Crete for First-Timers: 20 Amazing Suggestions
Are the 20 proposals for an island that goes beyond the narrow boundaries we have defined as an ‘island’ enough? Obviously not. However, if you want a concise guide in case, 20 suggestions are enough to know about a destination with many famous and unknown locations.
In Crete you will learn a lot, you will have fun and rest well, you will eat amazing food, you will take nice selfies from almost any spot on the island and you will return just to do the same.
Let’s begin with our 20 amazing suggestions!
1. Spending Less than 10 days will have you Coming Back for More
Crete is a big island. It is not just an island that you can see in a few days. Basically, if you stay long enough you will understand that it does not look like an island, but more like ‘a country” of its own. It has great places and you need time to visit them all or at least most of them. Crete is not only what you may find advertised, it is so much more!
2. Heraklion should be your Base
When you go to Crete you must stay in Heraklion or at least somewhere in the surrounding area. It has amazing hotels, the cleanest beaches, and is the ideal starting point to tour the island. From Heraklion you will have the opportunity to explore easier -within ah hour drive- the East Coast of Crete, such as the areas of Agios Nicoloas and Elounda, the South Coast of the island lined by amazing Sites and unique Beaches and also some of the West Coast areas, such as the town of Rethimnon. At the same time, you will be less that 30 min drive away to absolutely must-see Sites, such as the Minoan Palace of Knossos, Heraklion Archaeology Museum and many unique traditional villages and small towns of Central Crete.
3. Crete has so many Unique Museums to see
Crete is heaven for history buffs and for all those who are intrigued about ancient civilizations. Aside from the various archaeological sites and spread-out landmarks, this island’s extraordinary museums, capture the entire scope of its long history and unique finds from the ancient Minoan civilization until the present day.
To have a tour of Crete Through its Museums, this blog article of ours is a must-read!
4. Explore the Lakes of Crete
Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake in Crete, is in a hollow between hills, 4km from Georgioupolis. The lake is fed by the Amati spring, which in summer “emerges” above the surface of the water and in winter is lost in the water. It is essentially a large pit that fills with water thanks to the differentiation of its soil that allows the passage of water. Between the high mountains that surround it and the golden-green olive groves, the dark blue-green “touch” of the lake and the area around it are an important ecosystem and are protected by its inclusion in the Natura 2000 network. In the lake, which is an important wetland, there are ospreys and ducks, eels, water snakes, and a rare species of two-colored turtle, which has spots on its shell, whose scientific name is terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin). Join us on a unique Private tour to this Lake!
If you love lakes, Crete’s got plenty and we have gathered them all up in our blog article The Most Wondrous Lakes in Crete.
5. Visit Spinalonga Island in East Crete
Spinalonga island is one of Crete’s most beloved and famous attractions. Also, it is one of Crete’s most imperative archaeological sites. Spinalonga island was turned into a fortress in the middle of the 16th century and constituted one of the best examples of Venetian defensive architecture. From 1903-1957 Spinalonga’s impregnable castle was turned into the last European leper colony. You will have the chance to explore the buildings from the Venetian, Ottoman, and Modern periods. Spinalonga will allow you to uncover the different historic faces of this incredibly special place.
Just to be informative enough, Crete has many islands that surround it! Find out about them in our Island Hopping in Crete blog article.
6. Rethymnon in West Crete has it all
Rethymnon is a unique town between the White Mountains and Psiloritis. Synonymous with unparalleled beauty. Rocky landscapes, wonderful shores, Cretan lyre melodies, legendary caves, historic monasteries, traditional mountain villages, and luxurious resorts are some of the things you can enjoy and explore!
For a complete guide on the wonders of Rethymno, read our blog article Rethymnon, the Beautiful Historic & Traditional Side of Crete.
7. Loutro Seafront Village is a Must-See in Chania
It is located outside Sfakia and is only reachable by boat. No cars are allowed, making the island perfect for sleeping, swimming, eating, and of course, relaxing. Get lost in the culture on the tiny ‘island’, and forget your daily routine. For a better experience turn off your wi-fi for at least one day and you will understand.
8. Crete is also ideal for Camping
If you are a fan of adventure and love individual or organized Camping Sites, Crete is an ideal place for that too. Check on legal camping eras and avoid outdoors camping without a permission in not signed Sites or Beaches.
9. Crete has among the best Beaches in the World
Take paper and pencil and make a note. Vai, Balos, Elafonisi, Falasarna, Agiofarago, Chrysi are just some of the ones you should visit. Crete has hundreds of remarkable beaches that are accessible for visitors to swim in the Aegean or Libyan Seas. The azure waters are not only clean, but they are transparent creating the illusion that you are walking on crystals. Now we think you understand why you must visit Crete for more than 10 days!
For amazing pictures and information on Crete’s best beaches, have a look at our blog article Blue from Head to Toe.
10. If you are Lucky to be invited to a Cretan Wedding, Go!
If you happen to be invited to a wedding in Crete, combine it with your vacation. Cretan weddings have their own character. Expect a feast with exceptional Cretan and Greek food, a whole lot of dancing all in its exaggeration.
11. Visit Areas off the Beaten Path: Palaikastron in East Crete
It is one of the few places in East Crete that is famous for its fish and picturesque and quiet vibes. Palaikastron is indeed a quiet village at the eastern end of the island that has wonderful beaches and it’s an ideal destination for families. It offers a totally off the beaten path Minoan archaeological site to visit as well, where the famous Kouros of Palaikastron was excavated, a unique gold and ivory statue, today in Seitia Archaeology Museum.
12. Have we discussed Cretan Food?
The island is famous for its rich and delicious cuisine. The Cretan gastronomy hides a philosophy of life. It refers to the way of life of the Cretans, where food is a huge part of the culture. Furthermore, the Cretan diet is healthy and tasty, with recipes that reach our days from the depths of the centuries. Nonetheless, today with modern creative interventions, and with high-quality products, Cretan dishes are a unique experience on their own.
To find out some of the most authentic Cretan dishes, read our blog article on The True Traditional Dishes of Crete
13. Crete Water Parks and other Areas for Kids
Why? Because spending a day of laughter and fun with (or without) your kids is a blessing!
Another renown attraction is the so called “Dinosauria Park” a huge area in Gournes, just outside Heraklion, with artificial dinosaurs in real dimensions, many attractions for children, a place that kids generally love, but not many locals know, it also has virtual reality cinema, after all, it has many things that you would not expect from something… Greek.
Not to miss the exquisite Aquarium Space in Gournes, housing unique species of the Cretan and Mediterranean Sea life in a wonderful and very modern space.
14. Try the famous Olive Oil and Wines of Crete
Crete is worldwide famous for its excellent quality of extra virgin olive oil, produced all over the island and following the cold press procedures. Also the local wines of Crete are very nice and varied in flavor and taste and you can try them in the several local wineries of Central or West Crete. Join us on Experiences off the Beaten Path delving into the Olive Oil and Wine of Crete and find out all about these two so important products by local producers!
15. What about Chania?
Chania is a mesmerizing town that will enchant you as soon as you set eyes on her. In our captivating article on this beautiful town, you will get an overview of why Chania is one of Crete’s and Greece’s most visited districts!
For more information on Chania, read our Chania the Magical Venetian Town of Crete blog.
16. Become a Modern-Day Hippie in South Crete?
How about driving to Matala to see the beach where a famous retro Greek movie was filmed. Matala may only be a tiny village with less than 100 permanent inhabitants, but its reputation skyrocketed thanks to the hippies. They lived here from the end of the 60s and into the 70s. The musicians Cat Stevens and Bob Dylan were even among them at a time! We highly recommend to embody in your day a visit o Phaistos Minoan Palace and the unique Roman Capital of Crete, Gortys.
17. Visit the Impressive Cave of Zeus
The famous cave is located on the Lassithi plateau, near the village of Psychro. Diktaion Andron and Ideon Andron have a heavy heritage of mythology. These are the two caves that Zeus was born and raised according to mythology. They are both in Crete and constitute two of the most important sacred caves of Greek antiquity.
The Diktaion Cave has a lot of mystery around it and we spill the beans in our blog article Diktaion Andron, the Birthplace of the Father of all Gods, Zeus.
18. Hike the Gorge of Samaria
Ideal for hikers, this beautiful route has a length that reaches 18 km and its descent lasts about 5-7 hours, depending on your pace. It starts from Omalos and ends at Agia Roumeli. Hiking is not that easy; therefore, you need to be in good physical condition, have frequent stops, and drink plenty of water. The truly impressive fact in Samaria gorge and its surrounding region particularly is that its floristic list has not been completed yet! In addition, scientists keep discovering new species. So, while you’re hiking, immerse yourself in the nature and the time will fly.
Let us walk you through the Gorges of Crete, a Triumph of Nature through our blog article.
19. Live the Tradition: Therissos Village in Chania
Meet the mountain village of Therissos! It is built at the northwestern foot of the White Mountains. During the journey, you may feel that you have been ‘sucked’ into a fairy tale with forests with tall trees. It is a historic village due to its geographical location as a base for revolutionary movements of the Cretans. There is the headquarters of El. Venizelou landmark in historical events that is open in summer and functions as a folklore museum. After such an accumulation of knowledge, a visit to the local taverns will give you the strength for the next ones. We suggest meats for which the village is famous: traditional apaki, and smoked sausages, smoked lamb, “staka”, “frikase with stamnagath”i, and fennel pie. Fennel pie isn’t a meat dish, but it’s a must! Join us on a unique private tour and let us show you around!
Crete has numerous remarkable villages, in our Must-See Villages in Crete, we have selected 10 villages that we absolutely adore and recommend.
20. Crete is an Island for Fall and Winter too
We know that Summer has arrived and you have been arranging your holidays with Crete as a great Summer option. Yet, next time maybe consider the possibility of visiting the island in Fall or even in Winter as well! Crete is an all year round destination with amazing weather, as the south most point of Europe. It constitutes among the excellent winter getaways with the Lassithi plateau ‘stealing’ the show.
Luckily for you, we have already written an article that covers all you need to know about Winter Excursions to the Plateaus of Crete.
We are here to answer all your questions and organize for you unique Summer and Winter Adventures! 🙂