One of the largest Greek islands, Crete offers travellers an incredible collection of beaches to swim in, trails to hike and towns to explore. To help you make the most of your time in Crete, I’ve put together a list of my favorite things to do and places to visit in Crete, with a few incredible hidden gems that you might not have heard of:
- Discover the Charming City of Chania
- Go For a Swim at Falasarna Beach
- Find the Hidden Gem of Seitan Limania
- Take in the Beauty of Lake Kournas
- Wander the Streets of Rethymno
- Visit a Venetian Fortress at Spinalonga
- Relax at Elafonissi Beach
- Checkout the Hilltop Church at Preveli Beach
- Explore the Artificial Caves of Matala
- Visit Gavdos, Europe's Souternmost Point
- Escape to Loutro
- Enjoy the Beauty of Balos Beach
Discover the Charming City of Chania
Sitting on the northwestern side of the island, Chania is a scenic city steeped in history, boasting beautiful architecture and delicious food. Whether you’re flying into Crete or taking a ferry, Chania is the best place to base yourself when visiting the island.
One of the standout features of Chania is its stunning harbor, filled with Venetian and Turkish architecture. The crowning jewel of the harbor is the historic lighthouse overlooking the sea.
There’s lots of fun to be had in Chania, from walking along the causeway to the lighthouse to strolling along the picturesque boardwalk that lines the harbor. The boardwalk is filled with beautiful buildings, restaurants, and shops, making it all a joy to discover.
Go For a Swim at Falasarna Beach
Falasarna is widely considered one of the best beaches in Crete, and after visiting I understand why. The long beach area features crystal-clear waters, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the sea. I had a great time laying back and exploring the area. If you love beaches and are on the western side of Crete, Falasarna is a must-visit.
Find the Hidden Gem of Seitan Limania
Located just a 30-minute drive from Chania, Seitan Limania is a beautiful beach nestled at the bottom of a picturesque, fjord-like cove. The hike down to the beach is relatively easy, taking around 10 minutes, and is lined with stunning pink flowers.
As you reach the bottom, you’ll be greeted by crystal-clear waters and a picturesque beach area. For the adventurous, there’s even the opportunity to jump off the cliffs into the sea.
Take in the Beauty of Lake Kournas
As we ventured inland, we discovered the breathtaking Lake Kournas. Nestled at the base of the mountains, this freshwater lake is a rare gem in Crete. The lake’s colors were mesmerizing, with light green hues near the shore and deep blues towards the center.
We spent our time exploring the lake by renting paddleboats and marveling at the surrounding beauty. Walking along the shore, we took in the serene atmosphere and admired the lake’s unique charm. Lake Kournas is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Crete.
Wander the Streets of Rethymno
Located an hour’s drive from Chania, Rethymno is another city steeped in history. This charming city has its roots in Minoan civilization and was later occupied by the Venetians during medieval times. One of the standout features of Rethymno is the Fortezza, a 16th-century Venetian fortress that’s remarkably well-preserved. The city’s beautiful harbor is also worth exploring, with its picturesque lighthouse built in the 1800s.
Rethymno’s architecture and charm remind me of a smaller, more laid-back version of Chania, and it’s the perfect place to get lost amongst the narrow streets, explore the boutique stores and try some local food.
Visit a Venetian Fortress at Spinalonga
Located about an hour’s drive from Heraklion, Spinalonga Island is a must-visit attraction in Crete. This tiny island was transformed into a formidable fortress by the Venetians in the late 16th century. Later, in the 20th century, it served as a leper colony until 1957. Abandoned for years, Spinalonga has been restored and is now one of Crete’s most popular tourist destinations.
To reach Spinalonga, take a short boat ride from nearby towns like Plaka. As you step onto the island, you’ll be struck by the imposing fortified walls that surround it. It’s easy to imagine how secure this island fortress must have felt during medieval times.
Nearby, the charming town of Agios Nikolaos is worth exploring. This picturesque port town boasts a beautiful lake that connects to the sea, making it a perfect spot to relax and unwind.
Relax at Elafonissi Beach
Located on the southwestern coast of Crete, Elafonissi Beach is one of the island’s most famous and breathtaking destinations. Approximately an hour’s drive from Chania, Elafonissi Beach is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and striking pink sand.
The main beach area offers umbrellas and sunbeds, perfect for a relaxing day in the sun. However, for those seeking more seclusion, a short walk over the sandbar to the nearby island reveals hidden coves and tranquil spots.
As the day comes to a close, Elafonissi Beach transforms into a spectacular sunset viewing spot as the sky turns pink and orange as the sun dips into the sea.
Checkout the Hilltop Church at Preveli Beach
Located on the southern side of Crete, Preveli Beach is a unique gem that’s definitely worth visiting. Approximately an hour and a half drive from Chania, this beach boasts stunning scenery and a picturesque palm forest.
To access the beach, you have two options. There’s a parking lot on the western side, but be prepared for a steep walk down approximately 400 stairs. Alternatively, you can approach from the eastern side, which offers an easier walk to the beach.
What makes Preveli Beach truly special is its breathtaking palm forest, nestled in a scenic gorge behind the beach. The forest lines the river that flows into the sea, creating a tranquil atmosphere perfect for swimming and relaxation. You can even jump from the river into the sea for an exhilarating experience.
Nearby, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the scenic Timios Stavros Chapel. Perched high on a mountain top, this church offers panoramic 360-degree views of southern Crete. While it’s possible to hike to the church, it’s not the easiest of walks.
Explore the Artificial Caves of Matala
Located about an hour and a half from the town of Palaiochora, Matala boasts an incredible beach area. One of the standout features of Matala is the artificial caves, carved thousands of years ago during the Roman era. These caves are believed to have served as either dwellings or tombs.
In the 1960s, the caves became a popular spot for hippies to live. Today, visitors can explore the caves or simply relax on the beach. Matala’s unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it a must-visit destination in southern Crete.
Visit Gavdos, Europe’s Souternmost Point
For a true adventure, head to Gavdos Island, the southernmost island in all of Europe. To reach this remote gem, take a ferry from Chora Sfakion which takes around 2.5 hours.
One of the island’s most famous attractions is Cape Tripiti, the southernmost point in Greece. This breathtaking spot features stunning rock arches that you can kayak through. Be sure to snap a photo with the giant chair that marks the southernmost point in Europe!
To reach Cape Tripiti, you can go on an hour-long hike from the neighboring village. Although Gavdos Island is off the beaten path, it’s well worth the effort to experience its natural beauty.
Escape to Loutro
Tucked away on Crete’s southwestern coast lies the charming village of Loutro. This picturesque settlement is only accessible by boat or on foot, making it a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
To reach Loutro, you can take a 20-minute boat ride from Chora Sfakion or hike down from the town of Anopolis, which takes about an hour. The steep descent is well worth the effort, as you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Libyan Sea.
Once you arrive in Loutro, time seems to slow down. With no cars or mopeds to disturb the peace, you can spend your days relaxing, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, or simply soaking up the laid-back atmosphere.
While you’re in the area, consider visiting the Aradena Bridge, located about 30 minutes from Chora Sfakion. This impressive bridge spans the Aradena Gorge, connecting the nearby village to the rest of Crete. Built in 1986, the bridge stands 138 meters above the gorge, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Enjoy the Beauty of Balos Beach
Balos Beach was one of the main reasons I wanted to come to Crete, and it didn’t disappoint. The beach can only be accessed by boat or on foot.
To get there, we drove on a dirt road that winds up a narrow peninsula. The 40-minute drive from the nearby town of Kissamos offers breathtaking views. We parked and started the hike, a downhill climb to the beach with astounding views of the water. The 20-minute hike took us through a scenic landscape, and we even saw a few goats along the way.
The beach area has many secluded spots to relax. I decided to go for a swim, and the clarity of the water was incredible. It’s shallow and perfect for swimming around. If you take a boat here, you can explore nearby islands like Granvousa.
The scenery of this place is amazing. I love how remote it is, and the surrounding landscapes are next-level. It’s definitely worth the hike and drive to get here. If you decide to come here later in the day, it’s also an incredible place to enjoy the sunset.
Crete is one of the largest Greek islands, and offers so much for you to discover and explore. While these are my favorite things to do and places to visit in Crete, there’s so much charm and beauty around every corner that you really have to see it for yourself.
Crete is a stunning destination, and it is a perfect gateway to exploring more sensational Greek islands. To dive deeper, check out my guide to the 10 best Greek islands.
For a closer look at my time in Crete, be sure to check out the video below:
