The Heraklion Archaeological Museum houses an extensive collection of Minoan art and artefacts from the Neolithic period to the Roman era. It’s the perfect location to learn about the rich history and culture of Crete.
Knossos Palace was the centre of Minoan civilisation and home to the legendary labyrinth of King Minos. Visitors can wander through the ruins and learn about the history and mythology of ancient Greece.
Douloufakis Winery produces award-winning wines using traditional Cretan grape varieties. Visitors can enjoy a wine tasting with a stunning view of the vineyards and the Aegean Sea.
The Venetian Harbour and the labyrinthine alleyways of the Old Town are a picturesque and vibrant location with numerous shops, restaurants and historical landmarks to explore.
The Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island have turquoise waters with pink and white sand beaches. It's a great location for swimming, hiking and snorkelling with the family.
Samaria Gorge is the longest gorge in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a scenic location for hiking and wildlife spotting with observation platforms and narrow paths winding deep into the mountains.
Elafonisi Beach’s turquoise waters are great for swimming with the family. It has a shallow lagoon and pink-tinted sand as well as numerous beachside cafes and restaurants for a relaxing end to the trip.
Transportation in Crete includes buses, taxis and rental cars. Delays or cancellations of public transportation are possible. Within cities, walking or biking may also be an option. Car rental averages €22-€35 per day, taxis run around €1.35 per kilometre, and gas costs around €1.76 per litre. Road signage is in both Greek and English.
If you have extra time, consider visiting the Palace of Phaistos, Preveli beach and monastery, or the Fortress of Rethymno. Families with young children may want to shorten Samaria Gorge or skip it altogether. If you have fewer days, you can cut out either the Old Town or Samaria Gorge. Remember to check opening times and schedules for all locations before setting out to avoid disappointment.
The primary airport in Crete is Heraklion International Airport (HER) located about 3 miles east of Heraklion. The airport code is HER. Chania International Airport (CHQ) is situated on the Akrotiri peninsula, 8 miles east of Chania. The airport code is CHQ. A taxi from either airport to the city central costs approximately €15-€20.