Date of publication 31/01/2024
Crete: travel guide
Like a treasure chest, the island of Crete holds countless fascinating stories within its shores. These are stories that have endured through the centuries and weathered the many changes of the world, most of them deeply rooted in Greek mythology. Over time, they have helped shape a distinctly Mediterranean culture all its own. Crete was the birthplace of the Minoan civilization and a land where poetry flourished. From its art and cuisine to its customs and everyday life, Crete can be understood through the grandeur of its legacy, but also through the subtle details that bring the island to life. The name Crete first appears in written form in ancient Greek (Κρήτη) in Homer’s Odyssey. Although its exact origin remains uncertain, it is believed to derive from the term krataie̅, meaning “strong” or “mighty,” a reference to the island’s influence over the sea during the Classical era.
Covering an area of 3,263 square miles, including 644 miles of coastline, Crete is home to extraordinary coastal landscapes, mountains, and plains that are occasionally interrupted by lush forests of pine, olive, chestnut, and cypress trees, where aromatic herbs such as sage, oregano, and thyme flourish. According to legend, Zeus, father of the gods and of humankind, was born on this fertile Cretan land. Can you imagine exploring these same landscapes through experiences that connect you with the island’s energy on your next vacation? In this Crete travel guide, you’ll discover some of its most legendary sites as well as its finest beaches. You’ll sample local cuisine, immerse yourself in the island’s unique atmosphere, and find the hotel that best suits your travel style.
Where Is the Island of Crete?
Crete is the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest in Europe, but where exactly is it located? These geographical references will help you place it on the map. Situated in the Mediterranean Sea, Crete lies at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Historically, it has been considered a symbolic bridge between East and West, shaped by centuries of trade, politics, and cultural exchange. Another way to locate it is to picture the southern edge of the Aegean Sea. Crete lies between Greece and Turkey, about 250 miles south of mainland Greece and Athens, and roughly 310 miles north of Egypt. It is also the southernmost region of Greece. The capital of the island of Crete is Heraklion.
How to Get to Crete
When planning how to get to Crete, the easiest option is to fly into one of the island’s three airports in Heraklion, Chania, or Sitia. Direct flights from Athens operate year-round, with a flight time of approximately 50 minutes. Looking for a more adventurous alternative? Take a ferry from Piraeus, the port of Athens, to one of these three cities. During the high season, ferries also depart from the capital and arrive at smaller ports across the island, including Rethymno and Kissamos. By sea, the journey typically takes between 8 and 10 hours, depending on the route, destination, and ferry operator. If, after reading this Crete travel guide, you decide to explore more Greek islands, keep in mind that many of them are connected by ferry routes, often the only way to reach them. During the summer months, it’s a good idea to plan ahead, as tickets frequently sell out.
What to See in Crete
The Labyrinth of Crete
According to Greek mythology, the Labyrinth of Crete was built by the brilliant architect and craftsman Daedalus to conceal the Minotaur. For this reason, it is also known as the Labyrinth of the Minotaur. It was here that Theseus became lost and, with the help of Ariadne, daughter of King Minos, found his way out using the ball of thread she had given him. At the heart of the labyrinth, the hero defeated the Minotaur, saving his people from the ferocity of this mythical creature, half man and half bull. As you explore the archaeological remains believed to be associated with this legendary site, you can still sense the power of the myth. That feeling becomes even stronger as you venture deeper into the Palace of Knossos.
Palace of Knossos
The Palace of Knossos was the residence of King Minos on the island of Crete. According to legend, it was Minos himself who commissioned the construction of an inescapable labyrinth within his domain after his wife, Pasiphaë, conceived the Minotaur following her union with a bull sent by Zeus. Aware of the betrayal, the king chose to keep the Minotaur alive within the Labyrinth of Crete, hidden inside his palace. From that moment on, he condemned his enemies to the maze, where the creature would devour them. No one escaped alive until the arrival of Theseus. Knossos was originally built around 2000 BC.
For centuries, it served as the political, cultural, and economic heart of Crete until a powerful earthquake left much of it in ruins. The site was eventually abandoned around 1440 BC. Today, many sections remain remarkably well preserved, including its artistic treasures such as wall frescoes, sculptures, and the palace’s iconic columns. Most of the archaeological finds uncovered during the excavations are now housed at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, located less than three miles from the site. Don't miss it if you're interested in learning more about the art of the Mediterranean islands!
Samaria Gorge
Samaria Gorge National Park, a favorite destination for hikers visiting Crete, is an essential stop in any Crete travel guide. The park is home to the longest gorge in Europe. Aside from the steepest and most rugged sections, where the trail winds between towering rock walls that rise as high as 985 feet, most of the routes through the gorge are considered moderately easy, making them accessible to hiking enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels. Much like visitors to other Mediterranean nature reserves, such as Mallorca’s S'Albufera, outdoor lovers come here to immerse themselves in the landscape. Today, the riverbed is dry. The national park was established in 1962 to protect the Cretan ibex, known locally as the Kri-Kri. In 2003, the ecosystem was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Traditional Food in Crete
Dakos
Dakos, also known as ntakos or koukouvagia, is one of Crete’s simplest and most delicious traditional dishes. It is made with paximathi, the island’s signature barley rusk, topped with diced or grated fresh tomato and either feta or mizithra cheese. Oregano, olives, and a generous drizzle of olive oil complete the dish. In some variations, a crisp toasted bread serves as the base. On the island, dakos is typically served as part of a meze, a selection of small dishes shared at the table. The tradition of meze became firmly established in Crete during Venetian rule as a communal dining ritual that continues today. This custom also reflects the influence of lavish Ottoman banquets, where hosts welcomed guests with tables filled with an array of hot and cold specialties prepared with local ingredients and accompanied by brandy, chilled raki, or ouzo, two anise-flavored spirits closely associated with the region.
Pork Souvlaki
The recipe for pork souvlaki is a variation of gyros, one of Greece’s most popular street foods. A skewer of pork loin, seasoned with salt, oregano, and black pepper, then grilled according to traditional Cretan methods, is wrapped inside pita bread folded into a pocket or cone shape. It is typically topped with sliced tomato, raw onion, a Greek yogurt-based sauce, and, yes, fried potatoes. While visiting Crete, you'll have the chance to try this dish along with many other local specialties that may surprise you. The island’s culinary traditions are built around exceptional local ingredients, including olives and olive oil, thyme honey, grapes and wine, citrus fruits, vegetables, cheeses and yogurt, artisan breads, and apaki, a traditional smoked pork delicacy seasoned with aromatic spices.
Yemista
Greek cuisine features many vegetable-based dishes, including yemista, or gemista, a traditional recipe made with summer vegetables, rice, and aromatic herbs. Tomatoes, eggplants, and green peppers are typically filled with short-grain white rice seasoned with ingredients such as garlic, fresh parsley, and mint. The rice is cooked with sautéed zucchini and onion and enriched with a little homemade tomato sauce, or prepared in the style of a pilaf. In some versions, ground beef is also added. Once stuffed, the vegetables are baked in the oven until tender. They are often served with fried potatoes or alongside grilled fish. Interestingly, despite being an island, Cretan cuisine is known more for its vegetable and meat-based dishes than for seafood, as fishing has traditionally played a less prominent role here than in other parts of the Greek archipelago. Travel remains one of the best ways to discover these and many other culinary traditions that give destinations their unique character.
Wedding Pilaf Rice
In Crete, Greek rice pilaf is known as wedding pilaf or bridal pilaf because of the tradition of serving it at wedding celebrations. Originally of Persian origin, the dish became part of Cretan culinary traditions, where, following customs from the Peloponnese, it was often prepared by the bride-to-be and shared with family and friends before the wedding. Does the name sound familiar? If so, it may be because of the Japanese anime series Dragon Ball, which features a villain named Pilaf. To prepare the dish, long-grain white rice is sautéed in melted butter with sugar and a pinch of salt. The rice is then cooked and combined with raisins and toasted sliced almonds. Finally, a drizzle of honey is added, and the dish is finished with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and freshly chopped parsley.
Sfakiani Pie
To round out this selection of traditional dishes in our Crete travel guide, here’s something sweet: Sfakiani pie, or Sfakiani pita, which, despite its name, bears little resemblance to a typical pie. Originating from the Cretan town of Sfakia, it is more similar to a thin pancake and perfectly reflects the island’s love of combining sweet and savory flavors. It is prepared by frying pita dough filled with mizithra cheese in olive oil. While still warm, it is drizzled with thyme honey and, in some cases, sprinkled with sesame seeds. Crete is home to more than 1,700 plant species, 159 of which are endemic. This extraordinary biodiversity explains the prominent role of honey in the island’s cuisine, along with the aromatic herbs that contribute to its distinctive flavor, including thyme, rosemary, sage, marjoram, mint, cumin, and fennel.
The Best Beaches in Crete
Rethymnon Beach
Rethymnon Beach is one of the best beaches in Crete and also one of the most versatile. It’s the kind of shoreline that comes to mind when you picture a postcard-perfect beach in the Greek islands. Located in the historic town of the same name, it offers a blend of natural beauty and local culture. If you visit between June and August, you may encounter some special seasonal visitors: sea turtles. During nesting season, many females choose the shores of Rethymnon to lay their eggs. If you're fortunate enough to spot one, be sure to observe from a respectful distance, avoiding any disturbance to these sensitive and vulnerable animals. In return, you'll have the privilege of witnessing them in one of their most important natural habitats.
Pink Beach of Elafonisi
As happens in some of the coves of nearby Montenegro, certain beaches in the Greek archipelago display a natural phenomenon that gives the sand a pink hue along the shoreline. This effect is created when sunlight reflects off tiny fragments of pink shells that, shaped by waves and erosion, become mixed with microscopic particles of sand and rock. At Elafonisi Pink Beach, considered one of the best beaches in Crete, the color is especially striking. Located in the Chania region on the island’s southwestern tip, it is surrounded by romantic lagoons and rugged mountains. Its white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters create shallow natural pools that are perfect for relaxing and swimming. The beach extends into the sea in a narrow, funnel-shaped stretch of land. As you make your way toward its farthest point, the landscape becomes wilder, rockier, and more untouched.
Lianos Kavos Beach
Lianos Kavos is located in Lavris, near the Cretan town of Panormos, just over two miles from the town center and a five-minute walk from the marina. Its turquoise waters shimmer with iridescent reflections, while its stretch of fine, pristine sand, bordered by hillsides where vegetation reaches almost to the shoreline, creates a picture-perfect setting for a day by the sea. At sunset, the colors deepen and glow beneath a golden light, offering one of the most beautiful views of the Aegean Sea. Easily accessible and with parking nearby, it is also an excellent choice for families with children. The beach’s various coves are equipped with beach clubs, lounge chairs, umbrellas, changing facilities, showers, and restrooms. You can experience this coastal paradise right from your accommodations, as some of the best hotels in Crete are located nearby, making it easy to unwind and leave everyday routines behind.
Where to Stay in Crete
At the resort that includes Iberostar Selection Creta Marine and Iberostar Creta Panorama & Mare, you'll enjoy direct access to two private coves on Lianos Kavos Beach. Tripadvisor users ranked them the number one and number two hotels in Crete in 2024 in the Lavris area. Both properties are designed to appeal to all types of travelers, including families. Children can have fun while learning about environmental stewardship through the Star Camp program, while adults can unwind in an exclusive retreat shaped by a commitment to sustainability.
This Crete travel guide is only a glimpse of everything that awaits once you arrive. Across its six bars and restaurants, you'll find traditional Greek and Cretan specialties such as souvlaki, yemista, Greek salad, and classic grilled Cretan sausages and meats, alongside a wide variety of international cuisine. In the evenings, the resort’s Underwater Music Club provides a truly unique soundtrack... beneath the water’s surface. Do you enjoy staying active on vacation? The resort features three seawater pools, including a children’s pool and a heated pool, as well as a tennis court and a fully equipped fitness center. Bicycle rentals and water sports are also available. And to help you continue prioritizing your well-being in what will soon feel like your home away from home, SPA Sensations awaits with treatments and massages designed to create a true sanctuary of relaxation. If you choose to stay in one of the resort’s VIP bungalows, you'll discover even more reasons to fall in love with the island of Crete.
