Crete Subregion
Crete is Greece's largest island - a country unto itself of Minoan palaces, soaring mountains and gorges, palm-fringed pink beaches, proud villages and a superb cuisine.
Crete at a Glance#
Crete is big enough to be its own country - ancient Minoan sites, dramatic mountains and gorges, world-class beaches and one of the healthiest cuisines on Earth.
Why go / don’t miss: the Minoan palace of Knossos near Heraklion, the Venetian harbour of Chania, the pink sands of Elafonisi and lagoon of Balos, and the epic Samaria Gorge.
Areas: Heraklion and Knossos in the centre; Venetian Chania and Rethymno in the west; and the beaches and plateau of Lasithi in the east.
Getting around: fly into Heraklion or Chania; a car is essential for this big island.
When to go: Apr-Jun and Sep-Oct are ideal; July-August are hot and crowded.
Where to stay: Chania for charm, Heraklion for sights, or a south-coast beach base.
Dining: Cretan cuisine - dakos, cheeses, snails, raki and superb olive oil - is famously healthy.
Local tips: Crete is huge - pick the west (Chania) or the centre/east rather than trying to see it all.
