Holiday to Crete 2025: Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Are you planning your holiday to Crete? Check out this up-to-date Cretan guide, which answers your top questions about Greece’s largest island!

What is the Prettiest Place in Crete?

The “nicest” part depends on your priorities. If you are looking for a leisurely way to travel, the eastern side of Crete in Lasithi is the ideal choice.

On the easternmost side of the island, you’ll find the most beautiful beaches, contrasting with a wild and rugged landscape.

History enthusiasts tend to favor central locations that are near significant archaeological sites.

Each region offers distinct experiences for your holiday to Crete:

Chania – the best preserved old town with authentic character

Heraklion – archaeological treasures and urban energy

Rethymno – romantic atmosphere in the old town of Rethymno city, the area with the longest cheese-making tradition

Lasithi – unspoiled nature with some of the prettiest beaches on the island, and unique Cretan products like Xygalo cheese from Sitia

What is the Best Month to Go to Crete?

Early summer (May-June) and late summer (September-October) offer ideal conditions with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.

These shoulder seasons provide the perfect balance of good weather and space to enjoy the island. Temperatures typically range from 18-25°C (65-77°F), ideal for exploring archaeological sites, hiking, and enjoying beaches without the intense summer heat.

April-June – Perfect temperatures (20-25°C) for exploration and hiking, with spring flowers in bloom and few tourists. Water may still be cool for swimming.

July-August – Peak season brings warmest temperatures (often 30-35°C) and warmest sea temperatures. Even so, the easternmost part of the island in Lasithi, particularly around Sitia, is significantly less crowded than destinations in Western Crete.

September-October – Perhaps the ideal time for traveling in Crete’s eastern regions. The sea remains warm from summer heating, temperatures moderate, and tourist numbers continue to decrease.

November to March – Many smaller establishments close for the season, but basic services continue. Winter visitors experience the most authentic local life and occasional rainy days mixed with surprising sunshine.

Do I Need a Car in Crete?

Renting a car offers the most flexibility and access to off-the-beaten-path locations like Lasithi in eastern Crete.

Since routes in Crete can be quite long, it’s more convenient to take your time and explore the island at a relaxed pace for a truly enjoyable holiday to Crete.

While public buses connect major towns across Crete, they run on limited schedules and rarely reach smaller villages or remote beaches. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems without being constrained by bus timetables.

The island’s main highway (E75) runs along the northern coast, making east-west travel relatively straightforward, but the most authentic experiences often lie on smaller roads branching south into the mountains or along coastal routes. A small SUV or car with decent clearance is ideal, as some rural roads can be rough.

For those uncomfortable with driving, organized tours or hiring a local driver are alternatives, though these options limit spontaneous exploration. Taxis are available in larger towns but can become expensive for longer journeys across the island (The cost of traveling from one prefecture to another is approximately €100).

Local tips:

🐐 Drive carefully. While driving in rural areas, it’s very likely to meet herds of local animals, goats and sheep on the road, so be mindful to slow down and show patience because it’s their time for grazing. It’s a pleasant surprise to get to see goats climbing up the mountains!

🗺️ Save Google Maps by downloading the route direction to your smartphone to have access offline while driving around the island. The routes in Crete pass through mountains and gorges, so signal or internet access is not always available.

What to Take on Holiday to Crete?

The top must-have items for your summer trip to Crete include sun protection (sunscreen, sun hat, and sunglasses) and comfortable footwear.

Make sure to pack the following items for a comfortable holiday to Crete:

👒 HAT
Remember to always wear a hat to stay protected from the strong sunlight during summer in Crete. Be especially careful concerning your exposure to the sun from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm because these are the warmest hours of the day.

😎 SUNGLASSES
You will need sunglasses most of the time since the sun is out till 7 pm from April to late September.

🧴 SUNSCREEN
A sunscreen of good quality with at least an SPF50+ is essential for your vacation in Crete. It’s better to choose a water-resistant sunscreen; this way, you will be well protected during your exposure to the sunlight while swimming.

🦟 MOSQUITO-REPELLENT LOTION
Biting insect repellents to protect against annoying mosquito bites (products with essential oils such as citronella, geranium, eucalyptus, etc) and after-bite soothing gels. Usually, most mosquito bites occur in the evening, so what you can do before going to sleep is to apply a protective insect repellent lotion or cream to body parts that are not covered by clothes.

💧 REUSABLE BOTTLE FOR WATER
It’s a good idea to bring a thermos bottle during your explorations. In that way, you’ll always have cool water to drink. The area has general characteristics typical of a Mediterranean environment: a very long summer season with long hours of sunshine and high temperatures from spring to summer.

👟 COMFORTABLE SHOES
A pair of leisure shoes is essential to keep you steady and to support you well when walking in rough terrain.

🏖️ FLIP-FLOPS FOR THE BEACH
A lighter pair of shoes is comfortable when relaxing at the beach.

🎒 BACKPACK
Pick a comfortable backpack, pack everything you need for your explorations, and keep it well organized. Ease and safety come first!

🔋 PORTABLE BATTERY CHARGER
It’s good to know that driving times in Crete can be quite long because the routes pass through mountains or gorges. Bringing a portable battery charger for smartphones is recommended to avoid any inconvenience.

What is the Nicest Part of Crete to Stay in?

Rethymno, the third-largest city in Crete, offers the best overall experience, combining beautiful old-town charm with excellent beaches and a central location. It’s a super walkable small city offering relaxing vibes.

Chania wins the beauty contest hands down. The Venetian harbor creates one of Greece’s most iconic and photographed scenes, while waterfront restaurants serve exceptional meals in a romantic ambiance. The old town’s winding streets hide boutique hotels and artisan shops. However, the best beaches require day trips and long driving routes. 

Located at the easternmost edge of Crete, the charming coastal town of Sitia serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the stunning beaches along the island’s eastern coastline, as well as some of its most beautiful southern beaches. With crystal-clear waters, these beaches are a must-visit.

Rethymno strikes the perfect balance for most travelers. This dynamic city pulses with energy year-round, offering authentic nightlife mixed with tourist amenities. The 12km+ sandy beach stretches right from the old town, eliminating the need for beach transfers. Its central location means you can reach Chania and Heraklion in one hour, making it ideal for exploring the largest part of the island.

Heraklion serves history enthusiasts best. The capital city provides easy access to Knossos Palace and world-class archaeological museums. Urban amenities include shopping centers, diverse restaurants, and reliable transportation. However, the city lacks the romantic charm of smaller towns, and beach options remain limited.

Alternative options include Sitia in Lasithi (eastern Crete), the easternmost coastal town of Crete, which is ideal for slow travel seekers seeking relaxation on its long sandy beach.

Some of the prettiest beaches on the island can be found around the area of Sitia, at the easternmost edge of Crete.

Sitia is home to one of Crete’s three airports, offering frequent flights to and from Athens, Greece’s capital, throughout the year.

How Many Days is Ideal for Crete?

A minimum of 7-10 days is recommended to experience more than just the highlights of this diverse island.

Crete is Greece’s largest island and contains a remarkable variety, from stunning beaches and dramatic gorges to ancient sites and mountain villages.

Many travelers underestimate its size; it’s the 5th largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily, and the travel time between destinations.

Crete has four prefectures and three airports.

With less than a week, you’ll likely need to focus on just one region (western, central, or eastern) for a relaxing and comfortable holiday to Crete. A 10-14-day trip allows for a more comprehensive experience, including lesser-known areas like Sitia, which is the easternmost town of Crete, and the eastern coast of the island.

For those with the luxury of time, even 2-3 weeks won’t feel excessive, as each region has its distinct character and attractions.

Consider that mountain roads are winding and journeys often take longer than map distances suggest. Building in buffer days allows for unexpected discoveries and prevents your holiday to Crete from becoming a rushed checklist experience.

Is Crete a Good Place for a Holiday?

Absolutely! Crete provides a diverse array of experiences that cater to various travel preferences. Crete is a year-round destination, offering seasonal changes and all its attractions.

Crete rewards slow travel and cultural curiosity.

If you’re looking for depth rather than surface-level tourism, few destinations offer more authentic Mediterranean experiences.

Perfect for: Food lovers, nature enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, cultural explorers, slow travelers

Why is a holiday to Crete worth your time?

• Unique cultural ecosystem shaped by 4,000+ years of history

• Cretan gastronomy is an important, rich chapter of Greek cuisine – Crete was awarded the title of the European Region of Gastronomy 2026!

• Natural wonders (Sitia’s Global Geopark in eastern Crete and Psiloritis Global Geopark in western Crete) are protected by two UNESCO Global Geoparks

• Premium Cretan products and Cretan flavors are impossible to find elsewhere – Crete counts 14 different cheese varieties and 11 local wine varieties!

• Crete’s beach diversity is unmatched – pebble, sandy, rocky, and stunning diving spots

Visiting Crete feels like discovering an entirely different continent. Check out these 10 real facts before planning your holiday to Crete!

Ready to Start Your Holiday to Crete?

The key to experiencing Crete successfully? Slow down and remember that authentic experiences happen away from tourist hotspots.

Use our digital self-guided itineraries to find those hidden villages, family-run tavernas, stunning viewpoints, and small-scale local farms where the real Crete reveals itself. Whether you’re a curious traveler or an adventurous soul, these digital, ready-to-use travel guides will lead you to the less-traveled paths, away from crowds.

Experience the authentic side of Crete with your pocket local expert available on your smartphone, as you explore this remarkable island at your own pace.