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.

->Find the Best Car Rental Deals Here!

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!

SEE ALSO: Crete is a Greek Island with many Vegan Restaurants. Here are the Best 10 Options for You to Try on Your Holidays

The post Discover the Best of Crete: Top 10 Must-See Attractions appeared first on Vegan Friendly Travel.

Chania is one of the most popular destinations in Greece. Renting a car is a must if you want to explore Chania and the surrounding area. The island of Crete is so big that if you really want to see as much as possible, you need the freedom of your own car.

->We found the best car rental deals for you! 

If you just want to relax on the beach and not hop around the island for your holidays and just enjoy the beach in Chania, you can do that too.

The city is very beautiful with many shops, vegan restaurants, and bars. It is a great place to spend your evenings after enjoying the beach.

WHERE TO STAY IN CHANIA

There are countless hotels and vacation rentals in the area. If you have rented a car, I recommend that you stay a little bit out of the hustle and bustle of Chania. Because the city is so big, it can get quite busy. The beaches in the city can also get crowded, and the traffic and parking situation can be very busy.

We stayed at Airis Boutique Hotel & Suites, which is just a little bit outside of Chania. It is a 10-minute car ride to reach the city centre, although on Fridays and Saturdays, it can take 20 minutes because of the traffic.

The hotel is very clean, rooms are spacious, and the pool is very relaxing. It is also situated in a peaceful area, and it has a parking lot. ->Check the prices here.

Parking in Chania is a nightmare. We tried many different parking spots near the city, and every evening the parking situation was horrible. Because of that, it is also an option to use the bus to reach the city centre of Chania.  

BEST VEGAN RESTAURANTS IN CHANIA

You can find something vegan to eat in almost every restaurant in Chania. Most of the restaurants have Dolmadakia, which is a traditional Greek dish: stuffed grape leaves with rice and herbs. This one is so good that we ordered it for almost every meal.

You can also have potatoes, and to make Greek salad vegan, order it without feta cheese. Most of the restaurants offer stuffed peppers or tomatoes with rice called Gemista – this is also one of my favourite vegan foods in Crete.

Here are some of the best vegan restaurants to try on your vacation in Chania:

PULSE CHANIA VEGAN RESTAURANT

This was one of our favourite restaurants in Chania, and we ate there twice because there were too many good things to choose from. For mains, you can have moussaka, casserole, risotto, and other unique dishes.

There are many different starters and desserts you can try, and they also have fresh smoothies. For dessert, we tried vegan tiramisu, and it was very good. 

TO STACHI CHANIA VEGAN SLOW FOOD

It is a cute restaurant offering traditional Greek cuisine. You can try moussaka, zucchini flowers, and traditional dolmadakia. You can also have spaghetti, soup, or salad. 

Here we tried pastisio, which is a dish made from layers of pasta, tomato sauce, mushrooms, vegetables, and vegan bechamel. And we also had the soup of the day.

FALAVELA FALAFEL IN CHANIA

It is an affordable falafel place offering a variety of falafel wraps. Not all are vegan, but most of them are. It is a great snack option, a little bit out of the city centre of Chania on Crete. We tried a falafel wrap, and it was very good.

NEKTAR COLD-PRESSED JUICES

They have many fresh vegan juices to choose from and energy bars. They also have many gluten-free options. For a snack, you can have seasonal salads and vegan sandwiches with raw veggie spreads and vegetables.

EVILION BISTRO – CHANIA VEGAN 

This restaurant is not in the city centre of Chania, but it is worth a visit. Many of the dishes in this restaurant are vegan. You can have healthy bowls, pasta, salad, burgers, vegan mushroom gyros, and falafel.

TALOS RESTAURANT

This restaurant was just a few minutes from our hotel in Chania, so we decided to stop there for lunch. On their menu, everything that is vegan or gluten-free is written in a different colour, so it is easy to spot vegan dishes. I had my favourite traditional specialty called gemista, and we also tried bria, which is a dish of roasted vegetables.

SPILIOS – CHANIA VEGAN OPTION

This restaurant had one of the best views we have seen in Crete. The restaurant is overlooking Phalasarna beach. We ordered a few different vegan dishes and made ourselves a perfect lunch with a view. If you are visiting Phalasarna beach, you have to stop here for lunch or dinner. You can check their menu here.

TAVERNA MOURAKI

This restaurant also has an amazing view. It is not very vegan-friendly, but you can find a few dishes. Most restaurants in Greece and Crete are offering dalmadakia for starters and gemista for mains. These are two traditional specialities that are also vegan and super delicious.

Crete is a big island, so visit it for at least one week; 14 days would be much better. Crete is so big that you will need to spend at least two weeks if you want to see it all. Chania is a good location if you want to explore some of the most famous beaches on the island.

We did not have that much time, so we chose to stay three days in Heraklion and five days near Chania, so we were able to see as much as possible during our short stay.

As I already mentioned, most of the restaurants around Chania have vegan options listed on the menu so you can be a little bit spontaneous on your trip and not check every restaurant up front. Crete is very beautiful and one of the Greek islands that you cannot miss!

BEST BEACHES IN CHANIA

The best beaches to visit near the city of Chania are Phalasarna, Elafonissi, and Balos. Phalasarna is our number one beach to chill. Very popular is also Elafonissi Beach with pink sand, but it is not our favourite because it is a little bit too touristy for us.

There is also the most beautiful one of all three, called Balos Lagoon. It is a 1-hour trip from Chania, but it is worth it. The views are breathtaking, and the beach is amazing. Just be sure to have enough water, vegan snacks, and a good pair of walking shoes because it is quite a hike if you arrive by car.

An important tip for visiting Balos is to arrive early to secure a parking spot and to visit the beach before the crowds that arrive by boat.

One of the best things to do when visiting is to go on a sunset cruise. It is truly an unforgettable experience, and that’s why it is one of the best-rated activities in the city. Check the availability here.

SEE ALSO: Visiting the Famous Shipwreck Beach on Zakynthos Island and Trying the Best Traditional Greek Vegan Food!

The post Are you Planning on Visiting the City of Chania in Crete? Find out About the Best Vegan Restaurants and Beaches in the Area appeared first on Vegan Friendly Travel.

Renting a car is a must in Crete. The island is so big that if you really want to explore it you need the freedom of your own vehicle. But if you want to relax on the beach and not hop around the island for your holidays you can do that too. Crete has it all.

WHAT TO SEE IN CRETE?

Heraklion Archeological Museum is one of Greece’s most important and famous museums. The museum houses representative artefacts from all periods of Cretan history. The exhibition is really interesting and worth visiting.

When you are visiting the museum, you can buy a combo ticket to visit The Palace of Knossos which 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. 

The biggest cities in Crete are Heraklion and Chania. Both are very vegan-friendly. In the city centre of Heraklion, many restaurants are offering vegan options. Chania is the busiest of them all. 

If you want to know more about what to do when visiting Crete you can check our detailed guide here. 

BEST BEACHES IN CRETE

The best beaches to visit on Crete are Phalasarna, Elafonissi, and Balos. Phalasarna is our number one beach to chill. Very popular is also Elafonissi Beach with pink sand but it is not our favourite because it is a little bit too touristy for us.

There is also the most beautiful one of all three called Balos Lagoon. The views are breathtaking, and the beach is amazing. Just be sure to have enough water and snacks and good walking shoes because it is quite a hike if you arrive by car.

An important tip for visiting Balos is to arrive early to secure yourself a parking spot and to visit the beach before the crowds that arrive by boat. 

->Don’t miss out on the best car rental deals we’ve found for Crete.

BEST VEGAN RESTAURANTS IN CRETE

You can find something vegan to eat in almost every restaurant in Crete. Most of the restaurants have Dolmadakia, which is a traditional Greek dish: stuffed grape leaves with rice and herbs. This one is so good that we ordered it for almost every meal.

You can also have potatoes and to make Greek salad vegan, order it without feta cheese. Most of the restaurants offer stuffed peppers or tomatoes with rice called Gemista – this is also one of my favourite foods in Crete.

Here are listed some of the best vegan restaurants for your trip to Crete.

FAST VEGAN FOOD CRETE

Is a small vegan takeaway restaurant in Crete. They are offering a lot of fast-food options like pizza, sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and wraps. You can also have milkshakes and pancakes.

We tried gyros and it was our first vegan gyros on our trip to Crete. We loved it!

CRETE VEGAN: CRUMB DESSERTS

When you are visiting Heraklion you have to stop here and have a vegan snack and coffee. They have delicious plant-based desserts, the best you can find in Crete.

SPILIOS IN CRETE VEGAN

This restaurant had one of the best views we have seen in Crete. The restaurant is overlooking Phalasarna beach. We ordered a few different vegan dishes and made ourselves a perfect lunch with a view. If you are visiting Phalasarna beach you have to stop here for lunch or dinner. You can check their menu here.

LET’S VEGAN RETHYMNO RESTAURANT

It is a nice restaurant near the sea that is offering many vegan dishes. They have street food like burgers, meze plates, pasta, moussaka, paella, gyros, and many desserts. We tried moussaka and gyros plate.

We were very happy with the friendliness of the staff and with our food.

FALAVELA FALAFEL CRETE VEGAN

It is an affordable falafel place offering a variety of falafel wraps. Not all are vegan but most of them are. It is a great snack option a little bit out of the city centre of Chania on Crete.

We tried falafel wrap and it was very good.

PULSE VEGAN CRETE

This was one of our favourite restaurants in Crete and we ate there twice because there were too many good things to choose from. For mains, you can have moussaka, casserole, risotto, and many other things.

There are many amazing starters and desserts you can try, and they also have fresh smoothies. For dessert, we tried vegan tiramisu, and it was very good. 

TO STACHI VEGAN SLOW FOOD

It is a cute restaurant offering traditional Greek cuisine in Crete. You can try moussaka, zucchini flowers, and traditional dolmadakia. You can also have spaghetti, soup or salad.

Here we tried pastisio which is a dish made from layers of pasta, tomato sauce, mushrooms, vegetables, and plant-based bechamel.

PRIMA PLORA ORGANIC RESTAURANT & WINE BAR

When we were visiting the city on Crete called Rethymnon we stopped here for lunch with a beautiful sea view and the view of Venetian Fortezza Castle. For starters, you can order vegan hummus and falafel, fried potatoes, and boiled greens.

You can choose different salads or pasta and risotto for mains. They are also offering some gluten-free options.

EVILION BISTRO CRETE VEGAN

Many of the dishes in this restaurant are plant-based. You can have healthy bowls, pasta, salad, burgers, gyros, and falafel.

TALOS RESTAURANT

This restaurant was just a few minutes from our hotel in Crete, so we decided to stop there for lunch. On their menu, everything that is vegan or gluten-free is written in a different colour, so it is easy to spot vegan dishes. I had my favourite traditional speciality called gemista and we also tried briam which is a dish of roasted vegetables.

TAVERNA MOURAKI

This restaurant also has an amazing view. It is not very vegan-friendly, but you can find a few dishes. Most restaurants in Greece and Crete are offering dalmadakia for starters and gemista for mains. These are two traditional specialities that are also vegan and super delicious.

PESKESI CRETE VEGAN

It is one of the most famous restaurants in Heraklion, so we wanted to try it. For starters, we had dalmadakia which it said on the menu was plant-based, but we were served yoghurt beside them.

For the main dish, we had a traditional vegetable dish, which was ok but nothing special. This restaurant is overhyped, especially for vegans there are much better restaurants in the area. 

Crete is a very big island. It is so big that you will need to spend at least one or two weeks here if you want to see it all. We did not have that much time, so we chose to stay three days in Heraklion and five days near Chania.

As I already mentioned most of the restaurants have vegan options listed on the menu so you can be a little bit spontaneous on your trip and not check every restaurant up front. Crete is very beautiful and one of the Greek islands that you cannot miss!

SEE ALSO: Visiting the Famous Shipwreck Beach on Zakynthos Island and Trying the Best Traditional Greek Vegan Food!

The post Crete is a Greek Island with Many Vegan Restaurants. Here are the Best 10 Options for You to Try on Your Holidays appeared first on Vegan Friendly Travel.