8 Things You Need to Do in Crete
Befitting an island that’s the largest in Greece, Crete has innumerable fun things to do. Beautiful beaches, rich history, world-class cuisine—there’s something here for every type of traveler.
So myriad are the options, in fact, that it would take far more than one vacation to explore everything. While there’s little doubt you’ll want to make a return trip to Crete, you only get one first visit. Spend it doing these eight essential things.
Tour the Palace of Knossos
The Minotaur from Greek lore was said to live in this Minoan palace, which dates to 7,000 BC. Admire the imposing columns, and wander through 1,500 rooms, many of which house captivating frescos.
The palace is a labyrinth, so make sure not to get lost. Guided tours will ensure you won’t while also helping to enrich your understanding of the structure’s rich history and mythology.
Visit History Museums
Follow up your visit to the Palace of Knossos with a tour of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, located only 3 miles away in Crete’s capital. Be sure not to miss the amazing Minoan artifact collection, which provides another layer of insight into ancient Greek history.
Also in Heraklion is the Historical Museum of Crete. Here, visitors can learn the story of Crete from the early Byzantine period to the modern era. Notable exhibits inside the small, but impressive museum include a pair of paintings by El Greco.
Hike Samaria Gorge
This natural wonder winds for 10 scenic miles through the southern White Mountains. Along the approximately six-hour trek, hikers pass between rock faces that are as little as 9 feet apart and as high as 1,600 feet. Gasp in awe at the dramatic views, and see if you can spot the kri-kri, the endangered Cretan mountain goat.
One of Europe’s longest gorges, Samaria Gorge ends in the picturesque village of Agia Roumeli. Grab a much-deserved dinner at a tavern there while enjoying views of both the sea and mountains.
Take a Boat Tour …
Steep elevation drops and treacherous mountain passes make driving along the coast of the island dangerous and challenging, so ditch your car and tour Crete’s beaches by boat. Local fishers offer informal tours in the warm-weather months. The tours stop at the most popular beaches on Crete’s southwestern coast. When you see one that catches your eye, simply hop off and enjoy.
… But Don’t Miss Elafonsi
The southwestern coast is replete with beautiful beaches, but none is more stunning than Elafonsi. Marvel at the beach’s sparkling, pink-tinted sand, which is composed of crushed shells, then gaze out at the clear, icy-blue Mediterranean waters. Where the sand and sea meet is a surreal, enchanting sight that can’t be experienced anywhere else.
Unfortunately, everyone knows about Elafonsi, so it can get crowded, especially during the summer. Travelers can either visit during the spring or fall, or simply move east or west down the beach away from the busier area near the parking lot.
Eat and Drink
Made using fresh, locally grown ingredients, Cretan cuisine is delightfully simple—and delicious. Greek-style bruschetta combines Crete’s succulent tomatoes with the island’s world-famous “liquid gold” olive oil, while creamy dairy delights like mizithra are delectable alternatives to the more popular Greek feta cheese.
There are countless places across the island to sample these and other tasty treasures, but foodies should make it a special point to visit Chania, the island’s culinary capital. Skip the tourist-trap restaurants located along the shore and instead wander inland to the city’s cafes and bistros. Seasonal, ever-changing menus are a surefire sign you’re at a spot that’s using the freshest ingredients.
After filling your stomach with delicious Cretan food, explore a raki festival. Kicking off in mid-October, the festivals are an opportunity to sample Crete’s signature alcoholic drink, a grappa-like beverage that’s sure to bring merriment.
Explore Spinalonga
Spinalonga was where Greeks with leprosy were quarantined for much of the 20th century. The conditions were abhorrent for the majority of that time, and the residents suffered greatly.
The island colony was closed in 1957, finally putting an end to a tragic story. But it’s a story that should never be forgotten. Along with ancient sites and museums, a visit to Spinalonga offers an immersive look at a heartbreaking, but nonetheless essential part of Cretan history.
Wander through Rethymno
The narrow, maze-like alleys in Rethymonon Old Town transport travelers back to the 11th century. There is some modernity, however, in the form of a flower-shaded café. While enjoying a drink, look out on Venetian Harbour, then climb a hill toward the Venetian Fortezza.
Built in the 16th century by the Venetian ruling class, the fortress was designed to prevent an Ottoman invasion. The Ottomans took the island anyway, and today the fortress grounds contain a mosque constructed during the 200 years of Turkish rule. There's also a 19th-century Greek church.