Best Things to Do in CreteHaven’t you heard? The best things in life are Crete!Proudly holding the title of Greece’s largest island, and set in the southern Aegean Sea, this Mediterranean gem offers something for every kind of traveller.Don’t believe us? Here’s a quick look at just a few things you can get up to in Crete.Blend your holiday with history by exploring Crete’s many UNESCO‑listed archaeological sites. Just last year, UNESCO added six Minoan palace centres in Crete to its World Heritage List, it’s a Minoan moment you won’t want to miss!And the island itself? Enchanting. Picture verdant mountainscapes, rolling valleys and shimmering lagoon beaches. You could easily spend your whole trip wrapped up in Crete’s natural beauty.Oh, and the vibes? Solid 10/10, obviously. Dive into bustling tavernas for warm hospitality, soak up Crete’s deep‑rooted history at ancient sites and wander through vibrant villages that bring Greece’s story to life. It’s safe to say Crete is a no brainer!Intrigued? We should think so! Let’s get stuck into the best things to do in Crete and what exactly there is to do while you're away in this Grecian haven. What to Do in Crete With Your FamilyA question on many of our lips… what are the best things to do in Crete with kids?Pack up your cool bag and head for the coast. Crete is home to some fantastic family friendly beaches, with shallow waters, soft sands and plenty of activities for every kind of kid… including the big ones.Treat the family to a trip to Elafonissi Beach, famous for its pink tinged sand and shallow lagoon waters that are perfect for paddling. While the kids stay happily entertained with the rest of the tribe, you can sink into a lounger and soak up the views of this pristine, almost otherworldly stretch of coastline.Away from the beaches, stomachs start to rumble and appetites kick in. The charming town of Hersonissos has just the place to satisfy them. Tucked away from the bustle sits Med Cafe, a breathtaking waterside spot that feels bright, airy and downright delicious. As the little ones spot fish and crabs scuttling along the shoreline, you can tuck into Mediterranean goodness including fresh seafood, succulent steaks and plenty of hummus and pita refills. Never a bad thing to do in Crete with the kids! Crete Food SceneWhatever you do, don’t skip its exquisite food scene when planning what to do in Crete. Get your taste buds ready for authentic Greek dishes such as dakos, the Cretan bruschetta. Drizzled with locally made olive oil and piled high with Mizithra cheese and fresh, juicy tomatoes, this is the kind of life‑changing snack you’ll be thinking about for months after. When it comes to where to eat in Crete, we recommend Akrogiali, a charming little fish tavern perfectly perched on Nea Chora Beach. Book a table for sunset and enjoy fresh seafood as the sun dips below the horizon - good food, good company and even better views. Where to stay in Crete with your family Previous Next Villa Tresor Rethymnon, Crete 11 Guests 6 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms From £756 for 7 nights Add to Favourite Villa Avra Rethymnon, Crete 12 Guests 6 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms From £2,116 for 7 nights Add to Favourite Villa Terpsi Klio Rethymnon, Crete 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms From £659 for 7 nights Add to Favourite Villa Mandarin Platanias Chania, Crete 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms From £780 for 7 nights Add to Favourite Villa Venus Elounda Agios Nikolaos and Plaka, Crete 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms From £854 for 7 nights Add to Favourite Discovering Chania, CreteWhen weighing up your options for where to go in Crete, make sure the vibrant, well‑sought‑after city of Chania is firmly scribbled onto your list. This place has an irresistible mix of charm, colour, and coastal beauty that keeps travellers coming back for more. And if planning isn’t really your vibe, no worries at all. We’ve got you covered. Follow our Chania itinerary below for the perfect trip.Early Morning: Rise and shine with the Cretan sun, pack a day bag (snacks are essential), and depending on which gorgeous villa you’ve chosen as your base, hop in the car and make your way over to Chania.Morning: Once you arrive in the historic city, make a beeline for their stunning Venetian harbour, dotted with colourful buildings, charming boats bobbing on the water’s surface and… plenty of cafés and restaurants ready to be scoped out. After the drive (no matter what the distance), find your perfect brekkie spot looking out onto the harbour and dive into a delicious morning spread. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day after all!Early afternoon: It’s exploration time. Chania’s Archaeological Museum offers a fascinating treasure trove of ancient artefacts and historical highlights from the city’s Venetian past. It’s an extraordinary stop to take in Chania, where you can wander through centuries of history and admire exhibits filled with mosaics, sculptures and art. What more could you want if you’re an art and history aficionado.Late afternoon: After all that walking, it’s time to give your legs a well‑earned rest at Nea Chora Beach. Stretch out on the soft sand, soak up the sunshine and enjoy a refreshing splash or two in the glistening blue sea. Linger for a little while, before heading back to your villa paradise. The Best Beaches in CreteCrete’s beaches aren’t just good… they’re cancel your plans and stay another week good. And honestly, exploring them is one of the best things to do in Crete. Start with the famous Balos Lagoon, an almost hypnotising beauty where turquoise waters are simply impossible to resist. Backed by sweeping panoramic landscapes, it’s a picture‑perfect paradise, destined for beach picnics, salty swims and plenty of sun‑soaked lounging. Prefer quieter spots where your biggest decision is which book to bring for your beach day? Head to Seitan Limania, a secluded sanctuary carved between jagged cliffs, where the dramatic landscape and small shoreline give you all the mystical, magical, mermaid feels.Wave chasers, your moment has finally arrived. If you’ve been patiently waiting to find out what to do in Crete that involves getting soaked, this is your moment! Fodele Beach has every kind of water sport you could imagine - from parasailing and paragliding to waterskiing and jet skiing, all the way to a sunset banana‑boat ride with your favourite people. “woo‑hoo!” Honestly, our heads are spinning just thinking about it. Another honourable mention for things to do in Greece is Gra Ligia, where watersports are taken up a notch. Test your skills with a kayaking adventure across the Aegean Sea or feel the wind in your hair as you try windsurfing for the very first time. Safe to say, your thrill quota for the trip will be well and truly filled. Previous Next Villa Eva Chania Chania, Crete 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms From £1,038 for 7 nights Add to Favourite Charoupia Plaka Chania, Crete 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms From £814 for 7 nights Add to Favourite Villa Koule Chania, Crete 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms From £1,039 for 7 nights Add to Favourite Villa Aptera Chania, Crete 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms From £1,230 for 7 nights Add to Favourite Villa Chloe Chania Chania, Crete 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms From £968 for 7 nights Add to Favourite Best Historical and Cultural SitesYou may have already dived into some of Crete’s mind‑blowing beaches, but diving into its history is just as essential when deciding what to see. Knossos Palace, located near Heraklion, is the island’s largest Minoan archaeological site and once served as a major religious, ceremonial, and economic centre for the Minoan Civilization. The captivating site is closely tied to Greek mythology, including the tale of the Minotaur, and is considered by many to be the oldest city in Europe. Definitely worth noting down when deciding on what to see in Crete.Lace up your hiking boots (or wellies) and head to Samaria Gorge for an unforgettable 15km walk through Crete’s striking natural landscapes. Along the trail, wildflowers bloom and the views serve up plenty of wow moments, making it easy to fall head over heels for the island’s stunning scenery.The hike usually takes between four and seven hours, so make a full day of it. Pause for a relaxed mid walk lunch at a spectacular viewpoint, then snap plenty of gorge-ous photos along the way. Unique Things to Do in CreteIf you’ve ever wondered what is there to do in Crete beyond beaches and bustling towns, a trip to Spinalonga Island is a standout choice. Set sail for a day of discovery to this tiny islet just off the northeastern coast. A short boat ride of around 10 to 30 minutes brings you to this fascinating historic spot. Once a strategic Venetian fortress and later one of Europe’s last leper colonies, the island is often nicknamed “the island of the living dead.” Its haunting past and crumbling stone buildings create an atmosphere that is both eerie and captivating. Today, curious visitors arrive year‑round to wander through the ruins, uncover its extraordinary history, and experience one of Crete’s most unusual excursions. Practical Tips for Visiting CreteNow you’ve decided what to see in Crete, it’s time to decide when! It will come as no surprise summer stands as the most popular among tourists. A pleasant sight for the eyes as the island comes to life with colour. Feast on fresh Cretan cuisine, beach hop the days away and enjoy the Greek summers everyone talks about.Away from the summer crowds, spring is a fantastic time to visit Crete. The island bursts into vibrant colour, and the gentler weather makes it perfect for getting out and enjoying all the things to do in Crete. Spend your days gorge walking, hiking up Mount Psiloritis, or taking your time exploring each and every UNESCO listed archaeological sites scattered across the island.Soaking up Crete at your own pace never sounds like a bad idea. Right?When planning your Crete itinerary, it’s always worth thinking about how you’ll get around. Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore every blissful corner of the island - from hidden beaches and charming mountain villages to the rich historical sites scattered across Crete. Having your own wheels gives you the freedom to wander and discover places you might never have come across otherwise.Oh, and booking your villa and flights together? Easy peasy, lemon squeezy! With our villa‑and‑flight packages, you can sort everything in one seamless, ATOL‑protected booking. Getting to Crete really is that simple. That’s all from us, now go Crete your own adventure!From the bucket‑list beaches of Balos Lagoon and Seitan Limania to cultural wonders like Knossos Palace, plus delicious dining and vibrant hikes through Samaria Gorge, your itinerary is officially booked and busy. Now that we’ve covered what to do in Crete, it’s over to you to start planning your perfect island getaway. Things to Do in Crete FAQs Q: What is the best part of Crete to go to?Chania in western Crete is a brilliant starting point. Booking one of our Chania villas gives you access to some of the island’s most iconic beaches, including Elafonisi and Balos, while placing you right in the heart of seaside dining, gorgeous hiking trails and plenty of ancient history to sink your teeth into.Q: What is the prettiest place in Crete?There are far too many to name, but if we had to narrow it down, these three absolutely deserve a spot on your must‑visit list. Balos Beach for its turquoise waters, white sands and breathtaking scenery. Samaria Gorge, which is a complete must for nature lovers. And finally, an authentic Cretan village like Loutro or Chora Sfakion, where you can enjoy a true slice of Greek living (and a little taverna hopping).Q: What is Crete Greece best known for?Renowned for its fascinating Minoan past, mouth‑watering cuisine, lush landscapes and sun‑kissed shores, Crete delivers an unforgettable experience bursting with beauty and cultural heritage.Q: What to be careful of in Crete?Crete is a very safe destination for tourists. Like any popular European hotspot, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for pickpockets in busy areas. If you’re planning to drive, take extra care on the island’s narrow, winding roads. Respect the local heritage and culture, and you’ll have a wonderfully smooth stay.