How many places in Crete have you visited?
One of Greece’s largest islands and a popular destination for a holiday is the island of Crete. While it has been known for being a fabulous party location in the past, there are so many fabulous locations within the island where you can experience and explore some of the most unspoiled beauty. With fabulous beaches and crystal blue oceans, it is an island that brings people back year after year.
Free Resource Vault
If you are looking for ways to help make your life more organised then come join our free Resource Vault. It’s packed full of printables that you can use over and over again.
Come join our free Resource Vault here
(By joining giving us your email address you are consenting to us emailing you about our other travel, home and lifestyle ideas. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of every email.)
Best Places to Visit in Crete
So if you are considering heading there, you may be wondering where are the best places to visit in Crete are. With that in mind, here are some suggestions.
Heraklion
Heraklion is the capital of Crete and is one of the most popular holiday locations. The Heraklion region has many other great places to visit, but Heraklion itself is a bustling city that has the heart of Crete. It is known for the Palace of Knossos which is just outside the centre, which dates back centuries and is a fabulous attraction to experience while you are there. In Heraklion, you have fabulous beaches and a great resort filled with plenty of bars and restaurants. You also have the main airport.
Sissi
If you are hoping to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet on your trip to Crete then heading to Sissi could be the answer. Picture a small sleep fishing village, where you witness fisherman bring in the catch of the day, and boats floating off the shore, and you have pictured Sissi.
Albeit it with blue skies and fabulous white sandy beaches. Here you will find proper local eateries, amazing streets to explore, and a location that has been relatively untouched when it comes to tourism. A gem in the North of Crete in the Heraklion Region.
Analipsi
Another great place if you are looking for something a little quieter is heading to Analipsi. Surrounded by fruit tree fields and nestled between two main hotspots on the island, Heraklion and Hersonisos, it is a great village that will help you to embrace the slower pace some people crave while on holiday. With fantastic tavernas and white sandy beaches, it is a beautiful location.
Hersonisos
A cosmopolitan town in Crete and in the East of the Heraklion region you have Hersonisos. A great location and place to visit if you are hoping for something a little more upbeat with vibrant bars to explore and stunning tavernas to enjoy, Hersonisos has a lot to offer. This is the party location on the island, so a great palace to go with friends or as a couple if you are wanting a more energetic break or a busy day trip.
Elounda
A wonderful resort in the Lassithi region Elounda can give you the best of both worlds. You will find great hotels, beautiful tavernas and bars, and excellent white sandy beaches with bright blue oceans. Lassithi is one of the other regions that you might want to explore while visiting Crete. It is the most eastern point on the island with excellent locations to enjoy. Here you will be uniquely positioned to check out some of the other fabulous locations in the area.
Maleme
In the Chania region, you have another lovely resort called Maleme. The Chania region is located on the far west side of the island and is popular with holidaymakers. Here you will find a lovely beach and plenty going on in the town centre with bars, restaurants, and shops to explore.
There are many things you can do, but what Crete is well-known for are the brilliant beaches and the one at Maleme is one of the best. You can find lots of places to stay in this resort and as it is in the Chania region, you are in a unique position to explore the west side of the island.
Kolymbari
If you are wanting a holiday where you can relax and unwind, then look no further than Kolymbari. Here you will be able to use it as a base to explore some of the other villages in the mountains in the Chania region. You also have some of the best beaches in Crete. This is the southern west point of Chania, so you are uniquely positioned to explore some of the other areas on the island.
Related Posts:
Amazing tavernas, great bars, and a more laid-back vibe, this location is a great place for holidays or to visit while you are in Crete.
Hopefully, this has given you plenty of inspiration for some of the best places to visit in Crete.
Laura x
If you have enjoyed this post and would like to find some more beautiful places to visit then why not follow our Beautiful Places to Visit Board on Pinterest. It shows loads of places throughout the world that you must visit at least once.
Love this post? Then why not save it to Pinterest so you can easily find it later.
What the * means
If a link has an * by it, then this means it is an affiliate link and helps S4SM stay free for all. If you use the link, it may mean that we receive a very small payment. It will not cost you anymore that it would normally.
You shouldn’t notice any difference and the link will never negatively impact the product. The items we write about are NEVER dictated by these links. We aim to look at all products on the market. If it isn’t possible to get an affiliate link, then the link, or product is still included in the same way, just with a non-paying link.