2024 Crete Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)

Travel to Crete is a must 🛫

#travelchecklist During my recent trip to Crete, Greece, I discovered that having a travel checklist is essential for fully enjoying this beautiful island! First off, the stunning beaches, like Elafonissi, are a must-see, with entrance fees typically around €5. Make sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable sandals. Don’t miss the historic Palace of Knossos; entry is about €15 and gives you a fascinating glimpse into ancient Minoan civilization. I also recommend visiting the charming towns of Chania and Rethymno for their vibrant markets and delicious local cuisine. Lastly, keep your camera handy for breathtaking sunsets! 🌅 #Crete #TravelChecklist #Greece #BeachVibes #AncientHistory #ExploreCrete

Isola Beach Club-Crete island 🇬🇷 🌮 🍹

A wonderful Mediterranean beach bar located in the Blue Palace Luxury Hotel in Crete island 🏝️ Take your sandals off and chill-out in your private sunbed or comfortable corners and sip your signature beach cocktails, served by top mixologists, with bite-size freshly prepared beachside dishes. ☀️🍸 Tuck into some lovely Tacos 🌮 with ice-cold draft beer & at the spiral stone building, let the DJ’s entertain you in the evenings. Blue Palace is a luxury hotel where Isola Beach Club situated so you’ll always witness a professional and friendly service all day long.. It’s so relaxing there, where you hear the sound of the Aegean Sea and with a cocktail in hand! When sunsets the DJ’s music changes slightly to a different tempo 🎶 the bar is open for more drinks and kids open air cinema is set on the beach, with freshly made popcorn and ice-cream.🍦 #summervacation #foodie #beachbar #visitcrete #crete #bluepalacecrete #bluepalaceresort #creteisland

Koufonisi Island - Greece

Koufonisi Island is a tiny, remote, hidden Greek island of amazing beaches and swimming spots. In other words, Koufonisi is a heavenly paradise, perfect for relaxing body and soul in a magnificent, Mediterranean setting. Koufonisi is not just one island. These are actually 3 different islands located in the eastern part of the Cyclades archipelago Koufonisi is a very quiet and peaceful place, the rhythm is different here and it may take a day or two to adjust. The main attractions are located on the southern and eastern coasts of the island. There are no nightclubs, international restaurants and fashion bloggers looking for the next Instagram hit. This is an ideal place for a romantic getaway or a vacation without mobile gadgets. #bucketlistreboot #summervacation #beachlife

White Mountains’ National Park is the only national park in Crete. It centres around the Samariá gorge, at an altitude of 1,200m and continues down to Ayia Rouméli, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Along with the surrounding slopes and a number of smaller gorges branching off from it, Samaria Gorge forms the whole of the area designated as a national park, a status that offers protection to over 450 species of plant and animal, 70 of which are endemic to Crete. In the prefecture of Chania (also written “Hania”), the Samaria gorge is the longest in Europe (total length 16km), and one of the most impressive gorges in Greece. It starts from Xylóskalo, at an altitude of 1,230m. The width of the gorge is 150m at its widest point and 3m at its narrowest. Samaria gorge A word of advice: Visitors can descend into the gorge and walk for about 6 to 8 hours. Even though the path runs downhill it requires strong, comfortable footwear and some degree of physical fitness. But it’s well worth the effort. At the end of the path, swimming, taverna lunches and picnics under a canopy of trees within full view of the Mediterranean Sea all await you. #mynovgetaway #mynovgetaway

Located οn the southern side of the Aegean Sea, Crete is the biggest of all Greek islands. Its beauty, though, is even bigger than its size! Let us paint the scene: Just imagine enthralling natural beauty meeting rich culture and worldwide famous gastronomy, to create the most dreamy holiday paradise! The island is separated in 4 prefectures: Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, and Lassithi. The mythical Crete island is one of the most popular Greek destinations, thanks to its unreal Crete beaches, its amazing historical sites, such as Knossos Palace and Spinalonga islet and its mesmerizing natural landscapes. Not to mention Chania town and Heraklion town some of the biggest towns in Crete, which boast a magnificent medieval architecture. Honestly, wandering around their warren of romantic alleys will make you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time! Crete Greece is, hands down, one of the most magical Greek islands! #mynovgetaway #mynovgetaway

Crete is one of my top recommendations for summer travel in Europe. Despite being the largest island in Greece, Crete doesn’t get nearly as much attention as its flashy neighbors, Santorini and Mykonos. But with literally life-giving cuisine, unique beaches, and monasteries that double as wineries (yes, really), Crete Island must be on your Greece travel itinerary. I recommend staying in Old Town Chania, and spending a couple of days exploring the windy, cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored homes, handicrafts shops, and cafes. The island is known for having some of the best food in the world (and the locals live longer than most places in the world due to their diet), so be sure to eat all the fresh produce and seafood, and olive oil as possible. Check out some of the unique beaches in Crete as well, including Seitan Limania, Balos, and Elafonisi. If you love wine, visit the Agia Triada Monastery which is beautiful as a monastery but also has a very special winery in the basement.

Life filled with adventur Crete is one of the largest isalnds in Greece with so much to explore. From the breathaking mountains, to the deep blue saphire caostlines, we've never really seen anything like it. Every day we went out felt like an adventure we'd remeber for a lifetime. One thing we enjoy together is spontaneous change of plans. In the middle of this 3 hour drive, we pulled over on our way back from a beach on Crete and had some fun on this long winding road. It was carved out of a staggering mountain side, and we just couldn’t resist the views. We decided to delay our other plans and just have a moment together here. . Would you pull over for this view? Or keep driving 😉

Getting There - Attractions - Hotels - Food & Restaurants - Shopping -

Chania, Crete, Greece

👍️Recommended reason: Chania is a real old town, older than Rome, with the ancient name Kydonia, dating back to the Minoan period 5,000 years ago. It is said that this ancient city was mentioned in the Homeric epics. In an inconspicuous corner of the old town, near the city wall, there is an excavated site where clay tablets with Linear B script from the Cretan civilization 2,500 years ago were unearthed. This is the same period as our oracle bone script, and its long history is awe-inspiring. Today, the main buildings in the old town date back to the 13th century Venetian rule. Everyone says the old town is very beautiful, and it lives up to its reputation. Under more than 400 years of Venetian rule, the atmosphere here is very similar to that of an ancient Italian city. What is even more remarkable is that there is a huge semicircular blue bay, with clear water lapping against the shore, surrounded by colorful buildings of varying heights, and in the distance, a pretty lighthouse stands on the ancient seawall, looking out over the blue Mediterranean Sea to the north. To the south, beyond the rooftops, is the backbone of Crete, Mount Ida, with its clear atmosphere pouring down from the blue sky, meeting the mountains, and leaving the snow on the mountain tops glistening. The old town is full of the flavor of southern France, with winding streets, colorful colors, and all kinds of lovely shops and restaurants, and you can see the sea from time to time. 📅Travel tips: Stay in the old town for 3–5 days to truly enjoy its beauty. 🏨Accommodation tips: Homestay 💗Other tips: The best place to watch the sunset is the northeast coastline outside the old town. You need to leave the old town, locate Nafsithea all day coffee bar, and walk northeast for about 30 minutes.

Kourtaliotiko waterfall Greece,Crete

After spending a week in Greece,Crete I must say my visit to the Kourtaliotiko waterfall is certainly the highlight ! We hired a car to get here as it was quite remote although I saw lots of people traveling by quad bikes which is certainly a cheaper option especially if it’s a smaller group of people. There is free parking when you get there and about a 20/30 minute walk down the mountains to the waterfall. (The walk back is very tiring up steep stairs and heels so I recommend bringing some water) When you get there you have to swim through a short tunnel to get to the waterfall and I must warn you the water is the coldest water i’ve ever swam in but definitely worth it! We brought waterproof phone cases to take pictures and iff you are sensitive to walking on stones perhaps bring some water shoes! This is definitely a must visit, I really recommend iff you are planning to go to Crete!

Vacation in Crete 🇬🇷

#traveldiaries Just got back from an incredible vacation in Crete, and it was everything I hoped for and more! 🏖️ The island has such a rich history and stunning landscapes. I spent a few days exploring Chania, with its charming old town and beautiful harbor. Walking the cobblestone streets felt like stepping back in time. Entry to most sites is free, but the Archaeological Museum costs around 6 euros, which is totally worth it to see the Minoan artifacts. One day, I visited Elafonissi Beach—absolutely breathtaking with its pink sand and turquoise waters! 🏝️ I also made a trip to the Samaria Gorge for some hiking. The entrance fee was about 5 euros, and the views were jaw-dropping! Crete is perfect for anyone who loves a mix of beach time and cultural experiences. I can’t wait to go back! #trip #Crete #Chania #GreekIslands #BeachLife #HistoryAndNature

Crete: An Island Filled with History and Natural Beauty

Crete, the largest island in Greece, is an ideal travel destination that combines beautiful nature and rich history. Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, this island features diverse landscapes, including golden sandy beaches, quiet bays, and towering mountains offering charming views. The history of this place is omnipresent. From ancient Minoan palaces like Knossos to Venetian cities like Chania and Rethymno with their narrow alleys and historic buildings. Crete also offers unique experiences for adventure enthusiasts through many mountain trails leading to fascinating gorges and mountains like the Samaria Gorge. Crete's beaches range from well-organized ones providing all comforts to quiet beaches where you can escape the crowds. Additionally, traditional Cretan cuisine is among the best in Greece, allowing you to enjoy fresh local dishes at the island's restaurants. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore history and culture, or immerse yourself in nature, Crete offers a comprehensive experience that caters to all interests. It is a travel destination that combines the charm of authentic Greece with unique natural beauty.

Chania in the heat

#summerdestinations Crete, the largest Greek island, is a land of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Known for its rugged mountains, beautiful beaches, and ancient ruins, Crete offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Chania, a picturesque city on the island’s northwest coast, is famous for its Venetian harbor, narrow cobblestone streets, and charming old town. The city reflects a mix of Venetian, Turkish, and Greek architecture, showcasing Crete's diverse cultural heritage. Chania’s waterfront, lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants, is a lively hub, making it a top destination for travelers seeking history, cuisine, and coastal charm.

Crete — Wander the Streets and Encounter the Most Beautiful Aegean Sunset! 🌅

Crete is the largest island in Greece, situated in the middle of the eastern Mediterranean, and administratively belongs to the region of Crete. 🏝️ It is the southernmost gem of the Aegean Sea and also the largest island within it. 💙 📍 Weather in Crete The climate here is characterized by mild, rainy winters ❄️🌧️ and hot, dry summers. 🌞 The rainy season starts in late October and lasts until March, sometimes even into April. 📍 Knossos Palace This legendary palace of King Minos is a valuable archaeological heritage site on Crete. 🏛️ Excavations began nearly a century ago by Sir Arthur Evans, revealing these ancient ruins that continue to fascinate visitors today. 📍 Elafonissi Pink Beach The Pink Beach is known for its pale pink sand, which glows with rings of pink hues under the sun's rays. 🏖️🌸 This unique color comes from countless marine organism remains washed ashore and weathered over time. 📍 Heraklion Heraklion is an important maritime port 🚢, from where you can take ferries to Santorini, Rhodes, Egypt, Haifa, and the Greek mainland. 🌊 ### Chania Chania is the second-largest city on the island, located on the northwest coast. 🌴 It is a charming port town with quiet alleys where you can leisurely wander and savor the unique flavor of this seaside town. 🏘️

The best of life in this Paradise

#freehotelstay #summertrip #crete

Tranquil Charms of Crete 🏞️🌊

Escape to the serene island of Crete, where ancient history, vibrant culture, and natural wonders converge to create an unforgettable getaway. Discover the tranquil charms that await you on this mesmerizing Greek isle. Minoan Marvels in Knossos: Unearth the remnants of the Minoan civilization at the legendary Knossos Palace. Wander through the labyrinthine corridors and marvel at the intricate frescoes that narrate tales from a bygone era. Elounda's Enchanting Waters: Immerse yourself in the enchanting waters of Elounda. This coastal paradise boasts azure lagoons and secluded beaches, inviting you to unwind under the Mediterranean sun. Samaria Gorge Hiking Adventure: Embark on a hiking adventure through the stunning Samaria Gorge. Traverse rugged terrain, cross wooden bridges, and witness the awe-inspiring landscapes, culminating in a refreshing dip in the Libyan Sea. Cretan Gastronomic Delights: Delight your taste buds with Cretan cuisine, renowned for its freshness and flavor. Indulge in local specialties like dakos, moussaka, and kalitsounia. Pair your meal with raki, an authentic Cretan spirit. Tips and Tricks: Balos Lagoon Bliss: Take a boat or hike to Balos Lagoon, a pristine paradise with turquoise waters and pink-hued sands. Pack a picnic and revel in the breathtaking scenery. Heraklion's Cultural Gems: Explore the capital city of Heraklion, home to archaeological treasures, museums, and vibrant markets. Don't miss the Archaeological Museum for a deeper understanding of Cretan history. #CreteExploration #MinoanHeritage #GastronomicJourney #GorgeHikingAdventure #freehotelstay#localguides#familytrip

Crete, Greece

🖼️ Crete and Santorini are the two most compared holiday destinations in Greece. The first day in Santorini was amazing, but it got a bit boring on the second day. Crete, on the other hand, was full of surprises all the way. 🛥️ We took a ferry from Santorini to Crete, rented a car in Heraklion, and returned the car at Chania Airport, which was very convenient. Although the ferry is good, the dock management is a disaster, so it is recommended that those who take the ferry must ask in advance which gate the ferry will dock at. 🧉 On the first night in Crete, we were first amazed by the enthusiastic waiters, and then amazed by the large amount of food and cheap meals! 🗺️ The two most worthwhile places to visit in Crete are: 1. Heraklion It is the capital of Crete and the birthplace of the Minoan civilization: I recommend everyone to visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the ruins of the Palace of Knossos (both of these attractions are free on Saturdays) 🏛️ Although the Archaeological Museum is not large, it has a large collection of items spanning 5500 years, making it one of the most important museums of Minoan civilization in the world. The only downside is that there is no audio guide. 💍 There is a small jewelry shop directly opposite the museum, which is the most tasteful jewelry shop I have visited on the entire island, but I forgot to take a picture. It's the first shop on the left when you cross the road from the museum, you won't miss it. 🛕 The ruins of the Palace of Knossos are in the suburbs of Heraklion, and not much of the original palace remains. There is a wooden model of the palace (Figure 8) in the Heraklion Museum, which is very impressive. I suggest everyone to visit the Heraklion Museum first, and then go to the ruins of the Palace of Knossos. 2. Chania Chania is the second largest city on Crete, and the locals recommended us to visit, saying that the architecture is very special. When we arrived in Chania, we found out that these were Venetian buildings, and Chania is a small Venice. The city center and the old town are very good for strolling. 🌄 We drove for 1.5 hours on a mountain road, and arrived at the famous pink beach with fear and trepidation, but it was not as good as the legend, probably because we arrived at the beach relatively late, so we could only see a little bit of the pink beach. It is recommended that those who have brought swimsuits and are not afraid of the sun can leave Chania earlier, and it is a good time to arrive at 2 pm. 🏨 Accommodation If you are in Chania, I highly recommend an Airbnb called Michalis Stonehouse. It is the best experience we have had in all the homestays we have stayed in Greece. In addition to the beautiful house and the exclusive parking space outside the door, the host also thoughtfully provided us with cereal, condensed milk, bread, ham, cheese, and local rose wine. It is a very warm homestay.

Enjoy local life in Elounda 👌

Crete is the largest island in Greece, and is a oaisis for tourists seeking family holidays, sunshine, beaches, and ancient history & culture. ☀️ Above photos from my trip and local life in Elounda. We loved staying this part of the island is the best thing about a summer vacation in Elounda is the enjoyment of the slower pace of life. This charming part of Crete so much to offer for holiday makers and families. There are also lots of affordable accommodation in Crete Island, as well as upscale hotels and restaurants 🥘 My personal recommendation is visiting Spinalonga : Stroll along the seafront or take a trip to across island. A trip to Spinalonga is definitely worth doing! 🏝️ . #wecreate #crete #Creteisland #greece #Greektown #visitgreece #seltravels #greekvillage #visitgreece #Visitcrete #seltravels

Crete island, Greece

full of sunshine, nice people, local Street food. free Serret fruits pick. really relaxing holiday place. #greece

Sweet Water Beach - Crete, Greece

Sweet Water Beach (Glykanera) is located on the west of Mount Sfakion, the beach is surrounded by cliffs. The beach is called Sweetwater (Glykanera) because spring water can be found just below the surface of the pebbles. It's perfectly good drinking water. Fortunately it can't be accessed by road and that keeps it out of the reach of mass-tourism. It can be reached by a small daily ferry (from May to October) or by walking 3.5 kilometers along the coastal path. There is a small cafe on the beach where you can rent umbrellas and sun loungers. Address: Sweet Water Beach, Chora Sfakion 730 11, Greece. #bucketlistreboot #greece

Crete - the biggest Greek island

#eurotrip #passionpassport If you go to the Greek Islands, Crete is a fundamental stop. Typical Greek white houses, blue waters and a good dose of mythology: that is the calling card of Crete, one of the most famous Greek islands in the world (and one of the largest). Don't make the mistake of staying in Heraklion, the best of Crete is just a few km from its capital. An excellent idea is to rent a motorcycle and explore its corners. The top stop? Elafonisi beach, which with its pink sand and transparent waters is well worth the trip. And as for the Palace of Knossos, what to say? It is undoubtedly one of the star attractions of Crete. Although, after informing ourselves a little bit, we decided not to go: according to what we read, the entrance is quite expensive for what is left standing, so if you are not passionate about mythology and/or archaeology, perhaps you can use the time and money to discover other charms of the island.

Crete- the biggest Greek island

#passionpassport #eurotrip Of all the Greek islands like Corfu, Samos, Santorini or Mykonos, Crete is (without a doubt) the largest. It's a place filled with everything from historic forts, delicious Greek food, and lots of beautiful scenery. There are loads of amazing things to do in Crete. I promise you will be spoiled for choice. Relatively close to Chania (and Chania airport), Seitan Limania's small deck is a great place to relax in that stunning Aegean Sea. Now the beach is quite small and is very crowded during the high season. If you want to avoid the crowds, come for a morning dip during the week. It is really beautiful. #greece #passionpassport #staycation #gooutside

Our beautiful Crete, in Greece❤️

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Getting There -  Attractions -  Hotels -  Food & Restaurants -  Shopping -  #roadtrip#summervacation#beachvacation

#mynovgetaway #mynovgetaway

More than 3 hours drive to Chania, Chania is the second largest city on the island of Crete, known as the most beautiful city of Crete, although the old city still retains the architectural style of the Venetian maze, but the Turks stay The Dome of the Rock, but always reminds the Hanarians of its bruised history. Chania is also a very beautiful tourist city, no wonder so many people like it. It is backed by the White Mountain, facing the Mediterranean. There are also luxury cruise ships from all over the world. Venice's old-fashioned architecture in the old town of Chania. It feels like there is not enough shopping. The streets and alleys are full of Mediterranean style, and the shops and restaurants are also very exciting. The old town does not need a strategy, and it goes without a purpose. Every time you meet, it is a kind of luck. The time in the old town of Chania must be reserved for the small streets. The old houses filled with flowers and green plants can be seen everywhere, and the restaurants that have been transformed by the "broken walls and wreckage" are all exquisite and exquisite. The exquisite shops want to stop and take pictures anytime, anywhere. The old town is a leisurely holiday. They are young or old. Traveling in such a beautiful town with a handful of beautiful scenery and looking at the infinite scenery of the Venetian port is the life I imagined. ##

Crete is the first avenue of Greece and is known as the crown of the southernmost tip of Aegean Island. Here, you will get close to the Aegean Sea, enjoy the clearest waters, the bluest sky, the clean city streets, the warm Greek people, and of course you will not miss the local cuisine, such as the unique yogurt, barbecue, etc. . Come and experience it yourself~