Situated in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, Crete is a vibrant and diverse Greek island that attracts travellers from across the globe with its breathtaking landscapes. Home to striking mountainous terrain, stretches of glittering coastline and fascinating ancient sites, Crete offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and culture, making it an irresistible destination for European travel.
There are endless possibilities for adventure in Crete; uncover the island’s remarkable Minoan history with royal palaces dating back to 1700 BCE, savour authentic Greek dishes in a traditional seafront taverna, and take a stroll along beautiful pink-sand beaches. Whether you’re embarking on a fun family holiday, a relaxing group getaway or a romantic couples retreat, there’s something for every traveller to enjoy in Crete.
To help you plan the ultimate Cretian escape, we’ve curated a list of the very best activities on offer. From hidden gems to iconic attractions, we’ve covered it all!
Dive into this guide to discover the best things to do in Crete for an unforgettable Greek holiday.
Crete has a long and fascinating history, blending influences from ancient civilizations, Venetian rule and the Ottoman Empire, making it a melting pot of culture. If you love learning about the past, here are some of the best areas in Crete that you should explore for a trip filled with historical discovery.
Knossos Palace is an elaborate Minoan structure located near Heraklion in the north of Crete and is one of the island’s most significant archaeological sites. Dating back to the New Palatial period, around 1700 BCE, this magnificent structure showcases the skill of ancient Minoan civilizations, one of Europe’s earliest advanced societies. Enjoy a tour of the palace grounds, winding through the labyrinth interior and regal throne room for an insight into Greek history. As one of the most popular tourist attractions in Crete, Knossos Palace is a must for history enthusiasts.
Rethymno Old Town is a charming and well-preserved historical region in the city of Rethymno on the northern coast of Crete. Having been under Venetian rule for over 400 years, followed by a takeover from the Ottoman Empire, this town offers a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage. Admire the classical Venetian architecture and mosques that dot the cobblestone streets, or explore the magnificent fortress that surrounds the coastline.
If you’re searching for things to do near Heraklion, the Gortyna Roman Ruins are an exceptional addition to your itinerary. The site is home to important religious buildings, including the Temple of Apollo, as well as a large basilica and impressive Roman theatre. A lesser-known gem in Crete, this archaeological site is perfect for historical exploration away from the busy tourist crowds of more well-known locations.
Spinalonga Island is one of the most intriguing tourist attractions in Crete with an important yet tragic history. In the early 20th century, the island transformed into a leper colony, and patients from the mainland were banished to the island until it closed in 1957. Visitors can take boat trips to the island from the nearby towns of Elounda or Agios Nikolaos to learn about the communities that once lived here and uncover poignant stories of its past.
The beaches of Crete are famed for their unparalleled beauty, with golden sands and turquoise waters offering endless opportunities for coastal fun. Unwind and relax on the island’s peaceful shores, or for adventure-seekers, there are plenty of watersport activities too! If you’re searching for the best beaches in Crete, here are three sun-kissed spots you don’t want to miss.
Located on the western coast of Crete in the town of Kissamos, Falasarna Beach is the perfect spot for relaxing. Set against a mountainous backdrop, the beach has a dramatic natural beauty and its vast shores ensure you never feel too crowded. The calm, shallow waters make it great for swimming, and the nearby beach bars provide sunbeds and umbrellas for a comfortable afternoon of sunbathing.
Mirabello Bay is a picturesque beach on the northeastern coast of Crete near the town of Agios Nikolaos. This serene coastal region is ideal for family days out, with a cove of aquamarine water and fun water sports activities. Take a boat trip out to sea and snorkel in hidden coves, paddleboard over the serene waves or enjoy speedboat tours for a hair-raising ride. There are plenty of things to do in Crete with kids, and going to Mirabello Bay is a great idea for a day of sun, fun and adventure!
Among the most unique things to do in Crete, visiting Elafonissi Beach stands out for its breathtaking pink sand and crystal-clear waters, making it feel like a true island paradise. Accessible from major towns like Chania, visitors can explore Elafonissi’s iconic rosy shores that get their distinctive colour from crushed coral, creating a romantic and tranquil ambience. Snorkel in the shallow waters, or explore the protected natural reserve to see nesting loggerhead turtles and rare plant life.
Crete’s landscapes are some of the most varied and dramatic in all of Greece, with towering mountains, lush valleys and rugged coastlines providing incredible hiking opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a hiking novice, the range of routes caters to all abilities. If you love the outdoors and want to experience the very best panoramic vistas, here are the top destinations for hiking activities in Crete.
Samaria Gorge is located in the White Mountains on the island’s southwestern coast, famed as one of the most beautiful places in Crete. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is part of the Samaria National Park and offers unforgettable hiking experiences through pine forests and vibrant flower fields. Along the 16-kilometre trail, you’ll descend past rocky cliffs and rushing streams where you can spot incredible wildlife, including the notorious wild goat.
Taking around 5-7 hours to complete, the trail is mostly downhill with some steeper sections and is open from May to October. For unparalleled views, make the journey early in the morning to catch the golden glow of sunrise.
Balos Lagoon is a famous beach on the northwestern coast of Crete near Kissamos, famous for its turquoise waters and mountainous scenery. Whilst many visitors enjoy relaxing on the white sands, the hike down to Balos is an incredible experience and makes the coastal finish line all the more rewarding.
Starting in Kaliviani Village, the trail takes you on a journey spanning 8 kilometres through rocky pathways down to the lagoon. The hilltop start point is one of the most photographed spots in Crete, offering picture-perfect vistas of the green-blue waters. Be sure to stop at the Gramvousa Peninsula, a site of ancient ruins that you can explore along the way for a blend of history and natural beauty.
Greece is renowned worldwide for its culinary heritage, combining simple recipes with fresh Mediterranean ingredients to create irresistible dishes. Feta cheese, tzatziki, gyros and sweet baklava are mouthwatering Greek delicacies bursting with flavour and are served in many traditional restaurants.
Both Chania and Agios Nikolaos are vibrant Cretian towns with thriving food scenes. Offering unique dining settings and regional dishes, these are two of the best areas in Crete for incredible gastronomic experiences.
Chania is a picturesque town on the northwestern coast of Crete known for its charming harbour and colourful seafront terraces. It is home to a range of eating spots, combining traditional Cretan flavours with influences from its Venetian and Ottoman past. Roam the stunning harbour lined with restaurants that offer unobstructed views of the lighthouse and the Mediterranean Sea. Here, visitors can pair fresh seafood and raki wine for an authentic dining experience.
One of the best things to do in Chania is explore the Splantiza district, a quiet and historic area southeast of the harbour home to a range of rustic eateries. Enjoy heart-warming dishes in traditional tavernas, or stop by a street-side cafe for a lunchtime bite away from busy crowds.
The aromas of freshly baked goods spill from the bakeries along Chalidon Street in the heart of the Old Town, and visitors can sample the flavours of bougatsa or phyllo pastries. Notice the fusion of Mediterranean, Turkish and Moroccan delights as you eat your way around this culturally diverse region of Chania.
Agios Nikolaos is situated on the northeastern coast of Crete and is famous for its relaxed atmosphere and charming lagoon lake. If you’re searching for the best places to go in Crete for a quiet escape, this is the ideal Greek destination. Promising a vibrant culinary scene, there are plenty of spectacular restaurants to choose from.
Lake Voulismeni is found in the heart of the Old Town, perfect for couples with its romantic ambience and peaceful lakefront views. Share fantastic appetizers like bread, olive oil and fresh tomatoes at a candle-lit table beneath the starry night sky. Afterwards, enjoy a scenic boat ride around the lake to soak in the romantic atmosphere.
Venture to Kitrilakis Street for casual eateries, perfect for grabbing a quick bite to eat before heading into the town centre to do some shopping in artisanal boutiques. Treat your taste buds with local sweets like loukoumades, honey-drenched doughnuts, or sfakianakis, a sweet and savoury pancake.
If you’re a true foodie, you’ll want to explore the nearby village of Elounda. Just 10 kilometres from Agios Nikolaos, this charming region is especially popular for its luxury restaurants. Indulge in an evening of fine dining on an upscale roof terrace, offering traditional dishes with a modern twist for a bespoke dining experience.
Crete is a diverse and beautiful island that offers something for everyone – history enthusiasts, beach lovers, foodies and adventurers alike. Far more than just a holiday destination, Crete is a haven of natural beauty, a time capsule of ancient history and a hotspot for exceptional culinary experiences.
Venture to the mountainous peaks of Samaria Gorge for unmatched panoramic vistas, spend an afternoon relaxing on the pink shores of Elafonissi Beach, dine in traditional tavernas along Chania’s Venetian Harbour, or discover the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace.
Whatever experiences you’re seeking, whether it’s a romantic couples getaway or a family-friendly holiday, Crete caters to the desires and needs of every traveller.
With such a wide range of activities and attractions on offer, there’s always something more to discover in Crete, making it irresistible not to return.
Be sure to include these fantastic travel ideas in your next Cretian adventure, and check out our other blog posts on Backpacker Boy for more Greek destinations to add to your travel bucket list.
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