Crete is a unique Greek island that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Dreamy beaches, picturesque villages, charming towns, delicious local cuisine make this island so special. Our road trip through Crete is actually one of our favorite travel experiences and we can’t recommend it enough ! Plus, as the largest Greek island, it has plenty of interesting things to do and places to explore. In this guide, you will find the 5 best towns to visit in Crete that left us speechless with their beauty and authenticity.
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Things to know before visiting Crete
The island of Crete is one of the most visited places in Greece and not by chance. Apart from its outstanding nature, it has must-visit historical sites, lively atmosphere, friendly locals and photogenic towns that will steal your hearts at the first moment. As it is a popular summer destination, you should book your tickets, rental cars, accommodation and tours in advance to find better prices and more options available ! Although it is mandatory to accept credit card payments in Greece, we advise you to carry some cash for small expenses. If you want to fully enjoy and maybe photograph the tourist spots, we strongly recommend visiting them as early as possible during the peak season to avoid the crowds.
The nightlife on this island is simply amazing with a wide variety of restaurants, bars, clubs and more. So, once you arrive in Crete, you will have an incredible time in any season. In terms of driving conditions, the roads in the main cities are of good quality. But, the small roads of villages, mountainous areas or even remote beaches can be narrow and steep ! Finally, if you are from a country outside of Europe, we highly recommend buying a digital e-SIM card to use mobile data without paying a lot. Although mobile plans are cheap in Greece, they usually do not provide many GB. So, if you need more data to work, it will cost you a lot to buy a SIM card from local providers.
How to get to Crete ?
Since Crete is the largest island of the country, access is quite easy. The most convenient ways to get to Crete are either by plane or by boat. There are regular flights connecting it to Athens and other main cities such as Thessaloniki throughout the year. In the summer, you will find flights to and from other Greek islands and major European cities. If you are looking for the most economical way to reach Crete, you should choose ferries. You can easily visit it from Athens and the most popular Greek islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Milos and others). However, you can find good flight deals either by booking in advance or off-season.
How to get around Crete ?
There are local buses that run regularly, especially in the summer, and can take you to the main towns of Crete. But, if you want to visit less touristy places or remote beaches, you should rent a car that is quite affordable. Obviously you should expect higher prices in July and August which is the peak season in Greece. With the help of GPS, you can navigate the island and reach dream beaches such as Seitan Limania Beach which is only accessible by car !
Where to stay in Crete ?
Crete is home to some of the most impressive hotels and resorts of Greece. However, if you are traveling on a budget, you can find beautiful Airbnb’s at good prices. Of course, if you visit during the peak summer season, the prices for accommodation will be much higher. It is better to stay in big cities rather than smaller towns or villages, as you will find more options available at better prices. The last time we visited Crete, we stayed in Heraklion and had an awesome experience !
The best time to visit Crete
As you can guess, Crete is a very popular summer destination with thousands of tourists. This means that the famous tourist spots and beaches will be packed and everything will be hectic in July and August. So, we highly recommend visiting during the shoulder season (spring or fall). At these times, the weather is sunny and good, so you will be able to enjoy the beaches and beautiful towns without masses of tourists around you. Plus, everything is less expensive in the shoulder season.
Best towns to visit in Crete
1-Heraklion
As the capital of Crete, Heraklion is a must-visit city. It is also the best starting point for your trip, since it is where the main airport is located. This city has it all, charming old town, beautiful neighborhoods, amazing beaches and vibrant life. However, the most significant thing about Heraklion is the famous Palace of Knossos which is a huge archeological site. You will find it just outside the city and it is really worth a visit. Heraklion will give you access to some of the most dreamy beaches of Crete that you can visit as day trips. We highly recommend the day trips to Dia Island and Elafonisi Beach. Both are unique places with clear blue waters and beautiful surroundings. You will delighted with their natural beauty !
2-Rethymno
Rethymno is considered one of the most beautiful cities not only in Crete, but also in Greece. The medieval old town, the Venetian port and the lighthouse dating back to 1830 create a very charming and romantic scenery. Wandering through the city center and admiring all these spots is a real treat. Rethymno has stunning beaches. Its main beach is called “Rethymno Beach” and is the second longest beach in Crete. It provides all amenities, such as umbrellas, sun beds, showers etc. Of course, if you choose to travel by car, you will have the opportunity to discover lesser-known surrounding beaches ! If you do not rent a car, you can alternatively use local buses or opt for something more fun like the bike safari below. Whatever you choose, Rethymno and its sunsets will not disappoint you.
3-Chania
Chania is another incredible city to visit on the island. The colorful old town and the Old Venetian port with its wonderful views and lively ambiance are the best places to visit. Since it is a big city, you should expect a lot of crowds during the day. The port and the town’s famous lighthouse are the best spots to watch the sunset. However, if you want to photograph and have them to yourself, we suggest visiting them early in the morning. In the city center, you will also find a wide variety of cafés, restaurants and Greek taverns with delicious meals and a beautiful atmosphere.
Chania is close to some of the most beautiful beaches of Crete. The iconic Balos Beach is easily accessible from there. You can reach this beach either by boat or by car. It should be on everyone’s bucket list. The white sand, and deep blue waters will take your breath away ! Another must-visit place from Chania is the Samaria Gorge which is one of the longest gorges in Europe. If you are an adventure enthusiast, you will love this activity mainly for the stunning views, greenery and impressive rock formations.
4-Agios Nikolaos
Words do not do justice to how wonderful this city is. Agios Nikolaos is the place that surprised us the most with its photogenic corners and vivid colors. In the heart of the center, you will even find a small lake called Voulismeni Lake (right photo). It is so pleasant to walk along the lake and enjoy the views. A coffee or a meal at the port is must ! It is a smaller place compared to the previous ones, so we suggest visiting it as a day trip. You will get a good taste of its beauty even in one day. About 15 kilometers from Agios Nikolaos, you will find the best beach in the area called “Voulisma Beach” (left photo). In case you have enough time or stay near the city, you should take a boat trip to Spinalonga island which is the place where the lepers lived. It is undoubtedly a unique travel experience !
5-Chora Sfakion
Chora Sfakion is the most authentic place of Crete. Located on the south coast, this small village of 265 inhabitants is a gem. The white houses, the Cretan mountains and the ocean views will leave in awe ! That’s why we highly recommend enjoying a traditional Greek meal at the waterfront taverns. Keep in mind that if you want to fully enjoy this little place, you should visit in the morning to avoid the crowds. There are alos stunning beaches nearby, so it is the perfect place for a day cruise on a private rental boat. If you are an ocean lover, it will leave you with the best impressions.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a Greek island that has it all, then Crete should be at the top of your list. It is a unique destination with countless charming places and dreamy beaches. But, these 5 towns will make you daydream. Due to their size, Chania, Heraklion and Rethymno are also ideal cities to base yourself and take day trips to nearby beaches. Just make sure you spend enough time in each place ! Crete will always hold a special place to our hearts and we can’t wait to go back and explore more of its hidden gems.
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