Lonely Planet Crete

CRETE

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Welcome

Crete Map

Our PIcks

Regions & Cities

Itineraries

When to Go

Get Prepared for Crete

The Food Scene

The Outdoors

The Guide

Hania

Hania

Beyond Hania

Hora Sfakion

Beyond Hora Sfakion

Sougia

Beyond Sougia

Paleohora

Beyond Paleohora

Falasarna

Beyond Falasarna

Rethymno

Rethymno

Beyond Rethymno

Panormo

Beyond Panormo

Spili

Beyond Spili

Plakias

Beyond Plakias

Iraklio

Iraklio

Beyond Iraklio

Arhanes

Beyond Arhanes

Matala

Beyond Matala

Hersonisos

Beyond Hersonisos

Lasithi

Agios Nikolaos

Beyond Agios Nikolaos

Sitia

Beyond Sitia

Zakros

Ierapetra

Beyond Ierapetra

Lasithi Plateau

Toolkit

Arriving

Getting Around

Money

Accommodation

Family Travel

Health & Safe Travel

Food, Drink & Nightlife

Responsible Travel

LGBTIQ+ Travellers

Accessible Travel

Nuts & Bolts

Language

Storybook

A History of Crete in 15 Places

Natural Crete

Crete’s Minoans

Crete’s Proud Culture

Crete’s Soulful Music

This Book

CRETE

THE JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Agia Galini | SINA ETTMER PHOTOGRAPHY/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

I love Crete because it is so big and yet so small. It really is a huge little island, with natural beauty, ancient history, beaches, dramatic landscapes, ferry rides (did I say beaches?), impossibly appealing old towns and villages, fabulous walks and hikes... I could just go on and on, but then we wouldn't have time to mention the wonderful food and wines.

You can spend a week driving around this ever-changing landscape, where you can trade high mountain peaks for the sea lapping at your feet in only 15 minutes; and after exploring what feels like a continent's worth of sights, you realise that you've only driven 100km and your tank is still three-quarters full.

One day you're on a south coast ferry enjoying the sweep of sheer, multicoloured cliffs meeting the blue water and the next you're standing in awe of the Minoan wonders of Knossos. Crete can pack your days as full or as empty as you want.

Ryan Ver Berkmoes

Ryan is an author and writer covering news and travel. He's written over 130 guidebooks. @ryanb

AETHERIAL IMAGES/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

My favourite experience Getting lost in the lanes of the oldest parts of Hania (pictured above) and Rethymno, exclaiming over spectacular Venetian building details while bemused residents look on.

WHO GOES WHERE

Our second writer and expert chooses the place which, for them, defines Crete

Richtis Gorge | Nick Brundle Photography/shutterstock ©

Among Crete’s many famous gorges, Richtis Gorge on the north coast of Lasithi is an anomaly. Instead of rugged canyons patrolled by soaring birds of prey, it’s a lush ribbon cutting through forest that feels beamed in from the tropics. Flowering oleander bushes flank the peaceful trail, lizards scurry up carob trees and butterflies dance along a rushing brook leading to the big payoff: a year-round waterfall whose basin is perfect for a refreshing dip.

Andrea Schulte-Peevers

Andrea has written Lonely Planet guidebooks for a quarter of a century and is a destination expert on Crete, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, California and parts of the Caribbean.

Sandy Pleasures

Crete’s long northern and southern coasts are bookended by short eastern and western shorelines, all of which are accented by beaches large and small. No matter your tastes, you’ll find a patch of sand to suit your mood of the moment. Some are full-on scenes, with all services and plenty of water activities offshore. Others are mellow affairs with the odd lounger and a couple of tavernas. And yet others are wonderfully remote and all but untouched.

Falasarna Beach | Gatsi/getty images ©

Beach Season

Crete's beaches can be reliably enjoyed from May to September, although March, April, October and even November can also yield balmy days.

Centre: Thomas Kauroff/shutterstock ©

Remote Beaches

Crete’s southwest coast has oodles of beaches that can only be reached by boat. Catch one from bases such as Paleohora, Sougia and Hora Sfakion.

Gatsi/getty images ©

Beach Gear

Some Crete beaches are backed by rows of tavernas and lined with loungers. Others are blissfully wild, so always bring what you need.

Best beach experiences

1 Revel in pink sands and turquoise water at Elafonisi Beach, which extends across shallow isles and is Crete’s most magical beach.

2 Shade yourself under a palm tree at Vaï Beach, while watching out for falling dates in Europe’s largest native palm forest.

3 Hit Preveli Beach, Crete’s ‘other’ famous palm beach, at the confluence of river and sea amid cave-combed cliffs and overlooked by a 17th-century monastery.

4 For crowd-free tanning, head to the massive sand dunes at Agios Pavlos, which spill into this isolated southwest-coast beach.

5 Enjoy the waves at Falasarna Beach, then watch the sun slip from pink to gold on this long, sandy ribbon at Crete’s west end.

Ancient Wonders

Crete’s colourful history goes back 5000 years and is evident across the island, which is dotted with aeons-old palaces and Roman cities. Crete’s prominent place in world events begins with the illustrious Minoans, who were lording it over lavish palaces at a time when other Europeans were huddled in primitive huts. Crete’s strategic location in the middle of the Mediterranean was prized by ancient civilisations that left their mark in spectacular sites that continue to astound archaeologists.

Palace of Knossos | TIMOFEEV VLADIMIR/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

History – In Colour

Most archaeological sites feature uniform weathered white stones. But this monochromatic tableau belies their original palette of bold colours.

ARKADY ZAKHAROV/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Bronze Metals

Look for beautiful bronze creations dating back 3000 years at museums across the island. Crete was a thriving centre during the Bronze Age.

OLEKSANDR PANTIELIEIEV/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Take Cover

In summer you can easily get overheated clambering around Crete's ancient sites. Grab some shady relief in subterranean passages – and bring water!

Best Ancient experiences

1 Don’t miss the Palace of Knossos, Crete’s top-rated archaeological site.

2 And don’t pass on Phaestos, the most important Minoan complex after Knossos. It has awe-inspiring panoramas of the Messara Plain and Mt Psiloritis.

3 Imagine the spectacles witnessed in the amphitheatre at Aptera, a classical Greek and Roman city that reveals new wonders with each passing year.

4 Watch out for ancient marauders at Lato, a fortified Dorian hilltop city-state in a stunning setting. It’s one of Crete's best-preserved non-Minoan sites.

5 Trek Zakros Gorge, past Minoan burial caves, to reach the ruins of the small coastal palace at Kato Zakros.

Mountains & Gorges

There’s something undeniably dramatic in the way the Cretan landscape unfolds, from long beaches in the north to rugged gorges cleaving to the cove-carved, cliff-lined southern coast. In between, valleys cradle moody villages, and round-shouldered hills are the overture to often snow-dabbed mountains. It’s a nearly endless paradise for hikes and exploration.

Samaria Gorge | PROSLGN/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

No Sandals

Crete's tumultuous geography is not for the faint of footwear. Leave the flip-flops at the beach; wear serious shoes.

Stormy Weather

The island's higher elevations can be beset by storms blowing cold rain even in summer. Bring layers and waterproof protection.

Best Mountain & Gorge experiences

1 Keep your jaw in place at the gaping Samaria Gorge.

2 Get your Zeus on at famous Dikteon Cave.

3 Climb Mt Psiloritis, Crete’s highest peak.

4 Escape the crowds at Aradena Gorge.

5 Make the journey to the Lasithi Plateau via scenic access routes.

Unmissable Villages

Untouched by mass tourism, villages are the backbone of Cretan culture and identity – especially those tucked in the hills and mountains. The island's unique customs are still practised and traditions are part of daily life. Meet villagers gossiping in kafeneia (coffee houses), preparing their Easter feast, tending to their sheep or celebrating during Crete’s many festivals.

Take that Coffee Break

To savour the fabric of villages large and small, find the central square, pick a shady spot in a cafe and s-l-o-w d-o-w-n.

DZIEWUL/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Grab a Boat

The delightful seaside village of Agia Roumeli is one of several Cretan villages only reachable on foot or by boat. Enjoy a car-free retreat.

GEORGIOS TSICHLIS/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Leave the Car

Most villages have plenty of places to park on their outskirts. Don't get caught in narrow lanes, where pedestrians and stone buildings will imperil your sanity.

Best village experiences

1 Don’t miss the classic Crete village, Kritsa, clinging to the Dikti Mountains.

2 Devour trout while surrounded by rushing natural springs in Argyroupoli, an ancient mountain village built atop Roman ruins.

3 Try to find the best taverna at Mohlos, where Minoan antiquity meets waterfront vibes with some of Crete’s best seafood.

4 See if you can spot Africa from whitewashed Myrthios, draped across a mountainside high above the Libyan Sea.

5 Fall in love with Amari, in the heart of its namesake pastoral valley.

Rich History

Crete's incredible history started with the Minoans, classical Greeks and Romans. Its full sweep spans the centuries right up to the modern day. At the crossroads of three continents, Crete has been coveted and occupied by consecutive invaders. History imbues Hania and Rethymno, where labyrinthine lanes are dominated by mighty Venetian fortresses, and restored Renaissance mansions rub rafters with Turkish mosques and Ottoman bathhouses. Byzantine beauty is found in magnificent frescoed churches and monasteries.

Moni Arkadiou | GEORGIOS KRITSOTAKIS/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Don't Rush

The tangles of Hania's and Rethymno's old towns are not conducive to visitors in a hurry. Each requires at least a day of wandering.

NEIRFY/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Escape the Crowds

In high season, Crete's historic sights can seem like they're suffering yet another invasion. But choose a random alley or corner for solitude.

MATT MUNRO/LONELY PLANET ©

Local Goods

Skip the usual souvenirs and look for small shops selling genuine Cretan foods, wines and crafts. Gift shops at historic sites are often excellent sources.

Best History experiences

1 Get lost in the labyrinthine lanes of Rethymno’s old quarter, with its Renaissance-era buildings.

2 Peer into the Cretan soul at Moni Arkadiou. In 1866 hundreds of locals sheltering in the 16th-century complex blew themselves up rather than surrender to the Turks.

3 Journey to the one-time leper colony at Spinalonga Island. The ruins of Venetian fortifications star in the acclaimed novel The Island.

4 At Hania’s captivating harbour, historic townhouses rim the promenade and a magnificent breakwater juts into the Aegean.

5 Venture to the lonely 15th-century fortified monastery Moni Toplou. Its defences were tested by pirates, crusading knights and more.

Active Crete

Get outdoors and active in Crete to really experience the stunning island's rewards. Rugged terrain, muscular mountains, dramatic gorges and untamed coastline beyond the resorts make for an adventurer’s paradise. The relative ease of access to these splendid areas opens the door to just about every outdoor adventure you could set your sights on.

Balos | GEORGIOS TSICHLIS/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Rent Your Gear

Crete has no shortage of outlets for gear rental as well as experts and guides who can help with the most demanding pursuits.

Active Season

April to October are the best months for activities. In winter, gear rental shops are mostly closed and the weather may preclude some pursuits.

Best active experiences

1 Trek south to the Libyan Sea through the tree-lined close quarters of Aradena Gorge.

2 Strap on your helmet and cycle among the orchards, fields and windmills of the lush Lasithi Plateau.

3 Fire up the adrenaline as you rock-climb around the cliffs and clefts of Kapetaniana.

4 Catch Crete’s wildest winds at Kouremenos Beach, the island’s top windsurfing spot.

5 Swim in the magical teal lagoons at Balos, on the remote Gramvousa Peninsula.

Engrossing Museums

Not just for rainy days, Crete’s wealth of museums big and small bring the island's dramatic history, unique culture and proud people to life. Find out who the Minoans were, revel at archaeological discoveries, see how centuries of invasions left their mark, explore the Cretan psyche and understand what makes this island unlike any other.

Tiny Museums

When exploring villages, look for tiny museums that are truly labours of love, such as the Museum of National Resistance in Theriso.

JULIAN POPOV/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Churches as Museums

Crete's churches are not just sacred places but are also often de facto art and history museums with treasures such as Byzantine icons.

MARI ZARO/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Gift Shops

Many museum gift shops offer hard-to-find books and guides as well as Cretan crafts, art reproductions and other goods several cuts above the typical souvenirs.

Best Museum experiences

1 Ponder ancient history at the stunning new Archaeological Museum of Chania.

2 Save time for the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, a must for every visitor to Crete.

3 Sail into local nautical history at the Maritime Museum of Crete.

4 Discover what the famous Cretan writer was up to when not writing Zorba the Greek at the namesake Nikos Kazantzakis Museum.

5 Immerse yourself in centuries of Cretan daily life at the Museum of Cretan Ethnology.

Fabulous Food & Drink

Food lovers will be in heaven in Crete, where locally sourced ingredients are not a trend but a way of life. Traditional tavernas often produce their own meat, cheese, olive oil, raki and wine, and catch their own seafood. Create your own gourmet trail, delighting in distinctive herbs and greens gathered from hillsides, cheeses made fresh with ages-old recipes, and honey flavoured by mountain herbs. Pair your meal with excellent local wine.

Sage field | ARTEM KONTRATIEV/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Sweet Treats

Feeling like a snack? Of course you are! Look for zaharoplasteia, which are Cretan bakeries that specialise in pastries, cakes and honey-filled indulgences.

ZAKHAR MAR/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Cretan Gold

Crete is the largest producer of extra virgin olive oil among all the regions of Greece. Hillsides shimmer with the silvery leaves of olive trees.

NEIL SETCHFIELD/LONELY PLANET ©

Cretan Nightcaps

You'll usually be offered a complimentary sweet and a shot of raki (the potent Cretan distilled spirit) at the end of a meal.

Best Food & Drink experiences

1 Sample fine vintages on a tasting tour of Iraklio Wine Country.

2 Look for traditional restaurants nestled in Crete’s daunting mountains and valleys. Typical Elaias Thea is renowned for its roasted meats.

3 Savour the bounty of traditional farming at Agreco Farm, a replica of a 17th-century agricultural estate.

4 Cretan hillsides are covered with sage, thyme and other herbs. Learn their many uses at a herb shop in Maroulas.

5 Taste the bounty of the Michelakis' family farm at To Stachi, a Hania vegetarian restaurant.

REGIONS & CITIES

Find the places that tick all your boxes.

ITINERARIES

Highlights of Western Crete

Allow: 7 days

Distance: 350km

This trip presents you with a mother lode of soul-stirring attractions, including the unspoiled southern coast, higgledy-piggledy mountain villages and some of Crete’s best beaches, as well as spirit-lifting culture and dining treats in Crete’s two most attractive towns, Rethymno and Hania. It even includes some beautiful ferry rides.

1 HANIA 2 DAYS

In Hania, stroll out on the long stone breakwater and take in the views of the beautiful, pastel-coloured old town. Visit the maritime and newly built archaeological museums. The maze of streets in the Venetian quarter will keep you wandering for hours. Gird your appetite for Crete’s best food.

Detour: Leave the crowds behind at the impressive 17th-century monastery Moni Agias Triadas, on the Akrotiri Peninsula. 2 hours.

Thirasia/shutterstock ©

2 PALEOHORA 1 DAY

Hit the two main beaches at Paleohora and then explore the area. Start with the trip's crowning natural glory: the pinkish-white sands of Elafonisi. On the little roads lacing this mountainous area, stop into tiny old villages such as Elos and Kefali.

Catch the car ferry for the gorgeous ride east along sea cliffs and cove beaches to Agia Roumeli.

Georgios Tsichlis/shutterstock ©

3 AGIA ROUMELI 1 DAY

Agia Roumeli has no road access from the rest of Crete, but it does have a few short roads accessible via the regular car ferry. It’s a characterful little port town but its real appeal is that it is the endpoint for the world-class hike through the Samaria Gorge. From the waterfront, walk 2km in and back to see the best parts.

Continue on the car ferry east to Hora Sfakion and rejoin Crete’s road system.

Richard Whitcombe/shutterstock ©

4 AMARI VALLEY 1 DAY

One of the west's must-see regions is the Amari Valley, a heady mix of traditional villages, olive groves and fruit orchards. At Thronos, the Agia Panagia church boasts 14th-century frescoes and 4th-century mosaics. Wend your way through the fruit trees to Amari, the valley's namesake town, which boasts a beautiful collection of Venetian buildings. Have refreshments in the cafe- and flower-filled main square.

ABB Photo/shutterstock ©

5 MONI ARKADIOU 1 DAY

High on a lonely plain surrounded by mountains, Moni Arkadiou is a deeply sacred and symbolic monastery. Take time to explore the complex, starting with the 16th-century Venetian church. Then delve into the spot where, in 1866, hundreds of Cretans blew themselves up in order to destroy a Turkish army.

Detour: The artists’ hamlet of Margarites has pottery workshops and cute cafes. 3 hours

pamuk/shutterstock ©

6 RETHYMNO 1 DAY

Rethymno is second only to Hania as a top Cretan city. Roam the Venetian-Ottoman quarter and port. Climb to the Fortezza, the vast fortress perched above the old town. Take in sweeping views of the region.

Detour: If heading back to Hania along the coast road, stop at Aptera , the ruins of an ancient city that dates to the 7th century BCE. 2 hours

Georgios Tsichlis/shutterstock ©

ITINERARIES

The Best of Eastern Crete

Allow: 6 days

Distance: 360km

Starting in Crete's main city of Iraklio, this trip visits its premier ancient site (Knossos) and then explores the mountains, valleys, islands and beaches going east. Enjoy wine tasting and then immerse yourself in more ancient wonders before heading up to mountain villages. A notorious island and one of Crete's best beaches finish off your trip.

1 IRAKLIO & KNOSSOS 1 DAY

In Iraklio, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum details the Ancient Minoan culture in all its brilliance and beauty. Just south of the city, the Palace of Knossos is Crete's top attraction. A once-great palace of the Minoans, Knossos is a sprawling site of grand chambers, inspirational frescoes, hidden passages and much more.

STUDIO MELANGE/shutterstock ©

2 IRAKLIO WINE COUNTRY 1 DAY

More than two dozen wineries spread their vines over the gently rolling landscape of Iraklio Wine Country. Stop for tastings, wander villages such as Arhanes and pause at genteel tavernas. The grapes grown on these hills produce 70% of Crete's well-regarded wines. Don’t miss the Minoan wine press in Vathypetro.

Detour: Venture up Mt Yiouhtas for sweeping views of the region. 4 hours

Apropos Images/shutterstock ©

3 PHAESTOS 1 DAY

A trio of magnificent ancient ruins await around Phaestos. Start at the namesake