, there are plenty of options ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts. For a mid-range option in Chania, consider staying at the Alcanea Boutique Hotel, located in the old town with beautiful harbor views. In Heraklion, Lato Boutique Hotel offers comfortable rooms and a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the city. For a more budget-friendly option, the Cocoon City Hostel in Chania is a popular choice among backpackers.
Off the beaten path: For an unusual travel experience in Crete, head to the village of Mochos, located in the mountains south of Heraklion. This traditional Cretan village offers a glimpse into the authentic local life, away from the tourist crowds. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the narrow streets, visit the local Byzantine churches, and indulge in a delicious meal at one of the village's traditional tavernas. Additionally, you can explore the nearby hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the coast.
Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, the 88th largest island in the world and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily, Sardinia, Cyprus and Corsica. It bounds the southern border of the Aegean sea.
Learn more 13 km away
Mount Ida, known variously as Idha, Ídhi, Idi, Ita. The massif including the mountain is called Psiloritis. At 2,456 m, Ida is the highest mountain on Crete. It has the highest topographic prominence in Greece. A natural park which includes Mt. Ida is a member of UNESCO's Global Geoparks Network. Located in the Rethymno regional unit, Ida was sacred to the Greek Titaness Rhea.
Learn more Book this experience 12 km away
On the tour of Crete, enjoy a fascinating hike through Europe's longest gorge and bathe in the pristine waters of the Libyan Sea. Take a boat trip along the south coast of Crete and admire the cliffs.
Learn more 16 km away
Faistos is a municipality in Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece. The seat of the municipality is the village Moires. It is named after the ancient city Phaistos, located in the municipality. The municipality has an area of 410.810 km².
Learn more 19 km away
Learn more
19 km away
Get ready to discover the beautiful coast of Crete around Bali, a charming beach in the Rethimno prefecture while paddling on a sea kayak! Contrary to popular belief, Balí is not named after the Indonesian island, or from the old Turkish word ...
Learn more 21 km away
Agia Varvara is a suburb in the western part of Athens, Greece.
Learn more 25 km away
Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and has been called Europe's oldest city. Settled as early as the Neolithic period, the name Knossos survives from ancient Greek references to the major city of Crete.
Learn more Book this experience 25 km away
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is a museum located in Heraklion on Crete. It is one of the greatest museums in Greece and the best in the world for Minoan art, as it contains the most notable and complete collection of artefacts of the Minoan civilization of Crete.
View on Google Maps Book this experience 27 km away
Agios Pavlos, Saint Paul, is a suburb of the Thessaloniki Urban Area and a former municipality. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality of Neapoli-Sykies, of which it is a municipal unit.
Learn more 28 km away
Learn more
31 km away
Learn more
32 km away
Heraklion or Iraklion is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete and capital of Heraklion regional unit. It is the fifth largest city in Greece with a population of 140,730 according to the 2011 census. The population of the municipality was 173,993. The Bronze Age palace of Knossos, also known as the Palace of Minos, is located nearby.
Learn more 32 km away
The University of Crete is a multi-disciplinary, research-oriented institution in the island of Crete, Greece, located in the cities of Rethymnon and Heraklion, and one of the country's most academically acclaimed and reputable ones.
Learn more 33 km away
Skouloufia is a village in the Municipality of Arkadi in the island of Crete, Greece.
Learn more 34 km away
Kaloi Limenes or Kali Limenes is a village and port in the Heraklion regional unit, southern Crete, in Greece, located 82 kilometres south-west of the city of Heraklion. It has 21 inhabitants. It is known as a major bunkering spot for ships in the southern Mediterranean.
Learn more 36 km away
Lentas, Lentas is a coastal village 75 km south of Heraklion, on the south coast of Crete in Greece. It belongs to the community of Miamou within the municipality of Gortyna.
Learn moreDiscover the best tours and activities around Crete, Greece and book your travel experience today with our booking partners
Situated at the height of North Africa, Crete enjoys an exceptional climate and you will find bright sunshine from the beginning of May to the end of October.
If you have the possibility, our advice is to go in the early season for Easter or in the late season when the inhabitants are free from the tourist pressure and find peace.
Crete is an easy island to get to
From Athens, you can reach Crete by plane (45′ flights) or by ferry from the port of Piraeus (9h)
Finally, if you want to go through the Cyclades before Crete, the daily fast ferry from Santorini will bring you in 1h45.
Crete is a large country with 3 airports. Heraklion in the center of the island, Chania in the west, and Sitia in the far east of Crete.
By regional flight, these airports are served from Athens
How to get around Crete?
You will easily find rental cars around the airport where all companies are represented.
Click on the pictures to learn more about the places and to get directions
Discover more travel spots to explore around Crete
🏖️ Shore spots ⛰️ Hill spots 🏘️ Town spots 🏖️ Beach spots ⛰️ Hill station spots 🏰 Historic site spots ⛰️ Mountain range spots 🌊 Ocean spots 🌲 Plain spots 🏃♂️ Running spots 🏖️ Sailing spots 🤿 Snorkeling spots 🐾 Wildlife spots 🏖️ Coast spots 🌲 Ecoregion spots 🏖️ Headland spotsExplore popular touristic places around Crete
Download On Google Maps 🗺️📲