Crete

Introduction

Crete has been one of my favorite travel destinations for years, and I never hesitate to recommend it to friends and family, especially those new to Greece. This island has so much to offer—its large size means there’s a constant buzz of activity, with competitive prices fuelled by tourism and fresh, locally sourced food that’s always in season. Getting there is a breeze with two international airports, and once you’ve arrived, the well-developed road network and public transport make it easy to explore. Whether you’re seeking vibrant resorts or hidden gems, Crete is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered.

Background

I first visited Crete with my parents and grandparents over 25 years ago. At that time, I had already explored Rhodes and Zakynthos, but as a teenager, my focus was more on the sun-soaked days and the refreshing sea than on the unique charm of each island. Our two weeks in Makry Gialos, on Crete’s southeast coast, were unforgettable. We loved it so much that we returned the following year, and this time, my best friend joined us. We had an absolute blast—running along the beach, swimming in the crystal-clear sea by day, and playing pool at the local bars in the evening.

Since that first trip, I’ve ventured across many corners of Crete. From the tranquil beauty of Elounda to the lively energy of Malia, Kokkini Hani, Kato Gouves, Analipsi, and Hersonissos, each visit has offered new adventures. In 2021, I finally explored the island’s western side, spending nine nights in Palaiochora on the southwest coast before embarking on a cross-island journey. Along the way, I wandered through Chania, the charming inland village of Spili, and the southern havens of Plakias, Agia Galini, and Matala. My journey concluded in Sitia, where I stayed overnight before catching a ferry to Karpathos the next day.

What I love most about Crete is its incredible diversity. The island’s size means there’s truly something for everyone. If you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, you’ll find it in places like Stalis, Hersonissos, and Malia. If peace and quiet are more your speed, seaside villages like Georgioupolis and Elounda offer serene retreats. Crete’s cities—Chania, Rethymno, and Heraklion—are bustling with culture and history, while outdoor enthusiasts can take on challenges like hiking the Samaria Gorge. And of course, the island is dotted with stunning beaches perfect for soaking up the sun!

The interactive map below shows some of our favourite hotels, restaurants, beaches, and places of interest in Crete. Click the markers to see more details.

Getting To Crete

One thing that makes Crete unique as a Greek island is that it has two international airports: one just east of Heraklion, the other just northeast of Chania. These effectively split the island into two halves: east and west. If you plan to stay anywhere east of Rethymno, Heraklion is the more convenient airport. Rethymno itself is slightly closer to Chania airport, but either one will do (roughly a 1-hour transfer by car). If you plan to visit one of the resorts further west, such as Georgioupoli, Palaiochora, Kissamos, or Chania itself, then Chania airport is the one to choose.

You can also reach Crete by ferry, with regular services from Piraeus to Chania and Heraklion. If you plan on visiting multiple islands during your stay, there is also a daily service between Heraklion and Santorini (Thera).

Use the search box below to check out available ferry connections. Many Greek ferry operators confirm their routes between January and March each year, so it’s worth checking back later if you don’t see availability for your chosen dates yet.

Where to Stay in Crete

There are many tourist resorts on the island; these are some of the more popular ones that we’ve visited:

Agios Nikolaos

Located on an east-facing coastline roughly an hour’s drive from Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos is one of the largest towns on the island. It’s a popular tourist destination with a large selection of bars and restaurants and plenty of hotels, both large and small. It lacks a decent beach, but there are plenty nearby to choose from, providing you have transportation or are happy using the local buses.

Elounda

Just north of Agios Nikolaos lies Elounda. It is a much smaller resort, but still popular with tourists in the summer season. There are several luxury hotels dotted around the nearby hillsides, while the town itself has a decent beach and a good selection of bars and restaurants.

Its proximity to Spinalonga makes it a good destination if you plan to visit the island or any of the villages along the northern coastline.

Malia

Don’t be too put off by its reputation as a party resort for the younger generation. While the main strip is laden with bars and clubs, there are quieter spots and plenty of beach space for everyone. The old town, further back from the coastline, is very pretty and worth a visit.

Palaiochora

Tucked out of the way on the southwest coast, Palaiochora is a popular seaside resort located on a small headland with a large main beach to the west and a smaller one on the eastern side. About a 90-minute drive from Chania, it does take some effort to reach but is worth it for the relaxed atmosphere, great selection of shops and tavernas and wide, sandy beach.

Crete Highlights

With unique locations such as Spinalonga, plus water parks, caves, and numerous great beaches, Crete has something for everyone. The large main road that runs across the north of the island makes it easy to get around, and there is an excellent local bus service covering most of the island, though smaller villages and resorts may only have one or two connections a day.

Crete Beaches

Crete is a large island with a vast array of excellent beaches in almost every corner of the island.

Find out more about Crete Beaches here.

Crete Accommodation

Crete offers various accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences, including hotels, villas, apartments, guesthouses, and campsites. There is something for everyone, from luxury resorts to traditional guesthouses and camping.

Crete Accommodation

Crete FAQs

Videos of Crete

Here are some videos of Crete we’ve filmed over the years:

Crete Blog Posts

Learn more about Crete by reading our blog posts from recent visits: