The island of Crete is one of the most popular places in Greece. It is the largest Greek island and one of the most beautiful islands to visit all year round. The extraordinary natural beauty, the delicious local cuisine (the famous “Cretan cuisine”), the colorful cities, and the dreamy beaches make it a unique destination. However, it is overcrowded during the summer months. Therefore, we advise you to book everything in advance. If you are short on time, the best way to enjoy as many places and beaches as possible is to take day trips! In this article, you will find the 6 places that you should visit in Crete, Greece.
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6 Places to visit on the island of Crete – Greece
1-Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos is the capital of the Lasithi Region, located in the northeastern Crete. This town is one of the most colorful and vibrant places with amazing beaches. For this reason, you should undoubtedly add it to the top of your list. It is easy to get to Agios Nikolaos either by car or by public bus. In the heart of the city center, you will find Lake Voulismeni (left photo). We could not believe that we would find a lake in the middle of the town’s center! It is a beautiful spot and creates a wonderful ambiance. Lastly, you should not miss a boat trip to the island of Spinalonga. It is a unique experience to watch where the lepers used to live.
2-Voulisma Beach
The best beach to visit near Agios Nikolaos is the famous Voulisma beach. It is located just 15 km outside the city. Due to its crystal clear waters and incredible surroundings, it is considered one of the best beaches in Crete. However, you should visit it early in the morning or late in the evening during the high season (July-August), as it is crowded during the day. So, if you don’t have or don’t rent a car to enjoy ultimate flexibility, we suggest you rent a boat from Agios Nikolaos to easily reach this amazing beach. You will be able to swim in its turquoise waters and enjoy it to the fullest.
3-Heraklion
Heraklion is the capital of the island of Crete. It is home to the island’s largest airport and is a great starting point for your trip. Just outside the city, there are the Palace of Knossos and the Palace of Phaistos. They are some of the most important archeological sites in Greece. They are worth visiting if you are into history. In addition to these archeological sites, Heraklion is a vibrant port city with charming architecture, stunning beaches, and a wide variety of cafés, restaurants, and nightclubs. That is why it is a popular destination with many tourists all year round.
4-Chania
Chania is one of the most charming cities in Greece. It is located in the northwest part of the island and about 100 kilometers from Heraklion. There are local buses for transportation from one place to another. This Venetian city is full of colors, amazing views, and beautiful vibes. The most charming part of the city is the Venetian harbor. The old town of Chania is another must-visit. It is pleasant to stroll around the narrow alleyways, admiring the special architecture. You will find many cafés and restaurants to enjoy delicious Cretan meals and desserts. Lastly, Chania is the closest city to some of the best beaches in Crete, such as Balos Beach and Elafonisi Beach.
5-Seitan Limania Beach
Seitan Limania Beach is one of the best beaches in Crete. It is located 24 km from Chania and is one of the dreamiest beaches we have ever been to! Not only the turquoise color of the water, but also the huge rock formations and the mouth of the gorge make this beach a real gem. Almost everywhere you will find breathtaking panoramic views. Take time to explore the surrounding area as well. However, no words or pictures do justice to its true beauty.
6-Chora Sfakion
We could not leave out of this list the Chora Sfakion or Sfakia. It is located in the southwestern part of the island. Due to its location and rich history, it is considered one of the most enchanting, and authentic places to visit in Crete. Although it is a tourist destination, it is a small town of about 300 inhabitants. Near Sfakia, there are 2 gorges, the famous Samaria Gorge and Agia Eirini Gorge. Both are magnets for adventure enthusiasts. However, in Chora Sfakion, you will also find other activities, such as hiking, renting a boat, kayaking, or snorkeling on the amazing beaches of the village.
2 Best things to do in Crete
1-Take a road trip through Crete
We could not think of a better way to enjoy the beauty of this island than by taking a road trip. However, using a car is also the easiest way to get around. Since there are many secluded beaches and hidden gems, the only access is by car. Crete offers mind-blowing views almost everywhere. Do your research to find the right car rental company, as prices can be very high in peak season. However, you must be an experienced driver to drive yourself in Crete. Driving conditions are not good as drivers are quite careless.
2-Watch as many sunsets as possible
During our travels, our favorite thing to do together is simply watch as many sunsets as possible. It is that time of the day when everything seems more romantic. We cannot describe how magical sunsets are in Crete. The pastel colors of the sky reflected in the ocean make this moment magical. The most popular places will be overcrowded at sunset. If you still want to capture them, we recommend that you skip the sunsets and go with sunrise. You will find the same colors and beauty with empty spaces to create amazing memories.
Final Thoughts
Crete is a wonderful island that everyone should visit at least once in their life. The breathtaking views, friendly locals, delicious local cuisine, and lively ambiance make it a unique destination. Additionally, most of the adorable seaside towns have lots of things to do and places to explore. So, since it is the largest Greek island, you should spend at least a week to 10 days to fully enjoy it.
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