Crete

Crete is the largest island of Greece, bigger than Mykonos and Santorini. This Mediterranean island has a vivacious spirit, glorious beaches, impressive landscapes, rich gastronomic culture, historical forts and a beautiful harbour. At Mykonos Yacht Charters, we know how to aide in your exploration by giving you a list of our top recommended things to do in Crete. See below and start planning your Crete vacation today.

Top Attractions in Crete

• Villages: Crete is known for its mountainous villages and seaside houses. We recommend you to check out Chania Town which has stunning Venetian and Ottoman architecture. ChoraSfakion is a historical site that has wild landscapes and stunning beaches. Kissamos is another town with beautiful beaches and mountainous villages. Other villages that are worth your exploration are Frangokastello, Kolimbari Village, Sissi, Kalyves Village, Platanias Village, Anopolis, Akrotiri, Alikianos, Deres, Elos, Epanochori, Gavalochori, etc.
• Holy Trinity Monastery: This monastery is a symbol of the Cretan Renaissance. We recommend you to soak in the history, explore the surrounding town, visit the museums and stop by the shop on your way out.
• Knossos Palace: Knossos is Europe’s oldest city, its dated from the Bronze Age. Here at the palace, you will see frescoes and the Throne Room.
• Samaria Gorge National Park: Among all Greek islands, Crete is the only island that has a national park. This is something we highly recommend you to explore.
• Other attractions: Fortress of Koules, Cathedral of St. Minas, Sacred Monastery of Arkadi, Psychro cave, Chrysi, Mount Ida, Gramvousa, Old Venetian Harbor, Fortezza of Rethymno, Lake Voulismeni, Matala beach, Read Beach, Agia Eirini Gorge, Rimondi Fountain, Gournia, Moochlos, Souda, Nea Chora, Cave of Zeus, Nautical Museum, Toplous Monastery, Hagia Triada, etc.

Best Beaches, Restaurants and Hotels

Beaches: Crete has a coastline of 1,046 m (650 miles) with hundreds of beautiful beaches. Check out our list of the top beaches on Crete.

• Balos: This wonderful beach is located in Chania with crystal Caribbean-like waters. It is the most photographed beach as it boasts shallow water, flourishing aquamarine life and fine whites and clear water.
• Elafonisi: This beach is a small islet connected to Crete by a shallow reef. This beach is quiet and extremely relaxing.
• Vai: This beach contains the largest palm tree forest in Europe. With crystal clear waters, sandy beaches and plenty of palm trees, you will fall in love with the natural beauty of Vai.
• Falassarna: Named after the archaeological site of Ancient Falassarna, which is located on this beach. The beach is perfect for families as it has organized facilities and is ideal for windsurfing.
• Preveli beach: This beach is known for its river that merges into the sea, it is a great beach to enjoy swimming and relaxing.
• Other Beaches: Plakias, Rodakino, Istro, Seitan Limania, Tymbaki, Matala, Sweetwater, Myrtosand Frangokástello.

Hotels: Crete is a Greek destination that offers a multitude of choices for hotel accommodations. Everything from villas, resorts, boutique hotels or budget hotels, Crete has everything. Some of the hotels we recommend are, Blue Palace, Atlantica Kalliston Resort and Spa, GDM Megaron, Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa, Pilot Beach Resort, Kiani Beach Resort, Domes of Elounda, Stella Palace Resort & Spa, St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas, Daios, Cove Luxury Resort & Villas, Galaxy Hotel Iraklio, Louis Creta Princess, Happy Cretan Suites, Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort and more.

Restaurants: Cretan cuisine is based on the purity of its ingredients. You will not find heavy spices in Cretan dishes. Some of the local favorite dishes are Cretan dakos, Cretan lamb and Sfakia pies. We recommend you to visit Tamam Restaurant, Talos Restaurant, Peskesi Restaurant, Zefyros Family Fish Taverna, Med Cafe and Restaurant, Georgia's Traditional Taverna, Cosmos, Symposium Restaurant, The Hope To Rakadiko Tou Kamari, Babel Bar and Avli in Rethymnon among others.

Best Things To Do in Crete

• Scuba Diving: The Greek waters are considered to be important archaeological sites. Under the water, you will find archaeological ruins, shipwrecks and ports. As the Aegean Sea meets the Libyan Sea in the south of Crete, it creates wonderful topography for marine life. Popular diving locations in Crete are Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion and Lassithi.
• Windsurfing: Windsurfing is a popular water activity in Crete. You can ride the waves with an experienced guide in Kouremenos beach, Elafonisi,Ammoudara, Agia Marina, Plakias in Rethymno and Ierapetra.
• Hiking: Crete has many mountainous villages and gorges. Hiking up and down these mountains, gorgesand villages is the best way to get to know Crete. You can explore Loutro, Agia Roumeli, Sougia, Lefka Ori, etc.
• Other activities: Kayaking, kitesurfing, paddle surfing, swimming and relaxing.

Crete has something to offer to everyone. It is a paradise on Earth for beach lovers, thrill-seekers, adventure enthusiasts, hikers and more. From picture-perfect villages to gourmet gastronomy, the largest island of Greece will surely make your holiday an unforgettable one. At Mykonos Yacht Charters, we provide customized charters to ensure you have the ultimate vacation in Crete. Our crewed charters boast an experienced captain and professional crew. Our yachts are luxury floating villas where you will receive 5-star services, 24/7. To book your private charter for your upcoming Crete vacation, contact our charter specialist at +1 (702)816-6667 or send your queries to info@mykonosyachtcharters.com.