Crete is the largest Greek Island, and an easy choice for travellers: there are just so many different things to see and do here. Crete’s beautiful beaches are dotted with archaeological treasures and historic architecture, and the dramatic, mountainous landscape is much more than just a backdrop. It is culturally rich too, with a vibrant traditional life, and a food and drink culture to match. The mountainous landscape offers up lush valleys and plateaus, as well as spectacular soaring peaks and drop-away gorges — so both hikers and bikers are well catered for. The seas are for more than looking at, and the towns and villages are charming and full of character. Visitors can also expect plenty of sunshine. Because of Crete's size, there are plenty of different towns and neighbourhoods you can choose to stay in. Get help matching your travel plans to a region with:
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Heraklion is Crete’s capital: lively and modern on the one hand, but on the other, Heraklion is home to a Venetian-era fortress, the historic church of St. Titus, and impressive, historic town walls. Heraklion is also home to Crete’s largest archaeological museums, so it’s a natural hub for sightseers and a great base for exploring the entire island. Located on the northern coastline, close to some spectacular beaches, while also being close to the Minoan palace ruins at Knossos, Heraklion is surrounded by open, walkable countryside. Expect a full and varied range of accommodation, and plenty of places to eat, drink and be merry.
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Chania is another of Crete’s historic ports. It’s a beautiful town, with Venetian-trading-port-era townhouses framing a bright blue harbour of bobbing boats. The 14th century old town is a pleasing warren of lively eateries and boutiques, set on narrow streets that open out onto surprising sea views. At the entrance to the harbour is one of Chania’s landmarks, the 16th century lighthouse. Other highlights include the Archaeological Museum of Chania, housed in the former monastery of St. Francis. If you’re interested in food, or shopping, you’ll want to visit the Public Market, where you can find local edible delicacies, as well as rugs, ceramics and jewellery. The best beaches are just outside town.
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Rethymno is one of Crete’s most charming and historic ports, with its elegant Venetian and Ottoman architecture, and position beside a long, and very beautiful, sandy beach. The town is known for fantastic food and luxury hotels — though some don’t have the price tag associated with luxury. Start your explorations at the Venetian-built Fortezza, around which radiate old townhouses and minaret-topped mosques, on narrow, pedestrianised streets. Wandering Rethymno is a great way to spend your time, but there are museums for those who want to explore further. Plan your strolls to pass the Rimondi Venetian Fountain, the harbour, and if it’s Thursday, the marketplace. Rethymno also has fun nightlife opportunities. Its beach is renowned for its length and beauty, but it’s also a great place for water sports. Further afield, if you venture a short distance out of town you can visit the archaeological site of Eleftherna, or the Arkadi Monastery.
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Agios Nikolaos has grown from being a charming fishing village on Crete’s eastern coastline into a seaside resort town with a fancy marina, an impressive string of restaurants, bars and tavernas, and enough buzz in the evening to say there’s ‘cosmopolitan nightlife’. There’s a beach conveniently close to the marina, which is pretty and has excellent facilities; but if you stroll along the picturesque coastal path you’ll find plenty of other beaches to consider. For a spot of sightseeing visit the 12th century frescoes at the Panagias Keras Church, or the Cretan Olive Oil Farm. Agios Nikolaos is the sort of place where you can do a little or a lot, depending on your frame of mind, and there are accommodation options to suit many types of travellers.
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Elounda was one of Crete’s first luxury holiday resorts. It started out as a sparsely built-up collection of seven fishing villages and little port towns, but since the 1960s Elounda has become a glamorous choice, and it’s still one of Crete’s most exclusive destinations. This is the right place to look for an all-inclusive hotel, or even an adults-only pick. If you prefer your beaches private, with the option of a spa or hot tub, this will be the centre for you. In short, Elounda is ideal for anyone who wants a fly-and-flop type holiday. If you do need a bit more excitement you could visit Spinalonga island, which is just off the coast, take a day trip to Olous; or explore the picturesque Kolokytha Peninsula.
Some of our recommendations for the best places to stay in Elounda
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Hersonissos, or Chersonissos, is a seaside resort town, a former old Roman port town about 25 km east of Heraklion. You can still see some of the Roman port remains today, most of them underwater, but there’s a well-kept Roman fountain on one of the main streets, and an early Christian basilica too. Modern Hersonissos may well be best known for having Crete’s only golf club… or for the Lychnostatis Open Air Museum, there’s also a water park, a Labyrinth Park, and lots of places to eat and drink. And very rich pickings when it comes to beautiful, sandy beaches. Hersonissos is a popular pick with young tourists — the nightlife during the summer is fun and lively, without being enough to put off families.
