{"id":5926,"date":"2022-08-08T11:33:47","date_gmt":"2022-08-08T10:33:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.broadwaytravel.com\/blog\/?p=5926"},"modified":"2023-02-22T16:45:11","modified_gmt":"2023-02-22T16:45:11","slug":"the-best-things-to-see-and-do-in-crete","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.broadwaytravel.com\/blog\/the-best-things-to-see-and-do-in-crete\/","title":{"rendered":"The best things to see and do in Crete"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With 100 Blue Flag beaches dotted around a beautiful 1,000km-long coastline, it\u2019s little wonder Crete remains the most visited island in Greece. You\u2019ll find ancient ruins, millennia-old palaces, and world-beating museums. Then there are the island\u2019s caves, gorges, and waterfalls to discover. Did we mention the mouth-watering food?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a lot to see and do, so to make it a bit easier, we\u2019ve put together a handy list of the best beaches and the most impressive natural wonders. You\u2019ll find sections on Crete\u2019s must-see historical attractions, and the dishes you can\u2019t leave without trying. We\u2019ve even included our top hotel choices, giving you the best deals on the island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep reading for the best of Crete\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Crete\u2019s amazing beaches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Elafonisi<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Elafonisi Beach in Crete\u2019s southwest corner is one of the world\u2019s most remarkable beaches. The pink sand and see-through blue water make this natural wonder unmissable. Hundreds flock to Elafonisi daily in the summer months, so arrive early to enjoy the beach in all its beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Palm Beach, setting for the famous chocolate bar ads of the 80s, is home to the only palm tree forest in Europe. With fine golden sand and incredible blue-green water, you\u2019ll feel like you\u2019re lying on a beach in the Caribbean. Hop on a jet ski for incredible views of the beach from the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tucked away in Crete\u2019s northwest, Falassarna Beach offers a day away from the crowds in a stunning location. Surrounded by mountains, this 1km curve of golden sand rarely gets too crowded, and the aquamarine water is irresistible. Grab a snorkel, and dive in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hotel choice:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The highly rated Christina Beach Hotel<\/a> in the charming town of Kissamos puts you within easy reach of Crete\u2019s north and west coast beaches. The hotel comes with an outdoor pool and impressive ocean views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A step back in time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Wander through ancient bath houses, royal living quarters and grand theatres at the fascinating Palace of Knossos. This impressive complex dates to 7000 BC, making it the oldest known city in Europe. A great day out for history buffs of all ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a real insight into Cretan history, don\u2019t miss the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of the most well-respected museums in Europe. Spanning thousands of years, the museum showcases artefacts from pre-history, Minoan rule, and the Roman Empire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sacred Arkadi Monastery in Rethymon<\/a> is one Crete\u2019s top historical attractions. A symbol of Cretan liberation, the monastery became a shelter for the people of Crete during the 1886 revolution. The building is incredibly well-preserved, and worth taking your time over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We recommend:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With its wonderful Venetian architecture and long stretch of sandy beach, Rethymnon is one of the most picturesque towns in Crete. Just 14km from Arkadi Monastery, Grecotel Lux Me White Palace<\/a> is a beautifully designed 5-star gem, right on the beach.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Crete\u2019s natural wonders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Samaria<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Winding its way through the landscape for 16km to the ocean, the mighty Samaria Gorge is a magnet for nature lovers. The gorge offers a magnificent walk through pine forests, mountain streams, and waterfalls. You\u2019ll spot Cretan goats along the way, and \u2013 if you\u2019re lucky \u2013 a rare Bearded Vulture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cave of Zeus, hidden high in the mountains of Dikteon, is said to be the birthplace of Zeus, King of the Gods. The cave features a mineral pool, and a large chamber filled with hundreds of shimmering stalactites and stalagmites. After you\u2019ve finished exploring, take in the breathtaking views of Lassithi Plateau.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Crete\u2019s only natural lake, Lake Kournas is a home to an array of wildlife including sea eagles, herons, and terrapins. The water is a brilliant topaz-green, and you\u2019ll find a pebble beach for sunbathing. Grab a kayak from the rental stand, and spend an afternoon exploring the lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Base yourself in Chania<\/a> in Crete\u2019s north for easy access to many of the island\u2019s best natural attractions. Our hotel choice goes to Hotel Splanzia<\/a>, a top-rated boutique hotel with excellent dining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dishes you can’t miss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Souvlaki,<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While you can find souvlaki at home, this iconic dish is taken to the next level in Crete. Mouth-watering skewers of pork or chicken are marinated in red wine, and served with salad and pita bread. Try souvlaki with a cold Mythos lager, or a chilled glass of Assyrtiko \u2013 a white wine produced on the island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a meat-free classic, be sure to sample Cretan dolmades. These tender grape leaves stuffed with rice and fresh herbs make a great starter, and you\u2019ll often find them as part of a mezze platter (Greek tapas). Dolmades go particularly well with tzatziki, the creamy Greek dip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a snack on the go, there\u2019s nothing better than Kalitsounia. A cheese pie made with honey might not sound instantly appealing, but trust us \u2013 you\u2019ll be coming back for seconds! These moreish bites can be found in bakeries all over the island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A foodie\u2019s paradise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the north, the resort town of Hersonissos<\/a> is brimming with restaurants along the seafront. We recommend staying at Casa Bianca Boutique Hotel<\/a> \u2013 a stylish property in the mountains with highly-rated food and drink.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

With 100 Blue Flag beaches dotted around a beautiful 1,000km-long coastline, it\u2019s little wonder Crete remains the most visited island…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":5934,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThe best things to see and do in Crete | Broadway Travel<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Check out our blog for the best things to see and do in Crete. 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