Crete is the largest one of all Greek islands and has a lot to offer – from paradisiacal beaches with white sand and crystal-clear waters, over the impressive mountain landscapes and the antique towns like Chania and Heraklion, full of ancient history and Greek mythology. Did you know, that according to the Greek mythology, the god Zeus was born in the Ideon Cave on Crete?
Crete is the perfect destination for all kinds of travellers. Families, group of friends, solo-travellers, party people, sun-lovers and naturefreaks will all find something to do on this special island. With this blog post we would like to give you an idea of the big diversity of activities offered on this island. Our list of the top 5 things to do in Crete will help you get the most of your holidays in Crete!
The Top 5 things to do in Crete
1. Enjoy Balos Lagoon
Balos Lagoon is one of the most famous beaches of Crete, and a visit to this paradise is definitely one of the top 5 things to do in Crete. Most probably you have never seen a beach this beautiful ever before in your life! In the Balos Lagoon you will find the whitest sand, the most crystalline waters and simply a breathtaking view over the two islands lying just in front of the lagoon!
Balos Lagoon is situated in the northwest of the island, on the Gramvousa peninsula. The best way to get here is by boat or ferry. If you’d like to visit the region around this unique place, a private boat tour in Crete is the best way to do so! However you decide to visit this natural paradise, we’re sure you will be amazed by the sheer beauty of the amazing Balos Lagoon!
2. Stroll through Chania old town
Chania is one of the most beautiful towns in Crete, and this is not only because of its location right at the sea. The many old buildings, narrow streets and cute cafés and restaurants invite all travellers to stroll around the old town and enjoy the feeling of history around every corner. Visiting Chania is one of the top 5 things to do in Crete. Just don’t forget to bring your camera, as the picturesque little town is the perfect place to take amazing photos at.
One of the most popular attractions in Chania is, by no doubt, the Old Venetian Harbor. It is called Venetian Harbor because it was created, just like most of the old town of Chania, during the times the Venetians were in charge of Chania before the Ottoman Turks took it over. In the Old Harbor, you will find the old Venetian and Turkish designs. These different influences are very interesting to look at and certainly unique! From the Old Venetian Harbor, you can also do a lot of great boat tours, like for example a private half day sailing tour in Crete!
3. Do a SUP Tour
The warm and calm waters of Crete are simply perfect for all kinds of watersport activities! Since we are absolute ocean-lovers, it’s no big surprise that one of our top 5 things to do in Crete is a SUP Tour. And during this fantastic SUP tour in Crete, you can even go snorkeling to explore the beautiful underwater world and jump off the impressive cliffs around the coast.
For us, SUP (short for stand-up paddleboarding) is one of the most fun ways to explore the amazing coast of Crete. During a SUP Tour in Crete, you stand on one of the big and stable SUP-Boards and use a paddle to move in the water. This way, you stay fit while exploring the unique coastline. Our SUP Guides know the region very well and will bring you to the most beautiful hidden spots around the coast!
4. Try Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving is a real adventure and always an unforgettable experience. The warm and calm waters around Crete are perfect for this sport, and trying scuba diving for the first time in Crete is the best way to explore the underwater world. Immersing yourself for the first time in the fascinating world beneath the surface will literally be a breathtaking experience!
If you try scuba diving in Crete for the first time, you will be of course under the supervision of experienced and professional PADI Instructors. With them, you will learn all you need to know to take your first breath underwater. Exploring the magic world underwater for the first time is so exciting and for us one of the top 5 things to do in Crete! And since you don’t need any experience at all, everybody can join! Even kids can go diving for the first time in Crete, with our special Kids program!
5. Walk the Samaria Gorge
If you would like to explore other landscapes besides beautiful beaches in Crete, hiking the Samaria Gorge is definitely one of the top things to do in Crete during your holidays. This Gorge is one of the longest gorges in Europe with 16km. The landscapes are simply beautiful, and you will find peace far away from the busy touristic coastal towns.
The mountain landscape of the National Park is a big contrast to the beachy scenery down at the coast. Sometimes you will even see snowy patches on the top of the mountains! The trail is very beautiful and good for all levels of hikers. Along the trail, you will also pass by old churches and other remains of people who once lived in this mountain area. It’s a great way to spend a day escaping the crowds and enjoy nature!
Whatever you decide to do of the top 5 things to do in Crete, we’re sure you will fall in love with the big diversity of this island! Crete is a great holiday destination all year around, and we hope you have a great time exploring!
