🏛️Main Attractions
- ✓Palace of Knossos
- ✓Heraklion Archaeological Museum
- ✓Balos Lagoon
- ✓Elafonisi Beach
- ✓Samaria Gorge
Crete
Crete
Crete, Greece's largest island, is known as the birthplace of Minoan civilization and is an island of history and beautiful beaches.
🌐Other Cities in Greece
Recommended Hotels in Crete
Hand-picked hotels and accommodations from Agoda (20 properties)
🏨Recommended Hotels
- ★GDM Megaron Heraklion
- ★Blue Palace Resort & Spa Elounda
- ★Casa Delfino Hotel Chania
- ★Avli Lounge Apartments Rethymno
- ★Domes Noruz Chania
🍜Restaurants & Food
•Peskesi
$$$Traditional Cretan cuisine with organic local ingredients, farm-to-table
•Tamam Restaurant Chania
$$Mediterranean fusion in restored Turkish bath building
•Taverna Skalidis
$$Authentic family taverna in Rethymno, lamb specialties
•Bougatsa Iordanis
$Famous bougatsa (cheese pastry) since 1924 in Chania
🛍️ Shopping
- •Heraklion Central Marketmarket
Traditional covered market with local produce, cheese, olive oil, herbs, and Cretan products. Great for authentic souvenirs and food items.
- •Chania Leather Laneshopping_street
Historic street in Chania Old Town famous for handmade leather goods, boots, bags, and sandals. Traditional craftsmanship at good prices.
- •Rethymno Craft Shopsshopping_district
Old town streets with ceramics, woven textiles, olive wood products, and local honey. Authentic Cretan handicrafts.
💡 Travel Tips
- • Rent a car - essential for exploring Crete's diverse regions and remote beaches
- • Crete is large (260km) - focus on west OR east, not both in one week
- • Book Samaria Gorge early in season (May-June) for best conditions
- • Try Cretan diet - olive oil, vegetables, seafood. World's healthiest cuisine
- • Carry cash for small villages and beach tavernas - not all accept cards
🔗 Related Information
📋Quick Info
📅Best Season
May - June, September - October
💰Daily Budget
$80-150/day
👥Popular With
FamiliesHistory buffsBeach loversHikers
🗓️Recommended Stay
5-7 days
🌐Timezone
UTC+2 (UTC+3 in summer)
💬Local Language
Greek
💱Currency
EUR (Euro)
📅Crete 3-Day Itinerary
Recommended plan for efficient sightseeing
Heraklion & Knossos
🌅
Morning3h
Palace of Knossos
💡 Europe's oldest city. Arrive at opening (8 AM) to beat crowds and heat. Hire guide for best experience.
☀️
Afternoon2.5h
🎭
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
💡 World's finest Minoan artifacts collection. Essential complement to Knossos visit.
🌙
Evening2h
Heraklion Old Town & Harbor
💡 Explore Venetian fortress, lions fountain. Waterfront dining with fresh seafood.
💡Tips
- •Rent a car - essential for exploring Crete's diverse regions.
- •Crete is large - focus on west OR east, not both in one week.
- •Book Samaria Gorge early in season (May-June) for best conditions.
- •Try Cretan diet - olive oil, vegetables, seafood. World's healthiest cuisine.