Destination
Crete, Greece
Greece's largest island mixes Minoan palaces, Venetian harbours, gorge hikes and some of the Mediterranean's finest beaches with its own cuisine.
Trips to Crete from every city
No live trip to Crete right now. Ask for one and we price it for your city.
When to go
| Month | Season |
|---|---|
| January | avoid |
| February | avoid |
| March | avoid |
| April | best |
| May | best |
| June | best |
| July | fine |
| August | fine |
| September | best |
| October | best |
| November | avoid |
| December | avoid |
- May, June, September, October: Samaria Gorge is open from May to October
- April: Orthodox Easter is the island's biggest celebration; wildflowers carpet the hills
November, December, January, February, March: Resorts, beach clubs and many hotels close for the winter
Where to stay in Crete
- Chania Old Town: Venetian harbour, lanes and the island's prettiest base.
- Elounda / Agios Nikolaos: The luxury resort stretch on Mirabello Bay.
- Rethymno: Old town with a long sandy beach, between the two cities.
- Heraklion: The capital, near Knossos and the airport.
- Elafonisi / southwest coast: Pink sand and remote beaches for a quieter stay.
What to do in Crete
- Walk the Palace of Knossos
- Hike the Samaria Gorge
- Swim at Elafonisi and Balos lagoon
- Eat dakos and raki in Chania's old town
- Drive the Lasithi plateau and the Dikteon cave
- Stay in a Cretan village and eat at a taverna
Good to know
| Airports | Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis (HER), Chania International (CHQ) |
|---|---|
| Passport for US citizens | yes |
| Price level | mid-range |
| Time zone | Europe/Athens |
| Kind of trip | island, beach, history, food, nature |
Questions about Crete
When is the best time to visit Crete?
April, May, June, September and October. November, December, January, February, March: Resorts, beach clubs and many hotels close for the winter
Do US citizens need a passport for Crete?
Yes. Crete is in Greece; bring a valid passport.
How expensive is Crete on the ground?
Crete is mid-range by US standards: plan about $90 per person per day for food, getting around and tickets.