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

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Places To Visit In Crete

Nikos Kazantzakis Museum

Nikos Kazantzakis Museum is a literary museum dedicated to the work and life of a well-known Greek writer, philosopher and politician- Nikos Kazantzakis. He garnered widespread fame for his book “Zorba the Greek”. The museum is located in the historical village of Myrtia (earlier known as Varvari). It houses important material from Kazantzakis’ life, including letters, manuscripts, his publications, and digital productions of the same materials. There are around 650 exhibits at Nikos Kazantzakis Museum displayed separately in five different rooms in the central building. The Odyssey Poem, Novels and Travel Fiction, and Biographical Elements are some of the major highlights. In addition, there are various other activities for visitors. The AV room exhibits audiovisual material and a short presentation of the author’s life, available in 11 languages. The museum’s scientific staff offers guided tours for groups of 10-30. They start with viewing the various exhibitions lasting for usually 40-50 minutes, and ending with a 20-minute video presentation depicting Nikos Kazantzakis’ life. Opened in 1983 by Yiorgos Anemoyannis, the museum also has a small shop which sells different editions of Nikos’ books, DVDs, etc. and a cosy café. Read More

Potamos Beach is a popular beach but is also calm and peaceful. Situated on the east of the Malia port in Crete, it is named after the Potamos River, a small stream that flows at its eastern end. The 700 m long beach is picturesque with its warm sands and crystalline clear waters. Umbrellas, sunbeds, toilets, showers, and also a few water sporting activities are available here. A few rocky outcrops dot the Potamos Beach landscape and during autumn the beautiful sea lilies can be seen in the sand. There is also a lifeguard to watch over the safety of swimmers. Besides, one can order drinks or snacks on the beach and there are also many restaurants and shops around the beach area. Malia’s main beach is usually always crowded, and hence the Potamos Beach is a lovely retreat for visitors who are looking for some quietude. Read More

Preveli Beach is a sandy beach in Rethymno, close to the Monastery of Preveli. The Megalos Potamos or the Grand River runs into the sea from the mountains here. The beach is surrounded by Theophrastus palm trees and is also known as Palm Beach. With turquoise clear seawater, Kourtaliotiko and Preveli Gorges nearby and accessibility to numerous water activities, it is one of the most famous beaches in Crete. Swimming and snorkelling are popular here. Despite having no beach umbrellas or sunbeds, the natural shade formed by the huge trees and the scenic views surrounding the beach provides the perfect combination to relax. The place is easily reachable by either driving to the Monastery of Preveli from Plakias or by driving to Drimiskiano Amoudi and walking down to the beach. Read More

The Monastery of Preveli is one of the most famous monasteries in Crete and houses collections of metal seals, gold-plated chalices, semi-precious stones, and liturgical vessels, which are displayed in a small museum here. The Benediction Cross, a big silver cross carried in all battles to encourage fighters, remains the main attraction. The monastery consists mainly of two buildings, the ruined Lower Monastery of St. John the Baptist and the Upper/ Rear Monastery of St. John the Theologian. Only the latter is in operation today and houses important relics and icons dating from approximately the 17th-19th centuries. An arcade-like bridge leads the path to the lower monastery. It was ruined by German forces after the Battle of Crete in 1941 but continues to provide aesthetical views of old ruined exquisite stone walls amidst cypress trees. The view from the Upper Monastery is unparalleled, with the rocky cliffs of Mesokorfi mount as the backdrop and the expanse of the stunning Libyan Sea visible from the structure. Read More

Red Beach or Kokkini Ammos is a beautiful beach located south of the Matala resort in Crete. It is called Red Beach because of its reddish-brown sand. Usually a little secluded, it boasts of the greenish-blue waters of the Aegean Sea which is ideal for swimming. It is one of the world’s top nudism-friendly beaches. Red Beach is also the nesting ground for sea turtles (Caretta Caretta). This beach is surrounded by limestone cliffs and rocky hills. One can climb up one of the cliffs that surround the beach for a complete view of the surroundings and for photographs. Some of the cliffs also feature carvings of Minoan mythological creatures and animals that were made by a Belgian naturist who lived on the beach for a few years. It has a few sunbeds and umbrellas that are great for those looking to relax, sunbathe or watch the sunset. There is also a slightly rundown coffee shop here which serves beverages and snacks as well as a popular Mojito Bar. One can reach the beach by hiking along a trail that begins north of Matala and crosses the Kastri Hill which is north of the resort. It can take anywhere between 25 to 45 minutes to reach. There are signs along the route to guide tourists. Another way to get here is by taking a boat from Matala Harbour which costs about EUR 6 per person. Read More

Rethymno lives up to expectations for what a Greek city should be. The town is also known for its network of cobbled pathways that are framed with bougainvillea and vines. Studded with picturesque cafes, boutiques offering ethnic souvenirs, and eateries serving the best Cretan cuisine shape the old town. A vast sandy beach stretches into the sea in the recently built-up area of the town. A few Ottoman arches and minarets can be seen peeking out from behind 16th-century houses. Old entrances and arches in gentle stone walls lead to inviting courtyards, while buildings and churches from the 16th-century line charming plazas.It is one of Greece's best-preserved medieval towns and was formerly a bastion of Venetians who left a significant legacy in the form of the massive Fortezza, which watches over Rethymno from the peak of a towering headland. Read More

The Richtis Gorge or Faraggi tou Richti is a gorge in the eastern part of Crete, a popular hiking destination. It is a lush green state-protected park that extends from the Exo Mouliana village (on the national road between Agios Nikolaos and Sitia) to the Richtis Beach (east of the village Kalavros). The gorge is approximately 4 km long and is known for being a moderately difficult trail. The elevation of approximately 350m and a few rocky patches between the starting and endpoints make the hike difficult at times. People usually begin the hike from Lachanus Bridge. The gorge has a dense tree cover and is home to a variety of flora and fauna including wild berries, local flowers, Platanus trees, butterflies, birds and more. A stream runs along the hiking path and there are other stone bridges, the remains of a water mill and a waterfall around Richtis Gorge which add to the experience. It is also an excellent place for nature photography. Read More

Rimondi Venetian Fountain, locally known as Vrysakia, is an old Venetian fountain preserved in the corner of the old town in Rethymno at Petichaki Square. Out of a total of 8 fountains in the city, it is the only fountain from the Venetian period to survive. There are Venetian monuments and open cafeterias around the fountain. A distinct feature of the structure is the three lion heads’ shaped taps from which water flows into 3 basins. There are Latin inscriptions found on the 4 Corinthian columns. Built in 1626, the Rimondi Fountain is named after the governor of that time and was an essential part of the area’s water supply. There are open cafés, ice-cream parlours and museums such as the Marine Life Museum in the vicinity, making the fountain a picturesque backdrop for a travel picture. Read More

One of the most beautiful beaches in Crete, Skinaria Beach is situated in the eastern part of the Plakias region. It is a pebbled beach surrounded by rocky cliffs with clear blue waters that run deep and have a rocky seabed. The water is perfect for swimming and watersports like snorkelling and diving, especially since it has a diverse aquatic life and fascinating underwater canyons. One can swim amongst different fish, octopuses, giant morays, etc. On the beach are small ponds that formed due to the freshwater that comes from the Kouroupa mountain. Skinaria Beach is perfect for watching the sunset or sunbathing with sunbeds and umbrellas. It costs EUR 6 to rent an umbrella for the day. The cliffs around provide an excellent view of the entire beach and are a great place to take photographs. There is a diving centre on the beach and a Garden Tavern. Read More

Stavros Beach is a stunning white sand beach with clear turquoise water and marvellous views of the camel-shaped Vardies mountain. It is situated within the seaside village of Stavros on the northern tip of Chania in Crete. The beach is most famous as the location of the classic film "Zorba the Greek". An incredibly serene area, it is essentially a semicircular lagoon that is divided into two parts. On one side is a cove in the corner of the bay under the mountain, while on the other is the main beach. The cove, owing to its shallow waters, is perfect for children to swim or play around in. The water on the main beach is not as shallow and thus more suitable for adults to swim in. One can also walk along the shoreline and admire the many rock formations submerged in water, take photos of the surroundings or sunbathe on the chairs scattered around on the sand. The sunbeds need to be paid for. Read More