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By Katia Luz
Travel Crete - Experiences - Sightseeing - here are some of the top spots and immersions in Crete. Available from most capital cities and also from your beach hotel or rural or villa accommodation.
Knossos Palace only 5 km from Heraklion is the site of the birth of civilisation in Europe, the beautiful Minoan palace of Knossos. As the most popular destination in Crete, the palace gets very crowded in summer (Central Crete).
West of Crete in Chania are some of the most beautiful natural sights of the island, here we highlight those experiences which will help you discover the real Crete.
Unravel the historic threads of Crete in Rethymnon Old Town and explore the hinterland valleys, gorges and beaches around Rethymnon Crete.
Samaria Gorge is the most popular gorge walk on the island, 16 km from north to south ending by the south seas. As this is a one-way walk it is best to take an organised tour if you have limited time (Western Crete).
Gramvousa & Balos Lagoon a breath-taking boat tour in the north-western tip of Crete, this tour is available from Chania town as a day tour or one can take the boat for a half-day trip from Kastelli-Kissamos (Western Crete).
Elafonisi Beach - a beautiful natural beach, which is a protected zone, lying at the south-western tip of the island. Azure waters and intermittent pink sands.
Preveli Beach and Palm Forest - a wonderful day of gems in central Crete, see the Monastery of Preveli, deep rugged gorges, and the hidden palm grove on the southern coast, this was an important location for Allied troops during WWII.
Visit Spinalonga as a day trip from Elounda or Agios Nikolaos, this island, with its intriguing history, is a favourite. (Eastern Crete).
Lasithi Plateau with its stunning scenery and windmills, Dikti mountains, caves and high villages, the plateau is a real experience of Cretan mountain life. Visit the Psychro Cave and enjoy fresh local produce in the many tavernas (Eastern Crete).
Crete attractions and alternatives - you could visit the popular attractions in Crete or seek out the alternatives...we help you get 'far from the madding crowd'...
"Farre from the madding worldlings hoarse discords..."
Travel Crete - visit Knossos Palace in the centre of Crete, which is located 5 km outside of Heraklion town.
The site is extensive and the visit will take at least 2 hours. This site gets very busy in summer and it is best to arrive early to avoid the heat and the crowds.
Make the most of this incredible historic journey with a local guide.
Skip the Line Entry to Knossos with Guide
Some more information on our pages below:
Travel Crete - sometimes...you just don't want to do all the driving yourself.
Sometimes - as in most of these tours, it is impossible to drive as there are boat and ferry trips involved.
Sometimes...you just want to relax on holiday and have an expert local tell you the history and stories.
Of course there are many more historical and natural sights to see on the island, see history pages for information about each Minoan palace and other sites of interest including Gortys, Arkadi and Olous.
See our nature pages and mountains and gorges info to discover your own path, make your own itinerary.
We Love Crete website is for independent travellers, with lots of great info to arrange all your travel yourself.
These mini guide books by the team at We Love Crete help you explore the island on your own. Create a personalised trip plan with this local information at your fingertips.
Extend the trips to however many days you would like, we encourage you to take at least 10 days to explore the whole island.
Perfect for independent travellers.
Route Guide West of Crete - by Car
The guide to the west of Crete includes the following destinations:
• Knossos Palace
• Zaros Village
• Amari Valley
• Old Town Rethymnon
• Lake Kournas
• Old Town Chania
• Samaria Gorge
• Balos Lagoon
• Topolia Gorge
• Elafonisi Beach
West Crete - by Bus
Including the following destinations:
East Crete - by Bus
Travel Crete - for Food Lovers - yes Greek food is yummy and Cretan food is no exception. Discover one of the healthiest culinary traditions in the world. Get close and personal on one of these tasty tour experiences.
Walking Tour Old Town with Street Food - visit the local food markets and walk for 4 hours through the gastronomic highlights of this fascinating historic town, visit the old Jewish and Ottoman quarters and taste the local white spirit or raki. Enjoy mesedes which are little appetisers, part of the Cretan diet which is one of the healthiest in the world. Find out why.
Wine Tasting
from Chania - visit the Apokoronas Peninsula and relax in the village of Fres to taste local wines with knowledgeable local guide. 1.5 hours.
"The session was great, it was amazing to meet Andreas and hear him
passionately describe the different local varieties. The wines were
great, and we got to learn the history of the wine. Andrea’s was an
excellent host, and the atmosphere and table was beautiful and rustic.
Could not recommend more especially at this price, the value for money
was incredible and we left with some amazing wines. We will be back
again when we’re next in Crete for another tasting."
Rethymnon Old Town Walking Tour with Meal - treat yourself to a 4 hour gastronomic exploration of this cosmopolitan town, with food and beverage tastings, hidden spots not in the guidebooks all through the old zone. 4 hour walk, small group only.
8-Day Hiking Tour in Crete - this tour of Crete offers glorious hiking and trekking for a maximum of 16 walkers in a fully guided tour. Begin in Chania and end in Heraklion, explore the mountains and enjoy blissful coastal walking.
Take the hike in the famous Samaria Gorge, relax in the coastal hamlet of Agia Roumeli. Walk to the blue and white seaside village of Loutro, and discover Zaros in the Idi Mountains.
Travel Crete - if your appetite is ready for Crete, you can arrive by plane to Chania International Airport CHQ or Heraklion International Airport HER.
See our page on choosing an airport here.
Ferries from Athens to Crete leave daily and the crossing takes about 9 hours. You can arrive into Souda Port near Chania or Heraklion Port.
More details about getting to Crete below.
Car hire in Crete is a really good idea as it is a large island 60 km by 260 km. There is so much to explore.
When you book with our car rental partners - Rental Centre Crete - you are supporting a local company with excellent service and easy online booking. We are sure you will be well looked after by the team. Choose from hybrid, electric or regular vehicles.
We trust you have enjoyed these tips from the We Love Crete team. Evíva!
Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia
are the We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
About us Contact Us Kaló taxídi!
Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia
are the
We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
About us