Crete

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Chania, crete greece - 05 12 2022: Venetian harbour of the pittoresk cretan town with colorful old houses; Shutterstock ID 2227253445; your: Barbara Di Castro; gl: 65050; netsuite: digital; full: poi 2227253445

Overview

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.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Aerial drone view of an old Venetian fortress island and former Leper colony (Spinalonga, Crete, Greece); Shutterstock ID 1809885124; your: Barbara Di Castro; gl: 65050; netsuite: digital; full: poi 1809885124

    Spinalonga Island

    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…

  • Historical Museum of Crete

    Historical Museum of Crete

    Iraklio

    If you’re wondering what Crete’s been up to for the past, say, 1700 years, a spin around this engagingly curated museum is in order. Exhibits hopscotch…

  • Chania, Greece - April 15, 2017: Exposition of Archaeological Museum of Chania, Greece. 651422344 exhibition,greek,art,past,aegean,exhibits,heritage,history,people,building,crete,interior,mediterranean,greece,museum,culture,archaeology,archaeological museum,exposition,chania

    Hania Archaeological Museum

    Hania

    The setting alone in the beautifully restored 16th-century Venetian Church of San Francisco is reason to visit this fine collection of artefacts from…

  • Tourists looking at the Phaistos Disc inside the archaeological museum of Heraklion in Crete that hold the most important and complete collection of the Minoan civilisation of Crete on the 28th of August 2022 in Crete, Greece. Many of the artefacts in the museum come from Knossos, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on the Greek island of Crete. (photo by Andrew Aitchison / In pictures via Getty Images) 1245671474 aitchison, greek, heraklion, neolithic, phaistos disc, archaeological, artefacts, ceremonial, civilization, culture, explore, holiday, remains, statues, tourists, viewing

    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…

  • Chania, crete greece - 05 12 2022: Venetian harbour of the pittoresk cretan town with colorful old houses; Shutterstock ID 2227253445; your: Barbara Di Castro; gl: 65050; netsuite: digital; full: poi 2227253445

    Venetian Harbour

    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…

  • Koules fortress in the old Venetian harbor. Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Shutterstock ID 2256844939; your: Barbara Di Castro; gl: 65050; netsuite: Digital ; full: poi 2256844939

    Koules Fortress

    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…

  • Archaeological Museum of Rethymno

    Archaeological Museum of Rethymno

    Rethymno

    Set inside the atmospheric Venetian-built Church of St Francis, this well-curated museum features a stunning collection of well-preserved relics unearthed…

  • Venetian fortress Fortezza in Rethymno on Crete, Greece; Shutterstock ID 436424554; your: Barbara Di Castro; gl: 65050; netsuite: digitl; full: POI 436424554

    Fortezza

    Rethymno

    Looming over Rethymno, the star-shaped Venetian fortress cuts an imposing figure with its massive walls and bastions but was nevertheless unable to stave…

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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.

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Best Time to Visit

From festivals and events to visiting when the beaches aren't as crowded, here's what's happening through the year in Crete.

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Things to Know

Before you travel to the glorious Greek island of Crete, read up on etiquette, destination practicalities, health concerns and more.

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Transportation

Exploring the mountainous island of Crete is like navigating a small country. Here are our top tips for getting around Greece's largest island.

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Free 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.

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Money 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.

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Best Road Trips

These road trips in Crete will take you to mountains, beaches, monasteries, wineries, unspoiled villages and Venetian old towns.

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Plan with a local

Articles

Latest stories from Crete

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Balos Bay Beach, Gramvousa Peninsula, Crete, Greek Islands, Greece, Europe, License Type: media, Download Time: 2024-11-26T02:38:27.000Z, User: mvm_lonelyplanet, Editorial: false, purchase_order: 56530 - Guidebooks, job: Global Publishing-WIP, client: Greece 17, other: Virginia Moreno

Beaches

Crete itineraries: 4 ways to explore this epic island

Apr 11, 2025 • 11 min read

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