Crete is a unique Greek island that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Dreamy beaches, picturesque villages, charming seaside towns, and delicious local cuisine make this island so special. Our road trip through Crete is one of our favorite travel experiences. As the largest Greek island, it has plenty of interesting things to do and places to explore. This island will leave you speechless with its rare natural and architectural beauty. In this guide, you will find the 5 best towns to visit in Crete, Greece.
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Things to know before visiting Crete
Apart from its outstanding nature, Crete has must-visit historical sites, a lively atmosphere, friendly locals, and charming towns that will leave you in awe. As it is a popular summer destination, you should book your tickets, rental cars, accommodation, and tours in advance. Additionally, even though 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. In terms of driving conditions, the roads in the main cities are of good quality. However, the small roads of villages, mountainous areas, or even remote beaches can be narrow and steep.
How to get to Crete?
Since Crete is the largest island in 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, etc).
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. However, if you want to visit less touristy places or remote beaches, you should rent a car. 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 in Greece. However, in case you are traveling on a budget, you can find comfortable Airbnb’s at good prices. If you visit it in the summer, accommodation prices will be much higher. It is better to stay in big cities rather than in small towns or villages. This way, you will find more options available at better prices. The last time we visited Crete, we stayed in Heraklion and had an amazing time.
The best time to visit Crete
Since Crete is one of the most visited summer destinations, with thousands of tourists, the famous tourist spots and beaches will be packed. Be aware that everything gets hectic in July and August. So, we highly recommend visiting during the shoulder season (spring or fall). The weather is still sunny, 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 – Greece
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 is a real gem, with a picturesque old town, beautiful neighborhoods, amazing beaches, and a vibrant life. However, the most important location in Heraklion is the famous Palace of Knossos, which is a huge archeological site. You will find it just outside the city. Heraklion will also 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.
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. 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 a bike safari.
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 masses of tourists during the day. The port and the town’s famous lighthouse are the best sunset spots. 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.
Chania is close to some of the most beautiful beaches in Crete. The iconic Balos Beach is easily accessible from there. You can reach this beach either by boat or by car. 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” (photo on the right). It is so pleasant to walk along the lake and enjoy the views. A coffee or a meal at the port is a must! It is a smaller place compared to the previous ones, so we suggest visiting it as a day trip. About 15 kilometers from Agios Nikolaos, you will find the best beach in the area called “Voulisma Beach” (photo on the left). In case you can spare some extra time, you should take a boat trip to Spinalonga island. It is the place where the lepers used to live.
5-Chora Sfakion
Chora Sfakion is the most authentic part 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 you in awe! That’s why we highly recommend enjoying a traditional Greek meal at the waterfront taverns. However, if you visit during the peak season, its streets and restaurants will be overpacked. There are stunning beaches nearby, so it is the perfect place for a day cruise.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a unique Greek island, Crete should be at the top of your list. It is a wonderful 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. Crete will always hold a special place in our hearts. We cannot wait to go back and explore more of its hidden gems.
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