Travel Tips for Visiting Crete

If you're heading to Crete, these tips will help you make the most of your trip:

  1. Crete is Big - Make a Plan.

    Unlike the other small Greek islands, Crete is BIG. A 3 day trip is not enough. Don’t plan to see all of Crete in 1 trip. Plan by region and explore it, and plan your driving distance.

  2. Rent a car if you can.
    Crete is much larger than many visitors expect. A car makes it much easier to visit mountain villages, secluded beaches, and archaeological sites on your own schedule. The roads can by tight, a smaller car is best. Yet, if you are travelling to remote areas and mountain villages a 4×4 is best. If you are driving try to be back before sunset to avoid driving in the dark.

  3. Where to Stay.

    First timers - stick to Chania and/or Rethymno, and their surrounding areas. They offer culture, dining and day trip exploring opportunities. Chania offers day trips the renowned beaches of Elafonissi, Balos and Samara Gorge. Rethymno offers day trips to gorges and the beaches to the south (Plakias, Preveli, and many more). If time allows, at least 7 days then do both Chania and Rethymno as home bases.

  4. Start sightseeing early.
    Popular places like Balos Lagoon, Elafonissi Beach, and Samaria Gorge can become crowded, especially in summer. Early mornings are cooler and much quieter. Also if travelling in September some of the excursion shut down for the year, like the daily boat trips to Balos Beach.

  5. Don’t Drive to Balos Beach.

    It’s a rough and rugged road and car companies will not insure. Take an organized tour through Get Your Guide.

  6. Carry cash for small villages.
    Most hotels and larger restaurants accept cards, but family-run tavernas, beach cafés, and village shops may prefer or only accept cash.

  7. Embrace Cretan hospitality and local food.
    Don't be surprised if you're offered a complimentary dessert or a small glass of raki after your meal. Try local specialties like dakos, kalitsounia, fresh olive oil, local honey. Skip the touristy restaurants, go for the family run tavernas in the small villages.

  8. Learn Some Greek.

    Etiquette words like “ef‑ha‑ree‑STO” (thank you), “kah‑lee‑ME‑ra / kah‑lee‑SPE‑ra” (good morning/evening), and “ya soo / ya sas” (hello) can go a long way. Learn some Greek, it’s a beautiful language.

  9. Pack for varied terrain.
    Even if you're visiting for the beaches, bring comfortable walking shoes. Many of Crete's highlights involve uneven streets, hiking trails, or archaeological sites, and the mountains can be much cooler than the coast.

  10. Weather.

    Summer and into September is HOT! Pack hats, sunglasses, sunscreens and fans (I don’t go anyway without this stylish compact fan).

Enjoy your trip—Crete offers a wonderful mix of stunning beaches, fascinating history, mountain villages, and some of the best food in Greece. Read my full itinerary here for 8 days in Crete.