Destination · Greece
Crete –
Island of Contrasts.
Minoan palaces, pink-sand beaches, deep gorges — Crete is Greece's largest island and a world unto itself.
Crete –
Why Crete?
Greece's Largest Island. A World of Its Own.
Crete is not simply another Greek island — it is a continent in miniature. Stretching 260 kilometres from east to west, it offers a variety that few other Mediterranean islands can match: icy mountain gorges, pink-sand beaches, Venetian old towns, Minoan ruins, and an olive oil ranked among the world's finest. You can visit three times and discover a different island each time.
The island divides into four regional units, each with its own distinct character and atmosphere. To understand Crete, you have to choose a region — and find yourself curious about all the others.
Crete's Four Regions
Heraklion – History and Easy Access
The island's capital hosts Crete's main airport and the extraordinary Archaeological Museum, home to finds from the Minoan civilisation. Just a few kilometres away lies Knossos — Europe's largest Minoan palace complex, over 3,500 years old. The coastal resorts east of Heraklion (Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos) are the island's most developed tourist strip, offering a wide range of all-inclusive options.
Chania – The Wild West
Western Crete is the most dramatic part of the island. The Lefka Ori — the White Mountains — rise to 2,400 metres. From here, the Samaria Gorge, at 18 km one of Europe's longest, descends to the south coast. Chania itself is captivating, with its Venetian harbour and lighthouse silhouette that has become an icon of Crete. The Akrotiri peninsula, the beaches of Falassarna and the Balos lagoon all lie within this region.
Rethymno – Venetian Charm
Rethymno sits midway between Heraklion and Chania and is the smallest of the four main towns. Its old town — narrow lanes, Ottoman fountains, Venetian loggias — is one of the best preserved on the island. The town beach is wide and family-friendly. The south coast of this region, with Preveli's palm-fringed river delta and the Kourtaliotiko Canyon, ranks among Crete's most beautiful landscapes.
Lasithi – Quiet East and Spinalonga
Eastern Crete is quieter and often a little more upmarket than the north. Agios Nikolaos sits picturesquely beside a sea lagoon; Elounda is known for its luxury hotels. Those seeking genuine solitude find it on the Sitia peninsula or the Lasithi plateau with its ancient windmills. And Spinalonga — the former leper colony on a small island — is one of the most moving historical sites in the entire Mediterranean.
Crete's Most Beautiful Beaches
Elafonissi in the southwest is considered one of Europe's finest beaches — the sand glimmers pink from tiny coral fragments, the water is shallow and turquoise. Balos, reached by boat or dirt track, offers a lagoon in shades of cream and aquamarine. Falassarna has broad sandy stretches and clear water. On the south coast, Preveli surprises with its palm grove at the river mouth, while Matala's cave-pocked cliffs have their own rugged charm.
Crete with Children – Family Holidays
Crete is an excellent choice for families. The north coast offers wide, shallow sandy beaches with no strong currents. All-inclusive resorts with children's clubs, waterparks and animation are concentrated around Hersonissos and Malia and west of Rethymno. Cretan hospitality towards children is not just a cliché — families travelling with young children tend to feel genuinely welcomed everywhere.
Getting to Crete
Crete has two international airports: Heraklion (HER) in the north and Ioannis Daskalogiannis (CHQ) near Chania in the west. Direct flights from Germany take 3 to 3.5 hours; from the UK around 3.5 to 4 hours. Direct services operate from May to October from most major European cities. Travelling via Athens, you can continue by overnight ferry — the crossing from Piraeus to Heraklion takes around nine hours.
Tips for Your Crete Holiday
- 01Best season: May, June and September — comfortable heat, smaller crowds, lower prices than August.
- 02Hire a car: Crete is large. Without a car, the finest beaches and gorges remain out of reach.
- 03Samaria Gorge: 18 km descent, open May to October only. Proper footwear is essential.
- 04Food: Cretan cuisine is considered the healthiest in Greece — fresh olive oil, dakos, local cheese and wine are best enjoyed in simple village tavernas away from the seafront.
More background and travel inspiration for Crete in our magazine: Crete – Island Between Myth and Sea →
Quick Facts
- Location
- Southern Greece, Mediterranean
- Size
- 8,336 km² (largest Greek island)
- Language
- Greek
- Currency
- Euro (€)
- Best Season
- May, June, September, October
- Flight Time
- approx. 3–3.5 hrs from Germany
- Airports
- Heraklion (HER), Chania (CHQ)
Popular Trip Ideas
- → 1 Week Crete All Inclusive
- → Chania & Western Crete Explorer
- → Crete with Children (Family Resort)
- → Hiking the Samaria Gorge
- → 2 Weeks Crete by Hire Car
Part of Greece
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands. Explore all Greek islands and destinations:
Greece – all islands & destinations →Ready for Crete?
Search and book your
Crete holiday now.
All Crete package holidays directly from over 120 tour operators — best price guarantee, statutory insolvency protection.
Book Crete HolidaysBooking is currently handled via our German travel partner.