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Greece · Crete

Crete travel guide

Greece's biggest island, from Minoan palaces to pink-sand beaches

Balos Lagoon. Photo: Michael Brys, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

3h 45mflight from London
HERnearest main airport
27° in Augwarmest month
12° in Jancoolest month

Crete is the largest Greek island, big enough for a two-week road trip. It has the Minoan palace of Knossos, Venetian harbour towns such as Chania, dramatic gorges and some of Greece's best beaches.

The north coast has most of the resorts, while the south is wilder. Cretan food, with its olive oil, cheese and raki, is a highlight.

Good forBeachesHikingFoodHistory

What Crete is known for

  • Knossos

    The palace of the Minoans and the legend of the Minotaur.

  • Balos and Elafonisi

    Lagoons and pink-tinged sand.

  • Samaria Gorge

    A 16km hike down a dramatic gorge.

  • Cretan diet

    Olive oil, dakos and raki.

Top things to do in Crete

  1. 1

    Knossos

    The palace of the Minoan civilisation, near Heraklion.

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  2. 2

    Chania old town

    A Venetian harbour, lighthouse and lanes.

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  3. 3

    Balos Lagoon

    Turquoise water and white sand, by boat or rough road.

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  4. 4

    Elafonisi

    A famous beach with pink-tinged sand.

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  5. 5

    The Samaria Gorge

    One of Europe's longest gorges, open May to October.

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  6. 6

    Spinalonga

    A former leper colony island off Elounda.

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See all tours and tickets in Crete

Where to stay in Crete

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Best time to visit Crete

Best value: Mar–May, Sep–Oct. May, June, September and October: warm and sunny, with a long season for swimming.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
11.7 C12°J11.7 C12°F13.3 C13°M15.7 C16°A20 C20°M24.3 C24°J26.7 C27°J26.9 C27°A24.5 C24°S20.7 C21°O16.9 C17°N13.4 C13°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Crete, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 3h 45m from London to HER, and flights from most UK airports.

Hire a car to explore. Buses link the main towns along the north coast.

Find flights to Crete (HER)

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Good to know

  • Crete is big: pick one or two bases rather than doing it all.
  • Start the Samaria Gorge early, as the walk takes five to seven hours.
  • Mountain roads are narrow: allow extra time.
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Crete FAQ

Which airport for Crete?

Chania for the west, Heraklion for the centre and east.

How many days do you need?

A week covers one half of the island well.

More places in Greece

Back to the Greece travel guide + Add Crete to your bucket list