Crete: Cheap Flights & Best Hotels

Crete Travel Guide

Greece's Biggest Island

Crete is large enough to feel like a small country. Its spine of mountains, cut by deep gorges, divides a north coast of busy resorts and Venetian harbour towns from a wilder south coast of hidden coves facing Africa. This was the home of the Minoans, Europe's earliest advanced civilisation, and later of Venetians and Ottomans, all of whom left their mark. Cretans are known for their hospitality and their food, which many regard as the finest in Greece. Give the island time: a week barely scratches the surface.

When to Go

May–June and September–October are ideal: warm seas, wildflowers in spring, harvest season in autumn and fewer crowds. July–August is hot, dry and busy, and the meltemi wind can blow hard on the north coast; prices peak. November–April is quiet, with many resort hotels closed, but cities such as Heraklion and Chania stay lively, and winter is green with occasional snow on the peaks. The Samaria Gorge usually opens from around May to October, depending on conditions.

Top Attractions

1. Knossos – The great Minoan palace near Heraklion, with partially reconstructed frescoes and the legend of the Minotaur. Go early to beat the heat.
2. Heraklion Archaeological Museum – Home to the world's finest collection of Minoan art, including the Phaistos Disc.
3. Chania old harbour – A Venetian port with a lighthouse, pastel houses and lanes of tavernas and craft shops.
4. Samaria Gorge – A long, rewarding hike through one of Europe's most famous gorges, ending at the sea at Agia Roumeli, with a ferry onwards.
5. Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa – Turquoise shallows on the far north-west tip, reached by boat from Kissamos or a rough road.
6. Elafonisi – A beach with pinkish sand and shallow lagoons; protected, so follow the rules on swimming areas.
7. Rethymno – A charming old town with a Venetian fortress (Fortezza) and minarets.
8. Spinalonga – A former fortress island and leper colony off Plaka and Elounda, made famous by the novel The Island.

Food to Try

Cretan cooking is built on olive oil, wild greens, cheese and herbs. Try dakos (barley rusk topped with tomato and mizithra cheese), kalitsounia (cheese or herb pastries), gamopilafo (wedding pilaf), snails fried with rosemary, staka butter, and slow-cooked lamb. Vegetarians eat very well here, with dishes such as boureki (baked courgette and potato), stuffed vegetables and horta greens. Meals often end with a free glass of raki (tsikoudia) and fruit.

Getting There and Around

Crete has two main airports: Heraklion (HER) and Chania (CHQ), with many seasonal flights from across Europe and year-round connections via Athens. Ferries sail overnight from Piraeus to Heraklion and Chania, and there are connections to Santorini and other Cyclades.

The KTEL bus network links towns along the north coast and to major beaches and gorges. However, a rental car gives the most freedom to explore villages and the south coast. Mountain roads are narrow and winding, so allow extra time and drive carefully.

Where to Stay

• Chania: Beautiful old town, good base for western beaches and the Samaria Gorge.
• Rethymno: Central location with a historic centre and a long town beach.
• Heraklion: Practical for Knossos and the museum, and well connected.
• Agios Nikolaos and Elounda: Upscale resorts and a picturesque lake-side town in the east.
• South coast (Paleochora, Plakias, Loutro): Laid-back villages, good value, fewer crowds.

Budget Tips

• Visit in shoulder season for lower rates and warm seas.
• Eat at family tavernas in villages rather than harbour-front restaurants.
• Use KTEL buses for long coastal journeys if you are not driving.
• Book rental cars early for summer; compare full insurance terms.
• Many of the best beaches are free, with sunbeds optional.

Practical Information

• Visa: Greece is in the Schengen Area. Indian passport holders need a Schengen visa; check the official Greek visa centre or embassy.
• Currency: Euro (EUR). Carry some cash for village tavernas.
• Language: Greek; English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
• Safety: Crete is very safe. The main risks are the sun, dehydration on hikes and winding roads. Respect warnings on beaches with strong winds.

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