As I am preparing to write about my days in Santorini last summer in Greece, I was motivated to write this quick post summarizing the highlights from my time in Crete.
There were 7 major experiences I had that were the best of the best. I wrote in depth about each location, which you can click to read more about at the links provided. This post provides a nice overview—a quick guide, if you will!
Next time I visit, I would like to see more toward the center and Eastern side of Crete but I know I would definitely revisit several of these experiences. If you have the opportunity to go to Crete, do not miss the following!
1. Old Town, Chania
Staying right at the center of Old Town in Chania was one of the best travel decisions I’ve made to date. Explore all the gorgeous Byzantine, Venetian, and Classical Greek architecture while there. Learn about the rich history of the different neighborhoods such as the Jewish quarter, Christian quarter, and Turkish quarter. My favorite parts were the flowers, plants, and all of the cats!
2. Balos Beach
With its turquoise water, white sand, and picturesque views of Tigani island, Balos is one of the most beautiful places in all of the Mediterranean. To get to Balos Beach, drive just 1.5 hours West along the highway, through a town called Kíssamos, and then along a dirt road onto the Gramvousa peninsula in Northwestern Crete.
Don’t bother to take a boat ride there, the car ride is worth it for these views as you hike down to the beach!
Samariá Gorge made it into my top 5 hikes of all time! This is a downhill hike that drops 800 meters in the first 6 kilometers. The 16km walk takes you from a starting elevation of 1250m right to sea level. A National Park and a World UNESCO Heritage site, Samariá Gorge is a natural site and symbol of the island of Crete, holding special significance in its history and culture as a symbol of life and place of freedom.
All of Greece is known for its Ancient ruins and Crete is no different. There are several famous locations to visit around the island, including several I didn’t check out such as: The Palace of Knossos, Palace of Faistos, and the Archaeological Site of Ancient Aptera.
But if you’re short on time or only hanging around the Western region of Crete, like I was, you can check out the old ruins of the Panagia Arkoudiotissa Church (which is built into a cave!) and Katholiko Monastery on the Katholiko Hike. This hike is located on the Akrotiri peninsula near Chania. Trust me, it’s worth it!
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One of Crete’s more unique beaches is Prevali in the Rethymnon region of Crete. Prevali beach is unique for the river Kissano Faraggi that runs down a gorge and dumps out at the beach. This provides a fresh water oasis and little hiking adventure to beach goers. You will hike up the river between one of Crete’s unique, natural Palm Forests. There’s also great snorkeling around the corner on the Western side of the beach. Prevali really has it all!
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While you’re exploring Old Town, don’t forget to check out the Venetian Harbor—it’s right there! One of my favorite parts of the harbor was the views from on top of the Rosa Nera building. Go up there at night and see the entire city lit up, including the rounded Ottomon era Janissaries Mosque below.
Other features of the harbor to explore are the Bastion of Agios Nikolaos of Molos on the walk out to the lighthouse. The Egyptian lighthouse is also a highlight. It was built by the Venetians in 1570 and reconstructed by Egyptians in 1830.
7. Seafood
While you’re exploring the harbor and Old Town, make sure to stop at a restaurant or two and try their seafood specifically. My absolute favorite restaurant for seafood is on the harbor, called Glossitses. Their mussels with white wine were the best I’ve ever had in my life.
Another staple to look out for is seafood meze or platters. You can try a whole array of seafood, shared on a giant platter for 2 people like the one we got at Taberna Ela. Every time I ate seafood anywhere in Crete it was always fresh and prepared impeccably!
In Conclusion
I absolutely adored my time in Crete. I went on so many adventures and engaged in so many great activities. I really made the best of every day while there. And these 7 experiences were the best of the best.
Next up, I look forward to sharing about the next island we hopped to—Santorini! It was definitely a different experience from Crete. Although I spent less time in Santorini compared to Crete, I managed to fit in quite a few fun adventures there, too.
