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Crete Travel & Vacation Guide

Crete
The largest of all the Greek Isles, Crete is a spectacular example of what the Mediterranean has to offer. Here you can explore the lively contemporary cities of Heraklion or Chania, visit traditional villages, tour the Palace at Knossos or simply unwind on a quiet beach.

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Crete

Trips

Hotels

Activities

Transfers

Useful information

Population:

617,360 (2021)

Currency:

Euro €1 = 100 cent

Emergency Info:

European emergency number: 112
Police: 100
Ambulance: 166

Opening Hours:

Shops usually open around 9am and close around 1:30pm or 2pm from Monday to Saturday. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday they're are also open from around 5pm to 9pm. Always closed on Sundays and holidays. In tourist areas and resorts they are usually open every day from 9am to 9pm.

Do & See

Arkadi Monastery

Arkadi Monastery

Arkadi Monastery was built at the end of Venetian rule. Apart from the monks' cells, the central building also includes warehouses, stables and premises for processing agricultural products. The two-a... Read More

E4 sign

E4 European Path

Another way to explore the island of Crete is by walking and hiking. The E4 European Walking Trail section in Crete features 91 hiking routes, for a total length of 560 kilometres, traversing diverse ... Read More

Spinalonga

Elounda & Spinalonga Island

Elounda, with its luxurious villas and hotels, is the preferred escape of the rich and famous. From Elounda, you can take a 25-minute boat trip to Spinalonga Island, known for its well-preserved Venet... Read More

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

This museum is located in the center of Heraklion and is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, thanks to its unrivalled collection of artefacts from the Bronze-age Minoan cult... Read More

The Heraklion Historical Museum is a museum located in Heraklion city

Historical Museum of Crete

Founded in 1953, the Historical Museum of Crete in Heraklion hosts a permanent collection showcasing the history of Crete from the third century AD to the end of the Second World War. Artefacts, paint... Read More

Koules Fortress

Koules Fortress

The Venetian Koules Fortress, also known as Castello a Mare (which means "fort on the sea"), is one of Heraklion's main landmarks and is located on the old harbour. This big, square-shaped structure w... Read More

Lake Kournas

Lake Kournas

Between the cities of Chania and Rethymnon, at the north edge of the White Mountains, you can find Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake in Crete.

Lasithi plateau, Crete

Lasithi Plateau

At an altitude of 850 metres, the Lasithi Plateau is the largest mountain plain in Crete. Nowadays, it has been transformed into a giant garden. There are numerous settlements at the plain where you c... Read More

Dining

Millefeuille

7 Thalasses (Heraklion)

7 Thalasses, meaning "7 seas", is a restaurant with two locations, in Heraklion and Rethymnon, specializing in fish and seafood dishes. Some of the specialities featured in both menus are fisherman's ... Read More

Greek food

Agia Fotia Taverna (Rethymno)

The tavern is located on a secluded beach in the bay of Agia Fotini, near Kerames village. Open in the 1960s, it still keeps its original style and is beautifully located next to the sea. It serves fr... Read More

Greek food

Alana (Rethymno)

Alana restaurant, featuring 100 seats and a spacious garden, is located in the heart of Rethymnon old town and was one of the first taverns of the area. They serve healthy Cretan and Mediterranean cui... Read More

Greek restaurant near the sea

Almyra Seaside Food & Cocktails (Agia Pelagia)

Located at the picturesque and windless cove of Agia Pelagia, Almyra Seaside Food and Cocktails is a restaurant and beach bar with a view over the endless blue of the Cretan sea. They serve typical Me... Read More

Greek food

Apostolis (Chania)

The Apostolis restaurant always procures the freshest fish straight from the fishing boats, which means the menu reflects the season and the catches of the day. Some examples of dishes you might find ... Read More

Greek food

Argoulias (Lasithi)

The guest house restaurant Argoulias at Tzermiado enjoys unrestricted views of the Lassithi Plateau and the mountain range of Dikti. It has an upper room where you can enjoy breakfast with coffee, loc... Read More

Salad

Avli

Housed in a beautiful Venetian mansion from the 16th century and featuring a spacious courtyard, Avli is a fine dining restaurant offering modern and traditional Cretan cuisine. Their wines are from G... Read More

Greek salad

Bakaliko Crete (Heraklion)

Bakaliko Crete is a deli (grocery and eatery) that brings you fine foods and wines from Crete and the rest of Greece. It is a place where all dishes are made from the quality products that you can buy... Read More

Cafes

Breakfast with a view

Café du Lac (Agios Nikolaos)

Café du Lac in Agios Nikolaos city centre features a terrace with a wonderful view of the lake Voulismeni. To start the day off right, you can choose from a vast array of breakfast items like pancakes... Read More

Fabrica

Fabrica (Hersonissos)

Situated in the picturesque village of Koutouloufari and housed in a 17th century building, Fabrica is a cafe-bar and creperie. They offer a variety of Greek and Mediterranean dishes, as well as cockt... Read More

Cafe

Kentrikon Cafe (Chania)

Kentrikon Cafe is located in the old town centre of Chania. It is located in a historic two-storey building and, despite the modern decor, it retains its old charm. During summer it turns into a resta... Read More

Café with a view

Koukouvaya (Chania)

Situated 5 km from the city centre of Chania, Koukouvaya is worth the ride at least for the panoramic view that you can enjoy from its terrace, which overlooks Chania bay and the old Venetian harbour.... Read More

Lounge cafe

Livingroom Lounge Café (Rethymno)

Livingroom Lounge Café is an elegant and trendy venue in Rethymno, located on the beautiful seafront promenade. It is open all year round and offers sweet treats accompanied by coffee and fresh juices... Read More

Waffles

Sintrivani Cafe (Chania)

Renovated in recent times, the Sintrivani Cafe is beautifully located at the Old Venetian port of Chania, with tables offering a view of the sea. They serve a variety of drinks like juices, coffee, be... Read More

Bars & Nightlife

Nightclub

Apollo Club (Malia)

Apollo Club is an urban club right in the heart of Malia's party street. It's open every night during summer and the DJs usually play hip-hop, grime, R&B, trap, dancehall and garage music. Check out t... Read More

Saxophone

Fagotto Jazz Bar (Chania)

Fagotto Jazz Bar is one of the oldest and most popular jazz bars in Chania. It is housed in a beautiful Venetian building of the Old Town that dates back to the 15th century. While drinking a cocktail... Read More

Girls sipping cocktails

La Brasserie

Every week, this small, colourful bar on Korai street organises live concerts and themed nights, such as karaoke nights, Latin music evenings and LGBTQI+ parties. The full bar offers wine, beer and co... Read More

Beach club

Palm Beach Club (Hersonissos)

Since 2012, Palm Beach Club is a popular day and night destination, situated just a few steps away from the beach of Hersonissos. It features two swimming pools, 3 full bars, a lounge area, a terrace,... Read More

Cocktails

Sinagogi (Chania)

Open during the summer season, Sinagogi is an open-air bar in the centre of Chania. The location is unique because, as the name suggests, it is located in an old synagogue. The bar specialises in cock... Read More

Cocktail

The Bitters Bar (Heraklion)

The Bitters Bar is a speakeasy-style location with a decor inspired by the 1920s. The bitters referred to in its name are spirits flavoured with herbs and spices, which were once used for medical purp... Read More

Nightclub

Zig Zag Club and Lounge (Malia)

During summer, fun is guaranteed every weekend at Zig Zag Club and Lounge, a venue for house music lovers. The club is located in the resort town of Malia and features a huge dance floor with special ... Read More

Shopping

Leather Lane, Chania

Chania Leather Lane

Skrydlof Street in Chania is a narrow street lined with shops selling leather goods like bags, wallets, belts and shoes. For this reasons, it is known as Chania Leather Lane or as Stivanadika, after "... Read More

Silver earrings

Kosmima Gold & Silver (Heraklion)

Kosmima Gold & Silver is a jewellery store in the centre of Heraklion. They have been selling handmade jewellery since 1987 and all the items on sale are unique designer creations made of silver or go... Read More

Woman in a shop

Melissa Traditional Products (Agios Nikolaos)

Melissa Traditional Products sells Cretan delicacies like olive oil, honey, herbs, spices, wine, raki, as well as natural beauty products. Everything, of course, is prepared with quality local ingredi... Read More

Olive tree wood

Olive Wood Corner (Rethymno)

The Olive Wood Corner is a gift shop in Rethymno selling handmade and traditional souvenirs like Cretan knives, musical instruments, chessboards, pottery, kitchenware, toys, trinkets and ornaments. Ma... Read More

Cretan Pottery

Pottery Workshop (Heraklion)

At Pottery Workshop in Heraklion, you can discover local ceramic art and purchase beautiful souvenirs, from bowls and mugs to vases and jewellery. Everything on sale is handmade and painted with uniqu... Read More

Gift shop

Zalo (Heraklion)

If you want something Greek to bring home, Zalo is the place to go. This small gift shop in Heraklion sells a wide range of souvenirs designed and sold by Greek creators, such as mugs, diaries, jewels... Read More

Tourist Information

The village of Marathos in Crete

Best Time to Visit

Crete boasts one of the best climates in Europe, with an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. Generally speaking, there is a temperate Mediterranean climate, although during winter there is usually... Read More

Schengen visa of Greece on the page of the passport and sea shells

Passport & Visa

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Greece and may travel with a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United... Read More

Aerial view through the window of an airplane of the beautiful city of Chania

Chania International Airport (CHQ)

Chania International Airport "Daskalogiannis" is an international airport located near Souda Bay. It is is 12 kilometres from the city of Chania and 68 kilometres from the town of Rethymnon.

Sunset view of commercial airplane on airport runway under dramatic sky

Heraklion International Airport (HER)

Heraklion International Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis" is the primary airport on the island of Crete and is the second busiest airport in Greece. The airport of Heraklion is only 5 kilometres from the ci... Read More

Tourist bus on the dock

Public Transport

In Crete, there are two main bus companies: for the centre and east of the island, you need KTEL Heraklion-Lassithi, while for the west KTEL Chania-Rethymnon. The two companies work in tandem, so one ... Read More

taxi in Greece

Taxi

Crete Taxi Services +30 6970 021 970 of +30 6945 027 933 info@crete-taxi.gr www.crete-taxi.gr/en Crete Cab +30 6955 171 473 info@crete.cab www.crete.cab Cretan Taxi +30 6946 281 620 info@cretantaxi.co... Read More

Agios Nikolaos Cruise Port

Agios Nikolaos Cruise Port

Cruise ships dock right in the centre of Agios Nikolaos. The small town with ancient history serves as a hub to the thirty or so small villages and settlements in the Lassithi region. The rural areas ... Read More

waterfront in central Chania, Crete

Chania Crete Cruise Port — Port of Souda

Cruise ships stop about 6 kilometres (20 minutes by bus) from Chania, in the neighbouring town called Souda. Most ships tender. You can use a hop-on hop-off bus or a small tourist "train" to go betwee... Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Crete is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and the island is less crowded. During these months, you can enjoy warm temperatures, blooming landscapes, and the opportunity to explore without the peak summer crowds.

A stay of 5 to 7 days is recommended to fully experience Crete. This allows you to explore its diverse landscapes, visit historical sites like Knossos, relax on its stunning beaches, and enjoy local cuisine. With more time, you can also venture into the island's charming villages and hike the Samaria Gorge.

Crete is home to several must-see attractions, including the ancient Palace of Knossos near Heraklion, the picturesque town of Chania with its Venetian harbor, and the stunning Elafonissi Beach. Don't miss the archaeological site of Phaistos and the breathtaking Samaria Gorge for a mix of history and natural beauty.

Renting a car is the best way to explore Crete, as it offers the flexibility to visit remote beaches and mountain villages at your own pace. Public buses are available and connect major towns and cities, while taxis can be used for shorter distances. Ensure you have a valid driver's license if you choose to rent a car.

Crete is known for its delicious cuisine. Be sure to try dakos (a rusk salad with tomatoes and feta), kalitsounia (cheese or herb pies), and lamb with stamnagathi (wild greens). Cretan olive oil, honey, and raki (a local spirit) are also essential parts of the island's culinary tradition.

Crete hosts several vibrant festivals throughout the year. The Rethymno Renaissance Festival in July celebrates the island's cultural heritage with music, theater, and dance. The Wine Festival in Dafnes in July offers a taste of local wines, while the Feast of the Dormition in August is celebrated with traditional music and dance.

Consider a day trip to the island of Spinalonga, known for its Venetian fortress and leper colony history. The village of Archanes offers a glimpse into traditional Cretan life and wine tasting. For nature lovers, a boat trip to the secluded Balos Lagoon or a hike through the Imbros Gorge are excellent options.

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