Alexandre RobertAre you thinking about taking a holiday in 2023 and wondering where to go? Look no further than the island of Crete! Located in the Mediterranean Sea, Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, and is known for its stunning beaches, ancient history, and delicious cuisine. From exploring the ruins of the Minoan civilization to soaking up the sun on a sandy beach, there is something for everyone on this beautiful island. In this article, we will provide tips on the best places to visit, where to stay, and what to do while on holiday in Crete. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable trip to this Greek paradise.
How to travel to Crete?
Cretan airports
Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport is the main airport of Crete. But there are two other airports on site:
- Chania, in the west of Crete and the other international airport of the island to fly to from France
- Sitia, for domestic flights only.
How to transfer from airports in Crete to your hotel?
We give you direct solutions to organise your transfer from or to Crete airports (Heraklion and Chania):
Entry requirements for Crete
Which ID to travel to the Greek island?
- An identity document (identity card or passport according to the requirements of the destination country). For UE citizens and others.
- Departure authorization form signed by one of the parents with parental authority if the traveler is a minor.
How to travel to Crete by ferry?
Via the east of Italy, it is possible to take the ferry: in Ancona to be exact, which has a port of departure. If you are by car it is a good compromise between road and boat.
To connect the Greek capital Athens to Crete, several ferries are also waiting for you:
- Ferry from Piraeus to Sitia. Anek Lines.
- Ferry from Rafina to Heraklion. Golden Star Ferries.
- Ferry from Rafina to Rethymnon. Golden Star Ferries.
- Ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion. Minoan lines.
- Ferry from Piraeus to Chania. Minoan lines.
What to do in Crete in 2023?
1. Visit Chania
The city of Chania (also known as Canea or Chania in Greek) is one of the most beautiful and picturesque places on the island.
Second largest city in Crete after Heraklion, Chania is a cosmopolitan place full of charm. Its historic center classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its Venetian port, its majestic facades and its terraced waterfront make this city a privileged place to stay in Crete.
2. Take a trip to Santorini
Santorini is probably the most famous of the Greek islands. It is located in the Cyclades archipelago, in the middle of the Aegean Sea.
Very close to Crete, Santorini, the most famous village in Greece, is served by about 50 Cretan ferries throughout the week, at a cost of about 2 hours of travel and 48€ per person.
3. See some of the most beautiful beaches in the world
Crete, this Greek island located in the south of Europe, isolated in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, has the happiness to possess among the most beautiful beaches of the continent and, let’s not be afraid to say it, of the world!
Among these wonders of nature, go without hesitation:
- In Elafonisi
- Seitan Limania
- Balos Beach
- Gramvoussa
- Vai
- Preveli Beach
- Matala
The stroll in the palm grove of Préveli is usually one of the favorites of tourists and families! Preveli with its monastery and its beautiful beach is a visit not to be missed. The walk in the palm grove below is a must.
Where to go in Crete with your family?
Visit Crete with your family, here is the program:
- Take several days to go to the prettiest Crete village, Kalyves,
- Then to Chania, 20km away, one of Crete main cities and an open museum to discover Crete Venetian and Arabic past,
- Explore Balos Beach and Elafonisi Beach, the 2 craziest beaches of the island
- A few days in the capital of the island, Heraklion, to visit the city, its surrounding seaside cities (Hersonissos and Malia in particular) as well as the unavoidable archaeological site of Knossos Palace.
- Finally, head to the south and east of the island to discover the charm of the hippie village of Matala and its incredible beach, but also the island of lepers Spinalonga or the local St Tropez: Agios Nikolaos.
To sleep comfortably in Crete, here are the most pleasant cities:
- Chania.
- Rethymnon
- Heraklion
- Agios Nikolaos.
- Sitia.
- Matala.
- Hersonissos.
- Malia.
Where to party and go out in Crete?
You like to party and your next trip is planned on the island of the gods? Here is our selection of the best places in Crete to party in Crete:
- Gefsis experiences (Heraklion)
- Swing Thing (Heraklion)
- Magazi Nightclub (Heraklion)
- Island of desire (Heraklion)
- Mojo bar (Analipsi)
- Peacock Tail Bar (Chania)
- Alexandros Roof Cocktail Bar (Agios Nikolaos)
- Yanni’s Rock Bar (Agios Nikolaos)
- Rob’s Corner pub (Agios Nikolaos)
The best time to go to Crete is from April to October. The summer season is by far the most popular time to visit the most beautiful places in Crete. From June to September: you will have a lot of sun and very little rain.
What is the best time to travel to Crete?
Year-round temperatures
So Crete at the beginning of October is rather perfect, the temperatures are still mild. Depending on the year, the temperature can drop to 11°C and rise to 33°C.
Same for May, June and September.
In addition, these months will allow you to :
- to meet less people in tourist places
- pay less for your accommodation on site.
What is the sea temperature in Crete?
The best time to go to Crete is from April to October. This is THE time for you among the most beautiful beaches of the island:
- Beach of Triopetra.
- Beach of Elafonisi.
- Beach of Balos.
- Beach of Agios Pavlos.
- Beach of Vai.
- Beach of Falassarna.
- Beach of Kommos.
- Beach of Preveli.
- Beach of Matala.
- Gramvoussa.
The temperature of the sea varies from 16 ° to 26 °.
The wettest months are:
- November,
- January
- and December.
Which island to visit from Crete?
There are a total of 49 ferry routes per week on 8 ferry routes that are operated by 4 companies:
- Minoan Lines,
- Anek Lines,
- SeaJets
- and Golden Star Ferries.
The fastest crossing takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes (Heraklion to Thera (Santorini)).
Among the most beautiful Greek islands to visit, we recommend :
- Mykonos,
- Santorini,
- Hydra
- and Corfu
Absolutely beautiful islands where it is difficult not to fall in love with the white villages, the paradisiacal beaches, the small shopping streets and the breathtaking views.
