Compare Crete holidays

Best things to do in Crete

Away from Crete’s sun-drenched beaches, Greece’s largest island is a wonderland of ancient ruins, awesome scenery and captivating cities, towns and villages.

Crete is known for its history. You can both see and experience it at the Minoan-era Palace of Knossos – whose ruins still display colourful frescoes from long ago – among the impressive Roman ruins of Gortyna and in the hallowed halls of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

You’ll find more history in cities such as Chania and Rethymnon, especially in their respective old towns and Venetian harbours. Tick off the lighthouse and municipal market in Chania and the Fortezza and Paleontological Museum in Rethymnon.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, make a beeline for the Samaria Gorge and embark on a challenging but rewarding 11-mile hike through its stunning and dramatic terrain. Stay on theme with a trek through the shorter and less challenging Imbros Gorge or mix it up with a trip down Zeus’ cave (aka Dikteon Cave).

You can even continue your holiday adventures beyond Crete with a boat trip to the fascinating nearby island of Spinalonga, formerly a leper colony.

Best activities for families in Crete

Home to some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, spectacular landscapes made for exploring and fascinating historic attractions, family holidays to Crete set a very high bar.

Here for the sun, sea and sand? Crete’s striking coastline has lots of child-friendly beaches to choose from. Three of the best for families are the soft pink sands and shallow waters of Elafonisi beach, the buzzy but spacious Falasarna (young surfers will love the waves here) and the many watersports of Istro.

On dry land, you can mix up day trips to historic sites like Knossos Palace and Koules Fortress with journeys through epic landscapes like the Imbros Gorge and down amazing caves such as Melidoni.

Or you can go back to all things watery, whether it’s getting up close to weird and wonderful creatures at CRETAquarium or splashing your way around the many rides and slides of Watercity Waterpark and Aqua Plus Waterpark, to name but two. Lake Kournas is also well worth a visit.

For more fun-packed family days out, head to Dinosauria Park to explore its museum, dino hospital and 5D cinema; saddle up for a horse ride through Finikia; and enjoy the calm beauty and wildlife of the Botanical Gardens of Crete.

Where to eat and drink in Crete

If your idea of holiday bliss is to lavishly tickle your taste buds, Crete won’t disappoint. From whatever the locals are having – dakos salad (a barley rusk topped with tomatoes, feta, herbs, capers and olives), cheesy kalitsounia pies, chochlioi boubouristi (fried snails) – to special experiences like tastings, you’re in for a gastronomical treat.

The award-winning and extremely popular Peskesi in Heraklion is one of those restaurants you can’t miss if you’re a foodie. It serves up Cretan and Greek dishes like tsigariasto goat and sfouggato (a frittata) in a charming, old-world kind of setting.

And if traditional bites are your thing, head to Chania. Both Chrisostomos and Salis keep things classic with the use of seasonal ingredients. The budget-friendly Evgonia, meanwhile, is a local favourite worth checking out, too, as is Tamam.

On the coastal, seafood side of things, Crete has many top spots to wine and dine in, including Captain Fidias (in Sfinari), Nostos (in Rethymnon), Kaiki and Maridaki (both Chania Town).

Into your coffee, teas and sweet treats? Try your luck in Wild Child in Chania, Verano Café in Eloúnda and BIKAKIS Bakery in Rethymnon.

For special days out, book yourself onto an olive oil or wine tasting tour. The Vassilakis Estate, Spiridi Olive Oil Farm and Pallada are some of your options for island oils, while the Douloufakis Winery, the Manousakis Winery and Lyrarakis Winery all offer their own take on local wines.