Greece's largest island has the Palace of Knossos, the Samaria Gorge, pink-sand Elafonisi and the Venetian harbor of Chania. It is a rich mix of beaches, history and tavernas; May to October is the season.
Good to know
- Rent a car; distances are bigger than they look and public transport is limited.
- Hike Samaria Gorge early; it closes in winter.
- Cretan food is a highlight; ask for the daily special.
Eat this
Places the planner can use
Mark places as a must or something to skip. The itinerary is built only from this list; ★ marks the destination’s highlights.
Reconstructed Minoan palace of frescoes and labyrinth legends.
World-class Minoan collection incl. Phaistos disc.
Lighthouse, narrow lanes and waterfront tavernas, lively at sunset.
Dakos, lamb and raki on the house at a family taverna.
16 km hike through Europe's longest gorge, ending at the sea.
Pink-tinted sand and shallow lagoon, best early.
Boat trip to a postcard turquoise lagoon and Venetian fort.
Venetian fortress, mosques and tavernas by the harbor.
Taste olive oil and cook local recipes with a family.
Former leper colony and Venetian fortress, by boat.