Crete Vacations, Tours & Travel Packages
Why consider a visit to Crete?
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and is also the fifth-largest in the Mediterranean Sea. On a Greece vacation, it is a destination which has a wide variety of attractions from historic to scenic. It has ancient archaeological sites, great beaches and superb scenery ranging from mountains to green valleys and steep gorges. On travel to Greece, there is plenty here to keep you occupied for quite some time with a wide choice of activities regardless of your interests.
What are the top cities to visit in Crete?
Heraklion
The capital, Heraklion, is located between two mountain ranges. There is a Venetian fortress on the harbour walls built in the early 1500s, Venetian mansions and a number of Byzantine churches to view. The Palace of Knossos, just outside of the city is a Minoan archaeological site, once the ceremonial and political centre of the Minoan civilization and culture which flourished from about 2600 to 1100 BC. There is a maze of workrooms, living spaces, and storerooms to explore. The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion houses some excellent treasures in its collection, from the Neolithic era to Roman times plus an extensive Minoan collection. Heraklion is also a good place for a beach holiday on trips to Greece. There are several beaches on both sides of the city. The best-known one is Matala located 67 kilometres/41 miles southwest of Heraklion, originally a fishing village, now a popular resort. The beach, with its golden sand, has a backdrop of imposing cliffs.
Chania
Another city is Chania, dominated by the impressive White Mountains. The city hasn’t changed much from the time of the Venetian Rule of Crete (13th to 17th Centuries). Remnants of Venetian and Turkish architecture can be found with some of the old townhouses now restored. The old town is a maze of alleyways and contains Venetian mansions, attractive fountains and elaborate churches. You can also visit many of the wineries and enjoy the cuisine with its local specialties. Chania offers numerous options for sightseeing and exploration on a Greece vacation such as the nearby mountain villages. There are also gorges that can be can be hiked through plus there are several archaeological sites to visit.
What are the best places to visit in Crete?
Agios Nikolaos
The town of Agios Nikolaos caters to chic visitors with its colourful bars, traditional tavernas and upscale clothes shops. The harbour is a great place to enjoy a coffee or a meal and at night, is lit up by the lights of the bars. The nearby beaches of Ammoudi, Kytroplatia and Ammos are all attractive.
Rethymno
Rethymno offers splendid mountain scenery, as it lies beneath Mount Psiloritis, Crete’s highest peak, and excellent beaches. Looming over Rethymno is a Venetian fortress with massive walls and imposing bastions. Built in the 16th Century, the views are exceptional. There are also monasteries and Minoan tombs to explore. Magnificent beaches abound around the coasts of Rethymno, some touristy, some quiet and secluded.
Lassithi
Lassithi is a region in eastern Crete. Here there are many outstanding beach resorts on trips to Greece. One of the best-known ones is Elounda which is, in fact, one of the best in Crete with many luxury resorts dotted along the water's edge. There are also stylish boutiques and tavernas to visit on Greek vacations.
Spinalonga
Spinalonga is a little island off the northeast coast of Crete, reached by boat from Elounda. It has acquired international fame due to its colourful history and is the most popular archaeological site in Crete after Knossos.
Sitia
Situated in one of the least touristy areas of Crete, Sitia is a town built in Venetian times which has a long sandy beach. It is also home to several monasteries, archaeological sites, palm forests and fascinating treks across the mountains via dramatic gorges and attractive villages.
Are there beach resorts in Crete?
There are many beach resorts in Crete. The most popular beach resorts of Crete are scattered all over the island. Some of the best beach resorts are Balos and Elafonissi near Chania on the west coast with crystal-clear water, Vai on the north coast near Lassithi, and Preveli Beach near Rethymno and Matala Beach near Heraklion. These are just a few.
What Else Should I Know about a Greece Vacation?
Learn about the history and culture of Greece, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Greece's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you are properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip.
Extend your stay in Europe
Consider an additional stopover to your Greece vacation at one of Goway's other European destinations. You can choose from a Paris vacation, a London vacation or an Amsterdam vacation. This can be done stopping over en route to or from Greece.
Crete
5 Trips Available
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Greece Deluxe: Athens, Santorini & Crete
DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Explore the country’s past and present on this journey across Greece. As you pass from Athens to the Greek Islands, you’ll see the iconic Acropolis, walk among the white-washed homes of Santorini, and feast on feta and olives on Crete all the while learning about the country’s ancient past.- Duration:
- 9 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,039
- Trip Type:
- Private Experiences, Romance & Honeymoon, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Crete Island Adventure Self Drive
MODERATE | SELF-DRIVE: Discover the culture, food and wine, and natural beauty of Crete on this self-drive vacation. Travelling east to west, you see famous Minoan ruins in Heraklion, discover Venetian-Turkish medieval ports and fortresses in Rethymno and Chania, and hit up wineries, gorges, sunny beaches, and historic monasteries along the way.- Duration:
- 9 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,289
- Trip Type:
- Self-Drives
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Athens and Crete Explorer
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Visit Greek's famous capital, Athens, and its largest island, Crete, on this 7-day program. In Athens, tour the iconic Acropolis and head to nearby Delphi to see the home of the ancient Oracle, before jetting to the island of Crete where you can explore its capital, Heraklion, and enjoy an excursion to Spinalonga, the Leper colony!- Duration:
- 7 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,580
- Trip Type:
- Romance & Honeymoon, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Classic Greece with Rhodes: Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete & Rhodes
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Experience Greece’s ancient past and vibrant present on this exploration of Athens and the Greek Islands. Passing from Athens to Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, and Rhodes, you’ll explore ancient temples like the Parthenon, stroll along windswept cliffs, and experience the long and storied history of this great nation.- Duration:
- 14 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,497
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers), Romance & Honeymoon, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Essence of Greece: Athens, Rethymno, Heraklion, Santorini & Paros
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Explore the country’s ancient past and vibrant present as you journey through Greece. See the iconic Acropolis in Athens and nearby ancient sites. In Crete, visit important monasteries and Renaissance monuments of Rethymno and the open-air market in Heraklion. Marvel at the the iconic white-washed homes of Santorini and explore the golden beaches of Paros.- Duration:
- 14 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,024
- Trip Type:
- Romance & Honeymoon, Single Friendly, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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