Crete Travel Guide (Greece/Europe)

Introduction to Crete

Crete is the largest island in Greece and one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe. Located in the southern Aegean Sea, Crete is an ideal holiday location for those who love culture, history, nature, and outdoor activities. The island boasts a perfect mix of ancient ruins, stunning beaches, rugged mountain ranges, and fascinating cities.

This comprehensive travel guide to Crete will help you plan your perfect trip to this magnificent island. We’ve included a list of must-visit places, hiking and biking routes, tours and activities, food and drink scene, local customs and culture, transportation options, and nearby destinations to help you make the most of your trip.

List of Places to Visit in Crete

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Crete is home to many culturally significant attractions that offer a glimpse into its past. Some of the must-visit museums and historical places include:

Knossos Palace: A Bronze Age archaeological site and one of the major tourist attractions in Crete.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum: One of the largest and most important museums in Greece, featuring artifacts from the Minoan civilization.
Phaistos Archaeological Site: An ancient city with a well-preserved palace and a stunning hilltop location.
Chania Old Town: A maze-like, picturesque neighborhood with Venetian architecture, narrow streets, and little squares.
Arkadi Monastery: A Greek Orthodox monastery with a fascinating history and a beautiful courtyard.

Natural Attractions of Crete: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice in Crete. The island offers a wide range of activities and adventures, from hiking and biking to water sports and diving. Some of the top natural attractions include:

Samaria Gorge: One of Europe’s longest and most spectacular gorges, with stunning views and challenging hikes.
Elafonisi Beach: A famous pink sand beach with crystal clear waters and a serene atmosphere.
Loutro: A picturesque, car-free village accessible only by boat or hiking trail, with crystal clear waters and a secluded beach.
Balos Lagoon: A breathtaking lagoon with turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and a stunning landscape.
Spinalonga Island: An abandoned Venetian fortress and a former leper colony, with a stunning coastline and crystal clear waters.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Crete

Crete is a paradise for hikers and bikers. The island boasts numerous hiking trails and biking routes, offering stunning views, fascinating landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. Some of the top hiking/biking routes on Crete include:

The E4 European Long Distance Path: The longest hiking trail in Crete, stretching for over 320 km from one end of the island to the other.
The Lassithi Plateau: A scenic high plateau in the Dikti Mountains, with traditional villages, monasteries, and stunning views.
The White Mountains: A rugged mountain range offering challenging hikes, stunning views, and unique flora and fauna.
The Samaria Gorge: One of the most popular hiking routes on Crete, offering stunning views and a challenging trek.
The Asterousia Mountains: A mountain range in southern Crete with traditional villages, ancient ruins, and stunning views.

Best Things to Do in Crete: Activities and Tours

Crete offers a wide range of activities and tours to suit all interests and preferences. Some of the top things to do in Crete include:

Visit a winery and taste the local wines
Explore the island’s traditional villages and meet the locals.
Take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Cretan dishes.
Go on a boat trip and discover the hidden coves and secluded beaches.
Take a jeep safari and explore the island’s rugged terrain.

Week-Long Itinerary for Crete

Day 1: Explore Heraklion, the island’s capital city, and visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Day 2: Visit the Palace of Knossos and learn about the ancient Minoan civilization.

Day 3: Take a boat trip to Spinalonga Island and visit the abandoned fortress and leper colony.

Day 4: Drive to Chania and explore its picturesque old town, narrow streets, and Venetian architecture.

Day 5: Hike the Samaria Gorge and take in the stunning views of this natural wonder.

Day 6: Visit the traditional villages of Lassithi Plateau and enjoy the scenic landscape.

Day 7: Relax on one of the island’s beautiful beaches and enjoy the crystal-clear waters.

Food and Drink Scene of Crete

The food and drink scene in Crete is a delightful experience for foodies and wine lovers. Cretan cuisine is known for its simplicity, local ingredients, and unique flavors. Some of the must-try dishes in Crete include:

Must-Try Dishes

Dakos: A traditional Cretan salad made with barley rusk, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olive oil.
Boureki: A vegetable pie made with zucchini, potato, and cheese.
Kalitsounia: Little pies filled with cheese or herbs.
Dolmades: Stuffed grape leaves filled with rice, herbs, and sometimes meat.

Local Beverages

Raki: A strong spirit made from grape skins or pomace found all over the island.
Tsikoudia: The Cretan version of raki, also known as “Cretan Firewater.”
Cretan Wine: Crete is renowned for its red and white wines, made from many indigenous grape varieties.

Where to Stay in Crete: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Crete offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Some of the top places to stay in Crete include:

Elounda Mare Hotel: A luxurious hotel in the coastal town of Elounda, featuring stunning sea views, private beaches, and top-notch amenities.
Stella Island Resort: A romantic adults-only resort with a beautiful pool, tropical gardens, and excellent service.
Selini Suites: A family-friendly hotel in Rethymno, offering spacious rooms, a lovely pool area, and a great location near the beach.
Kapsaliana Village Hotel: A unique, historic hotel set in a restored 17th-century olive press near Rethymno.

What to Buy in Crete: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Crete is famous for its handmade items and local products, which make for great souvenirs and gifts. Some of the top items to buy in Crete include:

Olive oil and olive-based products
Handmade ceramics
Traditional knives and daggers
Hand-woven textiles and embroidery
Cretan herbs and spices

Local Culture and Customs of Crete

Crete has a unique culture and customs that reflect its long history and diverse influences. Some of the key aspects of local culture and customs in Crete include:

Good hospitality: Cretans are known for their warm hospitality and genuine friendliness towards visitors.
Traditional music and dance: Traditional Cretan music and dance are an essential part of local culture and are often performed at festivals and celebrations.
Religious traditions: Cretans are deeply religious and celebrate various religious holidays throughout the year.
Family values: Family values are highly esteemed in Cretan culture, and it’s not uncommon for several generations to live together.

Best Time to Visit Crete

The best time to visit Crete depends on your preferences and interests. The island enjoys a lovely Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters. Summer is the peak season, with crowds and higher prices, while spring and autumn are milder and less busy. Winters in Crete are mild, making it a good offseason destination for those who prefer fewer crowds and lower prices.

Do’s and Don’ts of Crete

Do:

Respect local customs and traditions
Try the local food and drink
Take care of the environment and wildlife
Visit the local markets and shops

Don’t:

Sunbathe topless or nude at the public beaches
Wear shorts and revealing clothes when visiting churches and monasteries
Haggling over prices at supermarkets and other non-tourist shops

Safety and Health

Safety in Crete

Crete is a safe destination for tourists, with low crime rates and a friendly atmosphere. However, visitors should take standard precautions, such as keeping valuables safe and not leaving them unattended.

Health in Crete

Crete has a good healthcare system with modern facilities and well-trained staff. However, visitors should ensure that their travel insurance covers medical emergencies and treatment.

Getting to Crete: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Crete is easy and convenient, with several transportation options available.

Airports Near Crete

Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis”
Chania International Airport “Ioannis Daskalogiannis”
Sitia Public Airport

Bus Stations Near Crete

Heraklion Bus Station
Chania KTEL Bus Station
Rethymno Bus Station

Other Options

Ferry: Crete is connected with several Greek islands and mainland Greece via regular ferry services.
Car Rental: Renting a car is a great way to explore Crete at your own pace and on your own schedule.

How to Get Around in Crete

Public transportation on Crete is limited, with buses being the main option. Taxis are available but can be expensive, and car rental is the best option for those who want to explore the island’s many attractions independently.

Where to Go Next from Crete: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Crete is an excellent base for exploring nearby destinations and excursions. Some of the top places to visit near Crete include:

Santorini: A beautiful island with stunning sunsets, white houses, and blue-domed churches.
Mykonos: A cosmopolitan island with a lively nightlife, upscale restaurants, and beautiful beaches.
Athens: The vibrant capital of Greece, with numerous historical sites, museums, and a lively food and drink scene.
Rhodes: An island with a rich history, picturesque old towns, and beautiful beaches.

Conclusion

Crete is an exceptional destination that offers something for everyone. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan a perfect trip to this Mediterranean paradise, with top places to visit, activities and tours, food and drink scenes, local customs and culture, transportation options, nearby destinations, and more. So pack your bags and head to Crete for an unforgettable holiday experience.