Crete is one of the most versatile islands in Greece. Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands. It is therefore not surprising that there are many beautiful sights to be found on Crete. Are you planning to go that way? Take a look at my tips for what to do and see in Crete!
Places of interest on Crete on the map
Because this island is so large, it is useful to orientate yourself in advance on where everything is located. On the map below I have marked all places of interest in Crete. This way you can see which ones you can easily visit from your vacation spot.
#1 Visit Arcadi Monastery
A stone’s throw from the city of Retyhmno is the Arcadi Monastery. As far as I am concerned, this is one of the most beautiful sights on Crete. The facade of the Arcadi Monastery is Venetian and dates from the sixteenth century. The rest of the monastery was built in the seventeenth century. At the moment, Greek Orthodox monks still live there. It is nice to see how tourists, locals and monks come together on the grounds of the monastery. The church is austere on the inside and personally I especially liked the garden and the outside. You can visit the Arcadi monastery yourself with a rental car. Another cool option is an e-bike tour from Rethymno. Accompanied by a guide you cycle through picturesque villages and the beautiful coastline of Crete to the monastery. Afterwards you will enjoy a traditional lunch.
#2 Samaria Gorge
The most famous nature reserve on Crete is without a doubt the Samaria Gorge. Are you going on holiday to Crete and do you also want to be active for a day? Then hiking the Samaria Gorge is a good idea. This gorge is about 17 kilometers long and you need a full day for the hike and the drive back. You walk through a beautiful nature reserve and are treated to the most beautiful views along the way. At the end of the gorge is a beach from where you return by boat. Super cool to do! You can visit the Samaria Gorge yourself with a rental car or opt for an organized tour.
#3 Imbros Gorge
The Imbros Gorge is also called the little sister of the Samaria Gorge and I can agree with that. This walk is only 8 kilometers long. Because you don’t have to climb, this walk is fine for most people. If you are going to do this walk in the summer, I advise you to start in the morning. In the beginning you walk sheltered under the trees, but the further you get the more you walk in the full sun. At the end of the walk you can take a taxi back to the starting point at one of the taverns in the village.
#4 Visit Knossus
Knossos is one of the most famous sights on Crete. Here you will find excavations of the Minoan civilization, a people who lived on the island centuries ago. For ten centuries Knossos was the largest city in Greece and therefore one of the most important places on Crete. Not all excavations at Knossos are authentic: the palace of King Minos, for example, was restored in the early twentieth century and the paintings are not original either. Nevertheless, Knossos is a special place where you feel the rich history of Crete.
#5 Visit Spinalonga island
The most special sight on Crete is Spinalonga. People with leprosy were exiled to this island well into the 1950s. Every week a fishing boat came to the island with new supplies and the inhabitants were completely cut off from civilization. When I visited Spinalonga I found it especially intense that it was so close to the coast of Crete. The idea that you were not allowed to leave this island while your loved ones lived across the street…. indescribable. Now Spinalonga is a monument to all the people who have lived here for years. A unique place with a sad history. As far as I’m concerned, a visit to Spinalonga is really something you should do in Crete.
#6 Gortys
Are you staying in South Crete and don’t want to go all the way to Knossos to see excavations? Then Gortys is a good alternative. The whole region is called Gortys, but the excavations are located near the village of Agioi Deka. Gortys was the capital of the island during Roman rule and therefore has great historical value. Gortys is the easiest to visit from holiday spots in the southeast of Crete.
#7 Rethymnon
Rethymno, also known as Rethymnon or Rethimnon, is the nicest city on Crete in my opinion. Rethymno has a rich history and the Venetians have left their mark on the city in the past. The Fortezza in the harbor is the most eye-catching of these. In Rethymno you will find everything for a great holiday. A long and wide sandy beach, countless shops and restaurants and countless cafes. The city center consists only of narrow streets which is very cozy and cozy. It is busy in Rethymno in the summer months, so that is something to take into account.
Tip: do you want to get to know Rethymno well? Then do a guided bike tour through Rethymno and the surrounding area. You can cycle 22 kilometers on an electric bicycle in 6 hours. You will make some beautiful stops along the way and lunch is included. Recommended!
#8 Preveli Monastery
Another beautiful monastery in Crete is the Preveli Monastery on the south coast. Especially if you stay in the south of Crete, I would advise you to visit the Preveli monastery. You can also combine this very well with the lower Preveli beach and make a day tour of it. Monks also live in this monastery and there is a very serene atmosphere. The entrance fee to Preveli is €3.
#9 Chania
Besides Rethymno, Chania is also a beautiful city in Crete. In my experience, Chania is a bit busier than Rethymno, so you can almost walk over it in the summer. This may also be true, since Chania with 100,000 inhabitants is the second city of the island. Here you will also find a Venetian harbor and the rest of the center is a cheerful mix of architectural styles and cultural influences. Beautiful to see and very nice to stay!
#10 Elafonissi
Elafonissi is located on the southwest coast of the island and is without doubt one of the most beautiful sights of Crete. The beach here is pink in some places in the surf! This is mainly due to pulverized shells and it looks beautiful. But even without ‘pink sand’, Elafonissi is worth a visit. The clear, azure blue water and the wide beach make this a place where you like to spend a day.
#11 Balos
Another beautiful beach on the west coast is Balos. However, Balos is a lot more difficult to reach: you park your car 2 kilometers before the beach and then have to climb a lot to get there. I haven’t been to Balos myself, as it was too far from my accommodation in South Crete, but I’ve heard from others that it’s definitely worth the climb. Please note: there are no facilities on Balos, so make sure you bring enough to drink. This is especially necessary if you go on a hot day.
#12 Heraklion
The capital of Crete is Heraklion and you can see and feel that everywhere. There is much more traffic in Heraklion than in the aforementioned cities and it reminded me more of Athens in terms of buildings and crowds. It is therefore one of the largest cities in all of Greece. The nicest part of Heraklion to visit is the still partly walled city center. Here you will find the Archaeological Museum and many unique shops. If you only have time to visit one city, I would personally recommend choosing Chania or Retyhmno and not Heraklion. As far as I’m concerned, these two cities are really a lot more atmospheric and beautiful.
#13 Preveli beach
On the south coast is Preveli beach. Indeed, the beach near the Preveli Monastery. The beach is located at the end of the Preveli gorge, a long gorge overgrown with palm trees. From above it is truly a spectacular sight. To get to the beach you have to go down a few hundred steps. Once down you can also walk into the gorge and admire the palm trees. If you want you can also enter the river here. A unique place that you should not miss during a holiday in Crete.
#14 Skinaria beach
The beach of Skinaria does not often appear in other lists of the most beautiful beaches in Crete and as far as I am concerned that is a shame. Located in the middle of the south coast, this beach is easily accessible from Plakias, for example. On Skinaria there is only one catering business and a number of sunbeds. If you want a wonderfully relaxed day at the beach, Skinaria is a very good option. Furthermore, many diving excursions are organized from here.
#15 Kayaking in Crete
You can also kayak very well from various places in Crete. The island looks very different from the water and you are guaranteed to be regularly amazed by the impressive coastline. During a tour you will pass several beautiful places and enjoy the view. Don’t worry if you’ve never kayaked before: there are kayak tours for all levels.
Go on holiday to Crete
There are many great options for complete package holidays to Crete. The advantage of this is that your flight and accommodation are included and that there are often advantageous offers. You can stay in the same accommodation for the entire trip and therefore have the ultimate relaxation. There are also more than enough options for great day trips, so that you can see a lot of the island during your trip. Finally, with a travel organization you always have the guarantee that you will come home should something happen.
Organized tours to Crete
Individual tours to Crete
Would you like to make a tour of Crete, but would you prefer it to be fully arranged? There are many great options for fully organized tours to Crete. The advantage of this is that your flight, accommodation and rental car are included and that there are often very advantageous offers.
Group tours to Crete
Would you rather not drive on Crete yourself or would you like to go out with a group? Then opt for a group trip to Crete. With these tours everything is arranged for you and a local guide shows you the most beautiful places in Crete to see. Moreover, group travel is often cheaper than traveling alone.
There are more than enough interesting sights in Crete. With these tips for your holiday I hope you will have a wonderful time!
