Crete is a large island with numerous amazing things to do. Exotic beaches, traditional towns, delicious food in local taverns and significant historical sites. In our opinion, it is impossible to explore the whole island in less than one month. Most people stay in Crete for a week or 10 days and discover only one of the 4 prefectures of Crete. Thus, they come again and again to see partially the island. But we know that you may not have so many days for your vacation in Greece. We know that you want to discover as many things as you can, so we created for you a list with the top 10 things to do and see in Crete. If you want to explore them during your holidays, one thing is for sure: you can do it easily by renting a car in Crete in order to be flexible and not to lose time waiting for the bus to come.
Chania
Chania is the most beautiful town in the western side of Crete, a multicultural place with a well-preserved old town and a port that combines the neoclassical houses with the mosques and the Venetian traces of the past.
Rethymnon
Rethymnon, the other well-preserved traditional town of Crete, looks like Chania but with its own unique character. A Venetian castle standing imposing at the edge of the cliff and a lovely port that captivates every visitor.
Balos Lagoon
In the prefecture of Chania, is located one of the most impressive beaches of Crete, which looks like a lagoon. Turquoise waters in a stunning scenery you should definitely not miss!
Elafonissi
In a close distance to Chania, the beach of Elafonissi has white and pink sand surrounded by a landscape with cedar trees. An exotic beach that is characterised as one of the best in Greece.
Preveli
In the prefecture of Rethymnon, the beach of Preveli is the place when the river meets the sea in a scenery full of palm trees. A picture you have never seen before!
Knossos
The most glorious centre of the Minoan civilisation, the archaeological site of Knossos near Heraklion is one of the most important sites in Greece.
Phaistos
The second Minoan palace in Phaistos, also in a close distance to the town of Heraklion, is the place when the Phaistos Disc was found, a clay tablet with letters of the Linear A.
Palm Forest
The Vai beach in the prefecture of Lassithi is a stunning golden sandy beach, which has behind it the biggest palm forest in Europe. An exotic place in the Libyan Sea that looks like Africa.
Samaria Gorge
Samaria Gorge, the largest gorge in Greece, is a place of astonishing natural beauty. Ideal for the lovers of hiking.
Cretaquarium
Cretaquarium is the ultimate place if you have children. It is a huge aquarium with numerous species of fishes and other sea animals that impresses its visitors.
