Top Things to Do in the Crete | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Crete

Places To Visit In Crete

Agios Pavlos Beach

A relatively secluded beach that lies towards the south of Rethymno in Crete, the Agios Pavlos Beach is a stunning location featuring clear green waters and a rocky waterbed. The water here is usually warm and therefore suitable for swimming and snorkelling. A few sunbeds and umbrellas are scattered around the sandy beach, making it ideal for sunbathing, watching the sunset and relaxing. The chairs are not free and cost EUR 6 for two and a sunshade. The Agios Pavlos Beach, with its spectacular views of the expansive sea and the rocky mountains, is an excellent place for photography. A little above the beach is a small St. Paul’s chapel. The best time to visit the beach is around 5:00 PM before the sun sets since the views of the setting sun from on top of the cliffs are breathtaking. Read More

The ancient theatre of Aptera is located in the Meghala Chorafia region on the Palekastro Hill, providing a view of the spectacular White mountains. It has the typical structure of Hellenistic theatres and has an orchestra and a scenic building (skene). Visitors can see two parodoi on the east and west of the theatre as the entrances for the audience and actor, the Koilon, i.e. the seating place for the audience, and a central path leading to the theatre. It has a seating capacity of 350 spectators and is composed of fossiliferous limestones. It came into public existence after an extensive work of excavation in 2012. The Aptera Theatre existed until the 7th century BC before a strong earthquake hit the theatre leading to its partial destruction. The restoration took place in 2016. Read More

The Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Centre is the first aquarium in Crete. It is located in Hersonissos Port around 100m from Bus Stop 20. The Aquaworld is home to sea animals and reptiles who were either injured or unwanted and have been rescued to spend the rest of their lives here. Some animals include the blind turtle named Stephania, a river Nile crocodile, pythons, lizards, snakes, octopus, and more. One can interact, feed and hold the animals. Though not too large, there are 15 tanks, many terrariums, and two pools that create a natural habitat for the animals. The tanks are labeled and translated into different languages.The Aquaworld is privately run and was established by Scotsman John McLaren who began rescuing the animals and sheltering them in the early 1990s. The aquarium is now supported by the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research. The Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Centre is for all age groups and a great example of wildlife conversation efforts. Read More

Aptera is one of the most famous archaeological sites in western Crete, with scenic views of the Souda Bay and Akrotiri peninsula in the north and Lefka Ori in the south. Some notable things here are a large three-vaulted Roman Cisterns, a 3rd century B.C. fortification wall, a 4-5th century B.C. double-room temple, Roman baths, villa and theatre, among other ruins. Historically, Aptera used to be a famous Greek city-state and has been mentioned in the Linear B tablets dating back to the 14-13th centuries B.C. In addition to the various ruins and structures tourists can explore, it is also known for being the site where the contest in Greek mythology between Sirens and Muses was held. Its power supposedly declined post the Hellenistic times. Read More

Phaistos, also known as the Minoan Palace of Phaistos, is a Bronze Age archaeological site situated in the south centre of Crete at Faistos. The original palace underwent several constructions post damage caused by earthquakes. The present-day site preserves ruins from the old and the new palace and the artefacts and inscriptions unearthed from the site. Several of these inscriptions are displayed as exhibits at the Museum of Heraklion. Other famous structures on the site are the central yard, which features pavements from 1900-1700 B.C., and the banquet hall supported by pillars. Historically a palatial centre of Minoan civilisation, the ruins that survived reflect the architecture of that time. The most crucial discovery was the finding of neolithic ruins, which date back to roughly 3000 B.C. Read More

The Church of Agios Minas or the Agios Minas Cathedral, is a 19th-century Greek Orthodox church in Heraklion, Crete. It is dedicated to Saint Minas, the city’s patron saint. It is the largest church in Crete and one of the largest churches in Greece. The highlight is the stunning architecture with impressive interiors. The Church of Agios Minas is the seat of the Archbishop of Crete. It is known for its cruciform architecture, central dome and a paved square on the outside and beautiful murals and chandeliers on the inside. Next to it is a smaller church called Mikros Agios Minas, which was the original church of the saint. Read More

The Cretan Olive Oil Farm gives visitors a peek into the making of authentic Cretan products, such as olive oil, cheese, and wine. Located at Agios Nikolaos in East Crete, Greece, it has a variety of tours and activities like the Olive Oil production tour, cheese making, wine tasting, and pottery workshops. There are also cooking lessons, the Cretan Festival (from June 1 to September 30), and the Cretan Cultural Panorama ar Cretan Olive Oil Farm. Besides, there are different activities for groups and tourist agencies too. The staff is excellent, efficient, and extremely friendly, guiding visitors and helping them understand more about the culture, cuisine, and unique products of Crete. You can also buy freshly made products, such as the Extra Virgin Olive Oil or honey at the shop and enjoy the authentic cuisine of Crete at lunch. Perfect for a day tour with family or friends try also exploring the small harbor and beach a little away from the parking lot. Read More

Damnoni Beach is a popular beach located a little away from the Plakias resort, about 35km south of Rethymno in Crete. This white sand beach is usually not very crowded and is well known for its clear turquoise water, perfect for kayaking, scuba diving, windsurfing and paddling. Facilities like showers, changing rooms and parking are available here, along with regular ferries to and from the beach. The beach is surrounded by picturesque mountains and is closed in by two rocky capes, making this location even more beautiful. Tourists can also explore the sandy coves that lie on the eastern side of Damnoni Beach. There is also a small river on its western side that eventually joins the sea. It is also an excellent place for taking photographs, lounging on the sunbeds under umbrellas and watching the sunset. It costs EUR 6 to rent two sunbeds and a parasol for the day. There are a few restaurants and snack bars around that sell refreshments. Read More

Located on the northern slopes of Mount Dicte, Diktaen cave is the birthplace of the god Zeus (father of the gods of Olympus). The cave's lowest point is adorned by cave'ske, reaching the lowest level in September and the highest during the winter after rainfall. It exhibits the Mantle of Zeus, the chandelier-shaped stalactite hanging over, resembling a cloak. This cave has a wide range of stalactites and stalagmites, and the temperature inside the cave often drops below 10 to 20 degrees centigrade. Entering the cave's antechamber, visitors can notice a built altar, animals like a long-eared bat, rock doves, and five small and large chambers. From the 16 century AD to the 1880s, local shepherds used it as a shelter in need. To reach the cave, travellers can choose either the rocky or the paved path. A donkey ride is also available for approximately EUR 15. Before entering Diktaen, do not miss the overwhelming view of the whole Lassithi plateau. Read More

Falassarna Beach

Falassarna beach, also spelt as Phalasarna, is one of the most famous beaches in Greece located on the western edge of Gramvousa. With white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, it has often made it to the list of Top 10 beaches in Europe. It actually consists of 5 beautiful beaches, all of which face the West and make for the perfect spot to catch the setting sun! The main beach is Pachia Ammos. It spans over 1km and has facilities for different water sports, snack bars and umbrellas. It is one of the 3 beaches in Crete with occasional patches of pink sand. The second consecutive beach, Nudist Beach, is situated north of the main beach with rocky outcrops and tiny coves. Karkatsouli Beach is a west-facing beach with sunbeds and umbrellas to get that perfect summer tan. North beach or Agia Paraskevi Beach has a tiny church on the hill above the sandy beach and is ideal for family vacations with a child-friendly natural rock pool. Small or Patilda beach is the least crowded of all the 5 beaches. Parking is available near the beaches, and tourists can take scuba diving lessons to explore underwater life or play volleyball at the beach courts. Read More