Greece has countless islands, and Crete is the largest of them all. It’s a very mountainous island, with three major mountain ranges stretching across it. Fun fact: Crete only became part of Greece in 1913! The island is rich in history, impressive architecture, stunning landscapes and beaches, and it offers a truly authentic culture you won’t want to miss.
To help you make the most of your trip, I’ve put together a guide with the top things to do in Crete, from must-see sights to local experiences you’ll love.
Good to know before your trip
Many discount for broke students!
- Almost every archaeological site is free for under 25 yo (EU citizens)
- Boats are 50% discount if you have ISIC card
- Dowloand the app ferryhopper on your phone to book your boat trips
- Boat trip to other island are not everyday so look ahead which day there are running
How to Get to Crete
- Crete has two main airports where you can fly directly to: Heraklion (HER) and Chania (CHQ).
- If you come from Athens you can take a ferry to Heraklion, which takes around 6 to 9 hours, depending on the service.
Getting around Crete
- The island has a good bus network, especially on the nothern side, connecting major towns and cities like Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, and Agios Nikolaos.
- For more freedom and to reach remote or off-the-beaten-path spots, it’s best to rent a car.
- You can take a taxi but it might be as expensive as renting a car
Heraklion
Heraklion is the largest city in Crete and also its capital. It’s a vibrant and lively place where you can feel the mix of modern energy and deep historical roots. The heart of the city is Lion Square also known as Lontaria, is a great spot full of cafés, shops, and people, stretching all the way down to the seafront.
What makes Heraklion truly special is its rich history. From ancient ruins to Venetian walls and impressive churches, the city is full of archaeological treasures.
Palace Knossos
Knossos is an absolute must-visit when you’re in Crete. It’s one of the most famous archaeological sites in Greece and was once the center of the Minoan civilization, one of the oldest in Europe.
A fun legend says that the discovery of the palace began when a man lost his ring in the ground, and while digging to retrieve it, they started uncovering parts of what turned out to be the Palace of Knossos.
Today, you can explore the fascinating ruins of Knossos, walk through reconstructed areas, and see highlights like the Throne of Minos, ancient sanctuaries, and the living quarters of the royal families.
Entry costs €18, and you can also choose a guided tour to get the full story behind the site. Good news: it’s free for visitors under 25 years old (EU citizens)!
Archeological museum
It’s one of the most important museums in Greece! The Heraklion Archaeological Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts from Knossos and the broader Minoan civilization. So, don’t miss this impressive museum, it’s the perfect place to dive into the world of ancient Crete and really soak up its rich, historic past.
Ticket 15€
Cretaquarium
Take some time to visit the Cretaquarium, located about 15km EST from Heraklion. It’s considered one of the largest and most modern aquariums in Europe!
Here, you can admire over 2,000 sea creatures across 60 different habitats, showcasing the incredible marine life of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a great activity for all ages, educational, fun, and a nice break from the sun!
Cathedral Agios Minas
In the center of Heraklion, you’ll come across the Agios Minas Cathedral, a beautiful Greek Orthodox cathedral built in the late 19th century. Entry is free, and the interior is definitely worth a visit, so make sure you stop by!
Walk along the Venetian Fortress
Right along the port of Heraklion, you’ll find the Venetian Fortress of Koules that you can visit. From there, you can take a 2km walk all the way to the Heraklion Lighthouse, enjoying a scenic stroll along the sea with stunning views of the city and coastline. It’s a peaceful and beautiful spot, perfect for a morning or evening walk.
25th august street (25IS AVGOUSTOU)
This beautiful pedestrian avenue is perfect for shopping and stroll through Heraklion’s city center. Starting from Lion Square and leading all the way down to the old port, the street is lined with shops, local restaurants, and cafés where you can grab some fresh orange juice, taste traditional Cretan food, or buy souvenirs.
Whether you’re in the mood for shopping or just want chill on a bench and watch people, this avenue is perfect for everyone!
Samaria gorge
in order to get to the Agio Farango gorges, you will have to pass through the village of Pitsidia , continue towards the monastery of “Moni Odigitrias” and then ride on the track for about 5km.
Chania
Chania is the second largest city in Crete. You can easily get there from Heraklion either by boat or by bus. It’s a charming coastal town with a beautiful old Venetian harbor, perfect for a nice walk during sunset. The old town is full of cute little streets, colorful houses, and local shops. If you’re a fan of seafood, this is definitely the place to enjoy some!
Take the time to walk along the port, stop at a cozy café for a break, and just admire the amazing blue water. Make sure to walk all the way to the lighthouse, stopping by the bastion along the way.
Stroll down Chalidon Street as well as other many pedestrian streets all around, where you’ll find lots of local shops and souvenirs to bring back home. If you’d like, you can even take a caleche ride to explore the city.
Top Beaches in Crete
On the south part of Crete you’ll find two beautiful beaches that must be seen!
Elafonissi Beach
Elafonissi is known for its stunning pink sand, but over the years, due to natural changes and increasing tourism, the pink color has faded. These days, you will only spot a few patches of pink grains here and there, not as vibrant as it once was.
That said, the journey to the beach is still totally worth it. It’s a long drive, but the scenic mountain views along the way are breathtaking and make the trip really enjoyable.
Kedrodasos Beach
Keep driving along the same road all the way to Kedrodasos Beach. It’s much less crowded here, and the water is so blue that it’s giving it a true paradise vibe. Along the way, you’ll probably spot plenty of sheep roaming around!
Agia Pelagia beach
Close to Heraklion, you’ll find Agia Pelagia Beach, one of the prettiest beaches in Crete. You can relax on the rocks and enjoy a stunning view of turquoise water.
The best thing about this place is that if you take a short walk along the rocky path by the sea, you’ll reach a hidden part of the beach, Filakes Beach. It’s just a pure beauty! Definetly go check it out!
Balos Lagoon
Closer to Chania you is the famous and well known Balos Lagoon.
I highly recommend taking a boat to reach Balos, driving is possible but not ideal. The off-road trail is rough, and the walk from the parking area down to the beach is long, steep, and rocky. If you choose to hike it, make sure to bring good walking shoes.
You can opt for a cruise, which makes the experience easier and more enjoyable but also more expensive. Plan to a full day for this trip, as boat tours to Balos and Gramvousa usually last 6–7 hours.
If you decide to go on your own by boat you can catch a fast ferry from several ports, including Kissamos, Chania, Kolymvari, and even the small port of Falasarna.
Balos Beach
Balos Beach is one of the most stunning beaches in all of Greece. Known for its shallow turquoise waters, white-pink sand, and surreal scenery, it’s also one of the most photographed places on the island.
To enjoy its peaceful side, try to get there early in the morning, especially in peak season. You’ll have the chance to soak in the tranquility and beauty of the beach before the crowds arrive.
Gramvousa Island
Just off the coast near Balos lies Gramvousa Island, which you can only reach by boat. Its crystal-clear waters and beautiful beach rival even Balos in natural beauty!
Once there, you can hike up to the old Venetian fortress, built in the late 16th century to defend against the Ottoman Empire. The 20-minute uphill walk is rocky but offers spectacular panoramic views, so don’t forget to bring good shoes!