Crete
Crete
Greece's biggest island — ancient history, epic beaches, and food worth travelling for.
Getting around
Car recommended
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Busy in peak
Best months
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
From Athens
Flight or ferry
In pictures
Crete
Crete is almost a country unto itself. Large enough to spend two weeks and still not see everything, it combines Minoan archaeological sites, dramatic gorge hikes, beach resorts, mountain villages, and some of the best food in all of Greece. The north coast is heavily touristy; the south coast is wilder and quieter. A car is essential to get the most out of it.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
Too big to explore without renting a car. The northern coast between Heraklion and Malia is overdeveloped resort territory.
Hidden gem
Hike the lesser-known Aradena Gorge instead of Samaria — equally dramatic, a fraction of the crowd.
Where it sits
Crete, Greece
Crete — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Crete? +
- The best months to visit Crete are April to October. Avoid late July and August if you can — the island is crowded in July and August.
- How do you get to Crete from Athens? +
- Crete has an airport, so you can fly direct from Athens in under an hour or take the ferry (about 9 hours).
- Is Crete good for couples? +
- Crete is a charming pick for couples, especially shoulder season.
- Is Crete good for families with kids? +
- Crete is a great choice for families — calm swims, walkable towns, and short transfers.
- Is Crete expensive? +
- Crete is affordable by Greek-island standards.
- Do you need a car on Crete? +
- You'll want a rental car on Crete — distances are longer and the best beaches are spread out.
- What's the catch with Crete? +
- Too big to explore without renting a car. The northern coast between Heraklion and Malia is overdeveloped resort territory.