It's clear why Crete attracts visitors, considering its food, resorts, beaches, and family-friendly activities.
The two biggest cities of the island-Heraklion and Chania-hold a façade of modernity with the air of antiquity hiding beneath it all. While Heraklion is more of a metropolis teeming with traffic, cement, and dust, it does hold a few gems of Venetian architecture like the Koules Fortress on the old port, as well as one of the best archaeological museums of Greece. This museum alone, paired with a visit to the archaeological site of the Knossos Palace (on the city's outskirts), will give you a rich knowledge of Minoan culture. The port of Chania is a bit more charming in appearance with beautiful Venetian architecture wherever you turn. Here you can explore the old Venetian Harbor and lighthouse, visit the maritime museum of Crete, of get lost on one of the nearby beaches.
Other popular attractions on Crete include the Venetian castle at Rethymno, the gorge of Samaria, the islands of Chrysi, Elafonisi, Gramvousa, and Spinalonga and the Palm Beach of Vai, which is the largest natural palm forest in Europe.
Outside of the city sights, Crete has a few attractions that appeal to the naturalists out there. Just east of Heraklion on the north side of Crete sits the town of Chersonisos, which houses the Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre. A Travelers' Choice 2015 winner on TripAdvisor, this marine rescue center is home to some of the local sea life and reptiles from all over. The center offers a unique aquarium experience in that hands-on interaction with many of the animals is encouraged.
As far as beaches go, one of the most beautiful on Crete is Elafonissi Beach located on the west end of the island. It is actually an island just off of Crete's southwestern corner, and much of its pristine condition is due to its status as a protected nature reserve. The surrounding area is a turquoise lagoon with white sandy beaches, and shallow waters so calm that you can walk across the sea from Crete to Elafonissi. Another breathtaking place by the sea is Balos Beach and Lagoon, on the northwest corner of Crete. Similar to Elafonissi, the waters are shallow and turquoise and the beaches are white and sandy. There is also an area just past the lagoon good for snorkeling, and it is closer to civilization for those wanting to be close to amenities.
Museums and Attractions:
When people think of Crete, they often think of its famous museums and landmarks. The island is filled with archeological sites including the famous Palace of Knossos. While most people come to Crete for the natural beauty, in the cities you'll find some great museums and landmarks.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
One of the most sought-after experiences in Crete is scuba diving. The island is surrounded by clear waters that make for great snorkeling and diving. There's a number of beautiful fish and other sea life that you can see. Be on the lookout for crabs, sea stars, sponges, and even octopi.
Beaches:
Plenty of travelers choose Crete as their beach retreat. There are some of the best beaches in the world on Crete. The areas around Chania have some of the island's best beaches, with one of the most beautiful being Balos. On the northern side of the island, be on the lookout for strong winds, particularly in August, which can make for larger waves. The island is large, so you'll find everything from secluded and quiet beaches to more active and lively places.
Hiking:
Hiking in and around Crete is absolutely fantastic. The island is filled with beautiful hikes that run along the shoreline or head inland through the island's beautiful landscapes. There are hikes for every ability level that offer spectacular views and an incredible experience.
A nice way to explore destinations in Crete is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Wine & Olive Oil Tour with lunch at the White Mountains for $153 details
- All Inclusive Full-day Private Tour of Crete Villages from Chania for $269 details
- Private Tour-Knossos Palace Zeus Cave Olive Oil Mill & Wine for $80 details
We found it to be one of the more affordable Greek islands. There's a mix of resorts and hotels and each offers a different experience.