Quick Summary:

  • Crete is the largest of the Greek Isles and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.
  • It forms the border between the Aegean and Libya Seas.
  • By virtue of its position, it has been seen by a succession of conquerors to be of strategic importance.
  • Romans, Arabs, Venetians, and the Ottoman Empire have all left their mark on the island.
  • Crete is 260 km wide with more than 1000 km of coastline.
  • The central area is mountainous with several impressive gorges.
  • Tourism and agriculture are the most important sectors of the economy.
  • The soil is fertile and the climate mild, making the island ideal for growing grapes, olives, and herbs.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Visit The Palace at Knossos ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Visit The Palace at Knossos | Vacation Ideas on Crete, Greece
© banepetkovic/stock.adobe.com

2. Phaistos ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Phaistos | Vacation Ideas on Crete, Greece
© Mira Drozdowski/stock.adobe.com

3. Palace of Malia

Palace of Malia | Vacation Ideas on Crete, Greece
© wjarek/stock.adobe.com

4. Koules Fortress

Category: Activities
Koules Fortress | Vacation Ideas on Crete, Greece
© vladographer/stock.adobe.com

5. Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Heraklion Archaeological Museum | Vacation Ideas on Crete, Greece
© Aleksei/stock.adobe.com

6. Chania Old Town

Chania Old Town | Vacation Ideas on Crete, Greece
© smallredgirl/stock.adobe.com

7. The Gorge of Samaria

The Gorge of Samaria | Vacation Ideas on Crete, Greece
© proslgn/stock.adobe.com

8. Matala

Matala | Vacation Ideas on Crete, Greece
© gatsi/stock.adobe.com

9. Crete Aquarium

Category: Attractions
Crete Aquarium | Vacation Ideas on Crete, Greece
© emel82/stock.adobe.com

10. Spinalonga

Spinalonga | Vacation Ideas on Crete, Greece
© whitcomberd/stock.adobe.com

11. Herb's Garden Restaurant

Category: Activities
Herb's Garden Restaurant | Vacation Ideas on Crete, Greece
© Herb's Garden Restaurant

12. Ntounias

Ntounias | Vacation Ideas on Crete, Greece
© Ntounias

13. Chrisostomos

Chrisostomos | Vacation Ideas on Crete, Greece
© flowertiare/stock.adobe.com

14. Book a room at Elia

Book a room at Elia | Vacation Ideas on Crete, Greece
© Elia

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