Top 10 Best Things to Do in Crete
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Top 10 Best Things to Do in Crete

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  • Knossos Palacetop_1
    󰺂5.7
    194.2
    Heraklion Prefecture32.7 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄Knossos nature views by mountains & water
    󰀆Explore early Aegean architecture ruins
    4.4/5
    朱暮烟朱暮烟

    For those who enjoy Western history, this is definitely worth it, though the entrance fee is a bit pricey at 20 euros, compared to just 10 euros for the Acropolis itself. From the ruins, you can imagine what the royal palace must have looked like. Combining this with historical knowledge, you can see that Cretan civilization emphasized dexterity and elegance, a stark contrast to the solemnity and heaviness of Eastern civilizations.

  • Elafonissi Beachtop_2
    󰺂4.8
    Inachori>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄Unique backdrop for photos
    󰋄Windsurfing & kayaking adventures await
    󱨠47% positive reviews
    4.3/5
    穿白衬衣的薄荷星穿白衬衣的薄荷星

    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.

  • Heraklion Archaeological Museumtop_3
    󰺂4.6
    156.11
    Heraklion31.7 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    Open until 8 PM & relaxed
    󱨜Mysterious Phaistos Disc exhibit
    󱨠43% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    wwwellllwwwellll

    As we all know, Greek civilization is the origin of European civilization, and even influenced the progress and development of civilization around the world. But where did Greek civilization originate? That is Crete. Come to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum to find out.

  • Old Venetian Port of Chania
    4
    󰺂4.5
    Chania78.1 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Colorful houses & turquoise waters
    󱨜Ancient Venetian port ruins
    4.3/5
    海布里岁月海布里岁月

    In 1538, the Venetians began to build fortifications in Chania to protect Venice from complete subjugation by the Ottoman Turks. Nearly five hundred years later, only the eastern and western fortifications remain today, enjoying the breeze of the Mediterranean.

  • Balos Lagoon
    5
    󰺂4.4
    Kissamos>100 km from downtown
    5.0/5
    愤怒的果娃愤怒的果娃

    The trip to Balos Beach is definitely a self-driving adventure into nature, not a traditional sightseeing trip. Although it is more convenient to take a boat from Chania and take you directly to the beach, a stay of one or two hours is a bit rushed for tourists to truly immerse themselves in the beauty of this paradise. Therefore, I recommend you to choose to drive yourself, even if the last ten kilometers of the mountain road are challenging. Challenging and beautiful self-driving road The last ten kilometers are unpaved winding dirt roads, which are a test for the vehicle's suspension system. However, all the bumps will disappear when you finally reach the open free parking lot at the top of the mountain. Before parking, you need to pay an environmental protection fee of 2 euros per person. Next, the downhill journey from the parking lot to the beach is about two or three kilometers. Although it is a rugged mountain road, the panoramic view of Balos Lagoon along the way will immerse you in the stunning scenery every step of the way. The unique charm of Balos Beach Baros Beach is famous for its white sand and jelly-clear water. When the tide is low, the entire bay becomes a natural giant swimming pool, with a depth of less than 1.5 meters. You can even lie directly on the beach and enjoy the soothing sea water. There are also some small fish swimming around, adding a bit of fun to your water play experience. Tips for enjoying the beach time Once you arrive at the beach, you will find that there are limited parasols and lounge chairs here because this is a nature reserve. Many tourists will bring their own parasols and beach towels and lie on the beach to enjoy the sun. The sun in Crete is very strong, so be sure to apply high-factor sunscreen to protect your skin. Usually around 5 or 6 pm, the sea water will start to rise, and tourists will start to return one after another. The uphill road back requires a lot of physical strength, but when you think back to the unique beauty of Balos Beach, all the efforts are worth it.

  • Morosini Fountain
    6
    󰺂4.3
    Heraklion31.4 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Iconic fountain from the Venetian period
    Spectacular view of the Lion Fountain's water flow
    4.5/5
    海布里岁月海布里岁月

    Xiongshi Square is very lively, a bit like Beijing's Houhai, with many bars and restaurants. Of course, there are also Greeks who are proficient in string performances and love to be lively. They have dark skin, friendly smiles, and lazy and unrestrained Greek songs. With this atmosphere, it feels great to sit by the fountain and stare blankly with fat pigeons. There are also several old domed churches in the Orthodox architectural style nearby, which are also worth seeing.

  • Venetian Fortress Rocca a Mare
    7
    󰺂4.0
    Heraklion31.9 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Admire the winged lion emblem at Koules Fortress
    Enjoy magnificent sunset views from the castle
    4.6/5
    BEARLTUBEARLTU

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

Best things to do in Crete (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Crete? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Crete offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Crete

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Crete experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Knossos Palace

• Heraklion Prefecture | 32.7 km from downtown

• : Knossos nature views by mountains & water,Explore early Aegean architecture ruins

Elafonissi Beach

• Inachori | >100 km from downtown

• : Unique backdrop for photos,Windsurfing & kayaking adventures await

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

• Heraklion | 31.7 km from downtown

• : Open until 8 PM & relaxed,Mysterious Phaistos Disc exhibit

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Crete

If you want to explore attractions just outside Crete, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Crete, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Crete special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Crete

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Crete

Ready to explore the best of Crete? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Crete?
These are all Best Things to Do in Crete:Knossos Palace, Elafonissi Beach, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Old Venetian Port of Chania, Balos Lagoon
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Crete?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Crete include:Knossos Palace:4.4, Elafonissi Beach:4.3, Heraklion Archaeological Museum:4.7, Old Venetian Port of Chania:4.3, Balos Lagoon:5.0
At what locations in Crete can Best Things to Do in Crete be found?
The Best Things to Do in Crete are mainly located in:Knossos Palace:Heraklion Prefecture, Elafonissi Beach:Inachori, Heraklion Archaeological Museum:Heraklion, Old Venetian Port of Chania:Chania, Balos Lagoon:Kissamos
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