Guided Tours and Vacations Packages to Crete, Greece

Discover Crete's Wonders

The largest of all the Greek Isles, Crete is a spectacular example of what the Mediterranean has to offer. Here you can explore the lively contemporary cities of Heraklion or Chania, visit traditional villages, tour the Palace at Knossos or simply unwind on a quiet beach.

Current Weather

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Trips

Hotels

Activities

Transfers

Useful information

Population:

617,360 (2021)

Currency:

Euro €1 = 100 cent

Emergency Info:

European emergency number: 112
Police: 100
Ambulance: 166

Opening Hours:

Shops usually open around 9am and close around 1:30pm or 2pm from Monday to Saturday. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday they're are also open from around 5pm to 9pm. Always closed on Sundays and holidays. In tourist areas and resorts they are usually open every day from 9am to 9pm.

Do & See

Arkadi Monastery

Arkadi Monastery was built at the end of Venetian rule. Apart from the monks' cells, the central building also includes warehouses, stables and premises for processing agricultural products. The two-aisled church, dedicated to Saint Constantine and Saint Helen and to the Transfiguration of the Saviour, is one of the most important architectural monuments of the Cretan Renaissance. It was completed in 1587 and its facade clearly demonstrates the penetration of western architectural trends in 16th and 17th-century Crete.

E4 European Path

Another way to explore the island of Crete is by walking and hiking. The E4 European Walking Trail section in Crete features 91 hiking routes, for a total length of 560 kilometres, traversing diverse landscapes and rare ecosystems. If you wish to complete the entire path, you should allow 3 or 4 weeks to do so, but you can also choose the trails that appeal the most to you. For more information about the path in Crete, visit the website below.

Elounda & Spinalonga Island

Elounda, with its luxurious villas and hotels, is the preferred escape of the rich and famous. From Elounda, you can take a 25-minute boat trip to Spinalonga Island, known for its well-preserved Venetian fortress, small pebble beaches, and for being one of Europe's last leper colonies.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

This museum is located in the center of Heraklion and is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, thanks to its unrivalled collection of artefacts from the Bronze-age Minoan culture. The exhibits cover a period of ten millennia, from the Neolithic era until late Roman times. The introductory texts in each room explain the key features of each period, and so the evolution of culture.

Historical Museum of Crete

Founded in 1953, the Historical Museum of Crete in Heraklion hosts a permanent collection showcasing the history of Crete from the third century AD to the end of the Second World War. Artefacts, paintings, sculptures, manuscripts and other objects of interest are displayed in chronological order, with visual materials, multimedia and audio guides available during your visit to help you learn more about Crete's fascinating past. A section of the museum is dedicated to the famous writer Nikos Kazantzakis. Another highlight of the exhibition are two paintings by the Greek artist El Greco: The Baptism of Christ and The View of Mount Sinai and the Monastery of Saint Catherine. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions.

Koules Fortress

The Venetian Koules Fortress, also known as Castello a Mare (which means "fort on the sea"), is one of Heraklion's main landmarks and is located on the old harbour. This big, square-shaped structure was built in the 16th century to protect the city and was subsequently armed with cannons. The rooftop offers scenic views over the sea and Heraklion city.

Lake Kournas

Between the cities of Chania and Rethymnon, at the north edge of the White Mountains, you can find Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake in Crete.

Lasithi Plateau

At an altitude of 850 metres, the Lasithi Plateau is the largest mountain plain in Crete. Nowadays, it has been transformed into a giant garden. There are numerous settlements at the plain where you can try local delicacies and the traditional raki drink. Lasithi plateau and its surroundings are also ideal for trekking walks or even cycling and mountain biking. A major attraction is the Dikteon cave above Psychro village, where — according to legend — the god Zeus was born and raised.

Dining

7 Thalasses (Heraklion)

7 Thalasses, meaning "7 seas", is a restaurant with two locations, in Heraklion and Rethymnon, specializing in fish and seafood dishes. Some of the specialities featured in both menus are fisherman's pasta, seafood risotto, carpaccio, steamed mussels, grilled octopus, fish soup and salmon fillet. The Heraklion location also offers sushi options for dinner. Their signature dessert is the crunchy mille-feuille with vanilla cream.

Agia Fotia Taverna (Rethymno)

The tavern is located on a secluded beach in the bay of Agia Fotini, near Kerames village. Open in the 1960s, it still keeps its original style and is beautifully located next to the sea. It serves fresh fish and local food and drinks at reasonable prices.

Alana (Rethymno)

Alana restaurant, featuring 100 seats and a spacious garden, is located in the heart of Rethymnon old town and was one of the first taverns of the area. They serve healthy Cretan and Mediterranean cuisine, always using the best local market products. On the menu, there are different types of salads, grilled and cooked meat, fish and pasta dishes, all with reasonable prices.

Almyra Seaside Food & Cocktails (Agia Pelagia)

Located at the picturesque and windless cove of Agia Pelagia, Almyra Seaside Food and Cocktails is a restaurant and beach bar with a view over the endless blue of the Cretan sea. They serve typical Mediterranean food, like seafood risotto, moussaka, and Dakos, a Cretan speciality made with dried bread, tomatoes, and cheese. During the summer, they organise parties and special events.

Apostolis (Chania)

The Apostolis restaurant always procures the freshest fish straight from the fishing boats, which means the menu reflects the season and the catches of the day. Some examples of dishes you might find here are Lobster pasta, fish soup, stuffed calamari, shrimps, scallops and whitebait.

Argoulias (Lasithi)

The guest house restaurant Argoulias at Tzermiado enjoys unrestricted views of the Lassithi Plateau and the mountain range of Dikti. It has an upper room where you can enjoy breakfast with coffee, local herb teas, fresh juices, homemade sweets and alternative sandwiches. In the lower room, there is the restaurant, which offers a menu based on the Cretan culinary tradition.

Avli

Housed in a beautiful Venetian mansion from the 16th century and featuring a spacious courtyard, Avli is a fine dining restaurant offering modern and traditional Cretan cuisine. Their wines are from Greece and they use plenty of local and organic ingredients.

Bakaliko Crete (Heraklion)

Bakaliko Crete is a deli (grocery and eatery) that brings you fine foods and wines from Crete and the rest of Greece. It is a place where all dishes are made from the quality products that you can buy from the store. Their shop is in Archanes, ideally situated in the heartland of Heraklion's wine and olive oil region, from which many of the products come from.

Cafes

Café du Lac (Agios Nikolaos)

Café du Lac in Agios Nikolaos city centre features a terrace with a wonderful view of the lake Voulismeni. To start the day off right, you can choose from a vast array of breakfast items like pancakes, bacon and eggs, sandwiches, bowls, pastries and more. The cafe also has light meal options and at night it turns into a bar specialising in cocktails.

Fabrica (Hersonissos)

Situated in the picturesque village of Koutouloufari and housed in a 17th century building, Fabrica is a cafe-bar and creperie. They offer a variety of Greek and Mediterranean dishes, as well as cocktails, beer and, of course, hearty crepes that can be served with ice cream.

Kentrikon Cafe (Chania)

Kentrikon Cafe is located in the old town centre of Chania. It is located in a historic two-storey building and, despite the modern decor, it retains its old charm. During summer it turns into a restaurant offering Greek food and it hosts live music nights.

Koukouvaya (Chania)

Situated 5 km from the city centre of Chania, Koukouvaya is worth the ride at least for the panoramic view that you can enjoy from its terrace, which overlooks Chania bay and the old Venetian harbour. Its name means "the owl" in Greek and the decor of the interiors is inspired by these fascinating nocturnal creatures. The cafe serves snacks and salads prepared with fresh local ingredients, as well as mouth-watering homemade desserts and a variety of beverages with or without alcohol.

Livingroom Lounge Café (Rethymno)

Livingroom Lounge Café is an elegant and trendy venue in Rethymno, located on the beautiful seafront promenade. It is open all year round and offers sweet treats accompanied by coffee and fresh juices, as well as savoury snacks including finger food, salads, burgers, pizza and cold dishes. After dark, DJs and cocktails liven up the evening.

Sintrivani Cafe (Chania)

Renovated in recent times, the Sintrivani Cafe is beautifully located at the Old Venetian port of Chania, with tables offering a view of the sea. They serve a variety of drinks like juices, coffee, beer and cocktails. They also have a food menu that includes, among other things, burgers, pizza and salads, plus ice cream, waffles and other desserts.

Bars & Nightlife

Apollo Club (Malia)

Apollo Club is an urban club right in the heart of Malia's party street. It's open every night during summer and the DJs usually play hip-hop, grime, R&B, trap, dancehall and garage music. Check out their website to learn about the latest events.

Fagotto Jazz Bar (Chania)

Fagotto Jazz Bar is one of the oldest and most popular jazz bars in Chania. It is housed in a beautiful Venetian building of the Old Town that dates back to the 15th century. While drinking a cocktail or a beer served from the saxophone beer tap, you can enjoy jazz, swing and blues music in the background. Small scale and atmospheric live music shows also take place here quite often.

La Brasserie

Every week, this small, colourful bar on Korai street organises live concerts and themed nights, such as karaoke nights, Latin music evenings and LGBTQI+ parties. The full bar offers wine, beer and cocktails, while the food menu includes light snacks and some Greek specialities.

Palm Beach Club (Hersonissos)

Since 2012, Palm Beach Club is a popular day and night destination, situated just a few steps away from the beach of Hersonissos. It features two swimming pools, 3 full bars, a lounge area, a terrace, as well as a dance floor under the stars. Open during summer, it frequently hosts parties and special events.

Sinagogi (Chania)

Open during the summer season, Sinagogi is an open-air bar in the centre of Chania. The location is unique because, as the name suggests, it is located in an old synagogue. The bar specialises in cocktails and sometimes organises DJ sets and live music performances.

The Bitters Bar (Heraklion)

The Bitters Bar is a speakeasy-style location with a decor inspired by the 1920s. The bitters referred to in its name are spirits flavoured with herbs and spices, which were once used for medical purposes. Nowadays, they are used in cocktail preparation. Here you'll find both classic cocktails such as Martini, Daiquiri and Bloody Mary, as well as house specialities. They also have wines, beers, stronger alternatives like whiskey and rum, and some non-alcoholic beverages.

Zig Zag Club and Lounge (Malia)

During summer, fun is guaranteed every weekend at Zig Zag Club and Lounge, a venue for house music lovers. The club is located in the resort town of Malia and features a huge dance floor with special lighting and a central bar. Check out the website below for information about upcoming events. Parties usually start at midnight.

Shopping

Chania Leather Lane

Skrydlof Street in Chania is a narrow street lined with shops selling leather goods like bags, wallets, belts and shoes. For this reasons, it is known as Chania Leather Lane or as Stivanadika, after "stivanaki", the traditional Cretan boots.

Kosmima Gold & Silver (Heraklion)

Kosmima Gold & Silver is a jewellery store in the centre of Heraklion. They have been selling handmade jewellery since 1987 and all the items on sale are unique designer creations made of silver or gold.

Melissa Traditional Products (Agios Nikolaos)

Melissa Traditional Products sells Cretan delicacies like olive oil, honey, herbs, spices, wine, raki, as well as natural beauty products. Everything, of course, is prepared with quality local ingredients.

Olive Wood Corner (Rethymno)

The Olive Wood Corner is a gift shop in Rethymno selling handmade and traditional souvenirs like Cretan knives, musical instruments, chessboards, pottery, kitchenware, toys, trinkets and ornaments. Many of the items are made of quality olive tree wood.

Pottery Workshop (Heraklion)

At Pottery Workshop in Heraklion, you can discover local ceramic art and purchase beautiful souvenirs, from bowls and mugs to vases and jewellery. Everything on sale is handmade and painted with unique colourful motifs.

Zalo (Heraklion)

If you want something Greek to bring home, Zalo is the place to go. This small gift shop in Heraklion sells a wide range of souvenirs designed and sold by Greek creators, such as mugs, diaries, jewels, magnets, pins and bags.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

Crete boasts one of the best climates in Europe, with an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. Generally speaking, there is a temperate Mediterranean climate, although during winter there is usually snow in the mountains. Winters in other parts of Crete are relatively mild, while spring, autumn and summer are sunny and warm, or even hot. The rainfall is concentrated from autumn until spring and is more frequent in the western part of the island. Summer is, of course, peak season in Crete. The best time to visit is probably during shoulder season, namely in April, May, September and October, when the temperatures and the weather are good for beach days and sightseeing, but the touristic spots are not too crowded.

Passport & Visa

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Greece and may travel with a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling, once it is implemented (expected from late 2026). For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle Eastern, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.

Chania International Airport (CHQ)

Chania International Airport "Daskalogiannis" is an international airport located near Souda Bay. It is is 12 kilometres from the city of Chania and 68 kilometres from the town of Rethymnon.

Heraklion International Airport (HER)

Heraklion International Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis" is the primary airport on the island of Crete and is the second busiest airport in Greece. The airport of Heraklion is only 5 kilometres from the city of Heraklion and 65 kilometres from Agios Nikolaos. A new airport for Heraklion, located 39 kilometres to the south-east of the city at Kastelli, is under construction. It is scheduled to open by 2027. The new airport will replace the current Heraklion International Airport as the hub for central Crete.

Public Transport

In Crete, there are two main bus companies: for the centre and east of the island, you need KTEL Heraklion-Lassithi, while for the west KTEL Chania-Rethymnon. The two companies work in tandem, so one can purchase a ticket that crosses their nominal border. Tickets can be purchased at the main bus terminals, at some kiosks and on board. The website of the companies provides all timetables and the possibility to book tickets.

Taxi

Crete Taxi Services +30 6970 021 970 of +30 6945 027 933 info@crete-taxi.gr www.crete-taxi.gr/en Crete Cab +30 6955 171 473 info@crete.cab www.crete.cab Cretan Taxi +30 6946 281 620 info@cretantaxi.com www.cretantaxi.com

Agios Nikolaos Cruise Port

Cruise ships dock right in the centre of Agios Nikolaos. The small town with ancient history serves as a hub to the thirty or so small villages and settlements in the Lassithi region. The rural areas close to the port are experiencing rapid growth, especially in alternative forms of tourism. The most alluring tourist attractions include the small island Agioi Pante, the archaeological museum and local fairs. Lake Voulismeni — now a lagoon right next to the post — features a small park, traditional fishing boats, cosy cafes and even an amphitheatre.

Chania Crete Cruise Port — Port of Souda

Cruise ships stop about 6 kilometres (20 minutes by bus) from Chania, in the neighbouring town called Souda. Most ships tender. You can use a hop-on hop-off bus or a small tourist "train" to go between the port and the city centre. The buses are right outside the terminal. Take the opportunity to explore the charming medieval town, some of the best beaches in Greece, ancient castles and the unique natural landscapes. Restaurants, free city WiFi, bars, shopping malls and traditional tavernas are at your disposal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Crete?

The best time to visit Crete is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds are smaller.

What are the must-see attractions in Crete?

Key attractions include the Palace of Knossos, the Samaria Gorge, and the Venetian Harbor in Chania. Each offers a unique glimpse into Crete's history and natural beauty.

How can I get around Crete?

Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Crete, as it allows you to visit remote beaches and villages. Public buses are also available for major towns.

What local dishes should I try in Crete?

Be sure to try dakos, a traditional Cretan salad, and kalitsounia, small pastries filled with cheese or greens. Cretan cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients and flavors.

How many days should I spend in Crete?

A stay of at least five to seven days is recommended to explore Crete's diverse landscapes, historical sites, and beautiful beaches at a comfortable pace.

What are some popular beaches in Crete?

Elafonissi Beach, known for its pink sand, and Balos Lagoon, with its turquoise waters, are among Crete's most stunning and popular beaches.

Are there any cultural customs I should be aware of in Crete?

Cretans are known for their hospitality. It's customary to greet people with a warm "Kalimera" (good morning) and to dress modestly when visiting churches.

Trips

Crete Discovery

Elounda Beach Escapade

Greece including Crete Explorer

A Taste of Greece Culinary Journey

Crete Discovery

Elounda Beach Escapade

Greece including Crete Explorer

A Taste of Greece Culinary Journey

Crete Discovery

Elounda Beach Escapade

Greece including Crete Explorer

A Taste of Greece Culinary Journey

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