Compare Crete holidays

Best things to do in Crete

Away from Crete’s sun-drenched beaches, Greece’s largest island is a wonderland of ancient ruins, awesome scenery and captivating cities, towns and villages. Wander around historic cities such as Chania and Rethymnon, with their respective old towns and Venetian harbours. Head to the lighthouse and municipal market in Chania, or explore the Venetian citadel, the Fortezza in Rethymnon.

Minoan-era Palace of Knossos

Crete is known for its history with one of its most famous sites the Minoan-era Palace of Knossos, whose ruins still display colourful frescoes from long ago. This is the legendary setting of the Greek myth of the Minotaur, a creature with a man’s body and bull’s head.

Samaria Gorge

If you’re feeling more adventurous, make a beeline for the Samaria Gorge and embark on a challenging but rewarding 11-mile hike through its stunning and dramatic terrain. If you have less time or need something a little easier going, trek through the shorter and less challenging Imbros Gorge which is a great option for families.

Spinalonga

Continue your holiday adventures beyond Crete with a boat trip to the fascinating nearby island of Spinalonga, a former leper colony. The walls of its Venetian fortress rise steeply from the water. Book a boat tour that stops by.

Wine and olive oil tasting

For special days out, book yourself onto an olive oil or wine tasting tour. The Vassilakis Estate, Spiridi Olive Oil Farm and Pallada are some of your options for island oils, while the Douloufakis Winery, the Manousakis Winery and Lyrarakis Winery all offer their own take on local wines.

Best activities for families in Crete

Home to some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, spectacular landscapes made for exploring and fascinating historic attractions, family holidays to Crete set a very high bar.

Melidoni Cave

Vast, and teaming with stalactites and stalagmites, the Melidoni Cave has been a place of worship since Neolithic times. From May to October you can explore it yourself. You’ll need sturdy shoes to descend the 70 steps downwards, and some layers. Even when it’s hot outside the cave at 24m below the ground is always cool.

CRETAquarium

Take a glimpse under the sea at one of the largest aquariums in Europe. Tour the ecosystems of the Mediterranean and get to know its residents. There’s guided tours if you want to get to know things a little better, and a dedicated children’s area with games and activities.

Aqua Plus Waterpark

Featuring over 50 slides including some labelled ‘extreme’, a kids zone, and a relaxation area, you can choose your experience based on your energy levels at the Aqua Plus Waterpark. While some of the scariest slides include steep descents such as the ominously named Giants of Terror, a crazy river, and in-the-dark slides, head to the family area for splash pools, slides, and games.

Lake Kournas

Head for a day out at the only natural freshwater lake in Crete. With turquoise waters, and scenic mountain surrounds, it’s a popular island beauty spot. Swim, hire a pedal boat and take a pootle around its shores, or just take a picnic and relax. In the summer you can walk the circumference of the lake in about 60 minutes.

Dinosauria Park

For more fun-packed family days out, head to Dinosauria Park to explore its museum, dino hospital and 5D cinema. Travel from the present to prehistory with statues and robotic exhibits of over 50 species. A kids train is on hand to help tired legs (up to eight years old) get around. Like many attractions in Crete it’s open seasonally from spring to autumn so check ahead if visiting in a shoulder season.

Where to eat and drink in Crete

If your idea of holiday bliss is to lavishly tickle your taste buds, Crete won’t disappoint. From whatever the locals are having – dakos salad (a barley rusk topped with tomatoes, feta, herbs, capers and olives), cheesy kalitsounia pies, chochlioi boubouristi (fried snails) – to special experiences like tastings, you’re in for a gastronomical treat.

Peskesi

The award-winning and extremely popular Peskesi in Heraklion is one of those restaurants you can’t miss if you’re a foodie. It serves up Cretan and Greek dishes like tsigariasto goat and sfouggato (a frittata) in a charming, old-world kind of setting.

Chrisostomos

In Chania, go for something traditional. Chrisostomos uses local, seasonal ingredients and a wood-fired oven to serve up the classic Cretan dishes. Specialities include lamb with stamnagathi (wild greens), mutton in greaseproof paper and staka with eggs.

Salis

Also located in Chania, Salis too focuses on sourcing its produce from local producers. In fact it grows almost all its own produce and specialises in putting a modern spin on traditional Cretan dishes. It’s also known for its extensive wine list, which features a large list of Cretan wines.

Captain Fidias

You can’t come to Crete without some seafood. Captain Fidias is a rustic fish tavern on the beach in Sfinari serving fresh catch for over 40 years. Each day pre-dawn two of the restaurant’s boats head out to catch octopus, calamari and lobster, which are then served with local olive oils and herbs from its own garden.