
Crete
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.
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Attractions
Must-see attractions for your itinerary
Palace of Knossos
Knossos
Crete’s most famous historical attraction is the Palace of Knossos, the grand capital of Minoan Crete, located 5km south of the city of Iraklio. The…
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…
Gortyna
Iraklio Province
Gortyna (also Gortyn or Gortys) has been inhabited since Neolithic times but reached its pinnacle after becoming the capital of Roman Crete from around 67…
Phaestos
Iraklio Province
Phaestos was the second-most-important Minoan palace-city after Knossos and enjoys an awe-inspiring setting with panoramic views of the Messara Plain and…
Zakros Palace
Lasithi Province
Ancient Zakros, the smallest of Crete’s four Minoan palatial complexes, sat next to a harbour and was likely engaged in sea trade with the Middle East, as…
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…
Moni Arkadiou
Rethymno Province
The 16th-century Arkadi Monastery, 23km southeast of Rethymno, has deep significance for Cretans. As the site where hundreds of cornered locals massacred…
Elafonisi
Hania Province
Tucked into Crete’s southwestern corner, this symphony of fine pink-white sand, turquoise water and gentle rose dunes looks like a magical dreamscape. As…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Best Things to Do
To help narrow down the island's many amazing experiences, we've pulled together 15 of our favorite things to do in Crete.
Read articleThings to Know
Before you travel to the glorious Greek island of Crete, read up on etiquette, destination practicalities, health concerns and more.
Read articleTransportation
Exploring the mountainous island of Crete is like navigating a small country. Here are our top tips for getting around Greece's largest island.
Read articleMoney 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.
Read articleFree 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.
Read articleBest Road Trips
These road trips in Crete will take you to mountains, beaches, monasteries, wineries, unspoiled villages and Venetian old towns.
Read articleArticles
Latest stories from Crete
Filter by interest:

- Hiking5 fabulous hikes in Crete for fans of rugged gorges and remote beaches
Jul 25, 2022 • 6 min read
Budget TravelVisit Crete on a budget: when to travel, how to get there and what's worth a splurgeJul 24, 2022 • 7 min read
Road TripsThe best 5 road trips in Crete: go on a driving adventure around the islandJul 21, 2022 • 7 min read
- Activities15 of the best things to do in Crete: don't miss these incredible experiences
Jul 19, 2022 • 7 min read
BeachesThe best places to visit in Crete, from sun-bleached beaches to Minoan ruinsJul 18, 2022 • 6 min read
Destination PracticalitiesThe best time to visit Crete: high season crowds to low season chillsJul 14, 2022 • 7 min read
ActivitiesThe best free things to do in Crete: from beaches to historical landmarksJul 12, 2022 • 5 min read
Guidebooks
Purchase our award-winning guidebooks
Get to the heart of Crete with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.