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Things to Do in Crete
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Elafonissi Beach, Balos Lagoon, Beaches, Day Cruises. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Elafonissi Beach, Balos Lagoon, Beaches, Day Cruises. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Crete.
- fromper group (up to 4)£213
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)£141
- Likely To Sell Outfromper adult£68
- Day Tripsfromper adult£102
- fromper adult£64
- Street Food Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)£68
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)£217
- Day Tripsfromper adult£37
- Private Sightseeing Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)£81
- Mountain Bike Toursfromper adult£64
Beaches
Serene beach with a touch of pink-hued sand and crystal-clear, shallow waters, ideal for family outings and snorkeling. Early morning visits recommended for tranquility.
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Beaches
Rugged coastal drive leading to serene beach with clear waters and picturesque views, ideal for sunbathing and swimming. Rocky terrain requires careful footwear.
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Beaches
Sandy beach with crystal clear, shallow waters and gentle waves, ideal for swimming and water activities. Features a Blue Flag certification, family-friendly zones, and well-organised sunbeds.
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Neighbourhoods
Old town district encompassing a charming seafront with harbor views, lined by narrow cobblestone streets, shops, cafes, and tavernas amidst historical architecture.
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Museum with a rooftop cafe, offering a journey through Minoan civilization with well-explained artifacts and themed rooms across two floors, highlighted by captivating sculptures.
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Historic Sites
Historical ruins provide a window into Minoan civilization, featuring well-preserved structures, informative displays, and unique artifacts amid restored architecture.
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Marinas
National Parks
Challenging trek through rocky terrain demands attention to footing and sturdy boots. Post-hike, unwind with a swim and local cuisine in a serene village.
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Historic Sites
Historical island fortress with a tapestry of Roman, Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek heritage, featuring guided tours, scenic boat rides, and opportunities for sea swimming.
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Interactive reptile and marine sanctuary featuring hands-on encounters with snakes, lizards, and sea creatures, complemented by educational insights into their lives.
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Bodies of Water
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historical monastery with tranquil gardens and a museum showcasing local history and baroque architecture. Features a poignant memorial and local honey tastings.
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Popular Cities in Crete
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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What travellers are saying
- Mart webZurich, Switzerland7 contributionsGreat beach very clean and cozy fellings.
We will travel back again with our families,we have fun and very good memories.Written 6 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Bianka K3 contributionsthe balos lagoon is one of the most beautiful beaches i have ever seen and will ever see in my life. the crystal clear water is a wonderful sight in the sunlight.Written 31 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rune LStavanger Municipality, Norway82 contributionsAmazing beach.
The water is super clear and the beach is lovely to stay at.
Good food & drinks at the beachbar.
Will go here againWritten 9 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - afonso s7 contributionsRethymno is an absolute gem of Crete, a place where history, beauty, and charm come together in perfect harmony. The old town is like stepping into a fairytale, with its winding alleys, Venetian architecture, and vibrant colors. The Fortezza offers breathtaking views of the sea and the town, a must-visit for history and photography lovers.Written 11 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- PoisonivyjcCalgary, Canada984 contributionsThis is a very well thought out and orgainzed museum. Came here after visiting Knossos ruins to view the arifacts that came from there. Reasonably priced and not over crowded. Littel cafe on site.Written 10 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- chrised14South Staffs, GB.19 contributionsVisit in the afternoon if you can when crowds are less. The internet link is very good as a guide.
Mr Evan’s restoration may have hindered more than helped, but excellent exhibits in the museum at Heraklion help to build the image.Written 25 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - PoisonivyjcCalgary, Canada984 contributionsThis was my highlight of Crete. I enjoyed spending hours walking the sea wall, taking photos, having some lunch, looking at all the history and ending the day with some shopping. There is something for everyone. Beware, you may get wet!Written 10 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kamila RMunich, Germany1 contributionWe did the trip on 28.10.2024 through Allcretetours, booked via getyourguide.com, which I can recommend as the trip was well organized. The costs per person were as follows: €32 for the bus, €5 for entering the National Park, €13 for the boat, and €2 for the bus that took us between the end of the National Park and the beach (this was a lifesaver in the end). We were picked up at 5:45 AM, and the driver collected passengers around Chania before heading up into the mountains to an altitude of 1200 meters, where it was -1°C upon our arrival.
Our first stop was at a café/restaurant where, unfortunately, the coffee was quite awful—likely instant coffee. The snacks were nearly inedible; the bread was stale, and the pastries were dry and overly sweet, almost as if they had been sitting out for a week. I strongly recommend bringing your own snacks and food, as you'll need plenty to get through the day.
Now for the most important message: while the views are spectacular and definitely worth it, the hike was much harder than we expected. I advise anyone considering this trip to go outside of the hot summer months, avoid bringing small children, and only attempt it if you are REALLY fit and have no health issues, especially concerning your knees. You’ll be dropped off at the start of the trail and left on your own; your guide does not accompany you. The descent from the mountain at 1200 meters takes about 3 hours if you maintain a good pace.
The next 3 hours involve walking through the gorge, which is truly breathtaking. However, be prepared: about 95% of the trail consists of small stones and rocks (you can rent hiking sticks for €6). This is not a standard hike; it’s demanding on your knees and muscles.
Wear your most comfortable hiking boots—definitely not new ones or just running shoes. There’s hardly a section of the hike that doesn’t involve navigating smaller or larger rocks, requiring you to concentrate on EVERY step.
In my opinion, this is the trip's weakest aspect: you need to be so focused on each step that enjoying the scenery becomes difficult. Many hikers rush through, seemingly trying to break records. You’ll often find yourself being passed by others (I can’t imagine doing this trip in high season with 1200 other people), leaving little time for breaks. We managed to take only two short breaks while maintaining a steady pace; both of us are fit, and I’m not sure how average hikers can complete this trail with adequate breaks for resting and taking photos. Seeing younger children on the trail raised questions for me about who allows them to participate in such a challenging hike (which is also dangerous due to the possibility of falling rocks!). The temperature was about 21°C in the shade, and in the sun, it was probably 26°C, which made it just bearable (lots of sunscreen is required).
We witnessed many people falling or struggling along the way. Occasionally, park employees with walkie-talkies passed by, suggesting they had a lot of work to do. There was even a horse waiting to assist troubled hikers.
After completing the 13 kilometers, we found an outdoor tavern, and from there, it was another 3 kilometers back to the port town to catch the ferry. About 500 meters further, there’s a shuttle for €2, which significantly saved our legs as we were both exhausted. We then ate at the restaurant "Samaria." The French fries were awesome, but the rest of the food was very average, with prices about 30% higher than in Chania.
After that, we went to the beach, and swimming there is a must. At 5:30 PM, we left on the slow ferry, and the bus ride back was long and winding; it was really exhausting. We arrived home at 8:30 PM, completely drained, and today we’re feeling sore all over. Again, the views are spectacular, but this is not a hike for everyone.Written 29 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - A Midlife AdventureDursley, UK2,872 contributionsWe visited the island on an organised tour from Hersonnissos with Orange Tour Company who also organised our boat passage across.
This ex leper colony is very interesting historically. Imagining this community of people cast out from normal life arriving here amongst what initially was quite squalid surroundings and then forming a community which grew and over time improved is astonishing. The old shops and houses are really interesting and a walk around the island highlights the solitude they were forced to bear away from their families and friends.
There is something about the silence of this place that awakens my soul and imagination. I’d love to return sometime in the future when I have more time. Time that isn’t confined by the timings of a boat transfer.
I left wanting to read Victoria Hislop's book to understand moreWritten 16 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Usernametaken90wales73 contributionsHighlight of our holiday and totally worth the trip! I came here terrified of snakes and wouldn’t go near them to start, at the end I held the huge yellow one they had, ALONE!
The men that work there are so passionate about the animals and are so knowledgeable, it’s a very relaxed atmosphere and the animals are very well cared for, it’s like a petting zoo for reptiles where they freely roam.
The big tortoise is funny, one minute you’re standing there chatting the next you have a giant tortoise walking over your foot or barging you out of the way 😂
It’s a shame there arnt more places like this as it massively helped me overcome my fears of reptiles and I ended up petting and holding all that I could.
The entry price is also very reasonable, a must if in or staying near Hersonnisos.Written 10 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - TheGrymza .Wayne, NJ152 contributionsWe caught this beautiful lake at the very end of the tourist season, literally as everything was closing and tourist crowds were just about gone. It is beautiful and serene, but much smaller than we expected. Still, it was a very pleasant stopover and a wonderful photo op, one of the last ones on Crete for us. We went to the lake on the way to the airport, walked around and had a drink at the lakeside restaurant with the perfect view. It must be a mayhem during summer, but it was lovely weather and quite a leisurely place. We also happened to have been there on the day they held the Special Olympics there, a rowing competition on the lake. Not posting pictures because the subjects were minors, but it was so heartwarming to see the community turn out to support their own.
Tip: Park at the Polymnia gift shop parking lot for 2 euros for the whole day, on the right as you approach the lake, and they give you a 10% off coupon for their store.Written 13 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - EMBE762Maastricht, The Netherlands574 contributionsIt’s an exceptionally good and well preserved Greek Orthodox Monastery!
Plenty of buildings and exhibits to see and decent presentation. On a large ground area with super big parking too.
Well worth the drive up thereWritten 5 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
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