Crete is one of the most diverse and incredible islands you could pick for your Greek summer holidays. Or winter holidays for that matter, the weather here is mild until late October and there are plenty of things to do other than swimming during the colder months.
Simply speaking, there is something for everyone here.
The rich and varied terrain of the island provides mountain massifs, countless canyons, ancient caves, and a sometimes wild while others tender Cretan countryside.
Whether you are after food, culture, beaches or nature lover, Crete will pleasantly surprise you with its abundance of options.
With world-renowned and awarded beaches like Falasarna, Elafonisi and the protected ecosystem of Balos Lagoon, swimming is one of the things you will not have to worry about while on the island.
The distances can be longer than anticipated, however, Crete is after all the largest island in the Aegean and the whole of Greece. So, make sure to read our “Useful Information” guide for suggestions on where to base yourself in, depending on the areas you want to explore.
Crete has five main urban centres, some more easily accessible than others that you can stay in for a few days to explore the surrounding area. Chania in the northwestern part of Crete is the Venetian Jewel, popular with families, couples and beach hoppers looking to explore the western coastline. Rethymno is often less hectic with a charming old town and is close to a lot of famous mountainous villages and hiking paths. From Heraklion, you cannot miss a visit to the Old Minoan Palace of Knossos and of course, it is well-connected to most Greek and European cities over the summer, either by plane or ferry. On the eastern side, Agios Nikolaos, Sitia and Ierapetra are the most overlooked, pockets of authentic Cretan lifestyle that visitors seek out for a chance at pure relaxation.
The vast coastline of Crete, the unusual and rare ecosystems in place and the different microclimates make this unique island an ideal place for holiday activities.
Some of the options to look forward to being:
Read on to discover all the Crete holiday activities on offer.
Get off the beaten track and discover a different side of Crete with a Jeep Safari. The stunning landscapes of Crete island are waiting for you, all you have to do is pick where to? While there is no denying Crete has amazing beaches, the island is mostly mountainous and defined by the mountain ranges of Dikti (or Lassithiotika Ori), Psiloritis in central Crete and the White Mountains (or Lefka Ori). There are various routes to pick for a Jeep…
Follow the trail of Greek mythology on the island of Crete and learn the secrets of the Cretans in the Lassithi plateau, the valley of the 1,000 windmills. In this tour, you will visit the birthplace of Zeus and be enchanted by the breathtaking mountainous scenery. What You’ll Do Learn more about the daily life of a Cretan family during a visit to a traditional mountain village Explore the Cave of Zeus in the Lassithi plateau, the valley of the…
This excursion combines a visit to two important caves and a walk on the slopes of Mount Psiloritis (or Mount Ida). Once covered in a thick pine forest, this is the highest mountain in Crete (Timios Stavros peak 2,456 m) and sacred ground that was closely linked to the worship of Zeus. Idaean Cave (or Ideon Andron) is located on the eastern slopes of Mount Psiloritis, on the Nida plateau, about 75 km from Rethymno and only a short walk…
Scuba diving in Crete is a very popular activity and with good reason. With countless bays, protected coves, rich marine life, rocky reefs, and famous wrecks, Crete has attracted attention from scuba enthusiasts in recent years. Depending on the package or tour you book, you will visit famous beaches and discover their crystal-clear waters or remote locations you wouldn’t have seen otherwise. The most popular scuba diving spots on the island are in Schinaria, Elephant’s Cave in Akrotiri, and the…
Skip the line entry with a pre-booked private or semi-private guided tour of the Palace of Knossos with an experienced licensed guide. A guided visit to the Palace of Knossos is a must for every traveller that wants to dive deep within the layers of history of one of the oldest civilizations in Europe. Afterwards, you cannot miss a visit to the Archeological Museum of Heraklion, one of the largest museums in Greece, featured among the most important museums in…
A trip to Crete island is not complete without a traditional Cretan evening. Embrace the unique sounds of the music and the beauty of the traditional Cretan dances as you dive deep within the culture of the island. Our adventure begins with a visit to the Botanical Park of Chania and a buffet meal made with local products. You will have the opportunity to taste a few varieties of local wine. After the afternoon meal, there will be plenty of…
The gorge of Samaria is the longest and one of the most imposing gorges in Europe. The trekking path that runs along its course is perhaps the most popular in the country and visited by thousands of people each year between May and October. It has been designated as a Protected Monument of Nature, by the European Council, and is one of the most important National Parks in Greece. The gorge is 18 kilometres long and its width varies between…
Dia is a small uninhabited island located only 6 miles north of Heraklion city in Crete with picturesque bays, characterized by its barren and rocky landscape. On a clear day, the island is visible from Heraklion, as it would have been in the time of the Minoan kingdom, from the capital of Knossos. Because of this, it was sometimes identified as the island that Theseus escaped to after killing the Minotaur. Dia is the natural habitat of several protected creatures…
How about a full day cruise to the island of Chrissi? Book a tour and sail across the Libyan Sea on a 12-hour day that promises to be full of surprises. Pick-up locations are available from Heraklion or Ierapetra. In case you are not located in Ierapetra, a transfer will be available. Spending a day on the water to visit one of Europe’s southernmost Mediterranean islands is a dream come true and an experience of a lifetime. Relax in renowned…
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