Crete, Greece | Travel Guide
With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and delectable cuisine, Crete offers travelers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. In this travel guide, we will take you on a journey through the must-visit places, delicious restaurants, and efficient transportation options on this captivating Greek island.
Accommodations: Where to Stay
Cocoon City Hostel Lobby
Kidonias 145, Chania 731 36, Greece
Now in its 5th season, Cocoon City Hostel, is a family-owned and unique accommodation located in the heart of Chania. Since its opening in 2017, it has become a hub for creating lasting memories and friendships for thousands of guests. This welcoming hostel offers a one-of-a-kind experience, with staff dedicated to providing a personal touch. With a recent expansion in 2021, they've added a new outdoor area featuring a pool, making it better than ever.
Location: Situated in Chania's city center, just two blocks from the Main Bus Station, a 2-minute walk from the Main Market, and a 10-minute walk from the picturesque Venetian Port.
Accommodation: The hostel offers mixed dorms as well as 4-bed female dorms.
Amenities: Guests enjoy free 200MBps Wi-Fi throughout the hostel.
Activities: Cocoon City Hostel plans entertaining activities within the hostel and organizes trips to major Chania destinations.
Kumba Hostel Entrance
Ir. Politechniou 37, Chania 731 32, Greece
At Kumba Hostel, you'll find an eclectic mix of cultures, a welcoming atmosphere, and a prime location for exploring Chania without breaking the bank. It’s a delightful fusion of African and Cretan cultures, offering a unique and budget-friendly lodging experience.
Location: Nestled in the heart of Chania, Kumba Hostel lets you soak in the charm of the old city. It's conveniently situated just 1.2 km from the Venetian Harbour and a mere 500m from Koum Kapi beach. Plus, a bus stop right outside ensures easy exploration of Chania's attractions.
Accommodation: Kumba Hostel provides diverse lodging options, including 5 dormitories, 6 private rooms, and a cafe bar renowned for its excellent coffee. Each room boasts a distinctive design, prioritizing guest comfort. Additionally, there's a shared kitchen for added convenience.
So Youngh Hostel Summer Terrace
Almirou 22, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
So Young Hostel in Heraklion is a modern boutique and eco-friendly haven in the heart of the city, designed with great care to offer comfort and style.
Location: Situated in the city center of Heraklion, this hostel provides easy access to Heraklion's harbor, the main bus station, Heraklion International Airport, and the nearby beaches. The Venetian fortress is just a 5-minute walk away, perfect for sunset views. Plus, the city's vibrant nightlife and top restaurants are at your doorstep.
Accommodation: So Young Hostel offers a range of room options, including standard double rooms and mixed or female-only dorms for 4, 6, or 8 guests. The bunk beds are designed to ensure privacy and comfort.
Amenities: Guests enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, fully equipped kitchen facilities, a summer terrace with a bar, and a roof garden. The friendly staff at the reception is always ready to provide essential information and tips for exploring the island.
Accessibility: The hostel is conveniently located in a secure area with shops, bakeries, coffee shops, and bars within a 50-meter walking distance. Free public transportation to Amoudara Beach and the coast of Heraklion is available. The main bus station, offering connections to major destinations in Heraklion and other cities in Crete, is just a 10-minute walk away.
Sansal Boutique Hotel Executive Suite
Ακτή Κανάρη, Meletiou Metaxaki &, Chania 731 31, Greece
Located in the enchanting city of Chania on the northwest coast of Crete, SanSal Boutique Hotel offers an unforgettable blend of history and modern luxury. This contemporary, yet minimalistic hotel is just a block away from the historic San Salvador Bastion, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Chania. With 23 luxurious rooms and suites, the hotel boasts an abundance of natural light streaming in through floor-to-ceiling glass windows, creating a seamless connection between the interior and the sunlit exterior. The elegant furnishings enhance the in-room experience, making it truly memorable.
Book Your Stay: Booking.com
SanSal Boutique Hotel offers an extraordinary opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in the captivating history, contemporary style, and distinctive flavors of Crete, all while reveling in the comfort and luxury of a modern boutique hotel. Whether seeking relaxation, cultural exploration, or simply a tranquil escape under the Greek sun, this hotel promises a truly unforgettable stay.
Dining: The SanSal Restaurant beckons guests to savor the essence of Crete without ever leaving the hotel. It's a culinary journey through local delicacies and the diverse flavors of the Cretan land. The menu artfully marries traditional Mediterranean tastes with the renowned Cretan cuisine, and it accommodates various dietary preferences, offering lactose-free and gluten-free options. Meanwhile, the hotel's bar caters to all tastes and hours, serving a diverse selection of coffee, fresh local juices, and a variety of alcoholic beverages and cocktails inspired by local spirits.
Amenities: Guests can indulge in a wealth of amenities designed for both relaxation and convenience. The rooftop infinity pool and lounge provide an exquisite setting to unwind, soak up the Greek sun, and relish breathtaking views. The hotel's design and architecture showcase a meticulous attention to detail and an eco-friendly ethos.
Domes Zeen Chania Private Pool
Apteron Road Parigoria, Kon/nou Paleologou, Chania 731 00, Greece
Domes Zeen, a captivating beachfront escape, is a haven of slow living and the embodiment of the Greek art of "Ef Zeen: the art of Living Well." Located in Chania, it offers a serene environment to contemplate, reconnect, create lasting memories, and explore. Upon arrival, you'll find yourself amidst a lush oasis of tropical vegetation, banana, and palm trees. The majestic reception, perched above the beach, provides uninterrupted views of Chania town, bamboo fields, and the awe-inspiring Cretan sky.
Book Your Stay: Booking.com
Stay: The resort beckons culture and entertainment enthusiasts, offering live cooking shows and a plethora of events that stimulate the senses. Bespoke experiences unveil the unique spirit of Crete, with opportunities for adventure, artisanal craft workshops, and exploration of hidden treasures. Immerse yourself in the island's rich cultural heritage through guided tours of ancient ruins, traditional villages, and historic landmarks. The resort's design, featuring earthy and organic elements, creates an overwhelmingly relaxed private sanctuary. The suites and bungalows, embellished with locally sourced artwork, traditional baskets, and pottery, open onto stone terraces, offering garden or sea vistas, private or shared infinity pools, and easy access to the beach, main pool, restaurants, and bars.
Amenities: Domes Zeen offers a harmonious blend of private coastal tranquility and the lively pulse of Chania. Gastronomy at the resort is an art form, with every dish crafted as a masterpiece from the freshest locally sourced ingredients. The artisanal mixology, led by the award-winning team APPALOU, offers hand-crafted cocktails and spritzes capturing the essence of the Mediterranean. The Beach House Restaurant is a culinary beacon, providing a feast for the senses. The Domes Zeen Beach House Bar, with its retro elegance, serves up artisanal cocktails and spritzes against the backdrop of a laid-back beach atmosphere.
Stella Island Grand Overwater Bungalow with Jacuzzi
Analipsi 700 14, Greece
Stella Island, an adults-only 5-star sanctuary, offers a luxurious escape that transcends imagination. It's the ultimate island life experience, where you'll feel like you've stepped inside your most treasured dreams. The resort's massive lagoon pools wind their way throughout, creating a sensation of floating on water. This idyllic destination is perfect for romantic getaways, reigniting love in a tranquil and intimate ambiance. At Stella Island, you'll savor every facet of 5-star elegance and unpretentious luxury.
Book Your Stay: Booking.com
Stay: Accommodation at Stella Island promises the utmost in comfort, elegance, and luxury. The resort offers various options, including Island Villas with private pools, Grand Overwater Bungalows with Jacuzzi, Overwater Bungalows with direct access to lagoon pools, and Premium Swim-up rooms with wooden decks and lagoon pool access. Each provides a slice of paradise where dreams materialize into luxurious living, allowing you to unwind and create cherished memories in a serene and picturesque setting. Stella Island is a haven where you can experience the extraordinary, indulging in every moment along your journey while capturing the essence of true bliss.
Dining: Stella Island offers a vibrant dining experience, setting the stage for the most tantalizing gastronomic journey in Crete. The culinary options include: Kimata Restaurant - A creative buffet offering international cuisine. Dress code: Resort casual for breakfast and lunch, casual elegant for dinner. Oceania Restaurant - A seafood gastronomy haven. Dress code: Formal. - La Parrilla Restaurant: Savor premium cuts and steaks in a relaxed setting. Dress code: Resort casual & more!
Amenities: Discover a world of extraordinary sensations and immerse yourself in a paradise designed for couples in love and honeymooners. The entire resort, exclusively for adults (15+), is a haven of opulence, surrounded by stunning lagoon-style pools, offering countless scenic spots to capture your most cherished moments. The resort's stunning rooms, bungalows, and villas are thoughtfully designed as your ultimate retreat to relax and disconnect. Here, dreams transform into luxurious reality, where time seems to gently fade away. Comfort, elegance, and luxury unite to create a magical escape. At Anassa Spa, you can experience a world of rejuvenation and tranquility, with multisensory techniques and Elemis therapies that harmonize your body and mind, all set against breathtaking views.
Exploring Crete: Things to Do
Knossos Palace
Knossos Palace, located on the island of Crete, Greece, is an iconic archaeological site and a testament to the rich history of the Minoan civilization. This ancient palace complex is renowned for its labyrinthine layout, vibrant frescoes, and intricate architecture, offering a fascinating glimpse into a once-thriving Bronze Age civilization. It is believed to have been the center of Minoan culture and the legendary home of King Minos and the Minotaur. The palace features grand courtyards, storage rooms, ceremonial chambers, and an elaborate plumbing system, showcasing advanced engineering for its time. The site is a testament to the sophistication and artistry of the Minoans and is considered Europe's oldest city, dating back over 3,000 years. Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins, gaining insights into this enigmatic civilization, its rituals, and daily life, making Knossos Palace a must-visit for history enthusiasts and those interested in the ancient world.
Book Your Experience: Viator
Elafonisi Beach
Elafonisi Beach, located on the southwestern coast of Crete, Greece, is a natural wonder celebrated for its exquisite pink sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. A protected nature reserve and Natura 2000 site, Elafonisi offers a unique blend of unspoiled beauty and accessibility. This idyllic beach is famed for the vibrant pink hue of its sands, a result of crushed seashells and coral fragments that adorn the shore. The gently sloping seabed and shallow waters make it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the shallow lagoon. Facilities include restrooms, sunbeds, and umbrellas, ensuring comfort for visitors. The stunning island of Elafonisi can be reached by wading through the shallow waters, adding an extra touch of adventure to this serene destination. Elafonisi Beach's breathtaking beauty, unique landscape, and ecological significance make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking natural splendor and tranquility on the island of Crete.
Book Your Experience: Viator
Samaria Gorge National Park
Samaria Gorge National Park, situated in the picturesque island of Crete, Greece, is a natural wonder renowned for its stunning landscapes and unique hiking opportunities. This impressive national park, at 16 kilometers in length, is known for being one of the longest gorges in Europe, and its main trail offers a breathtaking trek through dramatic limestone cliffs, lush forests, and crystal-clear streams. The park is also home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare Cretan wildlife and endemic plant species. Hikers can embark on the Samaria Gorge hike, which typically takes 6-7 hours, and is known for the iconic "Iron Gates" passage. The park opens seasonally, from May to October, and there are specific regulations in place to preserve the natural environment, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, adventurers, and anyone seeking to experience the unspoiled beauty of Crete.
Book Your Experience: Viator
Spinalonga Island
Spinalonga Island, located in the northeastern region of Crete, Greece, is a historically significant islet that has captivated visitors with its rich past and scenic beauty. It gained prominence as a Venetian fortress in the 16th century and later served as a leper colony during the early 20th century, an era depicted in Victoria Hislop's novel, "The Island." Accessible by boat from Plaka and Elounda, the island's well-preserved Venetian architecture and fortified walls offer a glimpse into its storied history. Today, it stands as a compelling historical site and a UNESCO World Heritage candidate, attracting tourists who are drawn to its fascinating past, stunning coastal views, and tranquil atmosphere. A visit to Spinalonga provides a unique opportunity to explore the complex layers of history and culture that have shaped this extraordinary place.
Book Your Experience: Viator
Balos Lagoon
Balos Lagoon, located on the picturesque island of Crete, Greece, is a natural wonder known for its breathtaking beauty. This stunning natural attraction features crystal-clear turquoise waters, fine white sand, and unique pink-hued shells, creating a mesmerizing landscape. Accessible by boat or a scenic hike, Balos Lagoon offers visitors the chance to unwind in a tranquil, remote setting with a sense of isolation, ideal for relaxation and sunbathing. Nestled between the Gramvousa Peninsula and Tigani Cape, the lagoon is also home to diverse marine life, making it a haven for snorkelers and nature enthusiasts. With its captivating panoramas and idyllic surroundings, Balos Lagoon is a must-visit destination, offering a taste of paradise on the shores of Crete.
Book Your Experience: Viator
Matala Beach Caves
Matala Beach in Crete, Greece, is a picturesque and historic coastal gem located on the island's southern coast. Renowned for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, this sun-soaked destination offers a striking landscape of golden sands, clear blue waters, and the iconic caves carved into the cliffsides, famously used as homes by hippies in the 1960s. Matala Beach is not only a feast for the eyes but also a paradise for water enthusiasts, boasting excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities. The village itself exudes a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere, with a range of tavernas and cafes serving delectable Greek cuisine. The beach's historical significance and the unique charm of the surrounding area make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a blend of relaxation, exploration, and cultural immersion.
Book Your Experience: Viator
Savoring Cretan Cuisine: Restaurants to Enjoy
Anassa Chania
Kountourioti 4, Chania 731 31, Greece
Anassa Chania is a culinary gem that beckons with its exceptional dining experience. Nestled in the heart of the picturesque city of Chania, this restaurant offers an exquisite taste of Cretan cuisine. Its menu showcases the finest local ingredients, from succulent grilled meats to fresh seafood and luscious olives, complemented by flavorful wines. Anassa Chania provides a vibrant culinary journey for both locals and tourists, offering dishes like tender lamb kleftiko, a traditional Greek delicacy cooked to perfection, or mouthwatering grilled octopus with olive oil and herbs, delivering the authentic flavors of the Mediterranean. The restaurant's charming ambiance and attentive service create the ideal setting for savoring these delectable dishes while immersing oneself in the rich culinary heritage of Crete.
Chrisostomos Chania
Δευκαλίωνος, Ikarou και, Chania 731 32, Greece
Chrisostomos beautifully encapsulates the essence of Cretan cuisine. This restaurant offers a quintessential Greek dining experience with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The menu features a delightful array of dishes that showcase the richness of Mediterranean flavors, such as the renowned Cretan Dakos salad, a traditional dish combining crispy barley rusks with juicy tomatoes and feta cheese, as well as succulent grilled meats and freshly caught seafood. The warm and welcoming atmosphere, coupled with the restaurant's picturesque location, creates the perfect backdrop for savoring these exceptional Cretan delicacies. Whether you're indulging in their famous Moussaka or sipping on local wines, Chrisostomos offers an unforgettable taste of Crete's culinary heritage in every bite.
Herbs Garden Restaurant
Roof Garden, Epimenidou 15, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
Herbs Garden Restaurant offers a delightful Mediterranean dining experience. Nestled in the heart of this beautiful island, the restaurant boasts a menu that showcases the rich flavors of Cretan cuisine. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Herbs Garden embraces the concept of farm-to-table dining. Their menu is a testament to the culinary diversity of the region, featuring dishes like Dakos, a traditional Cretan salad made with barley rusk, tomatoes, olive oil, and feta cheese, and mouthwatering lamb dishes that capture the essence of Crete. The restaurant's lush garden setting, adorned with fragrant herbs, enhances the dining experience, making it the perfect place to savor the authentic taste of Crete while surrounded by the island's natural beauty. With a commitment to top-quality ingredients and a dedication to traditional Cretan recipes, Herbs Garden Restaurant invites diners to explore the culinary heritage of this enchanting island.
Ginger Concept
Sarpaki 36, Chania 731 32, Greece
Ginger Concept promises an unforgettable dining experience. This modern restaurant offers a fusion of Mediterranean and international flavors, expertly crafted into creative dishes that delight the palate. With a chic and inviting ambiance, it provides a perfect setting for both romantic dinners and memorable gatherings. Guests can indulge in top dishes such as the delectable Cretan lamb with local herbs, the perfectly grilled octopus, and the mouthwatering seafood risotto. The restaurant's diverse menu ensures there's something to satisfy every taste, and their commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients elevates each dish to a level of gastronomic excellence. Ginger Concept is the ideal destination for those seeking an exceptional dining experience in the heart of Crete.
Avli Crete
Xanthoudidou Radamanthios, Rethymnon, 741 00 Greece
Avli Crete offers an exceptional dining experience. Housed in a beautifully restored Venetian-era building, the restaurant exudes an ambiance that seamlessly blends history and fine dining. Avli Crete is renowned for its mastery of traditional Cretan cuisine, with dishes like "Dakos," a delectable salad made from barley rusks, ripe tomatoes, and local cheese, and "Mpoureki," a mouthwatering pie made with layers of zucchini, potatoes, and creamy cheese. Their culinary expertise extends to dishes like "Sfakiani Pita," a sweet cheese pie, and "Apaki," a smoked pork specialty. Guests can relish these Cretan delicacies in a serene and picturesque courtyard, complete with lush greenery and timeless charm, making Avli Crete a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic and delectable taste of Crete's culinary heritage.
Getting Around: Transportation in Crete
While the best way to explore Crete is by car, it's entirely possible to have a fantastic experience without one. The island offers a network of public buses that connect you to major cities like Heraklion, Rethymnon, Chania, and Agios Nikolaos. Even without a car, you can explore the island's beauty and culture comfortably.
Crete is a destination that promises an unforgettable blend of history, nature, and cuisine. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, this Greek island has something for everyone. Don't forget to make the most of your trip by utilizing resources like Hostelworld, GetYourGuide, and Airalo to enhance your stay and keep you connected. Pack your bags and get ready for an extraordinary journey to the heart of the Mediterranean! 🇬🇷🌞🌊
