With a tapestry of castaway beaches, dreamy villages and enchanting scenery, Greece’s largest island, Crete, has everything you could wish for. But natural beauty and unspoiled charm aren’t the only draws. The birthplace of Zeus has an incredible history, showcased in world-famous archaeological sites and museums stuffed with antiquities.
There are wildlife-rich gorges to roam on foot as well as hidden churches, tiny hamlets and secluded beaches to be discovered by bike. Out on the water, boats carry snorkellers and swimmers to idyllic coves and bays.
Crete’s inclusiveness is favoured by many. But if you’re one of the rare few yet to visit – what are you waiting for?
We’ve figured out the best way to spend a week in Crete, and now we’re spilling the beans. Broken down to suit all ages and tastes (with heaps of variety), our week itinerary will ensure your Cretan holiday goes off without a hitch.
There are some truly amazing beaches in Crete which makes it a great place to visit for anyone seeking sun and sand. The island is blessed with some of the finest beaches in Europe, ranging from untouched hidden gems to idyllic sandy resorts. If you plan to spend 7 days in Crete, make sure you visit as many of our recommendations as possible for the ultimate Greek island experience.
Elafonissi was named one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete thanks to its unique pink sand and vibrant wildflowers, which will appeal to visitors who want to immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty.
The island is a protected nature reserve connected to Crete by a shallow reef. Despite being a protected area, sun loungers are available to rent as well as other amenities like kitesurfing.
You can walk over to the island through the shallow lagoon waters for a peaceful wander away from the crowds. The islet is very small, just one mile long, but you will find some excellent hiking opportunities and can observe the miraculous rock formations and stunning flora.
If you want to dive into water sports in Crete then Koureménos Beach is all yours for the taking. It’s a given that the beach is known for its interchangeable winds, but you can also expect a pretty fine sand-and-pebbly beach. If you decide to bring family and friends who aren’t so keen on less-than-calm waters, don’t worry, they can find a cosy spot by one of the tavernas.
In the northeast region of Lassithi lies a magical beach called Vai. It stands apart from other beaches in Crete as it is surrounded by the largest palm tree forest in Europe. In the past, the beach was a free camping site, but this is now prohibited.
Vai is one of the island’s biggest attractions, so you can imagine that it gets pretty crowded during the high season. But don’t let that put you off, as the soft supple sand and vibrant blue water aren’t to be missed.
Situated on the northwest coast of Crete, Chania is a charming Greek town that features extraordinary Venetian architecture as well as a historic harbour. Staying in Chania gives you access to some of the best beaches in Crete like Elafonissi and Balos, which are great places to visit for some leisure and relaxation.
The Best Foodie Experiences in Crete
Crete for Families
The Best Group Activities in Crete
Featured villas: Villa Venus, Villa Elounda Megali, Villa Zorba, Villa Barozzi, Villa Agapios
If you’re looking for more villa inspiration dive into our Cretan villas that have all been chosen for their picturesque locations and quirky features.
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