Lots of history, beaches and nature: a vacation on Crete offers all that
Vacation on Crete
Crete is the all-rounder among the Greek islands. Sure, the beaches are fantastic, but there’s so much more! This largest of the Greek islands offers dream beaches as well as mysterious ancient ruins and vibrant cities. Imagine lying on the pink sandy beach in Elafonis, exploring the Palace of Knossos, enjoying fresh meze in an ancient tavern, hiking through olive trees or dancing under the starry sky – doesn’t that sound like a vacation! Adventure and relaxation, beach vacation, family vacation or a romantic vacation for two. Crete is a place where every moment becomes unforgettable.
Why visit Crete
✓ Snorkeling paradise
Crete boasts some of the most beautiful snorkeling areas in the Mediterranean, with crystal-clear water and a beautiful underwater world. These include places like Ammoudi, Loutro or Itanos Beach.
✓ A warm welcome!
The island residents are known for their hospitality. Crete is also a paradise for foodies! The local cuisine, famous for its fresh ingredients and traditional recipes, will delight every gourmet’s heart.
✓ Pleasant the whole year round
With over 300 days of sun per year, Crete offers ideal vacation weather all year round. Whether it’s enjoying the beaches in summer or exploring the hiking trails in fall, there is an ideal travel time for every taste – we love it.
Elafonisi: pink sand and clear water
Elafonisi Beach in southwestern Crete is simply magical with its pink sand and crystal-clear water. Perfect for families: kids can safely splash about while the adults enjoy the sun. Tip: Go early, especially in high season, to get a spot on a popular beach.
Balos Lagoon: simply paradise
Balos is an absolute must-see! Turquoise-blue water, white sand and the perfect place for snorkeling. Just chill and enjoy the view: pure relaxation and perfect Instagram moments guaranteed. The path to the lagoon is a small hike, so don’t forget your camera for a few great shots.
Vai Beach: palm grove and turquoise sea
Vai Beach is a picture-book location with exotic palm trees and the turquoise sea. You can really relax and enjoy a coconut drink here. Fun fact: Vai Beach is the largest natural palm grove in Europe.
Party in Heraklion: let’s go
Heraklion is the place to be for all night owls. Bars, clubs and taverns: You can dance here until the early hours. So let’s go, party people! Pro tip: Start the night in the Lakkos district. This is the place to be for cool bars.
Chania Nights: pure romance
Cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere in the Venetian harbor? With its sea views and beautiful sunsets, Chania is perfect for romantic evenings. The perfect finishing touch: dinner in one of the convivial taverns in the Old Town. Perfect for a date or simply to round off the evening.
Rethymno beach parties: Dance till dawn
Rethymno is known for its beach parties. Whether in chill beach bars or full-on clubs, this is where the night turns into day. Tip: The beach bar at the Baja Beach Club is an absolute hotspot. Here, you’ll find great drinks and relaxed beats right by the sea.
Samaria Gorge: hiking adventure
Samaria Gorge offers genuine adventures. It’s one of the longest gorges in Europe, with a fascinating landscape of exciting hiking trails. The path leads you along the slopes covered with pine trees and other exotic plants.
Lasithi Plateau: birthplace of Zeus
You’ll not only find windmills on the Lasithi Plateau, but also the cave of Zeus. This is where it’s said the father of the gods was born – an epic story and a great place to explore.
Preveli Beach: palm trees and river
Preveli Beach is a real insider tip. Megalopotamos River flows into the sea here and is surrounded by a beautiful grove of palm trees. Ideal for a relaxed walk or a pleasant boat trip.
Bucket list for your vacation on Crete
1. Travel through time to antiquity
Want to experience the history of Crete up close? Then you absolutely must visit the Palace of Knossos! This building will give you some exciting insights into Minoan culture – a place full of myths and legends. An absolute must for history enthusiasts!
2. Away from the beaches
Nature fans and families pay attention! The botanical park and the gardens of Crete near Chania are the perfect spot to rest among the sounds of birds tweeting and the scents of flowers. A great spot for a little picnic in the green countryside.
3. Hippy vibes
The caves in the village of Matala are where hippies once lived. But a walk through the rocky massif is still an exciting experience today. The annual Matala Beach Festival is also a lot of fun: There are various art workshops, theater performances and a changing program of live music.
4. Quad tour: action through the olive groves
Fancy some action? A quad tour through the olive groves of Crete promises a real adrenaline kick. Ride through green landscapes, dusty offroad trails and discover some hidden mountain villages. Perfect for adventure lovers!
5. Harbor chill
Fancy a relaxing day? Agios Nikolaos, with its harbor and Voulismeni Lake, is an ideal place to stroll. Treat yourself to some delicious food in a tavern and enjoy the charming atmosphere of the town.
Weather & best time to travel
Spring and fall are great for families and active vacationers who want to hike or go sightseeing and enjoy mild weather and quieter beaches and cities. Summer is perfect for beach and sun lovers who don’t mind sharing the beaches with other people. May is perfect for a couple’s vacation and for hiking fans, as the island is still relatively empty and nature is starting to blossom.
Getting around
There are many ways to get around on Crete. The most flexible way is by rental car that gives you the freedom to explore the island on your own schedule. Buses offer an affordable and convenient alternative.
Buses run regularly from Heraklion and Chania Airports into the city and to the most important vacation destinations. These buses are cheap and ideal for finding your way around and seeing something of the island. Taxis are also available and, of course, are a faster option – especially if you have a lot of baggage with you. It is best to book them in advance to avoid waiting times or high prices. Book flights to Crete with Discover Airlines now and let’s go!
Do’s and don’ts on Crete
✓ Visit local taverns
Enjoying traditional Cretan food is a must – moussaka, souvlaki and fresh fish are just some of the delicacies. The small, family-run taverns are often the best!
X Only stay in the main tourist areas: country
Crete has more to offer than just tourist areas. Visit the smaller villages and remote beaches to get to know the authentic side of the island.
X Plan at the last minute
Try to plan your visits in advance to popular attractions such as the Palace of Knossos or Samaria Castle. This will save time and avoid disappointment.
X Wild parking
Don’t just park anywhere! Especially in small villages and at popular beaches. Respect the parking regulations and use the designated parking spaces to avoid getting a ticket and to support the local infrastructure.
✓ Olive oil tours:
On one of these tours, you can learn all about the cultivation and production of the world-famous Cretan olive oil. Many tours also offer tastings – a real treat!
✓ Get up early
Visit the Palace of Knossos early in the morning to avoid the greatest heat and crowds of tourists. This will let you explore this historic site in peace.
FAQs about your vacation on Crete
There are two international airports on Crete. Heraklion International Airport is the main airport on the island. Another airport is Chania International Airport in the west of the island.
Crete is the largest island in Greece and is located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea.
Everywhere on Crete has its own highlights. Chania is ideal for history and beach fans. Heraklion is the place for culture. Rethymno offers a mix of history and beach life. Agios Nikolaos and Plakias are famous for their relaxed atmosphere and beautiful beaches.
Did you know?
Greek mythology claims that Crete was the home of the first robot, called Talos. Talos was a huge bronze man who guarded the island and scared away invaders by distributing burning hot embraces.
