Greek Islands · Destination Guide
Crete
Greece
Crete is not just the largest Greek island. It is a destination that feels like a whole country packed into one extraordinary place. Snow-capped mountains, ancient Minoan palaces, gorges that cut through the earth for sixteen kilometres, and beaches so beautiful they genuinely stop you in your tracks. If you have ever been to Santorini and thought you wished it were bigger and less crowded, Crete is what you were looking for.
Most people who visit Crete for the first time say the same thing: they wish they had come sooner and stayed longer. A week gives you a feel for the place. Two weeks lets you really explore it.
Chania is the most beautiful town on the island, with its gorgeous Venetian harbour, labyrinthine old town and some of the best beaches in Europe within easy reach. It is the ideal base for first-time visitors. Rethymno, halfway between Chania and Heraklion, has a similar old town charm with a slightly more laid-back pace. If history is your priority, Heraklion puts you closest to the Palace of Knossos and the excellent Heraklion Archaeological Museum. For something genuinely luxurious and exclusive, the area around Elounda in eastern Crete is home to some of the finest resort hotels in Greece.
The beaches alone could fill a holiday. Elafonissi, with its famous pink-tinged sand and shallow turquoise lagoon, is one of the most photographed beaches in Greece and rightly so. Balos, only reachable by a short boat trip or a bumpy drive, rewards the effort with an otherworldly lagoon setting. For something more dramatic, the cliffs above Myrtos are breathtaking.
Beyond the beaches, the Samaria Gorge is one of Europe's great hikes. Sixteen kilometres through the White Mountains, ending at the Libyan Sea. It takes the best part of a day and is best done as an organised excursion. The Palace of Knossos near Heraklion brings the ancient Minoan civilisation to life in a way that few archaeological sites manage.
Crete rewards the curious. Get in a car, take a wrong turn and you will almost certainly find something wonderful.
Crete's food is exceptional. Fresh seafood, slow-cooked lamb, extraordinary olive oil and local cheeses. Find a taverna away from the tourist strip and you will eat remarkably well.
May, June and September are the sweet spot. The weather is warm, the sea is swimmable and the island is lively without being overwhelming. July and August are peak season, bringing heat and crowds, particularly at the famous beaches. October is lovely for those who want the island almost to themselves.
Direct flights from most UK airports serve both Heraklion and Chania airports throughout the summer season. Flight times are around three and a half to four hours. A hire car is strongly recommended if you want to explore the island properly.
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