Kissamos
Elafonissi Beach
Pink sand, turquoise water and Caribbean flair at Crete's southwestern tip.
Welcome to Crete
The island of gods, beaches and stories
Discover palaces, gorges, crystal beaches and authentic tavernas – curated for your perfect Crete trip.
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Top 5 beaches
The most beautiful beaches in Crete – from Elafonissi to Seitan Limania.
Kissamos
Balos Lagoon
Dream lagoon with sandbar – Crete's most iconic postcard view.
Plakias, Südküste Kreta
Preveli Beach
Palm beach on the south coast near Plakias – where river meets sea.
Sitia
Vai Palm Beach
Europe's largest natural palm grove meets a golden bay.
Chania
Seitan Limania
Spectacular cliff bay with turquoise water near Chania.
Top 5 best hotels
The finest hotels in Crete – from luxury resorts to boutique gems.
Heraklion
Creta Maris Beach Resort
6 pools, kids spa, beach – family resort in Hersonissos.
★★★★★
from €210
Heraklion
Amirandes Grecotel
Family luxury in Gouves/Heraklion – kids club & lagoon pools.
★★★★★
from €320
Lasithi
Radisson Blu Beach Resort Milatos
Modern resort in Milatos – quiet bay, water park, 8 pools.
★★★★★
from €240
Heraklion
Lyttos Beach
Popular with German families – all-inclusive in Analipsi.
★★★★★
from €195
Lasithi
Blue Palace Elounda
Luxury resort in Elounda with views of Spinalonga – beach & private pools.
★★★★★
from €350
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Top restaurants
Authentic Cretan cuisine – the best tavernas and restaurants on the island.
Chania
Tamam Taverna Chania
Cretan cuisine in a historic Ottoman building in the old town.
Rethymno
Avli Restaurant Rethymno
Fine Cretan haute cuisine in a flower-filled courtyard.
Heraklion
Peskesi Heraklion
Farm-to-table: own farm, Cretan products, authentic recipes.
Lasithi
Ferryman Taverna Elounda
Seafood and fresh fish with views of Elounda bay.
Regions of Crete
From Chania to Lasithi – every corner has its own character.
Chania
In western Crete, Chania combines Venetian charm, turquoise bays and the impressive White Mountains.
6 attractions · 1 hotels
Rethymno
The Rethymno region captivates with one of the best-preserved Venetian old towns and idyllic mountain villages.
4 attractions · 1 hotels
Heraklion
Heraklion is the cultural centre of Crete with Knossos, museums and a vibrant coastal scene.
5 attractions · 4 hotels
Lasithi
Eastern Crete offers Elounda, Spinalonga, palm-fringed beaches and the Lasithi Plateau.
5 attractions · 2 hotels
Travel guides & tips
In-depth guides on cars, hotels, excursions, beaches and nightlife in Crete.
Travel tips
Warning: Not Every Taverna Is a Real Taverna
From our own experience: how to spot genuine Cretan tavernas – and why tourist restaurants are often pricier and less authentic.
5 min read
Travel tips
Warning: Shopping at Spar in Crete
Spar in Crete: comparing prices pays off. Why tourists often overpay – and where locals shop more cheaply.
6 min read
Beaches
The Most Beautiful Beaches in Crete
Elafonissi, Balos, Preveli, Vai, Falassarna & hidden gems – Crete's most beautiful beaches with access, best season and insider tips for 2026.
14 min read
Hotels
The Best All-Inclusive Hotels in Crete
Top resorts for families, couples and luxury seekers – from south coast gems to value deals on the north coast.
10 min read
Travel tips
Do You Need a Car in Crete?
Rental car, bus or tours? How to decide – with costs, regions and practical tips for your Crete holiday.
9 min read