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There are so many amazing things to do in Crete. The main attractions of Crete are the incredible golden-sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. The island is also home to important Minoan archaeological sites, dramatic gorges, lovely cities with Venetian harbours and fortresses, and small coastal towns where you can escape to a leisurely pace of life.
Go on a day trip from Kissamos port to the uninhabited island of Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon by a round-trip cruise is one the most exiting things to do in Crete. Glide past cliffs, stop at pristine golden beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, and visit Gramvousa Fortress – a castle that offers incredible panoramic views.
Depart from Kissamos Port and sail for about an hour in the bay. Approach the island of Gramvousa and then the lagoon of Balos or vice versa, depending on the itinerary route.
Cruise against a stunning backdrop of steep cliffs and rocks, incredible secluded beaches, and infinite blue. Have the chance to see a large cave, which is thought to be an ancient shipyard.
Exploring the Palace of Knossos ranks high on the list of things to do in Crete, offering a journey back to one of the most significant Bronze Age archaeological sites in Europe. As you meander through the extensive ruins, you’ll encounter the remnants of ancient living quarters, workspaces, and storerooms that have withstood the test of time.
This site provides a profound insight into what is believed to have been the pulsing heart and political hub of Minoan civilization and culture, making it an unmissable experience for any history enthusiast visiting Crete.
The secret to avoiding crowds of tourists is to visit the palace early in the morning or right after sunset.
Spinalonga is a magnificent island with fortresses dating from the Venetian period. It is an island of legends, a triumph to survival in the early 20th century from the scourge of leprosy, now a place of great archaeological and historical significance. Discovering the Venetian fortifications is one of the most enriching things to do in Crete. Delve into the island’s layers of history and uncover the stories that have shaped this magnificent destination.
Take time to walk around the island and see the views of the bay and the fortifications. Later the cruise continues, passing along other points of interest in the Bay of Mirabello such as the cave of the legendary Pirate Barbarosa, the sunken ancient city of Olous, and the island where the endemic and hardy Cretan Kri Kri goats live. Take time to relax and swim in the exquisite turquoise waters of Kolokitha Bay.
The Fortress of Spinalonga has been included in the tentative list of World Heritage Sites, for its outstanding universal value regarding architecture, urban planning, and history as a leper colony.
If you’re compiling a list of things to do in Crete, make sure to include a day trip to the mesmerizing Elafonisi.
Elafonisi is about a mile long, with many of the island’s best and least crowded beaches located at the opposite end of the main strip of sand. Make sure to explore the various caves and rock formations scattered across Elafonisi to gain a real sense of the island’s stark natural beauty. For botanists, the island is a dream as it’s home to exactly 110 individual plant species including the rare Androcymbium rechingeri, for which it is a protected area.
Travelling to Elafonisi can be an adventure on its own. To reach the beach you drive along the bends of the breathtaking gorge of Topolia, a unique ravine surrounded by high mountain walls and lush vegetation.
Hiking the Samaria Gorge is one of Crete’s most rewarding outdoor experiences.
The easiest way to fully enjoy the hike of Samaria gorge is to embark on a full-day guided trip to the Samaria Gorge from Chania or Rethymno. Arrive in Omalos in the heart of the White Mountains, and enjoy breakfast before trekking along the longest gorge in Europe — 4,000 feet above sea level.
After breakfast, enter the Samaria Gorge. Walk at your own pace with your English and German-speaking guide at the end of the group to help out if you need them. Hike over rocks and stones, through a forest of thousand-year-old trees and along a river, passing by fresh-water springs along the way. Enjoy views of Crete’s most beautiful mountain range and see mountain goats roaming in the wild.
At the end of the trek, visit the village of Agia Roumeli, where you’ll find a number of taverns, bars, and shops. Enjoy some free time to take a swim or have some lunch. A meeting point will be arranged so you can collect your ferry tickets from your guide. Late in the afternoon, board a boat that will take you from Agia Roumeli to Sougia, where the bus will be waiting to transfer you back to the starting point in the evening.
If you plan to visit Samaria gorge on your own, check out this article for more details.
CRETAquarium is the largest aquarium in the Mediterranean founded in 2005. The Cretan Sea has always been known for its huge diversity of marine life and beautiful rock formations.
One of Europe’s largest aquariums, over 2,000 sea creatures are in the CRETAquarium’s 60 diverse habitats. Delve into the caves and crevices of the Mediterranean, where stingrays and rock-like scorpionfish slither about. Pop out into the open ocean, where menacing sharks circle, waiting to be fed.
Get up close and personal with jellyfish and schools of vibrant tropical clownfish through shallow, open-topped tanks, which allow a new viewing perspective of well-known species. Above all, gain a new appreciation for the unending diversity of the world’s most mystifying environment.
Embark on a half-day cruise to Dia Island from Heraklion and explore this rugged island with plenty of time to swim, snorkel, or relax on its pristine shores. Enjoy a Mediterranean lunch with a glass of wine.
Relax aboard the elegant sailing boat before dropping anchor in the romantic Gulf of Saint George. Discover an idyllic location with a great history as an ancient Minoan port and one of the favourite destinations of the underwater explorer, Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Swim in the crystal clear water, take a walk among the island’s cedar trees or just relax in the quiet bay overlooking Heraklion.
The setting sun is on full display as it sinks below the Mediterranean horizon at Falasarna Beach, a west-facing strand of sand that is just low-key enough for you to quietly enjoy the daily spectacle of gold, orange and red. During the rest of the day, visitors enjoy the pinkish-white sand and azure waters. A couple of cafes offer refreshments and trails lead off to minor archaeological sites.
As we wrap up our journey through the enchanting island of Crete, it’s clear that the experiences here are as varied as they are vibrant. From the pink sands of Elafonisi to the mythic allure of Knossos, each destination we’ve explored offers a unique piece of the Cretan tapestry. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, the things to do in Crete are bound to leave an indelible mark on your heart.
So, pack your bags, bring your sense of wonder, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime on this magnificent Greek island. Remember, Crete is not just a destination; it’s a journey through history, nature, and the joys of Mediterranean life.
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