Crete 16 X Top Travel Tips For 2023

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands. The island has a richly fascinating history, spectacular beaches, nature to admire and let's not forget the fabulous local Greek cuisine and wine.
The charming colorful towns and villages are a real treat here, so cozy, pretty, and inviting to explore.

Crete offers a unique combination of things to do and see. If you love hanging out at the beach working on your tan, but would also like to learn about the Greek culture & local history, and see another side to Greece then Crete is the island for you!

Practical Tips For Crete, Greece

If I could give just two practical tips before you book your trip to Crete, these would be them:

First, don't visit during the summer/high season. The temps are crazy high and the island is so very crowded. I would recommend visiting Crete during September and even the beginning of October. The temps are better especially if you come from countries with milder climates and are not used to such hot summers. The island isn't as busy during September and October as it is during July and August, you will be able to enjoy your time on the island with more ease and pleasure. Prices will be lower too.

The second tip would be to rent a car and explore the island on your own and at your own speed.
There is vast competition regarding the rental cars industry on the island so do your research and compare prices before choosing your car.

Pro Tip! Don't drive at night outside of the city or town you are staying in. There are no road lights so driving is difficult and possibly dangerous for tourists who don't know the lay of the land.
I have learned this the hard way...I didn't realize there are no road lights at night, and I have also encountered a couple of goats standing in the middle of the road on the freeway at night time. Everything was pitch black around us, luckily, we saw them on time but I can't say that drive was pleasant. Other than that very easy to drive around.

Top Things To See & Do In Crete Greece

Visit Heraklion, the capital of Crete. Here you can explore the Venitian history of the island, enjoy glorious water views, go on a boat ride, wander through the charming alleys of the old town and visit a museum or two.

Note: All travel guides advise visiting Knossos, saying it is an absolute must-see. I'm here to say that actually you can skip it. I would have skipped it myself had I known what I was going to see, or not see...
This was one of the most overrated sites I have come across in the last few years.
The description is indeed very enticing and tempting. The Minoan Palace of Knossos is famous for its connection to Greek mythology and unique architecture. Most of it though is not visible or standing anymore.

There wasn't much to see, unfortunately, very few ruins to actually see. The couple of things we could see were reconstruction. It didn't feel authentic to us and for the most part, you had to use your imagination to picture what once stood here. I also found the entry fee compared to what you actually see expensive and not worth it. This is of course my personal opinion.

Spend a day exploring Chania the former capital of the island and Rethymno which is a mini Chania with a twist. I loved the colorful architecture and the old towns here, as well as the Venetian harbors.

Go on a jeep safari! I recommend GoCreteSafari; this tour operator offers great value for money. It is reliable and on time, and its guides are phenomenal!

Visit a monastery. There are a few options. We chose the Odigitria Monastery which is one of the most famous monasteries of Crete, dating back to the 14th century.

Visit the Island of Spinalonga, a former leper colony. You can later take a swim in the crystal clear waters of Kolokitha. While you are in the area, you'll find the city of Agios Nikolaos well worth a visit.

Though you can find all kinds of cuisines in Crete from around the world, the best food is Greek food! I highly recommend you take full advantage, combined with tasting the local wines.

Stop in Bali, a gorgeous laid-back fishing village named Bali! It might not look it per se however, the vibes will be a match and it is very picturesque.

Visit the seaside town of Sissi.

Another island close by you can visit is Chrissi Island in the Libyan sea.

Visit the nature reserve of Gramvoussa and Balos, aka the Blue Lagoon. This breathtaking area is perfect for swimming and snorkeling, not to mention the amazing views. Personal note: As I suffer from seasickness, I had to skip this trip. If you are like me, check the details carefully.

Spend a day on the glorious pink beach of Elafonissi.

Hike a gorge leading to a secret beach. There are a few options; most tourists opt for the most popular one which is the Samaria Gorge. I would recommend hiking through Agiofarago Gorge.
Samaria is an 18 km hike and in the Greek heat, I think it could prove more a punishment than a fun outdoor experience.

The Agiofarago Gorge is an easy 25 minutes hike with lots of shade during the hike. Along the way apart from the beautiful nature around you and close goat encounters, there are interesting stops to do. There is an old Greek church to see, and a cave you can go into where the monks used to meet once a year to pray, and see who has lived through the harsh winter months.

Spend time in Matala. Matala Beach is famous as Hippie Beach, and you'll feel that easy breezy vibe from the get-go. The village is located in the southern part of Crete and will give you a glimpse of how it was back in the 60s. Flower Power all the way!
There are caves carved into the cliffs around the beach that before the hippies used them as their homes, were burial sites in roman times.

Night time recommendations: Spend an afternoon and evening in Chersonissos. The beachfront boulevard is packed with beautiful restaurants, and terraces overlooking the sea. You can have drinks while watching the sunset and enjoy delicious Greek food.

There are two fabulous trendy beach clubs on the boulevard turning on the party heat come evening time. King Scorpio and Palm Beach Club.
Both are stylish, fun places to hang out. At the Palm Beach Club, you can also enjoy the day in style sitting around one of the stunning pools, having a dip in the jacuzzi, and having lunch on their private beach.
You can put on your dancing shoes come nighttime.

Want to visit other Greek islands? Check out these travel guides:

Kos

Santorini

Zakynthos

Before we part, don’t forget to follow me on social media for awesome travel content, tips, and resources ~ @mytrendytrail

Yours,

Diti