The largest island in Greece, Crete is renowned for its pin-up beaches, wild natural beauty, exquisite cuisine and thousands of years of culture and history
As Crete’s most celebrated author, Nikos Kazantzakis (of Zorba the Greek fame), once wrote: “The mystery of Crete runs deep. Whoever sets foot on this island senses a mysterious force coursing warmly and beneficently through their veins, sensing their soul beginning to grow.”
Unsurprisingly, this mystical, pure and generous island to the south of the Aegean Sea captures the spirit of Greece and enchants everyone who visits.
Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Ierapetra, Malia, Hersonissos, Sitia, Sfakia… wherever you visit, it’s an island of thousands of vibrant images, filled with an open-hearted and vivacious spirit, rich history, world-famous cuisine and hospitable people.
- A priceless gift of culture and history
- On Crete, you’ll find some of the most significant attractions in Greece: famous archaeological sites such as the Minoan palaces of Knossos, Phaistos, Malia and Kato Zakros. You’ll also visit important monasteries, some built in the 15th century or even earlier, including the Preveli Monastery in southern Rethymno, the monasteries in southern Heraklion and the historic Arkadi and Toplous monasteries.
- You’ll be transported to another time wandering around the castles erected by Venetians and Byzantines. Particularly noteworthy are Kastelli in Chania, the Fortezza in Rethymno, the castle of Heraklion, Frangokastello in southern Chania, the Kazarma Castle in Sitia, and the Monte Forte in Lassithi.
- Leave time for the fascinating museums, particularly the Museum of Natural History and the Historical Museum of Crete. In Myrtia, there is also the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum and in Fodele you’ll find the El Greco Museum.
- The most seductive beaches of Crete
- Pictures of heavenly Balos Lagoon in Chania have featured in travel guides and glossies all over the world, as have those of the eternally beautiful Falarsana, one of the finest beaches in the Mediterranean. And as for exotic Elafonisi, on the southwestern tip of Chania … seeing is believing.
- Episkopi and Petres have fervent young fans, while noteworthy in the south of Crete are Preveli, Plakias, Ligres, Triopetra and Agios Pavlos, with its huge sand dunes. In Heraklion, the resorts of Malia and Hersonissos attract a young and vibrant international crowd.
- Meanwhile, endless kilometres of golden coastline surround Ierapetra, in the Lassithi prefecture to the east. And the celebrated palm forest in Vai is one of the most spectacular sights in Crete, where palm trees embrace the golden sand, while the beaches of Elounda and those around Agios Nikolaos are not to be missed.
- The most seductive beaches of Crete
- Pictures of heavenly Balos Lagoon in Chania have featured in travel guides and glossies all over the world, as have those of the eternally beautiful Falarsana, one of the finest beaches in the Mediterranean. And as for exotic Elafonisi, on the southwestern tip of Chania … seeing is believing.
- Episkopi and Petres have fervent young fans, while noteworthy in the south of Crete are Preveli, Plakias, Ligres, Triopetra and Agios Pavlos, with its huge sand dunes. In Heraklion, the resorts of Malia and Hersonissos attract a young and vibrant international crowd.
- Meanwhile, endless kilometres of golden coastline surround Ierapetra, in the Lassithi prefecture to the east. And the celebrated palm forest in Vai is one of the most spectacular sights in Crete, where palm trees embrace the golden sand, while the beaches of Elounda and those around Agios Nikolaos are not to be missed.
- The home of the Mediterranean diet
- You’ll eat to your heart’s content in Crete, whether enjoying gourmet gastronomy or a simple homemade rusk salad with sea salt, extra-virgin olive oil, artichokes and cheese. Discover the secrets of a Cretan diet, considered one of the healthiest in the world.
- Some of the many famous products are the local graviera (a piquant cheese), herbs and salad greens such as stamnagathi (a wild chicory), as well as dozens of wild and sweet greens for braising, staka (think clotted cream made from sheep’s milk and used in pilafs) and assorted savoury pies and sweets. Signature dishes are kalitsounia (sweet cheese pastries), savoury cheese pies, egg-lemon lamb with artichoke hearts, fried snails and the famous gamopilafo (wedding pilaf).
- In Crete, you’re bound to be offered a glass of tsikoudia (schnapps-like firewater), as locals often make their own. At tavernas, cafes, festivals and fairs, they start drinking it early in the afternoon and it flows until late at night. Be sure to bring a bottle home.
- The most popular destinations in Crete
- Chania, everything magical about CreteExplore the old town of Chania with its world-renowned Venetian lighthouse, the aristocratic suburb of Halepa, Tabakaria (centre for leather production), Neoria (arsenal) and Kum Kapi, teeming with bars, cafes, restaurants and elegant hotels.
- The most popular destinations in Crete
- Rethymno, with its Venetian-inspired harbourDiscover the old town of Rethymno, with its Venetian buildings, mosques, minarets, fountains and cobblestone alleys lined with shops, cafes, bars and hotels. Nearby is Idaio Antro – one of the most important caves of Minoan worship.
- Heraklion, the lively capital of CreteThe Venetian port of Heraklion is a lively city filled with sights, museums, restaurants, bars and hotels. Walk along the walls of the old city and explore Morosini (Leondaria) Square, the Loggia (City Hall), Agios Titos and Armeria (the armoury).
- Ierapetra, Crete’s sacred townThe old town of Ierapetra, with its narrow alleyways, little harbour and famous Fortress of Kales is one of the most significant sights in Crete.
- Agios Nikolaos, full of glamour, grace and luxuryA cosmopolitan summer resort, with the mystical allure of Lake Vouliagmeni (which, legend has it, is bottomless), lined with numerous cafes and restaurants.
- Sitia, yet another coastal temptation in CreteThe historic Kazarma Fortress (Casa di arma) and its animated waterfront, with cafes, shops and restaurants, should definitely be on your list of destinations to visit.
- Elounda, a fusion of luxury and sophisticationA cosmopolitan paradise of sophisticated resorts and hotels, with private beaches, pools and piers. It has the highest concentration of Greece’s five-star resorts.
- Lassithi, full of nature’s giftsVisit the palm forest at Vai but make sure you also find time for the caves of Diktean Antro and Milatos, the island fortress of Spinalonga and the Lassithi Plateau.
- Mt Ida (or Psiloritis) and other mountain highlightsAmbitious hikers will climb to the top of the tallest mountain in Crete and be rewarded with an unforgettable view.