Crete is the largest island in Greece, and those who have visited it several times say that it is certainly one of the most beautiful.
Are you interested in beaches, museums or other tourist attractions? How do you like to spend your time during the holidays?
If you are in the mood for cruising and touring the island, we offer you suggestions on how you can use the time while you are in Crete.
Depending on which part of the island you want to stay in Crete, some locations will be closer to you, some farther away. But you will certainly have enough time to visit everything you want.
Here we have list of 15 best things to do in Crete.
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1. Samaria Gorge National Park
Photo Credit – Viator
If you are planning to visit Greece this year, this is a great choice. But if you have decided that your destination will be Crete, then congratulations!
On this island, you will see all the best that Greece has to offer and no matter how many days you stay, you will want only one more.
We have a proposal for you that you cannot refuse – Samaria Gorge National Park.
This is one of the most famous destinations in the western part of the island. It is located on the mountain Lefki Ori and is considered a protected environment as a biosphere reserve.
If you are a fan of hiking, then this will be a real challenge for you. The trail is not demanding, but it is long, it takes at least six hours to cross it.
The national park is open from May 1 to October 15, and before you go, see if the tour is possible due to the weather.
2. Off-road Buggy Adventure
Photo Credit – Thibault Le Mer
Are you one of those people who prefer active rather than passive rest?
Sunbathing on the beach and swimming may attract you for a day or two, and later you would like to try something that will wake you up with adrenaline and make you feel full of energy.
For adventure lovers, Crete is the right destination because it has a rich offer of activities that activate all your muscles.
Some of the real beauties of Crete are not available in the city and it is necessary to go a little further.
However, ordinary cars cannot access all locations, so you can rent a jeep and go on an adventure. The tours are organized, so you can choose whether to tour the mountains or drive on deserted roads in a race for adrenaline
3. Taste of Crete
Photo Credit – Viator
Maybe preparing food is not something you want to do when you are on vacation, but would you refuse to go on a trip that includes a tour of a farm surrounded by an organic garden?
Of course, the offer includes the preparation of traditional food and wine tasting in the meantime. Just a few kilometers from Chania, there is a charming village.
He does not want to compete with big cities but carefully waits for passengers who will knock on the gate and enter the yard.
And every year, tourists choose to come right here and get acquainted with the basics of traditional Greek cuisine in one day.
It is an unforgettable experience that you could afford if you run out of ideas of what to do.
4. Arkady Monastery
Photo Credit – Shutterstock
This is one of the monasteries that captivates with its beauty even when you approach it from the outside.
It spreads over more than five thousand square meters and this magnificent building is worth visiting if you have a couple of hours.
It is located less than 30 km from Rethymno and you can reach it on your own vehicle or by bus from the main bus station.
All you need to do is inquire about departure and return dates to better plan your trip.
This monastery hides a sad story about the struggle and suffering of monks.
The past was not in his favor, but it still managed to survive and today is considered one of the most beautiful in Crete.
5. Malia – Welcome to the party
Photo Credit – The Shaun Woods
If you have been wondering if Crete is the destination for you, we are here to answer this question.
This is an island where everyone can find something for themselves, without a doubt.
Whether you are a fan of a peaceful and relaxed holiday, looking for an adventure, coming on holiday with your family, or wanting to go to parties every night, Crete has a lot to offer.
One of the places you should visit is Malia. There the parties don’t stop and whether you’re in the mood for cocktails at the bar or a party at the club until the early hours of the morning, you’ll find it here.
Their doors are open to all fans of good fun.
6. Elafonissi Beach
Photo Credit – Tiomax80
If Crete can boast of something, then it is the beaches with clear and transparent water.
One of them that has been in the lead lately is Elafonissi Beach. It administratively belongs to Crete and is considered a protected nature reserve.
Why this is so will be clear to you when you look at what it looks like.
Elafonissi beach is not only landscaped and has everything you need, but it enchants at first sight.
It is very popular among tourists who are looking for day trips. Untouched nature and crystal clear water are reason enough to take a couple of hours and stop by.
When the sky is sunny and clear, you will enjoy walking through the water because you can follow in your footsteps.
7. Knossos
Photo Credit –
Sgt. Pepper57
If you haven’t visited Knossos, it’s as if you haven’t been to Crete.
This palace, ie it is present-day remains, plays a significant role in the Greek tradition. Just as Greeks are unrivaled hosts, so you can be good guests and visit those places that form the foundation of their culture.
Not only do you show respect for their past, but you also contribute to maintaining tourism, which is one of the main areas in Greece.
Numerous legends and myths are connected to this place. If you have read Homer’s books, then you know that he mentioned Knossos in „The Odyssey“.
You know about the legend of Daedalus and Icarus. It is not unknown that all the myths about King Minos speak in a bad way, and if you ask a guide, he will explain to you why.
8. Amazonas Zoo
Photo Credit – Paul Korecky
If you go on vacation together with your little ones, then you know that you should listen to their wishes as well.
Bathing and making sand towers will be fun for them for a while, but you shouldn’t expect them to be able to spend time in peace like you.
You may be tired from hard work and it is really enough for you to lie on the beach, but they have different needs. One of the places we recommend you to visit together is Amazonas Zoo.
Toddlers simply adore this place! This is a private zoo that has existed for almost ten years.
Rare animal species from South America can be seen in it, and among them, parrots are especially interesting.
The ticket for adults is around 10 USD, and for children it is slightly lower, depending on age.
This place is worth a visit because it guarantees fun for the whole family. And you’re still helping to preserve rare species, so isn’t that enough?
9. Biotopoi Nature Park
Photo Credit – Biotopoi Nature Park Facebook Page
Only a kilometer and a half from the Rethymno coast, there is this beautiful small park that delights everyone who visits it.
It is difficult to find a person who was not satisfied with the visit and came back the next time.
It is recommended that you set aside at least two hours to tour this tourist attraction, specially if you are in Rethymno, Biotopoi Park is one of the best places to visit.
The friendly staff will help you if you have any doubts, and you can ask your guide whatever you want.
If you like to be surrounded by plants and escape from the city crowds, include this park on your list next time when you visit Crete.
10. Kazarma Fortress
Photo Credit – Martin Sillaots
Crete is an island that has had a very turbulent past throughout history.
Many conquerors wanted to become the master of this island, and when you look at what kind of beauties it has, then we are not surprised.
All this left traces on the island, and we can see it best if we look at the numerous buildings from the period of Turkish or Venetian rule.
One of them is Kazarma Fortress. It was made seven centuries ago and the Venetians were responsible for that.
They ruled Crete at the time, and the Venetians even destroyed much of the fortress so that the Turks could not use it.
Fortunately, parts of the fortress remained intact and are now used for other purposes.
11. Mirabello Bay
Photo Credit – Paul Morgan
Imagine that there are people who do not like the sea.
They are not even excited by the thought that there is that big water somewhere, that everything smells of salt and sand that sticks to the soles of your feet as you run to the beach for a towel.
Such people certainly exist and imagine what it is like for their children. How to convey to them that part of love for the great water.
They certainly like some other things. But they certainly hadn’t heard of or visited Mirabello Bay.
Agios Nikolaos is a rich city because it has a view of Mirabello bay.
The largest bay of all the Greek islands and the fifth in the Mediterranean.
Today, it is an unavoidable tourist attraction, and you will see for yourself what it looks like from a movie.
12. Rethymno Old Town
Photo Credit – Shutterstock
There are a lot of old parts of the cities in Crete, and this one is the best preserved of all and that is why it is important to visit it.
We often leave it for the last day when we have to go home, so it is easiest for us to buy souvenirs.
Spend a day in Rethymno, stroll around the town narrow alleys, don’t miss out on historical and artistic cafes in the corner, and music on the street while you are busy collecting memories back from your Crete trip.
These are a few things you can do if you choose to stay in the Rethymnon area in Crete, there is much more in beautiful Rethymno.
It’s affordable to stay here, and it’s less crowded compared to Chania.
13. Tabakaria District
This district belongs to Chania, that is, the part of Crete that could offer everything that was needed to open a leather processing factory.
It was a significant branch of industry, but it was not easy to find an adequate place for such a building. It needed to be away from the city, but again close enough to the water for the process to work.
Today, several buildings have been preserved and are in good condition. Although not used, they are important as a monument and a reminder of a time when people began to engage in something new.
The buildings are made in a special style and you will be glad to have the opportunity to see that authentic ambiance.
14. Balos Lagoon
Photo Credit – Miguel Virkkunen Carvalho
You know that there is one place on earth that we could call paradise and we would not be wrong? Peace, pleasant environment, atmosphere that you want to last forever.
It’s all located at Balos Lagoon. It’s not easy to get there, but if it was, then it wouldn’t be interesting, would it?
Forbidden fruit is always the sweetest, and this delicacy can still be reached and we reveal to you how.
You can drive your car, but not quite close, you will cross one part on foot.
And the other option is to go by boat that sails Kissamosa. Whichever option you choose, when you arrive at your destination, you will be left breathless.
15. Falassarna Beach
Photo Credit – Georgios Liakopoulos
It is difficult to find a beach in Greece that is not beautiful.
Some of them are more or less crowded, so depending on that, our atmosphere can be of better or lower quality.
If you do not like to be surrounded by a large number of people, then you should avoid the city beaches.
As usual, there are always more people because they are close, and to those beaches where you will be able to take a nap, you still need to go a little further.
One of the beaches we wholeheartedly recommend is Falassarna Beach.
It has been included among the ten best beaches in Europe several times in a row. You will have the feeling that you are in a tropical region and you will not make a mistake.
Also Read : Where to Stay in Crete – Best Area’s & Neighborhoods
