Is Crete Worth Visiting?

Known as the largest and most populous island in Greece, Crete is known for its traditions, ancient history, stunning views, and amazing cuisine.

But if you are short on time, is Crete worth it, and should you include it in your Greek itinerary?

So why visit Crete? If you love Rhodes and Santorini, then you’ll love Crete.

It has many archaeological sites, museums, ruins and beautiful beaches that you can visit. 

The best part is due to its sheer size, and diverse offerings, travelers can craft the experience that fits within their specific vacation style. 

So whether want to spend your days sipping cocktails on the beach, hiking up mountains, sipping wine at a vineyard, or learning about the ancient Minoan civilization, you can do this and more on the island of Crete. 

The bonus? You can do it all without the crowds.  

So is Crete worth visiting? Here are just a couple of things to know before going to Crete. 

Reasons To Visit Crete: The Pros 

One of the major pros of this island is that it is the largest island in Greece. 

How big is Crete, you ask?

Well, it’s around a hundred times bigger than Santorini.

Its sheer size means that tourists can enjoy various activities, rich culture and history, 650 miles of coastline, and the charm of being on a Greek island that doesn’t feel like it’s overrun with tourists *cough* Santorini *cough* *cough*. 

Here are some other reasons to visit Crete. 

The History

If you are a history buff, then one of the reasons to visit Crete is its historical significance. At one point in history, this island was one of the most powerful places in the world.

It was home to the Minoans, the first European civilization that lived on the island from around 3000 BC to around 1500 BC. The legend of Atlantis was based on the Minoan civilization. 

Heraklion is Crete’s biggest city and is the best place to stay if you want to be close to some of the island’s most famous historical sites, including the Palace of Minos at Knossos.

The palace itself is stunning, make sure to check out the stunning frescoes and amazing throne room. But what makes this palace a little more interesting is its ties to mythology.

Legend has it that these labyrinthine ruins are said to have been home to the monstrous Minotaur, the half man half bull who was killed by the Athenian hero Theseus. 

Crete is also home to another Greek legend. It is said that the God Zeus was born in a cave on the island.

Today, two different caves claim to be Zeus’s birthplace — the Dikteon and Ideon — both located in the Cretan central mountains. 

The Best Of Both Worlds

Why visit Crete? Sometimes size can be beneficial.

Crete is the largest Greek island, which offers a little bit of everything.

Here travelers can get the best of both worlds — the authentic charm of a Greek island, without having to elbow your way through hoards of tourists to be able to enjoy the sights. 

In Crete, you can create your adventure and even choose to wander off the beaten path. 

The island also has the perfect mix of cities and old picturesque towns.

Imagine spending a couple of days in Chania and Heraklion exploring gorgeous cathedrals, eating at restaurants, and shopping before visiting the stunning seaside village of Bali where you spend your days lounging on the beach, chatting with the locals, and enjoying a slower pace of life. 

The People

Speaking of chatting with locals, one of the reasons to visit Crete is the people. The Cretans are known for their hospitality and warm, welcoming nature.

They are kind and inviting and are always willing to offer a helping hand even if they don’t speak any English. 

You’ll never feel unwelcome on the island. 

The Food

Is Crete worth visiting for the food? 

Well, there’s a saying in Greece: “Go to Santorini to fall in love, to Mykonos to party, and to Crete to eat!” 

The foods of Crete are the cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet. The traditional Cretan diet is considered one of the healthiest in the world so make sure to eat in as many Cretan taverns as you can. 

Cretan food is unique as it has been influenced by different cultures, its long history, and also the abundance of local, fresh and delicious ingredients.

Since ancient times, Cretan cuisine has been based around several key ingredients, which include: fish, seafood, herbs, olive oil, goat/lamb, vegetables, and fruits — all of which can be found on (or around) the island. 

Several dishes are only specific to the island, so make sure to try them all. 

Finally, you probably are asking is Crete cheap in terms of food. In comparison to many of the other islands, restaurants on Crete are surprisingly affordable. 

The Wineries 

Along with its delicious cuisine, Crete is also known for its wine. 

Winemaking on the island is an ancient tradition dating back to the Minoan civilization. Wine has been produced non-stop on the island for the past 4,000 years. 

Crete is responsible for twenty percent of the wine production in Greece.

It produces popular varieties — such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc — but it also has several local varieties, including Kostifali, Mandilari, and Vidiano. 

If you have the time, make sure to visit one of the many wineries on the island, which are mostly family-owned. 

Beaches

The island’s 650 miles (1,046 kilometers) of coastline is one of the main reasons to visit Crete. This island is a beach lover’s paradise.

Not only that, but the 400 beaches on the island have all been awarded the Blue Flag Status, an international acknowledgment of environmental protections and precautions.  

Crete is home to some of the best beaches in Greece, and some are among the best beaches in the world.

From the pink-sand beaches of Elafonisi, Balos & Falasarna to the palm tree forest beaches of Vai and Preveli, there is a beach for every traveler. 

The best part? Although the northern coast is more developed and commercial, this island is still big enough for travelers to find a couple of hidden spots that are relatively tourist-free.

If you are looking to go off the beaten path, make sure to head south to enjoy raw beauty and unforgettable sunsets. 

The Mountains

Along with stunning beaches, the island is home to mountain ranges and several peaks.

The Cretan mountains are grouped into three ranges: the Dikti range in Lassithi, the Ida (Psiloritis) range in central Crete, and the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) in Chania. 

The result? Stunning mountain views, breathtaking gorges, abundant wildlife, and fertile valleys—perfect for hiking enthusiasts or anyone looking to take a break from the island’s beaches. 

The Prices

So, is Crete expensive? Greece, in general, can be an affordable travel destination, depending on which island you choose.

Unlike its neighbors — Santorini and Mykonos —  Crete is surprisingly affordable, even during the summer season. Restaurants, hotels, and many activities are priced quite fairly.

The only recommendation is to avoid touristy areas as the prices can be slightly higher. 

But overall, is Crete expensive? Not really; it’s pretty affordable. 

Safety

Last but certainly not least, is Crete safe? This is a common question when people decide to book any vacation.

The good news is that other than small incidents — mostly pickpocketing — Crete is very safe. 

Make sure to always book travel insurance just in case, but overall, you probably won’t have any problems during your trip to the island.

Reasons To Visit Crete: The Cons 

Although the pros may seem to outweigh the cons, there are a couple of things to know when traveling to Crete, as these particular cons may somewhat influence your Crete travel plans. 

Size

As mentioned previously, Crete is around 100 times the size of Santorini. And although this comes with a lot of positives, it also comes with one glaring negative point. 

That negative point is time. When visiting the island, you probably won’t be able to do everything you want.

From beaches, sightseeing, shopping, and maybe a hike or two, there just isn’t time to do it all. 

As a result, make sure to organize your time and map out exactly what you’d like to do on the island before you come. 

Crete Time

Have you ever heard of island time? If you’ve visited another island, you’ve probably come across this state of mind.

It is no different in Crete. The Cretans have adopted a slower pace of life, so if you’re in a hurry, then tough luck. 

Everything on the island takes just a little bit longer, so make sure to factor that into your plans if you want to have a jam-packed day full of activities.

This is especially true if you plan on eating out at any restaurant—you’ve been warned. 

The Sun 

Yes, we acknowledge that the sun is the reason why people come to Crete, but be forewarned, the sun is strong, and it can get really hot—especially in the summertime.

Take this into consideration if you plan on going to any historical sites during the day. 

The last thing you probably want to do is to explore an ancient ruin in 90-degree (30º Celsius) heat. Make sure to plan accordingly and pack sun protection, including a strong SPF. 

The Final Verdict: Is Crete Worth Visiting?

At this point, you are probably asking yourself: Should I go to Crete? As you can see, our pros seem to outweigh the cons.

So, is Crete worth visiting? Absolutely. Crete is a great place to visit as a tourist.

This gorgeous Greek island seems to have it all—delicious Greek cuisine, local wineries, rich history, stunning beaches, friendly locals, and enchanting villages. Plus, you’ll have plenty of things to do in Crete.

Crete should be on your bucket list; just don’t be disappointed if you can’t see everything on your first visit.

This means that you will have to come back and explore more of what this beautiful island has to offer.

Visiting Greece soon? Read one of the following guides:

• Backpacking itinerary Greece
• How many days in Crete
• Is Santorini worth it