Heraklio is Crete’s capital, a mid-sized city with hot nightlife, exciting gastronomy, and numerous historic sites and museums. Heading south leads to less crowded beaches on Crete’s southern coast facing the Libyan Sea and Africa. East of Rethymno, upscale beach resorts like Spilies and Bali can be found. Its mostly pedestrianized Old Town extends from the Venetian harbor and fortress, showcasing a maze of tree-shaded footpaths adorned with Byzantine, Ottoman, Arabic, and Venetian landmarks such as minarets, domes, fountains, and archways. Rethymno offers a similar atmosphere to Chania but is less touristy and has fewer restored historical monuments.

Chania is a perfect base for day trips to Samaria Gorge, Elafonisi Beach, or Balos Beach. Its narrow streets are filled with tavernas, cafes, boutiques, and museums. From west to east, Chania, Rethymno, Heraklio, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos (both in Lasithi) are considered ideal bases for travelers, offering walkability and proximity to attractions and beaches.Ĭhania is my favorite place to stay in Crete.Ĭhania, known for its romantic charm, features a beautiful 14th-century Venetian Old Town centered around the Old Port and a 16th-century lighthouse. The island’s most populous cities lie along the northern coast, often sharing their region’s name. The legendary Palace of Knossos is a must-visit near the capital city, Heraklio.Ĭrete consists of four regions: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklio, and Lasithi. Traditional villages, such as Archanes and Anogeia, showcase Crete’s wine country, history, and crafts. The rugged interior features mountains, fertile plateaus, rivers, gorges, and attractions like the Lasithi Plateau and the Samaria Gorge, a World’s Biosphere Reserve.

With over a thousand kilometers of coastline, highlights include Elafonisi, Vai, Balos, Matala, and Ammoudara beaches. Fantastic! The Best Areas to Stay in Crete See AlsoĬrete, Greece’s largest island, offers a mix of wild mountains, stunning beaches, rich culinary traditions, and a history dating back to the Minoans of the Bronze Age. The Elounda Beach Hotel is our favorite beach resort in Crete.

Crete non touristy download free