What to Do in Crete: A Journey Through Myth, Majesty, and Mediterranean Elegance
Crete, the largest and most storied of the Greek islands, is where myths meet reality, civilisations converge, and landscapes unfold with cinematic grandeur. For the culturally curious traveller, uncovering what to do in Crete is a voyage into timeless villages, frescoed palaces, and hidden beaches lapped by sapphire seas. Crete is a place where the legends of Minotaurs and Minoans live alongside the elegant rituals of modern island life, where every stone, every olive tree, every golden horizon tells a ...
Discover What to Do in Crete for a Culture-Rich Escape
For those arriving with a hunger for history, the list of what to do in Crete begins at Knossos. This sprawling Minoan palace, Europe's oldest city, is a must see in Crete, its labyrinthine halls and vivid murals transporting visitors back to the Bronze Age. Nearby, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum houses one of the world's greatest collections of Minoan artefacts, offering a perfect companion to the palace’s ruins.
Venture into Chania's Old Town, where the Venetian harbour, Ottoman mosques, and Byzantine churches weave an architectural tapestry that feels lifted from a painter’s dream. Simply wandering these cobbled lanes is something lovers of beauty and history are sure to want to do in Crete.
Partner Offer
Top Experiences in Crete
Book one of the experiences that other customers have liked and recommended:
-
Creta Private Transfer from Chania (CHQ) Airport to Agia Fotia
Take the worry out of your arrival at Chania Airport and pre‐book a private transfer to suit your group size (up to 8 people). Avoid the long lines for taxis on arrival, and travel in the comfort of a Premium car or minivan.
-
Western Crete small group guided tour
Discover the Western part of Crete on this exciting excursion that combines history, natural beauty, and distinctive experiences.Start by visiting the historic Melidoni Cave, which played a significant role in the Cretan War of Independence. Here, you will learn about the cave's rich history and be awe‐struck by its impressive geological formations.Then, at the charming village of Margarites, learn about its traditional pottery‐making techniques. Explore the narrow streets, admire the architecture, and have the chance to purchase handmade pottery as a souvenir. Feel the tranquility at Kournas Lake surrounded by lush greenery. Plus, travel to the coastal town of Rethymno is included for you to explore to complete the day.
-
SeaJets Ferry from Naxos to Crete (Heraklion Port) — One‐way Ticket
From Naxos to Crete (Heraklion port) by this ferry is the best option you have and it can be a very nice and exciting experience. It only takes about 3 hours 30 minutes to arrive and then you can enjoy the island from the beginning of the day. Crete is a perfect destination for a relaxing vacation. Here are some of the reasons to visit: Civilization and CultureMinoan palaces at KnossosPhaestosArchaeological sites such as SpinalongaHeraklion Archaeological Museum.Visit the old towns of Chania and Rethymno, a fascinating combination of Venetian and Ottoman architectural elements. BeachesMatala beach (a hotspot for hippies), in the area of Rethymno you will find the longest sandy beaches (Episkopi, Petres). The island offers a lot of thrills for the action‐loving traveler by the sea or in the mountains, you can hike, enjoy your off‐road rides, do water sports. And do not lose the oportunity to enjoy its gastronomy!
-
Create Energetic Flower Essences and Reconnect with Nature
This is a unique, once in a lifetime plant medicine making workshop and experience you will not find anywhere else! Guests have shared with me time and time again how impactful this experience has been for them. My expertise over the last decade, and my passion for emotional, mental and spiritual well‐being is highlighted within this experience. My goal is to inspire others to reconnect with nature and themselves through this deeply nourishing experience. May humanity remember that we are nature!
-
Painting Experience in Florence: Create Your Own Florentine Lily
Immerse yourself in a Florentine artist of the past and unleash your creativity with the guidance of an experienced master who will explain step by step how to create your own painting that will portray the most characteristic symbol of Florence: the Florentine lily! Crafty your own lily using the techniques of the great painters of the past and learn while having fun in the studio of a local artist and painting professor. You'll be able to take the painting you created with Andrea's guidance home with you and give it to a friend or relative, or keep it as a unique and indelible memory of your trip. Get your hands dirty by putting art into practice in the city of art par excellence. What place is better than this? This experience is suitable for everyone and you don't need any kind of skill or experience to try your hand at it
-
Quad tour from Agia Pelagia to discover the authentic Crete
This half day trip will show you the many sides of Crete including local history, culture, untouched nature and breathtaking views, and gives you the freedom to enjoy the rest of your day in the way you prefer. Meet your tour guide in Agia Pelagia. After a short theoretical and practical quad driving lesson, you will head out in a small group towards the mountains, on lonely tracks away from main traffic and in the midst of the most beautiful nature. Riding by a beautiful cliff path along the sea, you will reach the abandoned ghost village of Achlada. Find out more about the background of the village, the ancient and traditional Cretan way of life and share a special personal moment with the three last and only inhabitants of this village. After the visit you will continue through the mountains on the old donkey roads until you reach Fodele, a traditional Cretan village, which is also called the "village of the oranges" and is the birthplace of the famous painter "El Greco". Here you can explore Crete's culture and marvel at its local handicrafts. You may enjoy 20 — 25 minutes of free time before heading back to Agia Pelagia.
-
Moto Adventure Crete — Guided Motorcycle Tours
Guided Motorcycle Tours In Crete. Single & Multi Day Tours Available. Hello my name is Dylan, an adventure bike rider from Ireland. I have traveled to over 40 countries around the world by motorcycle and have many years experience leading groups on motorcycle adventures on and off road. Join me on a motorcycle adventure to experience some of the best parts of Crete, you will see the amazing coastline, deep canyons and majestic mountains, the route is fully customizable to suit what you want to experience. Along the route I can suggest the best places to stop for lunch depending on your taste, historical sites depending on your interests and maybe a quick stop to cool off in the crystal clear Mediterranean sea. Throughout the day we will stop at beautiful view points to soak up the scenery and enjoy the views. I use a drone to capture the best parts of the day to create memories for you that last a life time ! Book now for a once in a life time adventure !
-
Creta Private Transfer from Chania (CHQ) Airport to Gournes
Take the worry out of your arrival at Chania Airport and pre‐book a private transfer to suit your group size (up to 8 people). Avoid the long lines for taxis on arrival, and travel in the comfort of a Premium car or minivan.
-
Travel Crete (Full day Private tours)
Discover Cretan cuisine on a private food tour of Heraklion, the capital city of Crete. Your local guide introduces you to delicacies such as dakos, honey, olives, yogurt, a variety of cheeses, and souvlaki. You’ll also taste alcoholic beverages such as raki, a grape‐based pomace brandy, and red and white wines.
-
Crete Private Custom 4WD Safari by Land Rover Discovery
Experience an off‐road safari in Crete on this guided excursion. After crafting an itinerary that suits your preferences and interests and enjoying pickup from your hotel, villa, or apartment, hit the trails in a Land Rover Discovery with room for six. Visit magnificent waterfalls, isolated coves, picturesque villages, and anywhere else you’d like to visit and get to know the authentic Crete. Any entrance fees are at your own expense.
What to Do in Crete at Night: When Legends Glow Under Starlight
As the Mediterranean sun slips into the sea, the island takes on an enchanted glow. Begin your evening idyll with a sunset cocktail at a rooftop bar in Rethymno, where Venetian-era architecture gleams against a lilac sky. Continue with a waterfront dinner at a taverna where candlelight flickers and local musicians weave Cretan lyra melodies into the warm air.
For an unforgettable night, attend a traditional village festival, or panigyri, where locals dance the pentozali in swirling skirts and sips of raki are passed freely; this cultural immersion remains one of the top things to do in Crete after dark.
Unique Things to Do in Crete for the Discerning Traveller
Beyond the famous sites, there are countless unique things to do in Crete that unveil the island’s soul. Explore the abandoned ghost village of Aradena, perched above a vertiginous gorge, or discover the ancient olive tree of Vouves, said to be more than 3,000 years old, yet still bearing fruit.
For an intimate connection with Cretan culture, book a private cooking class in a rural home, learning the secrets of dishes like dakos and lamb with stamnagathi. These immersive experiences, steeped in authenticity, should be at the top of the list of things to do in Crete for travellers seeking more than just scenic beauty.
A World of Wonder: What to See and Do in Crete
Contemplating what to see and do in Crete is like selecting jewels from a treasure trove. The Samaria Gorge, Europe's longest, offers a dramatic hike through ancient forests and rugged cliffs. Equally spectacular is Elafonissi Beach, where crystalline turquoise lagoons meet shimmering rose-coloured sand.
Art lovers should not miss the Contemporary Art Museum of Crete in Rethymno, while those interested in sacred architecture will find solace in the Arkadi Monastery, a national symbol of resistance and resilience. Whichever path you choose, you’ll quickly realise there are endless treasures to discover as you decide what to see and do in Crete.
A Perfect Taste of the Island: What to Do in Crete in One Day
Pressed for time but pondering what to do in Crete in one day? Begin early at Knossos to walk through Minoan legend before the crowds arrive. Follow with a leisurely stroll through Heraklion’s vibrant market streets, sampling cheeses and olives as you go. In the afternoon, drive to Archanes village for a late lunch and a glass of award-winning Cretan wine.
End your day at a secluded beach - try Agiofarago or Seitan Limania, depending on where you are staying - to watch the sun melt into the sea, the perfect closing chapter to a whirlwind but deeply satisfying glimpse of this timeless island.
What to Do in Crete in Two Days: A Deeper Cultural Dive
If you have 48 hours to savour the island, crafting a two-day itinerary of things to do in Crete becomes a luxurious exploration of heritage and hedonism.
Essential Experiences: The Must Dos in Crete for Cultural Connoisseurs
Certain experiences remain eternally etched on anyone who has the pleasure of visiting Crete. Witnessing the sunrise over the Lasithi Plateau, where windmills stand like sentinels of time, is one of the island's 'must dos'.
Equally, lose yourself in the labyrinthine alleys of Chania after dusk, when the city hums with an irresistible energy. For the spiritual explorer, attending a Sunday liturgy at one of the island’s many ancient chapels, often hidden within olive groves, can be a surprisingly moving experience, even for those outside the Orthodox faith.