Crete
Crete is a tapestry of splendid beaches, ancient treasures and landscapes, weaving in vibrant cities and dreamy villages, where locals share their traditions, wonderful cuisine and generous spirit.
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Must-see attractions
Knossos
Crete’s most famous historical attraction is the Palace of Knossos, the grand capital of Minoan Crete, located 5km south of the city of Iraklio. The…
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Iraklio
This state-of-the-art museum is one of the largest and most important in Greece. The two-storey revamped 1930s Bauhaus building makes a gleaming showcase…
Iraklio Province
Gortyna (also Gortyn or Gortys) has been inhabited since Neolithic times but reached its pinnacle after becoming the capital of Roman Crete from around 67…
Iraklio Province
Phaestos was the second-most-important Minoan palace-city after Knossos and enjoys an awe-inspiring setting with panoramic views of the Messara Plain and…
Lasithi Province
Ancient Zakros, the smallest of Crete’s four Minoan palatial complexes, sat next to a harbour and was likely engaged in sea trade with the Middle East, as…
Elounda
Tiny Spinalonga Island became a leper colony in 1903 and catapulted into pop-cultural consciousness thanks to Victoria Hislop's 2005 bestselling novel The…
Rethymno Province
The 16th-century Arkadi Monastery, 23km southeast of Rethymno, has deep significance for Cretans. As the site where hundreds of cornered locals massacred…
Hania Province
Tucked into Crete’s southwestern corner, this symphony of fine pink-white sand, turquoise water and gentle rose dunes looks like a magical dreamscape. As…
Attractions
Top picks from our travel experts
Elounda
Tiny Spinalonga Island became a leper colony in 1903 and catapulted into pop-cultural consciousness thanks to Victoria Hislop's 2005 bestselling novel The…
Knossos
Crete’s most famous historical attraction is the Palace of Knossos, the grand capital of Minoan Crete, located 5km south of the city of Iraklio. The…
Ierapetra
Built in 1856 atop a much older church possibly dating to the Venetian era, this handsome house of worship is dedicated to St George, the patron saint of…
The best free things to do in Crete: from beaches to historical landmarks
Hania
There are few places where Hania's historic charm and grandeur are more palpable than in the old Venetian Harbour. It's lined by pastel-coloured buildings…
Iraklio
After six years of restoration, Iraklio’s symbol, the 16th-century fortress called Rocca al Mare by the Venetians, reopened in August 2016 with a brand…
Hania
One of Hania’s most intriguing buildings is this Venetian-era church with both a bell tower and a double-balconied minaret – the latter replaced a second…
Iraklio
An Iraklio institution, if slightly touristy these days, this busy, narrow agora (market), along Odos 1866 between the Meidani crossroads and Plateia…
Rethymno Province
The 16th-century Arkadi Monastery, 23km southeast of Rethymno, has deep significance for Cretans. As the site where hundreds of cornered locals massacred…
Hania
Crete’s only remaining synagogue (dating from the 15th century) was badly damaged in WWII and reopened only in 1999. It sports a mikveh (ritual bath),…
Rethymno Province
Although just a huge and fairly featureless hole in the ground, Ideon has sacred importance in mythology as the place where Zeus was reared by his mother,…
Rethymno Province
Near the top of Mt Psiloritis, at 1750m, Skinakas Observatory is operated by the University of Crete and is the country's most significant stargazing…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Best Things to Do
Experience the best of Crete with this guide to the island's top things to do.
Read articleThings to Know
Before you travel to the glorious Greek island of Crete, read up on etiquette, destination practicalities, health concerns and more.
Read articleTransportation
Exploring the mountainous island of Crete is like navigating a small country. Here are our top tips for getting around Greece's largest island.
Read articleMoney and Costs
Crete is a very popular destination but that doesn't mean there aren't ways to visit on a budget. Here are some top tips to stretch your euros even further.
Read articleFree Things to Do
Check out our top tips on free things to do in Crete. From beaches to historical landmarks, there are plenty of activities that won't break the bank.
Read articleBest Road Trips
These road trips in Crete will take you to mountains, beaches, monasteries, wineries, unspoiled villages and Venetian old towns.
Read articlePlan with a local
Articles
Latest stories from Crete
Filter by interest:
- Hiking5 fabulous hikes in Crete for fans of rugged gorges and remote beaches
Jul 25, 2022 • 6 min read
Budget TravelVisit Crete on a budget: when to travel, how to get there and what's worth a splurgeJul 24, 2022 • 7 min read
- Road TripsThe best 5 road trips in Crete: go on a driving adventure around the island
Jul 21, 2022 • 7 min read
Destination PracticalitiesThe best time to visit Crete: high season crowds to low season chillsJul 14, 2022 • 7 min read
ActivitiesThe best free things to do in Crete: from beaches to historical landmarksJul 12, 2022 • 5 min read
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