Crete and its surrounding islands and islets form the Region of Crete (Greek: Περιφέρεια Κρήτης), which is the southernmost of the 13 top-level administrative units of Greece, and the fifth most populous of Greece's regions.

Crete is the largest Greek island, with over 1,000 km of coastline, mountains reaching up to 2,500 m, and a history of settlement dating back nearly 10,000 years. The many archaeological sites, dream beaches, and natural treasures make Crete one of Europe’s most popular vacation destinations.

A complete travel guide to Crete! Includes places to visit in Crete, best things to see and do in Crete, beaches, experiences, food & drink and the climate. Perfect for travel planning and insights.

About 30 years after my first trip to Crete, I keep coming back to the Mediterranean island that would eventually become my home away from home. A visit to Crete always starts with a shot of raki, also known as tsikoudia, a local spirit served to break the ice.

At a glance Get ready for a breathtaking journey through the Crete of ancient myths and history via a cultural road route of 386 km. Every mountain, every cave, and almost every location on the island hides a story from Greek mythology.

The archaeological record of Crete includes Minoan palaces, houses, roads, paintings and sculptures. Early Neolithic settlements in Crete include Knossos and Trapeza. For the earlier times, radiocarbon dating of organic remains and charcoal offers some dates.

Crete is the largest Greek island and a landmark in the maritime crossroads between the West and the East, Europe and Africa, a unique and fascinating place full of transitions and surprises.

(en) Bruce Bower, « Ancient hominids may have been seafarers : Hand axes excavated on Crete suggest hominids made sea crossings to go 'out of Africa' [archive] » [« Des anciens hominidés pourraient avoir eu le pied marin »], sur Science News via sci.archaeology, 8 janvier 2010 (consulté le 10 juillet 2021).

In this guide, you’ll find 50 things to do in Crete, organized by region—Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, and Lasithi—so it’s easier to explore without bouncing all over the map.

Crete, fifth largest island in the Mediterranean and largest of the islands forming part of modern Greece. Crete is where the first European civilization, the Minoan, thrived.