tui crete travel advice

10 Days in Crete: The Ultimate Itinerary + My Best Tips

The best itinerary for 10 days in crete.

You’re planning to visit Crete for 10 days?

Great idea!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you this 9-10-11 days itinerary in Crete .

In this itinerary, you will visit 2 emblematic places like Chania, Rethymnon , Heraklion and also the Palace of Knossos or the Samaria Gorge .

And since your 10-day trip to Crete wouldn’t be complete without spending time on the most beautiful beaches in the West of the island , you will also enjoy time at Balos Beach , Elafonissi and Preveli.

In addition to the must-see attractions for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, how to spend 10 days in Crete? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

Day 1 – Arrival at and visit of Chania

Where to stay in chania, day 2: balos lagoon, day 3: the samaria gorge, day 4: elafonissi beach, day 5: akrotiri peninsula, where to stay in matala, where to stay in heraklion, where to stay in rethymnon, 5) return to chania (1 day), 10 days in crete staying in one place, 10-day tour in crete – with a travel agency, renting a boat in crete, you’re traveling to crete these articles will help you, 1) chania and its surroundings (5 days).

To visit Crete in 9-10 days , I have chosen an arrival in Chania*.

*Note that you can also make this itinerary from Heraklion. Just start with this article at leg 3 of Heraklion and follow the same circuit (Heraklion – Rethymnon – Chania – Matala). The visits and the stay durations are the same.

Chania (just like Heraklion) is the most practical city to start this 10-day tour in Crete , as you can get there by plane. You must compare the flight prices at the end of this article, in the section “Going to Crete”.

To do this tour, it’s essential to rent a car. For this, regardless of the destination ( Sardinia , Corsica , Greece ), I always use the website Rentalcars.com.

If I’m telling you this, it’s because it’s the most convenient way to compare rates of all rental agencies present at the airport.

If you don’t have insurance included with your credit card, the site also offers a full coverage insurance that covers expenses incurred in the event of an accident or theft of your vehicle (it is much cheaper than the one that will try to sell you on-site).

If you already know your travel dates for your 10-day stay in Crete , I suggest you book your car without further delay to get the best price.

And since modification or cancellation are often free , this does not commit you to anything!

Click the button below to compare prices now:

For this first day of your holiday in Crete, you can take the following walking route to visit the old town of Chania:

1) Discovery of the covered market where you will find stalls offering local Cretan products such as wine, spices, olive oil, raki and many types of cheese.

2) Go and see the Orthodox Greek cathedral located in a pretty square

3) Walk through the alleys of the old town at random to do some shopping in the souvenir shops. There are also plenty of shops selling jewellery or leather goods.

4) Visit the Old Venetian Port on the seafront. It is lined with beautiful houses with colourful façades and restaurants with charming decors.

5) Check out the Firkas fortress where you can go on the ramparts for free to admire the view of the Old Port and the lighthouse of Chania. You can also visit the maritime museum located inside the fort (€3 entry).

6) Cross the Old Port and go to other places to see in Chania:

• Kiutsouk Hasan mosque (recognisable by its pink dome)
• The great Venetian arsenal
• The ancient boat hangars
• San Rocco Church
• Agios Nikolaos church and the minaret.

Very picturesque, Chania is the emblematic city to visit in Crete in 10 days.

If you have time and want to relax a little, I suggest you go to one of the beaches around Chania.

I prefer the Eastern Gulf beach and its neighbour, the Agii Apostoli beach , which are bordered by pine trees, but you also have the Nea Chora beach , which is closer to the centre (much less beautiful).

Spend the night in Chania.

For more details, you must read my article dedicated to the city: Chania – The definitive guide.

As the old town of Chania is only for pedestrians, you will find a large car park for a fee near the stadium, near the covered market.

If you would like to take a guided tour of Chania , I recommend ( click on the orange link to book ):

• A 2-hour segway tour of Chania – Explore the Old Port and the Old Town with your guide
• A private guided tour of Chania on foot for 4 hours with a local guide – Including tastings of local products (olive oil, cheeses, wines…).
• Cocoon City Hostel: Youth hostel located in the heart of Chania. Dormitory bed from 18€, breakfast at 5€. Strong points: cleanliness, ambience, warm welcome.
• Kedrissos Hotel: Located 2 km from the historical centre of Chania. Comfortable and warm double room with balcony from 70€, breakfast included. Strong points: swimming pool, cleanliness, friendly staff, excellent breakfast
• Irida Hotel: Located 20 minutes on foot from the historical centre. Double room with balcony and sea view from 80€, breakfast included. Strong points: friendly staff, close to the beach, ideal location to explore Chania on foot.
• Royal Sun : Located between Chania and the Akrotiri peninsula. Modern and comfortable double room with balcony/terrace and sea/pool or garden view from 90€, breakfast included. Strong points: quiet, beautiful pool area with views over Chania, private parking, variety of breakfast options, shuttle to the city centre. It’s my favorite for its setting and excellent value for money! 
• Kydon The Heart City Hotel: Located close to the covered market. Spacious rooms with balcony and comfortable bedding from 130€, breakfast at 15€. Strong points: the location, the excellent breakfast, the warm welcome and the parking. This is my recommendation for an upscale stay in Chania!
• Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel: Located 10 minutes from the Old Venetian Port, this 5* hotel offers sumptuous rooms from 250€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: Spa and wellness area, excellent location, exceptional breakfast, valet service, private beach. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Chania!

On the second day of your 10-day road trip in Crete , you will discover one of the most beautiful places on the island: Balos lagoon. 

Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete , the lagoon offers a heavenly setting where you can spend a relaxing day. The agenda is very simple: swimming in the shallow, turquoise waters! 

Balos Beach is located about 1h30 away from Chania but you have 2 options to get there:

1) By car but you should know that the last part of the road leading to Balos is in fact strewn with stones and potholes.

Due to the condition of the road, no car rental company insures the vehicles to go to Balos, which means that if you happen anything or have an accident in the last 8 kilometres, you will have to pay for everything, without any hope of a refund.

I would like to point out that the road is still crossable (there is no need for a 4*4) provided that you drive slowly and without staying very close to the vehicle in front of you to avoid stones from pelting your vehicle.

Arriving at the car park, you can park your car for free if you arrive early enough (before 11:00am) but if it is full, you will have to leave your car on the lower side of the road. The later you arrive, the more you will have to walk to get to the beach.

Indeed, from the car park, the lagoon of Balos is only accessible by a 1.2 km path that descends quite abruptly (and is therefore a bit more complicated when returning at the end of the day😅).

But, taking this path also gives you the unique opportunity to enjoy a splendid view of the lagoon! Photo evidence below. 👇

2) Getting to Balos by boat

If you don’ t want to drive on the road or walk too long to get to Balos, I have the perfect solution for you: a boat trip!

Reach the port of Kissamos by car (38 km from Chania) and embark on a magnificent one-day cruise.

This boat trip in Balos must be be booked in advance by clicking on the green button below:

You will first go along the west coast of Crete by boat to the island of Gramvoussa where you will stop for about 2 hours.

This will be the opportunity to go up to the 16th century Venetian fortress or enjoy a swim.

The boat then leaves for Balos for a 20 minute crossing. You will then have all the time you need to swim in the lagoon and sunbathe.

From the lagoon, you can take 2 walks:

• Along Cap Tigani (linked to the lagoon by the sandbar)
• The path leading up to the car park. It’s halfway there that you’ll find the best view of Balos , which I told you about before. You won’t regret having made the effort to climb there.

If you don’t have a car, you will need to opt for the guided tour from Chania . It includes the boat trip mentioned above + transportation from your hotel. 

It needs to be booked here:

If you want a more intimate cruise, just for your family or friends, you can also book a private boat trip to Balos.

Here are the different possibilities below. Just click on the orange link to view the details:

• 4 hour private cruise to Balos (click here!) by semi-inflatable boat
• Private one-day sailing excursion in Balos with lunch included
• Rent a boat (provided you have a boating licence).

For those who have arrived in Balos by car* and do not necessarily want to spend the whole day there, you can also 2 other places to see in the afternoon.

A 40 minute drive south of the lagoon , head to Falassarna beach . I found this long, sandy beach with translucent waters really nice. There are several Beach Clubs that rent deckchairs and sunshades.

After Falassarna and taking just a short detour on the road before arriving in Chania, you can also visit the Crete botanical garden.

Built on a mountainside, a 2.5 km trail will lead you to discover the various plants and fruits of the island and the world.

You will also see several peacocks roaming free and there is a small lake at the bottom of the garden with a few animals.

After the walk, you must try the garden restaurant, which in addition to offering a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, serves delicious local cuisine.

Practical information: Entrance ticket to the botanical garden € 6 + 1 small bottle of water offered per person.

*If you have taken the boat trip, you will probably return a little late to go there but you can include these visits the next day .

Return to spend a second night in Chania. 

For more information about Balos Beach, read my dedicated article: How to visit the lagoon of Balos?

How about a change for this day: by car, access to Balos costs 1€ per person and on site there are paid toilets (€1).

You must plan a picnic and have some water. There is just a small snack bar at the car park and you will pay much more than in any supermarket.

For those who have opted for the cruise, it is possible to buy food on the boat, but the same, it’s more expensive.

The next day, to continue this 10-day itinerary in Crete, you must go on the best known hike on the island: the Samaria Gorge.

From Chania , drive to Xyloskalo, a 1 hour drive away . You can park your car in the paid car park (€5) or on the roadside for free.

Entrance to the Samaria National Park will also set you back €5 per person, to be paid by the shack from the path. Keep your ticket, you’ll be asked to return it when leaving, to ensure that no one is left in the park at the end of the day.

The hike starts at an altitude of 1230 metres and takes you down to the seafront , passing through the forest and then to the bottom of the Gorge.

Since the route is 16 km long, you should keep aside between 5 and 7 hours for the walk, and thus arrive at the entrance of the Gorge before 10:00am. 

It is imperative to have a pair of hiking shoes or at least sneakers with grip sole (forget about Converse, canvas shoes and particularly flip-flops – which are forbidden-).

You will have to be particularly careful when descending the first 4 km because it is here that the difference in height is greatest and the steps carved in the path are quite slippery.

Halfway through, at 7 km, you will find the main rest area (there are others before and after) where you can have a light picnic. You don’t necessarily need to bring a lot of water, as you can fill your bottle at the different drinking water points.

From there, you will discover the most impressive part of the Gorge, following the path that passes through the imposing rock walls. At 11 km, at the place called “The Iron Gates” which is the narrowest passage there, only 3.50 metres separate the 2 walls.

At 14 km , if you are tired, you can take a minibus (€2) for the last 2 km or end the journey on foot.

In any case, the hike ends at the village of Agia Roumeli which has a few taverns, grocery stores, souvenir shops and a beach where you can refresh yourself after this long walk.

And if you’re wondering how to get to the car park , rest assured that you don’t have to walk the other way! However, it does require a little organisation beforehand.

From Agia Roumeli , you will first have to take one of the 2 boats that go up to the village of Sougia (between 45 minutes and 1 hour crossing):

• The first leaves at 5:00pm from the dock at the end of the village, a 10 minute walk from the town centre. Tickets must be bought in the morning before starting the hike in the tavern next to the Xyloskalo car park.
• The second leaves at 5.30pm from the jetty located in the heart of Agia Roumeli, next to the beach. The ferry company Anendik manages the crossing, so you can book your ticket online  by clicking here  or buy it directly from Agia Roumeli.

Be careful, if you don’t plan enough time for hiking and you miss the boats, you will have to spend the night in Agia Roumeli*. There is no other way to get back to the car park until the next day.

Once you arrive in Sougia , you will then have to take a bus that takes about 1h to reach the Xyloskalo car park .

Bus tickets can be booked in advance on the official KTEL website (click here), or at the car park tavern. At the boat landing pier in Sougia, there is also a shack that sells tickets.

Once you have your car back, all that’s left is to go to Chania and spend a well-deserved night of rest !

*In case you took longer than expected for the hike and the boat left without you, you can book a room in a small hotel. Here are my recommendations (click on the links below):

• Paralia Guest House
• Agia Roumeli Hotel
• Sweet Corner Masxali

For more details on this famous hike when travelling to Crete for 10 days , you must read my complete guide: How to visit the Samaria Gorge?

If you don’t feel like driving and bothering with booking the boat and the bus back , you can opt for an organised trip to Samaria from Chania. The return bus trip is included.

You must book in advance by clicking on the button below:

If you have knee or ankle problems, you can replace the Samaria hike with (you can choose) one of the following 2 hikes, which are shorter:

• The Imbros Gorge hike: 8 km from Imbros with a gentle slope down to the bottom of the Gorge.
• The Agia Irini Gorge hike: 7.5 km path from the village of Agia Irini and along the river.

Today, you must explore one of the most beautiful beaches where you can swim during this 9-10 day trip to Crete: Elafonissi beach.

It is located in the extreme south-west of the island, an hour and a half drive from Chania.

Getting to this beach is much easier than for Balos as you will find a huge free car park and you can reach the beach in just 5 minutes on foot.

All you have to do is drop your towel on the beach or rent a deckchair/parasol (€7 for 2) and enjoy a quiet day.

The beach is famous for the particular colour of its sand, which has pink reflections on the waterfront. With the turquoise waters in the background, the scene is very beautiful.

As the main beach is very busy, if you want to a more peaceful setting, I recommend that you cross over to the island of Elafonissi, located just opposite. Depending on the tide and the season, you can walk on the sandbar or cross in waters up to your knees.

You will find lots of pretty little coves, always with pink sand and translucent waters but no the crowds! And the further you go to the right, the more you’ll be alone.

If your legs are still up to it after yesterday’s hike, you can also walk to the end of the island where there is a chapel. 

Just like for Balos beach, if you don’t have a car, you will need to opt for the guided tour from Chania to visit Elafonissi.

It includes transportation from your hotel , so it’s very convenient!

For all the practical information on the beach , you must read my dedicated article: Elafonissi: the definitive guide.

You can spend as much time as you like in Elafonissi, or even the whole day, but I think you should take the time to visit the nearby beach: the Kedrodasos beach.

To get there, it takes only 5 minutes by car followed by a ten minute walk . You will discover a superb stretch of shallow turquoise waters bordered by a forest of junipers. 

Apart from a few naturists and wild campers a bit further back, Kedrodasos is completely wild and preserved. The ideal place for one last swim (bathing suit optional!).

Then take the road back to Chania.

If you didn’ t have time to visit Crete’s botanical garden on the second day after Balos lagoon, you can also stop there on the way back.

Spend another night in Chania.

On the road before arriving at the beach of Elafonissi, you can stop and see the cave of Agia Sofia (free entry but donations welcome).

After a short hike, you will discover a chapel built in the rock and a cave with stalactites and stalagmites . Not to mention that from the entrance of the cave, the view of the Topolia Gorge below is excellent.

Just after the cave, a 10 minute drive away, there’s the Chrysoskalitissas monastery, which is sold as a must-see sight in the island’s tourist guides.

To be honest, I found that even for the €2 entrance ticket, it’s not worth it because the tour is done in 2 minutes. There are undoubtedly more beautiful monasteries to see in 10 days in Crete.

For today’s agenda, you should stay near Chania and explore several places of interest of this 10-day tour in Crete.

This is also very practical because they are all located on the Akrotiri peninsula (where Chania airport is located, where you landed on the first day).

The tour that I recommend takes you on a circuit goes all around the peninsula over the day . These spots are mainly beaches, so do not hesitate to stop on the ones you like the most to swim.

In chronological order when leaving Chania, you must go and see:

• Stavros beach: perfect if the weather is a bit windy because it is normally well sheltered
• The Agia Triada monastery (€2.50), which unlike the one near Elafonissi, is really worth the visit. I really liked the flowery garden and the well laid out courtyards, and you can visit the church, the small museum, the wine cellar and taste the wine made by the monks.
• The Governto monastery, which could not go inside because it is closed between 12pm and 5pm and also for the whole day on Wednesdays and Fridays. Learn from my mistake! 😅
• The ruins of the Katholiko monastery are accessible by a path which takes about 90 minutes for a round trip (significant altitude difference) that starts from behind Governto (even if the monastery is closed, you can go inside).
• The Seitan Limani beach, very well known in Crete because it is a small photogenic cove located at the bottom of a canyon. Take note that the path to the beach is narrow and stony and the waters are often rough, turning the place into a wave pool.
• Marathi beach, ideal if you are making this 10-day stay in Crete with children, as the path to it is simple and the water is calm and shallow.
• The Loutraki beach , which I found quite beautiful but unfortunately it has a huge hotel complex on one side. And so, there are tons of people in this small cove!

Last night in Chania.

2) Preveli and Matala (1 day)

For the second leg of this 10-day itinerary in Crete, the first stop of the day: the Preveli monastery.

From Chania, you should expect a 1 hour and 35 minutes drive. About ten kilometres before arriving in Preveli , you will pass through the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. You can stop at the marked places on the road to admire the landscape and take a break to click photos.

You can also take the steps down to the bottom of the Gorge and see the waterfall.

After this first stop, continue to the Preveli monastery, which you can visit for €3. The church is pretty and there is a small museum with beautiful icons .

Historically, during World War II, the monastery hid many soldiers who later managed to escape the island in a submarine.

Then drive for 5 minutes and park in the paid car park (€2) at the Preveli beach, the second stop on the schedule. With Balos and Elafonissi, Preveli is also one of the most beautiful beaches to visit Crete in 10 days.

The path to the beach is steep, followed by a staircase (about 15 minutes downhill) but you will already have a view of Preveli , 5 minutes from the car park.

Once you have descended, you will find a beautiful sandy beach bordered by the palm grove and a river crossing through.

There is a path along the beach, crossing through the palm tree forest. And you can of course spend as much time on the beach and swim.

In the afternoon , continue the journey to reach the last stop of the day: Matala, a 90 minute drive from Preveli.

Matala is known for its caves carved into the cliff . They were used as tombs during the Roman times and more recently as a squatting spot by a community of hippies. The site can be visited for €3.

The beach below the caves is also ideal for a dip.

Matala also has a second beach, Red Beach , which you can reach by a path that starts from behind the village (opposite the cliff where the caves are located). It takes about 30 minutes on foot.

Even if you don’t want to go to Red Beach, I suggest you at least start on the trail for 5 minutes and turn right to go up and admire the view of Matala in its entirety.

Spend the night in Matala.

On the road between Preveli and Matala beach, if you don’t mind taking a detour, you can go and see the Triopetra beach.

It is known for its stratified rocks on the left side but I would advise you not to swim there ( very windy, strong current and deep water).

In Matala, you must dine at the Bystronomie restaurant.

I wanted a little change after tasting the Cretan specialities and I enjoyed an excellent burger. The restaurant also offers risottos, sushi and fresh pasta. Everything is homemade and really good!

• Hotel Orama Matala: Located 10 minutes on foot from the centre. Double room, simple but comfortable, from €55, breakfast included. Strong points: the warm welcome, calm atmosphere, swimming pool.
• Matala Bay Hotel Apartments:  Located 500 metres from the beach. Spacious double room with comfortable bedding from €70, breakfast included. Strong points: location, swimming pool, excellent breakfast.
• Nikos Hotel:  Located 100 metres from the beach. Double room with balcony from €70. Strong points: warm welcome, private parking, near the beach
• Valley Village: Located 15 minutes on foot from the centre of Matala. Double room from €60 or bungalow suite at €80, breakfast included. The suites are super spacious, with 2 terraces and a jacuzzi. Strong points: swimming pool, quiet atmosphere, private parking, full breakfast. It’s my favorite for its excellent value for money in Matala!

3) Heraklion and its surroundings (2 days)

It would be a shame to go to Crete for 10 days without visiting Heraklion ! From Matala, you can reach the island’s second most famous city in just 1 hour and 10 minutes.

To make sure you don’t miss any of the unmissable activities, here is my recommended itinerary.

1) Start with the historic museum of Crete (€5) which will allow you to discover the history of the island with the help of an English audio guide. 

2) Continue with a visit to the fortress of Koules (€4) that has an exhibition on the history of the building and the city.

3) Stroll around the old town of Heraklion , taking the Rue 25 Avgostou and forking into the surrounding streets. Among the main places of interest to see, you will find the Agiou Titou square, the town hall, the basilica, the fountain of the Morosini lions.

4) Visit the archaeological museum of Heraklion, the most famous museum to visit in Crete in 10 days! The 27 very modern rooms, which cover a period from Neolithic to Roman times, house numerous objects and frescoes of the Minoan civilization found at the Palace of Knossos.

5) Go to the Palace of Knossos , 5 km from the city centre to discover the ruins of the most famous archaeological site of Crete . At the time the vast complex consisted of royal apartments, residences of priests and officials, warehouses, baths.

All the details to visit Heraklion and Knossos can be found in my 2 other articles here:

• What are the things to do in Heraklion?
• Visit the Minoan Palace in Knossos.

Spend the night in Heraklion. 

The archaeological museum and the Palace of Knossos are very touristy and therefore there is a fairly large queue. To not waste time, you must book your tickets in advance for these 2 sites.

The best option is to opt for the combined ticket which gives priority access to both sites and includes an audioguide (in English for now). Book by clicking the green button:

If you prefer, there are also other tickets available (links in orange):

• Entrance ticket to the archaeological museum
• Guided tour of the Palace of Knossos in English – Small group of 8 people maximum.
• Digital tablet rental to visit Knossos in 3D – English Audioguide – Ticket price for Knossos are charged extra.

To continue this 10-day road trip in Crete, head to Elounda, 1 hour drive from Heraklion. From the port of Elounda, you can board a boat that will drop you off on the island of Spinalonga.

Boats leave every 1/2 hours in peak season and the trip takes just 1/4 of an hour and costs €12 per person (round trip).

Access to the island is also charged: €8

Spinalonga is known for 3 reasons:

• The fortress built on the island by the Venetians in the 16th century was one of the last bastions of resistance during the Ottoman invasion. The besieged people resisted for nearly 50 years before they were forced to surrender.
• Spinalonga served as a leper colony between 1904 and 1957. In Crete, lepers were tracked down and automatically deported to the island. More than 500 people are estimated to have been trapped there.
• The island was made famous by the novel “The Island” by Victoria Hislop, which tells the story of a young woman who goes to Crete in search of her origins. She discovers that her grandmother died in Spinalonga in the middle of a leprosy epidemic. The book was adapted as a series and a comic book.

During your visit, you can explore the fortress, the old buildings of the village, the leper hospital and the church.

It is possible to explore the entire island on foot in about 1 hour , but you should take the time to climb up the hill to enjoy some nice views of the Cretan coast.

You can then take the boat back and have lunch in one of the many taverns in Elounda.

In the afternoon, you can discover another beautiful beach during this 10-day trip to Crete: Kolokitha beach. 

It is located on Spinalonga peninsula, a 5-minute drive from the centre of Elounda and a 10-minute walk away. With its shallow turquoise waters, Kolokitha is really a great beach for swimming and relaxing.

This was one of my favourite places of this holiday in Crete of 10 days.

If you wish, you can also walk a little on the peninsula on both sides of the beach.

For the return trip to Heraklion , you can take the same road that you came or go via the Lassithi plateau to discover a more rural area of the island.

If you opt for this option, you will first have to reach the town of Agios Nikolaos (10 km south of Elounda) and then fork inland.

On the way, you must visit the cave of Zeus (or “Psichro cave”) where the king of the Greek gods is said to be born. The cave is only accessible by foot, after a 10 minute climb followed by a rather long staircase leading down to the bottom of the cave. There are a lot of big stalactites and stalagmites.

Paid parking at €2.50 + entrance to the cave = €6

And if you’re interested in Greek mythology, after the cave, you can also visit the Greek Mythological Park, located next to the car park. The scenes are well recreated and there is even an audio guide available in English. 

Go back to Heraklion for another night.

For the second day in Heraklion , instead of Elounda and the island of Spinalonga, you also have the choice between several great activities:

• Visit to Santorini from Heraklion
• Cruise with a small group to the island of   Dia – Snorkelling stop + excellent meal served on board – Maximum 10 people on the boat
• Boat  trip with barbecue lunch included and swimming stops
• Quad bike tour with an English-speaking guide
• Scuba diving with an English-speaking instructor
• Cretan cooking classes
• Acqua Plus water park (ticket available here!)

For more information, read my article: What are the things to do in Heraklion?

• Intra Muros Hostel: Hostel located a 5-minute walk from the old town. Dormitory bed from 21€. Strong points: comfortable, warm welcome, cleanliness, roof terrace. The best choice for cheap accommodation in Heraklion!
• Kronos Hotel: Located just next to Heraklion fortress. Double room with impeccable cleanliness and balcony (some with a sea view) from 65€, breakfast included. Strong points: the location is perfect for visiting Heraklion, good breakfast and friendly staff.
• Atrion Hotel: Located in the historical centre. Comfortable and warm double room with balcony from 85€, breakfast included. Strong points: excellent location and excellent breakfast. It’s my favorite hotel for its excellent value for money in Heraklion!
• DOM Boutique Hotel: Located in the heart of the old town. Modern, spacious and elegantly decorated double room from 110€, breakfast included. Strong points: excellent breakfast, attentive staff, setting, very good bedding. This is my recommendation for an upscale stay in Heraklion!
• GDM Megaron: This 5-star hotel is also located in the centre of Heraklion, not far from the Venetian port. The hotel offers beautiful rooms with a balcony from 190€, breakfast included. Strong points: rooftop swimming pool, wellness area, exceptional breakfast, great staff. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Heraklion!

4) Rethymnon (1 day)

This morning, continuing with the 9-10 day itinerary in Crete, leave Heraklion and head to Rethymnon.

You must first visit Mélidoni cave , which I found particularly beautiful with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites . For €4 and free parking, it is definitely worth stopping by.

Then continue to the village of Margarites, 12 km away from the cave, known for its numerous pottery shops. You can see the potters in action and leave with a beautiful hand-made pottery, which is not very expensive (bowls from €3).

From Margaritès you can go to the monastery of Arkadi (15 km away). For €3, you can visit the 16th century Venetian church and the small museum displaying relics.

In its history, you should know that the monastery had hidden many people fleeing the Ottoman domination. Besieged by 2,000 soldiers, the Cretans chose to set fire to the barrels of powder stored in the wine cellar rather than surrender. Everyone died, including the soldiers.

Then head back to Rethymnon , which is a 30-minute journey away.

You can spend the rest of the day walking around the old town. Along with Chania, I found this city the most pleasant for a quiet walk. There are lots of little alleys with pretty shops and taverns.

Among the things to see in Rethymnon , you must visit:

• The Venetian fortress – €4 entrance
• The Old Venetian Port
• The Rimondi fountain
• The Neratze Mosque
• The workshop of the last filo pastry maker
• The archaeological museum
• The grand gate and other religious buildings of the city such as the Four Martyrs Church , the Veli Pasha mosque and the Kara Mussa mosque.

And for the second last day of your 10-day trip to Crete, why not end on a romantic note with a sunset cruise? 

Book by clicking the button below:

Spend the night in Rethymnon. Note that if your plane takes off very early the next day, you can also spend the last night in Chania instead of Rethymnon.

If you want to know more about Rethymnon, you can read my dedicated article: Visit Rethymnon.

• Elina Hotel Apartments : Located next to the port and close to the beach of Rethymnon. Apartments with lounge and kitchenette from 50€ per night. Strong points: location, cleanliness, friendly staff.
• Omiros Boutique Hotel: Located 50 metres from the beach. Modern and tastefully decorated double room from 75€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: jacuzzi, swimming pool, comfortable rooms. It’s my favorite hotel for its excellent value for money in Rethymnon!
• Bellagio Luxury Boutique Hotel: Located next to the archaeological museum. Warm and comfortable double room, mix of modern and ancient from 75€, breakfast at 8€. Strong points: perfect location to visit Rethymnon, generous breakfast, quality of the bedding.
• Menta City Boutique Hotel : Located 10 minutes walk from the old town. Bright and spacious double room with balcony from 125€, breakfast included. Strong points: swimming pool, excellent homemade breakfast, the rooftop and its view over Rethymnon.
• Atlantis Beach Hotel : 5* hotel located 1.5 km from the historical centre and just next to the beach. The hotel offers elegant rooms with a balcony and sea views from 150€, breakfast included. Strong points: private beach, swimming pool, great staff. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Rethymnon!

Now we are at last day of this 10-day road trip in Crete . It is time to go to Chania, a 1 hour drive from Rethymnon to catch your return flight.

Depending on you flight timings, you can make a small detour midway to pass by the Kournas lake. It is the only natural lake in Crete. You can swim or take a paddle boat ride to see the turtles.

For a 9-day stay in Crete , you can remove the day at Akrotiri peninsula or the second day at Heraklion.

For an 11-day tour in Crete , spend an extra day in one of the 3 main cities: Chania, Heraklion or Rethymnon.

Would you prefer to spend 10 days in Crete in one place?

No worries!

You will find all the details to organise your stay in my detailed articles on the different cities. Just click on the links below.

• Heraklion:  The 13 places to visit
• Chania:  Top 15 places to discover
• Rethymnon:  Top 13 Things to Do

On Voyagetips.com , I give you all my best tips and itineraries to plan your trip to Crete by yourself. (All my Crete guides are here)

However, if you prefer to book a Crete tour with a travel agency , I recommend you to check the 10 best Crete tours by clicking the button below:

Do not hesitate to give us your opinions and suggestions on our 10-day itinerary in Crete!

If you have any questions for organising your 10 day tour in Crete, please feel free to ask me in the comments.

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your stay in Crete, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental!

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Crete? 😊

10 Days in Greece: flights & ferries prices

• To reach Chania, the quickest option is to take a flight.

Chania airport is located on Akrotiri peninsula, 14 km from the city centre.

• To get to Heraklion, the best is to take a flight.

Heraklion Airport is just a 10-minute drive from the city centre.

As always, you should book your plane tickets as early as possible to get the best prices. You have to know that the flight prices to Corsica can vary a lot throughout the year!

So to check the rates and schedules, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner:

• Chania can be reach by ferries from the port of Piraeus in Athens . However, it takes 9 hours for the crossing.
• Heraklion can also be reached by ferries from the port of Piraeus in Athens. It’s 8h30 to 9h30 journey.

You can also get to Heraklion from many Greek islands of the Cyclades archipelago: Santorini , Naxos , Paros , Mykonos, Tinos .

And lastly, there is a boat that allow you to get to Heraklion from the island of Rhodes .

To check prices and schedules of ferries to Crete, simply click on the button below:

Discover all my articles about Crete : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Crete are listed there.

• 27 Best things to do in Crete : All the best places to visit and activities
• Itinerary: 4-5 days in Crete – Itinerary to prepare a short stay in East or West Crete
• Itinerary: One week in Crete – The perfect itinerary to visit Western Crete
• Itinerary : 7 days in Crete – The best itinerary to visit East Crete in 1 week
• Itinerary: 10 days in Crete – How to visit Crete in 10 days
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Crete – The perfect itinerary for 14-15 days in Crete
• Road trip to Crete: The best itineraries for 5, 7, 10 and 15 days
• Chania : The 15 best places to discover
• Heraklion : TOP 13 places to visit
• Rethymnon: The 13 best things to do
• Balos Beach : All my best tips to visit Balos Lagoon!
• Elafonissi Beach : The definitive guide to discover Crete’s famous pink sand beach
• Palace of Knossos: The definitive guide to visit the most famous archaeological site of Crete
• Samaria Gorge : How to plan the best hike in Crete
• Where to stay in Crete? The guide to the best hotels, ordered by city and budget

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Insider tips before your trip to Crete

Jul 10, 2022 • 5 min read

Visiting Crete is a pleasure – and even easier by familiarizing yourself with a few simple tips © alexandros petrakis / Shutterstock

Crete is easy. There’s little you need to do to prepare for your trip to this glorious Greek island beyond making a few advance bookings. Packing is simple – and if you forget something, you can buy it there.

The island is safe. The local economy counts on tourists, and the Cretans – like most Greeks – are friendly and welcoming. In any business where tourists turn up (which even includes tiny family-run eateries high in the hills), someone will speak English. A little common sense and politeness will go a long way as you navigate the etiquette of the place.

Here’s all you need to know before you take your trip to Crete. (Lucky you.) 

Reserve your rooms and rental cars (well) in advance

As travelers continue to make up for missed trips during the pandemic, Crete is a favorite destination. From April to October, the best places to stay at all price levels book up early. Don’t wait, expecting prices to fall. They won’t.

This is even more true for rental cars, thanks to the global car shortage. If you’re driving the entire time you’re on the island, shop around and reserve the best deal you can find. One exception: if you’ll just be hiring a car for the occasional day trip, you can wait until you’re on the island and then arrange for a day rental with a local outfit. (Keep in mind that this may be a friend of the hotel owner with a fleet of three Fiats.)

Know your season – and layer up

Images of sun-drenched beaches and balmy nights in cafes underpin Cretan tourism cliches. But outside of summer, it’s not always warm. Winter can be blustery, chilly and wet. Nights outside of July and August can be brisk. Bring layers.

Bring some cash

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted for purchases large and small, and ATMs are common on Crete. But you might encounter offline machines or cash-only vendors, so we recommend carrying about €200 in cash in various smaller-euro denominations. Don’t be that person who hands the elderly ex-fisherman running the beach ferry a €50 note for a €5 fare.

Fill your phone with maps before you take the wheel

Many mapping apps allow you to download data in advance that you can then use for navigation when your phone is offline. This can be a lifeline when you’re at the junction of two unmarked roads deep in the mountains and you don’t know which way to turn.

Cover up in churches

Letting it (almost) all hang out is fine on many beaches (there are a few completely nude ones on the island) but when you’re stopping into Crete’s many historic, incense-filled churches, show some respect. Cover your shoulders, have shorts or a skirt that goes below the knees, and don’t enter barefoot.

Stay coolly stylish at night

Balmy nights call for airy, floaty duds – yet don’t expect to get into that cool cafe, top restaurant or heaving club with a singlet and short shorts. Longer shorts and dresses are good almost anywhere at night; a crisp designer T-shirt or something with a collar will work for men.

Cretans rarely go naked or topless on the beach

Island residents fully expect the clothes to fall away from their beach-loving visitors. Yet you should still exercise some discretion. Near town centers and along beach promenades, polite exposure maintains a shred of modesty. Elsewhere, women often go topless and designated nude areas abound. When in doubt, check out the prevailing fashion around you (or lack thereof).

Expect long and languid dinners

Crete has some of the best food in Mediterranean Europe . Meals are an event  – and can extend over two or more very enjoyable hours. Friends share dishes large and small, which are served to the entire table, family style. On a busy summer evening, restaurants can get slammed and courses may meander out of the kitchen only after long gaps. Trying to hurry things along is bad form and the antithesis of a lovely, relaxed night out.

In contrast, lunch can be enjoyed fairly quickly at a cafe or savored for much longer, especially at a seaside taverna, where a shady table and fresh seafood meal is the ideal antidote to the scorchingly hot midday sun.

Be sure to tip – but don’t overtip

As an island with a huge tourism industry, Crete has more of a tipping culture than more un-touristed parts of Greece. In restaurants and cafes, 5% is a good median amount, with 10% very generous. Locals will round up to an even number in a restaurant (eg leave €35 for a tab of €33) or leave small change in a cafe.

Leaving some euros for your room cleaner is always appreciated. If someone helps you with your bags, €1 to €3 per bag is appropriate – unless it’s a taxi driver, in which case the bag handling fee is added to the fare. You only need to tip a taxi driver a couple of euros at most.

Pay the asked price

Outside of open-air markets, bargaining over prices is not the norm in Crete. Expect to pay the marked price in shops and galleries.

Feel free to drink the water

Tap water in Crete is safe to drink. Remember to refill your water bottles whenever you can, as it gets very hot in summer. You’ll need plenty of hydration for the beach, hiking trails, bus and car rides, and more.

Don’t stress about crime

Crete is a safe place to travel and you shouldn’t lose sleep over the risk of crime. As anywhere, though, common sense should always prevail: lock your doors, don’t leave valuables in the rental car and never leave your phone or other treasures unattended on the beach or at the cafe.

Frustrate the mosquitos

Mosquitos buzz about ceaselessly at dusk. If you like anti-bug sprays or balms, bring them with you – repellants can be surprisingly tough to find on Crete. Mosquito coils are widely available, as well as electric gizmos that plug into the wall of hotel rooms. But the efficacy of these methods is variable at best.

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Crete Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

When I finally got to Crete , it exceeded all my expectations. There’s a lot to love about Crete beyond its ancient ruins: a beautiful variety of stunning beaches, excellent hiking, quaint historic towns, and incredible food and wine.

Plus, it’s affordable, making it an excellent budget destination to visit. And the island’s size ensures you can explore freely and escape the crowds that flock here during the busy summer months.

This travel guide to Crete can help you plan the perfect visit to this ancient island and ensure you save money in the process!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Crete

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Crete

1. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

This is Greece’s second-largest archaeological museum. The collection here spans over 5,500 years of history. The museum houses elaborate pottery, jewelry, sarcophagi, colorful frescoes from Knossos, and more. Its Minoan collection is the most extensive in the world. Overall, the museum is incredibly detailed and should not be missed. Tickets are 12 EUR in the summer and 6 EUR in the winter.

2. Relax on the Pink Beach

Elafonisi Beach is located in the southwest corner of Crete, about 75 kilometers (47 miles) from Chania. The waters are crystal clear and the beach has rose-colored sand (hence the name). It is super popular in the summer (so get here early), with rentable sunbeds and umbrellas lining the beach. There are plenty of secluded coves nearby if you want to get away from the crowds. The water is shallow enough that you can walk out to the small island of Elafonisi, which has a tiny lighthouse and unobstructed views of the Mediterranean.

3. Explore Chania

This area has been inhabited since Neolithic times and was a major Minoan settlement named Kydonia. Today, Chania is the second-largest city in Crete and has a scenic Venetian quarter and harborfront lined with tavernas (small Greek restaurants), cafes, and shops. While here, check out the historic Firka Fortress (built in 1620) as well as the Maritime Museum located inside the fortress.

4. Visit Knossos

Knossos was the ancient capital of the Minoan empire and its Bronze Age ruins are some of the oldest in Greece (it’s considered the oldest city in Europe). The area has been inhabited since at least 7000 BCE, flourishing between the 19th-14th centuries BCE. You need a few hours here to roam the rebuilt palaces, courtyards, private apartments, baths, villas, tombs, and more. Admission is 15 EUR (free admission on the first Sunday of every month during the winter).

5. Hike Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge is one of Greece’s National Parks and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The main hike is a 16-kilometer (10-mile) trek that offers wonderful views of the White Mountains and finishes at the beach town of Agia Roumeli. Keep in mind that this is a fairly long, rocky trek that takes around 5-7 hours to complete. Because of the length of the trek, you aren’t allowed to start it after around 2pm (you can still do part of it, but you will have to turn around at a certain point). But for nature lovers, it’s well worth it, and you can grab a beer at one of the seaside tavernas when finished. Try to avoid mid-summer as temps can reach up to 40°C (104°F) and there’s no shade. The park is open May-October and admission is 5 EUR.

Other Things to See and Do in Crete

1. take a trip to spinalonga island.

Located in northeastern Crete, the Venetians built a large fortress here in 1579 to protect Mirabello Bay and Elounda Bay from the Ottomans. The defenses held strong until 1715 when the Ottomans sieged the island. When the Ottomans left in the late 19th century, the island became a leper colony and remained that way for decades. Visitors can now take a boat there and walk a short trail that takes you through the ruined church, a leper disinfection room, a hospital, and a cemetery. Admission is 8 EUR and it’s open from April-October.

2. Explore Koules Fortress

Located in Heraklion, Koules Fortress was built in the 13th century when Crete was under Venetian rule. It was designed to protect the city from invasion and at its height housed a mill, bakery, prison, barracks, and more. Nowadays, you can walk through the tunnels and visit the various rooms. There are a lot of informative exhibits explaining the history of the castle and area too. Admission is 4 EUR (closed on Tuesdays).

3. Visit Aptera

This ancient 12th-century monastery is located just 13 kilometers (8 miles) outside of Chania. During your visit, you can admire the restored monastery as well as the remains of the original fortified tower, a temple from the 5th century BCE, a city gate, monastic walls, Roman cisterns and baths, and an amphitheater. There was also a Turkish fortress built here in 1872 that overlooks Souda Bay. Admission is 4 EUR.

4. See the Lassithi Plateau

The Lassithi Plateau in eastern Crete stands 900 meters (2,952 feet) above sea level. To get there, you have to drive up winding mountain roads overlooking the Dikti mountain range (which is dotted with white windmills). While here, you can visit Psychro, home to the Dikteon Cave that, according to Greek mythology, is the birthplace of Zeus and the place where he was hidden as an infant to be protected from his father. It’s 6 EUR to visit the cave, or you can combine it with a full-day ATV experience across the plateau for 75 EUR.

5. Wander Rethymnon

Located in northwestern Crete, this city is the third-largest in Crete (after Heraklion and Chania). Rethymnon is famous for its spectacular 11-kilometer (7-mile) long beach as well as its Venetian old town, port, and fortress. I love getting lost in the streets here, exploring the 16th-century fortress, and eating all the tasty food the city has to offer. It has a phenomenal food scene!

6. Tour the Historical Museum of Crete

If you’re interested in the more modern history of Crete (from the early Christian period to the mid-20th century), this museum in Heraklion is awesome. It’s small, but there’s a lot to see, including two stunning paintings by El Greco: The Baptism of Christ and View of Mt. Sinai and the Monastery of St. Catherine . There’s also a giant model of the city from the Venetian era (around 1650 CE) before its Turkish occupation, and a re-creation of author Nikos Kazantzakis’s study where he wrote Zorba the Greek (a popular novel-turned-film written in 1946). Admission is 5 EUR.

7. Hit Balos Beach

Balos Beach in the northwest corner of Crete offers a nice mix of white and pink sand, as well as a lagoon that is a warm place for a swim. It’s a peaceful place to hang out and soak up the sun, though it does get very crowded in the summer as it is one of the most popular beaches on Crete. You can get here by car (and then hike down to the beach), ferry (though it doesn’t leave a lot of time at the beach), or private boat. There are no places to buy food here so bring your own.

8. Take a wine tour

Crete is one of the oldest wine-producing areas in Europe, with a history that dates back 4,000 years. There are some 30 wineries around the island and you can explore many of them as day trips from Chania or Heraklion. If you don’t have a car, there are several wine tours that leave from both cities, including Chania Wine Tours and Made in Crete (Heraklion). Both offer dedicated wine tours as well as wine and olive oil tours. Tours start from 85 EUR per person.

9. Wander Chrissi Island

Located 15 kilometers (9 miles) off the coast of southeastern Crete, this Caribbean-looking island is a protected nature reserve with a unique cedar forest covering most of the island. Its deep blue waters and white sand beach make it a popular spot to spend the day, snorkeling, swimming, and lounging around. Ferries leave from the mainland in the morning and come back starting around 3pm in the afternoon. The island is completely uninhabited, meaning that there are no services, so bring everything you need (though you can buy food and drinks on the ferries if you need to). The round-trip ferry costs around 25 EUR.

10. Visit Plakias

Located 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of Rethymno in the southern part of the island, this little town is popular with older tourists looking for a quiet time. I don’t really love the beach here (too rocky for me) but there are some phenomenal sunsets and a few nearby hikes that make it worth a visit. It’s a good base to visit nearby beaches (a boat taxi hops between a bunch of them).

11. Relax at Preveli Beach

Located close to Plakias, this beach is famous for its palm trees and swimmable river. It starts a few kilometers up and runs through a gorge before emptying out into the sea. Legend says the palm trees were brought here by pirates. It’s one of the nicer beaches and the river is super nice to swim in. You can sometimes hike through the gorge depending on trail and river conditions. Be sure to check beforehand. It’s a hugely popular day-trip destination so expect crowds.

12. Take a Cretan cooking class

Greek food is legendary, and after eating your way around the island, you might want to bring a taste of your trip home with you. By taking a cooking class, you can learn how to make uniquely Cretan dishes like dakos (a Cretan version of bruschetta), kalitsounia (sweet cheese pastries), and tsigariasto (a stewed meat dish). Vamos Village and Cretan Cooking Classes both offer a variety of classes starting at 75 EUR per person.

13. Visit a Cretan olive oil farm

Dive deep into the island’s olive oil tradition by visiting a farm and taking a tour to learn more about this iconic staple. The aptly named Cretan Olive Oil Farm and The Olive Farm in Chania both offer tours of the groves and production facilities, which also include tastings. Both farms also offer a variety of other classes and workshops, including wine tastings, cheese making, and other cooking classes. Tours start at 45 EUR.

  For more information on other destinations in Greece, check out these guides:

• Athens Travel Guide
• Corfu Travel Guide
• Ios Travel Guide
• Mykonos Travel Guide
• Naxos Travel Guide
• Santorini Travel Guide
• Sparta Travel Guide

Crete Travel Costs

For those traveling with a tent, basic plots without electricity for one person start at 13.50 EUR per night in the summer and 11 EUR per night off-season.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels start at 25 EUR in any of the main cities during the summer. In the off-season, prices start around 20 EUR per night. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi and free breakfast.

Airbnb is available everywhere in Crete. For a private room, expect to pay at least 40 EUR, while an entire home/apartment averages closer to 150 EUR per night (you can find them for half that if you book early though).

Food – Traditional Greek cuisine is very healthy with a lot of fresh vegetables, olive oil, lamb, fish, pork, cheeses (especially feta), and yogurts. Filo pastries stuffed with meat or spinach and cheese are a local favorite as are souvlaki and gyros.

Crete also has its own unique dishes, such as snails in cracked wheat ( kohli bourbouristi ), slow-cooked pork with potatoes ( psitos ), Cretan dakos (Crete’s version of the Greek salad), and horta (wild greens).

Street food like gyros or souvlaki costs about 4.50 EUR each, or less. A hearty Greek salad also costs about 4.50 EUR, while a warm cheese pie (called kalitsounia ) is about 2 EUR. A combo meal at McDonald’s costs about 11 EUR.

If you stick mostly to traditional Greek dishes, you can eat very well on a budget in Crete. A plate of pork souvlaki is around 9 EUR while calamari is about 7.50 EUR. A hearty dish of moussaka starts at 7 EUR, while a platter of grilled chicken or beef costs between 8-11 EUR. A beer to go with it costs from 3.50 EUR.

At a higher-end restaurant, you can get an appetizer and a seafood or steak entree for about 25 EUR. Pasta dishes are about 16 EUR, while a vegetarian main starts from about 12 EUR. A glass of local wine is another 4.50 EUR.

If you’re cooking your own meals, expect to spend around 45-50 EUR on groceries per week. This gets you basic staples like pasta, veggies, eggs, cheese, and some meat.

Backpacking Crete Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Crete, expect to spend about 55 EUR per day. This budget covers staying in a dorm, cooking some meals and eating some cheap fast food, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation to get around, and mostly sticking to free activities like hanging out on the beach and hiking.

On a mid-range budget of 115 EUR per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out for all your meals, take the occasional taxi, drink more, and do some paid activities like visiting the Archeological Museum and Knossos.

On a “luxury” budget of 205 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, enjoy some drinks, get a scooter rental, take more taxis, and do all the tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Crete Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Crete, like the rest of Greece, is very budget-friendly. But if you’re looking to cut down your expenses even more, here are some of my favorite ways to save money in Crete:

• Use the Greek salad/bread rule – If the bread cover is .50 EUR or a Greek salad is less than 7 EUR, the restaurant is cheap. If the cover is around 1 EUR and a salad is 7-8.50 EUR, the prices are average. Anything more than that and the place is expensive. Use this rule to figure out how to eat at cheap restaurants.
• Travel in the off-season – Crete is one of the rare Greek islands that has a sizeable year-round tourist population, so hotels and attractions are almost always open (unlike places like Santorini and Mykonos). If you come during the shoulder season or off-season, you can find lower accommodation rates and tour prices while still getting the best of what the Greek islands have to offer.
• Stay with a local – If you plan ahead, you can usually find a Couchsurfing host that can host you for your stay. This way, you not only have a free place to stay but you’ll get access to a local that can share their insider tips and information. Just be sure to send your requests early as there are not a lot of hosts here.
• Go to museums on their free admission days – Most museums have some days when admission is free. Check the Odysseus Culture website for details as they vary from museum to museum.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Eat super cheap – Gyros (and other street snacks) usually only cost a few euros. They are quick and easy and can keep you full for less than 10 EUR per day!

Where to Stay in Crete

Crete’s a big island and you’ll likely book a few different places if you’re planning on exploring the full extent of the island. These are my recommended places to stay while you’re here:

• Youth Hostel Plakias
• Rethymno Youth Hostel
• Cocoon City
• Intra Muros

How to Get Around Crete

Most buses cost between 4-10 EUR per trip. For example, a 90-minute trip from Heraklion to Rethymnon costs around 6 EUR, while a three-hour trip from Heraklion to Chania is about 10 EUR.

Boat Scooter Rental – If you want more flexibility in getting around, a scooter rental is the way to go. They cost as little as 14 EUR per day. There are lots of rental companies, but I recommend Greenways.

Bicycle – Daily rentals start from about 20 EUR per day for a mountain bike or road bike but decrease the longer you rent them for. Joyride is an excellent company to rent from, though since scooter rentals are cheaper you might as well get one of them instead!

Taxi – Taxis in Crete charge about 1.20 EUR per kilometer and have a 1.80 EUR starting charge. There is usually a surcharge to and from the airport. In short, skip the taxis if you can as they add up!

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 25 EUR per day for a multi-day rental when booked in advance. Drivers must be at least 21 years old and have had their license for at least one year. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. For the best rental car deals, use Discover Cars

When to Go to Crete

Crete has lovely weather year-round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 12°C (61°F) in the coldest months and averaging 26°C (79°F) daily during the summer.

May to the end of September are the busiest tourist months, so if you want to avoid the crowds and inflated prices, come during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn). October is a particularly nice time to visit, as the average daily temperature is still pleasant 21°C (69°F), and the crowds are virtually gone.

That said, it’s a big island so there are always places here during peak season without crowds if you don’t mind getting off the beaten path.

Unlike other Greek islands, Crete has a large year-round population. While some businesses are seasonal, you won’t have any problem finding a place to stay, and most museums and attractions are open all year.

How to Stay Safe on Crete

Crete is a very safe place to travel. Violent crime is rare and petty crime (like pick-pocketing) is your only real concern (and even that is uncommon). Keep your valuables close at tourist attractions and while on the beach and you should be fine.

If you’re driving, be extra cautious on Crete’s winding roads. Locals drivers can be erratic. Moreover, some of the roads are under-developed and there’s no real signage. Drive cautiously.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk home alone intoxicated, etc.)

If you’re going hiking, bring lots of water and always wear sunscreen and bring a hat too. It can get sweltering in the summer!

Scams here are rare, but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Crete Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• Ferry Hopper – If you’re looking to book your ferries, this website is an easy way to search the various companies, piece together routes, and book your tickets.

Crete Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Greece and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Athens

The 6 Best Hostels in Athens

Where to Stay in Athens: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The Best Walking Tours in Athens

Traveling Greece: How Much Does It Cost?

Fulfilling Childhood Dreams in Crete

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Top 10 attractions in Crete

Crete – the largest island in Greece is a real all-rounder and should definitely be on your holiday list. Turquoise sea and bright sandy beaches meet breathtaking natural wonders and cultural sights – a top destination for swimming, hiking and exploring!

Since my first holidays to Crete, I literally fell in love with the island. A short flight from Germany, fantastic weather and just this fascinating versatility of the island have convinced me. I’ll tell you the top 10 of my absolute favorite sights on Crete. A few helpful tips are on top 😉 Enjoy reading and be sure to leave me a comment, what is your favorite sight on Crete.

Table of contents

Place 10 – Vai palm beach

#instagram #postcard motif: Especially for fans of dreamy photo spots and sandy beaches, I can recommend the trip to the palm beach of Vai on Crete. It’s on the east coast of the island and for me it’s like the Caribbean in Europe: soft, light sandy beach, turquoise sea and countless palm trees. This palm grove is even the largest in Europe and, according to legend, was created by pirates’ discarded date seeds. A nice idea, isn’t it? Nevertheless, this beautiful beach only makes it to 10th place for me, because it is no longer an insider tip. If you make a trip here, I recommend that you arrive early enough to get one of the sunbeds and enjoy the Caribbean flair before many other visitors arrive – or simply bring your beach towel and make yourself comfortable in the warm sand.

Place 9 – Fortezza of Rethymno

The next top sight on my Crete list is the Fortezza of Rethymno – a ruined fortress from the 16th century. It’s worth a visit just for the magnificent view you get from the fortress, which is located on a hill next to the old town of Rethymno. It is surrounded by the sea on several sides and is located on the north coast of the island. The best way to get to the fortress is to walk from the old town and simply follow the signs.

What I find particularly impressive is that many parts, such as the 1.3 km long wall, are still so well preserved, even though the fortress is so old. If you are on Crete, don’t miss this sight. The entrance fee is only a few euros and you will feel as if you have been transported to another time when you walk through the large complex. In addition, events are often held on the grounds of the Erofili theatre in the summer – maybe even when you’re there?

But Rethymno is not only worth a visit because of the fortress. Especially in the evening, a unique atmosphere develops in the town. The narrow alleys of the old town and the harbour are particularly appealing to me. I enjoyed spending the evening hours here with a cocktail and a view of the sea and the reflecting sunset.

Rank 8 – Chania and the Venetian Port

The next place to visit on your Crete holiday is the beautiful city of Chania with its historic Venetian harbour built between 1320 and 1356. It’s worth strolling through the old town of picturesque Chania or along the harbour. I was lured straight to one of the many tavernas by the delicious smell of culinary creations. It was simply cute and really super tasty, an absolute recommendation.

Chania is located in the northwest of Crete. If you are staying in the west of Crete, it only takes between 20 and 30 minutes to drive to Chania by rental car . Otherwise, you can simply book a Crete excursion to Chania with TUI .

Place 7 – Lefka Ori

he next highlight on my list is a must-see for hikers. The white mountains of Crete, Lefka Ori, are the largest mountain massif in Crete in terms of area and are located in the west of the island, south of Chania. They are impressively beautiful and, at over 2,000 metres, also quite high. There is practically no infrastructure here, which is why only experienced hikers should climb the mountains. In addition, the weather can be very changeable, which is why you should pack warm clothes when visiting, even in summer. Also, don’t forget to pack enough water, because it can also get quite hot.

I don’t consider myself an experienced hiker, but I didn’t want to miss out on one of Crete’s top sights, which is why I took the Crete Offroad Tour with TUI. Here you drive through Crete and the Lefka Ori in an off-road vehicle. Besides great views and super photo motifs, I had a blast.

Place 6 – Arkadi Monastery

When it comes to my next place of interest on Crete, those interested in culture should read carefully. The Arkadi Monastery is considered the most important national monument in Crete. It played a fundamental role in the fight for Crete’s independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1866, when 15,000 soldiers attacked the monastery. The monastery, which dates back to the 14th century, is not only worth a visit from a historical and cultural point of view. The view you get here over Crete is also worth a trip.

Place 5 – Beach Elafonissi

I love the feeling of fine sand between my toes and warm sun rays on my skin. Then I know I’m on holiday. But when I saw the beach I’m about to introduce to you, even my jaw dropped and I couldn’t stop being amazed. Pink sand in front of me, I’ve never seen that anywhere before. That’s why I was all the more impressed when I arrived at Elafonissi beach, in the southwest of Crete. The look that presents itself to you here can definitely be counted among Crete’s sights, because it looks totally surreal: pink sand, turquoise water and mountains in the background. Here you can not only relax like a dream, but also take the perfect photos for your travel album or social media.

Place 4 – Agios Nikolaos with crossing to Spinalonga

In my 4th place, there are actually two sights on Crete: the harbour town of Agios Nikolaos and the island of Spinalonga. But if you are on Crete, it is perfect to visit both sights in one day.

Agios Nikolaos is located in the east of Crete. If you are staying at the TUI BLUE Elounda Breeze or the TUI BLUE Elounda Village in Crete, it is only a 15-minute drive by rental car. You can relax and stroll along the beautiful harbour or in the town and taste delicious Greek specialities in one of the many tavernas.

From here you can also take a boat to the uninhabited island of Spinalonga. The island was used as a leper colony for a while. The abandoned houses of the lepers stand in ruins today and can be seen on a visit, as can a Venetian fortress from 1579. Even though the trip to Spinalonga and the history behind it does not leave me untouched, I find it fascinating at the same time to imagine how the terminally ill people lived together in a village community and built up a functioning infrastructure. Take a trip to this sight on your Crete holiday and I’m sure you’ll agree. As an alternative to visiting on your own, TUI also offers a guided Spinalonga tour .

3rd place – Imbros Gorge

I love adventures, which is why the hike through the Imbros Gorge is one of my absolute highlights on Crete. You will find this gorge in the southwest of Crete near the village of Imbros. The path through the gorge is about 8 km long and you walk between steep rock faces. In the narrowest parts, you can even touch the rock walls if you spread out both arms. But don’t worry, the hike only takes about 2-3 hours and is not too difficult. Nevertheless, you should remember to wear sturdy shoes if you want to experience this sight of Crete.

I myself went on a guided tour with TUI to hike this gorge in Crete. On the “Imbros Gorge – Wild Sfakia” tour, you visit the castle of Frangokastello after the hike and can also take a refreshing dip in the sea.

What I particularly liked about the Imbros Gorge is that it is not yet as popular as the Samaria Gorge, which is why it is not so crowded. In addition, the trail conditions and duration are also suitable for beginners – the perfect preparation for the more demanding Samaria Gorge.

2nd place – Samaria Gorge

The Samaria Gorge is considered one of Crete’s top sights. At 17 km long, it is one of the longest gorges in Europe, with rock faces rising up to 600 metres. Read my colleague’s Michael blog post about his hike through the gorge . I didn’t want to miss this impressive gorge. But since I am not one of the most experienced hikers, I preferred to join a guided tour by TUI through Crete’s most famous gorge. The hiking route is about 13 km long and offers almost non-stop sights that are worth capturing in a photo. We even encountered wild goats on our way. Here, too, you should definitely wear sturdy shoes and pack plenty of provisions. As the TUI tour starts very early, we didn’t meet many other tourists yet. However, I was told that this can be quite different if the tour starts only 2-3 hours later. And even at our early time, there was more going on than at Imbros Gorge. Nevertheless, a trip here and all the effort is completely worth it. The gorge is simply something special!

1st place – Knossos

My number 1 place is and remains the famous Knossos, an absolute must-see on holiday in Crete. The first buildings of the Minoan palace and today’s ruined city were already constructed around 2,000 BC. Between 1750 and 1700 BC there were severe earthquakes which destroyed a lot. Afterwards, the palace was rebuilt even more magnificently. You should definitely visit this Crete sight. Even though nowadays only the foundations and walls remain, it is still so impressive to see (with a little imagination and thanks to partial restorations) how well people built 4,000 years ago. It’s best to take a tour and let a guide explain more details and exciting background information. For me, this impressive sight is deservedly number 1 on my list of Crete favourites. The Palace of Knossos is located south of Heraklion. If you spend your holidays at the TUI BLUE Insula Alba , you can drive here in a rental car for only about 30 minutes. A visit that is well worth it!

Discover the sights of Crete and stay at a TUI BLUE Hotel

Who wants to fly to Crete now? Pack your bags and get your own impression of the sights on Crete. You can stay in one of the TUI BLUE hotels . The local BLUE guides will give you helpful tips on the best excursion lines in the area and help you book tours. Which sightseeing attraction on Crete is your number 1? I look forward to receiving more insider tips.

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Crete travel advice

Explore our complete guide to Crete with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for Crete.

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Crete travel guide - essential info

Below is a beginner's guide to Crete with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.

Why visit Crete?

Considering a holiday to the Crete? Here are some of the very good reasons it makes such a wonderful holiday destination be it for beaches or culture to ensure you get the most out of your 2024/2025 escape.

Crete tourist information

✝ = Typical flight time from the UK.

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The Crete weather guide shows long term monthly averages for Heraklion .

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Check the latest travel advice on visiting Crete from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.

• UK traveller advice for Crete - UK FCDO
• Irish traveller advice for Crete - Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland
• Safe travel advisories for Crete - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New Zealand
• Smarter traveller advice for Crete - Department of Foreign Affairs, Australia

Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around Crete.

Note : UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

FCDO travel advice

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Crete travel health

Find out more about staying safe when travelling to Crete with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.

• Vaccines & medicines for Crete - CDC
• Health & vaccinations for Crete - TravelHealthPro, NaTHNac
• How to stay safe & healthy in Crete - Fit for Travel, Public Health Scotland

Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in Crete, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.

Note : CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Crete covid live updates

Check the latest live updates on Covid-19 in Crete with the vaccination requirements, current available statistics and up-to-date travel advice from government agencies.

• Travellers' health for Crete - Ministry of Health, Greece
• Coronavirus timeline in Crete - Our World in Data
• Latest info on travel to Crete - Hellenic Republic Travel Advice

Crete travel features

Do you want to learn more about Crete? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in Crete.

Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to Crete including the current entry restrictions, covid rules, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.

Do I need to quarantine in the UK if I travel from Greece?

You do not need to quarantine on arrival in the UK from Greece. The UK no longer requires a passenger locator form, Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination.

What is the flight time to Crete from the UK?

The flight time to Crete from the UK is typically 4 hours .

Flights to Crete

What is the time difference between Crete and the UK?

The time difference between Crete and the UK is UK time+2 hours .

What is the main language spoken in Crete?

The main language spoken in Crete is Greek . Learn a language for Crete with Rosetta Stone * .

What is the currency in Crete?

The currency in Crete is the Euro ( EUR ). Send money to Crete with TransferGo * and XE Money Transfers * .

Which plugs are used in Crete?

Crete uses electrical plug type C + F (230 Volts) .

Which side of the road do they drive on in Crete?

They drive on the right side of the road in Crete. Find out more about driving in Greece with RAC * , International Drivers Association * and Halfords * .

Transport options for Crete

Travel advice by country

Country name All countries - summary Algarve Balearic Islands Barbados Canary Islands Croatia Cyprus Egypt Faroe Islands France Germany Greece Ireland Italy Jamaica Madeira Maldives Malta Portugal Spain Turkey UAE UK USA Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cameroon Cape Verde Central African Republic Chad Congo-Brazzaville Congo-Kinshasa Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Ethiopia Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Ivory Coast Kenya Lesotho Liberia Libya Malawi Mali Mauritania Morocco Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Rwanda Sao Tome and Principe Senegal Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa South Sudan Sudan Swaziland Tanzania Togo Tunisia Uganda Western Sahara Zambia Zimbabwe Antarctica French Southern and Antarctic Lands South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Afghanistan Armenia Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Bhutan Brunei Cambodia China East Timor Georgia Hong Kong India Indonesia Iran Iraq Israel Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Macau Malaysia Maldives Mongolia Myanmar Nepal North Korea Oman Pakistan Philippines Qatar Russia (Central Asia) Russia (Far East) Saudi Arabia Singapore South Korea Sri Lanka Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Thailand Turkmenistan UAE Uzbekistan Vietnam Yemen Anguilla Antigua Aruba Bahamas Barbados Bonaire British Virgin Islands Cayman Islands Cuba Curacao Dominica Dominican Republic Grenada Guadeloupe Haiti Jamaica Martinique Montserrat Puerto Rico Saba Sint Eustatius Sint Maarten St Barthelemy St Kitts and Nevis St Lucia St Martin St Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago Turks and Caicos Virgin Islands Belize Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua Panama Albania Andorra Austria Belarus Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Faroe Islands Finland France Germany Gibraltar Greece Guernsey Hungary Iceland Ireland Isle of Man Italy Jan Mayen Jersey Kosovo Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Moldova Monaco Montenegro Netherlands North Macedonia Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia San Marino Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Svalbard Sweden Switzerland Turkey UK Ukraine British Indian Ocean Territory Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Comoros Madagascar Mauritius Mayotte Reunion Seychelles Bermuda Canada Greenland Mexico St Pierre and Miquelon USA American Samoa Australia Cook Islands Federated States of Micronesia Fiji French Polynesia Guam Kiribati Marshall Islands Midway Island Nauru New Caledonia New Zealand Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Palau Papua New Guinea Pitcairn Island Samoa Solomon Islands Tokelau Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu Wake Island Wallis and Futuna Algarve Azores Madeira Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Ecuador Falkland Islands French Guiana Guyana Paraguay Peru Suriname Uruguay Venezuela Balearic Islands Canary Islands England Northern Ireland Scotland Wales Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut D.C. Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

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Weather in Crete in September

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• crete-weather-september-travel-tips

written by Joanne Owen

updated 30.01.2024

Not sure what to expect of the weather in Crete in September? Read on to find out everything you need to know about average temperatures, costs and crowds. In addition, we share info on September events and festivals, and Greek itinerary suggestions that might just spark more travel ideas. 

What is the weather like in Crete in September?

Is september a good time to visit crete, what about the crowds and cost, ready for your dream trip to crete, festivals and events in crete in september, tips for travelling to crete in september, planning your september trip to crete.

In good news for travellers who are looking for sun beyond the peak summer season, the weather in Crete in September remains wonderfully warm.

Located between the Greek mainland and North Africa, this glorious Greek island has the warmest climate in Greece, especially on its southern coast. 

Set on taking a blissful break in September? For more ideas, read up on the best places to visit in September . 

Temperatures in Crete in September

In terms of temperatures, September sees Crete enjoy an average daily high of 27ºC.  With the average daily minimum coming out at 20ºC, visiting Crete in September remains an excellent time to stretch out on the island’s  beautiful beaches . 

While the air temperatures are pleasantly hot, so too is the sea, which averages an alluring 24ºC. 

Average rainfall in Crete in September

In more good news for devoted beach lovers — and explorers of the great outdoors — September sees Crete experience an average of just two rainy days. This amounts to an average of 10mm of rain.

For context, December — the rainiest month in Crete — sees an average 89mm.

For more detail on the weather in Greece around the year, read up on  when to go to Greece . 

The weather in Crete in September remains perfect for blissing out on beaches © Shutterstock

In our experience — and the experience of devoted repeat visitors — the shoulder-season of September is one of the best months to visit Crete. 

At this time, the big crowds of peak summer season have departed, while the weather remains as glorious as it was through summer. In fact, Crete — Greece’s most southerly island — sees some of Europe’s warmest weather through the entirety of autumn and winter.

In addition, sitting just outside summer, visitors to Crete in September will find that most attractions and amenities are still available and open — from beach bars and sun lounger rental operators, to resorts and trip providers.

Beyond the beach, September is also a top time to visit Crete to explore the mountains and make the most of its hiking trails. 

While the weather in Crete in September remains warm and dry, the sizzling heat of summer has lost its most intense edge — all the better for longer walks on the wild side.

Top tip: don’t miss exploring Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s most epic canyons. 

Considering visiting Crete in September? Browse our inspirational  Greece itineraries to kickstart your perfect trip.

Samaria Gorge, Crete, Greece © proslgn/Shutterstock

As touched on above, Crete sees fewer crowds in September than it does through July and August .

That said, the island remains vibrant. As autumn and winter wear on, many resorts, bars, restaurants and clubs close their doors. In September, you’ll have the same options as you would during peak summer season. 

The same goes for exploring the island’s museums and archeological sites. These remain open, and 

For even smaller crowds than you’ll see in September, consider visiting Crete later in the year — there are plenty of reasons to  visit Greece in winter .

As for the costs of visiting Crete in September, if you book ahead, you can bag yourself a bit of a bargain on flights and accommodation, especially in the latter weeks of the month.

Not set on taking a trip in September? Be inspired by scorching-hot  winter sun destinations .

Windsurfing in Crete © Shutterstock

If you’re looking to enjoy an early autumn break that serves stacks of natural beauty and ancient history, you’ll find inspiration in our  Greece itineraries — here we highlight just a few of them.

• Coast of Crete — a stunning self-drive experience (10 days): if you’re longing for awe-inspiring scenery, ancient culture, and a sense of freedom, this self-drive trip along Crete’s coast has your name all over it.
• Milos — an exclusive island idyll (9 days): for an alternate Greek Island experience, why not get to know the Aegean’s most exotic island while staying in a private luxury villa by the sea?
• Epirus and Athens — the Ancient Sites (8 days): shrouded in myths and legends of Greek gods and Roman and Byzantine warriors, sites in the Epirus region of Greece have fascinating tales to tell. Add to that exploring Athens and the magic of mortuaries Zagori, and this amounts to a diversely exhilarating experience.

All these suggestions can be customised to your exact needs, with a  local expert  on hand to offer insider tips, and take the hassle out of planning and booking. 

Knossos Palace ruins, Heraklion, Crete, Greece © Shutterstock

While September doesn’t see as many big parties and festivals at the peak summer season months, there’s still plenty going on.

Wine festivals

Grapes are harvested in September, which means one thing — wine festivals are held in villages and towns across Crete. 

Check local listings for details of what’s going on in your area, and look into taking a wine-tasting tour of vineyards.

Nea Chora Sardine Festival

Usually held in the first week of September, the Nea Chora Beach Sardine Festival sees folk come together to enjoy tasty grilled sardines and glorious wine accompanied by music and dancing.

Festival of St Stavros 

Mid-September sees the villages of Aptera   and Maza celebrate the Festival of St Stavros AKA the Feast of the Holy Cross — an event that honours the cross that crucified Jesus.

Expect to see village squares transformed into communal party areas, with food, wine, and a jubilant vibe.

Elafonísi, Crete © Shutterstock

Whle you won't find it hard to enjoy your time in Crete in September, here are a couple of tips that'll enhance your trip a little more. 

What to wear in Crete in September

Given the average daily temperatures detailed above, it’ll come as no surprise that if you visit Crete in September you’ll mainly be wearing full-on summer garb — shorts, t-shirts, light dresses, flips flops and sandals. And, of course, swimsuits.

September being a great month to enjoy Crete’s captivating mountains and hiking trails, you might also want to pack suitable walking shoes or hiking boots.

It’s also worth noting that the north of Crete is milder than the south, so if you’re basing yourself there, pack some layers for the evening. 

Consider renting a car

While Crete’s reliable transport network remains at full capacity in September, this is a great month to get off the beaten track to experience the island in more authentic ways, with smaller crowds.

To do that in your own time — and to reach remoter places that lie beyond the local bus service — it’s best to rent a car. 

This being shoulder season, you could well find yourself paying a lower daily rate than you would in July or August. 

Chania, Crete, Greece © Shutterstock

If you’re thinking of taking a trip to Crete, get yourself  The Rough Guide to Crete . With in-depth region-by-region coverage, it’s the perfect planning companion for independent travellers who want to get to the heart of the island. 

For more island inspiration, read up on the  best Greek Islands . 

Alternatively, if you’re not keen on the hassle of researching, planning and booking everything for yourself, browse our customisable  Greece itineraries.    

As with all Rough Guides’ itineraries,   your perfect trip will be curated with support from a  local expert  who really knows their stuff.

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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