This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
Planning a trip to Crete, Greece? Good news—you’re in the right place!
Crete is easily our favorite Greek Island. There’s just so much to love about it, from its stunning beaches to its rich cultural heritage. And now, after spending weeks exploring the island for ourselves, we’ve crafted this blog to give you the lowdown on the experiences you absolutely cannot miss.
Whether you want to explore the legendary Knossos Palace, taste locally made wine and olive oil, or enjoy the VIP treatment on a yacht cruise, this blog contains something for everyone. We’ve got tons of ideas, plus all of the details you need to plan an epic Cretan adventure. Let’s go!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Crete was this Land Rover safari! Off-roading through Crete’s mountains was an adventure in itself, but stopping at Zeus’ birthplace, charming villages, and an eco-park made it unforgettable. The local lunch and raki tasting were the perfect finishing touch!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Crete, Greece
- 1. Experience the authentic side of Crete with a local guided island tour
- 2. Visit the Cave of Zeus and Lasithi Plateau on a Land Rover safari from Heraklion
- 3. See the Knossos Palace with skip-the-line tickets
- 4. Learn how to cook Cretan food
- 5. Taste locally made wine and olive oil
- 6. Get off the beaten path on an ATV excursion
- 7. Relax on a yacht cruise to Dia Island
- 8. Explore Rethymno’s outdoor beauty on a Land Rover safari from Chania
- 9. Spend a day on the water on a snorkeling trip
- 10. Go on a food and culture walking tour in Chania
- Where to Stay in Crete, Greece
- Thanks for reading!
- Travel Like a Local, Not a Target.
- Travel Like a Local, Not a Target.
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Crete, Greece
1. Experience the authentic side of Crete with a local guided island tour
- Duration: 7.5 hours
- Time: 8 am, 8:30 am, 9 am
- Highlights: Learning how olive oil is made at Omalia Olive Press, visiting the traditional village of Mochos, seeing the Windmills of Lasithi Plateau, snapping photos at the Platanus Tree, enjoying views from the Aposelemis canyon
- Inclusions: Hotel or port pickup and drop-off, tea and coffee, olive oil tasting, honey and raki tasting, professional driver and guide, small-group or private tour (depending on option selected)
- Rating: 5 stars (check 600+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
We loved stepping off the beaten tourist track and exploring the real Crete on this guided tour! And it seems we’re not the only ones who had a great time—read hundreds of 5-star reviews here.
Our day kicked off at Omalia Olive Press, where we got to take a behind-the-scenes tour to learn about olive oil production. We’ll never look at store-bought olive oil the same way again!
Then, it was onto the cute village of Mochos, where we grabbed coffee in the main square and strolled through its charming narrow streets. We even sampled fresh honey and sipped on a glass of raki—the island’s famous grape-based liqueur.
From there, it was onto the Lasithi Plateau, where we admired the old windmills that were once used for farming. We also enjoyed a photo opp with the monumental Plataus tree in Krasi and went to a family-run restaurant nestled in the mountains for lunch. This was at our own expense, but we loved the flexibility to order whatever we liked.
Then, before wrapping up the day, we stopped at Aposelemis Canyon, where the sweeping panoramic views left us speechless!
This tour is the ideal way to see a more authentic side of Crete, and it really helped us to get to know the island’s character. We also loved the fact that it was a small group tour, although you can upgrade to a private tour for a more personalized experience.
Book this tour here, with FREE 24-hour cancellation!
2. Visit the Cave of Zeus and Lasithi Plateau on a Land Rover safari from Heraklion
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Off-roading along historic mountain trails, visit Dikteon Cave, passing through shepherds’ villages, enjoying views from the Lassithi Plateau, lunch and raki liqueur at a local tavern
- Inclusions: Hotel or port pickup and drop-off, local driver and guide, bottled water, fuel surcharge, local taxes, 3-course lunch, raki, wine
- Rating: 5 stars (check 1,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This Land Rover safari through Crete was an unforgettable mix of history, adventure, and jaw-dropping landscapes. Basically, it ticked every box! And you don’t just have to take our word for it—read over 1,000 glowing 5-star reviews here that say the same.
The adventure began at the Aposelemis Basin Reservoir, a scenic lake and dam supplying water to northern Crete. From there, we explored the eerie village of Sfendili, known as “the forgotten village,” where buildings slowly disappear beneath the rising waters. It was an unforgettable sight!
Next, we climbed into the mountains and sped toward the Lassithi Plateau, home to breathtaking views and an eco-park. We got to meet local shepherds, feed the goats, and even watch a traditional cheese-making demonstration—one of the most authentic glimpses into rural Cretan life we’ve ever had.
Later, we tackled the steep steps of Dikteon Cave, the legendary birthplace of Zeus. After the climb, we were more than ready for a feast, and the timing couldn’t have been better.
At a cozy local tavern, we dug into a delicious three-course Greek lunch, complete with wine and, of course, a final shot of raki!
This tour was a super exciting off-road adventure and an awesome way to discover Crete’s hidden charms and dive into the island’s history. As far as we’re concerned, it’s a total must-do!
Book our favorite tour of Crete here!
3. See the Knossos Palace with skip-the-line tickets
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 9 am, 11 am, 5 pm
- Highlights: Spend more time inside the Palace of Knossos with fast-track entry, hear the history behind palace sights like the House of Frescoes, learn more about the Minoan civilization on the island of Crete
- Inclusions: Professional English-speaking guide, skip-the-line ticket to Knossos Palace, small group tour
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Attention, history buffs! The Knossos Palace is one of Crete’s must-see ancient attractions, packed with fascinating myths and archaeological wonders. We explored it on this small group tour, which gave us a more intimate experience and helped us dodge the crowds of larger groups.
One of our favorite things about this tour is that it includes a skip-the-line entry to the palace. During the summer months, you can expect to queue for at least an hour, so this is a real advantage!
Along with fast-track entry, we loved our guide, Akrivi, who made the ancient ruins come alive with her storytelling.
Knossos isn’t just a collection of crumbling buildings—it’s a glimpse into the world of the Minoans, Europe’s first advanced civilization. Learning about their history and culture made exploring the site even more fascinating!
On the tour, we explored the original throne of King Minos, admired intricate frescoes depicting Minoan life, and marveled at the advanced water management system they developed. While much about Minoan society remains a mystery, that only made uncovering its secrets even more fascinating!
If you’re interested in Greek history, you absolutely cannot miss this tour! It was one of the most engaging and memorable experiences we had on the island, and having a guide brought the ancient ruins to life in a way we never could have on our own.
Check availability and book this small group tour here!
4. Learn how to cook Cretan food
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: 3:30 pm
- Highlights: Visiting a local Cretan family home, harvesting ingredients in the vegetable garden, learning how to cook traditional island dishes, tasting local cheeses, sitting down to eat with views of the Aegean Sea and the mountains, enjoying local wine
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, English-speaking driver and guide, small group cooking class, all ingredients and equipment, dinner, wine, cheese tasting, commemorative gifts, recipes, photos
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This cooking class in Crete is hands down the most wholesome experience the island has to offer. We had such an amazing time preparing an authentic Greek meal in a local family home, and if you check out the hundreds of rave reviews here, you’ll see that we’re not the only ones!
As soon as we arrived at Yanis’ beautiful family home, we were welcomed like old friends and immediately mesmerized by the mountain and ocean views. The setting was nothing short of spectacular!
We quickly got to work harvesting vegetables straight from the family’s garden—you can’t get any fresher than that!
Then, Yanis guided us through several traditional Cretan recipes. We rolled out kalitsounia (cheese pies), stuffed gemista (rice-filled vegetables), and prepared delicious tzatziki. And what was even better was that we got to sip on wine and snack on some local cheese as we cooked.
Once everything was ready, we sat down together at a long table to share stories and feast on the incredible meal that we had created. We couldn’t believe how delicious it was!
We would recommend this tour to anyone, but it’s especially perfect for solo travelers. It’s such a warm and welcoming experience and a fantastic way to meet new people. By the end of the night, our cooking class felt like a little family! So if you want to experience Crete in the most authentic and heartwarming way possible, this is the tour to book.
Grab your spot in this cooking class here before it sells out!
5. Taste locally made wine and olive oil
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: 8:45 am (not available Sunday)
- Highlights: Traveling through the mountains in Kissamos, visiting two family-run wineries, tasting regional wines and olive oils, seeing one of the world’s oldest olive trees
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, English-speaking driver and guide, specialist guides at each winery, wine and olive oil tastings, snacks, bottled water
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
The goal of any trip to Crete should be to consume as much wine and olive oil as possible, so it stands to reason that this guided tour was a highlight of our trip! It was a perfectly paced experience that was filled with stunning landscapes, local history, and delicious Cretan flavors.
We started the day with a gorgeous drive through the rolling hills and quaint villages of the Kissamos region until we stopped at Anoskeli Winery and Olive Mill.
Here, we got an up-close look at how Crete’s olive oil is produced—sorry, world-famous olive oil, I should say! It was rich and flavorful and tasted even better alongside freshly baked bread and a few glasses of crisp white wine.
Next up, we went to the Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves, which is said to be over 3,000 years old. This is a must-visit photo stop on the island. After all, it’s not every day you get to see the oldest olive tree in the world!
The final stop was at Manousakis Winery, which was an absolute dream! It’s nestled in the charming Cretan village of Vatolakkos, which is super traditional, not to mention seldom visited by tourists. At this second winery, we enjoyed an extensive wine-tasting session with local cheese and olives—what could be better?
If you love wine, food, and history, this tour is a must. We would do it again in a heartbeat!
Book this tour here and pay nothing until 48 hours beforehand!
6. Get off the beaten path on an ATV excursion
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 9:30 am, 2:30 pm, or 6 pm
- Highlights: Exciting ATV ride, getting off the beaten path, exploring hidden spots, visiting the ghost village of Achlada, seeing the small village of Fodele, finding beautiful viewpoints
- Inclusions: Use of ATV, English-speaking local guide, helmets, safety briefing
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 850+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
This ATV adventure was certainly an experience to remember! We’ve done our fair share of quad-bike tours around the world, but this one in Crete easily ranks among the best. With thrilling trails, breathtaking views, and a dose of fascinating Greek history, what’s not to love?
We started the tour with a quick practice session to make sure we were comfortable handling our ATVs, and then it was full speed ahead. As much as we love Crete’s beautiful beaches, it was refreshing to get off-road and race along the island’s rugged trails.
Riding along the coastal cliffs was nothing short of incredible, and stopping at Achlada—Crete’s “ghost village”—was a real highlight. Wandering through its abandoned stone houses felt like stepping into a time capsule, and our guides brought the history to life with their stories.
Meeting the village’s last remaining residents was an unexpected and unforgettable moment!
From there, we rode through dramatic mountain passes toward Fodele, the birthplace of the famous painter El Greco. Surrounded by rolling hills and charming stone houses, it was easy to see how this landscape could inspire a masterpiece!
We opted for the morning tour to make the most of the day, but if you’re after a little extra magic, the sunset tour would be incredible. No matter when you go, this is an adventure you won’t want to miss!
Check all the details and book this tour here!
7. Relax on a yacht cruise to Dia Island
- Duration: 5.5 hours
- Time: 9 am or 3 pm
- Highlights: Cruising along Crete’s coastline, visiting the uninhabited island of Dia, snorkeling, paddleboarding, fishing, sunbathing, enjoying a delicious Greek lunch on board, sipping on white wine and local beer
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected), yacht ride, use of fishing equipment, use of SUP boards, use of snorkeling equipment, alcoholic drinks, restroom on board, all taxes and fees, lunch, captain, crew
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
We had high hopes when we booked this small group sailing tour to an uninhabited island, and we were not disappointed. The yacht was comfortable, the views were breathtaking, and Dia Island was gorgeous. And if you read all of the glowing reviews here, you’ll see that we’re in good company!
The moment we set sail from Heraklion, we knew this was going to be an unforgettable day. With plenty of space to relax on board, we soaked in the stunning views as we glided across the deep blue Aegean.
As we neared Dia, its rugged cliffs and golden beaches came into view, looking like something straight out of a dream.
We dropped anchor in Saint George’s Bay, where we had plenty of time to snorkel, paddleboard, and even try our hand at fishing. With three hours to enjoy Dia’s crystal-clear waters, we made the most of every moment—swimming, exploring, and sneaking in some sunbathing, too!
Then, we indulged in a delicious Greek lunch on board, featuring shrimp linguini, Greek salad, fresh fruit, and crisp white wine. With great food and stunning ocean views, it was absolute perfection!
Honestly, we think this yacht trip is the ultimate way to make the most of your time in Crete because it delivers a VIP experience for a very modest price. But because of this, it almost always sells out, so be sure to snag your spot well in advance.
Book this tour here with FREE cancellation—before it sells out!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
8. Explore Rethymno’s outdoor beauty on a Land Rover safari from Chania
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Exploring remote roads, visiting Prassano Gorge and Potamon Dam, swimming in the Libyan Sea, visiting traditional Cretan villages, exploring palm forests and beaches, enjoying a local lunch with free-flow wine
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, local guide, Land Rover safari, unlimited red and white Cretan wine, all taxes and fees
- Rating: 5 stars (check 600+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This Land Rover safari was definitely one of the most thrilling experiences of our trip to Crete. It was a fantastic way to venture off the tourist trail and discover a lesser-known side of the island. We had the best time bouncing along rugged mountain roads, finding hidden viewpoints, and visiting secret beaches that most tourists never find!
Our first stop was at Preveli Beach, which was postcard-perfect with its golden sand, clear waters, and stunning palm forest. We loved the contrast between the lush greenery and the deep blue waters of the Libyan Sea. Happily, we even had some time to swim here!
From there, we zoomed on towards Spili, a super charming village known for its Venetian fountain. Here, we grabbed coffee at a local taverna as we indulged in a spot of people-watching, and then we headed onto Potamon Dam to admire the peaceful lake and surrounding valley.
We also loved the included lunch at a traditional taverna in Karines, where we enjoyed home-cooked Cretan food with unlimited wine. It was the perfect way to refuel mid-adventure!
Meanwhile, driving through the Prassano and Kourtaliotiko gorges was epic. We even saw some griffon vultures soaring overhead!
This tour is the ultimate way to explore Crete. If you’re the kind of traveler who loves to stray from the usual tourist spots and immerse yourself in authentic local culture, you’ll want to book this one ASAP.
Book this tour here, with FREE cancellation!
9. Spend a day on the water on a snorkeling trip
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 9 am or 2 pm
- Highlights: Visiting two different snorkeling spots on this small-group tour, experiencing the difference between open and sheltered spots, seeing an abundance of marine life
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, use of snorkeling equipment, professional captain, expert snorkeling guide, snacks, bottled water
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re looking for a family-friendly adventure in Crete, this snorkeling boat tour is it! It strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and excitement, with friendly guides who go above and beyond to support first-time snorkelers and little ones.
The tour kicked off with a scenic boat ride, which felt like an adventure in itself! Gliding across the turquoise waters with Crete’s coastline as our backdrop was absolutely stunning.
We also loved that it was a small-group tour, ensuring plenty of space on the boat and personalized attention from the guides.
We explored two incredible snorkeling spots, each offering a unique experience. The first stop was the sheltered Crystal Cave, where sunlight filtered through the water, creating a mesmerizing glow.
Then, we moved to an open-water area teeming with marine life, spotting starfish, schools of minnows, sea urchins, and even an octopus! The guides were fantastic at pointing out sea creatures we might have missed.
The kids in our group couldn’t get enough of jumping off the boat and exploring underwater, while the adults enjoyed snorkeling at a relaxed pace. With plenty of snacks and drinks to keep everyone energized, this tour was the perfect day out in Crete for travelers of all ages!
Check reviews and book this small group snorkeling tour here!
10. Go on a food and culture walking tour in Chania
- Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Time: 9 am or 11:45 am (not available Sunday)
- Highlights: Exploring Chania on foot, tasting local delicacies, visiting hidden restaurants and specialty stores, tasting tea and coffee, enjoying raki
- Inclusions: Food samples adding up to a full meal, tea and coffee, wine, rika, local guide
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
We love Crete’s natural scenery, but we highly recommend tearing yourself away from the rugged mountains and pretty beaches for a few hours to eat your way through Chania on this food tour.
We had the best time exploring the winding streets of the old city and snacking on Crete’s celebrated delicacies. And we’re not the only ones who loved this culinary adventure—read the rave reviews here!
Our first bite of the tour was a delicious bougatsa, a flaky pastry filled with creamy cheese. I honestly could have eaten an entire tray of these treats! Then, we strolled through Chania’s bustling markets and charming alleys, stopping to taste local cheeses and olives along the way.
Of course, no food tour in Crete is complete without a few sips of raki. A fiery local spirit that’s guaranteed to wake you up!
Beyond the bites, we visited a local herb shop tucked away in a spot we never would have found on our own, sipping traditional Greek teas known for their healing properties. We even stepped into a knife workshop to learn about Crete’s centuries-old bladesmithing tradition.
Our guide, Christos, made the experience even better with his fun personality, deep knowledge, and insider tips on the best local spots. Plus, the portions were generous—so definitely come hungry!
Whether you’re a foodie, a history lover, or just looking for a unique experience, this tour is the ultimate way to explore Chania. Don’t miss it!
Grab your spot on this top-rated food tour here!
Where to Stay in Crete, Greece
Before exploring the incredible island of Crete, you’ll need the perfect place to stay! The two main places to base yourself are Heraklion and Chania—Heraklion is ideal for history lovers, while Chania offers a more charming, laid-back vibe. Both have great accommodations and coastal views, making it tough to choose. To help, here are our top picks for where to stay in each city!
Heraklion
Luxury – The GDM Megaron, Historical Monument Hotel – Housed in a historic 1920s building, this 5-star hotel seamlessly blends classic elegance with modern luxury, offering stylish rooms, a rooftop pool with sea views, a wellness center, and a fine-dining restaurant. Prices range from €150–€200 per night, depending on availability. Explore all the amenities and secure your stay on Booking.com!
Mid-range – Dom Boutique Hotel – Set in the heart of Heraklion, this 4-star hotel features elegant rooms, a chic lounge, and a prime location near Lion Square and the Archaeological Museum—perfect for exploring Crete’s capital in style. Depending on the season and room type, prices are typically €100–€160 per night, so check all the options and book your room on Booking.com.
Budget – Raise Heraklion Boutique Apartments – For an affordable stay in Heraklion, these apartments offer modern, stylish accommodations with fully equipped kitchens and spacious layouts. Centrally located near shops and attractions, it’s perfect for budget-conscious travelers seeking comfort. Prices start at around €60 per night for a private apartment—visit Booking.com to book your stay!
Chania
Luxury – Chania Flair Boutique Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton – Just steps from Chania’s coastline, this 5-star stay features elegant suites, a rooftop restaurant, and a wellness area—all near Nea Chora Beach and the Old Town. Rooms average €200–€400 per night, so reserve your stay on Booking.com!
Mid-range – SanSal Boutique Hotel – This is a stylish mid-range stay in Chania, just a short walk from the Old Venetian Harbor. It offers spacious modern rooms, a rooftop pool with sea views, and a Mediterranean restaurant. Rooms range from €100–€200 per night, depending on the season, so check availability for your travel dates on Booking.com.
Budget – Cocoon City Hostel – For an affordable stay in Chania, this modern city-center hostel offers dormitory beds and private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, plus a lounge, outdoor terrace, and free Wi-Fi. Private rooms start at €50 per night, with dorm beds around €20. Get more information and book on Booking.com!
For more options, see all of Crete’s hotels listed here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Crete is easily one of our favorite places in Greece, and there’s so much to do here that we hope this guide helps you decide where to start! From its stunning beaches to its rich history and incredible food, this island has something for everyone—and we know you’ll love it as much as we do.
If you’re planning more adventures or just looking for travel inspiration, check out all our Europe blogs here! We’ve got plenty of tips to help you make the most of your time exploring this beautiful country.
10 Best Things to do in Santorini, Greece