Island group · Κρήτη
Almost a country of its own: Minoan palaces, high gorges, Venetian harbours and the best food in Greece, some say.
Chania harbour, Crete
01IntroductionΚρήτη
Greece’s largest island is better treated as a destination in its own right than as one stop. It has Minoan palaces, lagoons in the west, gorges cutting through the White Mountains to the Libyan Sea, and food culture rooted in olive oil, wild greens and mountain cheese.
Our advice for couples is to choose one or two regions rather than try to see the whole island. Chania and the west suit a first visit. A south-coast village reached by boat makes the slow second half.
- When to go
- April to early November
- Meltemi, July–August
- Meltemi: moderate
- Islands we suggest
- 5
02At a glance
- Best for
- A longer trip on a single island · Food and wine · Gorge walks followed by a swim
- When to go
- April to early November, among the longest seasons in Greece
- Meltemi
- The north coast faces the Aegean and takes the meltemi head-on. The south coast, on the Libyan Sea, is often calmer, but when the wind is strong it can drop off the mountains in sudden gusts. Ferries, beaches and sheltered spots
- Getting there
- Heraklion and Chania have international airports. Overnight ferries run from Piraeus to Heraklion and to Souda (Chania). Ferries also link Heraklion with Santorini and other Cyclades.
- Skip it if
- You only have three or four days and want to see the whole island. The distances are bigger than they look.
03The islands, for couples
- 01 Chania A Venetian harbour, a lighthouse and a lived-in old town. A good base for Balos and Elafonisi.
- 02 Loutro & the south coast Car-free Loutro is reached by boat. The Libyan Sea is often calmer when the north wind blows.
- 03 Rethymno A smaller Venetian–Ottoman old town with a Fortezza, between Chania and Heraklion.
- 04 Heraklion & Knossos Base yourself here for Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
- 05 Lasithi & the east Elounda’s bay, the Lasithi plateau and quieter beaches. The east is drier and wilder.
04Sites, food and stays
Ancient sites nearby
- KnossosThe largest Minoan palace. It was partly reconstructed in concrete by Arthur Evans in the early twentieth century, which is controversial but helps you picture it. Go at opening time.
- PhaistosA palace without reconstruction, on a ridge with views to Mount Ida. Much quieter than Knossos.
- Heraklion Archaeological MuseumThe original frescoes and treasures of Minoan Crete. See it before or after Knossos, not instead of it.
What to eat
- DakosA barley rusk softened under grated tomato, mizithra cheese, oregano and Cretan olive oil.
- GamopilafoThe “wedding pilaf”: rice cooked in rich broth and finished with staka butter. Fitting for a honeymoon.
- StakaA rich cream made from the top of sheep’s milk. It is eaten with eggs or with bread, ideally after a long walk.
Enquire
Thinking about the Crete?
Tell us your dates and we’ll suggest the right island or two, and the ferry order that works in your month.
Knossos, Crete