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Things to do in Crete

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Top 10 attractions in Crete

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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
Knossos Palace

Knossos Palace

4.8
3.8/5
38 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
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, many buildings and fortifications were built near the port until it was captured by the Ottomans of the Turks in 1645. Today the port is named after it. With its sapphire-blue Cretan waters and colorful houses scattered around the harbour, it's perfect for a casual stroll and experience the ease of the old town.Greece · Chania
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
Balos Lagoon
No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Crete

Balos Lagoon

4.1
5.0/5
10 reviews
Balos Lagoon is located in the northwest corner of Crete. It is a shallow beach between two mountains. One side extends shallowly into the sea, and the other side is a rock submerged by the sea. The water here is extremely clear, and the beach is also fine and soft, which is very comfortable to walk on. If you want to come here, you can sign up for a one-day tour in Kissamos and arrive by boat.Greece · Kissamos
Spinalonga
No. 6 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
Rocca a Mare | Koules
No. 7 of Best Things to Do in Crete

Rocca a Mare | Koules

4.1
4.8/5
18 reviews
Rocca a Mare | Koules is situated on the breakwater of the Old Port of Heraklion, serving as a combination of a fortress and a prison, and a testament to ancient invasions and resistance. Built in the 16th century, the outer walls of the fortress feature the icon of the Lion of Saint Mark, a symbol of the Venetian rule. You'll find locals fishing around the fortress, and in the evening, many locals come here to stroll and play music. The coastline and sunset here are beautiful.Greece · Heraklion
Seitan Limania Beach

Seitan Limania Beach

4.1
Seitan Limania Beach is a beautiful beach located near Chania on the island of Crete. It is known for its clear waters, spectacular cliffs, and beautiful natural scenery. Here, visitors can admire the spectacular cliffs, and also swim, dive, and snorkel in the sea to enjoy a variety of beautiful marine life.Greece · Akrotiri

Experiences you can't miss in Crete

Featured Cultural experiences in Crete

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Chania Audio Tour: Echoes of Faith and Ancient Streets
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Duration: 1 hr
English
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20% off
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FromSAR 26.88SAR 33.6
Heraklion Audio Tour: Echoes of Empires and Sacred Spaces
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Duration: 1 hr
English
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20% off
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FromSAR 21.83SAR 27.29
Rethymno Audio Tour: Mosques, Myths & the Fortress of Time
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Duration: 1 hr
English
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20% off
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FromSAR 21.83SAR 27.29
Lychnostatis Open Air Museum : Grape-Feast every Wednesday
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4.7/5
· 30 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
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26 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
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FromSAR 59.91SAR 63.07
Zeus Cave, Lassithi Plateau, Olive Oil Factory, Kritza, Pottery
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FromSAR 425.15
Rethymno Old Town: 6-Stop Traditional Cretan Food Tour
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5.0/5
· 114 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
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100 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
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FromSAR 355.47SAR 374.18
From Chania: Day trip to Loutro Beach & Village with Guide
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5.0/5
· 6 reviews
Duration: 10 hrs
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5% off
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FromSAR 127.81SAR 134.54
Crete: Knossos Palace, Archaeological Museum & Heraklion
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Duration: 8 hrs
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5% off
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FromSAR 179.73SAR 189.19

Featured Day tours in Crete

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Elafonissi Beach Trip from Chania
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4.3/5
· 275 reviews· 37 booked
Duration: 12 hrs
Free cancellation
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FromSAR 116.08
Kleanthi Olive Farm: Guided Tour with Local Delicacies Tasting
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Duration: 75 mins
English
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FromSAR 90.27
Crete: City Tour of Heraklion with Knossos Palace visit
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FromSAR 186.86
Arriving by cruise ship at Chania - Port of Souda
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 1–7 hrs
English
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FromSAR 2,793.68
Chania: PistaPark Go-Karting Ticket 10 Minutes Ticket
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Duration: 10 mins
English
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5% off
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FromSAR 219.67SAR 231.24
Crete: Bus tour to Red Beach/Kokkini Ammos
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Duration: 7 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromSAR 172.85
Chania: PistaPark Go-Karting with Double Kart for 10 Minutes
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Duration: 10 mins
English
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5% off
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FromSAR 263.60SAR 277.48
Rethymno: Canyoning Tour in the Kourtaliotiko Gorge
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4.8/5
· 9 reviews
Duration: 3.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromSAR 479.28SAR 504.51

Featured Food & drink in Crete

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Cooking Lesson in Heraclion
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Duration: 4 hrs
English
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FromSAR 408.34
Heraklion - Walking City Tour with Food Tasting
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromSAR 494.29
Heraklion: Cretan private cooking lesson with lunch in Arolithos
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5.0/5
· 6 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
English
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FromSAR 472.38
Rethymno: Authentic Cooking Class with a Local
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 4 hrs
English
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5% off
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FromSAR 419.37SAR 441.45
Heraklion: Small-Group Cretan Cuisine Cooking Class
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Duration: 5 hrs
English
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FromSAR 819.83
The Real Cretan Cooking Experience
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4.9/5
· 358 reviews
Duration: 6 hrs
English
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98.9% of travelers recommend
FromSAR 472.80
Crete Wine and Olive Oil Tour
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4.9/5
· 119 reviews
Duration: 6 hrs
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45 consecutive positive reviews
FromSAR 515.79
Heraklion: Cretan Wine Tasting Experience
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Duration: 1 hr
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FromSAR 147.15

More ways to travel from Crete

Private Tours in Crete

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What travellers say about Crete

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穿白衬衣的薄荷星March 12, 2022
5.0
About the Pink Lake: (Pink Lake in English: Las coloradas) The Pink Lake is about 3 hours away from Cancun by car. It is actually a salt field. The lake is pink because there are various red microorganisms in the lake water, which forms such a spectacular pink lake. (The photo is almost pink without any color adjustment) 🚃About how to get there: It is mentioned above that it takes at least 3 hours one way, because it will pass through a more remote road (the kind that you can't see houses and people for several kilometers), and when you pass these places [the mobile phone will have no signal! The mobile phone will have no signal! The mobile phone will have no signal! ] If there is an accident during the driving, the consequences will be disastrous. Based on what 👆🏻 said above, I really don't recommend driving there. I personally think that the safest way to go is to sign up for a local One Day Tour, which costs about 70-120 US dollars. Why is there such a big difference? Because this is negotiable, my price is 75 US dollars/person, just for your reference. ⚠️Here are some precautions: Because this is a private salt field, everyone must abide by the relevant regulations: such as no water, no drones, etc.

Elafonissi Beach

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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

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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

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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)

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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

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zana85January 6, 2022
5.0
Breathtaking view😍 worthit escape holiday😍

Balos Lagoon

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BEARLTUSeptember 24, 2022
4.0
For me kinda boring. Not very much what to see just like simple castle 🏰 from sand but big 😂

Rocca a Mare | Koules

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Crete?

Don't miss these attractions in Crete: Elafonissi Beach, Knossos Palace, and Old Venetian Port of Chania. If you like Cultural experiences, try Chania Audio Tour: Echoes of Faith and Ancient Streets. If you enjoy Day tours, try Elafonissi Beach Trip from Chania.

You can give Cooking Lesson in Heraclion and Heraklion - Walking City Tour with Food Tasting 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 Elafonissi Beach Trip from Chania, Kleanthi Olive Farm: Guided Tour with Local Delicacies Tasting, and Crete: City Tour of Heraklion with Knossos Palace visit. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 20, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Crete is around SAR 90.27 – SAR 2,793.68. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, 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.

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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.