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Crete ( / kriːt / KREET; Greek: Κρήτη, Modern: Kríti [ˈkriti], Ancient: Krḗtē [krɛ̌ːtεː]) is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, the 88th largest island in the world and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily, Sardinia, Cyprus, and Corsica.
Explore the largest and most diverse island in Greece, with its stunning beaches, rich culture, exquisite cuisine and hospitable people. Find out the best destinations, attractions, activities and tips for your Crete holiday.
Discover Crete, Greece's largest island, with its stunning beaches, ancient treasures and vibrant culture. Find the best time and places to visit, top attractions, planning tips and more from Lonely Planet experts.
- Civilisation & Culture. Its strategic location on the map has turned the island of Crete into a crossroads where peoples and civilisations have left a permanent mark on, along with a rich cultural heritage.
- Old Towns. The old towns of Chania and Rethymno share a fascinating combination of Venetian and Ottoman architectural elements. They are well-known, charming, and much-photographed with an ambience reminiscent of times gone by.
- Traditional Villages. They are mountain villages, mostly. Old customs and traditions are kept unchanged here and they unveil aspects of the true Cretan culture.
- Seaside Tourist Resorts. Luxury resorts and lodgings of all types can be found along the seafront. Big towns such as Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos, Siteia and Ierapetra are not the only destinations that can offer you a vacation to remember: visit also Agia Pelagia, Amnissos, Kaloi Limenes, Chani Kokkini, Malia and Ammoudara (Heraklion region); Platania, Agia Marina, Kolympari, Agia Roumeli, Loutro, Palaiochora and Kissamos in Chania region; Georgioupoli, Bali, Plakia, Agios Pavlos, Panormos in Rethymno region; Elounta, Plaka, Makrygialos, Koutsounari, Agia Fotia in Lasithi region.
- Visit the famous historical Palace of Knossos. At the Palace of Knossos, you can feel the playful passion of the artists who painted its many frescoes 4000 years ago, such as the one in the queen's megaron (bedroom) showing dolphins frolicking.
- Beach-hop the southwest coast by boat. Yes, you can drive to many of the fine beaches along the southwest coast – Crete's best bunch of beaches – but why fight curves, traffic and even nausea on the treacherous mountain roads when you can hop from one magnificent beach to the next by ferry?
- Marvel at the marble at Ierapetra Archaeological Museum. Located in a 19th-century school built by the Ottomans, the Archaeological Museum in Ierapetra may initially seem like just another dusty repository for carved rocks and clay shards.
- Hike in the stunning Samaria Gorge. Sheer rock faces only 3m (9ft) apart are one of the many splendid sights on the 18km (11-mile) hike down to the sea through one of Greece's most popular natural attractions, Samaria Gorge.
Crete is an ideal place to visit all year round. Its mild climate and its unique mountainous features attract visitors before and after the established touristy summer season. Crete’s stunning natural beauty awakens in visitors an imperative need to discover its mountains, its gorges, its paths.
Crete, Greece. If you want to go back to where it all began, start in Crete. The largest Greek island is also known as the birthplace of ancient Minoan civilization (think: BCE), which means endless ruins and historic sites to uncover. The Knossos Palace is a can’t-miss, with its 4,000-year-old frescoes and architectural wonders.
