When it comes to breathtaking destinations, Crete is at the top of the list of places to visit in Greece. As Greece’s largest island, it offers a rich blend of stunning landscapes, ancient history, and lively culture. From its pristine beaches to its charming mountain villages, there’s something here for every type of traveler.

Content Teaser
Quick Peek

Fact-sheet about our Crete journey for our busy travelers.

Travel Time

October

Travel Mode

Journey (14 days)

Our Must-Sees

Elafonissi Beach, Rethymnon,
Matala

Where to stay

Mitsis Rinela, Domes Zeen

Plant-Based Food

Pulse Vegan (Chania)

Mobility

Rental Car, Suzuki Vitara

Travel Budget

around €5.500
without air fare

Explore Crete’s Best: Must-See Highlights of Places to Visit in Crete
Elafonissi Beach

Elafonissi Beach, famous for its pink-tinged sand and crystal-clear shallow waters, is about a 1.5-hour drive from Chania. There is a large parking lot near the beach, which was free when we visited, but it can fill up quickly during peak hours. We recommend arriving early in the day, especially during the summer, to secure a spot and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before the crowds arrive.

Places to Visit in Crete - Elafonissi Beach

Places to visit in Crete - Preveli Beach
Preveli Beach (Palm forest)

Preveli Beach, one of the most unique places to visit in Crete, features a stunning palm-lined shore where the Kourtaliotis River flows into the sea. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Chania, with a main parking area located uphill, requiring a short but steep walk down to the beach. There’s a small fee for parking, but the breathtaking landscape and peaceful atmosphere make it well worth the effort. Alternatively, boat tours to Preveli also depart from nearby towns, offering a scenic route to arrive without the hike.

Instead of hiking from the parking area, you can walk through the shallow waters of the Kourtaliotis River to reach the beach, which is one of the most adventurous ways to explore places to visit in Crete. The riverbank is lined with lush palm trees and dramatic rock formations, making this path both refreshing and scenic. Just be sure to bring water shoes, as the riverbed can be rocky, and this option may not be ideal for families with young children due to the uneven terrain and occasional deeper spots.


Old Town Chania

The charming Old Town is famous for its Venetian harbor and maze of narrow streets. Given the challenging parking situation, especially in the evenings when spaces near the harbor are extremely limited, we opted to book a cab instead of taking our rental car. This turned out to be a much more relaxing way to enjoy the town without the stress of finding parking. We highly recommend visiting Chania in the evening, just after sunset, to fully experience the vibrant atmosphere of the town’s many restaurants and cafés. The streets come alive with a magical energy, making it the perfect time to explore and savor the local cuisine.


Rethymnon

Rethymnon, with its beautiful Venetian fortress and charming old town, is truly one of the must-see places to visit in Crete. It’s about an hour from both Chania and Heraklion, making it a great stop between the two cities. We spent nearly 45 minutes trying to find a parking spot, as it can be tough to park close to the center, especially when it’s busy. But don’t let that put you off—the old town is totally worth it. Once you get there, the picturesque streets and historic atmosphere make the effort of finding parking completely worthwhile.


Matala

Located on the southern coast, Matala is famous for its unique hippie vibe and striking cliffside caves that were once home to the 60s counterculture. The atmosphere is still laid-back and artistic, making it a must-visit spot. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Heraklion, making it an ideal day trip during your second week. The cliffs with their impressive rock formations create a dramatic backdrop to the beach, adding to the town’s charm. Parking in Matala is fairly easy, with several designated spots near the beach and village. Some are free, while the paid lots closer to the beach are reasonably priced. It’s the perfect place to soak up the relaxed atmosphere and explore the caves that give this town its special character.

Places to visit in Crete - Matala

Places to visit in Crete - Voulisma Beach
Voulisma Beach

Just a short drive from Agios Nikolaos, Voulisma Beach is a hidden gem on Crete’s eastern coast. While Agios Nikolaos is known for its scenic lake, it’s the nearby beaches like Voulisma that really stole the show for us. Unlike the more crowded tourist spots, Voulisma offers a peaceful escape with its soft golden sand and crystal-clear waters. The laid-back atmosphere makes it the perfect place to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy a refreshing swim without the hustle of busier beaches. This beach was definitely one of the highlights of our second week, offering a serene retreat away from the crowds.

Our Favorite Places to Stay in Crete: From Cozy to Luxurious

As usual, we split our stay between a couple of different types of accommodations, and it worked out perfectly for us. Here’s how we planned it:

Airbnb Stay

We kicked off the trip in an Airbnb, as we often do. It had that cozy, boutique style, perfect for balancing adventure and saving on costs. Cleanliness is always one our top priority, and this place didn’t disappoint! It gave us the freedom to explore without breaking the bank.

Places to visit in Crete - Sunset spot nearby Chania
Places to visit in Crete - Our AirBnb Selection
Mitsis Rinela Beach Resort

Next, we moved on to Mitsis Rinela on the western side of Crete. It’s a mid-range resort, but during our trip, the price-to-quality ratio was amazing! We got such great value for our money here. It offered everything we needed for a comfortable and enjoyable stay, and it’s perfect if you’re looking for something that’s both affordable and relaxing. One important tip though: make sure to book a room in the newly renovated part of the resort. The difference in comfort and style is totally worth it!

Places to visit in Crete - Mitsis Rinela Pool Area
Domes Zeen Chania

Finally, we ended our trip with a splurge at Domes Zeen Chania. Sure, it’s high-end, but honestly, it was worth every penny. Pure relaxation. We stayed there for five days and didn’t leave the resort once! It was the perfect way to wrap up our trip, with a real feeling of luxury and total escape. If you’re curious for more details, we’ve written an in-depth review of our stay over in our Luxury Stays section.

Domes Zeen Chania In the room
Domes Zeen Chania The Entrance
The Best Plant-Based Food in Crete: Top Spots at Places to Visit in Crete

Okay, so we’re not strict vegans all the time – sometimes a good vegetarian option (or even some local seafood) finds its way onto our plates. And in Crete, we couldn’t resist trying a bit of everything. Here are our favorite plant-based and veggie-friendly spots, plus a little indulgence with some fish!

Kanderimi (Old Town Chania): If you’re craving a good seafood dish, this is where we treated ourselves to an amazing tuna steak. Kanderimi in the Old Town of Chania quickly became our go-to spot for this, and honestly, it’s worth the visit if you’re in the area and want to mix it up.

Pulse Vegan (Chania): For those days when we went fully plant-based, Pulse Vegan was a standout. The menu was creative, fresh, and full of flavor. It’s definitely one of the best vegan spots in Chania if you’re looking for healthy, hearty options.

Salad Concept: On the Heraklion side, we absolutely loved Salad Concept. It’s a super casual spot, but perfect for grabbing something light and healthy when you’re out exploring. Fresh ingredients and lots of options for customizing your meal to fit your mood.

Crete really offers a great mix, whether you’re fully plant-based, vegetarian, or just want to enjoy some local seafood once in a while. We found something for everyone and never felt like we were missing out!

 

How to Navigate Crete: Getting Around Popular Places to Visit in Crete

As you probably know from our other travels, we love the flexibility that comes with having a rental car. This time around, we decided to switch things up a bit. Instead of going with one of the big, well-known rental companies (which we usually prefer for their reliability and smooth handling), we took a recommendation from our Airbnb host and tried a local rental company called Time Car. Honestly, we were pleasantly surprised! Everything went smoothly, and we ended up with a Suzuki Vitara, which was perfect for our family of four. All our luggage fit, and it was a great size for navigating Crete’s roads.

Speaking of roads – driving in Crete is pretty straightforward. The main highways are in great condition, though you’ll encounter a bit of an off-road feel when venturing to more remote spots. But nothing too intense! For anyone who’s not into driving, don’t worry – Crete’s public transportation is fantastic. The bus system is well-connected and super tourist-friendly. We were impressed by the local bus company’s website, which you can view in Greek, German, and English. So no need to worry about deciphering the Greek alphabet!

And if you ever find yourself needing assistance, don’t hesitate to ask a local. The people in Crete are some of the friendliest we’ve ever met. They’re always happy to help, which really adds to the relaxed, welcoming vibe of the island.

Our Travel Budget for Crete: What We Spent Visiting Crete
Here’s a quick look at our budget for our Crete adventure, providing a straightforward overview of what to keep in mind.
Accomodation

AirBnB 3 nights / €390
Mitsis Rinela 6 nights / €1.110
Domes Zeen 5 nights / €2.075

 

Food & Dining

Hotels had half-board, so overall
around €50 per day

Mobility

Time Car Suzuki
€600 for 14 days
Fuel / Parking around €180

Activities

We enjoyed Crete
for free!

Total Spent

around €5.055
without air fare

Your Questions Answered: FAQ About Traveling to Crete

If our page has helped you, a little coffee would be amazing! We love sharing ad-free content, and your support keeps us going. Every little gesture means a lot to us!