Top vacation destinations in Crete
Greece's largest island, Crete is known for its deep history, thrilling landscape, gorgeous beaches, and some of the kindest people you'll ever meet. Among Greeks, Cretans are famed for their dignity, courage, hospitality, and lust for life. Crete was once home to the Minoans, a Bronze Age civilization whose seafaring traders made possible its artistic and architectural achievements, which you can still see today, especially at Knossos Palace. Since then, the island's numerous rulers are evident through its Roman ruins, impressive Venetian fortresses, charming Ottoman mosques, and the masterpieces of the Cretan Renaissance.
Crete's nature is striking and diverse. The lesser-known region of Lassithi boasts a plethora of adrenaline-pumping experiences as well as some of the island’s most jaw-dropping beaches, such as Chrysi Island. Crete is also home to two caves claiming to be Zeus' birthplace. There are plenty of opportunities here for caving, hiking, birdwatching, and scuba diving, including in the ruins of the sunken ancient city of Olous.
Crete is a feast for all the senses. Lovers of culinary pleasures will be amazed by the bountiful flavors produced in Crete, renowned for its healthy cuisine. The culinary traditions and fragrant olive oil, produced from among the world's oldest olive trees, honor the island’s unique heritage. Crete is one of those places that will capture your heart, which will whisper for you to return, and perhaps you will!
Popular Crete Vacation Itineraries
Our suggested itineraries in Crete allow you to enjoy a multi-destination tour with ease. Our Crete vacation packages make traveling in Greece and neighboring countries hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.
* Starting price is per person, in US Dollars, based on double occupancy in 3 star accommodation, in the most affordable month an itinerary is offered. Airfare to Europe is not included.
Click on your choice of itinerary, select number of travelers in your party, month of travel, and desired star level of accommodation to get an approximate price. Submit the enquiry form with any additional details and we can start planning your customized trip.
Glowing Reviews from Our Guests
Average of our Guest's Ratings of our Greek vacation packages, based on 65 reviews
I have already told some friends that this was the first time we had an itinerary like this and that Jayway did an amazing job and we recommend them
– Marisa & Roger, Maryland
Visited : Greece
Itinerary : Athens, Santorini, Chania
Rating :
Very easy to work with. Great guest page. Very knowledgeable staff.
– Leslie & Constantine, Connecticut
Visited : Greece
Itinerary : Athens, Naxos, Santorini
Rating :
If you want to have a stress free vacation, choose Jayway Travel!
– David & Karen, Washington
Visited : Greece
Itinerary : Athens, Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion, Corfu, Athens
Rating :
Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Crete
How do I get to Crete?
If you're already in Greece getting to Crete is easy. Many cities have direct flights to either of the island's airports, Chania and Heraklion, and if you're already in the Cyclades then a relatively short ferry is also an option. The car ferry from Athens takes too long to be worth considering. There are no direct flights from the US to Crete but many cities throughout Europe also have inexpensive direct flights to Crete so you can either book a flight with stops, or make the most of the opportunity and spend a couple of days in another of our European destinations on the way.
Is Crete a good choice for first time visitors to Greece?
Yes! Crete can give you everything you expect from a Greece vacation and more! Marvellous coastline and beaches, rich gastronomic culture that Greeks not from Crete praise as the country's best food, and even some ancient ruins. Crete is one of the most welcoming and easy-going parts of Greece and would make for a hard-to-beat introduction to the country.
How many days do I need to see Crete?
We recommend at least a week if you're staying in more than one destination in Crete and even that will most likely leave you wishing you had longer! If you have just a few days for Crete as part of a tour including other islands we suggest keeping to to one destination . If you want to do more sightseeing than relaxation we suggest Chania for the widest choice of excursions, or Heraklion if ancient ruins are top of your list. For a relaxed stay, Agios Nikolaos, with its beachfront properties, fits the bill best.
Is Crete a good destination for a honeymoon?
Crete is perfect for honeymooners. With the ability to pick from old town centre hotels to be in the thick of it for food tours and day trips, to beachfront resorts for some pampering and relaxation, and the options for cooking classes, guided hikes through spectacular gorges, or private or shared sailing days, Crete is a goldilocks destination for honeymooners. Crete's cuisine is considered Greece's best and when paired with local wines, every meal is a celebration.