What to Visit in Crete – Best Beaches, Trips, and Local Food

Crete is the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean, after Sicily, Sardinia, Cyprus, and Corsica. Located at the southernmost tip of the country, this island has been capturing the hearts of travelers from all over the world for years—and for a good reason.

Its capital and largest city, Heraklion, is home to the famous archaeological site of Knossos, the former center of the Minoan civilization, which dates back to around 3000 BCE. Remnants of this ancient world still speak of a civilization that lasted 1,500 years. Its name comes from Minos, a mythical king and high priest, son of Zeus and Europa.

Other major cities on the island include Chania, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos, and Hersonissos—but Crete is also dotted with countless charming traditional villages that offer a deeper connection with local life.

The Allure of Crete

Crete offers a unique mix of history, stunning beaches, picturesque towns, majestic mountains, and delicious cuisine. The island’s terrain is mostly mountainous, with peaks rising nearly 2,500 meters above sea level. Highlights include Samaria Gorge (the longest in Europe), Preveli Beach where a river meets the sea, the island of Gramvousa with its rare plant species, and the haunting beauty of Spinalonga, a former leper colony.

With a coastline that touches the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Libyan seas, Crete boasts a wide variety of beaches—some of the most beautiful in all of Europe. But because the island is so vast and diverse, it’s impossible to see everything in just one trip. That’s why we focused our first visit on the northern and western sides of the island.

Agia Marina – Your Base for Exploring the North and West

We flew to Crete with a low-cost Ryanair flight from Sofia to Chania. Our home base was the laid-back beach town of Agia Marina, located about 10 km from Chania and well connected by public transport. Agia Marina has everything you need for a relaxing stay—long sandy beaches, plenty of tavernas, beach bars, local shops, and a lively (yet not overwhelming) summer vibe.

It's a great starting point for visiting Crete’s most iconic beaches while being close enough to Chania’s charming streets and quieter coves perfect for families.

The Beaches You Can’t Miss

Elafonisi Beach
Crete’s most famous beach and one of the most stunning in all of Greece. Known for its soft pink sand made from crushed seashells, Elafonisi is both a lagoon and a beach. While the shallow waters make it ideal for families, a short walk across the sandbar reveals deeper turquoise waters perfect for swimming. Sunbed rentals start at €20, and nearby restaurants like “Panorama” offer incredible views and local dishes.

Seitan Limania ("Devil’s Harbor")
A dramatic cove carved into the rocky cliffs of the Akrotiri peninsula. The winding road and steep descent make it a bit of a challenge, especially with kids, but the views are absolutely worth it—even if you only admire it from above.

Stavros (Zorba’s) Beach
Famous for its role in the classic film Zorba the Greek, this peaceful bay features gentle waves and stunning scenery. The beach offers a blend of organized and free areas. Expect to hear the iconic sirtaki dance music and enjoy the nostalgic vibes.

Falasarna Beach
This massive stretch of golden sand is a favorite among swimmers. Located about 45 km from Agia Marina, it’s known for breathtaking sunsets and crystal-clear water. While waves can be strong, the beach is spacious enough to find your own quiet corner. Sunbed sets range from €20–€80 depending on location.

Agii Apostoli, Iguana & Yannis Beaches
Located just a few kilometers from Chania, these small coves are great for families, offering natural shade, long shallow waters, and shelter from Crete’s frequent winds.

Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island
These two iconic spots are best visited by boat from Kissamos. Balos is famous for its surreal turquoise lagoon, while Gramvousa features a Venetian fortress and unique plant species. While beautiful, these places can get crowded—consider a luxury catamaran or visiting off-season for the best experience.

Marathi Beach
Perfect for those who prefer gradual depth and fewer waves, Marathi is ideal for a relaxed swim and a seafood lunch. Combine it with a visit to Seitan Limania for a perfect day trip.

Agia Marina Beach
Right in our backyard, this beach was our daily go-to. It has a long shallow shore, dark sand, and some of the most magical sunsets on the island.

Cities of Crete

Chania
Just 10 km from Agia Marina, Chania charmed us with its Venetian harbor, vibrant promenade, narrow streets, and laid-back atmosphere. We loved exploring the old town, admiring the Church of the Virgin Mary, and enjoying the mix of music, sea breeze, and clinking glasses from nearby tavernas.

Rethymno
About halfway between Heraklion and Chania, Rethymno is a balanced mix of beach town and cultural hub. Its Fortezza fortress offers panoramic views of the city, while the charming old town invites long strolls and café breaks. Don’t miss the Rimondi Fountain and the lovely local boutiques.

The Flavors of Crete

Of course! Here's a polished section about food on Crete, including the prices you provided:

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Traditional Cretan Food: What (and Where) to Eat

One of the highlights of visiting Crete is undoubtedly its incredible food. Greek cuisine shines here in its most authentic form—fresh, flavorful, and often served with a side of heartfelt hospitality.

Here are some must-try dishes and what you can expect to pay:

• Greek Salad (Horiatiki) – €3–6
  A refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, onions, and feta cheese, often served with oregano and olive oil straight from local groves.

• Dolmades – €4–6
  Vine leaves stuffed with rice and herbs. Light, aromatic, and usually served with a squeeze of lemon.

• Saganaki – €3–6
  Fried cheese with a golden crust—crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside. A must for cheese lovers.

• Dakos – €4–6
  A rustic Cretan bruschetta topped with chopped tomatoes, feta or mizithra cheese, and oregano on barley rusk.

• Gyros – €2–4
  Classic street food: warm pita wrapped around grilled meat, tzatziki, onions, and fries. Delicious, filling, and budget-friendly.

• Moussaka – €5–9
  A rich and hearty casserole made of eggplant, potatoes, minced meat, and creamy béchamel sauce—comfort food at its finest.

• Fried Honey Balls (Loukoumades) – Free to €5
  Light, golden dough balls soaked in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon or sesame seeds. Sometimes offered as a complimentary dessert in tavernas.

• Freddo Espresso – €1.50–3
  A modern Greek coffee staple—strong, chilled, and served over ice. Perfect for hot summer afternoons.

Tavernas like Raeti in Agia Marina and Gramboussa in Kaliviani are local favorites, offering traditional recipes in charming settings. From slow-cooked dishes to grilled seafood, and from freshly baked bread to local wine and raki—Cretan cuisine is as much about the flavors as it is about the experience.

Final Thoughts

Crete truly is magical, and one visit isn’t enough to capture everything it offers. But that’s what makes it so special—we already can’t wait to go back.

Have you been to Crete? Which part stole your heart?