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

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Places To Visit In Crete

Marathi Beach

Marathi Beach is situated east of Chania, on the southeastern coast of Akrotiri in Crete. The beach is essentially a tiny cove divided into two parts by a small pier-cum-harbour. It is known for its crystal clear waters that is shallow and ideal for adults and children to swim in. It offers spectacular views of the Drapanos Cape and the White Mountains and is also a great place to watch the sunset. There are several sunbeds and umbrellas around the beach where visitors can relax and sunbathe. It costs EUR 8 to rent a sunbed and umbrella for the day. Those looking for a bit of adventure can make their way to the small islet about 600m from the coast, either by swimming, taking a sea bicycle, or kayaking. A ferry or fishing boat can also be taken from the harbour to the beach. There are some taverns and restaurants dotted on the coast as well. Marathi Beach is usually crowded on the weekends, so it is advisable to reach here before 11:00 AM. There are many parking spaces available, but they tend to fill up quickly over the weekends. It is important to note that there is no public transport to the beach so one must rely on a car or taxi. Read More

The Maritime Museum of Crete, or the Nautical Museum of Crete, is Greek's second-oldest maritime museum. It lies at the entrance to the Firka Fortress on the Chania Harbour. The museum, founded in 1973, is home to exhibitions related to Greek maritime traditions and the Greek Navy. Some popular displays include ships, submarines, frigates, marine equipment, parts of a ship's bridge, coins and lead seals, models of cities, maps and more. The Nautical Museum comprises 2 floors divided into sections that are classified chronologically and feature exhibits dating back to the Bronze Age. Some of these sections include the Venetian Occupation, Post War Period, Greek Destroyer Bridge, Balkan Wars and Byzantine Period. In addition, there is a permanent exhibition on ancient and traditional shipbuilding in Shipyard Moro, which has full-scale fishing vessels, marine knots, tools, etc. The museum also has a section dedicated to the marine environment, which consists of the remains of aquatic flora and fauna. It also offers guided educational tours all around the year, especially every second Saturday, for groups of 10 people and above. Read More

Matala Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Crete, located on the island's southern edge in the Heraklion region. It spans across 300m and provides the best escape with its beautiful sandy shores, crystal clear waters and idyllic tall cliffs. In addition, it is a popular diving spot. One can jump into the sea from the cave located on the north end of the beach. Matala Beach was a well-known hippie spot in the 1960s and 70s and is now well-equipped with beach facilities. Umbrellas, showers, snack bars and excursion boats make it the perfect choice for spending a laid-back afternoon filled with fun water adventures. The ideal time to visit the beach is just before sunset to soak in the breathtaking views of the area. Read More

Melidoni Cave, locally known as Gerondospilios, is an underground cave located a short distance away from the village of Melidoni. It is a popular tourist attraction with unique and natural rock formations. A natural arch forms the entrance to the cave, and it is easy to access. The terrace of the cave provides a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape. Mnemion, a complex made up of stalagmites in the first chamber of the cave ‘Room of Heroes’ has a path that goes around in a circle with a stone ossuary kept in the centre. The room is one of the largest cave halls in Crete. ‘Pashley Room’ and ‘The Chamber of Curtains’ are two other complexes consisting of stalagmites and stalactites, some of which are quite colourful with exquisite shapes. Many archaeological findings from the site, such as Neolithic tools, a double bronze axe, late Minoan pottery, etc., have been displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. The cave was used as a place of worship during Minoan civilization and as a refuge from Hussein Bey in 1823. Read More

The Agia Triada Monastery is a 17th-century Greek Orthodox monastery in the Akrotiri Peninsula in Crete that also houses a museum. One of the most prominent churches in Greece, it was built by two Venetian brothers in the Byzantine style of architecture. The museum within the monastery consists of several Greek Orthodox icons, including that of St. John the Theologian, manuscripts dating back to the 12th century, religious clothing items, codices etc. It comprises the main church and two doped chapels dedicated to the Life-Giving Spring and Saint John the Theologian. The main church, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, features Doric-style, Corinthian and Ionic columns and a Greek inscription on the outside. It also houses a library with numerous rare books. The monastery premises also comprise olive tree fields and vineyards, and the monks here are known to prepare and sell wine, olive oil and honey. Read More

Tranquil and beautiful, the Monastery of St. George Selinari is located between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos. The locals believe that one must stop at the monastery while passing by to avoid bad luck. A male monastery, the architecture is simple, yet elegant. The central church building dates to the 10th century and its domes and walls are covered with murals and paintings. One can light a candle here to bring good luck. The St. George icon is regarded as a protector of the people. It has three bullet holes that bear testimony to the miraculous incident where the monks inside the monastery were protected during the Turkish invasion. Situated in Sissi town, Crete, Greece, with views of the Malia Bay, the monastery is situated on the National Road and hence has several visitors everyday. Besides, admiring the religious and architectural beauty of the monastery, there are a few outdoor adventures that can be enjoyed too. The Selinari Gorge is a few minutes away from the monastery and the hike is best known for its lush green vegetation, clear spring and scenic views. One can also visit the cave of Anavlohos that is east of the gorge. However, you have to be physically fit to explore the cave. The Monastery of St. George Selinari has a rich divine history and is one of the most respected and admired spiritual destinations in Crete. Read More

A renowned fountain and meeting point in Heraklion in Crete, the Morosini Fountain or Lion’s Fountain is located at Eleftherios Venizelos Square. This 17th-century historic structure is one of the most beautiful monuments in Crete. It is most notable for four lions which support the central basin and let out water from their mouths into eight ornately carved troughs. There are cafes, restaurants, bars and a few stores around the fountain. The Morosini Fountain features numerous embossed mythological creatures such as dolphins, nymphs, tritons, coats of arms, etc. There was once a statue of Poseidon on top, but it was destroyed in an earthquake. It was built under the supervision of Francesco Morosini, the then Provveditore Generale, to supply water to the city from the Archanioti gorge. Read More

Mount Ida, locally known as Idha or Ita, is the highest mountain in Crete and has the highest topographic prominence in Greece. Located in Rethymno, the mountain offers several hiking trails with 4-5 different routes to reach the summit. Some famous peaks include Holy Cross, Agathias and Stolistra, which provide panoramic views of the Libyan Sea. There are also several points of interest for tourists to explore. The Skinakas Observatory, which houses two telescopes, is located on the Skinakas peak, while the shepherd’s huts famous for cheesemaking sit atop the Nida Plateau. The Kamares Cave is a renowned mountain attraction where ancient Greek pieces of pottery were excavated, and the Idaion cave on its slopes is said to be the birthplace of the God Zeus. Both are popularly visited for the historical value attached to them. The mountain comes under a national park protected under UNESCO’S Global Geoparks Network. Read More

Museum of Typography is a first of its kind museum near Chania, Crete, dedicated to typography and printing. It houses an extensive collection of printing presses, machinery, tools and objects related to typography from the days of Gutenberg to the present day. The visit is only by appointment, but tours are arranged easily. The museum has distinct wings for its collections. The First wing or the main hall houses cast-iron presses from the 19th century, a replica of the 15th century Gutenberg press and other typing desks and foot presses. The B wing features techniques such as woodcut and etching and a Braille writing method. Costa Tzortzaki Hall exhibits rare books and magazines on typography and related areas and rare editions of lithographs and maps from the 16th century. In addition, there is an exhibition hall wherein 40 paintings depict the evolution of the communication style. Visitors get a chance and are even encouraged to print on the 19th-century presses to get a firsthand experience of the process. The museum was founded by Yannis and Eleni Garedakis and opened to the public in 2005. There is a small coffee shop and a gift shop for buying souvenirs and publications, along with a library and a theatre. Read More

Nea Chora is a picturesque beach that lies to the west of the Chania city centre in Crete. A mix of sandy and rocky, the central part of the beach is organised but it keeps its natural character towards the west side. Nea Chora has clear blue water that is perfect for taking a dip, while the beach itself is ideal for sunbathing, watching the stunning sunset and taking photographs. Given that the first few metres of the seabed are rocky, it is advisable to wear swimming shoes, especially for children. Swimmers must also be aware of the tiny fish that may try to bite the dead skin off the feet. There are several sunbeds and umbrellas all around that are ideal for relaxing and enjoying the sea's spectacular views. A sun lounge along with a parasol costs EUR 6. It is also known for hosting the annual Sardine Festival, where visitors can enjoy free fish like sardines, traditional Greek music dances, and much more during the summer months. There are quite a few fish taverns close by that are popular, including restaurants, cafes, and bars. Shower facilities are also available here. It is within walking distance from the Venetian Harbour of Chania and is an excellent place for those not wanting to leave the city. Read More