Ancient ruins, stunning beaches and boutique retreats
Crete was home to Europe’s earliest civilisation, the Minoans, and the legendary birthplace of Zeus. That’s quite a claim to fame but not content to just be historically interesting, the island also has a wealth of natural beauty and some of the country’s best beaches found anywhere among the Greek islands.
The island was under the rule of the Romans, Venetians, Byzantines and Turks and its towns and cities have their fair share of architectural gems. It’s well worth wandering through the backstreet of Chania and along its pretty Venetian harbour, as well as exploring the medieval town of Rethymno with its impressive fortress.
Relive the legend of Theseus and the Minotaur at the palace complex at Knossos, capital of Minoan Crete, and delve further into the county’s fascinating history at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion with exhibits spanning an impressive 5,5000 years.
As well as its rich cultural offerings, Crete is a naturally beautiful island. Explore the eastern region of Lasithi with its forests and vast plateau dotted with windmills. The Samaria Gorge at 16km is thought to be the longest in Europe and is buried deep within the White Mountains, so called because of the sun reflected on the limestone and the dusting of snow in winter.
There’s also a wealth of culinary experiences to be had here, as well as traditional festivals to immerse yourself in and artisan workshops to visit. Finally, no introduction to Crete would be complete without mentioning its beaches. Let yourself be seduced by the sparkling turquoise waters, the swathes of white sand and the secluded coves that are begging to be explored.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
Learn to cook Cretan favourites
Learn the secrets of the renowned Cretan diet through a hands-on class and seed-to-plate experience at a 17th-century farmhouse surrounded by organic gardens.
Step inside Heraklion's Archaeological Museum
Discover over 5,500 years of history at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion and see original wall paintings from the Palace of Knossos, including the Bull-Leaping fresco.
Explore a pottery village
Visit traditional hand-thrown pottery workshops hidden in the colourful alleys of Margarites.
See the Minoan ruins at Knossos
Marvel at the ruins of the Minoean Crete capital, Knossos, discovering more than 1300 inter-connecting rooms that may have inspired the Greek myth of King Minos.
Cruise to beautiful coves
Cruise the iconic blue waters of the Balos Lagoon and hike up to the stunning Venetian castle on the Gramvousa islet.
Hike forests and gorges
Trek through Samaria National Forest, tackle the more strenuous and rocky Aradena Gorge, or enjoy the easier, highly scenic Imbros Gorge.
A word from one of our experts
The largest island in Greece has a very distinctive local atmosphere. Influenced by a variety of cultures, you can still find the remains of Bronze Age settlements or the Venetian and Ottoman empires. There are also beautiful hidden bays and beaches, as well as undiscovered local villages that make this island so unique.
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Crete
There are many incredible places to stay in Crete. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
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Trip Inspriation
Get inspired with our Crete example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
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Explore more of Greece
Athens
Often referred to as the cradle of Western civilisation, it’s a city bursting at the seams with culture, intrigue and beauty.
Folegandros
Positioned in the southern reaches of the Cyclades and surrounded by the glistening blues of the Aegean Sea, Folegandros is a beautiful and largely undiscovered island, currently emerging as a rewarding and laid-back haven.
Milos
The southwestern-most of the Cyclades, it encapsulates the beautiful beaches, rustic white-washed houses, cyan waters, great food and rich history of its neighbours without the crowds of Santorini or Mykonos.
Mykonos
Mykonos might be one of the smallest islands in the Cyclades complex but it makes up for it in character. Its reputation as a glamorous party destination has stuck since the 50s and while it’s true people here know how to have a good time, the island is incredibly beautiful, its beaches and secluded corners offering refuge to those who seek it.
Paros
Paros is an idyllic Greek island, which decorates the already beautifully mesmerizing Aegean seas, as part of a group of islands known as the Cyclades. It is the second largest island here and is famous for its bright sandy beaches which are lapped by perfectly turquoise waters, as well as its quaint yet traditional villages, connected by unrivalled Byzantine footpaths.
Peloponnese
The southern peninsular of Peloponnese, separated from the mainland by the Corinth Canal, encapsulates everything that is wonderful about Greece. It is both rich in culture and naturally beautiful.
Santorini
Sheer cliffs hundreds of metres high shield coves and beaches made up of red, white and black sand, while pretty villages of limewashed cubic houses creep up the sides, nestled into every nook and cranny.
Spetses
Despite this rather diminutive size, it has a rich history dating back millennia and has been a favourite of well-to-do Athenians for over a century, now hosting a handful of wonderful boutique hotels.
When to visit
The climate on Crete is quite suitable for most of the year, with the temperature and sunlight hours increasing gradually from March through to August. The main tourist period runs from April to mid-October, but our favourite times to visit Crete are in late spring or early summer, as well as in autumn when the weather is not too hot and the main tourist crowds have departed.
Beach Break
June - September
Escape the crowds
October
Plat your trip to Crete
Whatever you want from your adventure in Crete, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Don't take our word for it
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
