greece travel guide book 2023

GREECE TRAVEL GUIDE 2023

The ultimate travel guide with things to see and do, explore athens, santorini, corfu, rhodes, and more. where to stay, eat and drink. plan well and spend less., publisher description.

" Greece Travel Guide 2023: The Ultimate Travel Guide with Things to See and Do, Explore Athens, Santorini, Corfu, Rhodes, and More. Where to Stay, Eat, and Drink. Plan Well and Spend Less" is your ultimate resource for planning an unforgettable trip to Greece. Discover the vibrant city of Athens, with its ancient landmarks and bustling markets. Stroll through the charming streets of Santorini and admire the island's stunning architecture and breathtaking views. Explore the historic city of Corfu, with its picturesque streets and beautiful beaches. Visit the island of Rhodes, known for its medieval old town and crystal-clear waters. And that's just the beginning - this guide covers many more destinations in Greece! With this travel guide, you'll find detailed information on the top things to see and do in each destination, including iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and off-the-beaten-path experiences. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or nature, this guide has something for everyone. Looking for recommendations on where to stay? This guide provides insider tips on the best hotels, resorts, hostels, and vacation rentals in each destination, so you can find the perfect accommodation that fits your budget and preferences. From luxurious resorts to budget-friendly options, there's something for every type of traveler. And what about food? This guide is packed with recommendations on where to eat in each destination, from street food to upscale dining experiences. Discover the delicious flavors of traditional Greek cuisine, including souvlaki, moussaka, gyros, and more. And don't forget to try some of the local specialties, such as feta cheese, olives, and honey! In addition to providing information on what to see, where to stay, and where to eat, this guide also includes practical information on transportation, currency exchange, language, and cultural norms. With this guide, you'll be fully prepared for your Greek adventure, no matter your level of travel experience. " Greece Travel Guide 2023: The Ultimate Travel Guide with Things to See and Do, Explore Athens, Santorini, Corfu, Rhodes, and More. Where to Stay, Eat, and Drink. Plan Well and Spend Less" is your one-stop-shop for planning the trip of a lifetime to Greece. With this guide in hand, you'll be able to create a memorable and cost-effective itinerary that exceeds your expectations. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Greek adventure today!

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Greece Unveiled 2023: A Comprehensive Travel Guide to History, Culture, and Adventure. Experience Greek Landscape, Beaches, and Cuisine. Paperback – May 9 2023

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• History and Culture of Greece
• Things to do
• Must-see attractions
• Food and accommodation
• Transportation
• Tours to join
• Health and safety tips
• Hidden gems
• Print length 193 pages
• Language English
• Publication date May 9 2023
• Dimensions 13.34 x 1.12 x 20.32 cm
• ISBN-13 979-8394046186
• See all details

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Product details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C4N42CN9
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (May 9 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 193 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8394046186
• Item weight ‏ : ‎ 286 g
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 13.34 x 1.12 x 20.32 cm
• #24 in Greece Travel Guides (Books)

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PLANNING A TRIP TO GREECE

Planning a trip to greece.

Planning a trip to Greece can be both incredibly exciting and completely overwhelming. We’ve done it multiple times and yet each year presents new challenges as we flesh out the best Greece itinerary to include new places to discover and old favourites.

Most people want to include Greek Island hopping but what about Athens and the rest of the mainland? How do get there and then get around? Where are the best places to stay and what are the ideal places to see in Greece? Are there Visa requirements? What about Insurance? How far out should I book? What will the weather be like? What to pack!?

These are just some of the questions you will ask yourself when planning a trip to Greece and here is our planning guide to help you! 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate advertising links. This means that if you click through any of the links on this page and decide to make a booking I get a small commission, at no extra no cost to you. This helps fund the running costs of this site.

For heaps of great planning tips and advice make sure you join our Facebook Group too!

Basic Facts about Greece

It consists of 132,000 sq kilometres of land including 227 inhabited islands. The population is just under 11 million people.

The religion is East Orthodoxy ( Christian) , they drive on the right hand side of the road and the calling code is +30.

Passports and Visas

Greece is a member of the European Union and as such all residents of the 26 countries that have signed the Schenghen Agreement do not require a visa.

Other countries such as Singapore, Australia and the USA also do not require one but several countries do. Check the official Government website to be sure.

In 2025 the EU is expected to introduce the requirement for many visitors to complete an ETIAS. Applications are not yet being accepted so keep an eye on the official website .

When is the best time to visit Greece?

We believe there is never a bad time to visit Greece but most people will say the ideal time is May, June,  September and October, when the weather is great and it is shoulder season for tourists.

Peak season is July and August and Easter. Orthodox Easter runs for a full week and is the most important holiday of the year. It’s an incredible time to visit with many celebrations across the nation.

More information on this is available here .

How to get to Greece

It is also common for visitors to arrive by sea on both cruise ships and private yachts and charters as well as by train, road and even on foot!

What are the best places in Greece to see

Greece has many incredible destinations and is considered home to some of the most beautiful and interesting sites in the world. There are 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites with another 16 under consideration.

Most people want to see the Greek Islands and particularly the much-photographed islands of Santorini and Mykonos in the Cyclades Group of islands.There are actually several island groups – the Cyclades , the Dodacannese , the Saronic islands , the Sporades Islands , the Northern Aegean islands and Crete so island hopping in the Greek Islands is popular but does require some research.

Some islands are very romantic and are great for couples whilst others are great for families and many are perfect for solo travellers . Some islands are notorious Party Islands while there are many beautiful lesser-known islands in Greece that really deserve more attention.

There are also some incredible things to see on the mainland including Athens – ancient sites like Delphi and Ancient Olympia as well as places of considerable natural beauty and wonder such as Meteora and Mt Athos . The Peloponnese peninsula is becoming more popular and is thought by many to be the ‘real Greece’.

It is easy to organise your own visit to Greece, using the various tips, links and articles on this website. Some people prefer to have it all organised for them and join tours and that’s fine too. 

How many days in Greece do you need?

The fifty million dollar question. Many people will probably say the best length of time to spend in Greece is 3 months, or even FOREVER, but of course that is not viable for most visitors.

We have a number of suggested itineraries for Greece but as a general rule of thumb would say you need the following minimums ; 

• Greece – 4 days. And you will likely only see Athens and a day trip somewhere else.
• Greek Islands – 5 days, which will give you 2 islands.
• Athens and islands – 7 days
• Crete – 7 days.

Ideal minimum – 2 weeks. Perfect duration 4-6 weeks ( or forever). 

Itineraries for Greece

One of the biggest challenges most people face when planning a trip to Greece is landing on the best itinerary. One that maxismises their time, caters to their interests and stays within their budget.

Many first timers will do the Greek Golden Triangle of Athens-Santorini-Mykonos although some may also venture on to popular spots like Crete , Rhodes and Corfu . Then what? With over 220 populated islands and 131,000 km of area there are so many places to go and things to do you can get TOTALLY overwhelmed.

These are some of the itineraries that we suggest and you can also download our FREE 7 DAY itinerary too!

Greek Island Hopping itineraries

3 days in Athens

7 days in Greece

2 weeks in Greece

10 days in Greece

3 weeks in Greece

3 days in Santorini

Athens, Santorini and Mykonos Itinerary

Our favourite guided tours

Transport in Greece

Transport around the country varies and can be at times woefully inadequate or exceptionally good. Whilst private drivers are not as common nor as affordable as in come countries, they do exist. The train and bus network is not as modern or efficient as those in say, France or Italy but the Ferry network is probably the most extensive and effective, in the world.

In Athens taxis drivers, like many cities, can be a bit hit-and-miss so it pays to have the details of a trusted one. For private transfers, we use and recommended these drivers , and if you use the Promo code “GTS” when you book through this link you will receive a further 10% off! 

For other transport options to and from Athens airport, read our article HERE.

The ferry network is the most extensive and efficient in the world. For bookings we use  Ferryhopper  and we invariably hire a car at each destination even if it’s just for a day or two. Driving in Greece , outside the big cities, is relatively easy, especially on the islands. Be sure to have access to some good maps and do not rely on Google!

In some places, especially Santorini, you will see Donkeys available to ride. We urge you to learn more about that and other transport alternatives on the island too.

To fly between destinations, which is often quicker and cheaper than ferries, we use Aegean/Olympic , although sometimes Skyexpress and even Ryanair will be a good choice. Schedules for ferries, trains and planes are often not available until a few months in advance.

Another popular choice of course is sailing and we have a complete sailing the Greek Island guide to get you started. Cruises are also very popular but be warned the big ships go into ports that can get very crowded, many with over 10,000 passengers a day. Do research on Cruise Critic first to get as much information as possible. 

Tours in Greece

There are many tours to and around Greece. Some focus solely on Greece whilst other may combine other countries such as Italy or Turkey . Some last only a few hours in a single destination whilst other can be your entire holiday. Some move at a frenetic pace whilst others embrace a slow approach to exploring Greece. Some appeal to young people on a tight budget whilst others appeal to wealthy retirees – and everything in between.

Our preferred Private Transfer guys also do some great trips from Athens and can meet you at your hotel or at Pireaus port. They can customize tours to suit your interests and can cater for groups in their brand new Mercedes vans.

We’ve also partnered with a couple of large tour companies that we believe represent good value and have solid reputations. Tour Radar offer great tours between 2 days and 6 weeks from a number of providers including Busabout, Contiki, Insight Vacations, and Trafalgar. 

Get your Guide are great for doing local activities and day trips, including boat trips and food tours.

For a full list of our recommendations see our Tours in Greece article. 

Accommodation in Greece

We try and support businesses in Greece that are family owned and run when booking accommodation in Greece . This isn’t always possible but when we do we generally use Booking.com. They often allow free cancellation and have the largest portfolio in the country with everything from B&Bs to All Inclusive resorts.

Greek hotels are famous worldwide for their hospitality and amenities. Many are small family run properties that have been in families for many generations and are quite different to what you may be used to at home. Tariffs almost always include a generous breakfast and many rooms have small kitchens. Laundry is usually inexpensive and it’s great to have a connection with locals who are available 24/7 to organise anything you need including car hire, restaurant bookings and more.

Sometimes it is more convenient to stay in private Villas and apartments, especially if you are a larger group. We recommend Vrbo/Stayz who have a great range of quality properties across Greece.

There is some very unique accommodation in Greece and it can be very special to stay in a converted windmill, fishing hut, cave house or Ottoman Mansion. Even Glamping tents, farms and boats!

Like anywhere the locals appreciate your efforts to learn a few useful phrases of Greek , even if its just the basics like Hello, thank you and Goodbye.

It is a relatively easy language to learn with many Greek words used in English and other languages today. The difficulty of course is in the delivery.

Greek Culture

Without a doubt one of the main things visitors to Greece enjoy the most is the Greek Culture . There are a number of things that make it really stand out including the world-famous Greek Hospitality but there’s also the unique architecture, food , dancing, music and more.

When you return home for the first time, or even if you have visited countless times, you will probably be looking for ways to stay connected to the culture and even explore it further.

We have a lot of resources including a whole page on the Greek Culture as well as a Recipe page , and an article full of reading suggestions , one with our recommended Greek Playlist and another about movies set in Greece as well.

If you’re a history buff then be sure to check out this article on Greek Mythology and where to see the most amazing archeological sites.

What to pack for a holiday in Greece

.First and foremost you need to pack light. When you’re dragging your bag over narrow cobblestones, up and down ferry gangplanks, and putting it in the back of small rental cars you will be VERY glad of this.

I have a small hardcover Lojel bag which I adore -it’s waterproof and takes a beating. I can usually use it as carryon on the planes but it can also expand if I do some shopping and I can then check it in. It has come in handy as both a table and a chair at times too! There are similar ones on Amazon such as the Hanke and Level8 Grace – both with front opening compartments.

There are some wonderful shops in Greece so if you love shopping you can pack mostly essentials and pick up many things there. As I often say they are the inventors of sandals and togas and their shoes and kaftans to this day are gorgeous. There are a LOT of great things to buy !

Things you will need for much of the year are swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent,light natural fiber dresses/shorts/shirts/tops, toiletries and shoes. There are lots of steps so you need good walking shoes – flipflops/thongs, reef/surf shoes and a pair of sneakers. I usually buy a hat when I get there and give it away when we leave, the same goes for a cheap towel or two. It also pays to have a reusable shopping bag that can double as a beach bag.

Read more about what to pack for Greece including toiletries and electronics in our complete packing guide for women and there is now one for men too.

You may also want things like hairdryers/styling irons, heels, and an evening clutch but I have found these things rarely get used, if ever. Things are casual in Greece, especially in summer. It’s not unusual to see people swim over to dinner from their boats on the islands!

Money in Greece

The official currency of Greece is the Euro . Do not try and pay in other currencies.

Cash is still very much appreciated and credit card facilities in remote areas may be scarce. Legally you must always be given a receipt including and clearly showing, the local taxes.

Tipping is not expected in Greece as Europe does not have a tipping culture. If, however, you would like to tip for great service it is always appreciated. 10% is a respectable amount.

Don’t leave home without insurance!

It’s important to make sure you are covered, not just for medical expenses ( some people may have cover for this with their health insurance in certain countries) but also for lost baggage, flight and ferry delays and cancellations, theft, and emergencies, including something that happens back home while you are away.

Medical treatment in Greece is very good but facilities sometimes are not, so you want to be sure you are covered for the best care in the best clinics and hospitals.

Also, be sure to read the fine print about things such as ‘adventure sports’ which can include ATV and Scooter hire as well as para-sailing and scuba diving. You can often add these at an extra cost but some policies won’t cover them at all.

If you are from the USA we recommend doing a comparison on Travel Insurance Masters.

Stay connected

WiFi is widely available for free throughout Greece. Almost all cafes and tavernas offer it as do hotels, airports and many popular attractions.

Many travellers either choose to buy cheap local ‘burner phones’ on arrival, local SIM cars or use their home carrier. We have a deal with Vodaphone for $5 in many countries including Greece although even this can end up being expensive on a long trip.

Another option is to get an e-SIM. Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travelers access to eSIMs for over 200 countries/regions and visitors can get connected anywhere in the world as soon as they land.

Regardless of which method you use make sure you take note of important contacts and emergency numbers in Greece.

Further reading: Frequently Asked Questions about Greece

(tipping, toilet paper, drivers permits, safety and more)

Start booking your trip now!

BOOK FLIGHTS

BOOK A SAILING TRIP

BOOK TICKETS TO SITES AND MONUMENTS

BOOK A TOUR

BOOK FERRY TICKETS

GET INSURANCE

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13 things to know before you go to Greece and the Greek Islands

Mar 6, 2024 • 8 min read

These top planning tips can help you prep for a trip to Greece, from health and safety to local etiquette © EMS-FORSTER-PRODUCTIONS / Getty Images

Get out your bucket list; it’s time to cross off a major line item: Greece . 

The fabled land remains tops for culture , food, outdoor travel, art and, of course, beaches and islands . As part of the border-free Schengen Area, it’s also incredibly easy to visit for many travelers worldwide. From advance booking to local etiquette – and health and safety issues when you're there – here's everything you need to know to plan a memorable trip to Greece.

1. Choose your season wisely

Your experience in Greece will be wildly different depending on when you visit . Summer is tops for action, family fun, and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, but prices are at their highest and pre-booking is necessary for everything since it’s all so popular.

The shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) are a delight – prices are lower, and rooms and resources are more readily available. Winter offers a moody and budget-friendly retreat, great for walking, hiking and sedate travels where you will often be the only visitor around. Bear in mind that some businesses will shut down completely during the low season.

2. Prioritize your wishlist and make a plan

Do you want a grand tour, taking in the not-to-be-missed highlights all over Greece, or would you prefer to focus your time on exploring your favorite islands  or regions, like the Peloponnese ?

The best way to choose from the dizzying array of options on offer is to focus on what is important to you – relaxing on beautiful beaches, learning more about Greece's fascinating history and culture , museums and archaeology, off-the-beaten-track wildlife, or partying until dawn – and plan accordingly.

3. Find the perfect island or region for you

Greece merits multiple trips as every island offers something different , and each of its regions is equally dazzling – you're never going to see everything on your first visit, and you'll ruin your trip if you pressure yourself to do just that. Also, don’t be fooled that the biggies are the only islands worthy of your attention. Though Mykonos , Santorini and the major names have plenty to offer, lesser-known islands (there are hundreds!) like Amorgos or Kythira are also a delight. They've also got the added bonus of smaller crowds and lower prices if that's a key consideration for you.

4. Athens isn't the only gateway to Greece

In many cases, you will find it useful to transit in or out of Greece via Athens , as its airport has connections with numerous international destinations, and the city itself is a gem . However, there are other international airports around the Greek mainland (such as in Thessaloniki ) and on some major islands (such as Mykonos , Santorini  and  Corfu ).

If you need any internal flights to get to your destination of choice, it's worth checking the price of these individually. Due to government subsidies, it can work out significantly cheaper to book each part of your Greek itinerary separately from your international flights.

5. Book everything in advance during peak season

In peak season , prices are high, and demand for car hire, accommodations and ferry tickets is even higher – this is not the time for ad hoc bookings on the fly. Greece is an incredibly popular summer destination, and the best options get snapped up well in advance.

6. Roads in Greece are for confident drivers

No one who has traveled on Greece’s roads will be surprised to hear that the country’s road fatality rate is one of the highest in Europe. Overtaking is listed as the greatest cause of accidents. Heart-stopping moments aside, your own car is a great way to explore off the beaten track if you are confident in your driving and keep a few key points in mind.

• The road network has improved enormously in recent years; many roads marked as dirt tracks on older maps have now been sealed, and a lot of the islands have very little traffic.
• There are regular (if costly) car-ferry services to almost all islands.
• Greece is not the best place to initiate yourself into motorcycling. If you're not confident on a motorbike, it may be best to park this option until you have more experience.
• All the big multinational car-rental companies are represented in Athens, and most have branches in major towns and popular tourist destinations. The majority of islands have at least one outlet.

7. Greece is not very wheelchair-friendly beyond Athens

Access for travelers with disabilities has improved somewhat in recent years, but the majority of accessible sights, hotels and restaurants tend to be located in Athens. While improvements are on the horizon for beach access,  much of the rest of Greece remains inaccessible to wheelchairs, and the abundance of stones, marble, slippery cobbles and stepped alleys create frustrating barriers for those with mobility issues. People who have visual or hearing impairments are also rarely catered for.

Careful planning before you go can make a world of difference. There are specific resources online that provide links to local articles, resorts and tour groups catering to tourists with physical disabilities.

8. Pack the right kinds of clothing

Athenians are well-dressed, and the younger crowd is trendy, so keep your smart clothes for the urban catwalk of clubs and bars. Nevertheless, in Athens and other metropolises such as Rhodes , Thessaloniki and Iraklio , everyday attire such as shorts or jeans and casual tops are just fine.

Bars or fashionable restaurants require more effort – the scene is stylish rather than dressy. Think tops and trousers rather than T-shirts and cut-offs. In out-of-the-way places, you can wear casual clothing, and in summer, the heat will make you want to wear the least amount of fabric you can get away with – bring quick-drying tank tops and cool dresses.

Sturdy walking shoes are a must for the cobbled roads, and proper hiking boots are key if you're exploring the countryside on foot . It's respectful to cover up before entering churches.

9. Learn some basic Greek phrases

Greek is a tough language to learn thoroughly, but mastering a few basic greetings and niceties will make a world of difference in how Greek speakers receive you. In touristed areas, many people speak English, so rest assured that you can get by as long as you know some key phrases.

10. Carry cash and don't rely on cards or ATMs

As part of the EU, Greece uses the euro. In restaurants, a service charge is normally included in the bill, and while a tip is not expected (as it is in North America), it is always appreciated. Taxi drivers normally expect you to round up the fare, while bellhops who help you carry your luggage to your hotel room or stewards on ferries who take you to your cabin normally expect a small gratuity of between €1 and €3.

ATMs are found in every town large enough to support a bank and in almost all the tourist areas. Be aware that ATMs on the islands can lose their connection for a day or two at a time, making it impossible for anyone (locals included) to withdraw money. It’s useful to keep some backup cash just in case this happens during your visit.

Credit cards are now an accepted part of the commercial scene in Greece, although they’re often not accepted on many of the smaller islands or in small villages. Don't rely on your cards alone, and check in advance when dining or drinking if it's your only option.

11. Make sure you have good travel insurance

Although medical training is of a high standard in Greece, the public health service is underfunded. Hospitals can be overcrowded, and relatives are expected to bring in food for the patient – often a problem for solo travelers. Conditions and treatment are much better in private hospitals, which are expensive. All this means that a comprehensive travel insurance policy is essential.

There is at least one doctor on every island, and larger islands have hospitals. Pharmacies can dispense medicines that are available only on prescription in most European countries. If the situation isn't critical, it's often best to consult a pharmacist first for minor ailments.

12. Stay hydrated and remember how powerful the sun can be

Tap water isn't safe to drink on many islands – if in doubt, ask. Keeping a supply of bottled water to hand is essential for hydration as well as safety; many tourists underestimate how hot it can get in Greece, and heatstroke and serious sunburn are common on beaches with little shade.

Break up your sun-drenched siestas with time in the shade getting hydrated, and pack plenty of high-factor sunscreen. Mosquitos are an irritant rather than a danger – packing insect repellant is recommended.

13. Pickpocketing and other petty crime is common in busy places

The major risks of theft in Greece are pickpockets in the large cities and theft of belongings when lounging on busy, popular beaches (leave passports behind in hotel safes). Never leave your belongings unattended, and don't leave your bags hanging from the back of your seat where you can't keep an eye on them. 

The tourist police work in cooperation with the regular Greek police. Each tourist police office has at least one member of staff who speaks English. If you need to report a theft or loss of passport, go to the tourist police first, and they will act as interpreters between you and the regular police.

Some unscrupulous taxi drivers will try to charge you extortionate rates from the airports to the city centers. Always make sure the meter is running or pre-negotiate and agree on the price before you get in.

This article was first published Mar 1, 2022 and updated Mar 6, 2024.

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Home | Crete Travel Guide for 2024

Crete Travel Guide for 2024

by Violeta Matei | Crete , Greek Islands

#1 top pick

Full Day Trip to Knossos Cave of Zeus and Olive Oil Factory

• ☑ Transport by luxury air conditioned minivan (maximum capacity 7 people) with wi-fi on board
• ☑ Pickup and drop-off from your hotel harbor or designated meeting points
• ☑ Bottled water, fruit salad, coffee
• ☑ Experience the grandeur of Knossos Palace and the mystique of Zeus Cave, Diktaion Andron. Traverse charming villages, connect with locals, and immerse in the art of olive oil production. Indulge in the finest olive oil, honey, and raki, awakening your senses to Crete’s flavors.
• ☑ Duration: 7-8 hours
• ⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (45 reviews), Badge of Excellence on Viator

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Crete is the largest Greek island and an awesome vacation destination, a Greek island for older couples , as well as for younger ones. It is one of the Greek islands that have airports. Whatever your travel style, your passions and your budget, you’ll find something to love about Crete. This travel guide shares information on how to get to Crete, where to stay, how to get around on the island, how many days to spend and how to plan your trip.

For itineraries and details on specific objectives, please follow the links in this guide. For a synopsis of the main Greek islands groups , check out the previous link.

One week in Crete is the minimum time you need to scratch the surface of this place, where history meets modern life, where weeds on the roadside are romantic and colorful, and food is fresh and delicious. The remains of the Minoan civilization are scattered across the entire island.

My first encounter with Crete took place one very early morning. I reached the island coming by sea on a night ferry from Athens to Heraklion.

The morning sun casting its warm light on the yellowish stone walls of the Koules Fortress won my heart forever. I irremediably fell in love with Crete, the place where I was supposed to spend all the rest of my life in. Even though life took me away from this island, I’ve always found pleasure in coming back to Crete, even for a short visit.

Contents of Crete Travel Guide for 2024

Is Crete a Country or Part of Greece?

Getting to crete by air, getting to crete by ferry from athens, getting to crete by ferry from santorini, renting a car in crete, driving in crete, when to visit crete, how many days would you need to visit crete, accommodation in chania, tours & things to do in chania, accommodation in rethymno (rethymnon), tours & things to do in rethymno, accommodation in heraklion, accommodation in lasithi.

Crete is part of Greece since 1913. Between 1898 and 1913 Crete was an autonomous country. Before 1898, for about two centuries, Crete belonged to the Ottoman Empire. For four centuries before the Ottoman occupation, Crete belonged to Venice.

The history of Crete goes back to the prehistoric age. Radiocarbon dating shows that Crete was inhabited about 130,000 years ago . If you thought that the Minoan Empire remains were amazingly old (dating back from 3000 BC – 1200 BC), you’d need to reconsider your thinking. According to some sources, the Minoan empire disappeared as a consequence of a major volcanic eruption on Santorini that triggered a tsunami which destroyed almost all buildings on the north coast of Crete. Even though there were survivors, the Minoans were never able to recover from this catastrophe.

How To Get to Crete?

There are two ways to travel to Crete: by air and by sea.

There are two international airports on Crete: Nikos Kazantakis in Heraklion (HER) and Ioannis Daskalogiannis in Chania (CHQ). These airports receive multiple flights per day, both from Athens and from other cities in Europe. When choosing your airport, you should take into account your desired Crete itinerary. If you want to visit Chania Town and the western part of Crete, you’ll be better off taking a flight to Chania. If you’d like to explore the eastern part of this Greek island, you’d be better off landing in Heraklion. I’d recommend that you take a road trip across Crete to cover as much as possible. If this is what you want to do, then it matters less which airport you choose to land on.

Ferries to Crete depart from Piraeus. There are two lines that operate on this route: Minoan Lines (journey duration between 9h 30min and 9h 50min) and Anek Superfast (journey duration 9 hours). On Fridays there’s also an Aegeon Pelagos boat, but the journey takes almost 17 hours, so I wouldn’t take it into account when planning my trip to Crete.

If you choose to travel by night, you’ll board on the ferry by 9pm and you’ll arrive to Heraklion early in the morning. I recommend you to book a cabin or at least a berth is a shared cabin. The cheapest ferry tickets are for deck passengers and they don’t entitle you to a specific seat. You’ll see people sleeping on three or even four seats, people sleeping on the floors and people sleeping on the couches. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to sleep on a couch, but you’ll arrive to Crete way too tired to do anything the first day.

There are several ferries per day from Santorini (Thira) to Heraklion. The journey takes less than two hours. If you want to plan an island hoping trip, this is the way to ensure you visit both Santorini and Crete. You can make Crete your final destination in Greece and then fly back home from Heraklion.

It takes more than five hours of driving from the far west to the far east of the island. Although there is a public bus service, it isn’t convenient for exploring multiple places in one day. The best way to see Crete is to rent a car. If you can’t drive, you’ll want to check some organized tours.

I recommend AutoRentals Crete . I’m neither affiliated with them nor do I make any money if you use them. I just had a positive experience with them during my last trip to Crete, in June 2021. You can book your car online and have it wait for you at the airport or wherever else you want on Crete. Their cars are new and in great condition and they come with full insurance without no excess, no mileage limit, free second driver and free baby seat, if needed.

Another car rental company I’ve used and was pleased with was Arkadi , in Rethymno. They also deliver their cars wherever you want on the island.

Driving in Crete is on the right side of the road. In northern Crete there’s a national road that connects the main towns, Chania, Rethymno and Heraklion. This excellent asphalt road stretches along the coast from Kissamos to Sitia and it is currently undergoing modernization works.

The speed limit on the 90 National Road (also known as VOAK) is 90km/h. Part of this road has already been modernized, so it is now a four lanes highway with median separation and emergency lane.

The roads that cross the mountains are an entirely different thing. Narrow, steep and windy, they can easily give you thrills, particularly if you aren’t an experienced driver. You don’t need to worry, though, because everyone drives carefully on those roads.

In the photo below there’s a road that leads from Georgioupolis to Kournas Lake , the only freshwater natural lake on the island and a great place to hone your kayak and pedalo skills.

The best time to visit Crete is between mid-May and late October. If you want to avoid the crowds, don’t go to Crete in July or August. Late fall can also be good, as the sea temperature is still perfect for swimming. Here are historical weather data for Crete.

As you’ll see, summer in Crete starts on May 1st and it ends on November 1st. During the peak season, even remote beaches are crowded, not to mention that popular spots such as Elafonissi, Falassarna, Matala, Chania Town, Knossos and Heraklion are chocked-full of tourists.

Crete is the largest Greek island and the fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean area. You’d need more than five hours to drive along the northern coast from one end to the other, as the length of the island is 260km. The width varies between 12km and 60km.

There’s no way you can drive around Crete. Also, there are places you can only access by boat. The minimum number of days you need to visit Crete is five. However, for a more extensive itinerary that would cover all major objectives, you may want to spend two weeks on the island. This also depends on the time of year you visit Crete. From September to May you get less daylight time than during June – August.

If you’re willing to move across the island as you explore the different regions you’ll cover more than if you were to pick one base location and drive back and forth everyday.

Where To Stay on Crete?

From west to east, Crete is separated into four prefectures: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Lassithi. As the island is long and narrow, the best way to explore it is to move from place to place. Get four-five days in the west (Kissamos, Chania or Kalyves), then move toward the central area (Rethymno, Agia Galini, Plakias, Matala), and end your trip somewhere in the east (Sitia or Ierapetra).

Chania , on the north coast of Crete is a charming town and a great place to stay to explore the northwestern and western areas of the island. By getting accommodation in or near Chania Town, you’ll be close to lots of beautiful places to see such as Seitan Limania , Marathi Beach, Agia Marina Beach, Kissamos, Balos, Gravmousa, Falassarna Beach, Elafonissi Beach, Menies Beach , the Omalos Plateau, Samaria Gorge, Imbros Gorge, and the Old Center of Chania with the Venetian Harbor and the lighthouse.

Here are a few of the best Chania beaches to add to your bucket list.

For a beach vacation combined with day trips across Western Crete, I recommend Cretan Dream Royal, a hotel in Stalos, a short walk away from the blue flag awarded beach of Agia Marina. Click here to choose your dates and to see photos, client reviews and room rates at the price of today, [todaysdate].

Here’s a guide to Chania Old Town , with lots of fresh photos and information.

Sunset view from Cretan Dream Royal hotel in Stalos, near Chania Town

Here’s a selection of tours you may want to explore for planning purposes. By clicking the following links, you’ll get to see the latest prices for the tours and also book your spot online.

Boat Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa from Kissamos Port

Full-Day Samaria Gorge Trekking Excursion from Chania

Day Trip to Elafonissi Island from Chania

Boat Trip with Guided Snorkeling and Stand-Up Paddling from Chania

Day Trip to Santorini by Bus and Boat from Chania

Rethymno , also on the north coast of Crete, is another romantic town, ideal for exploring the middle region and the southwestern coast of the island. You’ll be close to Kournas Lake , the mountain village of Spili, Agia Galini, Matala, Plakias, and Frangokastello.

The prefecture of Rethymno is the best choice of accommodation for exploring the main cities of Crete and many of the most important objectives without moving from place to place. Furthermore, Rethymno Town is charming, so you’ll have the opportunity to stroll its narrow streets by evening.

My top accommodation recommendation in the prefecture of Rethymno is Argiri Apartments & Suits , in Kavros, Georgioupolis . Located at 20 minutes’ drive from Rethymno Town and 40 minutes’ drive from Chania Town, Argiri Apartments & Suits is a great place to set as your base camp for exploring Western Crete.

Heraklion and the Palace of Knossos are about two hours of driving away.

The chapel and the courtyard of Argiri Apartments & Suits – view from our apartment.

Should you prefer to find accommodation somewhere in the southern part of Rethymno prefecture, you can check out Glaros in Agia Galini, here .

Plakias and Preveli Beach Full-Day Trip

Half-Day Quad Bike Safari

Visit Preveli on a Full-Day Land Rover Safari

Visit Balos Bay and Gramvousa Island from Rethymno

Take a Day Trip to Elafonissi from Rethymno

Take a Pirate Boat Cruise with Swimming Stops

Heraklion , also spelled Heraklio, Iraklio, Irakleio or Iraklion, is the capital city of Crete and also the name of one of the four administrative-territorial units of the island. Heraklion can be a great place to stay on Crete if you want to visit Knossos, Cretaquarium, the southeastern coast and the coastal area between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos.

I’ve only spent one night in Heraklion on the occasion of coming to Crete by ferry. If I were to spend more days in Heraklio Town, I’d check out Lato Boutique Hotel, here . It is very close to the port, it has very nice views (and I think that was the hotel I slept that night in 10 years ago).

Lato Hotel Heraklio Town overlooking Koules Fort and the port

Lasithi is best for exploring the far east of Crete. Ierapetra is the largest town in this prefecture and the only town on the southern coast of Crete. Ierapetra is the starting point of boat trips to Chrisi Island. Sitia, a small town on the northern coast, boasts its own airport, hosting a few flights to and from Athens, as well as flights to a few other islands.

During the high season, charter flights may land in Sitia. This is an area I’m still to visit. I’m currently doing research on the best hotels in Sitia and Ierapetra. I’ll update this article as soon as I have news. For now, here’s a link to the search results for Lasithi on Booking.com . Most probably, the summer of 2024 will find me in Ierapetra.

Ferry Timetables

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