Things to Do in Crete
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Elafonissi Beach, Balos Lagoon, Beaches, Safaris. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Elafonissi Beach, Balos Lagoon, Beaches, Safaris. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Powered by AI
BETA
Explore popular experiences
See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Crete.
- fromper group (up to 4)RM 1,470
- fromper adultRM 368
Likely To Sell Outfromper adultRM 392- from
RM 809per adult (price varies by group size)RM 728 - from
RM 1,470per group (up to 4)RM 1,323 
4WD Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)RM 294- from
RM 1,470per group (up to 4)RM 1,396 
Wine Tastingsfromper adult (price varies by group size)RM 485- fromper adultRM 858
Day Tripsfromper adultRM 211
Beaches
Scenic coastal drive leads to a beach with unique pink-tinged sand and clear, shallow waters, ideal for families and leisurely exploration. Limited sunbeds; early arrival suggested.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Beaches
Rocky road and hiking trail lead to a serene beach with clear waters and a shallow lagoon, complemented by scenic boat trips from the nearby port.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Beaches
Sandy beach with clear, crystal waters and areas of pink sand, ideal for swimming and sunset-gazing. Features sturdy sunbeds, umbrellas, and a vibrant beach bar atmosphere.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Neighbourhoods
Historic neighborhood with a vibrant Venetian harbor, picturesque alleys, and a rich tapestry of shops, cafes, and cultural landmarks. Enjoy scenic views and local flavors.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Historic Sites
Museum with a chronological array of Minoan and Cycladic artifacts, allowing for a deeper understanding of ancient Greek culture through well-presented galleries and informative descriptions.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Marinas
Harbor area blending historic charm with a lively cafe culture, scenic views, and dining. Enjoy waterfront strolls, maritime museum, and evening ambiance by the lighthouse.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
National Parks
Rugged hike through dramatic gorges, requiring sturdy footwear and vigilance on rocky paths. Features scenic views, river walks, and a quaint village endpoint with beach access.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Historic Sites
Historical island featuring Venetian fortress ruins and a poignant former leper colony, with informative displays and atmospheric explorations.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Interactive reptile garden and marine sanctuary with hands-on encounters featuring snakes, lizards, and a blind turtle, alongside a collection of fish and octopus.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Bodies of Water
Freshwater lake with clear, warm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling amidst diverse marine life. Features pedal boat rentals, mountain views, and nearby dining options.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic monastery with tranquil gardens and a baroque chapel, featuring a small museum and art gallery that recount its role in Cretan resistance.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Popular Cities in Crete
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- Costas PythiosAthens, Greece4 contributionsSunbeds may be pricey, but they’re essential unless you bring your own umbrella. If you're traveling through the mountains, don’t miss the charming roadside vendors offering a variety of natural Cretan productsespecially the incredible honey balm. On your way back, take the coastal road for a breathtaking drive, though it’s not for the faint-hearted. And be sure to catch the stunning sunset.Written 21 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- montrealboywonderMontreal, Canada388 contributionsJust awesome. No sonder it’s so popular. A super drive in. And unbelievable view and spot. Seriously it’s a must and the beach is simply beautiful. A must.Written 7 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Catalin H350 contributionsFalassarna is one of the most beautiful beaches on Crete’s west coast. Personally, I prefer it to the famous Balos Lagoon.
The beach is so vast that it’s impossible to fully describe it in a single review (mainly due to the character limit)
Here, I’ll focus on the northern part of the beach. This area is more "wild," with plenty of rocks, and access to the water is limited to just a few spots.
The abundance of rocks combined with the incredibly clear water makes this part of the beach perfect for snorkeling.
However, because of the rocks, there are also many secluded spots, which makes this area popular with nudists. If you’re visiting with children, you may want to steer clear of this section.
If you plan to climb the rocks, be sure to wear proper footwear. The sharp edges can easily hurt your feet.
To the north, you’ll find some interesting sights, including an archaeological site, unique rock formations, and even shipwrecks. However, I recommend visiting these spots by car, as the walking route is much longer than it appears.
One final tip: if you’re not into water sports, it’s best to avoid the beach on windy days (which is most days in September).Written 18 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - REDMANEgaleo, Greece5,265 contributionsTake me back to this wonderful old city! Exploring those cinematic small streets with small, cute stores was a romantic memory and stayed with me...Written 17 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- chrised14South Staffs, GB.19 contributionsVisit in the afternoon if you can when crowds are less. The internet link is very good as a guide.
Mr Evan’s restoration may have hindered more than helped, but excellent exhibits in the museum at Heraklion help to build the image.Written 25 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - PoisonivyjcCalgary, Canada988 contributionsThis is a very well thought out and orgainzed museum. Came here after visiting Knossos ruins to view the arifacts that came from there. Reasonably priced and not over crowded. Littel cafe on site.Written 10 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- PoisonivyjcCalgary, Canada988 contributionsThis was my highlight of Crete. I enjoyed spending hours walking the sea wall, taking photos, having some lunch, looking at all the history and ending the day with some shopping. There is something for everyone. Beware, you may get wet!Written 10 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kamila RMunich, Germany1 contributionWe did the trip on 28.10.2024 through Allcretetours, booked via getyourguide.com, which I can recommend as the trip was well organized. The costs per person were as follows: €32 for the bus, €5 for entering the National Park, €13 for the boat, and €2 for the bus that took us between the end of the National Park and the beach (this was a lifesaver in the end). We were picked up at 5:45 AM, and the driver collected passengers around Chania before heading up into the mountains to an altitude of 1200 meters, where it was -1°C upon our arrival.
Our first stop was at a café/restaurant where, unfortunately, the coffee was quite awful—likely instant coffee. The snacks were nearly inedible; the bread was stale, and the pastries were dry and overly sweet, almost as if they had been sitting out for a week. I strongly recommend bringing your own snacks and food, as you'll need plenty to get through the day.
Now for the most important message: while the views are spectacular and definitely worth it, the hike was much harder than we expected. I advise anyone considering this trip to go outside of the hot summer months, avoid bringing small children, and only attempt it if you are REALLY fit and have no health issues, especially concerning your knees. You’ll be dropped off at the start of the trail and left on your own; your guide does not accompany you. The descent from the mountain at 1200 meters takes about 3 hours if you maintain a good pace.
The next 3 hours involve walking through the gorge, which is truly breathtaking. However, be prepared: about 95% of the trail consists of small stones and rocks (you can rent hiking sticks for €6). This is not a standard hike; it’s demanding on your knees and muscles.
Wear your most comfortable hiking boots—definitely not new ones or just running shoes. There’s hardly a section of the hike that doesn’t involve navigating smaller or larger rocks, requiring you to concentrate on EVERY step.
In my opinion, this is the trip's weakest aspect: you need to be so focused on each step that enjoying the scenery becomes difficult. Many hikers rush through, seemingly trying to break records. You’ll often find yourself being passed by others (I can’t imagine doing this trip in high season with 1200 other people), leaving little time for breaks. We managed to take only two short breaks while maintaining a steady pace; both of us are fit, and I’m not sure how average hikers can complete this trail with adequate breaks for resting and taking photos. Seeing younger children on the trail raised questions for me about who allows them to participate in such a challenging hike (which is also dangerous due to the possibility of falling rocks!). The temperature was about 21°C in the shade, and in the sun, it was probably 26°C, which made it just bearable (lots of sunscreen is required).
We witnessed many people falling or struggling along the way. Occasionally, park employees with walkie-talkies passed by, suggesting they had a lot of work to do. There was even a horse waiting to assist troubled hikers.
After completing the 13 kilometers, we found an outdoor tavern, and from there, it was another 3 kilometers back to the port town to catch the ferry. About 500 meters further, there’s a shuttle for €2, which significantly saved our legs as we were both exhausted. We then ate at the restaurant "Samaria." The French fries were awesome, but the rest of the food was very average, with prices about 30% higher than in Chania.
After that, we went to the beach, and swimming there is a must. At 5:30 PM, we left on the slow ferry, and the bus ride back was long and winding; it was really exhausting. We arrived home at 8:30 PM, completely drained, and today we’re feeling sore all over. Again, the views are spectacular, but this is not a hike for everyone.Written 29 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Nigel W67 contributionsA short boat trip to the island reveals what a stark existence it must have been for the inhabitants. The last leprosy colony in Europe where hundreds formed a whole isolated community for the rest of their lives. A very interesting place to visit. Take a guided tour or as we did, just wander about for a few hours. There is only a small cafe on island so take your own refreshments as its quite a baren place. Well worth a visit.Written 10 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Usernametaken90wales78 contributionsHighlight of our holiday and totally worth the trip! I came here terrified of snakes and wouldn’t go near them to start, at the end I held the huge yellow one they had, ALONE!
The men that work there are so passionate about the animals and are so knowledgeable, it’s a very relaxed atmosphere and the animals are very well cared for, it’s like a petting zoo for reptiles where they freely roam.
The big tortoise is funny, one minute you’re standing there chatting the next you have a giant tortoise walking over your foot or barging you out of the way 😂
It’s a shame there arnt more places like this as it massively helped me overcome my fears of reptiles and I ended up petting and holding all that I could.
The entry price is also very reasonable, a must if in or staying near Hersonnisos.Written 10 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - TheGrymza .Wayne, NJ152 contributionsWe caught this beautiful lake at the very end of the tourist season, literally as everything was closing and tourist crowds were just about gone. It is beautiful and serene, but much smaller than we expected. Still, it was a very pleasant stopover and a wonderful photo op, one of the last ones on Crete for us. We went to the lake on the way to the airport, walked around and had a drink at the lakeside restaurant with the perfect view. It must be a mayhem during summer, but it was lovely weather and quite a leisurely place. We also happened to have been there on the day they held the Special Olympics there, a rowing competition on the lake. Not posting pictures because the subjects were minors, but it was so heartwarming to see the community turn out to support their own.
Tip: Park at the Polymnia gift shop parking lot for 2 euros for the whole day, on the right as you approach the lake, and they give you a 10% off coupon for their store.Written 13 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - EMBE762Maastricht, The Netherlands573 contributionsIt’s an exceptionally good and well preserved Greek Orthodox Monastery!
Plenty of buildings and exhibits to see and decent presentation. On a large ground area with super big parking too.
Well worth the drive up thereWritten 5 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.