Located in the Aegean Sea, about 100 miles south of mainland Greece, Crete is the largest Greek island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. And, it should definitely be on your Greece itinerary!
Crete’s mix of incredible mountain ranges, fertile plains, gorgeous beaches, dramatic gorges, charming towns, and delicious local cuisine make it a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts and foodies alike.
My friends, Courtney, Kristen, and Stephanie, and my boyfriend, Tim, and I spent two days on Crete and had a fabulous time exploring some of what this beautiful island has to offer. Read on to discover where to stay on Crete, how to get around Crete, some of the best things to do on Crete, Crete weather, and more. Let’s go!
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Intro to Crete, Greece
Known for its philoxenia, i.e. tradition of Cretan hospitality, Crete is a popular tourist destination and the perfect place to spend a couple of days during your Greece vacation.
It’s often considered the birthplace of European civilization and was home to various civilizations throughout its history. These include the Minoans, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans, all of which left their marks on the island’s architecture, culture, and society.
The island is also said to be the birthplace of Zeus, the “King of the Gods” in Greek mythology, and is the center of numerous other myths and legends—more on these later!
Crete Weather
The island of Crete has a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, but Crete weather varies by season and region, as Crete has both coastal areas and mountainous regions.
If you’re interested in beach visits and other outdoor activities on Crete, the best time to visit is from late spring through early autumn. We visited the first weekend of September, and the weather was beautiful, so we can attest that this is a great time to visit Crete!
Spring (March-May) on Crete is mild, with temperatures ranging from 59-77°F, and brings sunshine and fresh blooms. Summer (June-August) on Crete is hot, dry, and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 77-95°F, and is the busiest time for tourists. And, autumn (September-November) on Crete brings slightly cooler temperatures, around 68-86°F in September and 59-68°F by November, with increasing rainfall.
Though winters (December-February) on Crete are mild, with temperatures ranging between 50-61°F, winter also brings frequent rain showers, especially in January and February, and snowfall in some of the island’s mountainous regions.
Crete Languages
The island of Crete is part of Greece, so the primary language spoken on the island is Greek, specifically Modern Greek in the Cretan dialect.
However, since Crete is a popular tourist destination, English is also widely spoken, and German, French, and Italian are also common, especially in tourist areas.
Crete Currency
The Euro (€) is the official currency used on the island of Crete. ATMs are widely available, and credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash just in case.
A Broad Recommendation: If you plan on renting a car, be sure to check if the rental company is cash-only and ensure that you have enough cash to cover the cost. You may also want to have cash handy for tips, tours, transfers, small souvenirs, etc.
How Many Days to Stay on Crete
We only had two full days on Crete, since we’d already spent three days in Nice, France and taken a day trip to Monaco, and we planned to spend time on Santorini and in Athens before heading back to Nice. However, Crete is quite diverse and could very well be a whole trip of its own!
With two days on Crete, you can visit a couple of Crete’s larger cities and see a few of Crete’s major attractions, like the Palace of Knossos, Chania’s Venetian Harbor, Rethymnon Old Town, and one or more of Crete’s beautiful beaches.
If you have more time on Crete, you can take a day trip to Samaria Gorge, Agios Nikolaos, or Spinalonga Island. This also gives you more time to relax on Crete’s beaches, to explore more of Crete’s archaeological ruins and museums, and to visit some of Crete’s more remote areas or lesser-visited regions like the Lasithi Plateau, Sitia, or Zakros.
That being said, there’s a lot to see on Crete, so you’ll have a good excuse to go back someday no matter how long you stay!
Where to Stay on Crete
We stayed in Airbnbs in both Chania and Heraklion during our time on Crete, and both locations were perfect for all of the activities we had planned.
We flew into Chania Airport after our time in Nice, France, and this is where we started our adventures on Crete! Nestled in the Cretan countryside, Aphrodite Luxury Villa is a comfortable and spacious home with a lovely, green garden and a private pool.
The villa is within driving distance of some of Crete’s best beaches, as well as Chania’s Old Town, and since we rented a car, we had no problem getting from one attraction to the next. The villa itself is beautiful, the hosts were kind and accommodating, and we loved our stay so much that we hope to stay here again someday!
A couple days later, we made our way from Chania to Heraklion, where we stayed at the quaint and quirky Honeybee House. Named after its location on Beehive Lane, the home is situated in the historic and lively center of Heraklion and features a large sun terrace with views of the sea and the Natural History Museum of Crete.
This home was perfect for our stay, as it’s a short drive from the ferry port, where we dropped off our rental car and headed off to Santorini the next morning. And, again, the hosts were absolutely fabulous!
The Cats of Crete
While on Crete, you’ll likely see lots of cats roaming freely, including around your hotel or Airbnb, near historic ruins, and at the beaches.
On Crete, and in Greece in general, cats are cherished members of the community and are considered to be free spirits and symbols of good fortune. Many locals leave out food and water for them, and I loved finding and interacting with as many of them as possible!
Getting Around Crete
Though the island has a well-developed transportation network, the best way to get around Crete is by car. The island is roughly 162-miles-long, and Crete’s main attractions are spread out across the island. However, it’s important to note that some roads are narrow and winding, particularly in rural and mountainous areas, and parking in cities like Chania and Heraklion can be difficult, especially during peak tourist season.
A Broad Recommendation: Rent a car prior to your visit through AutoRentals Crete to ensure a seamless experience. Someone will be waiting for you at the Chania Airport, ready to pick you up and to start the car rental process.
If you’d prefer not to rent a car, Crete has an extensive and reliable bus network (KTEL), which is a cost-effective way to travel between cities and to popular attractions. Buses between Chania and Heraklion run frequently, and the journey takes between 2.5 to 3 hours.
Taxis are also widely available on Crete and are a convenient option for shorter rides. That being said, taxis are typically more expensive, and you should always ask for the fare in advance or make sure the meter is running to ensure you don’t get ripped off.
For exploring small towns, motorbike, scooter, and bicycle rentals are also available, though these aren’t viable options for long-distance travel or rugged terrain.
Finally, some private tours offer transportation around the island and are especially popular in Crete’s major cities like Chania and Heraklion. Viator and GetYourGuide offer some great options if you prefer to go this route.
2-Day Crete Itinerary
A visit to Crete promises an exciting journey through ancient ruins, stunning beaches, mountain landscapes, and picturesque towns, and we tried to explore as much as possible during our two days on Crete. Here’s the 2-day itinerary we followed during our time in Crete, including the day we arrived and the day we departed from Crete.
Day 1:
- Fly from Nice, France to Chania, Greece
- Pick up rental car (book in advance)
- Check in to hotel or Airbnb in Chania
- Tour & tasting at Manousakis Winery
Day 2:
- Breakfast at Tsatsaronakis Mihalis Bakery
- Falassarna Beach
- Lunch & tour at Biolea Astrikas Estate
- Olive Tree of Vouves
- Old Venetian Harbor of Chania
- Chania Old Town
Day 3:
- Check out of hotel or Airbnb in Chania
- Breakfast at Platanias Bakery
- Rethymnon Old Town
- Lunch at Remezzo Seafood Restaurant
- Check in to hotel or Airbnb in Heraklion
- Palace of Knossos
- Dinner at Xylouris Traditional Tavern
Day 4:
- Check out of hotel or Airbnb in Heraklion
- Ferry from Crete to Santorini
Of course, this Crete itinerary only offers a small taste of what this incredible island has to offer and can be tailored to your own preferences. The options here are truly endless!
Things to Do on Crete
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, which means that there are lots of things to do on Crete! Here’s what we did during our time on Crete.
Chania
We started our visit to Crete in Chania, the second-largest city on the island, and had the most wonderful time exploring some of what this part of the island has to offer!
Situated on Crete’s northwest coast, Chania is known for its picturesque Venetian Harbor, quaint Old Town, breathtaking beaches, well-preserved monuments dating back to the Venetian, Ottoman, and Neoclassical periods, and more.
Let’s dive into our recommendations for some of the best things to do in Chania.
Manousakis Winery
Nestled in the foothills of the mountains, just 20 minutes outside of Chania city center, Manousakis Winery is a boutique winery that offers complimentary wine tours, a lovely tasting terrace, and a taverna with local dishes that pair perfectly with their nostos wines.
The island of Crete is a major producer of olive oil, citrus fruits, and garden vegetables, and wine-making is a strong tradition and way of life on Crete. Manousakis Winery honors this tradition by producing 150,000 bottles of handcrafted, organic wine each year and sharing their love of wine with the world.
We visited Manousakis Winery on our first night in Chania and had a great experience! The tour was interesting, the wine tasting and all of the food we tried were delicious, and the service was excellent.
A Broad Recommendation: Be sure to make a reservation in advance for tours, wine tasting, and/or lunch or dinner to secure your spot. Tours are offered at 12:00, 2:00, 4:00, 6:00 & 8:00 pm each day.
Hours:
- May 20 – October 13: Monday to Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 pm
- October 14 – November 17: Monday to Saturday: 12:00 – 6:00 pm
- Closed on Sundays
Falassarna Beach
For our first full day on Crete, we were excited to relax! We’d already spent several days traveling and were ready for a morning on the beach.
Located on the western coast of Crete, Falassarna Beach is a slice of paradise and one of the best beaches in Chania. It’s known for its clear, turquoise waters, powdery white sands, peaceful atmosphere, and beautiful sunsets, and we can attest that this is one of the most beautiful beaches any of us have ever visited!
For your relaxing beach day, you can rent a sunbed or cabana or simply find a comfy spot on the sand (which is what we did!). Note that Falassarna Beach is also well-equipped with restaurants, restrooms, and several large parking areas, so you’ll have everything you need.
If you’re looking to do something more adventurous, you can try some water sports like surfing, kitesurfing, snorkeling, or paddleboarding; attend an exciting beach party; or explore ruins from the Hellenistic period, like those of the ancient city of Falassarna.
Biolea Astrikas Estate
After a beautiful morning on the beach, we made our way back to our Chania Airbnb to get ready for our afternoon at Biolea Astrikas Estate. Located in the small village of Astrikas, Biolea is a family-owned company specializing in the artisan production of organic olive oil via millstones and presses.
Though more labor intensive and specialized, this method ensures the highest quality olive oil with maximum nutrition benefits, in addition to a mild, sweet taste.
The Astrikas Estate is open to visitors, and they offer a complimentary tour (but you need to book it in advance). The restaurant is active during the summer months, but tables are limited, so be sure to make a reservation for that as well.
We had an incredible time at Biolea Astrikas Estate and would rank this as one of our favorite things to do on Crete! The tour was informative and interesting, and the food was completely out of this world. In fact, we loved it so much that we all ordered some Biolea olive oil when we got back to the U.S.!
Hours:
- April – October: Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Closed on Mondays
Olive Tree of Vouves
Our tour guide at Biolea Astrikas Estate mentioned that we needed to see the oldest olive tree in the world, which is located on Crete, so that’s what we did next!
Located in the village of Ano Vouves, the Olive Tree of Vouves is considered one of the oldest trees in the world and was declared a Natural Monument in 1997. Scientists estimate the tree to be at least 2,000 years old, but some say it could be as old as 4,000 years—wow!
Fun fact: the Olive Tree of Vouves still produces olives to this day—how cool is that? And, branches from the tree were used in the victors’ wreaths in the 2004 Athens Olympics and 2008 Beijing Olympics.
A Broad Recommendation: We agree that the tree is worth a quick stop, but the route between Biolea Astrikas Estate and the Olive Tree of Vouves requires a bit of offroading and is quite an adventure, so just be prepared.
Old Venetian Harbor of Chania
Next, we made our way to the Old Venetian Harbor of Chania, or more simply, the Venetian Harbor. The Venetian Harbor is one of the most picturesque and iconic landmarks in Chania and one of the best things to do on Crete.
Built during the Venetian occupation of the island in the 14th century, the port served as a major maritime hub and key military center, and is a beautiful blend of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek architecture.
It features a long sea wall, one of the oldest lighthouses in the world, a dusky-pink, 17th-century mosque, historic, Venetian-style buildings, and lots of cafes, restaurants, and shops along the waterfront.
The Venetian Harbor is the perfect spot to end your day on Crete and to take a leisurely stroll, to grab a bite to eat, and to enjoy the beautiful sunset views on Crete.
Fun fact: If you’re a fan of the reality TV show Below Deck Mediterranean, you might recognize the yacht “Home”, which was featured on Season 7 and retained its real name on the show.
Chania Old Town
After strolling along the waterfront, you’ll want to explore the narrow, winding streets, bustling squares, and traditional Cretan houses of the Old Town of Chania, which extends inland, just behind the Venetian Harbor.
The area historically served as the residential and commercial center of Chania during both the Venetian and Ottoman periods, and its architecture reflects its long history, with influences from each.
Though, we only had time to grab some gelato and to do a little souvenir shopping before heading back to our Airbnb for the night, you could easily spend an entire day here popping into shops, trying local specialties at the cafes and restaurants, and checking out some of the area’s fascinating museums.
Other Things to Do in Chania
If you have more time in Chania, you may consider checking out Elafonisi Beach and Balos Lagoon, which are other popular beaches on the western coast of Crete.
You could also consider taking a day trip from Chania to Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest gorges, or hiking some of the other trails in Chania like the Imbros Gorge, Richtis Gorge, or the E4 European long-distance path.
If you’re a history buff, you may want to leave time for the Chania Archaeological Museum, which displays artifacts from ancient Crete, specifically from the Minoan, Hellenistic, and Roman eras; the Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Collection of Chania, which is housed in the monastery of San Salvatore; or the Firka Fortress, which now hosts the Maritime Museum of Crete.
Rethymnon
The next morning, we checked out of our Airbnb in Chania and grabbed breakfast at Platanias Bakery, before starting our drive to Heraklion. Along the way from Chania to Heraklion, we stopped in Rethymnon, Crete’s third-largest city and the next destination on our 2-day Crete itinerary.
Rethymnon is a coastal city, known for its well-preserved Old Town, beautiful beaches, and one of the largest and most impressive fortifications on Crete. Here’s how we spent our afternoon in Rethymnon.
Rethymnon Old Town
Rethymnon is separated into two distinct areas, the Old Town and the New Town. We spent our afternoon exploring Rethymnon Old Town, which sits on Palaiokastro Hill, a small cape jutting out into the Cretan Sea.
Rethymnon Old Town is a lovely and historic district that’s known for its well-preserved Venetian and Ottoman architecture. In fact, it’s one of the best-preserved medieval towns on Crete!
Most of Rethymnon’s most popular landmarks are located in the Old Town, including an Egyptian lighthouse from the 1830s; the Fortezza of Rethymnon, a massive 16th-century, Venetian fortress; the Venetian Loggia, an elegant, 16th-century building used as a meeting place for Venetian nobility and later converted into a mosque; Rimondi Fountain, a fountain built in the 1600s to provide fresh drinking water; various other churches and mosques; and more!
Lunch at Remezzo Seafood Restaurant
Rethymnon Old Town also has lots of traditional tavernas, cafes, and restaurants where you can try some authentic Cretan cuisine. The Venetian Harbor, in particular, is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing lunch at a seaside taverna, and we did just that at Remezzo Seafood Restaurant.
Remezzo Seafood Restaurant offers a nice view of the harbor and lighthouse and yummy seafood, like the seafood spaghetti that Tim and I ordered, in addition to various Mediterranean, Greek, vegetarian, and vegan dishes.
Although the restaurant has some bad reviews on Google (which we didn’t realize until after we sat down), we had a good experience here. Note that they were rebranding at the time of our visit, which may have contributed to our positive experience.
Other Things to Do in Rethymnon
We only spent a couple hours in Rethymnon, as we made our way from Chania to Heraklion. If you have more time, you might consider spending the afternoon at Rethymno Beach or Koumbes Beach, both of which boast crystal clear waters and golden sand.
You may also want to check out one or more of Rethymnon’s popular museums, like the Rethymnon Archaeological Museum, which showcases artifacts from the Minoan, Roman, and Byzantine periods, or the Historical and Folklore Museum, which features Cretan crafts, textiles, and folk art.
Heraklion
After our drive from Chania and our afternoon in Rethymnon, we made our way to Heraklion to check in to our next Airbnb and to visit the Palace of Knossos, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece (and some might argue, in the entire world!).
Heraklion is the largest city on Crete and the fourth-largest city in Greece. It’s also a major commercial hub and the island’s primary gateway to mainland Greece and the other Greek islands, due to its bustling port and international airport.
Heraklion’s history dates back to ancient times, and there are lots of interesting things to do in Heraklion. The city is particularly known for its Venetian and Ottoman architecture, vibrant cultural life, and various historical landmarks.
Unfortunately, we only had an afternoon and evening in Heraklion, but we enjoyed what little time we did have here!
Palace of Knossos
The Palace of Knossos, or more simply, Knossos Palace, is the largest and most famous archaeological site on Crete and one of the best things to do on Crete. In my opinion, Knossos Palace is an absolute must-see for all first time visitors to Crete, as it offers a glimpse into one of the most advanced civilizations of the ancient world.
Located near the modern city of Heraklion, Knossos Palace was the heart of the Minoan civilization, the earliest known advanced society in Europe, from around 2000 to 1400 BC.
The multi-storied palace was constructed around 1900 BC and covered an area of more than 200,000 square feet. It had more than 1,000 rooms, including royal chambers, storerooms, workshops, and ceremonial spaces, and showcased the civilization’s advanced engineering techniques, with innovations like running water, drainage systems, and colorful frescoes adorning the walls.
Around 1450 BC, Knossos Palace was severely damaged, likely due to earthquakes and the volcanic eruption of Santorini, and was abandoned by 1100 BC, marking the end of the Minoan civilization. It wasn’t until the early 20th century when the site was excavated by British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, who controversially reconstructed some parts of the palace, giving visitors an idea of what it might have looked like in ancient times.
Give yourself around 2-3 hours to explore the site and consider getting a tour guide to enhance your experience. A guide will explain the significance of the site, its architecture, and its role in Minoan culture and mythology, and can help bring to life the famous myths connected to Knossos, like the story of the Minotaur, King Minos, and the Labyrinth.
A Broad Recommendation: When you approach Knossos Palace, there will be lots of tour guides waiting outside. Don’t be afraid! A woman approached us, and we were hesitant at first but ended up agreeing to a tour. It was €80 for all five of us plus a €20 tip at the end—and, it was incredible! We had a great time exploring the palace, while learning some of its history along the way, and I don’t think we would’ve had nearly the same experience touring the palace on our own.
If you’d prefer to pre-book a tour, I researched some options before our trip: Guided Tour in Knossos Palace, Knossos Palace Skip-the-Line Guided Walking Tour, and the Knossos Palace Skip-the-Line Ticket & Private Guided Tour.
Hours:
- 8:00 am – 6:30 pm
- Last entrance at 5:00 pm
Note that we visited in the late afternoon, but both late afternoon and early morning are great times to visit to avoid the heat and crowds. There’s free parking adjacent to the site.
Dinner at Xylouris Traditional Tavern
We ended our last day on Crete with a hearty dinner at Xylouris Traditional Tavern.
Situated by the coast, at the end of the Venetian Walls in Heraklion, Xylouris Traditional Tavern is a family-run restaurant that focuses on traditional Cretan recipes, cooked with local ingredients and meraki, i.e. soul and love.
All of Xylouris’ dishes are homemade, using authentic flavors of traditional Cretan cuisine. And, the restaurant offers a wide variety of meats, its specialty being antikristo, which is prepared using the ancient Cretan method of roasting meat in front of a fire.
A Broad Recommendation: The portions are large and served family-size, so be sure not to over order like we did! We had way too much food and unfortunately weren’t able to finish everything.
Other Things to Do in Heraklion
If you have more time, there are lots of other things to do in Heraklion. Here are some of the things we’d like to check out during our next trip to Heraklion:
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum: one of the most significant museums in Greece, which hosts one of the most comprehensive collections of Minoan artifacts in the world
- Koules Fortress: a massive fort built by the Venetians in the 16th century that offers stunning views of the city and the sea
- Venetian Walls: well-preserved fortifications constructed to defend Heraklion from Ottoman forces (and some of the most impressive in the Mediterranean)
- Historical Museum of Crete: a museum focused on Crete’s history from the early Christian era to the modern period, with exhibits on Cretan art, culture, and history
- Loggia: a beautiful Venetian building, which is now Heraklion’s Town Hall
- Bembo Fountain: a large, stone fountain from the 1550s that overlooks Cornaro Square and is decorated with a headless statue and the Venetian coats of arms
- Lions Square: known for its incredible Morosini Fountain, this busy and vibrant area of Heraklion is surrounded by cafes, shops, and restaurants
- Central Market (Agora): this bustling market offers fresh produce and traditional Cretan products like olive oil, honey, herbs, and cheeses
- Ammoudara Beach: a long, sandy beach located just outside the city center
- Phaistos: another significant Minoan archaeological site, which offers fascinating ruins and stunning views of the Messara Plain
- Archanes Village: a charming village known for its traditional architecture, wineries, and tavernas and authentic Cretan feel
Agios Nikolaos
Though we weren’t able to visit during our two days on Crete, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Agios Nikolaos, since there are lots of fun things to do here as well!
Located on eastern Crete, Agios Nikolaos is a picturesque coastal city known for its scenic lake, waterfront restaurants, and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
The name Agios Nikolaos comes from Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors and all of Greece. Dating back to the 7th century, the small Byzantine Church of Agios Nikolaos is the town’s namesake and is located on a hill overlooking the bay.
The town itself sits partially upon the ruins of the ancient city of Lato pros Kamara and is home to an extensive Roman cemetery, in addition to a nearby archaeological site from ancient Priniatikos Pyrgos.
For history buffs, the Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos showcases artifacts from the Minoan, Roman, and Byzantine periods, many of which were discovered in nearby archaeological sites on eastern Crete. Highlights include sculptures, pottery, and a collection of ancient jewelry, offering a small glimpse into Crete’s ancient history.
Other popular tourist attractions include Lake Voulismeni, a deep, freshwater lake that’s said to be bottomless and is associated with the goddess Athena; Agios Nikolaos’ harbor, which is a major hub for fishing boats, yachts, and ferry connections, and home to a waterfront promenade, lined with cafes, tavernas, and boutiques; Mirabello Bay, a calm bay that’s perfect for water sports; Kitroplatia Square, a lively area in the Old Town of Agios Nikolaos near the port; and some nearby beaches, like Almyros Beach, Ammoudi Beach, and Havania Beach.
There are also several easy and interesting day trips from Heraklion, including:
- Ancient Lato: Set on a hill with panoramic views, Lato is one of the best-preserved ancient cities on Crete (and was one of the most important Dorian cities of ancient Crete). Here, visitors can explore the ruins of the city’s agora, temples, and homes.
- Spinalonga: Just a short boat ride from Agios Nikolaos, Spinalonga is a small island with a fascinating history. It was originally a Venetian fortress and later served as a leper colony. Spinalonga’s well-preserved fortifications and tragic past make it a popular historical site for visitors. The island was also the setting for Victoria Hislop’s bestselling novel “The Island“, which has brought even more attention to the island.
- Elounda: Located just north of Agios Nikolaos, Elounda is a luxurious resort town with stunning beaches and upscale hotels.
- Kritsa: Just a 15-minute drive from Agios Nikolaos, the mountain village of Kritsa offers a traditional Cretan atmosphere, narrow streets, and locally made handicrafts. Here, visitors can explore the nearby Panagia Kera Church, which contains some of the most important Byzantine frescoes on Crete.
Now, you can probably see why Agios Nikolaos is one of Crete’s most popular tourist destinations. Hopefully we can make it here next time!
Well, there you have it! We had a wonderful time during our two days on Crete, though we’d love to go back and see more whenever the opportunity arises. Where would you be most interested in spending your time on Crete?
XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads