Title: Visit Crete: 2026 Travel Guide for Crete, Greek Islands | Expedia.com

[Crete Hotels](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Crete.d180100.Hotel-Destinations)[Vacation Rentals in Crete](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Crete.d180100.Vacation-Rental-Destinations)[Crete Flights](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Crete.d180100.Flight-Destinations)[Things to do in Crete](https://expedia.com/Things-To-Do-In-Crete.d180100.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Car Rentals in Crete](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Crete.d180100.Car-Rental-Destinations)[Crete Vacations](https://expedia.com/Crete.d180100.Destination-Travel-Guides)

# Crete

## Greek Islands

![Heraklion Loggia which includes heritage architecture, night scenes and street scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6062087/e0cdc991-6ba9-4dec-92ed-e7fcd26953a4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Heraklion Loggia which includes heritage architecture, night scenes and street scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6062087/e0cdc991-6ba9-4dec-92ed-e7fcd26953a4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Crete Island](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6278150/e0a32460-5192-4f67-bda7-75fc60a2472a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Koules Fortress featuring a bay or harbor](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6062197/bcaf6621-c6ea-47f9-8ceb-1d7f6efd2207.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Chania featuring street scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6046551/db45ce42-9dd4-4df0-b051-467fcf9b59e9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

#### Ancient port cities and bays with sugary white sand dot the coastline of Greece’s largest island while olive groves and wildflowers decorate a mountainous interior.

Crete, the fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, excites with its bygone civilizations, mouthwatering cuisine, wild landscapes and wondrous beaches. Tour centuries-old cities that sit on the island’s northern shores and hop between charming beach towns. Uncover a wealth of Venetian architecture and archaeological landmarks and marvel at a natural beauty that changes from pink sands to olive groves and rugged mountain peaks.

Start in Heraklion, the bustling island capital with an atmospheric old town and historic port set inside Venetian walls. Learn about island heritage at Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and Natural History Museum. Travel west to Rethymnon, where colorful fishing boats moor at a Venetian harbor and tavernas line the seafront. Grand mansions and superb restaurants abound in the maze-like old quarter of Chania.

The dramatic limestone White Mountains rise above authentic Greek villages, such as Hora Sfakion, in western Crete. Snowfall drapes the mountains in winter and then makes way for wildflowers to flourish in springtime. Hike a 10-mile (16-kilometer) long trail through Samaria Gorge National Park, which is Europe’s longest ravine, to the fishing hamlet of Agia Roumeli. Boats depart from here to Sougia, home to a nearby 4th-century B.C. Hellenistic-era ruin.

Cretan beaches are defined by their powdery sand and crystalline Mediterranean waters. Try your hand at kitesurfing, among other watersports, at Ammoudara, Kedrodasos and Kouremenos. Gaze in awe at the pale pink quartz sand at Balos Lagoon and on Elafonisi island. Relax amid the tranquil seaside charm of Gerani and enjoy a blend of beach and nightlife at Elounda, Malia and Stalis.

Reach Crete Island by flying from major European cities to the international airports located in Chania and Heraklion. Or, arrive via the ferry crossing that departs year-round from Athens and takes from 7 to 9 hours. Expect warm and dry weather from May to October and large tourist crowds between June and August. Get around by rented car and stop at roadside tavernas to sample Cretan cheese, succulent olives and the local raki brandy.

### Popular cities in Crete

[Chania

Known for Beaches, Ports and Historical

](https://expedia.com/Chania.dx601135)

Trip time! Discover the cafes, monuments, and beaches in relaxing Chania. 

## Reasons to visit

- Port of Souda
- Old Venetian Harbor
- Golden Beach

[Explore City](https://expedia.com/Chania.dx601135)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Chania-Hotels.d601135.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

[Heraklion

Known for Dining, Ports and Shopping

](https://expedia.com/Heraklion.dx1444)

Explore Heraklion: its museums, monuments, sightseeing, and more! 

## Reasons to visit

- Heraklion Port
- Palace of Knossos
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum

[Explore City](https://expedia.com/Heraklion.dx1444)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels.d1444.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

[Hersonissos

Known for Beaches, Family-friendly and Relaxing

](https://expedia.com/Hersonissos.dx6034035)

Trip time! Discover the beaches, cafes, and theme park in quaint Hersonissos. 

## Reasons to visit

- Aquaworld Aquarium
- Potamos Beach

[Explore City](https://expedia.com/Hersonissos.dx6034035)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Hersonissos-Hotels.d6034035.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

[Agios Nikolaos

Known for Beaches, Swimming and Sandy beaches

](https://expedia.com/Agios-Nikolaos.dx5193)

Explore quaint Agios Nikolaos: its beaches, sightseeing, cafes, and more! 

## Reasons to visit

- Spinalonga
- Lake Voulismeni

[Explore City](https://expedia.com/Agios-Nikolaos.dx5193)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Agios-Nikolaos-Hotels.d5193.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

[Rethymno

Known for Historical, Scenery and Sandy beaches

](https://expedia.com/Rethymno.dx182119)

Get away to secluded Rethymno! Enjoy the monuments, history, and cocktail bars. 

## Reasons to visit

- Rethymnon Venetian Port

[Explore City](https://expedia.com/Rethymno.dx182119)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Rethymno-Hotels.d182119.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

[Platanias

Known for Beaches, Sandy beaches and Pebble beaches

](https://expedia.com/Platanias.dx6035410)

Trip time! Discover the countryside, beaches, and wineries in quaint Platanias. 

[Explore City](https://expedia.com/Platanias.dx6035410)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Platanias-Hotels.d6035410.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

## Explore a world of travel with Expedia

- Lodging
- Flights
- Packages
- Cars
- Vacation Rentals
- Other

- [Winery Hotels in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Winery-Hotel.0-0-d1444-tWineryHotel.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Heraklion Hotels ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels.d1444.Travel-Guide-Hotels)
- [Hotels with Free Airport Shuttle in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Hotels-With-Free-Airport-Shuttle.0-0-d1444-tHotelswithFreeAirportShuttle.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Aparthotels in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Apart-Hotels.d1444-aaApartHotels.Travel-Guide-Accommodation)
- [Hotels with Free Parking in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Hotels-With-Free-Parking.0-0-d1444-tHotelswithFreeParking.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Cheap Hotels in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Cheap-Hotels.0-0-d1444-tCheapHotels.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Villas in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Villas.d1444-aaVillas.Travel-Guide-Accommodation)
- [Hotel Wedding Venues Hotels in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Wedding-Hotels.0-0-d1444-tWeddingHotels.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Hotels with Restaurants in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Hotels-With-Restaurants.0-0-d1444-tHotelswithRestaurants.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Apartments in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Apartments.d1444-aaApartments.Travel-Guide-Accommodation)
- [Hotels with Laundry Facilities in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Hotels-With-Laundry-Facilities.0-0-d1444-tHotelswithLaundryFacilities.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [5 Star Hotels in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/5Star-Heraklion-Hotels.s50-0-d1444.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Beach Hotels in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Beach-Hotel.0-0-d1444-tBeachHotel.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Hotels with Hot Tubs in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Hotels-With-Hot-Tubs.0-0-d1444-tHotelsWithHotTubs.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Hyatt Hotels in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Hyatt-Hotels.0-0-d1444--bHyattHotels.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Best Western Hotels in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Best-Western.0-0-d1444--bBestWestern.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Historic Hotels in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Historic-Hotel.0-0-d1444-tHistoricHotel.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [4 Star Hotels in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/4Star-Heraklion-Hotels.s40-0-d1444.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Hotels with Connecting Rooms in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Hotels-With-Adjoining-Rooms.0-0-d1444-tHotelswithAdjoiningRooms.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Hotels with Fireplaces in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Hotels-With-Fireplaces.0-0-d1444-tHotelswithFireplaces.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Hotels with smoking rooms in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Hotels-With-Smoking-Rooms.0-0-d1444-tHotelswithsmokingrooms.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [All-inclusive Resorts in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-All-Inclusive-Hotel.0-0-d1444-tAllinclusiveHotel.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Luxury Hotels in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Luxury-Hotel.0-0-d1444-tLuxuryHotel.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Hotels with Free Breakfast in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Hotels-With-Complimentary-Breakfast.0-0-d1444-tHotelswithComplimentaryBreakfast.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Family Hotels in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Family-Hotel.0-0-d1444-tFamilyHotel.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Oceanfront Hotels in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Oceanfront-Hotels.0-0-d1444-tOceanfrontHotels.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Business Hotels in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Business-Hotel.0-0-d1444-tBusinessHotel.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Hotels with Air Conditioning in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Hotels-With-Air-Conditioning.0-0-d1444-tHotelswithAirConditioning.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Pet-friendly Hotels in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Pet-Friendly-Hotel.0-0-d1444-tPetfriendlyHotel.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Adults Only Resorts & in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Adults-Only-Resorts.0-0-d1444-tAdultsOnlyResorts.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Waterpark Hotels in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Waterpark-Hotels.0-0-d1444-tWaterparkHotels.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Hotels with Balconies in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Hotels-With-Balconies.0-0-d1444-tHotelswithBalconies.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Hotels with Early Check-in in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Hotel-With-Early-Check-In.0-0-d1444-thotelwithearlycheckin.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [3 Star Hotels in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/3Star-Heraklion-Hotels.s30-0-d1444.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Boutique Hotels in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Boutique-Hotel.0-0-d1444-tBoutiqueHotel.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Hotels with a Pool in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Hotel-With-Pool.0-0-d1444-tHotelwithPool.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Hotels with a Gym in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Hotels-With-Fitness-Center.0-0-d1444-tHotelswithFitnessCenter.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Non-Smoking Hotels in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Hotels-Smoke-Free-Hotels.0-0-d1444-tSmokeFreeHotels.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)

- [Flights to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Cheap-Flights-To-Heraklion.d1444.Travel-Guide-Flights)
- [Flights from Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/1444/flights-from-heraklion)
- [Flights from Las Vegas to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/178276/1444/las-vegas-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Indianapolis to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/178266/1444/indianapolis-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Haifa to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/1446/1444/haifa-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Albany to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/277/1444/albany-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Reno to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/602688/1444/reno-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Cork to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/2692/1444/cork-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Billings to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/583/1444/billings-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Dushanbe to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/6951/1444/dushanbe-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Frankfurt to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/179894/1444/frankfurt-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Ostrava to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/2704/1444/ostrava-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Salerno to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/6059421/1444/salerno-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Boise to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/602998/1444/boise-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/178262/1444/ho-chi-minh-city-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Goleta to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/8010/1444/goleta-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Colmar to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/6644/1444/colmar-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Missoula to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/180035/1444/missoula-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Kaohsiung to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/6177725/1444/kaohsiung-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Kraków to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/6035306/1444/krakow-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Boston to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/178239/1444/boston-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Christchurch to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/4601/1444/christchurch-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Bacău to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/6315/1444/bacau-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Miles to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/6342429/1444/miles-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Augusta to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/6034963/1444/augusta-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Olympia to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/6054472/1444/olympia-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Lubbock to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/6131013/1444/lubbock-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Milwaukee to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/602647/1444/milwaukee-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Astana to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/602528/1444/astana-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Bozeman to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/757/1444/bozeman-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Tel Aviv to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/180031/1444/tel-aviv-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Quito to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/6053672/1444/quito-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Hanoi to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/1428/1444/hanoi-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Bergerac to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/1106/1444/bergerac-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Peoria to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/602999/1444/peoria-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Bolzano to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/177917/1444/bolzano-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Albuquerque to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/602663/1444/albuquerque-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Stuttgart to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/6047258/1444/stuttgart-to-heraklion)
- [Flights from Puerto Vallarta to Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/180016/1444/puerto-vallarta-to-heraklion)

- [Visit Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion.dx1444)
- [Agios Titos Church ](https://www.expedia.com/Agios-Titos-Church-Heraklion.d6062185.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Heraklion Loggia ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Loggia-Heraklion.d6062087.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Heraklion Vacations ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion.d1444.Destination-Travel-Guides)
- [All inclusive Vacation Packages Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/theme-vacations/all-inclusive-vacations/1444/Heraklion)

- [Car rentals near Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Heraklion.d1444.Car-Rental-Guide)
- [Right Cars Rental Cars in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Right-Cars-Car-Rentals-In-Heraklion.d1444-c1070.Car-Rental-Guide-Suppliers)
- [Sixt Rental Cars in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Sixt-Car-Rentals-In-Heraklion.d1444-c35.Car-Rental-Guide-Suppliers)
- [Hertz Rental Cars in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Hertz-Car-Rentals-In-Heraklion.d1444-c40.Car-Rental-Guide-Suppliers)
- [Budget Rental Cars in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Budget-Car-Rentals-In-Heraklion.d1444-c39.Car-Rental-Guide-Suppliers)
- [Enterprise Rental Cars in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Enterprise-Car-Rentals-In-Heraklion.d1444-c15.Car-Rental-Guide-Suppliers)
- [Avis Rental Cars in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Avis-Car-Rentals-In-Heraklion.d1444-c41.Car-Rental-Guide-Suppliers)
- [Alamo Rent A Car Rental Cars in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Alamo-Rent-A-Car-Car-Rentals-In-Heraklion.d1444-c6.Car-Rental-Guide-Suppliers)
- [Europcar Rental Cars in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Europcar-Car-Rentals-In-Heraklion.d1444-c14.Car-Rental-Guide-Suppliers)
- [Goldcar rental Rental Cars in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Goldcar-Rental-Car-Rentals-In-Heraklion.d1444-c1022.Car-Rental-Guide-Suppliers)
- [Van Car Rentals in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Van-Car-Rentals-In-Heraklion.d1444-tVan.Car-Rental-Guide-Class)
- [Right-Cars Rental Cars in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Right-Cars-Car-Rentals-In-Heraklion.d1444-c1102.Car-Rental-Guide-Suppliers)
- [National Car Rental Rental Cars in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/National-Car-Rental-Car-Rentals-In-Heraklion.d1444-c42.Car-Rental-Guide-Suppliers)
- [Rent A Wreck Rental Cars in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Rent-A-Wreck-Car-Rentals-In-Heraklion.d1444-c33.Car-Rental-Guide-Suppliers)
- [Pickup Car Rentals in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Pickup-Car-Rentals-In-Heraklion.d1444-tPickup.Car-Rental-Guide-Class)
- [SR Rent A Car Rental Cars in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/SR-Rent-A-Car-Car-Rentals-In-Heraklion.d1444-c1077.Car-Rental-Guide-Suppliers)

- [Heraklion Vacation Rentals ](https://www.expedia.com/Heraklion-Vacation-Rentals.d1444.Travel-Guide-VacationRentals)

- [Things to do in Heraklion ](https://www.expedia.com/Things-To-Do-In-Heraklion.d1444.Travel-Guide-Activities)

![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg)

## Go further with the Expedia app

Save even more - get up to 20% on select hotels when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go.

Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app