Crete

Crete (Kriti in Greek) is the largest of the Greek islands, another country almost, and the Cretan people proudly call themselves Cretans first and Greeks second.

Mountains and Vineyards

And they have much to be proud of, as theirs is a stunningly beautiful island, with dramatic mountain scenery, some of the best beaches in Greece, a strong musical tradition, one of the healthiest diets in the Mediterranean, the amazing Minoan palace of Knossos just outside the capital, Irakleio, the Samaria Gorge, and some of the chicest Greek hotels in pretty harbour towns such as Chania and Rethymnon.

The Old Venetian Harbour in Chania

There are popular holiday spots like Agios Nikolaos and Elounda too, as well as important historical monasteries like the Arkadi Monastery. You can have a great vacation here just lying on its beautiful beaches, but it's an island that will appeal to those who like to get out and about.

See our list of the Best Things to Do on Crete

Crete has got everything, and we've loved the many visits we've made there. 

We've hiked its gorges, visited its monasteries, explored its archaeological sites both large and small, dined in its restaurants from the cheap to the gourmet, drunk its wine, sunbathed on its beaches and listened to its music.

We've never ceased to be overwhelmed by its atmosphere and character. One visit to Crete and the island gets under your skin.

The Samaria Gorge
Photo by Mike Gerrard (c) www.Greece-Travel-Secrets.com

Crete also has lots of busy beach resorts, with a brash and noisy nightlife that goes on all night, so if that's what you want you should check out places along the north coast, like Malia. The south coast is a bit less easy to get around, and the towns and villages here tend to be a little less developed for tourism. You also have the site of the Minoan Palace at Phaistos, which some people enjoy more than Knossos, and several archaeological sites, like Ancient Gortina. 

Down the spine of the island is a range of mountains, which keeps the north and the south apart, and all over you'll find beautiful drives and challenging hiking and biking opportunities.

The Minoan Palace at Phaistos

Curious about driving in Greece? Read this account of
Our Hire Car in Crete to see why we recommend it.

Crete is a long, thin island, so if you want to explore all of it there's no one ideal place to be based. If time is limited, you'll need to do your homework and decide whether to concentrate on the east, the west or the centre. The Samarian Gorge is in the west, Knossos in the middle, and in the east is more the 'real' Crete, which is a bit less busy. 

The main airport is near Iraklion, in the middle, though there's another international airport near Chania in the west and a domestic airport with international ambitions at Sitia in the east..



You might like these other Crete pages...

  • Goules Taverna Crete

    The Goules Taverna in Goulediana, south of Rethymnon, has been called one of the best tavernas on Crete and Greece Travel Secrets recently visited them.

  • Rethymnon in Western Crete

    Rethymnon is the third-largest city in Crete and has a Venetian fortress, Archaeological Museum, Old Town area and Venetian harbour,

  • Airbnb near Chania

    This Airbnb in the quiet village of Malaxa, a 30-minute drive into the hills above Chania, is a peaceful retreat with a delightful and thoughtful artist owner, with wonderful views and amenities.

  • Zacharioudakis Winery

    Greece Travel Secrets visits the Zacharioudakis Winery near Ancient Gortina in southern Crete, and does a vineyard tour arranged by our guide from Go Crete.

  • Touring the Lyrarakis Winery on Crete

    Greece Travel Secrets tours the Lyrarakis Winery on Crete and learns about Crete grape varieties such as plyto, dafni, vidiano, vilana, mandilari and kotsifali.

  • The Icon Painter

    Icon painting is a centuries-old tradition in Crete and the rest of Greece, and Greece Travel Secrets meets a modern-day icon painter in Elounda on Crete.

  • The Herb Man of Kouses

    Greece Travel Secrets visits the Cretan Botano herbs and spices shop near Matala in southern Crete in search of the herb man of Kouses.

  • The Cretan Diet

    Studies have shown the Cretan Diet as one of the healthiest in the world, involving lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, fresh fish, and moderate amounts of wine.

  • Stilianou Winery near Knossos

    The Stilianou Winery near Knossos on Crete uses only Cretan grape varieties, with every bottle numbered, and aims for quality rather than quantity.

  • The Snails House on Crete

    The Snails House in Plouti near Phaistos in southern Crete serves the Cretan delicacy of snails, cooked in several different ways.

Latest Posts

RSS

  1. Stiff Fines in Greece for Covid-19 Carelessness

    Greek authorities have not only tightened measures aimed at restricting the spread of the deadly Covid-19, but are also slapping violators with steep fines for carelessness, Deputy Civil Protection Mi…

    Read More

  2. Negative Covid-19 Test Mandatory for Entry to Greece from Five Countries

    All travelers entering Greece from Sweden, Czech Republic, Belgium, Spain and The Netherlands as of August 17 will be obliged to present a negative molecular test result (PCR) for coronavirus (Covid-1…

    Read More

  3. The Greek 4: New Tourism Campaign Puts Spotlight on Four Aegean Islands

    The Greek Tourism Ministry and the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) on Monday announced the launch of a new campaign aimed to promote four islands of the Northeast Aegean: Lesvos, Chios, Sam…

    Read More

  4. Covid-19: Greece Cancels Thessaloniki Fair, Sets Curfew for Bars in Popular Destinations

    The Greek government on Monday decided to impose a series of new measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19), following an alarming surge in confirmed cases. Greece on Sunday saw a recor…

    Read More

  5. Greece Announces Urban Transport Network Upgrade

    More buses, increased frequency, and additional staff are the Greek transport ministry’s top priorities as part of an overhaul in mass transport, Transport Minister Kostas Karamanlis announced recentl…

    Read More

  6. Covid-19: Greece Announces Changes for Travel Through Land Borders

    All travelers entering Greece’s land borders as of August 17 will be obliged to present a negative molecular test result (PCR) for coronavirus (Covid-19) conducted no more than 72 hours prior. The tes…

    Read More

  7. Covid-19: No Standing Customers Allowed in Bars and Clubs in Greece

    The Greek government has extended a ban on standing customers in all bars, clubs, live music venues, bar-restaurants and cafe-bars until August 31. The decision was announced on Friday by the General…

    Read More

  8. Travelers to Greece from Malta Must Have Negative Covid-19 Test

    All travelers entering Greece from an airport of Malta as of Wednesday, August 12, will be obliged to present a negative molecular test result (PCR) for coronavirus (Covid-19) upon arrival, according…

    Read More

  9. Covid-19 Restrictions Imposed on Greek Island of Poros

    Greek health authorities announced emergency restrictions on Friday for the Saronic island of Poros, some two hours outside Athens, after at least 30 people were found to be positive to the coronaviru…

    Read More

  10. US Urges Citizens to ‘Reconsider’ Travel to Greece Due to Covid-19

    The US State Department on Thursday issued a new advisory for Greece urging its citizens to reconsider plans for travel due to increasing cases of Covid-19. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is…

    Read More