Crete’s crystalline waters, laid-back tavernas and highly affordable culinary scene are only some of the ways to have an indulgent holiday here. Now add the thousands of years of mythological and cultural history of the island to the mix and you have the perfect recipe for a wholesome vacation. But what is Crete best known for is perhaps its unbeatable hospitality and swimming waters at every step of the way, making it an excellent destination to enjoy a relaxing vacation with family or friends.
So, we have rounded up the best places and ways for you to have the most relaxing vacation in Crete this holiday season!
![The turquoise waters of Balos lagoon, Crete, Greece on a sunny summer day]( "The turquoise waters of Balos lagoon, Crete, Greece")
Enjoy a bath in the turquoise waters of Balos lagoon Is Crete touristy?
Yes, the largest Greek island attracts a lot of tourists for its beaches, food, history and adventure. However, the island still affords a pretty relaxing vibe for those seeking it. So, which is the quiet side of Crete? There are laid-back villages and less crowded beaches to have a relaxing Crete vacation all over the island, especially in the southern part of it. Which side of Crete has the best beaches?
Crete has many little islands surrounding it, out of which Elafonissi in the south of Crete offers purple-pink sand, refreshing drinks and undoubtedly, the clearest waters of the Aegean Sea. This beach is full of cafes, restaurants and bars, and it totally qualifies for a romantic evening with your loved one. The opposite side of the sandy strip of Elafonissi also has some of the least crowded beaches on Crete. Plus, if you want to explore the natural splendour of Crete, then the Elafonisi isle has many coves to discover and admire!
![The pink sands of Elafonissi beach, Crete, Greece]( "The pink sands of Elafonissi beach, Crete, Greece")
The pink sands of Elafonissi beach, an unmissable stop in Crete
If you do not want to go too far from the main cities of Crete, then make your way to the swimming coves of the Seitan Limania beach near Chania and cannonball into the bluest waters. If you are in southern Crete, Preveli Beach, close to the famous Moni Preveli Monastery, offers you one of the most beautiful beaches on Crete with much less crowds and palm forests. Another beach where you can avoid the crowds and relax under the soothing shade of the palm tree is the Vai Beach, which is in the easternmost part of Crete and often makes it to the list of the best beaches in Crete!
![The blue waters and golden sand of Seitan Limania beach, Crete, Greece]( "Seitan Limania beach, Crete, Greece")
The incredible blue waters of Seitan Limania beach Eat, Eat and Repeat
Greece’s remarkable food variety and generous portions are a must if you want to have a truly relaxing vacation. Try the Cretan cheese, Kalitsounia, tasty snacks made with cheese and herbs, or Dakos made from sheep’s cheese and topped with delicious Greek olive oil.
![Dakos, a tasty Greek appetizer with feta cheese, olives and tomatoes]( "Dakos, a tasty Greek appetizer with feta cheese, olives and tomatoes")
The delicious dakos, a tasty Greek appetizer
If you are looking to do something really unique, then go for wine-tasting tours that offer up to 15 wines or for a traditional cooking class in multiple locations on Crete, where they’ll teach you to make your very own dakos and other dishes like Tzatziki and Feta Saganaki!
Crete also has many atmospheric tavernas, which are traditional family-run eateries sprinkled all over Crete, for you to drool over their rich cuisine. Some of the tavernas, that you can visit to enjoy Cretan food are Gramboussa on the north coast and most famous Ferryman Taverna on the east coast. Tip: If you want to try the Ferryman Taverna, then it is advisable to make a reservation in advance.
Take in the vibrant cities: Chania, Heraklion, Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos
Which city should I stay in Crete? Is it better to stay in Chania or Heraklion or Rethymnon or Agios Nikolaos? These questions you can simply answer after knowing what kind of vibe you are looking for.
Heraklion for thousands of years of Cretan history
Be it mythological or actual, at Heraklion, the capital of Crete, you can have a good dose of history and culture. Starting from the Bronze age to the early 19th Century, this magnificent island has a lot to offer. In Heraklion, stands the finest museum, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, exhibiting 5,500 years of Cretan history. Take your time and soak up thousands of artefacts like pottery, ceremonial pieces and jewellery belonging to ancient Greece.
![The charging bull fresco in Palace of Knossos in Heraklion, Crete]( "The charging bull fresco in Palace of Knossos in Heraklion, Crete")
The charging bull fresco in Palace of Knossos
Palace of Knossos, just 5 km from Heraklion, is a fascinating archaeological site from the Minoan civilization that still consists of frescoes, baths and a stone throne. This 22,000-metre-square complex is unmissable if you want to experience the real Crete as the frescoes depict how life was in ancient civilisation. Some of the frescoes that you will come across here are the Cup Bearer, the Prince of the Lilies and most famous, the Charging Bull.
Tip: Visit the palace in the early morning or evening when the crowds have thinned out a little. You can also buy a combined ticket for the museum and the palace and save some bucks. Hop on to one of the frequent and very accessible boat rides from Agios Nikolaos (half an hour's drive from Heraklion) and visit Spinalonga fortress in Elounda gulf. A former leper colony, this little islet’s hilltop fort and history of the Ottoman, Arab and Venetian Empires will interest you to no end.
Crete’s mythological history is also well-preserved at the Zeus Caves which are thought to be the birthplace of this Greek god. These caves, which are an hour's drive from Heraklion, are a wonder of the amazing natural terrain of Crete.
The spectacular Zeus caves in Crete
Chania for cafes, bars and open marketplaces
Chania’s refreshing beauty is great for an easygoing afternoon or evening. Its colourful Venetian harbour with the old 16th lighthouse, Küçük Hasan Mosque,
super clean beaches and of course, the Agora Marketplace — where plenty of freshly picked and mouth-watering figs are available—make for a culturally rich experience. However, it may be a little difficult to have a super relaxing holiday in Chania as it can get very crowded during summer, but Chania is unmissable as it is the prettiest town on Crete!
![Chania’s harbour surrounded by colorful houses and clear waters with the Küçük Hasan Mosque in the foreground, Crete]( "Chania’s harbour, Crete")
Chania’s harbour surronded by colorful houses and clear waters Rethymnon for an authentic slice of Crete
If you are looking for less touristy crowds and an even more authentic experience, then the charming city of Rethymnon is just an hour’s drive from Chania. Here, explore the historic cobbled streets of the old town, chat with amazingly friendly locals, visit the beautiful star shaped Fortezza and stop for a chilled frappé at one of Rethymnon’s adorable cafes to beat the sun.
![Rethymnon’s ancient venetian harbour and lighthouse, with an old boat on the right]( "Rethymnon’s ancient venetian harbour and lighthouse")
Rethymnon’s ancient Venetian harbour and lighthouse
If you visit Rethymon during summer, then do not miss out on its two cultural festivals: the Renaissance Festival (which takes place in the Venetian Fortezza) and the Wine Festival.
Agios Nikolaos for a combination of history, bars and nightlife
If you do not want to stay in the bigger cities yet enjoy a vibrant atmosphere, then Agios Nikolas is lovely to stay in Crete. The nightlife and the bar scenes of once famous Agios Nikolaos still hold a siren song kind of allure. This small Cretan city is just an hour away from Heraklion, which can get quite busy during the high summer season.
![The stunning Agios Nikolaos harbour at night, Crete, Greece]( "The stunning Agios Nikolaos harbour at night, Crete, Greece")
The stunning Agios Nikolaos harbour at night
Tip: You can also visit Malia from Agios Nikolaos as the city has incredible nightlife and charming town centre, or as is known by many, Old Malia.
By driving down to Agios Nikolaos, you can enjoy all the best things about Crete, its food, beaches (Kitroplatia Beach has its authentic cafes and bars) and the crystal-clear seas. You can also soak up some rich history and mythology as the town is built upon the ruins of the old city Lato pros Kamara and has the beautiful, sweet-water Voulismeni Lake, where the Greek goddesses Athena and Artemis used bathe!
Where to stay in Crete away from the crowds?
It’s certain that Chania and Heraklion, two of the main cities on the island, would be on your must-see list. But Crete is also home to tons of peaceful villages that will transport you to old Greece.
Loutro is an authentic fishing village that can be reached via road or boat in the south of Crete. But if Greek mythology and classical literature intrigue you more, then make a stop at Sissi (located in northern Crete, close to Malia), a fishing village where the Greek gods, Apollo and Artemis, are believed to have been born! Fortunately, this village is quite laid back and also has a beach.
![A fishing boat in the turquoise waters of the fishing village of Loutro, Crete, Greece]( "A fishing boat in the turquoise waters of the fishing village of Loutro, Crete, Greece")
The incredible turquoise waters of the fishing village of Loutro
Sitia is another incredibly clean and friendly town on Crete where you can stay in peace and enjoy the lovely sun and the soft sand of its beaches. The city is also known for its legendary surfing winds, for which Kouremenos Beach is ideal, and excellent swimming waters.
So, want to book your very own relaxing vacation in Crete? Have a look at our delightful holiday homes located all over the island.
Nederlands
Deutsch
Italiano
Español
Français
Enjoy a bath in the turquoise waters of Balos lagoon 
The pink sands of Elafonissi beach, an unmissable stop in Crete 
The incredible blue waters of Seitan Limania beach 
The delicious dakos, a tasty Greek appetizer 
The charging bull fresco in Palace of Knossos
