Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands. In this blog post, we will share our top 10 must-see attractions.
Renting a car in Crete is a must. You will have the freedom to explore and have the best experience on the island. The roads are good and easy to navigate so you will not have problems compared to other Greek islands.
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But if you just want to relax on the beach and not hop around the island for your holidays you can do that too. Crete has it all.
1. VISIT HERAKLION THE LARGEST CITY ON CRETE
Heraklion has many interesting things to see and do. It is the fourth largest city in Greece and the largest one in Crete. In the Old Town, you will find the Cathedral of St. Minas which is the largest church in Crete.
When exploring the Old Town, you will most likely find the Morosini Fountain in Lion Square. The area around the Morosini fountain is very lively and you can find many shops, bars, and restaurants around.
Do not forget to visit Koules Fortress. It is just a short walk from the Heraklion Old Town. It is a Venetian fortress from the early 16th century. If you are interested, you can also explore the newly renovated insides.
Some other important sights we recommend visiting are the Natural History Museum of Crete and the Historical Museum of Crete.
2. HERAKLION ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of the most important and famous museums in Greece. It is really interesting even if history is not your favourite. In the museum, you will find artifacts from all periods of Cretan history. The exhibition is really interesting and worth visiting.
3. THE PALACE OF KNOSSOS
If you decide to visit the museum, you can buy a combo ticket to visit The Palace of Knossos. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Crete. You can explore the ruins of the ancient palace and learn something about history. I recommend you take a private guided tour of the Knossos Palace.
If you decide to visit the Knossos palace without a tour guide you will not have the best experience. We did that and did not find it very interesting not knowing what we were looking at.
4. MATALA BEACH
You can visit the famous Matala beach. One of the most distinctive features of Matala is the series of artificial caves carved into the cliffs that line the beach. These caves were initially created as Roman-era tombs and later became a part of the hippie culture during the 1960s and 1970s.
5. VISIT CHANIA THE SECOND LARGEST CITY ON CRETE
Chania is the second largest city on the island of Crete. Renting a car is a must if you want to explore Chania and the surrounding area. The city is the most popular destination on the island. If you decide to rent a car we recommend staying a little bit outside of the city. There are many beautiful beaches and great restaurants in the area.
We rented our car on Discover Cars and were happy with our experience.
6. BALOS LAGOON
The most beautiful beach in Crete is Balos Lagoon. It is a 1-hour trip from Chania, but it is worth it. The views from the top are breathtaking. You have to hike down the hill to get to the amazing beach. Just be sure to have enough water, snacks, and a good pair of walking shoes because it is quite a hike if you arrive by car. There are also no restaurants at the Balos Lagoon, just a small coffee shop.
An important tip for visiting Balos is to arrive early to secure yourself a parking spot. There are also many boat tours available that will get you to the Balos Lagoon.
You can find many options on GetYourGuide, it depends on where is your starting point on Crete. Check the availability here.
7. VISIT RETHYMNO ON CRETE ISLAND
It is the third largest town on Crete island. Rethymno is known for its picturesque old town, rich history, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cultural scene. There is the Venetian fortress, known as Fortezza, which is one of the town’s iconic landmarks. It sits atop a hill and offers panoramic views of the town and the surrounding area.
8. ELAFONISSI BEACH
Elafonissi is a beautiful beach located on the southwestern coast of the island of Crete. It is famous for its unique pink sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and picturesque natural beauty.
The beach offers a range of amenities, including sunbeds, umbrellas, and water sports equipment for rent.
There are also several tavernas and cafes where you can enjoy traditional Greek cuisine.
Our best tip for Elafonissi Beach is to arrive early because it is a very popular beach on Crete Island. If you want to relax in peace there are many better options on Crete Island.
9. PHALASARNA BEACH ON CRETE ISLAND
Phalasarna, also known as Falassarna Beach, is another stunning beach located on the island of Crete. It is known for its natural beauty and, crystal-clear waters. Many restaurants and bars are offering to rent a sunbed for a reasonable price. You do not need to bring food, because the restaurants offer many great and delicious Greek and international dishes.
You can also enjoy the beach for free and bring your own food and water.
Phalasarna is also a great beach to watch a sunset on Crete. It is the beach that we visited the most while staying in Chania. It really is a place to relax.
10. ENJOY GREEK FOOD IN CRETE
Last but not least – the food. Greek cuisine on the island of Crete reflects the island’s rich history, and the use of fresh, local ingredients. Crete’s cuisine is known for its foods including vegetables, olive oil, and herbs.
When visiting Crete, be sure to explore the local tavernas and markets to experience the authentic flavours and traditions of this beautiful Greek island.
Crete is so big that you will need to spend there at least a week or two if you want to see it all.
It is very beautiful and one of the Greek islands that you cannot miss!