Is Crete worth visiting?
Yes, Crete offers many reasons for a visit. It's a island everyone should explore, and our experience here was wonderful. We didn't want to leave.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this island has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the amazing food and fantastic resorts.
Crete is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including Conde Nast's The Best Islands of Europe.
Crete is the largest island in Greece. Many people believe it has some of the best beaches in the country. You'll find sandy shorelines that meet striking blue water. There are also cities that are filled with excellent restaurants and a world class nightlife scene.
Heraklion, Crete, Greece
8 Reasons to Visit Crete
1. Food
Local cuisine is influenced by the island's fertile environment and excellent agriculture. You'll find olive oil in most dishes and seafood is a major staple. You'll also find a lot of stews and recipes that incorporate local ingredients.
2. Resorts
The island has world class resorts that include pools and buffet meals. There are many beachfront resorts that range in style from romantic to family-friendly.
3. Beaches
There are some of the best beaches in the world on Crete. The areas around Chania have some of the island's best beaches, with one of the most beautiful being Balos. On the northern side of the island, be on the lookout for strong winds, particularly in August, which can make for larger waves. The island is large, so you'll find everything from secluded and quiet beaches to more active and lively places.
4. Museums and Attractions
The island is filled with archeological sites including the famous Palace of Knossos. While most people come to Crete for the natural beauty, in the cities you'll find some great museums and landmarks.
5. Nightlife
The island has excellent nightlife with clubs and bars found in Chania, Malia and Stalis to Elounda. The area is popular with British tourists and you'll find many bars open until 2 or 3 in the morning.
6. Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
The island is surrounded by clear waters that make for great snorkeling and diving. There's a number of beautiful fish and other sea life that you can see. Be on the lookout for crabs, sea stars, sponges, and even octopi.
7. Hiking
The island is filled with beautiful hikes that run along the shoreline or head inland through the island's beautiful landscapes. There are hikes for every ability level that offer spectacular views and an incredible experience.
8. Shopping
The island has many markets that sell local foods and handicrafts. There are also shops and boutiques where you can buy anything from souvenirs to homemade artwork.
Things to Consider Before Visiting Crete
Lots of Tourists
Crete sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Crete might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Crete here or see if Crete is expensive here.
Related
What is Crete most famous for?
Crete is most famous for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins. The island is very popular for its food, resorts, and beaches. Also, it's known for museums and attractions, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and hiking. Many people love the shopping, too. It is often described as stunning, breathtaking, world-renowned, and scenic.
What is the most famous sight in Crete?
The most popular sight in Crete is the Palace of Knossos. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Crete on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Palace of Knossos and other attractions here.
How touristy is Crete? Is it a popular island to visit?
Crete is a very touristy island that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Wine & Olive Oil Tour with lunch at the White Mountains: $174
- Explore Crete by Sunset Full-Day Guided Tour: $101
- Heraklion Half-Day Tour | Cruise Friendly | Knossos & Top Sights: $72
- Private Van Tour to Falassarna Beach from Chania: $57
- Daily cruises to Dia Island with All -Inclusive Meal and drinks: $78
- Chania Private Tour: Monastery, Scenic Gorge & Mountain Views: $263
- Minoan Day Experience: $24
- Rethymnon Olive Tree Sponsorship Protect and Plant Tour: $143
How long should I spend in Crete?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Crete is at least five or as many as seven days. Since Crete has a variety of activities such as dining, resorts, and beaches, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Crete?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Crete?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Crete?.
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Greece.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers
We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Crete.
Why would you recommend Crete to budget travelers? Or, why not?
We found it to be one of the more affordable Greek islands. There's a mix of resorts and hotels and each offers a different experience.
What makes Crete a budget-friendly destination? Or not?
Crete's a large island with many different places to stay. We always stay at a local hotel that's a bit less touristy and incredibly affordable when we're in town.
It's a stunning island, but it's really large with limited transportation options, so you can either arrange day tours or rent a car.
What was your favorite thing about Crete?
I rented a car so that I could get around the island, and that turned out to be a blessing because it's so big. I took the dirt road to Balos beach on the western side of the island, and it was amazing! Well worth the journey and the short hike down the hill. The views were epic, the water was so blue and clear. Don't miss it.