Crete

Things to do in Crete

Search attractions or local attractions & tours
Search

Explore top experiences

Attractions
Food & drink
Day tours
Spa & wellness
Culture & history
Outdoor & sports
Water activities
Nature & wildlife
City sightseeing
Travel photography
SIM card
Group Tours
Private tours
Cruises

Top 10 attractions in Crete

View all Attractions
Chania

Chania

5.2
4.7/5
13 reviews

Chaniais located on the northwest coast of Crete, Greece, and is an ancient port city that blends the imprints of various civilizations. The charming view here is the colorful Venetian Old Harbor. Stroll slowly along the waterfront to see ancient stone buildings surrounding the harbor, with restaurants and cafes built along the water, while the lighthouse in the distance stands quietly, serving as an iconic landmark of the city. In the early morning, the sea shimmers under the soft sunlight; at dusk, the setting sun dyes the sky and sea in golden orange, and the silhouettes of the lighthouse and mosque are reflected in the water, creating a tranquil and romantic scene. Ancient Venetian mansions, brightly colored doors and windows, Ottoman-style wooden balconies, and small shops hidden in street corners all contribute to a unique city view.

Greece · Chania
Knossos Palace

Knossos Palace

4.8
3.6/5
39 reviews

Knossos Palace, located in northern Crete, Greece, is a significant symbol of Minoan civilization. This ancient palace was built around 2000 BC and served as the political, economic, religious, and cultural center of the Minoan dynasty. The grand palace complex spans a vast area, centered around a courtyard with numerous rooms and intricate corridors, earning it the nickname "the Labyrinth." Visitors can admire the well-arranged palace architecture, as well as exquisite reliefs and frescoes that vividly showcase the Minoan civilization's craftsmanship and unique aesthetics. Among the palace ruins, visitors can also discover precious artifacts such as pottery, gold and silver crafts, and clay tablets inscribed with Minoan script—testaments to the prosperity and splendor of this ancient culture. Additionally, structures like the open-air theater, storerooms, and ceremonial sites highlight the Minoans' remarkable achievements in politics, economy, and religion. Knossos Palace is not just an important archaeological site but also a window into the mysterious world of Minoan civilization. Here, visitors can travel through time, experiencing the charm of ancient culture and the profound depth of human civilization. For history and culture enthusiasts, Knossos Palace is undoubtedly an unmissable destination.

Greece · Heraklion Prefecture
Elafonissi Beach
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Crete

Elafonissi Beach

4.8
4.4/5
30 reviews

Pink Beach is a very well-known beach in Greece. It has light pink fine sand, and the fine sand by the sea shows rounds of pink halo under the sunlight. The reason why the sand here is uniquely pink is because hundreds of millions of marine life debris in the sea were washed up on the beach. After long-term weathering, their pink shells were refined into tiny sand-like particles and spread on the beach. On the sandy beaches of Ritter and ELAFONISI. The color of the sea water here is also very dreamy, the color is from shallow to deep, and it is crystal clear. So this beach is very popular, there are many tourists who come to sunbathe, it is a good place for vacation.

Greece · Inachori
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Crete

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

4.6
4.7/5
44 reviews

This museum is like a microcosm of the Cretan civilization. Many precious unearthed cultural relics are divided into 16 exhibition halls. The scale is no less than the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. In the 14th, 15th and 16th rooms of the museum, there are murals unearthed from the ruins of the Nossos palace. The more famous ones are the bull-player, the lily prince, and the Parisian woman. These are typical representative works of Minoan culture.

Greece · Heraklion
Old Venetian Port of Chania
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Crete

Old Venetian Port of Chania

4.6
5.0/5
13 reviews

When the Venetians ruled the city of Chania in 1285, they built many structures and fortifications near the Old Venetian Port of Chania, until it was captured by the Ottoman Turks in 1645. The port gets its name from this. Old Venetian Port of Chania features the sapphire blue waters of the Cretan Sea and colorful houses scattered along the harbor, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll to experience the cozy and relaxed atmosphere of the old town.

Greece · Chania
CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos
No. 5 of Family-friendly Attractions in Greece

CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos

4.4

CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos, located on the island of Crete, Greece, is a marine life exhibition center that blends education with entertainment. Visitors can stroll through a simulated Mediterranean underwater world and observe over 2,000 species of marine life up close, including colorful coral fish, elegant sea turtles, and mysterious sharks. The aquarium features specially designed interactive zones, such as touch pools, allowing visitors to experience the wonders of marine life firsthand. In addition, regularly held marine life conservation lectures and children's science activities not only enrich visitors' knowledge but also raise awareness of marine ecological protection. Whether for a family outing or an educational school trip, CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos is an exceptional destination.

Greece · Gournes
Morosini Fountain (Liontaria)
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Crete

Morosini Fountain (Liontaria)

4.4
5.0/5
13 reviews

Morosini Fountain (Liontaria) is located inVenetian Squarein the city center and is also known as the Lion Fountain. Built in 1628, the fountain was commissioned by the governor at the time, Morosini. You can see water flowing from the mouths of 4 stone lions into 8 intricately carved basins below.

Greece · Heraklion
Fortezza of Rethymnon MJ

Fortezza of Rethymnon MJ

4.2
1 reviews

Fortezza of Rethymnon MJ was built in the 16th century on the site of an ancient acropolis, and standing on its walls offers panoramic views of the city. Due to its age, only one church and one mosque remain within the castle today, though many ruins still await excavation.

Greece · Rethymno
Spinalonga Fortress

Spinalonga Fortress

4.1
5.0/5
1 reviews

Spinalonga Fortress is located on a small island in Crete, Greece, and is a military fortification with a long history and unique charm. It was built in the 16th century by the Venetians to defend against attacks from the Ottoman Empire. Its superior geographical location made it an important stronghold for defending the eastern coast of Crete. The surrounding walls are tall and sturdy, presenting a typical Venetian military architectural style. The interior once housed a series of military facilities, including turrets, barracks, and churches. This historical background adds more cultural and historical depth to Spinalonga, making it an important site for studying history and the evolution of human society. When exploring this ancient structure, visitors can not only feel the magnificence of the architecture and the wisdom of its defense, but also learn about the island's rich history and its profound impact on Crete.

Greece · Agios Nikolaos
Spinalonga
No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Crete

Spinalonga

4.1
5.0/5
4 reviews

An island located in north-eastern Crete, the island has transferred hands between Venetians, Ottomans, and was once used as a leper colony. Today the island is a popular tourist attraction known for its beaches an shallow waters.

Greece · Agios Nikolaos

Traveler favorites curated for you

Rocca a Mare | Koules
No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Crete

Rocca a Mare | Koules

4.1
4.7/5
18 reviews
Greece · Heraklion
View all Attractions
Chania: Elafonissi Beach, Free Umbrella, Honey&Wine Tasting

Chania: Elafonissi Beach, Free Umbrella, Honey&Wine Tasting

4.6/5
821 reviews

Departs from Chania

Free cancellationDuration: 10 hrs
FromUS$30.52
View all Day tours
4 days · Aegean Sea · Lavreotiki - Mykonos - Kusadasi - Patmos - Heraklion - Santorini - Lavreotiki

4 days · Aegean Sea · Lavreotiki - Mykonos - Kusadasi - Patmos - Heraklion - Santorini - Lavreotiki

4.4/5
17 reviews37 booked
Celestyal Cruises
Celestyal Cruises
Celestyal Discovery
3
Depart from Lavreotiki
From USD 644
View all cruises
15D14N • 15 Day Private Tour in Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, Santorini and Crete

15D14N • 15 Day Private Tour in Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, Santorini and Crete

5/5
2 reviews
EnglishPrivate Tours
From USD 4,980
View More Private Tours in Crete

Experiences you can't miss in Crete

Featured Food & drink in Crete

View all Food & drink
Heraklion - Walking City Tour with Food Tasting
󱌍

Heraklion - Walking City Tour with Food Tasting

5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromUS$130.73
Heraklion: Cretan private cooking lesson with lunch in Arolithos
󱌍

Heraklion: Cretan private cooking lesson with lunch in Arolithos

5.0/5
· 6 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromUS$125.82
Heraklion: Small-Group Cretan Cuisine Cooking Class
󱌍

Heraklion: Small-Group Cretan Cuisine Cooking Class

Duration: 5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromUS$218.44
Cooking Lesson in Heraclion
󱌍

Cooking Lesson in Heraclion

Duration: 4 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromUS$107.99
The Real Cretan Cooking Experience in Chania
󱌍

The Real Cretan Cooking Experience in Chania

4.9/5
· 358 reviews
Duration: 6 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
98.9% of travelers recommend
FromUS$125.82
Crete: Create Your Own Traditional Cretan Soap
󱌍

Crete: Create Your Own Traditional Cretan Soap

5.0/5
· 12 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromUS$47.05
Heraklion: Cretan Wine Tasting Experience
󱌍

Heraklion: Cretan Wine Tasting Experience

Duration: 1 hr
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromUS$39.21
Chania: Elafonissi Pink Beach & Elos & Honey & Wine Tasting
󱌍

Chania: Elafonissi Pink Beach & Elos & Honey & Wine Tasting

4.8/5
· 1.3k reviews
Duration: 8–11 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
96% of travelers recommend
FromUS$30.59

Featured Day tours in Crete

View all Day tours
Kleanthi Olive Farm: Guided Tour with Local Delicacies Tasting
󱌍

Kleanthi Olive Farm: Guided Tour with Local Delicacies Tasting

Duration: 75 mins
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromUS$23.84
Arriving by cruise ship at Chania - Port of Souda
󱌍

Arriving by cruise ship at Chania - Port of Souda

5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 1–7 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromUS$737.88
Chania: Tales of the Underworld Night Walk w/ Card Reading
󱌍

Chania: Tales of the Underworld Night Walk w/ Card Reading

4.8/5
· 28 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromUS$27.24
Chania: PistaPark 10-Minute Go-Karting Ticket
󱌍

Chania: PistaPark 10-Minute Go-Karting Ticket

Duration: 10 mins
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromUS$61.61
Private Sailing Cruise from Heraklion to Dia Island
󱌍

Private Sailing Cruise from Heraklion to Dia Island

5.0/5
· 13 reviews
Duration: 6 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromUS$704.77
Chania: PistaPark Go-Karting with Double Kart for 10 Minutes
󱌍

Chania: PistaPark Go-Karting with Double Kart for 10 Minutes

Duration: 10 mins
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromUS$73.94
5Hour Safari Tour in Crete(Heraklion)with Quad,Jeep,Buggy & Lunch
󱌍

5Hour Safari Tour in Crete(Heraklion)with Quad,Jeep,Buggy & Lunch

4.7/5
· 189 reviews
Duration: 5 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
24 consecutive positive reviews
FromUS$158.93
Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island
󱌍

Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island

4.6/5
· 122 reviews
Duration: 8–9 hrs
Free cancellation
92.6% of travelers recommend
FromUS$47.75

Featured Culture & history in Crete

View all Culture & history
Rethymno Audio Tour: Mosques, Myths & the Fortress of Time
󱌍

Rethymno Audio Tour: Mosques, Myths & the Fortress of Time

Duration: 1 hr
Filipino
Free cancellation
Book now for today
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromUS$5.81US$7.27
Heraklion Audio Tour: Echoes of Empires and Sacred Spaces
󱌍

Heraklion Audio Tour: Echoes of Empires and Sacred Spaces

Duration: 1 hr
Filipino
Free cancellation
Book now for today
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromUS$5.81US$7.27
Chania Audio Tour: Echoes of Faith and Ancient Streets
󱌍

Chania Audio Tour: Echoes of Faith and Ancient Streets

Duration: 1 hr
Filipino
Free cancellation
Book now for today
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromUS$7.16US$8.96
Zeus Cave, Lassithi Plateau, Olive Oil Factory, Kritza, Pottery
󱌍

Zeus Cave, Lassithi Plateau, Olive Oil Factory, Kritza, Pottery

Duration: 7 hrs
Free cancellation
FromUS$113.23
Heraklion Crete: Cretan and Greek Dance Lesson at Arolithos
󱌍

Heraklion Crete: Cretan and Greek Dance Lesson at Arolithos

5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromUS$100.82
From Chania: Lake Kournas & Argiroupoli Springs Guided Tour
󱌍

From Chania: Lake Kournas & Argiroupoli Springs Guided Tour

4.8/5
· 77 reviews
Duration: 8 hrs
Free cancellation
97.4% of travelers recommend
FromUS$56.01
Palace of Knossos and Zeus Cave: Private Tour
󱌍

Palace of Knossos and Zeus Cave: Private Tour

Duration: 7 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromUS$334.93

More things to do

Crete cruises

View all cruises
5 days · Aegean Sea · Lavreotiki - Greece - Türkiye - Lavreotiki

5 days · Aegean Sea · Lavreotiki - Greece - Türkiye - Lavreotiki

4.4/5 · 17 reviews · 30 booked
Celestyal Cruises ·
Celestyal Discovery3
Depart from Lavreotiki
From USD 644
8 days · Aegean Sea · Piraeus (Athens) - Türkiye - Greece - Piraeus (Athens)

8 days · Aegean Sea · Piraeus (Athens) - Türkiye - Greece - Piraeus (Athens)

4.3/5 · 9 reviews · 19 booked
Celestyal Cruises ·
Celestyal Journey3
Depart from Piraeus
From USD 924
12 days · Mediterranean · Venice - Greece - Cyprus - Egypt - Croatia - Venice

12 days · Mediterranean · Venice - Greece - Cyprus - Egypt - Croatia - Venice

4.4/5 · 691 reviews · 1 booked
MSC Cruises ·
MSC Lirica4
Depart from Venice
From USD 964
5 days · Aegean Sea · Kusadasi - Patmos - Rhodes - Heraklion - Santorini - Lavreotiki - Mykonos - Kusadasi

5 days · Aegean Sea · Kusadasi - Patmos - Rhodes - Heraklion - Santorini - Lavreotiki - Mykonos - Kusadasi

4.4/5 · 17 reviews · 4 booked
Celestyal Cruises ·
Celestyal Discovery3
Depart from Kusadasi
From USD 674
12 days · Mediterranean · Rome - Greece - Türkiye - Italy - Rome

12 days · Mediterranean · Rome - Greece - Türkiye - Italy - Rome

3.5/5 · 2 reviews · 2 booked
Celebrity Cruises ·
Celebrity Ascent5
Depart from Rome
Cruise line offer-USD 809
From USD 1,789USD 2,597
12 days · Aegean Sea · Trieste - Croatia - Montenegro - Greece - Cyprus - Türkiye - Piraeus (Athens)

12 days · Aegean Sea · Trieste - Croatia - Montenegro - Greece - Cyprus - Türkiye - Piraeus (Athens)

4.6/5 · 11 reviews
Princess Cruises ·
Enchanted Princess4
Depart from Trieste
From USD 1,208
8 days · Aegean Sea · Civitavecchia (Rome) - Naples - Chania - Kusadasi - Mykonos - Piraeus (Athens)

8 days · Aegean Sea · Civitavecchia (Rome) - Naples - Chania - Kusadasi - Mykonos - Piraeus (Athens)

4.5/5 · 18 reviews · 29 booked
Princess Cruises ·
Sun Princess5
Depart from Civitavecchia
From USD 1,036

Private Tours in Crete

View More Private Tours in Crete
3D2N • 3 Day Tour Santorini, Crete to discover the Beauty of the Islands

3D2N • 3 Day Tour Santorini, Crete to discover the Beauty of the Islands

4/5
4 reviews
EnglishPrivate Tours
From USD 1,477
3D2N • Two-Island Leisure Trip - Visit blue-domed churches and volcanic cliffs of Santorini, discover Minoan relics and coastal old towns across Crete

Level 43D2N • Two-Island Leisure Trip - Visit blue-domed churches and volcanic cliffs of Santorini, discover Minoan relics and coastal old towns across Crete

EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours
4-star accommodations on both islands with flexible room choices. · Enjoy romantic sea views and sunset cruises in Santorini, then explore ancient Minoan ruins in Crete for a balanced mix of leisure and history. · Private cars with local experienced drivers. Pre-booked ferry and transfer services ensure tight and seamless travel arrangements.
From USD 1,183
12D11N • The Best of 12-Day Tour, Athens, Delphi-Meteora, Santorini, Crete

12D11N • The Best of 12-Day Tour, Athens, Delphi-Meteora, Santorini, Crete

EnglishPrivate Tours
From USD 4,433
12D • Greece

Level 412D • Greece

5/5
1 review
MandarinGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours
Premium 4–5 star high-rated hotels throughout; wide range of room types including cliff suites & sea view rooms for your selection · All-in-one itinerary covering Athens, Delphi, Meteora, Santorini and Heraklion Crete, combining ancient ruins, unique cliff monasteries and iconic Aegean island scenery. · Seasoned local tour guide with years of group service, well-versed in local history and hidden gems to deliver a smooth, premium travel experience.
SavingsUSD 351
From USD 6,839
USD 7,190

Group Tours in Crete

View More Group Tours in Crete
9D8N • Athens, Northern Greece and the Beautiful Aegean Int

Level 39D8N • Athens, Northern Greece and the Beautiful Aegean Int

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours
From USD 2,153
8D7N • Greece and Greek Islands Cruise Int

Level 38D7N • Greece and Greek Islands Cruise Int

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours
From USD 2,152
3D2N • Greece + Melissani Cave Lake + Kefallinia

Level 33D2N • Greece + Melissani Cave Lake + Kefallinia

Max. 8 peopleMandarinNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedMini Group
Explore historical monuments, caves, and beaches in one convenient trip. · This package includes 2 nights at a 3- or 4-star hotel with daily breakfast for two guests sharing a standard twin or double room. · Transportation services throughout the trip and a Chinese-speaking guide are included.
From USD 641
9D8N • Athens and Greek Islands

Level 49D8N • Athens and Greek Islands

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours
From USD 2,476
13D12N • Greco-Turkish Passion with Crete End Athens

Level 413D12N • Greco-Turkish Passion with Crete End Athens

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours
From USD 3,147
17D16N • Great Turkey, Rhodes and Crete End Athens

Level 417D16N • Great Turkey, Rhodes and Crete End Athens

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours
From USD 3,690
9D8N • Athens, Northern Greece and the Beautiful Aegean Ext

Level 39D8N • Athens, Northern Greece and the Beautiful Aegean Ext

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours
From USD 2,408
8D7N • Greece and Greek Islands Cruise Ext

Level 38D7N • Greece and Greek Islands Cruise Ext

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours
From USD 2,410

Free things to do in Crete

Chania

Chania

5.2
4.7/5
13 reviews
Greece · Chania
Elafonissi Beach

Elafonissi Beach

4.8
4.4/5
30 reviews
Greece · Inachori
Old Venetian Port of Chania

Old Venetian Port of Chania

4.6
5.0/5
13 reviews
Greece · Chania
Morosini Fountain (Liontaria)

Morosini Fountain (Liontaria)

4.4
5.0/5
13 reviews
Greece · Heraklion
Balos lagoon

Balos lagoon

3.8
5.0/5
10 reviews
Greece · Kissamos

What travelers say about Crete

user-avatar
GKWNovember 27, 2023
4.0
A very interesting place to visit. Easy to walk round and lots to see and read. It wasn't too busy either. We went on a Wednesday

Knossos Palace

user-avatar
M34***23July 21, 2021
5.0
The colorful harbor is particularly beautiful. It is a rare opportunity to see this kind of scene, which is great.

Old Venetian Port of Chania

user-avatar
Yan-liliNovember 19, 2019
5.0
The beautiful Mediterranean scenery, the sky and the sea are connected together, when the sunset falls, the scenery is really intoxicating!

Morosini Fountain (Liontaria)

user-avatar
Нина СуверневаAugust 13, 2026
5.0
A stunning place, an insanely beautiful sea, the colors of the Mediterranean are astonishing with a million shades of blue. The island is surrounded by a wall, with ruins and remains of a fortress, dating back to Byzantine times. The view is stunning.

Spinalonga Fortress

Trip Moments in Crete

Greece is more than just blue-and-white towns; it also has monasteries suspended in the sky!

Greece is more than just blue-and-white towns; it also has monasteries suspended in the sky!

“When you think of Greece, you might picture the blue-domed churches of Santorini, the white houses of the Aegean, and romantic sunsets.”

@HHtravel · 13 hours ago
⛪ A Monastery in Crete Where Even a Stone Column Holds a Legend! 🇬🇷

⛪ A Monastery in Crete Where Even a Stone Column Holds a Legend! 🇬🇷

“During our trip across Crete, we visited the Kera Kardiotissa Monastery — a remarkably peaceful place with a beautiful courtyard, ancient icons, and a truly special atmosphere.”

@Viktoriya Amis · crete · 1 day ago

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Crete?

Don't miss these attractions in Crete: Chania, Knossos Palace, and Elafonissi Beach. If you like Food & drink, try Heraklion - Walking City Tour with Food Tasting. If you enjoy Day tours, try Kleanthi Olive Farm: Guided Tour with Local Delicacies Tasting.

You can give Heraklion - Walking City Tour with Food Tasting and Heraklion: Cretan private cooking lesson with lunch in Arolithos a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Kleanthi Olive Farm: Guided Tour with Local Delicacies Tasting, Arriving by cruise ship at Chania - Port of Souda, and Chania: Tales of the Underworld Night Walk w/ Card Reading. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of November 10, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Crete is around USD 23.84 – USD 737.88. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.