Crete Travelers Recommend

With white-sand beaches, mighty cliffs, turquoise seas, and volcanic caldera views, the Aegean island of Santorini is a popular destination among sun-seeking travelers to Greece. From exciting day trips to overnight island-hopping adventures, here are the top Santorini tours from Crete.

Full-Day Tours

Full day tours from Crete to Santorini allow visitors to take in all the top island attractions in one trip—ideal for travelers exploring the region using Crete as a base. Cruise from Crete to volcanic Santorini and enjoy sweeping views over the white-washed, clifftop houses, then explore historic settlements such as Thira and Oia, and visit the black-sand beach at Perissos. Both guided and independent full-day tours are available.

Multi-Day Tours

With a little more time to spend exploring Santorini and its surrounding on a multi-day tour, enjoy the freedom to delve a little deeper into Greece's island life and culture. On a 2-day guided tour, sail by catamaran to Santorini, visit the capital city of Thira and see the island's famed volcano. On an independent 3- or 5-day tour, you'll be afforded the opportunity to go island-hopping around Santorini and Mykonos. Discover top attractions such as the windmills of Mykonos, and enjoy free time to swim and relax in the Mediterranean sunshine at your leisure.

Things to Know

• Santorini lies 89 miles (144 kilometers) to the north of Crete.

• The cruise across the Aegean Sea from Heraklion in Crete to Santorini takes between two and three hours, depending on conditions. High-speed vessels run to shorten the journey time.

• Guided and independent full-day trips usually last 12 hours and include hotel pickup and drop-off, plus a round-trip boat ride.

• Multi-day tours run from two to five days and typically include round-trip transport, day cruises, overnight accommodation, and more.

• Santorini and the surrounding islands are very hot in summer, so remember to bring sun protection and water. Some of the walking trails are rugged, so sturdy shoes are recommended.

Crete—Greece’s largest island—is ringed on all sides by beautiful beaches, where snorkeling, sunbathing, and windsurfing are the order of the day. Here’s a rundown of the top beaches in Crete, from hidden coves and historic relics to open stretches of white sand.

Vai Beach

Tucked in between a grove of palm trees on one side and rolling waves on the other, Vai is widely considered among the best beaches in Crete. In between swimming and sunbathing, take a stroll to the nearby rainwater lake and admire fine views over the beautiful palm forest of Vai.

Balos Beach

Famous for its beautiful lagoon, Balos Beach lies 34 miles (56 kilometers) from Chania and 10 miles (17 kilometers) from Kissamos. The beach is nestled between Cape Gramvousa and Cape Tigani, offering some of the most impressive views in Crete.

Matala Beach

Located beneath the foothills of the Asterousia Mountains, Matala Beach boasts hidden limestone caves, ancient Minoan history, and clear waters. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to visit for refreshments, and the beach is a popular nightspot for locals and travelers alike come nightfall.

Falassarna Beach

This exotic stretch of sand lies on the western shores of Cape Gramvousa, home to the ruins of Falassarna—an ancient Roman city. Flanked by a protected nature reserve and with lounge chairs stretched out on the sandy beach, Falassarna Beach is especially great for snorkeling. With strong westerly winds, it’s also a very popular for water sports like windsurfing.

Bali Beach

Bali is actually home to four beaches strung out along the coast, and they all offer sandy coves and turquoise sea. Natural springs carry fresh water to the shoreline at Bali, so the sea is a little cooler here, but the sheltered bays are very family-friendly.

With three days in Heraklion (aka Iraklio), you can discover the area’s 4,000 years of history, savor the local cuisine, wander landscapes like the Samaria Gorge—and even visit another island. Here’s how.

Day 1: Historic Heraklion

Even if ruins aren’t normally your thing, make an exception for Heraklion. Star attractions are the Palace of Knossos, a 4,000-year-old city built by the mysterious Minoan civilization, and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to ancient treasures from across the island. Check these off, then learn about Crete’s more recent history while exploring the Venetian Walls and 16th-century Koules Fortress. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Crete’s culinary delights. Tour vineyards and olive groves; sample ingredients at markets and artisan food stores; or treat yourself to a cooking class. Wrap up your first day with a dinner of local seafood (try the red mullet, a Greek favorite) in one of the pretty eateries that dot the Old Venetian Harbor.

Day 2: Off-Road Adventures

Time for an inland adventure. At 10 miles (16 kilometers) long, the Samaria Gorge is one of Europe’s longest canyons, and for hikers, it’s an essential Crete experience that’s particularly beautiful when the wildflowers are in season. Or, head to the mountains around the Lasithi Plateau, known for its white-sailed windmills. Don’t miss the Dikteon Cave—according to legend, the Greek god Zeus was born among the eerie rock formations framing its underground lake. Spend the evening in true Cretan style, at a dinner show—island wines and local favorites like lamb pair perfectly with folk songs and traditional dances.

Day 3: Island Inspiration

On your final day, cruise to another of Greece’s 6,000-ish islands and islets. Uninhabited Dia is closest to Heraklion, with crystal waters and unspoiled beaches perfect for snorkeling. Or, make your way to Spinalonga, a tiny islet once used to quarantine people with leprosy. Even if you’ve not read the novel The Island, Spinalonga is an atmospheric place, and many tours include a swimming stop at nearby Kolokytha. Farther afield, but easy to reach on a day trip from Heraklion, the famously scenic Santorini boasts blue and white houses perched on the edge of a giant undersea volcano. Back in Heraklion in the evening, finish up your stay by enjoying the city’s modern side, as you crawl the contemporary bars and restaurants around Agios Titos Square

With fertile soils, fresh ingredients, and traditional recipes passed down from generation to generation, Greece is a food lover’s dream destination. Here are a few popular dishes for foodies to look out for on the sun-soaked island of Crete—Greece’s largest island.

Must-Try Dishes

Traditional dishes including moussaka, layers of lamb and eggplant flavored with bechamel sauce, and souvlaki, skewered meat or fish kebabs, feature on menus across Crete and stand high on the must-try list. Spinach pie is a popular vegetarian treat wrapped in filo pastry, and dolma is a Greek speciality with vine leaves stuffed with onions, peppers, rice, and zucchini or eggplant. Koulouri, donut-shaped bread encrusted with sweetened sesame seeds, is the perfect accompaniment to local cheeses or fresh olives. And sweet treats like halvah —made with cinnamon, semolina flour, raisins, and nuts—have been keeping hunger at bay on Crete for centuries.

Must-Do Experiences

• Master the basics of Mediterranean Greek cuisine in a cooking class, then sit down to enjoy your food with a couple of glasses of Cretan wine.

• Follow a guide on a food tour through the Old Town in Chania, Heraklion, or Rethymnon, and sample the diverse culinary treats on offer.

• Delve into the Cretan countryside and sample regional cheeses, olive oils, and wine with a local family.

• Explore the olive grove and wine orchards for which Crete is famous, go wine tasting, and learn about Greek food’s role in Cretan history and culture.

Probably Crete’s prettiest city, Chania offers the classic Cretan combo of food, wine, sparkling sea, and rugged hills. Venetian and Turkish architecture still adorns the streets of Chania Old Town and the 14th-century Old Venetian Harbor. With one day in Chania, you can soak up the history and savor a taste of Crete. Here’s how.

Morning: City Sights

Start the day by discovering Chania’s signature charms on a history-led tour, whether on foot, by bike, on a Segway, or by Trikke electric 3-wheeler. Explore the Old Venetian Harbor, where fishing boats still bob beside the Venetian Lighthouse, as well as the Great Arsenal, the Firkas Fortress, and the Ottoman-era Hassan Pasha Mosque. Soak up the Old Town, from the Byzantine and Venetian walls to the historic synagogue, Franciscan monastery, and Cathedral of the Virgin Mary. Don’t miss the 5,000-year-old Kasteli ruins. Along the way, browse goods from art and jewelry to leatherware and carpets at a wealth of boutiques.

Afternoon: Food Frenzy

For lunch, take a cooking course, perhaps one focused on Cretan favorites such as cheese pies, hearty stews, and dakos, the island’s answer to Italy’s bruschetta. Alternatively, opt for a more general Greek theme, covering international favorites such as tzatziki, or delve into the recipes of the ancient world. Next, discover the olive, cultivated on Crete for more than 5,000 years. Tour an olive grove, learn about the harvest, see the traditional presses that Cretans still use to produce their oil, and sample a wealth of flavors, scents, and colors on a tutored tasting at a local workshop.

Night: Wine Wandering

As afternoon turns to evening, continue your culinary explorations. Consider a food tour that explores the rich world of mezedes, Greece’s answer to tapas, and wanders between traditional kafeneio pubs and the stylish bars and restaurants that are taking over the Old Town. Discover Crete’s rich winemaking heritage and history on a tasting of local wines, such as the aromatic white known as thrapsathiri, the fresh and delicate vilana, honeyed moschato spinas, or typical full-bodied reds. Wrap up the night with a shot of raki, the aniseed-flavored local liquor that’s the defining taste of Crete.

In Chania, you’ll want to soak up the sights of the city proper, including the Old Venetian Harbor and Chania Old Town; taste wine and olive oil; and feast on Cretan food. But with three days, you’ll also have time to enjoy adventures farther afield, from hiking the Samaria Gorge to lounging on the pink sands of Elafonisi Beach. Read on to find out how.

Day 1: Flavors of the Past

Spend your first day in Chania immersing yourself in this historic little city with its rich food-and-wine culture. Start by taking in ancient sights with a guide who can put the different historical eras in context, exploring by bike, Segway, electric 3-wheeler, or even on foot. Soak up the 14th-century Old Venetian Harbor, with its mosque, fortress, lighthouse, and medieval warehouses, and Chania Old Town, home to Byzantine walls and the 5,000-year-old Kasteli ruins. For lunch, unwind with a cooking class that trains you in the art of Cretan classics, such as cheese pies, hearty stews, and dakos (essentially Greek bruschetta), then enter the rich world of island olive oil on a factory tour. After soaking up a Cretan sunset, continue your foodie adventures as you snack and sip your way through Chania’s wealth of mezedes.

Day 2: Inland Adventures

On your second day, take the opportunity to explore farther afield, heading inland to rugged landscapes and timeless villages. Test your muscles on the 10-mile (16-kilometer) hike through the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s most dramatic fissures, which narrows to just 10 feet (3 meters) wide at one point. Travel back in time to World War II as you tour key sites of the Battle of Crete, where Greek and Allied forces and partisans did battle against the Nazis. Blend natural beauty with traditional food and lifestyles among the White Mountains in the Sfakia region or in the scenic villages of Apokoronas, or head out on a 4WD safari in search of the finest olive oil and wine. Wrap up your day with a seafood feast in a waterfront taverna, capped off with Crete’s signature raki (aniseed liquor).

Day 3: Life’s a Beach

Chania itself offers a wealth of water activities: snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, scuba diving caves and wrecks, and relaxing on sand or rocky beaches. But to truly discover the joy of the Sea of Crete, devote your last day to a day trip. Try Elafonisi Beach, where pale-pink sands, turquoise waters, and a pristine nature reserve make it a regular on European best-beaches lists. Adventure through the rugged Gramvousa Peninsula, stopping at beaches including the slender sand spit of Balos Lagoon. Or take a 4WD safari into the region around Georgioupolis, including a visit to a secluded beach. Head back to the city and spend your last evening discovering Crete’s rich tradition of wines, from sweet, dessert-style whites to full-bodied reds, accompanied by a selection of local cheeses.

With two days in Chania, you can discover this historic port city, taste Cretan wines and regional olive oil, and feast on local food, and you’ll still have time to enjoy a day trip to a sweeping beach or into the rugged hills of Crete. Read on to find out how.

Day 1: A Taste of History

Morning: Start with a tour of historic Chania, on foot, by bike, by Segway, or by Trikke 3-wheeler. Take in the Old Venetian Harbor, with its lighthouse, mosque, fortress, and Venetian warehouses. Then explore the Old Town, from the 5,000-year-old Kasteli ruins to the medieval walls and historic synagogue.

Afternoon: Choose between two culinary options this afternoon. Get out into the hillside vineyards and olive groves on an olive-oil-and-wine tour, with snacks along the way. Or join a cooking class to master Cretan classics including succulent cheese pies, hearty stews, and dakos, the bread-and-tomato favorite.

Evening: Watch the sun set over the Sea of Crete as you continue your foodie adventures. Discover the joys of mezedes, the Greek answer to tapas, while you explore Chania’s modern bars and restaurants on a foodie walking tour. Top off the evening with a contemporary cocktail.

Day 2: Island Adventures

Day: On your second day in Chania, get out of the city to discover more of Crete: the beach or the rugged hills. Discover the charming villages scattered around the Apokoronas region, with hidden churches, Ottoman fortresses, and families making cheese and olive oil as they have for generations. Alternatively, head farther afield to one of Europe’s best beaches, offshore Elafonisi Beach, with pale-pink sands, turquoise water, and a nature reserve. The rugged Gramvousa Peninsula boasts some of Crete’s most scenic stretches of sand, including the popular Balos Lagoon.

Night: Cretans have been making wine for thousands of years, so wrap up your stay in Chania with a wine tasting accompanied by local specialties. Sample whites from the intense, sweet moschato spinas through delicate vilana to aromatic thrapsathiri, or the mellow flavors of kotsifali reds.

The capital of Crete, Heraklion (also known as Iraklio) offers ancient Minoan ruins, a historic harbor, and a vibrant food, wine, and nightlife scene—all in a package that feels more authentic than many of the island’s resort towns. Here’s how to check out the highlights in just one day.

Morning: Minoan Magic

Even if you’re not normally one for ruins, make an exception for the Palace of Knossos, the 4,000-year-old palace complex that gave us the legend of the Minotaur and his labyrinth. Especially in high season, a skip-the-line ticket or a tour with skip-the-line access is well worth the extra money. Next, head back into Heraklion and learn about the Minoan civilization that built Knossos—and palaces across Crete—at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of the nation’s top museums. Finally, take in the city’s essential sights, perhaps from an open-top bus. Don’t miss the 16th-century Koules Fortress and the mighty Venetian Walls.

Afternoon: Food Frenzy

Every part of Greece offers its own unique and delicious cuisine, and Crete is no exception. Soak up the atmosphere at one of Heraklion’s vibrant markets, including the island’s largest fish market. Sample local delights such as bougatsa, a breakfast treat made with flaky phyllo pastry, cheese, rusks, olives, and olive oil. Don’t miss the chance to savor a glass or two of local wine, from the wineries around the city: vilana white and Romeiko red are two of the island’s signatures. Or, try a cooking class, perhaps with a professional chef or a local family.

Night: Dinner Dancing

With just one day in Heraklion, don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in Cretan culture at a folklore show. Soak up the ancient rhythms of traditional instruments such as the lyre and the lute. Feast on dishes from local lamb to spring greens or spinach pie as you listen to heartfelt folk songs. Then let yourself be swept away as costumed performers break into dances as lively as anything you'd see at a Greek wedding. Get into the spirit with local wines and tsipouro, Crete’s answer to Italy’s grappa brandy.

Two days in Heraklion (also known as Iraklio) gives you enough time to soak up the Cretan capital’s ancient wonders, inhale some delicious food and wine, and see a folklore show. Don't miss the chance to head further afield to the rugged Lasithi Plateau or the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest canyons. Read on to find out how.

Day 1: Ancient Adventures

Morning: Start the day by taking in Heraklion’s signature sights. Explore the Palace of Knossos, the 4,000-year-old Minoan city that spawned the mythical Minotaur and his labyrinth. Go deeper into the past at the world-class Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Finally, take in the Venetian Walls and historic Koules Fortress.

Afternoon: You’d be remiss to visit Crete without discovering the island’s wealth of oil, cheese, wine, and olives. Tour markets and artisan stores. Try local favorites such as Romeiko red wine or dakos, Crete’s answer to Italy’s bruschetta. Or, take a cooking class in a restaurant or private home.

Night: The Sea of Crete has kept the island’s fishermen in business for thousands of years. Discover the delicate flavors of Mediterranean favorites such as red mullet or sea bream. Or splurge on delicacies such as slipper lobster, shrimp, or sea urchins. The Old Venetian Harbor is a scenic spot to dine.

Day 2: Island Inspiration

Morning: With two days in Heraklion, you can venture further afield. At 10 miles (16 kilometers) long, the rugged Samaria Gorge is one of Europe’s longest canyons—and it narrows to just 10 feet (3 meters) wide at one point—and a top area hike. Or, stay closer to home with a visit to the Lasithi Plateau, with its thousands of photogenic windmills and the Dikteon Cave, where ancient myth claims the sky god Zeus was born. The mountain trails are great for a 4WD adventure.

Afternoon: Most outdoor adventures from Heraklion last the day. If yours gets back early, take in more of the city’s essential sights, perhaps from an open-top bus.

Night: Wrap up your stay in Heraklion by partying as if you’re at an old-fashioned Greek wedding. Savor island wines and traditional Cretan cuisine as you listen to folk songs and ancient instruments. Then clap along to the infectious rhythms as costumed dancers whirl and leap.