Crete is by far the biggest Greek island and has so much to offer but keep in mind you will spend a lot of time driving here. Renting a car is an absolute must if you want to explore anywhere outside of the town you choose to stay in.
Elafonisi Beach
Elafonisi Beach was the very first thing that drew me to the island of Crete. The crystal clear water and the pink sand was unlike anything I’d ever seen before and I just knew I had to experience it for myself.
Warning: The road down to Elafonisi beach is only about 20km long making you think it’ll be an easy drive but it is far from that. You will essentially be driving down the side of a massive gorge for an hour with no guardrails and a road hardly wide enough to fit two cars. This drive is not for the faint of heart. So if you do decide to make the trip I suggest making a day of it mostly because you’ll need half the day for your nerves to calm down and the other half to work up the courage to make the drive up!
Once you get down to the beach it is definitely worth it! It is definitely one of the most incredible beaches we came across during our trip and draws a very large crowd. If you want to get a good spot on the beach definitely make sure to show up early enough to grab some chairs and umbrella. You can certainly bring your own umbrella and set up anywhere along the sand. There is a small snack shop that doesn’t have very much to offer so definitely pack a lunch and snacks if you intend to stay the day. There are washrooms on site but they do charge €0.50 to use the washrooms so make sure you have some change on you.
This beach is by far one of the most breathtaking beaches I have ever been to with some of the clearest water I’ve ever been in. This was definitely the highlight of Crete for me, despite the treacherous drive.
Given the opportunity, I would go back to Elafonisi beach in a heartbeat! I would definitely consider a different way to get there, maybe by boat or even pay for a driver in order to have a more enjoyable trip there.
Aghios Nikolaos
Aghios Nikolaos was actually the second thing that drew me to the island of Crete. I had come across many pictures during my research that showcased this small town and everything it had to offer and each picture left me wanting to explore it.
Aghios Nikolaos is located approximately one hour East of Heraklion. We drove down there on our last day in Crete to explore the town and enjoy some time by the beach. We ended up parking our car in a lot near Ammos Beach and walked along the water exploring the different shops and restaurants. We came across some pretty incredible views during our walk and eventually headed back to Ammos Beach to enjoy the remainder of our afternoon in the sun and water.
This small quaint town has much to offer and makes for a great day trip when exploring the island of Crete.
Rethymno
Rethymno is located approximately one hour west of Heraklion and was hands down my favourite town. If I ever have the opportunity to return to Crete I will definitely be staying in Rethymno. Although Rethymno is a small part of Crete it sure does have a lot to offer.
When we first arrived in Rethymno we decided to park our car at the marina and walk along the water checking out all the different restaurants and shops located along the water. We eventually started to wander inwards walking through all the winding alleys and were truly amazed by everything we were seeing. Rethymno is absolutely stunning and was everything I had been imagining for the past several months.
We also made sure to check out the old venetian harbor and lighthouse, Rimondi Fountain, Mikrasiaton Square, which is home to several incredible paintings on the side of the buildings and the Fortezza Castle. Everything about Rethymno was absolutely stunning and I highly recommend making it your home base for your stay in Crete.
Spinalonga Island
Spinalonga Island is home to an old Venetian fortress and one-time leper village. Take a boat tour over to the island and explore the preserved island. Spinalonga Island was actually one of the last active leper colonies in Europe. The island is small enough that you can explore it in its entirety.
For some tour options to visit Spinalonga Island, click here.
Balos Lagoon
Balos Lagoon is absolutely stunning and offers some pretty incredible views. The Lagoon is located approximately 52 km from Chania. If you are planning on going for the day I recommend getting there early so you can get a good spot and enjoy the lagoon before all of the boats begin to arrive.
Warning: Like Elafonisi Beach, the drive/hike down to Balos Lagoon can be very dangerous and not for the faint of heart. Make sure you are well equipped with proper footwear. Keep in mind there isn’t much around Balos Lagoon so make sure to pack food and water if you plan on spending the day there.
However, the views and the turquois water make everything worth it! Balos Lagoon is definitely a must see on the island of Crete. Spending they day at Balos Lagoon soaking up the crystal clear water and all the views it has to offer is the perfect way to spend a day in Crete!
Chania
Chania is located approximately two hours west of Heraklion and is most well known for its 14th-century Venetian harbor with waterfront shops and restaurants. It is one of the biggest island cities on the Greek islands so there will surely be lots to see and do.
My highlights from my time in Chania were the Venetian harbor, the old lighthouse and the Agora Marketplace. Chania is absolutely stunning and is a great place to make your home base while in Crete. We started our adventure by the Sabbionara Rampart and walked up through the venetian harbor and lighthouse up to the old city of Chania and then walked back through the winding streets back to Sabbionara Rampart.
Chania is absolutely stunning so be sure to carve out some time to explore this city.
Knossos Palace
Knossos Palace is known as the oldest European city and is the largest archeological site on Crete. It is located approximately 15 minutes from Heraklion. Knossos Palace is the second most popular tourist attraction in all of Greece (the Acropolis remains #1)!
I recommend going in the early morning before it gets too hot so that you can still walk around and explore without getting blasted by the sun and you shouldn’t have to wait to long in line to get in.
Samaria Gorge
Samaria Gorge is an incredible hike with stunning views of the beautiful landscapes of Crete. It’s Europe’s longest and deepest gorge and was formed by the Libyan Sea running through the white mountains. If we had been staying a bit longer in Crete I definitely would have made sure to book an excursion to hike the Samaria Gorge.
If you are extremely adventurous then this is the perfect activity for you to do. Set aside a full day and head out. I would definitely recommend booking a tour with a guide. Make sure to have good shoes or hiking boots, lots of water, snacks and appropriate clothing.
For some tour options for Samaria Gorge, click here.
Seitan Limania Beach
Seitan Limania Beach is another one of Crete’s most stunning beaches. But, much like the others, it can be pretty dangerous to get to. Located near Chania, the Seitan Limania Beach is a small beach on the Aegean Sea.
It can get pretty busy so I recommend going early in the morning and setting up a spot. There is no tree coverage or umbrellas so remember to bring sunscreen and your own umbrella if you want some shade.
