Travel Crete

West of Crete in Chania are some of the most beautiful natural sights of the island, here we highlight those experiences which will help you discover the real Crete.

Unravel the historic threads of Crete in Rethymnon Old Town and explore the hinterland valleys, gorges and beaches around Rethymnon Crete.

Samaria Gorge is the most popular gorge walk on the island, 16 km from north to south ending by the south seas. As this is a one-way walk it is best to take an organised tour if you have limited time  (Western Crete).

Gramvousa & Balos Lagoon a breath-taking boat tour in the north-western tip of Crete, this tour is available from Chania town as a day tour or one can take the boat for a half-day trip from Kastelli-Kissamos (Western Crete).

Elafonisi Beach - a beautiful natural beach, which is a protected zone, lying at the south-western tip of the island. Azure waters and intermittent pink sands.

Preveli Beach and Palm Forest - a wonderful day of gems in central Crete, see the Monastery of Preveli, deep rugged gorges, and the hidden palm grove on the southern coast, this was an important location for Allied troops during WWII.

Visit Spinalonga as a day trip from Elounda or Agios Nikolaos, this island, with its intriguing history, is a favourite. (Eastern Crete).

Lasithi Plateau with its stunning scenery and windmills, Dikti mountains, caves and high villages, the plateau is a real experience of Cretan mountain life. Visit the Psychro Cave and enjoy fresh local produce in the many tavernas (Eastern Crete).

Boat Trip to Chrissi Island - this is just a piece of paradise. One of the remotest beaches in Crete, beautiful white sand and crystal clear waters, silence, sun and sand. These tours leave from east Crete only and include a one hour boat trip. Revel in the sparkling white sand, gloriously isolated coves and swimming in perfect paradise (South-Eastern Crete).

Crete attractions and alternatives - you could visit the popular attractions in Crete or seek out the alternatives...we help you get 'far from the madding crowd'...

"Farre from the madding worldlings hoarse discords..."

Make the most of this incredible historic journey with a local guide.

Full Day Tour Knossos Palace and Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Skip the Line Entry to Knossos with Guide

Travel Crete - sometimes...you just don't want to do all the driving yourself.

Sometimes - as in most of these tours, it is impossible to drive as there are boat and ferry trips involved.

Sometimes...you just want to relax on holiday and have an expert local tell you the history and stories.

• A private tour guide in Crete
• See guided tour info here
• Driver-guide taxi service with Gianni

Route Guide West of Crete - by Car

The guide to the west of Crete includes the following destinations:

•    Knossos Palace
•    Zaros Village
•    Amari Valley
•    Old Town Rethymnon
•    Lake Kournas
•    Old Town Chania
•    Samaria Gorge
•    Balos Lagoon
•    Topolia Gorge
•    Elafonisi Beach

Route Guide East of Crete - by Car

Visit the following destinations:

•    Knossos
•    Lasithi Plateau
•    Dikti Cave
•    Elounda
•    Spinalonga
•    Agios Nikolaos
•    Sitia
•    Kato Zakros
•    Zakros Palace
•    Vai Beach
•    Kritsa

West Crete - by Bus

Including the following destinations:

• Knossos
• Rethymnon Old Town
• Arkadi
• Georgioupolis
• Chania Old Town
• Samaria Gorge
• Agia Roumeli
• Sougia
• Agia Irini Gorge
• Paleochora
• Elafonisi Beach
• Balos Lagoon

East Crete - by Bus

• Experience wide open scenery, a palm forest and remote coastal villages in eastern Crete
• Enjoy the beaches, nature and intrigue of Spinalonga Island
• Save money with our accommodation tips in Lasithi
• Explore the lake, harbour and beaches of the cosmopolitan town of Agios Nikolaos
• See how to get to Chrissi Island by boat
• Divine Beaches! Azure, turquoise, crystal clear waters in the east of Crete
• Extend your trip by saving money with bus travel and flexible options

Walking Tour Old Town with Street Food - visit the local food markets and walk for 4 hours through the gastronomic highlights of this fascinating historic town, visit the old Jewish and Ottoman quarters and taste the local white spirit or raki. Enjoy mesedes which are little appetisers, part of the Cretan diet which is one of the healthiest in the world. Find out why.

Chania Wine Food and Sunset Tour with 3 course Dinner - a 4 hour tour of the picturesque Venetian town with a local. Watch the sunset over a beautiful view from a secret spot that only locals know about. Participate in a unique wine tasting event by a talented sommelier and enjoy a 3-course gourmet organic dinner.

Rethymnon Old Town Walking Tour with Meal and Phyllo Workshop - treat yourself to a 4 hour gastronomic exploration of this cosmopolitan town, with food and beverage tastings, hidden spots not in the guidebooks all through the old zone. 4 hour walk, small group only.

Tips for five guided tours of Europe, the Mediterranean and Greece including Crete.

8-Day Hiking Tour in Crete - this tour of Crete offers glorious hiking and trekking for a maximum of 16 walkers in a fully guided tour. Begin in Chania and end in Heraklion, explore the mountains and enjoy blissful coastal walking.

Take the hike in the famous Samaria Gorge, relax in the coastal hamlet of Agia Roumeli. Walk to the blue and white seaside village of Loutro, and discover Zaros in the Idi Mountains.

Athens to Heraklion Flights

Athens to Chania Flights

Athens to Heraklion Ferry

Athens to Chania Ferry

Santorini to Heraklion Crete Ferry

"We trust you have enjoyed these tips from the team at We Love Crete. Evíva!"