Whereas many first-time vacationers to the Greek Islands will solely select to go to the heavy hitters of Mykonos and Santorini, the less-visited island of Crete is a perfect spot for a extra enjoyable and reasonably priced go to to Greece. Your Crete itinerary can be crammed with visits to sandy seashores, crystal blue waters, and picture-perfect cities flanked by white mountains and rolling hills of olive groves. Greece’s largest island is bound to not disappoint.
Crete is positioned to the south of the Greek mainland and the Cyclades Islands (which incorporates the islands of Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Milos, and many others). Situated in the midst of the Japanese Mediterranean between the Sea of Crete to the north and the Libyan Sea of the Mediterranean to the south, the island has not solely served as a strategic location for numerous empires to arrange commerce and army outposts, but it surely has additionally served because the lifeblood of historical civilizations such because the Minoans.
Why Go to Crete?
Due to all of this historical past, Crete is dwelling to a few of Greece’s greatest historic and archaeological websites, in addition to breathtaking landscapes.
Given the island’s measurement and inhabitants, Crete has been capable of preserve a conventional Greek (although additionally uniquely Cretan) environment when put next with a few of Greece’s smaller islands that at the moment are overrun with vacationers. Cretan delicacies is famous. I can actually say that the 2 weeks I spent in Crete have been most likely the very best I’ve eaten on any trip in my life.
Since Crete is so massive and fertile, a lot of the meals obtainable in Crete is regionally grown— and really low cost, not solely by European requirements however even by Greek requirements. Cretan hospitality is notably as legendary because the delicacies and is dwelling to a few of Greece’s best vineyards.
Crete actually has all of it. With its virtually paradisiacal environment, it’s actually no surprise that the island is taken into account by some to be the fabled birthplace of Zeus and plenty of different Historic Greek Gods.
It is a perfect vacation spot for households with kids, for the reason that seashores are lovely, and the waters are typically fairly calm and shallow. It’s nice for younger individuals seeking to social gathering in additional down-to-earth settings than glitzy Mykonos. Crete can be ultimate for solo journey or for {couples} in search of a romantic getaway.
How a lot time Must you Spend in Crete?
Spending every week in Crete would give first-time guests an opportunity to actually expertise what the island has to supply. For every week in Crete, arrive in Heraklion by way of airplane or ferry. Spend two days in Heraklion and its surrounding sights just like the Historic Minoan Palace of Knossos earlier than transferring on to the Venetian Port metropolis of Rethymno.
You possibly can then spend one to 2 days in Rethymno and its environment earlier than touring west to Chania and the seashores and nature of the west of Crete, the place it is best to spend three to 4 days at a minimal. Someday in both Chania or Rethymno must be reserved for cultural actions like a winery tour, a cooking class, or a mix of a couple of.
If you happen to plan to remain for greater than every week, you could possibly spend extra time within the areas to actually get a really feel for the vacation spot or keep for a day in extra locations on the island, like Sitia and Agios Nikolaos. With greater than every week it’s also possible to finances further time to loosen up on the seaside.
Attending to Crete
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For the really helpful week-long Crete itinerary it is best to think about arriving in Heraklion and departing from Chania, both by way of flight or ferry, relying on the place you might be touring from. If you wish to tour the western a part of Crete solely, although, it is best to arrive and depart from Chania. If you happen to’re going to tour central and/or japanese Crete solely, it is best to arrive and depart from Heraklion.
As Greece’s most populous island and a preferred trip spot for Greek and European vacationers, Crete is well-connected by air and by boat to factors in Greece and the remainder of Europe, notably so within the hotter months— roughly from April by October. Crete has three airports with scheduled passenger service.
The 2 fundamental airports are Heraklion Worldwide Airport and Chania Worldwide Airport. There’s a small, third airport in Sitia that completely handles home flights inside Greece. There are not any nonstop flights from North America to both Heraklion or Chania, due to this fact touring from North America requires a stopover in Athens or one other European hub airport, like London Heathrow, Brussels, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Geneva, Copenhagen, Vienna, Helsinki, or Paris.
In case you are arriving from one other vacation spot in Europe or the Center East will probably be simpler to discover a nonstop flight to Heraklion or to Chania, particularly on low-cost and finances airways throughout the hotter months like EasyJet, Ryanair, TUI Airways, Transavia, and Wizzair.
Crete can be simply accessible by way of ferry. The primary ferry port of Crete is positioned at Heraklion however there are lots of different ports on the island, together with Rethymno, Kissamos, Agios Nikolaos, Sitia, and Souda (Chania). Heraklion has frequent ferry service to Piraeus (Athens) and to different factors all through Greece, together with Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Ios, Syros, Karpathos, Anafi, and Santorini.
If you happen to resolve to mix Crete with different islands in Greece, think about arriving in Heraklion by way of ferry from one other island with a simple ferry connection. All the different ports have much less frequent ferry providers to a restricted variety of Greek locations, together with Piraeus (Athens). Ferries might be straight booked on the web site of the ferry firm with which you select to journey, or you may ebook on a web site like Ferryscanner.
Getting Round Inside Crete
There are some ferry providers inside Crete, such because the route that operates between Sitia and Heraklion, however the best and most handy approach to get round Crete is by automobile or bus.
Households or teams touring to Crete may need to think about reserving a automobile, although ensure that to ebook a number of months prematurely! Vehicles (particularly automated vehicles) are typically rented out rapidly and costs skyrocket if you don’t ebook early sufficient. I have a tendency to make use of AutoEurope when renting a automobile in Europe to buy the very best costs.
American vacationers might want to receive an Worldwide Driver’s Allow (IDP) from an organization like AAA earlier than arriving in Crete with a view to hire a automobile. Solo vacationers and people touring on a finances could make use of Crete’s environment friendly and handy public bus providers on KTEL.
Touring by automobile or by bus will give guests to Crete an opportunity to expertise among the island’s most lovely scenic drives. KTEL serves main routes just like the Chania to Heraklion by way of Rethymno route, but it surely additionally serves some smaller, touristic routes like these between Chania and among the lovely seashores within the west, like Falasarna and Elafonissi.
What’s the Finest Time to Go to Crete?
Whereas lots of Greece’s islands have rocky seashores, Crete is well-known for its uniquely sandy seashores. Vacationers seeking to indulge within the Cretan seaside expertise ought to journey within the hotter months of the spring and the summer time—late Could by early October, roughly.
November by April can be chillier than the summer time months and doubtless not heat sufficient to sunbathe, however Crete by no means will get actually chilly since it’s so far south in Europe. Though there can be fewer lodging obtainable for hire in addition to fewer flights and ferries obtainable throughout the winter months, winter can nonetheless be an honest time to go to Crete if you’re seeking to expertise a few of its archaeological and historic websites, the native tradition, the delicacies, and nature.
The place to Keep on Crete
Relying on the place you select to spend time in Crete, it is possible for you to to pick out from all kinds of lodging. Beachy areas like Agios Nikolaos may have plenty of resort choices geared in the direction of international vacationers.
Heraklion has an honest collection of motels and residential leases like villas by websites like Airbnb. I stayed on the Capsis Astoria and was more than happy with the great rooftop terrace, full with a decently sized pool, a bar, and good views of Heraklion, Crete’s white mountains, and the Aegean Sea. The rooms have been plain however clear and trendy, and the combined continental and conventional Greek breakfast on the lodge was spectacular regardless of any pandemic-related hygiene protocols that the lodge needed to observe throughout my keep.
Chania and Rethymno have plenty of boutique motels in addition to a wide variety of dwelling leases. In Rethymno, think about reserving a keep on the Rimondi Boutique Lodge. Situated proper subsequent to the Rimondi Fountain and the Neratze Mosque, this boutique lodge is a well-regarded choice for a calming keep in Rethymno. Calm down within the lodge’s fantastically furnished rooms and on the luxurious pool and spa.
I stayed in the very best Vrbo/Airbnb I’ve ever rented whereas I used to be in Chania. Arietta Stamatakis’ Airbnb/Vrbo is ideal for renting throughout a keep in Chania for associates, {couples}, or households. Upon arriving in Crete, she and her husband greeted us with recent oranges and a melon from their backyard, freshly squeezed lemonade, cooked bergamot, do-it-yourself kalitsounia (Cretan cheese pies) and spanakopita, do-it-yourself tea biscuits and muffins, in addition to some tsikoudia that she and her husband had distilled by themselves. Renting her property was actually the very best glimpse into Cretans’ superb sense of hospitality throughout my go to to Crete.
Smaller cities and cities in Crete which can be frequented by fewer vacationers like Kissamos may have fewer choices than Chania or Rethymno, for instance, however there’ll nonetheless be good lodge and rental choices. E-book early to get the very best offers, although chances are you’ll often encounter some last-minute reserving offers.
One Week Crete Itinerary
You probably have one week in Crete, observe this 7 day Crete itinerary to see the island’s highlights.
Days 1-2: Heraklion
Begin your go to to Crete in Heraklion. Though Heraklion will not be probably the most lovely metropolis on the island, it’s well-connected to the remainder of Crete, Greece, and Europe, and it’s dwelling to among the island’s key archaeological and historic websites.
Start your time in Heraklion by visiting the Archaeological Museum. The Archaeological Museum is one among Greece’s greatest and most vital historic websites. The museum incorporates an beautiful array of artifacts accompanied by excellent, translated descriptions of the items on show and maps.
The museum is especially well-known for its items from the Minoan civilization, although there are lots of different artifacts on show that give guests a superb introduction to Crete’s prolonged historical past. Get to the museum early, because the strains can get exceptionally lengthy within the afternoon, particularly throughout peak season. One other perk of going to the museum early is that you would be able to buy a mixed ticket for the museum and the Palace of Knossos from the Archaeological Museum’s ticket workplace.
Block out a very good chunk of time to spend on the museum throughout your time in Heraklion. Even if you’re not a museum lover you’ll want to spend at least an hour looking. I believe I spent about two hours on the museum, although I simply might have stayed longer.
Relying on how lengthy you spend within the museum, chances are you’ll already be hungry for lunch by the point you end trying. Stroll from the museum to the Venetian Harbor to get pleasure from a lunch of freshly caught seafood with a view of boats floating on the Aegean Sea and a pleasant sea breeze at one of many many harborside eating places.
I ate at Vrakas after I visited Heraklion, though I went for dinner. Both means, I extremely suggest it. They serve among the greatest seafood on the town, like their fried, freshly caught smelt.
If you wish to save this for dinner as I did, although, attempt Peskesi, away from the waterfront. Serving up scrumptious plates of regionally sourced, farm-fresh Cretan classics like fried, stuffed zucchini blossoms or goat cooked in yogurt, Peskesi gives among the best culinary experiences in Heraklion. The restaurant additionally gives good out of doors seating. Be certain to benefit from the tsikoudia (Cretan grappa) and house-made desserts earlier than leaving.
After lunch, take a while to wander the slim streets of Heraklion’s Outdated City. Although not as fairly as Chania or Rethymno, Heraklion does nonetheless have a pleasant ambiance. There may be loads of procuring to be accomplished, a inexperienced park within the middle, and a few lovely previous buildings and church buildings from the Venetian and Ottoman eras in Crete. These embody the Janissary Fountain (close to to the Archaeological Museum), the Venetian Loggia, the Venetian Dockyards, the Church of Agios Titos, and the Basilica of Saint Mark, which now homes an artwork gallery.
If you happen to solely have a day in Heraklion, make your approach to the Knossos Archaeological Website both by taxi from the taxi stand simply in entrance of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum or by bus, the bus route for which can be accessible in Eleftherias Sq. simply exterior of the museum. It mustn’t take greater than half-hour to succeed in the palace by bus, and a taxi trip could be even shorter if you’re actually pressed for time at this level in your day.
If you have already got your ticket for Knossos Palace from the Archaeological Museum, you may simply stroll proper as much as the doorway— in any other case, you will have to buy a ticket on the ticket kiosk close by. Knossos Palace is a surprising web site of the traditional Minoan civilization. Its sheer age is sufficient to amaze, as is its scale.
Sections of the palace have been painstakingly and lovingly restored to point out what it might have seemed like 1000’s of years in the past. A few of the sections of the palace have been cordoned off after I visited final summer time so I solely ended up spending about an hour on the palace, however I’m positive you could possibly spend even longer there, relying on what’s open if you go and your degree of curiosity.
If you want to arrive in and depart Heraklion in a day, chances are you’ll want to go away to catch your ferry, flight, or bus after visiting Knossos. If not, although, return to Heraklion for dinner and think about attempting whichever of Peskesi and Vrakas you didn’t go to for lunch. I had a really nice, leisurely dinner at Vrakas the place I bought to benefit from the sea breeze and the views of the previous Venetian harbor. A restaurant or bar on the harbor like Vrakas can be a superb place to get pleasure from a drink to have fun the top of an ideal day in Heraklion.
You probably have a second day in Heraklion, I like to recommend merely spreading out among the sightseeing from the one-day itinerary I’ve urged into your second day. Spend some extra museum on the museum on the primary day, wander the streets a bit extra, and save an extended go to to Knossos for the morning of the second day. Return to Heraklion for lunch after which stroll alongside the harbor and go to the Venetian fort earlier than departing Heraklion within the night.
You could possibly additionally make this second day right into a day journey to Rethymno from Heraklion or make your second day a calming day by the ocean by touring from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos, or to Plaka or Elounda, after which to Spinalonga Island— as soon as a leper colony, however now a leisure vacation spot— by way of a brief boat journey. You possibly can hire vehicles from the Heraklion Airport or take public buses from the bus station down the hill from Eleftherias Sq., subsequent to the ferry port.
Days 3-4: Rethymno
Rethymno’s winding, slim streets, its historic websites, and its pure magnificence make the city particular. Start your go to to Rethymno by strolling from wherever you’ve got parked or the central bus station into the Outdated City to wander by the charming slim streets. Rethymno’s Outdated City is small— smaller than Heraklion’s or Chania’s— however there are nonetheless loads of good outlets, eating places, bars, and historic websites to include into your go to.
Discover Rethymno’s Venetian historical past by visiting the sixteenth-century Porta Guora gate and the Venetian loggia. The Venetian Rimondi Fountain of Rethymno can be value passing by. It’s positioned very near Rethymno’s Archaeological Museum, in addition to the Ottoman Period Neratze Mosque, which often hosts concert events.
Additionally close by is the Museum of Contemporary Artwork of Crete. A brief means from these websites are a couple of different areas of observe, together with the dilapidated but lovely different Ottoman-era mosque, the Kara Musa Pasha Mosque, and its adjoining Muslim cemetery.
For lunch and drinks throughout your first day in Rethymno, attempt Raki Ba Raki. The restaurant is fantastically set between two of the nicest streets in Rethymno’s Outdated City with ample out of doors seating, which is particularly value making the most of within the summertime. Along with their scrumptious mezedhes (mezze) and entrees— like their excellent braised oxtail with orzo—, in addition they supply an excellent collection of native wines. I like to recommend breaking apart a day in Rethymno with a cease right here.
As lovely because the websites that line Rethymno’s picturesque streets are, the city’s actual gem is its Venetian harbor and lighthouse. Although smaller than Heraklion’s, Rethymno’s harbor is considerably nicer. It’s a excellent place for individuals watching, having fun with the solar, grabbing a drink, and particularly strolling, as there’s a good palm tree-lined boardwalk that extends east from the harbor in the direction of a stretch of metropolis seaside.
Attempt to make it to the Fortezza, Rethymno’s Fortress, within the late afternoon or early night and also you could possibly catch the sundown. Rethymno’s fortress is an enchanting amalgamation of town’s Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek previous. A must-visit on the highest of the fortress advanced is the deserted Sultan Ibrahim Khan Mosque, positioned in a ravishing, domed constructing that housed a Venetian church devoted to Saint Nicholas previous to the Ottoman conquest of Rethymno within the Sixteenth Century. On the western flank of the fortress (exterior of the fortress museum advanced itself) is the tiny Chapel of Agios Spiridon, fantastically carved into the aspect of a cliff and embellished with beautiful Greek Orthodox iconography.
You need to use your fourth day in Rethymno to expertise the crystal blue waters of the Rethymno area’s lovely Preveli Seaside, positioned a few forty-five-minute drive throughout the island from Rethymno on the southern coast. KTEL gives a bus service from Rethymno’s Central Station on to this seaside that takes about thirty-five minutes.
The close by Preveli Monastery, which seems to be out over the water, can be value visiting. Alternatively, use this present day to interact in a cultural exercise, like a wine-tasting. After I stayed in Crete, I visited the Dourakis Vineyard close to Rethymno. A preferred vineyard amongst vacationers and locals alike, the Dourakis Vineyard is positioned in a picturesque a part of the Cretan countryside between Chania and Rethymno. It’s accessible by automobile or by way of public transportation.
Days 5-7: Chania
Chania, positioned within the western a part of Crete, boasts a beautiful Outdated City, fashionable seashores with shallow waters, and a very good meals scene. Additionally it is the right gateway to Crete’s greatest sandy seashores and one of many island’s most well-known pure websites, the Samaria Gorge.
Chania’s Outdated City is extremely charming and is effectively value not less than a day of your time. Start your first day in Chania with sightseeing in Chania’s Outdated City by doing a strolling tour that begins on the Outdated Market of Chania. This lined market courting from the 1800s is now principally crammed with outlets promoting souvenirs for vacationers however there are nonetheless some genuine outlets left that promote conventional Cretan market wares like marinated olives and recent produce.
Go away the market by the north finish and circle left after which proper across the block and onto Chatzimichali Ntaliani to go by the Ottoman-era Ahmet Ağa minaret. Flanked by outlets and cafes lined with lovely bougainvillea, the views of this minaret are emblematic of Chania. The espresso store Monogram on this avenue is an excellent place for a morning or afternoon cappuccino or latte.
Proceed on to Splantzia Sq. to absorb the views of the Greek Orthodox Church of Agios Nikolaos with its Ottoman-era minaret nonetheless standing from when the church was a mosque. After the sq. and the church, stroll in the direction of the water to absorb the views of the Venetian Harbor and the lighthouse.
This space of Chania has a ravishing boardwalk that gives pretty views and a energetic restaurant and bar tradition throughout the day and night time. The Chania Kasteli gives a superb vantage level for views of the Venetian Harbor, notably at nightfall. Just under the Kasteli are the ruins of town’s Byzantine partitions, some excavations of the traditional Minoan web site of Kydonia, and the small, pink-domed Ottoman Küçük Hasan Paşa Mosque of the Janissaries.
Maintain strolling alongside the harbor earlier than turning left on Kondilaki, after which observe the indicators for the Etz Hayyim Synagogue, as soon as the religious middle of one of many world’s oldest Jewish communities earlier than its virtually whole destruction throughout the Nazi Occupation of Greece.
This must be loads to fill a morning in Chania’s Outdated City. For lunch, I extremely suggest consuming at Kouzina E.P.E. A reasonable lunch-only choice, the restaurant gives a la carte choices along with specials ready day by day to be eaten within the restaurant or to be taken away. The grilled halloumi and oyster mushroom salad I ate there’s to this present day among the best dishes I’ve ever ordered whereas touring overseas. The complimentary crème caramel and tsikoudia incessantly served for dessert are additionally scrumptious.
After lunch, proceed exploring the middle of Chania’s slim streets. Whereas Chania’s Outdated City has its fair proportion of kitschy memento outlets, there are additionally some pretty, understated boutique jewellery and handicraft shops. One in all my favourite locations to buy in Chania was at Terra Verde, which sells genuine Cretan foodstuffs together with olive oil, honey, and fleur de sel.
Additionally visiting are the Presentation of the Virgin Mary Cathedral of Chania and Chania’s Roman Catholic Assumption Cathedral, in addition to Chania’s museums. Though none are massive, Chania’s Outdated City incorporates a gallery with a powerful Byzantine artifact assortment, the Maritime Museum of Crete, the Greek Nationwide Soccer Museum, and a public artwork gallery. Behind the Maritime Museum and the Byzantine assortment is one other one among Chania’s forts. Although it’s not almost as spectacular as Rethymno’s, it’s value strolling by since it’s on the very least positioned close to a few of Chania’s greatest jewellery and handicraft procuring.
Residence to a few of Crete’s greatest eating places, consuming out in Chania is among the greatest elements of visiting town. For a novel eating expertise, attempt the Turkish-inspired To Pigadi Tou Tourkou (The Nicely of the Turk) or Tamam. For extra conventional Cretan or Greek eating, attempt Oinopoieio or Christostomos (closed for renovations on the time of writing). Seafood lovers ought to attempt To Maridaki. Eating places in Chania throughout peak journey season get crowded, so ensure that to make reservations not less than a day, if not a couple of days, prematurely at among the extra fashionable eating places.
This strolling tour is an effective approach to construction a go to to Chania’s Outdated City if you happen to solely can be spending a day within the space. In your second day in Chania, attempt exploring among the native seashores, like Nea Chora Seaside, Hrisi Akti Seaside, Yannis Seaside— my private favourite—and Agii Apostoli Seaside.
In case you are feeling notably adventurous, it’s also possible to use this present day in Chania to take a day journey to one among Western Crete’s beautiful, sandy seashores. Falasarna Seaside, Balos Seaside, Balos Lagoon, Gramvousa, Elafonissi Seaside, Gramvousa, and Paleochora are among the hottest choices. They’re all accessible from Chania by way of automobile or by public bus, although Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa require a further hike and/or scenic boat journey. Mountain climbing within the Samaria Gorge is one other fashionable exercise close to Chania.
Use your closing day in Chania to attempt a distinct seaside, simply stroll round and people-watch in Chania’s Outdated City, or attempt some extra of the area’s pleasant delicacies. You possibly can incorporate one other cultural exercise on this final day by signing up for a cooking class. I used to be fortunate to have discovered a overview on the Airbnb I rented in Chania that stated that the proprietor of my Airbnb, Arietta Stamatakis, provided cooking courses.
I extremely suggest taking one among her cooking courses if you’re staying in or round Chania. Arietta is a wonderful prepare dinner and collectively together with her husband, previously a pastry chef, they may take you to their village farmhouse in Daratsos to collect greens and herbs to prepare dinner a multi-course Greek meal primarily based on a menu that you’ll devise with Arietta. Our menu consisted of kolokithokeftedes (zucchini fritters), gemista (peppers, eggplant, and tomato filled with herbed rice—generally often known as dolma asthroughout Turkey and far of the Arab World), sfakianopita (Cretan dessert cheese pies with honey), and many wine. You need to be capable of request a cooking class together with her even if you’re not renting her property by contacting her by her property itemizing.
In fact, this week-long itinerary is just not so inflexible—slightly, it is going to give first-time vacationers to Crete a very good really feel for the primary elements of the island. If you happen to would not have every week to spare you could possibly spend a protracted weekend in one among these three locations, relying on the place you might be coming from.
Alternatively, you could possibly spend a single day in Heraklion or Rethymno as a day journey from Santorini or Athens, however I actually wouldn’t suggest this as I believe a day in Crete merely doesn’t do the island justice. And, if in case you have further time, you may at all times keep longer than every week and discover extra of the island or spend longer in every of the three fundamental cities. For me, it might be exhausting to say no to further time on an island that appears like heaven on earth.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR, MAX LEVINE
This visitor publish was written by Maxwell Levine. Max has been touring ever since he can bear in mind along with his household. Lately, he has been the one who plans holidays for his household and for himself, from researching airfare and railway tickets to crafting itineraries. Max has traveled quite a bit each within the US and internationally. He has additionally developed a penchant for writing. Max hopes to proceed pursuing alternatives to journey and write each in school and past that.
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