- Crete is big: pick west (Chania), central (Heraklion, Rethymno) or east (Elounda, Agios Nikolaos)
- Fly into Chania for the west, Heraklion for the centre and east
- Hire a car to reach the best beaches and villages
- Greece adds a per-room climate resilience fee of €2-15 a night from April to October
- Airports
- Heraklion (HER), Chania (CHQ)
- Best time to go
- May-June and September-October
- Type
- Island
Crete is Greece's largest island and probably its most rewarding. In one holiday you can explore the Minoan palace of Knossos, hike one of Europe's longest gorges, swim in the lagoons of Balos and Elafonisi and eat some of the best food in the Mediterranean. Flights take around four hours from the UK.
At roughly 260km end to end, Crete is too big to see from one base in a week, so think about which part suits you. For the rest of the country, see our Greece guide.
Why go
Crete combines beach holiday and adventure better than any other Greek island. It has its own strong culture and cuisine, mountain villages where life goes on much as it always has, and a long season that runs from spring into late October. It suits families, walkers, history lovers and couples equally well, and ferries make it easy to add a few nights on Santorini.
Best areas to stay
- Chania – a beautiful Venetian harbour town in the west, with an old quarter of lanes, tavernas and boutique stays. The best base for Balos, Elafonisi and the Samaria Gorge.
- Rethymno – a smaller Venetian town with a long sandy beach, midway along the north coast. A good central compromise.
- Heraklion and nearby resorts – the capital is busy rather than pretty, but it has Knossos and the excellent archaeological museum. Resorts east of the city, such as Hersonissos, are lively and family-friendly.
- Elounda and Agios Nikolaos – the upmarket east, with calm bays, luxury resorts and boat trips to Spinalonga.
- The south coast (Plakias, Paleochora, Matala) – quieter, more laid-back villages facing the Libyan Sea.
If you only have a week, stick to one half of the island. Driving from Chania to Elounda takes around three hours.
Top things to do
- Knossos – the largest Minoan palace site, just south of Heraklion. Combine it with the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which holds the finest finds.
- Samaria Gorge – a 16km hike through a national park in the White Mountains, usually open from May to October, finishing at the sea at Agia Roumeli, where a ferry takes you on.
- Balos Lagoon – shallow turquoise water and white sand in the far north-west, reached by boat from Kissamos or by a rough road and a walk.
- Elafonisi – a protected beach with pinkish sand and shallow lagoons in the south-west.
- Spinalonga – a Venetian fortress island and former leper colony, reached by boat from Elounda or Plaka.
- Chania old town – wander the harbour, the lighthouse walk and the covered market.
- Mountain villages and wineries – try local raki, olive oil and the island's own grape varieties.
Getting there and around from the UK
Crete has two main airports: Heraklion (HER) in the centre and Chania (CHQ) in the west. Both have direct flights from the UK in season, roughly from April to October, taking around four hours from London. In winter you will usually need to connect through Athens.
Public KTEL buses link the main towns along the north coast, but a hire car is close to essential for beaches, gorges and villages. Roads in the mountains are winding, so allow extra time.
Best time to visit
May, June, September and October are ideal for most people: warm sea, wild flowers in spring and fewer crowds. July and August are hot (often well above 30°C) and busy, with strong meltemi winds at times. The Samaria Gorge is usually open from May to October, depending on conditions. Winter is mild but quiet, and many resort hotels close.
Budget tips
- Greece's climate resilience fee is charged per room per night: from April to October it is about €2 at one or two-star hotels, €5 at three-star, €10 at four-star and €15 at five-star, with lower rates in winter.
- Stay in a family-run guesthouse or apartment rather than a big resort for better value and more character.
- Eat in tavernas away from the harbourfronts; portions are generous and house wine is cheap.
- Book car hire early for summer, and check what insurance excess is included.
- Shoulder season deals can be significantly cheaper than August. Check current prices before booking.
Top attractions in Crete
Crete on the map
Frequently asked questions
Which airport should I fly into for Crete?
Fly into Chania for the west of the island (Chania, Balos, Elafonisi, Samaria) and Heraklion for the centre and east (Knossos, Hersonissos, Elounda).
How many days do you need in Crete?
A week is enough to enjoy one region properly. To see both west and east, allow ten days to two weeks and split your stay between two bases.
Is Crete good for families?
Very. Resorts east of Heraklion and around Rethymno have sandy beaches and family hotels, and Balos and Elafonisi have shallow, calm water on still days.
When is the Samaria Gorge open?
It usually opens around May and closes at the end of October, but opening depends on weather and safety conditions. There is an entry fee and you need to be fit enough for a long, rocky descent.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
More from AnnaWe research every guide carefully, but prices, opening times and timetables change. Check them shortly before you travel. Links to our booking partners are affiliate links.
