Rethymno
A gathering spot for Rethymno's slightly older indie crowd, this relaxed, unpretentious bar is decked out in arthouse-film posters and modern-art…
Must-see nightlife in Crete
Elounda
Well worth the uphill walk to the ancient village of Mavrikiano, this adorable drinking den does a roaring trade in bottled craft beers, quality local…
Hania Province
Not only a good choice for a quick breakfast or snack, this smart modern waterfront cafe-bar is a great place for coffee and gets lively at night with…
Hania
Soak up the sun at a street-side table with music wafting from this hip corner coffee spot. Beans are sourced from around the globe, including Guatemala…
Hania Province
One of the best spots for a drink in town, this attractive, modern wine bar with a delightful garden courtyard features more than 40 top-quality wines by…
Hania
Housed in a roofless Venetian building on a small lane next to the synagogue, this popular summer-only lounge bar with eclectic decor is a laid-back place…
Iraklio
Norwegian brewer Kjetil Jikiun started Norway's first craft brewery (Nøgne Ø) before he founded Crete's first craft brewery (he's clearly a man of firsts)…
Iraklio
This rather idyllic open-air bar gets a whole lot right, with charming servers slinging creative cocktails to a diverse crowd of holidaymakers and locals…
Rethymno
While Cretans are still developing a thirst for craft beer, Bricks is doing its best to convert them with its selection of 30 ales produced by Greek…
Iraklio
The indisputable frontrunner of Iraklio's mixology scene is this den of Prohibition-inspired decadence centred on a retail alcove just off Lion Sq…
Rethymno
Rethymno's most raucous drinking spot is this smoke-filled rock bar that's been banging out tunes since the 1970s. It attracts a boozy crowd of black-clad…
Hania
Bohème's pretty, tree-shaded terrace and vine-covered pastel-pink stone building provide the perfect retreat. Sip coffee, craft beer or cocktails while…
Iraklio
Crop divides its focus equally between two vices: caffeine and craft beer. At the time of writing it was Iraklio's only craft-focused bar, with five…
Agios Nikolaos
Dutch for 'cheerio', Toedeledokie is the brainchild of Dutch artist Lucia, who supplies killer coffee, creamy milkshakes and creative toasties all day…
Iraklio
If you worship at the cocoa altar, make a beeline to this been-here-forever cafe for the best hot chocolate in town (14 varieties, none of which is…
Hania
About 5km east and uphill from Hania town is the spot where great statesman Eleftherios Venizelos is buried. The site and its neighbouring owl-themed cafe…
Rethymno
With an interior of tiles, wood and newsprint, this place has a cool, vintage vibe. The bar is well stocked, including a good selection of cocktails using…
Rethymno Province
If you're here in summer, head underground to rock out at the Cave bar. Built into a natural cave, it's one of Crete's more unique drinking spots, and…
Agios Nikolaos
Rub shoulders with gregarious locals at this contemporary cafe-bar sprawling over several tiers above pebbly Gargadoros Beach, about 1km south of the town…
Rethymno Province
Classy La Mar is the standout among the port-side terrace cafes, with tasteful decor and an interesting menu of original cocktails. Here you can opt for a…
Agios Nikolaos
The clientele is chatty, the rock music thunderous and the beer ice cold at this funky haunt that's rocked the waterfront since 1983, making it the town's…
Rethymno
A popular hang-out with locals is this vibrant cafe with a bohemian flavour that attracts a mixed crowd of students, fashionistas and artists. Join them…
Rethymno
Wake up and smell the coffee at this hip microroaster that offers a pleasing array of speciality beans. Whether you're into V60, Aeropress, Chemex, syphon…
Lasithi Province
This comfy-chic local fave with huge backlit bar and stone-walled interior is a top after-dark spot, when a youthful crowd invades for funky sounds, sweet…
Elounda
This day-to-night stalwart has been getting mobbed by tourists, expats and locals for nearly 30 years – and for good reason. The drinks are cold and…
Plakias
Down a side street off the main drag is this much-loved drinking hole with an intimate bar fronted by a patio under a palm tree. Jovial staff sling drinks…
Agios Nikolaos
This alt-flavoured lair buzzes with the conversation of earnest boho locals and offers a cocktail of cool tunes, a sea-facing terrace, and an eclectic…
Rethymno Province
This been-there-forever pub has a reputation for playing the best music in town. Owner Heinz is a singer-songwriter with eclectic tastes, which is why the…
Iraklio Province
Trendy Za Rous feels a little too cool for Zaros, but the town's best espresso is good reason to buck the traditional kafeneio (coffee shop) template…
Hania Province
A hip, relaxed bar and music venue, Agios is one of Paleohora’s best hang-outs any time of day. It's a great spot for breakfast, with good coffee, and…
Lasithi Province
With its sofas, old-fashioned lamps and quirky art on stone walls, this is a welcome slice of boho charm in Sitia. Fruit salads, club sandwiches, fresh…
Rethymno
In the alt-flavoured quarter below the Fortezza, this cooperative-run cafe draws chatty locals with coffee from Mexican Zapatistas, sugar from landless…
Ierapetra
Carb heaven for the sweet toothed. In this locally adored cafe cocoa, milk, nuts, fruit and other delicious morsels find their destiny in chocolates,…
Iraklio
For a swanky night out, head towards this stylish outpost above the Venetian harbour for coffee, cocktails or a light meal. It’s a lofty space with…
Rethymno Province
Just metres from the sands of Limani is this popular bistro that's good for Western breakfasts, sandwiches and burgers. It's also a top spot for drinks,…
Agios Nikolaos
The most stylish among the harbour-front bars, Bajamar is a mellow daytime port of call for coffee, juices and snacks but is buzziest after 11pm, when the…
Lasithi Province
On the main street at the beach end of town, Isla adds a dash of sophistication to Plaka with its lounge-style vibe and smart, grown-up menu of craft…
Hania
Friendly and relaxed cafe-bar tucked down an alley and decorated with colourful and eclectic art, from paintings of Lenin and Frida Kahlo to a horse's…
Rethymno Province
Near the post office, this friendly kafeneio (coffee house) gives you a glimpse of village life. This is where local men come to drink coffee, eat snacks,…
Ierapetra
This tiny bar with petrol walls, flea-market finds and complexion-friendly lighting from basket lamps is a great backdrop for getting lost in conversation…
