About Crete
Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is rich in mythology and history.
About Crete
How to Get To Crete
Flights
Travelling to Crete from Athens is effortless, with options to fly or take a ferry. The island has three airports—Heraklion, Chania, and Sitia—directly connected to Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos throughout the year.
Ferry Travel
Ferry travel from Piraeus to Crete is convenient for exploring this beautiful island throughout the year. The most popular routes connect Piraeus to Heraklion and Chania, with numerous crossings available several times a week. This flexibility allows travellers to choose a schedule that best suits their plans, whether they prefer a daytime journey to enjoy the views or an overnight trip for added convenience.
Travelling to Cret from Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, and other islands?
The most effective way to hop between the Greek islands is by ferry. Depending on the route, travel times vary between 45 minutes to 2 hours. Purchasing ferry tickets in advance, ideally at least 24 hours before departure, is advisable to ensure a smooth journey.
Helicopter Transfers
Helicopter transfers provide a swift and scenic way to travel between islands or from mainland Greece. Enjoy breathtaking aerial views and arrive at your destination quickly, bypassing traditional transportation delays.
Private Boat Transfers
Private boat transfers can transport you directly to your villa’s doorstep for ultimate flexibility and privacy. You can then explore nearby islands or secluded beaches at your leisure.
VIP Travel Assistance
Enjoy comprehensive VIP travel assistance, including airport transfers, luggage handling, and personalized concierge services. Our dedicated team ensures a seamless experience from arrival to departure, allowing you to focus on enjoying your island getaway.
Getting around Crete
Crete is the largest Greek island by a significant margin. It is more than double the size of its closest competitor, the relatively underexplored Evia, and nearly 100 times larger than Mykonos. Navigating this expansive and mountainous island feels akin to traversing a small country.
Many visitors, even those on extended holidays, often explore just one part of the island, typically focusing on the east or the west. Fortunately, getting around Crete is straightforward, though it can sometimes be time-consuming.
Covering an area of 8,336 sq km (3,219 sq miles), Crete has decent, albeit winding, roads serviced by a busy network of buses. Renting a car, motorbike, or scooter is a great option, granting you the freedom to discover more hidden and rewarding corners of the island.
Taxis are readily available for local trips, and ferries connect the stunning beaches along the southwest coast. Additionally, adventurous cyclists will find numerous challenges in the mountainous inland areas. Here are our top tips for navigating Crete effectively.
Towns & Villages on Crete
Chania Town
Chania Town is arguably the most beautiful town in Crete. Its Old Town, characterized by a distinct Medieval style, is a delightful area to explore, featuring elegant Venetian mansions that line the streets. The old port is the most picturesque part of Chania, bustling with activity, especially in the evenings when soft lights illuminate the area, creating a romantic Medieval ambience.
Sfakia Village
Situated on the southern coast of Crete, Sfakia is one of the island’s most picturesque villages. This charming seaside settlement features a lovely fishing port and pebbled beaches, showcasing its traditional style. Just a short distance from Sfakia lies the mountainous village of Chora Sfakion, a secluded area that has preserved its customs and traditions, offering a glimpse into authentic Cretan life.
Like many of the island’s major towns, the Town of Rethymno is situated on the northern side of Crete and showcases a distinct Venetian style. A stroll through Rethymno Town reveals charming old churches, elegant mansions, intriguing museums, and a picturesque port. Perched on the hill above the town is the Venetian Fortress, known locally as Fortezza, which provides stunning views of the sea and the city below.
Situated on the eastern side of Crete, Agios Nikolaos is the capital of Lassithi. This charming seaside town features a scenic sea lake adjacent to the port. While it is developing as a tourist destination, Agios Nikolaos has retained its traditional character. In addition to being a delightful place to explore on foot, it serves as a convenient base for excursions throughout eastern Crete.
Just a 30-minute drive from Heraklion Town, the mountainous village of Archanes is a charming destination known for its traditional architecture and vibrant customs. A large plane tree in the main square provides a refreshing ambience during the summer months. Nearby, the village of Houdetsi hosts the delightful Houdetsi Festival each summer, organized by Ross Daly, which celebrates local culture and music.
Renowned for its authentic traditional architecture and vibrant local customs, Anogia is one of the most picturesque villages in Crete. Situated just an hour’s drive from Rethymno Town, this village has a rich history of Cretan music and is famous for its talented singers. Each July, Anogia hosts a large festival called Yakithia, drawing numerous visitors eager to experience the village’s lively atmosphere.
Snorkelling conditions in Greece
Fortunately, Greece is surrounded by much calmer waters than other popular tourist destinations, making it an ideal and safe spot for snorkelling. This is one of the reasons snorkelling has gained such popularity in Greece. However, always ensure you’re fully prepared before heading out to snorkel.
- Swimming ability is essential: Never snorkel if you can’t swim, and always swim with a buddy. If you’re not confident in your swimming skills, choose a beach with a lifeguard or snorkel in a larger group.
- Be aware of boats: Boats, from large cruises to small speedboats, can pose a danger to snorkelers. Ensure you are visible to boat operators and be prepared for waves that might momentarily unsettle you if a boat passes nearby.
- Jellyfish and marine hazards: If you spot a jellyfish, move to another location, as its stings can be painful. Watch out for sea urchins, as their spines can be sharp.
- Avoid alcohol before snorkelling: Drinking alcohol or overeating can impair your ability to swim safely. Always stay sensible and cautious when in the water.
Top Beaches on Crete
The waters surrounding Crete are perfect for snorkelling, thanks to the island’s unique location, topography, and climate. The crystal-clear waters, with visibility often exceeding 30 meters, result from the lack of large rivers that typically introduce sediment and cloud the water. Crete’s rocky coastline and seabed, adorned with caves, crevices, and reefs, create diverse habitats for marine life while also helping to maintain water clarity by minimizing sand disturbance.
Crete enjoys warm water temperatures throughout the snorkelling season in the southern Mediterranean Sea, ranging from 20°C in May to 27°C in August. This allows snorkelers to spend extended periods in the water comfortably. The calm seas, particularly in sheltered bays and coves, present minimal currents and waves, making snorkelling accessible for all skill levels. Furthermore, the high salinity of the Mediterranean Sea around Crete increases buoyancy, allowing snorkelers to float effortlessly and immerse themselves in the vibrant marine environment below.
- Elafonissi Beach
- Elafonissi Beach, situated southwest of Crete, is renowned for its stunning pink-hued sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The shallow lagoon and gentle conditions make it perfect for snorkelling, particularly for beginners and families with children. Located 90.7 kilometres (56.37 miles) from Chania International Airport, visitors can easily access the beach by car, bus, or organized boat tours.
- Balos Lagoon
- Balos Lagoon provides a distinctive snorkelling experience in its shallow, calm waters, framed by white sandy beaches and rocky formations. Renowned as one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, Balos Beach is best accessed by taking a boat tour from towns such as Kissamos, which is 55.2 kilometres (34.31 miles) from Chania International Airport.
- Matala Beach
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Matala Beach, located in the Heraklion region, is renowned for its cliffside caves that were once home to hippies during the 1960s and 1970s. Snorkelers can discover the remnants of an ancient Roman port submerged in the crystal-clear waters along the rocky coastline. Matala Beach is situated 66 kilometres (41.02 miles) from Heraklion International Airport and can be easily accessed by car or public transportation.
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- Skinaria Beach
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Skinaria Beach is celebrated for its rugged underwater terrain and excellent visibility, making it a favoured snorkelling spot on the south coast of Crete. Located 36.2 kilometres (22.5 miles) from Rethymno, this beach can be easily accessed by car or through organized boat tours.
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- Chrissi Island
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Chrissi Island, often called the “Golden Island,” is a small, uninhabited paradise situated just 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) south of Ierapetra on Crete’s southeast coast. Visitors can easily reach the island by boat from Ierapetra, located 61.3 kilometers (38.1 miles) from Sitia Airport. With its crystal-clear waters, shallow lagoons, and sandy beaches, Chrissi Island is an ideal destination for snorkeling, offering opportunities to explore the vibrant underwater world that surrounds it.
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- Kolokytha Beach
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Kolokytha Beach is a hidden gem for snorkelling in Crete, offering a tranquil and uncrowded experience near Elounda. This small rocky beach can be reached via a picturesque road, providing visitors with opportunities to explore its clear waters and vibrant marine life. It is located just 3.2 kilometers (1.99 miles) from Elounda.
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- Dia Island
- Dia Island is a renowned snorkelling destination famous for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. Located 14.4 kilometers (8.95 miles) north of Heraklion, visitors can access the island by boat, with daily tours available during summer. The island’s rugged coastline and secluded coves provide ideal snorkelling conditions, offering opportunities to encounter a variety of fish, octopuses, and even monk seals.
Many, many more…
How safe is Crete for visitors?
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