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Best Places to Visit in Crete

The 19 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.

The places, most named first

From the 9 guides that rank for "best places to visit in crete"

Named by 6 of 91. ChaniaGreeceThe Venetian harbor and pedestrian Old Town give it the best atmosphere on the island, and it is a base for the west.The second-largest town on Crete, with a small-town feel around its Venetian harbor.
Named by 6 of 92. HeraklionGreeceA busy working city rather than a resort, with a strong food scene and the island's busiest airport.The archaeological museum holds a large Minoan collection, including the Phaistos disc.
Named by 5 of 93. RethymnoGreeceA Venetian and Ottoman old town with a long sandy beach, between Chania and Heraklion.Central enough to reach the Monastery of Arkadi, Imbros Gorge and Chania within an hour.

Named by 5 of 94. Balos LagoonChania, GreeceA shallow lagoon at the northwest tip with white and pink sand and turquoise water.Reached by boat from Kissamos or by a gravel road and a short walk.

Named by 5 of 95. ElafonisiChania, GreeceA remote southwest beach known for shallow warm water and pink sand from crushed shells.It gets crowded in summer days, so staying overnight is suggested for a quiet sunset.

Named by 4 of 96. Agios NikolaosLasithi, GreeceA picturesque harbor town and a good base for the east, near Spinalonga.Described as a lovely beachside town close to sites in the east.

Named by 4 of 97. KnossosHeraklion, GreeceThe Minoan palace near Heraklion, linked in myth to the Minotaur.Reachable from Heraklion by local bus in about 35 minutes.

Named by 3 of 98. Samaria GorgeChania, GreeceCalled the most famous hike in Crete, about 1.5 hours from Rethymno.Done as a full-day tour that includes Agia Roumeli and a boat trip to Sfakia.

Named by 3 of 99. Preveli BeachRethymno, GreeceA gorge full of water and palm trees leads to the beach, east of Plakias.Reached by a 400-step walk down from the car park.

Named by 3 of 910. MatalaHeraklion, GreeceLarge man-made caves shelter the golden sand, and 1960s and 70s hippies lived in them.One traveler rates it among the best beaches in Crete.

Named by 3 of 911. EloundaLasithi, GreeceA cosmopolitan east-coast town with beaches, shops and long lunches.About three hours by car from Chania.

Named by 3 of 912. KissamosChania, GreeceThe port where boats leave for Balos Lagoon.A suggested base in the west, with Chania, for the best beaches.

Named by 2 of 913. SpinalongaLasithi, GreeceA fortified islet near Agios Nikolaos with a fort that looks good from the hilltops.Visited by a 4.5-hour tour from Agios Nikolaos.

Named by 2 of 914. FalassarnaChania, GreeceA wide golden beach about 30 minutes south of Balos, more laid-back.Named as a major outing from a Chania base.

Named by 2 of 915. Arkadi MonasteryRethymno, GreeceAbout 27 minutes from Rethymno by car.Listed as an easy trip from a Rethymno base.

16. PlakiasRethymno, GreeceA south-coast resort town used as a base for hikes to Kleidisi, Ammoudi and Preveli beaches.

17. Vai BeachLasithi, GreeceA Blue Flag beach on the northeast tip, backed by Europe's largest natural palm forest.

18. PalaiochoraChania, GreeceA south coast town below the ruins of Castel Selino, with views of the town and mountains.

19. MáliaHeraklion, GreeceA party-oriented town popular with British tourists, but with good beaches and nearby archaeological sites.

Fares from your city

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When to go

Travel guides most often name April to June and September to October as the best time to visit Crete.

Crete month by monthWeather, crowds and what's on

Questions people ask

Which part of Crete is better, Chania or Heraklion?: One guide picks Chania as the best first-time base and Heraklion for history and transport, since its museum and Knossos are close.
Where is the best part of Crete?: One traveler says the west has the island's best beaches, such as Balos and Elafonisi.
What is Crete best known for?: Ancient history and beaches with white, red and pink sand, plus mountain villages and Cretan food.
What is the prettiest city in Crete?: One writer calls Chania one of the most beautiful cities in Greece, with a Venetian harbor and Ottoman-era streets.
Where to avoid staying in Crete?: A traveler found Mália mostly a party town for British tourists and its old town underwhelming, though the beaches and nearby ruins are good.

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Best Places to Visit in Crete: 19 Places, Ranked by How Many Guides Name Them