Crete travel guide
Crete is the largest Greek island, with mountains, gorges and long beaches, Minoan palaces such as Knossos, and Venetian harbour towns like Chania and Rethymno.
Best time to visit Crete
May to June and September to October are warm and sunny, good for both beaches and hiking, with fewer crowds than midsummer.
July and August are hot and busy. The season is long: many places are open from April to October, and winters are mild, though many resorts close.
Getting to Crete
Heraklion (HER) and Chania (CHQ) are the main airports, with flights from Athens all year and seasonal direct flights from many European cities; from the US most routes connect in Athens or another European hub. Overnight ferries run from Piraeus to Heraklion and Chania, and fast boats link Heraklion with Santorini in season.
Recent round-trip fares Aviasales travellers found recently. Tap a route to see that trip and today's price on Aviasales.
Getting around
Car
Crete is big, and a rental car is the easiest way to reach beaches, gorges and mountain villages.
Buses
KTEL buses connect the towns along the north coast, such as Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos, and many beaches and villages.
Top things to do in Crete
1. Knossos Palace
The largest Minoan palace site, just outside Heraklion; pair it with the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
See tours & prices ›2. Chania old town and harbour
Venetian houses, a lighthouse and lanes of shops and tavernas around the old harbour.
See tours & prices ›3. Balos Lagoon and Elafonisi
Two of Crete's most famous beaches in the west: Balos by boat or a rough road, Elafonisi with its pinkish sand.
See tours & prices ›4. Samaria Gorge hike
A long hike of about 16 km down a national-park gorge to the south coast, open in the warmer months.
See tours & prices ›5. Spinalonga island
A Venetian fortress island near Elounda, reached by boat from Plaka, Elounda or Agios Nikolaos.
See tours & prices ›Multi-day tours including Crete
Guided trips that combine Crete with nearby places: transport, hotels and a guide arranged. Live prices; you book and pay on TourRadar.
More multi-day trips ›Practical tips
- Pick a base in the west (Chania, Rethymno) or the east (Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos), or split your stay; driving end to end takes several hours.
- Samaria Gorge opens only in the warmer months and can close in bad weather; check the official opening dates.
- Try Cretan dishes such as dakos and local cheeses, and raki offered after meals.
Crete travel FAQ
How many days do you need in Crete?
At least five days to a week for one part of the island; ten days or more to see both west and east.
Is it better to stay in Chania or Heraklion?
Chania for the old harbour town and western beaches like Balos and Elafonisi; Heraklion for Knossos, the museum and the east.
How do you get from Santorini to Crete?
By fast boat in season to Heraklion, in about two hours, or by flights that usually connect through Athens.