Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Crete?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Crete?
Many visitors spend five to seven days in Crete during their visit. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because there's so much to see and do. This island offers a number of attractions to explore, including the beaches, the restaurant scene, scuba diving and snorkeling, and the museums and landmarks.
Crete is the largest island in Greece. Many people believe it has some of the best beaches in the country. You'll find sandy shorelines that meet striking blue water. There are also cities that are filled with excellent restaurants and a world class nightlife scene.
Do you have one or two weeks to visit Crete? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one week enough time in Crete?
One week is more than enough for an in-depth trip to Crete, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Relax at the beach, taste delicious cuisine, go scuba diving or snorkeling, and browse the museums on your own schedule. Then, take some boat trips or day tours around the surrounding area.
How to spend a week in Crete
The beautiful beaches await you in Crete, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Sea Kayak & Snorkel tours in West Crete ($86)
- Land Rover Safari: Tripitis Gorge and Beach, South Crete ($103)
- Luxe boat trip on sailing catamaran, Heraklion, Crete ($82)
The delicious food of Crete is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this island's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. Local cuisine is influenced by the island's fertile environment and excellent agriculture. You'll find olive oil in most dishes and seafood is a major staple. You'll also find a lot of stews and recipes that incorporate local ingredients.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Olive Oil Tasting Tour ($18)
- Cooking Class and Meal at our Family Olive Farm (the Cretan Vibes Farm)! ($88)
- Chania Cooking Class-The Authentic Enjoy traditional Cretan meal ($121)
Public transit in Crete is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the island quite easily. There's a decent bus system that travels around the island and offers access to many areas.
Don't miss the Palace of Knossos during your trip to Crete, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
This island is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. The island has excellent nightlife with clubs and bars found in Chania, Malia and Stalis to Elounda. The area is popular with British tourists and you'll find many bars open until 2 or 3 in the morning.
Scuba diving and snorkeling around Crete is very popular. Spend the day exploring the beauty of the surrounding underwater world. 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Sea Kayak & Snorkel tours in West Crete ($86)
- Experience Scuba Diving in Heraklion Crete ($109)
- Scuba Diving for Beginners in Chania ($121)
Crete is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The island has some of the world's most beautiful beaches. The blue waters and striking landscapes make this a world class destination.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Luxe boat trip on sailing catamaran, Heraklion, Crete ($82)
- Knossos Palace Guided Walking Tour ($65)
- PRIVATE Spinalonga, Ag Nikolaos, Olive Oil Factory incl Boat ($148)
Plenty of amazing museums and famous landmarks make Crete a special place to visit. Spend at least one full day visiting the sights that are appealing to you. 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Knossos Palace Exclusive Tour (small group) ($104)
- Imbros Gorge - War Museum Askifou - Iligas Beach Private Tour ($184)
- Knossos Palace Guided Walking Tour ($65)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Known for it's hiking, Crete sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. 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 few tour suggestions include:
- Private River Trekking and Gorge Walking Adventure in Crete ($143)
- Hike Imbros gorge & explore Sfakia with lunch ($170)
- Hiking at Samaria, the longest Gorge in Europe! From Chania ($38)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Crete.
Shopping in Crete is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The island has many markets that sell local foods and handicrafts. There are also shops and boutiques where you can buy anything from souvenirs to homemade artwork.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
After you've explored most of Crete, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Spinalonga Island Day Trip with Lunch and Entrance fee included ($105)
- Private Therisos, Zourva and Meskla Day Trip from Chania ($125)
- Elafonissi Beach Crete Day Trip ($44)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Crete.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Crete?
Two weeks is more than enough time to see everything that Crete has to offer. Many visitors prefer to spend five to seven days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the beaches, the restaurant scene, scuba diving and snorkeling, and the museums and landmarks at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then take in a boat trip or day trip if you're looking to explore further around the island.
Heraklion, Crete, Greece
How to spend 2 weeks in Crete
With 2 weeks in Crete, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the island has to offer.
With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Crete, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Crete. Plenty of amazing options are available.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Crete.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Crete, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Crete.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Crete. Plenty of amazing options are available.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Crete.
With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Crete, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Crete, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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