voyage culturel crete

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Voyages culturels – Crète

TourRadar a réuni les meilleurs voyages culturels en Crète. Nous vous proposons 13 aventures dans 1 pays différents. Ces circuits durent entre 4 et 11 jours.

13 voyages culturels avec 52 avis

• Explorateur

Le labyrinthe de Crète

Trésors de Crète

Incroyable Crète

Expérience Athènes et Crète - auto- guidée - 8 jours

• Dépôt de €50 pour certaines dates Certaines dates de départ vous offrent la possibilité de réserver ce circuit avec un dépôt moins conséquent.

Les points forts de la Crète

L'étonnante mer Égée - tout compris et visite guidée en profondeur

Ce voyage a été extraordinaire. Il a dépassé mes attentes. Mes deux guides (Yorgos Gaitis et Babis) ont été plus qu'accommodants. Les activités, les hôtels et la nourriture étaient extraordinaires. Chaque activité était riche en informations sur l'histoire, l'environnement et les gens.

Explorer la Crète

Visite bien organisée et beaucoup de visites et d'activités ! Merci !

Crète vénitienne

Le labyrinthe de Crète, circuit privé

• Noël et Nouvel An

La Crète à travers les époques minoenne, byzantine et vénitienne, visite privée

Exploration de la Crète, circuit privé

Treasures of Crete, visite privée

• Randonnée et trek
• Aventure active

Crète : Une exploration culturelle de l'île à pied

Styles de voyage, autres régions à grèce.

• Îles grecques (518)
• Îles de la mer Égée (411)
• Grèce continentale (407)
• Cyclades (Grèce) (377)
• Athènes, Santorin et Mykonos (370)
• Îles du Péloponnèse (106)
• Mykonos (90)
• Centre de la Grèce (62)
• Nord de la Grèce (59)
• Îles Ioniennes (29)
• Santorin (28)
• Attique (21)
• Îles de la mer Égée orientale (14)
• Îles du Dodécanèse (14)
• Îles Saroniques (8)
• Îles Sporades (5)

Circuits Histoire

• Histoire (9)

Autres types à Crète

• Explorateur (36)
• Groupe (35)
• Partiellement guidé (26)
• Histoire (21)
• Randonnée et trek (20)
• Personnalisé (19)
• Famille (18)
• Entièrement guidé (15)
• Autoguidé (11)
• Tourisme (6)
• Vols internationaux inclus (5)
• Les 10 meilleures expériences culturelles au monde 2024/2025

• Crete Itinerary - how to spend 5, 7, 10 or 14 days in Crete

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

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Thinking about holidaying in Crete , but don't know how to design your trip? In this article we provide ideas on planning a 5, 7, 10 or 14 day Crete itinerary. Let us guide you through the wonders of this magical Greek island and create unforgettable memories on your journey.

How to plan a perfect Crete itinerary

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10 days  / from 2657 USD

The Historical and Mythological Cyclades islands

The Cyclades islands include two of the most famous Greek Islands: Mykonos and Santorini. Visit these and some of the smaller, quieter, islands. With white washed houses, narrow cobbled streets, blue domed roofs and stunning beaches, they are what Greece is all about.

9 days  / from 2246 USD

A secluded villa stay on Mainland Greece

Stay in a secluded private villa with magnificent views to the sea and explore this beautiful corner of Mainland Greece with your own rental car. Under the impressive Mt Taygetos in Southern Peloponnese, the region of Mani will give you a snapshot of authentic Greece.

10 days  / from 2030 USD

Along the Coast of Crete: from Heraklion to Platanias

As Greece's largest island, Crete's culture and atmosphere is distinctly different from mainland Greece. Thousands of years of unique culture and rich history complement the island's untamed natural beauty. Explore Crete at your own pace with this unique self-drive trip!

8 days  / from 1609 USD

Cultural and natural sites of Athens and the Peloponnese

Welcome to wonderful Athens for an unforgettable adventure. Enjoy getting lost in this maze of charming streets, where the modern sits beautifully with the ancient. Venture out into the Peloponnese on mainland Greece, and discover historical, cultural and natural wonders the region is blessed with.

10 days  / from 3472 USD

An Odyssey Adventure in Ancient Greece

Learn the secrets of Ancient Greek mythology and history visiting the world-renowned site of the Acropolis, explore the unspoiled landscape of Peloponnese, become a true Spartan warrior in Thermopylae and much more - this self drive tour takes you on a real Greek adventure.

15 days  / from 2711 USD

Explore Classical Greece: self-drive motorhome trip

This 15-days motorhome road trip will take you to Athens, the city of legends and some of the most fascinating classical sites, such as Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi and the man-made marvels of the Corinth Canal and Byzantine monasteries of Meteora. A perfect tour for history.

Planning the perfect Crete itinerary is an exciting task involving exploration, relaxation and cultural immersion.

Start by determining the length of your stay. Then decide on your interests. Crete offers a wealth of experiences, from historical sights like the Palace of Knossos to the idyllic beaches at Elafonissi. Balance your schedule to include the main tourist attractions as well as the hidden ones.

Transport is essential, so hire a car or use public transport. Accommodation options range from charming villas to beach resorts. Another thing to consider is the timing of your trip. To help you with that, we prepared a guide on when to go to Greece .

Want to save yourself the trouble of planning? Contact our local Greek experts and embark on your dream holiday hassle-free.

Metala Beach, Crete @ Shutterstock

When choosing the ideal length of a Crete trip, the first thing to understand is the scope of how you want to explore the island.

For a short but intense trip, 5 days is enough to explore the historical treasures of Heraklion, enjoy the charm of Rethymno and bask in the sun. Extending your stay to 7 days allows you to visit the picturesque town of Chania, hike the stunning Samaria Gorge and sample Cretan culinary delights.

A 10-day stay delves into Crete's rich history, exploring quiet mountain villages and discovering secluded beaches, while a luxurious 14-day trip allows you to truly immerse yourself in every facet of Crete, from its famous landmarks to hidden gems. So the perfect length of trip will be as unique as your interests and sense of adventure.

Set on taking a trip? Browse our inspirational Greece itineraries .

The North Entrance of the Palace, Knossos at Crete, Greece © Shutterstock

Embarking on a 5-day trip to Crete, you have the chance to have an amazing mix of experiences even in such a seemingly short period of time. Start your adventure in Heraklion, where the ancient Palace of Knossos invites you to travel back in time. Explore the city's lively markets and sample Cretan specialities.

Next, move on to Rethymno, a charming coastal town with a Venetian old town and picturesque harbour. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the Samaria Gorge, a hiker's paradise, and savour the beauty of nature.

End your five-day trip in Chania, which will reveal a captivating mix of history, architecture and seafront charm. Five days in Crete is a concise but fascinating introduction to the island's rich culture, history and natural beauty.

Ruins of Knossos Palace in Crete, Greece @ Shutterstock

A 7-day trip to Crete will allow you to delve deeper into the island's treasures. Start in Heraklion, where you'll explore the archaeological wonders of Knossos and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city.

Head west to Rethymno, where gorgeous Crete beaches and coastal charm await. Don't miss the opportunity to take a fascinating hike through the rugged Samaria Gorge.

Your adventure continues in Chania, where Venetian architecture and a lively seafront beckon. Take an excursion to the idyllic Elafonissi beach, famous for its pink sands.

The final days can be spent enjoying the tranquillity of Southern Crete, discovering secluded villages, unspoilt beaches and local traditions. Seven days is a more fulfilling holiday, allowing you to immerse yourself in the island's diverse culture, history and natural beauty.

Samaria Gorge. Crete, Greece © proslgn/Shutterstock

A ten-day trip to Crete promises an action-packed, exciting journey. Start in Heraklion, where you'll explore the ancient Palace of Knossos and savour Cretan cuisine. Head to the Venetian old town of Rethymno and take a challenging but rewarding hike through the Samaria Gorge.

In Chania, admire Venetian architecture and take a day trip to the charming Elafonissi beach. You can also visit the hidden gems of the island such as the archaeological complex of Phaistos, the Diktean Cave and the ancient ruins at Gortina.

Water enthusiasts can go snorkelling, diving, windsurfing and sailing. Taste local wines and raki at wineries and take part in traditional festivals. A ten-day trip will reveal Crete's multifaceted culture, history, natural beauty and a host of activities that will make for an unforgettable adventure.

Moussaka - traditional Greek dish © Shutterstock

A 14-day journey through Crete promises an all-encompassing exploration of this captivating island. Begin in Heraklion, where the Minoan Palace of Knossos takes you on a journey through ancient history. Sample Greek cuisine , peruse lively markets, and explore the treasures of the Archaeological Museum.

Rethymno beckons with its Venetian old town, and the Samaria Gorge presents a stunning hike. In Chania, a vibrant waterfront awaits, as well as a day trip to the mesmerizing Elafonissi Beach.

Extend your journey to embrace the rich history of Arkadi Monastery, the pristine beauty of Preveli Palm Beach, and the serene Lassithi Plateau. Dive into the heart of Crete's nature with hikes in the White Mountains and visits to the Botanical Park and Gardens. 

Savour local wines with vineyard tours and immerse in Cretan traditions at local festivals. A 14-day Crete odyssey ensures a comprehensive immersion in the island's diverse culture, history, nature, and countless activities.

Taverns in the Old Town of Chania in the evening, Crete, Greece © Shutterstock

As the largest island in Greece , Crete is distinctly different in culture and atmosphere from mainland Greece. Thousands of years of unique culture and rich history complement the island's unspoilt natural beauty. Explore Crete at your own pace on pur unique, 10-day road trip along the coast of Crete .

Days 1-3: Heraklion

Heraklion, the first stop on this Crete trip, holds the keys to the island's rich history and vibrant culture.

The Palace of Knossos, an ancient Minoan wonder, will take you on a fascinating journey back in time. Explore the charming old town, adorned with Venetian and Ottoman architecture, and savour local cuisine in quaint tavernas.

• Arrival at Heraklion airport & self-drive to your hotel
• Free evening to explore Heraklion
• Exploration of the Minoan Palace of Knossos
• Visiting the Archaeological Museum
• Afternoon wine tasting in a nearby village
• Relaxing Day on one of the beaches near Heraklion  or
• Private Historical Tour covering Archanes, Psiloritis Mountain and Ideon Andron (birthplace of Zeus)

Days 4-5: Rethymno

Rethymno offers a tranquil interlude where history and relaxation harmonize. You will meander through the well-preserved Venetian old town, with its winding alleys and charming architecture. 

The formidable Fortezza fortress unveils panoramic vistas and centuries of history, while local museums deepen the connection to Rethymno's past. Serene beaches like Preveli and Balos provide a tranquil coastal escape, making Rethymno a haven for history enthusiasts and those seeking seaside serenity.

• Departure from Heraklion to Rethymno
• Visiting the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Eleutherna and the Monastery of Arkadi along the way
• Tasting traditional Cretan cuisine and local wine in a 17th century restaurant in Kapsalina
• Check-in to your hotel in Rethymno
• Rethymno Old Town Exploration
• Visiting a local bakery famous for fyllo pastry leaves and syrup sweets
• Dinner at a local restaurant located in a Venetian building

Days 6-8: Chania

Chania, a picturesque town in Crete, is a must-see. It's beautifully preserved Venetian old town is a charming maze of narrow streets and historic buildings set against the backdrop of the picturesque harbour. 

Stroll along the waterfront for a taste of fine dining. History buffs can visit the Archaeological Museum of Chania for a glimpse into the island's past. A day trip to Elafonissi Beach promises a relaxing holiday with its pink sands and clear waters. Chania embodies the essence of Crete's rich heritage and natural beauty.

• Departure from Rethymno to Chania
• Stops at Preveli Beach and the Monastery of Preveli along the way
• Check-in to your hotel in Chania
• Tour of the Chania Old Town including Venetian Lighthouse and Grand Arsenal
• Visiting the Hassan Pascha Mosque
• Walk to the Splanzia ruins and Miaouli Beach
• Exploration of the museums

Day 8-10: Platanias

Platanias, a quiet gem on days 9 and 10, offers a tranquil holiday in Crete. Relax on its pristine golden beaches and enjoy the clear waters. The village charms with its traditional Cretan atmosphere, emphasised by the welcoming tavernas. 

A visit to the Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete allows you to discover a variety of plant species. Platanias also serves as a convenient point for day trips to attractions such as Agia Triada Monastery and Kissamos, providing the perfect combination of relaxation and cultural exploration.

• Departure from Chania to Platanias
• Check-in at the beachfront resort
• Day at leisure at the famous beach of Platanias
• Day at leisure at the beach of Platanias, Falarsana Beach or Balos Beach
• Drive back to Heraklion airport and departure

Elafonissi Beach in Crete © Shutterstock

Choosing the ideal time to visit Crete depends on your preferences. Summer, from June to August, is ideal for beach lovers as the weather is warm and sunny. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) have a more balanced climate, and fewer tourists and are perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. 

During the winter months (November to March) there are fewer tourists, providing a quieter atmosphere and lower prices. This period suits those interested in historical sights, hiking and immersing themselves in the local culture. Thus, the best time to visit Crete depends on your desires and weather conditions.

Read more about visiting Crete in:

Preveli Palm Beach on Crete Island, Greece © Shutterstock

Travelling in and around Crete is easy. You can reach the island by air: the international airports in Heraklion and Chania offer direct flights from major European cities. Alternatively, you can opt for a scenic sea journey on ferries or passenger ships from Athenian ports such as Piraeus.

To get around Crete, car hire is a popular option, allowing you to explore the island at your own pace. The road network is well-developed, making it easy to reach various destinations. Public buses and taxis are also readily available, and bicycles or scooters can be hired in some areas. 

For a more leisurely experience, the historic centres of towns such as Chania or Rethymno can be explored on foot. Crete offers a variety of transport options to suit a wide range of travellers' preferences.

Stifado Greek food @ Shutterstock

In Crete, daily expenses depend on your choice. Budget travellers can expect 40-60 € per day. This covers basic accommodation, meals at local restaurants, public transport and some entertainment. 

Middle-income travellers can spend around €80-150 per day, while those seeking luxury can spend over €200 per day. However, it is worth noting that these are rough estimates and costs may vary depending on personal preferences and the current economic situation.

Windsurfing in Crete, Greece @ Shutterstock

Love the sound of Crete? Get yourself  The Rough Guide to Crete . For more island inspiration, read up on the  best Greek Islands to start planning your trip.  

Alternatively, if the idea of planning leaves you cold, browse our customisable Greece itineraries. For the best preparation for your Greece trip, also check out our list of tips for travelling in Greece .

The Rough Guides to Greece and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Travel advice for Greece

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Greece

• Culture and Etiquette in Greece
• Eating and drinking in Greece
• Getting around Greece: Transportation Tips
• How to get to Greece
• Travel Tips Greece for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Greece
• How to get from Athens to Crete

Find even more inspiration here

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• Inspiration
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written by Olga Sitnitsa

updated 30.10.2023

Online editor at Rough Guides, specialising in travel content. Passionate about creating compelling stories and inspiring others to explore the world.

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22°C / 71°F Rethymno

#incredible_crete, sense the authentic, welcome to our island.

The mountains and sea, the nature all around you, adventures awaiting you, the overabundant gastronomy, a culture which is expressed in many different ways, the music and art forms.

Crete is the largest Greek island and a landmark in the maritime crossroads between the West and the East, Europe and Africa, a unique and fascinating place full of transitions and surprises.

With its infinite coastline and mountain tops, a history that spans back to the end of times and a distinctive identity that bears its mark on every corner of the Cretan land, it is a one of a kind destination for every type of traveller.

Whether coming to the island for the first time or as a regular visitor, the endless beauty of Crete, either visible or out of sight, is unparalleled and yearns to be discovered.

From one side of the island to the next and from dawn to dusk, let yourself be swept away by its alluring nature and you will uncover YOUR OWN and Authentic Crete!

Necropolis of Armeni

Explore seasons.

Crete is an ideal place to visit all year round. Its mild climate and its unique mountainous features attract visitors before and after the established touristy summer season. Crete’s stunning natural beauty awakens in visitors an imperative need to discover its mountains, its gorges, its paths.

Nothing is repeated in Crete. Enormous geological contradictions and special weather conditions have formed unique landscapes, surprising the visitors and keeping senses constantly alert. Each route in Crete is unique. Variant sensations, pictures, colors, flavors, sounds accompany visitors at every step.

From the dunes of Lafonissi and Xerokambos to the tropical shores of Kedrodasos and Chrissi, from the hidden beaches in the wild gorges of Sfakia and Asteroussia to the emerald bays of Triopetra and Plakias, from Balos and Elounda lagoons to the palm groves of Preveli and Vai, from piney beaches of Ierapetra to the long organized strands of the northern coasts, Crete offers the ultimate combination of carefree holidays and natural beauty.

Crete is a heaven for nature lovers and those combining adventure and fun on their vacation. The island offers a variety of activities and opportunities for exploring nature and promises a unique and unforgettable experience for those who decide to explore it.

Explore Crete

Select an area to learn more about it., explore tastes.

The unique Cretan Diet is a healthy and tasty diet with centuries-old recipes and modern creative versions, which are always cooked, of course, with the same top quality pure products of the blessed Cretan earth. This diet is not just a variety of dishes presented on the table; it embodies a whole philosophy of life, the quality way of life of the Cretan people. The lucky ones that will visit the modern restaurants in the cities or the small taverns and cafes in the country will have wonderful experiences, participating in the life of the local people.

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The CRETE FESTIVAL – Arts travel to the monuments of Crete

Race of sitia 2022, korissia international regatta canoe kayak sprint & sup in kournas lake, 6ο sitia geopark trail.

We visited the island for a full week on our Greek island honeymoon (along with Santorini and Mykonos ) a few years back, and are itching to get back to the islands ever since (I mean, not much is better than time in the Greek islands).  And OH, I’ll never forget Elafonisi, Falassarna, and Balos Bay. Take me back tomorrow, pretty please!

→ Read Next: 10 Days in Greece (The Ultimate Greece Itinerary Guide)

Although we spent some time on the island, it was quite a few years ago and I honestly forgot about all the best things to do in Crete (cue the sad face – a good reason for me to go back pronto!).

Thankfully, I’ve enlisted Gabi from The Tiny Book (who actually lives in Crete full-time! #jealous) to share this complete Crete travel guide with us all! Expect lots of local tips, her favorite places to eat, and the most stunning beaches. Yes, please!

Despite being Greece’s largest and most populous island, visitors typically stick to the Cyclades (a group of islands including the ever-so-popular Santorini and Mykonos) when visiting.

However, Crete has SO much to offer, including ancient settlements and cities, local cultural traits (including their own poetry and music), some of the healthiest and most delicious cuisine you could ever imagine, and stunning landscapes (hello mountains, gorges, bays, and lakes). Crete is a land of history and traditions that will definitely grab your attention from the get go.  

So, let’s not wait one more minute → get ready to plan your first visit to the fantastic Greek island of Crete with Gabi’s tips below.

But before we get into all the things to do in Crete, let’s dive into other important details, such as how to get there, where to stay, when to visit, and how to get around the island.

HOW TO GET TO CRETE:

Thankfully, getting to the island is fairly simple. If you’re coming from somewhere other than Europe, you’ll first need to get yourself to Athens (which is a very well-connected airport, so couldn’t be easier). From there, you’ll be able to catch a domestic flight to either the capital of Crete, Heraklion (HER), or to the second most important city, Chania (CHQ).

You also have the option of taking an overnight ferry from the port of Piraeus, which will get you to either the port of Heraklion or to the port of Chania in Crete.

WHERE TO STAY IN CRETE:

The most important thing to know is that Crete is divided into 4 main regions, and all of them have their own main town facing the north coast.

Most people traveling to the island for a short period stay either in the capital of Crete (Heraklion), or in the western city of Chania.

And where you decide to stay will ultimately depend on where you wanna spend the majority of your time and what you wanna do on your trip. 

Chania : If you’re more of the beach type and beach days are your style, and want to explore the best beaches on the island, book accommodation in the regional unit of Chania. In Chania, the old town is well connected with the rest of Crete and you can easily visit more remote areas with organized tours or planning your own day trips and renting a car (the smartest way to see Crete!)

Recommended hotel in Chania – Casa Delfino : This is my favorite boutique hotel in Chania… and in all of Crete! Casa Delfino’s located in the heart of the old town and has been part of the same family for more than a hundred years. There’s a great spa and one of the best roof-top terraces in town, complete with mesmerizing views of the old port.

Heraklion : Any history buffs over here?! You’re in luck – Crete has suuuuch a magnificent history and story to tell. Stay in Heraklion, since the most important archaeological sites and settlements are in this region. 

Recommended hotel in Heraklion- Galaxy Hotel Iraklio : Not many hotels in the capital of Crete have a swimming pool (and a fantastic one at that). However, Galaxy Hotel Iraklio does (yasssss)! The hotel offers certified allergy-free facilities in their rooms as well. There’s a spa, a gym, and they serve one of the best breakfasts in town. The hotel is quite close to the city center too.

Rethymnon : Staying in the smaller town of Rethymnon, located between the regions of Chania and Heraklion, can be a great compromise to be halfway between both regions. Besides, Rethymnon is a fantastic city too, so you won’t be really missing anything. Since Rethymnon is about an hour away both from Heraklion and Chania, you’ll be between the beaches and history – which may be perfect for those who like it all!

Recommended hotel in Rethymnon – Avli Lounge and Suites : Another great boutique hotel in the hidden alleys of the old town of Rethymnon, with a beautiful terrace and a rooftop pool. Avli is also famous for their house restaurant serving creative Cretan dishes all year round.

WHEN TO VISIT CRETE:

Honestly, there’s never really a horrible time to visit Crete. The weather on the island is mild and relatively pleasant all year round.

However, winter brings a bit of rain, especially in the western region, and the sea is still a bit chilly. You will still see (a few) people swimming in Crete all year round though!

The shoulder season sees less tourists, less heat, better prices, and great weather. Therefore, May and October are the best months to see Crete, as they are right around the prime summer months of June-September.

HOW TO GET AROUND CRETE:

Unlike other Greek islands, Crete is quite large, meaning if you wanna see and do it all, you undoubtedly need a car to get around. Do note while there’s a well-maintained highway connecting the cities of the North, the southern coast of the island is rather isolated, with the exception of a few resorts. 

Therefore, if you really want to explore the beautiful hidden beaches of southern Crete, I strongly suggest you rent a car. And thankfully, driving on Crete is really easy, as long as you use common sense (just like anywhere else in the world of course).

Thankfully, taxis are not expensive and are plentiful in every city, and a great choice for moving short distances within the towns.  Important to add, that there’s currently no Uber or ride-sharing on Crete.

For traveling longer distances (say, between cities), a car is highly recommended. For example, Chania is located about 2 hours away from Heraklion and 45 minutes away from Rethymnon. However, if you’d rather not drive yourself, know there are buses available (although it does take quite a bit longer – 3 hours from Chania to Heraklion, and a bit more than an hour from Chania to Rethymnon).

Thankfully, bus tickets won’t break the bank, with one way tickets from Heraklion-Chania costing €15.10, while the Rethymnon-Chania route is €8.60.

WHAT TO BRING ON YOUR ISLAND ADVENTURE:

• Comfy sneakers or hiking shoes. The island is 80% mountains, so you’ll probably find yourself on a trail or two, or three (or four).
• Reusable water bottles. Psst: the water on Crete is completely safe to drink, despite what other blogs and sites might say. I’ve been living on the island for the last 5 years, and I hardly ever buy bottled water… and surprise, surprise, neither do the locals!
• Jacket or raincoat if you are visiting in winter. Also, add a few extra layers if you plan to visit the mountains as it can get quite chilly.

Other things to note:  

• Don’t worry about your language skills; Greek is a very difficult language and the locals know that! You’ll be able to find someone who speaks at least some basic English almost everywhere, and we’re all pretty friendly enough to help! Don’t be shy – just ask! 🙂

So let’s get to it, the best things to do in Crete (from a locals perspective), coming right up!

Best things to do in crete:.

As there are an abundance of things to do in Crete, all within different areas of the island, I decided to break them up by location. Hope this helps a bit with planning!

Knossos Palace : One of the main reasons tourists flock to Crete is to check out this unique archaeological settlement (known as Knossos Palace), dating all the way back to the Bronze Age. I mean, we’re talking 3,500 years back in Greek history.

Trust me, Athens isn’t the only one with admirable ruins; you’ll find the same level of skills here in Crete (as well as Delphi , too!).  Don’t miss one of the most remarkable things to do in Crete – just don’t!

The ruins are impressive, featuring the high grade of architectural development and engineering abilities of this ancient civilization. But of course, remember, they did NOT have the same machines as we do in the present time.

When you think about that last statement, it makes them seem even more magnificent. Inside the Palace, make some time to check the royal rooms as well as the well-known Bull fresco. 

Logistics : The Minoan Palace of Knossos is located about 10 km from the center of Heraklion, and it’s easy to reach via city bus (Bus N°2, from the Central Station, ticket: €1.80). The best way to visit the palace is by joining a guided tour that you can book at the entrance, or booking a group tour . This ensures you don’t miss anything important! 

This tour includes skip-the-line entry tickets, a detailed guided walking tour of Knossos Palace, as well as entrance to the nearby Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Honestly, it’s a great deal at under $50 per person.

Know in advance:

• The site is mostly in the open, so carry some sunscreen lotion and a bottle of water, especially if you visit in summer.
• To avoid the crowds, go to the Palace early in the morning or during sunset. In addition, it most likely won’t be as scorching hot those hours as well. Double win!
• A ticket to the Archaeological site costs €15

Archaeological Museum of Heraklion : Hate to break it to you, but no visit to the archaeological site (Knossos Palace) is complete without adding an hour inside the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. And score – if you buy a combined ticket, you’ll save some money too! (Ticket: Museum: €15 or Museum + Minoan Palace: €16).

The museum hosts objects found in the archaeological site as well as in other ruins and settlements of the area. There are remarkable pieces of jewelry, as well as clay figures and some iconic objects too. AND the Phaistos disc. Aka, just don’t miss the museum. It’s not everyday you get to admire 3500 year old artifacts and relics of civilizations that once populated the island. 

Psst – if you’re really into this stuff, you may find yourself spending a few hours here, so plan accordingly!

Venetian Fortress and Old Port : The Old Port is exceptionally beautiful and full of atmosphere, facing the modern city of Heraklion with fishing boats in the harbor and tons of eateries. 

And when you check out the old port of Heraklion, be sure to pay a visit to the magnificent Venetian Fortress (also known as Koules). Surprise, surprise, the fortress was built by the Venetians. They ruled on Crete for over 400 years, and the fort was built in order to defend the city from recurrent pirate attacks (did someone say pirate attacks?! I mean, whoa). 

Mini history lesson – unfortunately, no fortress was enough to deter the attack of the Ottoman Empire, who finally took over in 1669, ruling on Crete for the following 267 years.

It’s hard to miss this majestic limestone castle right on the sea, giving a small glimpse into Crete’s sometimes bloody history.

Matala Beach : It’s time to cross the mountains and reach the southern coast of Crete – off to the beach we go! Of course I had to include some beach time on this list of best things to do in Crete.

About an hour away from Heraklion, you’ll come across Matala, one of Crete’s most iconic beaches (and yes, it’s absolutely breathtaking – do a google search and you’ll be wowed). The beach boasts crystal clear water (it’s actually a deep bay – meaning no waves) with a bluff full of caves on one side and the town on the other.

Matala is THE place to go if you wanna rent a lounge chair and umbrella for an entire day (at a reasonable price no less) and just relax. Or go for a walk on the beach and stop for a cocktail or two (a bunch of beach bars around).

Matala first became famous during the 60’s when it was the destination of choice of the expats and hippies. They’d leave everything behind to live a thoughtless life inside the caves of Matala. Hippy hangouts, if you must! Today, Matala’s caves are virtually empty, but the flower power atmosphere is pretty much alive in the village, with its colorful streets, shops, and bars.

Insider Tip: the water gets deep pretty quick, and the sand at the water’s edge is more pebbly than sandy, so you may wanna wear waterproof sandals.

Once you’ve seen some of Heraklion’s landmarks, it’s time to move west to the remarkable city of Rethymnon. Being the third largest city in Crete, Rethymnon is home to one of Crete’s most important universities – ultimately giving the city a young vibe. It has a fairy-tale feel to it, and one of the best preserved medieval cities in all of Greece.

Old Town: The Old Town of Rethymnon is right next to the sea, on the northern coast of the island. It’s a fantastic Venetian town with characteristic cobblestone alleys adorned with bougainvillea, picturesque houses with Turkish balconies made of wood, and a beautiful small harbor. 

In the Old Port of Rethymno, be sure to check out the beautiful Venetian lighthouse, which is 9 meters tall and gives a unique character to the area. OH! And don’t forget to enjoy a cocktail at the waterfront of the port during sunset. Just do it, you won’t be upset.

Rimondi Fountain : Since you’re already visiting the Old Town, don’t miss the elaborate public fountain in Platanos Square (built way back in 1626). And elaborate it is – three basins and three Caorinthian columns, water running from three lion heads, and remains of the coat of arms of the Rimondi family, an aristocratic Venetian family.

Do note that it’s typically pretty crowded since just about every walking tour in Rethymnon stops here (especially in summer). It’s a quick stop, even just to quickly admire the architecture and rinse your hands under the cool running water in the heat. Of all the things to do in Crete, this one will just take a few minutes – might as well check it off the list!

Fortezza : Much bigger than the Fortress of Heraklion, the Venetian Fortress of Rethymnon, known as Fortezza, is an imposing structure right by the sea, on the western tip of the Old Town.

Inside, it’s possible to see the unique former mosque of Sultan Ibrahim Han, with one of the highest tiled vaulted ceilings in Crete.

Also inside the fortress, pay a visit to the Bastion of Saint Lucas, which boasts a unique cannon ramp and great views of the sea. The Fortress of Rethymnon is one of the best-preserved castles in Greece (with a well-priced entrance ticket of €4).

Plakias Beach: Ready for some beach time? The best beaches of Rethymnon are located on the southern coast (I guess you’ve already realized that the best beaches of Crete are in the South, right?)

Thankfully, the drive isn’t too long (roughly 45 minutes to an hour), through the Ida Mountain range and through the small (but impressive) gorge of Kourtaliotiko (you’ll want to stop for photos here!)

Plakias has a beautiful sandy shore, with some smooth pebbles, perfect for sunbathing, water sports, and snorkeling. And get this – some sun beds are FREE (yes, free – just with the purchase of a drink)! It can get quite windy in this area, so you may wanna bring along a light sweater just in case. Grab a smoothie at the beach bar and hang out for the afternoon.

The beach is divided into different areas, one of them a favorite among naturists. So now you know, if you want to sunbathe without a bikini, head to the eastern end of Plakias!

Editor’s Note: while performing my due diligence and fact checking this article (true story – it’s what I do for all guest posts), I came across Skinaria Beach, Damnoni Beach, and Ammoudaki Beach close to Plakias Beach. And OMG they all look just as beautiful.

While I can’t vouch for these beautiful stretches of sand, the photos look absolutely unbelievable. Make sure to do your research before visiting to ensure they’re a good fit for you and your vacation to Crete. 🙂

Old Town : One of the most beautiful cities in Greece is the romantic old town of Chania. The town is divided into several different quarters (meaning there’s lots to see), so it’s a good idea to plan a few days in Chania to ensure you see them all! 

The Venetian quarter, located towards the west of the city, is home to some beautiful historic buildings which have been transformed into elegant boutique hotels. In this area, you’ll also find the Venetian Port, the Lighthouse, and Chania’s most famous landmark, the Mosque of the Janissaries. Don’t miss it!

The Turkish quarter, also known as Splantzia, is a maze of cobblestone alleys, small picturesque houses, and less hotels or touristic activities. It’s indeed the most unspoilt area of Chania’s old town, and a must-see. There is a beautiful minaret hidden in the alleys (Chatzimichali Daliani Street), as well as pretty churches and trendy pubs.

If you’re a fan of Greek beers (or if you’re eager to learn all about the stuff), head to Plaka , a small bar on Sifaka Street. 

Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay : Out of ALL the things to do in Crete, DO NOT miss Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay. You’d be doing yourself a big disservice. I could try to spell out the insurmountable beauty of this area, but I’d run out of adjectives.  A few that come to mind: exotic, rugged, and unspoiled. It is the most photographed beach in Crete afterall.

It’s impossible to visit Crete and skip this spot on the westernmost tip of the island! Balos Bay, often included among the best beaches in the world , is a spectacular exotic shore, a shallow lagoon with stunning turquoise waters and white sand that will leave you in awe. There’s even a Venetian fortress on Gramvousa Island to climb for stunning, unique views. A definite pearl of Crete and not to be missed. 

However, despite its beauty, the beach has very limited organization, so it’s always a good idea to pack your own lunch and carry plenty of liquids to spend the day. Also, don’t forget your sunscreen (it gets hot hot hot and sunny here), as well as comfortable shoes to hike down from the parking lot to the beach.

If you prefer, it’s also possible to visit the beach with a day cruise (trips available from both Heraklion and Rethymnon as well). Instead, if you’d rather give this adventure a try sans group, check this complete guide to Balos and other beaches of Chania . 

→ Book tour to the stunning Gramvousa and Balos Bay here. This is one spot you don’t wanna miss.

Elafonisi Pink Sand Beach : Pink sand! Need I say more?! If you thought this guide was going to exclude Crete’s most beautiful beach, think again! Elafonisi is an islet on the southernmost tip of the region with a fantastic pink sandy shore and the most pristine blue waters you can imagine. 

The beach is located about 72 km from the center of Chania, and you can either drive there yourself or book a tour to visit (the best option if you suffer from vertigo or if driving in the mountains is not your cup of tea!).

In fact, to reach Elafonisi, you’ll need to drive through the ravine of Topolia. The ravine is quite an impressive gorge with a tunnel and bends right by a bunch of cliffs that are not for the faint of heart.

Anyhow, no matter how you get there, once at the beach you’ll forget about everything else, considering it’s one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever laid eyes on.

Psst: You can also book a tour to Elafonisi from Rethymnon if you don’t plan on staying in Chania for whatever reason.

Day trip to Loutro: From the city of Chania, it’s possible to drive through the road next to the Gorge of Imbros, towards the South, and reach the small coastal town of Chora Sfakion. Once there, walk to the port and board a ferry to Loutro, a small fishing village that you can only reach by sea, or by hiking a portion of the E4 (European Path).

Loutro is a place for extreme relaxation and tranquility. The main activities limit to lounging on the small pebbles of the beach, swimming in its emerald sea, and eating delicious seafood in one of the several tavernas by the water (check out Taverna Notos for the most delicious dishes).

It’s also possible to spend the night, but you’ll need to book in advance if you visit in the high season of July-August.  

WHERE AND WHAT TO EAT IN CRETE:

Mmmm, Greek food. Yes, there are tons of things to do in Crete, but don’t skimp out on the eating, too! Make sure to try as much as you possibly can – it’s all so exceptionally tasty. Promise me you won’t leave Crete without at least indulging in traditional moussaka, pastitsio, and yemista in any traditional taverna.

If you have no idea where to start (there’s a lot to order, trust me!), book a gastronomic/food tour! These tours are found in every major city (including those listed above), with some even including wine tasting sessions and visits to olive oil mills and/or cheese factories.

If you’re in Chania and want to discover the best tastes of the city, as well as discover the staple products in the Municipal Market, check this gastronomic experience of Crete. Book on AirBnB here (get up to $15 off your first AirBnB experience by signing up here ), and Viator here (one of my preferred booking sites for activities). What’s better than a morning filled with traditional pastries, authentic coffee, local tapas, and culinary hotspots?

Where to Eat in Heraklion

O Tempelis , in the center of town, is a traditional place with very convenient prices. Here locals gather to share meze , small dishes with Cretan delicacies, such as dolmades, stuffed champignons, baked potatoes, tzatziki sauce, and more.

Peskesi is probably Crete’s most famous restaurant (yes, on the entire island). Located a few meters from Liontaria Square (close to the center of Heraklion), it’s well-known for serving innovative Cretan flavors while still keeping the traditional homemade cooking methods of Crete.

Where to Eat in Rethymnon

Prima Plora, right by the sea, is a romantic setting with beautiful views and a delicious menu. It’s one of the top-rated places in town for seafood and sushi too.

Kokkino, if you’re on a budget, though, you don’t want to miss the most popular restaurant of the city, right in front of the beach. Kokkino has been in town for ages, serving every dish of the Greek tradition, including inexpensive but huge gyro wraps, skepasti (similar to gyro but in a sandwich), and souvlaki as well.

Where to Eat in Chania

There are several places to have dinner in Chania, and as long as you avoid the tourist traps in the old port, you’ll be fine. 

The best place where to eat is – as usual – where the locals eat. In Chania, locals gather for dinner in absolutely any of the restaurants along Chatzimichali Daliani Street.

Oasis Souvlaki, is the place you go if you simply want to grab a wrap and keep exploring. This gyro joint has been serving gyro for the last 50 years in the same spot; something tells me they must be doing something right!

Municipal Market, for those who want fresh dishes at friendly prices, there’s nothing like a lunch in the municipal market. A few small tavernas serve dishes from midday until the market closes (5 pm), or until food runs out ( sometimes well before 5! ).

Have we convinced you to start packing your bags for Crete yet? Which of these (ridiculously gorgeous) things to do in Crete will you be adding to your must-do/see list?!

Pin for later:

Author Bio: Gabi is the founder of The Tiny Book , a blog about the Greek island of Crete, with useful inside tips about Crete, travel guides and itineraries to discover Crete. You can also join her Crete Travel Facebook Group , follow her on Pinterest or walk with her in a gastronomic tour of Chania .

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June 20, 2022 at 4:53 am

I visited Crete last summer and I loved it! It was after Milos my favorite Greek island. Reading this list just makes me want to go back again.

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Visit Crete: Top 27 Things to Do and Must See Attractions

The 27 best things to do in crete (bucket list).

You’re planning to visit Crete during your next trip? You want to know more about the best places to visit?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, i have prepared this guide of the 27 best things to do in Crete , with all the must-see attractions of this beautiful island located at the very South of Greece .

In this guide, you will learn everything about the most beautiful towns such as Chania or Heraklion , the best beaches ( Balos Beach , Elafonissi “the pink beach”) and activities as well as the natural wonders such as Samaria Gorge .

So, where to go in Crete? What are the best points of interest?

Let’s find out!

2. Balos beach

3. elafonissi beach, 4. the samaria gorge, 5. heraklion and the archaeological museum, 6. the palace of knossos, 7. rethymnon, 8. vai beach, 9. preveli beach / preveli monastery, 10. the other most beautiful beaches of crete, 11. hikes in crete, 12. the botanical garden of crete, 13. akrotiri peninsula, 14. kournas lake, 15. the lassithi plateau – zeus cave, 16. monasteries to visit in crete, 17. spinalonga island, 18. agios nikolaos, 19. the most beautiful caves to see in crete, 20. richtis gorge and waterfall, 21. xerokampos and its beaches, 23. hora sfakion and the south-east coast, 24. the cretan islets, 25. activities to do in crete, 26. typical villages, 27. discover cretan gastronomy in the taverns, best things to do in crete: the tourist map, crete tours, renting a boat in crete, you’re traveling to crete these articles will help you, visit crete: the 27 best places to visit and must-see attractions.

In order to help you plan your stay in Crete, I have prepared detailed itineraries depending on your trip duration . You should read them after reading this article.

You can find them here, simply click on the orange links to read the articles:

• Itinerary: 4-5 days in Crete – Itinerary to prepare a short stay in East or West Crete
• Itinerary: One week in Crete – The perfect itinerary to visit Western Crete
• Itinerary : 7 days in Crete – The best itinerary to visit East Crete in 1 week
• Itinerary: 10 days in Crete – How to visit Crete in 10 days
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Crete – The perfect itinerary for 14-15 days in Crete

They will allow you to plan your trip very easily!

And if you have any question, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section, at the end of the article. I would be glad to help you plan your stay.

You must you start this tour guide of Crete with one of the prettiest towns on the island: Chania .

Located to the North-West , it is an excellent starting point for a trip to Crete : it has one international airport and is a good base for visiting some of the most famous places, such as the lagoon of Balos, the Elafonissi beach or the Samaria Gorge, as day-trips.

Places of interest to see in Chania:

• The Venetian Old Port, with its entrance marked by its lighthouse. It is bordered by nice cafés and restaurants where you can go for a drink.
• Fort Firkas offers a beautiful view of the port from the ramparts. Access to the inner courtyard is free.
• The maritime museum of Crete , which is part of the fort. It exhibits navigational instruments, boat models and other documents related to the history of the Navy.
• The old town and the alleys around the port for leather shops, jewellery shops and traditional souvenir shops.
• The covered market also has shops selling souvenirs and local products (cheese, pastries, alcohol).
• The archaeological museum of Chania for its collection of relics from the Neolithic to the Roman period.
• The Greek Orthodox cathedral, located in a pretty square in the old town.

Near Chania , you will also find some beaches if you want to a refreshing stop:

• Nea Chora , the closest to the centre and therefore very busy, but not necessarily the prettiest because it is located on the roadside
• Hrisi Akti , ideal for surfers
• Eastern Gulf, a small protected sandy cove bordered by pine forests. For me, it’s the prettiest beach near Chania!
• Agii Apostoli / Iguana Beach that looks a lot like Eastern Gulf but bigger.

Want more information about all places to visit in Chania? You can find it in my detailed article on the city, which you can read by clicking here: The best things to see and do in Chania?

Chania is not very big, you can easily cover everything on foot (especially as the city centre only allows pedestrians).

Keep 1 morning to visit Chania.

If there is one place you should not miss when in Crete , it is the famous Balos Beach, also called Balos Lagoon

Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete , it is located about 90 minute West of Chania.

The lagoon offers a superb stretch of shallow turquoise waters where it is impossible to resist a dip!

Bordered by a beautiful beach with fine sands of pink hues, with cape Tigani in the background and a view of the island of Gramvoussa , the setting is truly sublime and heavenly.

All the detailed information to get to Balos can be found in my article here: The guide to visit the lagoon of Balos.

You can go to Balos by car or opt for a day trip from Chania or Kissamos. You will then reach Balos Beach directly by boat.

You must particularly take one of these 2 cruises (click on the orange link to get all the info and book):

• From Kissamos – Boat trip to the lagoon of Balos + swimming (with stop at the island of Gramvoussa).
• From Chania – Hotel pick-up + Bus transfer to Kissamos + Cruise to Gramvoussa and Balos.

Along with the lagoon of Balos, the Elafonissi beach is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Crete.

What makes this island’s most famous beach special , regularly ranking among the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world , is its pink sand and shallow translucent water.

Enough to stock-up with photos for your Instagram account!

But if I have one advice for you, you shouldn’t stay on the main part of the beach (where everyone is) but cross over to the other side to enjoy a wilder setting.

Here you will find turquoise waters, pink sands and big rocks, and above all you, a much quieter setting for a swim!

All the practical information about Crete’s best known pink sand beach is in my other post: Elafonissi: the definitive guide.

Elafonissi beach is quite isolated , so if you haven’ t rented a car for your tour in Crete , you will have to take a transport-included trip to get there.

These trips are offered from 3 cities (click on the orange link for information):

• From Chania – my recommendation because it is the closest to Elafonissi!
• From Rethymnon
• From Heraklion.

Are you looking to go on a hike in Crete ?

Then head to the Samaria Gorge, in West Crete, for a hike of approximately 16 km in one of the longest gorges in Europe.

The trail starts with a steep descent of 4 km through the shady forest before reaching the bottom of the Gorge and the main rest area, 7 km away.

The most spectacular and famous part of Samaria is located at km 11 . At the “ Iron Gates” , you will pass through the narrowest passage of the Gorge which barely measures 3.50 metres and whose walls reach 300 metres.

The path alternates only between downhill and flat, but you should definitely bring a good pair of shoes because there are stones everywhere and it is slippery.

The Samaria Gorge hike ends at the small seaside village of Agia Roumeli where you will have to take a boat and then a bus to return to the car park or to Chania.

Please note that if you have decided to visit to Crete out of peak season, the Samaria Gorge us closed from October 15th to May 1st.

To learn more about this hike , you must read my dedicated article by clicking on the following link: How to visit the Samaria Gorge?

Good news: if you don’t have a car, you can still visit the Samaria Gorge from Chania by booking a round-trip in a bus in advance.

Click the button below for details:

Along with Chania, Heraklion is the second main city to visit in Crete .

It also has an international airport and can be used as a starting point for your itinerary in Crete .

The best things to see and do in Heraklion?

• The archaeological museum of Heraklion and its vast collection of objects ranging from the Neolithic to the Roman period. It is one of the largest museums in Greece. Modern and well developed, I consider it an unmissable spot when visiting Crete!
• The Koules fortress and its exhibition on the history of the city. You can also enter the ramparts to enjoy the view of the port and the sea.
• A walk in the old town , along rue 1866, lined with shops and restaurants with shaded terraces
• The historical museum of Crete to know everything about the history of the island
• The Agios Minas cathedral and its ceiling covered with frescoes.

The details with all the things to do in Heraklion can be found in my dedicated article. Read here: Visit Heraklion.

Only a 10-minute drive from the centre of Heraklion, the Palace of Knossos is the most visited tourist site in Crete as of now.

The ruins of the palace were discovered in 1878, but the actual excavations only began 20 years later thanks to the archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, who devoted 35 years of his life and most of his savings in uncovering the ruins.

The ruins uncovered a new civilisation , which Evans himself chose to name the Minoan civilisation, in reference to King Minos (the legendary king of Crete).

Today, it takes a lot of imagination to imagine the grandeur of the palace and the surrounding buildings , but you can explore:

• The famous bull fresco at the North entrance
• The Throne Room
• The megaron (the bedroom) of the Queen and its fresco with Dolphins
• The fresco room where copies of the works can be found (the originals are displayed at the archaeological museum of Heraklion)
• The mural of the Prince of the Lilies.

As you might have guessed, history buffs should not miss this archaeological site in Crete!

All the practical information can be found in my dedicated article: Visit the Palace of Knossos.

To visit the Palace of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, you must buy a combined ticket in advance.

This will save you from queues and you will also have an included audio guide:

We will continue this guide to Crete with a small town on the road between Chania and Heraklion: Rethymnon  

I particularly enjoyed walking around the old town , which I found super pleasant and really picturesque with its charming cobbled streets lined with shops and taverns.

You can also discover the Venetian fortress of Rethymnon (€4) and go to the Old Port that has small cafés/restaurants with terraces by the water.

From Rethymnon, you can easily visit the main places of interest in Crete (Balos, Elafonissi, Samaria, Chania…) via trips.

To organise your visit to Rethymnon and not miss out on anything, you can read my article: What are the things to do in Rethymnon?

If you want to spend a day sunbathing and swimming during your holiday in Crete, I recommend Vai beach.

Located in the north-east of the island , this beautiful sandy beach bordered by palm trees and crystal clear water is one of the best known in Crete. 

You can rent deckchairs/parasols from €10 a day and practice several water sports activities: jet ski, paddle boat, buoy.

To enjoy a beautiful view, go up the stairs to the right of the beach.

To continue with the list of the famous beaches to visit in Crete , you must not miss Preveli beach.

It actually looks a lot like Vai beach because it is also a small sandy beach bordered by a palm grove. But there is a river crossing the beach, that flows into the sea.

You can also swim in fresh water!

The Preveli beach is located at the end of a rather steep path (about 15 minutes for the descent) but you can have a very nice view overlooking it at a 5-minute walk from the car park.

Just a 5-minute drive from the beach , you can also visit the Preveli Monastery (Moni Preveli) which has a pretty church and a museum displaying beautiful icons. 

To reach Preveli beach without a car, you can book this organised trip from Chania or Rethymnon:

By now, it should be clear to you that it is impossible to visit Crete without spending a little time at the beach!

In addition to the 4 unmissable beaches I just mentioned (Balos, Elafonissi, Vai and Preveli), here is my selection of the most beautiful places to swim in Crete:

• The pink sand beach of Falassarna , 40 minutes away from the lagoon of Balos
• Seitan Limani beach, 20 km from Chania, in the Akrotiri peninsula
• Kedrodasos beach, 5 minutes by car from Elafonissi
• Karavostasi beach, on the road between Rethymnon and Heraklion
• Kolokitha beach, Elounda. Much less known than the others, for me it deserves its place in the top 5 most beautiful beaches on the island!
• Voulisma beach, at Agios Nikolaos
• The beach in the small village of Mohlos
• The 2 small beaches of Itanos , not far from Vai beach
• The beaches of Xerokampos: a succession of beautiful beaches and creeks with turquoise waters, very little frequented. My favourite on my road trip in Crete !
• Red Beach in Matala
• Triopetra beach is famous for its stratified rocks – It is worth seeing if you go there before going to Preveli but the beach itself is not interesting.

The best way to discover Crete’s most beautiful beaches is to opt for a VIP boat trip, far from other tourists!

For this, you have 2 options:

1) Book a private boat trip in Crete

You can rent a boat with a captain , and he will take you to the most beautiful corners of Crete.

Motor boat, sailing boat, catamaran : you can choose the right boat for a dream day!

You must rent your boat with a captain as early as possible , since as you can imagine, this type of a VIP day at sea is greatly in demand, and it would be a shame to not have a spot!

You will find all boats with a captain in Crete by clicking on the button below:

2) Rent a boat and discover the Cretan coasts by yourself

If you have a boat licence, the 2nd solution for a great day at sea is simply to rent a boat!

Simply click on the button below and book your boat immediately:

Hiking is one of the best activities to do in Crete to discover beautiful wild landscapes.

The island is full of paths and you will be spoilt for choice, no matter your level or where you are located.

But you must particularly take the paths where you can explore the impressive Cretan Gorges.

In addition to the Samaria Gorge, here is a brief overview of the most beautiful walks in Crete:

• The Imbros Gorge – From Imbros to Hora Skafion – South-West Crete
• The Agia Irini Gorge – South-West
• The Aradena Gorge where you can go down to the Marmara creek – South-West
• The Mili Gorge, towards Rethymnon
• The Zakros Gorge in the Valley of the Dead – East Crete
• Richtis Gorge to discover the beautiful waterfall of the same name – East Crete
• The Kritsa Gorge – East Crete
• The Anydri Gorge, towards Paleohora – South-West
• The coastal path of Paleohora in Sougia
• The Rouvas Gorge from Lake Votomos (between Heraklion and Matala).

For experienced hikers , there are the following options:

• The climb up Mount Gingilos – Departure from Xiloskalo, from Samaria Gorge
• Trypiti Gorge – Departure from Omalos
• The climb up Mount Psiloritis, the highest point in Crete
• The E4 trans-European long-distance hiking trail that crosses Crete from West to East over a length of 320 km. This road, which has a total length of 10,450 km, starts in Portugal and passes through Spain , France , Switzerland , Greece and other countries before ending in Cyprus.

The hiking trails in Crete are very rocky, you really need to wear good shoes .

Bring enough drinking water, sunscreen and always check the weather before leaving.

To continue this list of the top things to see in Crete, you must visit the botanical garden of Crete.

Located in the surroundings of Chania , on the mountain-side, the 2.5 km trail, has several varieties of plants and fruit trees from Greece and also from all over the world.

A pleasant walk that takes about 90 minutes.

The garden also has a small lake with a few animals and several peacocks roam freely around the park. If you’re wondering what to do in Crete with kids , it’s a good idea for a trip.

Entrance fee is € 6, and a small water bottle is provided. More information on the official website.

You must continue with touring Crete by exploring the peninsula of Akrotiri.

The airport is located on this peninsula just outside Chania, but I can assure you that this is not the only point of interest.

Not to be missed in Akrotiri:

• Stavros beach: a beautiful and very quiet sandy beach with a part that is protected from the wind
• The Agia Triada monastery that I found really beautiful with its well developed garden and flowers
• The Governto Monastery
• Seitan Limani beach, a small canyon with turquoise waters that opens into a creek surrounded by cliffs. One of Crete’s best known tourist attractions.
• Marathi beach, a sandy beach split into 2 small coves, very crowded but which I didn’t find extraordinary
• Loutraki beach.

Lake Kournas is one of the other places to go in Crete to swim , but this time in fresh water.

Located 5 km away from Georgiopouli (between Chania and Rethymnon) and surrounded by mountains, it is the only natural lake in Crete . The water here is crystal clear and very clean, so you won’t have to when swimming.

You can also rent a paddle boat (between €7 and €12 an hour) to go around and discover the many water turtles and fish that hide there.

At the entrance to the lake you will find a few souvenir shops and taverns.

The first car park on your right costs at €2 per day, but if you continue a little further down you will have a free car parking spot.

For half a day road trip in Crete, you must complete a circuit of Lassithi plateau. 

This rural area in the East of the island is very typical with its small villages and the few windmills left out of the 20,000 used for irrigation.

Following the Lassithi plateau circuit in a car , you will visit:

• Tzermiado, the largest of the 20 villages in Lassithi
• Agios Georgios where the Cretan folk art museum is located 
• The Homo sapiens museum on the evolution of man – I won’t recommend it but the car park offers a beautiful view of the plains.
• The cave on Mount Dicte, also called the Cave of Zeus or the Psichro cave , because according to legend it is here that Zeus was born. The cave is very deep and has large stalactites and stalagmites. Entrance fee costs €6 (a 10-minute climb + descending a long staircase). It is the main tourist site in Lassithi.
• Greek Mythological Park where you can discover Greek mythology thanks to an audio guide in English and truly representative scenery. I was really surprised (well!) with the quality of the explanations and the facilities.
• Lasinthos Eco Park where you can discover weaving workshops, wood turning, pottery. Free entry.
• The ancient city of Latho offers a beautiful view of the entire bay and is a renowned archaeological site
• Kritsa village and the Panagia Kera church known for its very well preserved Byzantine frescoes.

You can’t visit the Lassithi plateau by public transport. If you don’t have a car, the only way is to book a day trip in 4*4.

You will cross villages, visit the Zeus cave and have lunch in a traditional tavern.

This trip with an English-speaking guide is available from several cities (click on the links in orange to book):

• From Heraklion – Safari by Land Rover to Lassithi
• From Malia/Elounda/Gouves/Ierapetra

If you’re still wondering what to see in Crete , you must visit some of the many monasteries on the island:

• The Agia Triada monastery, on the Akrotiri peninsula (next to Chania) – After driving all around Crete, I thought it was the prettiest.
• The Governto Monastery, also in Akrotiri
• The monastery Chrisoskalitissis (before arriving at Elafonissi beach)
• Arkadi monastery, near Rethymnon
• Moni Toplou , before visiting Vai beach
• The Preveli monastery, next to the famous beach of the same name.

If you’re planning an itinerary in East Crete , a visit to Spinalonga island is a must.

The island was once a fortress in the 16th century, occupied by the Venetians and then by the Ottomans. It was then used as a leper colony in the 1900s.

But if Spinalonga ranks among the most important tourist sites in Crete today, it is thanks to the famous novel by Victoria Hislop, “The Island”. The book, whose story takes place in Spinalonga, was successful worldwide and was later adapted into a film and series.

Today, by docking at the island, you can walk through the village ruins, the fort, the leper hospital and the church.

It takes a good hour to walk around, and don’t forget to climb up the hill to admire the view of the Plaka peninsula. 

Entrance fee for Spinalonga: €8

To go to Spinalonga, you can take the boat to Plaka or Elounda (€12). In peak season, there is a shuttle every 1/2 hours and the journey takes just 1/4 hour.

You can also visit the island of Spinalonga through an organised trip including pick -up from your hotel, transport by bus and the visit to Agios Nikolas and Elounda:

Agios Nikolaos is a small and well-known town not far from the island of Spinalonga.

You must park your car in the municipal car park and to follow the seafront promenade until you reach Voulismeni lake, the main attraction of the place.

There are plenty of restaurants and shops all around.

Sea excursions also leave from Agios Nikolaos to visit Spinalonga .

And if you’ve decided to go to Crete with your children, you can take a transparent -bottomed boat ride to observe the fish.

Close to Agios Nikolaos, there are also several beaches that are not among the most beautiful on the island but you can go there to refresh yourself.

If you are driving around Crete, there are several caves you can visit:

• The Zeus cave on the Lassithi plateau (which I have already mentioned in point 15 of this article) is the best known for its history – Entrance costs €6
• The Melidoni cave where you can admire beautiful stalactites and stalagmites and which I found very pretty – Entrance at €4
• Agia Sofia cave for a 10-minute photo stop on the road before reaching Elafonissi beach – Free entrance
• The Sfendoni cave and its 7 chambers where you can admire numerous stalactites and stalagmites – 40-min guided tour at €5
• Kronion cave (also in Lassithi): inhabited in the Neolithic and which later served as a burial site during the Minoan period – Free entry
• The Matala , caves carved into the cliff on the seashore (see point 22) – Entrance fee: €4.
• The Milatos cave where 2500 people who had taken refuge to escape the Turks were found and killed – Free entry
• The Mount Ida cave where Zeus allegedly hid to escape his father. Several offerings have been discovered here, but the cave is of no particular interest except for mythology lovers – Free entry.

For a little refreshing walk when visiting Crete, you must go on the the Richtis Gorge hike.

From the car park located at the exit of the village of Exo Mouliana , you will need about 90 mins on a shady path running through the forest and along a small river to reach the Richtis waterfall.

Apart from a patches with large, slippery rocks, there is no particular difficulty if you are wearing good shoes. Of course, if you’re wearing flip-flops (as I’ve seen some people do), things can be difficult…

The waterfall is really beautiful and if you are not feeling chilly, you can even take a swim. 

From the waterfall, you can then continue on your way to a small beach (not very pretty and very windy by the way) which takes 30 minutes.

From there, you can choose to turn back, take the tarmac road that leads to the village on foot (I wouldn’t recommend this it gets dry, the sun is high, and it’s not interesting!) or take a taxi that will take you up to the car park (the number is displayed on the trees – €25 for 2).

Note that access to the Gorge is charged: €3 per person. 

Good news for those who don’t have a car, you can visit the waterfall in a 4*4 trip with an English-speaking guide.

You can book it directly by clicking here!

If you want to walk there and back, you can save some time by parking your car closer to the waterfall.

Drive along the small road from the left of the car park to a small bridge . There are a few parking spots on the roadside (if you arrive early).

You can also access the waterfall directly from the beach in 30 minutes on foot . To reach the beach from the top of the village in a car, you have to take a very narrow and winding road.

If you want to visit an off-beat place during your stay in Crete, go to the town of Xerokampos, at the Eastern tip of the island.

Not only does the road leading to it offer splendid views , but you will also discover a succession of beaches and coves , each more beautiful than the last.

Fine sands, shallow turquoise waters and, above all, very few people, this is doubtlessly one of the most beautiful places in Crete, a true favourite!

And if I had to name the 2 most beautiful beaches of Xerokampos, I would say:

• Katsounaki beach (Maps.me name), also called “ Paralia Anola” (Google Maps): a pretty cove with fine sands accessible by car via a dirt road.
• The Ambelou beach (on Maps.me) or “Paralia Mazida Ammos” (if you search on Google Maps) which is just beautiful!

Matala is a small seaside resort known for its caves carved into a cliff by the sea-side and overlooking a pretty cove with turquoise waters in the shape of a crescent moon.

The caves, dug in the Neolithic period, served as a Roman necropolis, before being used as a squatting spot in the 1960s by a community of hippies who made them their hippy “Peace and Love” Camp.

With such a view and direct access to the beach for evenings around the fire, you can understand why they chose the place!

Entry to the caves is charged: €4

Matala also has another beach: Red Beach, a small beach with golden sands and deep and turbulent water. You can walk there in only 30 minutes along the path that starts from behind the village.

At the beginning of the Red Beach trail, on the right after the first set of stairs, you will have a magnificent view of Matala and the caves.

In South-East Crete , you’ll find some of the least accessible seaside villages on the island.

They are very isolated, and you can only reach them by taking long, winding mountain roads, and in some cases, only by boat.

What are the things to see in Crete along the South-East coast?

• Hora Sfakion: a very cute village that is the departure point for boats to Loutro, Sweet Water beach or Gavdos island (see below).
• Loutro , located in a tiny creek, the village is only accessible from Hora Sfakion by sea (by ferry in 20 minutes) or on foot (6 km).
• Agia Roumeli, the village located at the exit of the Samaria Gorge, which can only be reached on foot or by boat from Hora Sfakion, Loutro, Sougia and Paleohora.
• Sougia where the boat from Agia Roumeli arrives filled with hikers who have completed the Gorge of Samaria. Then everyone gets on the bus back to the car park or to Chania.
• Paleohora, a small picturesque village located 70 minutes by car from Elafonissi beach. From Paleohora you can take the ferry to Sougia, Agia Roumeli, Loutro, Hora Sfakion and Gavdos.

You can view the different ferry routes, schedules and rates on the official website of the boat company: Anendyk .

Visiting Crete also means taking the time to go on beautiful day trips by boat to discover one of the pretty Cretan islets:

• Gavdos is an untamed island where you will find heavenly beaches – Ferry access from Paleohora and Hora Skafion
• Chrissi, a tiny uninhabited island classified as a nature reserve and accessible by boat from Ierapetra. Day trips with transport (bus + boat) included from Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos are also available by clicking here! 
• Koufonissi where you will also find turquoise waters and a completely wild landscape – Book your cruise to Koufonissi here
• Dia accessible by boat from Heraklion
• Gramvoussa , which you can visit during the same boat trip that goes to the lagoon of Balos (click here!).

Throughout your trip, you will have the opportunity to enjoy several activities in Crete.

And I’ll start with my favourite activity, a quad bike safari to discover the traditional villages and beautiful mountain landscapes.

The best way for an authentic experience of Crete, far from the classic tourist circuits. For me, this is the best quad bike trip in Crete!

For a quad bike trip from Georgiopoulis , you must book in advance by clicking on the green button:

For a departure from Rethymnon (with an English-speaking guide!), here you go:

Here is a list of the main activities offered in various places on the island (click on the orange links to access details and make your reservation).

We’ll start with water activities/activities to do in Crete:

• 3 hour cruise with swimming stop from Chania
• Cruise on a pirate boat from Rethymnon – Also available at sunset by clicking here!
• Scuba diving with an English-speaking instructor in Heraklion – Also available in Chania
• Diving adventure for certified divers
• Paddle boat outing with an instructor + snorkelling around Chania
• Snorkelling trip with an English-speaking instructor in Heraklion
• Sea kayaking from Bali beach
• Sea kayaking in Elounda
• Sea kayaking from the magnificent Elafonissi beach
• Canyoning in Kalami gorge in South Crete – Canyoning in Portela gorge, in Viannos, South Crete – Canyoning in Seitan Limani near Chania
• Coasteering, with cliff-jump and zipline , not far from Matala
• A day at the Acqua Plus water park in Heraklion – For a family holiday in Crete!
• A day at the Limnoupolis water park with transport included from Chania or Rethymnon
• Jet ski rental in Heraklion
• Parasailing in Heraklion
• Surfing lessons
• Windsurfing lessons in Elafonissi

And here is my selection of the best land/sports activities:

• Safari by Land Rover on the Lassithi plateau with an English-speaking guide
• Land Rover safari in the White Mountains with a visit to a vineyard and an olive oil production workshop
• Jeep trip to Preveli beach from Heraklion and Rethymnon
• Buggy trip from Rethymnon
• Paragliding at Chania
• 2-hour horse ride with lunch or dinner included, near Heraklion
• Guided tour of the old town of Chania by Segway
• Guided tour of the old town of Rethymnon by Segway
• Guided tour of Heraklion on electric bikes
• Climbing session in South Crete

On your trip to Crete, you will have the opportunity to visit many traditional Cretan villages.

You should not expect charming white façades with blue shutters typical of the Cycladic islands like Santorini or Naxos for example, but more to mountain village houses made of stone.

One of the best known villages of Crete is Margarites . Nicknamed the potters’ village, there are several workshops and shops selling bowls, dishes and other terracotta objects.

And a piece of advice: you’d better rent a small car to drive around the narrow streets.

To taste the best Cretan cuisine, there’s no doubt, you have to eat in the small taverns.

They have often been run by the same family for generations and offer simple but tasty traditional cuisine.

You will always be greeted very warmly and at the end of your meal, you will be offered a small dessert and of course a glass of raki, the traditional Cretan alcohol.

Here are some examples of the culinary specialities that you should definitely try in Crete:

• Pastitsio: pasta and meat gratin, the equivalent of lasagne
• Stifado : rabbit stew with small onions and shallots
• Mezze , the Cretan version of the tapas: tomato/feta bread, tzatziki, stuffed vine leaves, meat or fish croquettes, fried zucchini flowers. Some taverns in Crete offer “Mezze” platters.
• Apaki, pork meat marinated and smoked and flavoured with local herbs
• Fish and seafood
• Keftedes: succulent, spicy meatballs
• Antikristo or “ofto” lamb, lamb slow-cooked on a spit – Some taverns also offer pork.
• Souvlakis and gyros: a pita served with chicken, pork or lamb, yoghurt sauce, salad, tomatoes, onions and chips. We tried many of these dishes and each tavern adds its own personal touch, so it never tastes exactly the same.
• Kaltsoúnia: cheese-stuffed pastries
• Raki, a traditional Cretan alcohol, served as a liqueur after every meal.

To discover all the secrets of traditional Cretan cuisine, you can also opt for a cooking class:

• Cooking classes in the traditional village of Arolithos , towards Heraklion
• Cooking lessons in the White Mountains – Pick up from Chania included.

Crete also produces excellent wines, olive oil and delicious cheeses. 

If you would like to visit the vineyards, an olive oil factory and of course wine tastings, you must book this visit from Chania: Day focused on wine and olive oil.

To help you visualize the island a bit better, I have created this tourist map of Crete , with all the places to visit and things to do in Crete.

You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button, the one with a small arrow on it.

On Voyagetips.com , I give you all my best tips and itineraries to plan your trip to Crete by yourself. (All my Crete guides are here)

However, if you prefer to book a Crete tour with a travel agency , I recommend you to check the 10 best Crete tours by clicking the button below:

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your stay in Crete, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental!

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Crete? 😊

What are the places of interest that you would like for your trip to Crete?

Discover all my articles about Crete : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Crete are listed there.

• 27 Best things to do in Crete : All the best places to visit and activities
• Road trip to Crete: The best itineraries for 5, 7, 10 and 15 days
• Chania : The 15 best places to discover
• Heraklion : TOP 13 places to visit
• Rethymnon: The 13 best things to do
• Balos Beach : All my best tips to visit Balos Lagoon!
• Elafonissi Beach : The definitive guide to discover Crete’s famous pink sand beach
• Palace of Knossos: The definitive guide to visit the most famous archaeological site of Crete
• Samaria Gorge : How to plan the best hike in Crete
• Where to stay in Crete? The guide to the best hotels, ordered by city and budget

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Mission Trip or Pilgrimage to Crete, Greece

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As a child, you inevitably studied the Greek myths, hero tales of old. On the island of Crete, the great city of Knossos grew into a place of commerce and power. This is the location of the great underground labyrinth and its guard the Minotaur. This was one of the islands where Paul sought harbor during his travels through the Mediterranean. Crete is a place of unique history and dramatic landscapes.

It is a world of beauty, twisted bricked streets, archaic towns and breathtaking hikes; it is an extraordinary synthesis of the past and present. One of our favorite locations, the Samaria Gorge, allows you to hike the longest gorge in Europe. Knossos, one of the oldest ruins in the world, allows you to travel back into the world of the ancient Greeks. Imagine dinner, overlooking the sea, at the edge of a historic marketplace. Crete is an adventure that asks us to break down the myths about our faith and secure our spiritual foundation. Join us here for a missions trip or pilgrimage.

• Visit the ancient ruins of Knossos and see the legacy of king Minos.
• Eat some of the best food in the world while watching the oceanside sunset.
• Take on an Ecological conservation project.
• Learn about the depth of the Orthodox faith.
• Discover a foundation of faith rather than a cloak of faith.

There is not an example itinerary for Crete, Greece, please contact [email protected] for specific information about this Wonder Voyage.

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Legacy in Crete, Greece

*This is the base cost of the trip. Your cost may differ depending on housing, activities, etc.

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Insider tips before your trip to Crete

Jul 10, 2022 • 5 min read

Visiting Crete is a pleasure – and even easier by familiarizing yourself with a few simple tips © alexandros petrakis / Shutterstock

Crete is easy. There’s little you need to do to prepare for your trip to this glorious Greek island beyond making a few advance bookings. Packing is simple – and if you forget something, you can buy it there.

The island is safe. The local economy counts on tourists, and the Cretans – like most Greeks – are friendly and welcoming. In any business where tourists turn up (which even includes tiny family-run eateries high in the hills), someone will speak English. A little common sense and politeness will go a long way as you navigate the etiquette of the place.

Here’s all you need to know before you take your trip to Crete. (Lucky you.) 

Reserve your rooms and rental cars (well) in advance

As travelers continue to make up for missed trips during the pandemic, Crete is a favorite destination. From April to October, the best places to stay at all price levels book up early. Don’t wait, expecting prices to fall. They won’t.

This is even more true for rental cars, thanks to the global car shortage. If you’re driving the entire time you’re on the island, shop around and reserve the best deal you can find. One exception: if you’ll just be hiring a car for the occasional day trip, you can wait until you’re on the island and then arrange for a day rental with a local outfit. (Keep in mind that this may be a friend of the hotel owner with a fleet of three Fiats.)

Know your season – and layer up

Images of sun-drenched beaches and balmy nights in cafes underpin Cretan tourism cliches. But outside of summer, it’s not always warm. Winter can be blustery, chilly and wet. Nights outside of July and August can be brisk. Bring layers.

Bring some cash

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted for purchases large and small, and ATMs are common on Crete. But you might encounter offline machines or cash-only vendors, so we recommend carrying about €200 in cash in various smaller-euro denominations. Don’t be that person who hands the elderly ex-fisherman running the beach ferry a €50 note for a €5 fare.

Fill your phone with maps before you take the wheel

Many mapping apps allow you to download data in advance that you can then use for navigation when your phone is offline. This can be a lifeline when you’re at the junction of two unmarked roads deep in the mountains and you don’t know which way to turn.

Cover up in churches

Letting it (almost) all hang out is fine on many beaches (there are a few completely nude ones on the island) but when you’re stopping into Crete’s many historic, incense-filled churches, show some respect. Cover your shoulders, have shorts or a skirt that goes below the knees, and don’t enter barefoot.

Stay coolly stylish at night

Balmy nights call for airy, floaty duds – yet don’t expect to get into that cool cafe, top restaurant or heaving club with a singlet and short shorts. Longer shorts and dresses are good almost anywhere at night; a crisp designer T-shirt or something with a collar will work for men.

Cretans rarely go naked or topless on the beach

Island residents fully expect the clothes to fall away from their beach-loving visitors. Yet you should still exercise some discretion. Near town centers and along beach promenades, polite exposure maintains a shred of modesty. Elsewhere, women often go topless and designated nude areas abound. When in doubt, check out the prevailing fashion around you (or lack thereof).

Expect long and languid dinners

Crete has some of the best food in Mediterranean Europe . Meals are an event  – and can extend over two or more very enjoyable hours. Friends share dishes large and small, which are served to the entire table, family style. On a busy summer evening, restaurants can get slammed and courses may meander out of the kitchen only after long gaps. Trying to hurry things along is bad form and the antithesis of a lovely, relaxed night out.

In contrast, lunch can be enjoyed fairly quickly at a cafe or savored for much longer, especially at a seaside taverna, where a shady table and fresh seafood meal is the ideal antidote to the scorchingly hot midday sun.

Be sure to tip – but don’t overtip

As an island with a huge tourism industry, Crete has more of a tipping culture than more un-touristed parts of Greece. In restaurants and cafes, 5% is a good median amount, with 10% very generous. Locals will round up to an even number in a restaurant (eg leave €35 for a tab of €33) or leave small change in a cafe.

Leaving some euros for your room cleaner is always appreciated. If someone helps you with your bags, €1 to €3 per bag is appropriate – unless it’s a taxi driver, in which case the bag handling fee is added to the fare. You only need to tip a taxi driver a couple of euros at most.

Pay the asked price

Outside of open-air markets, bargaining over prices is not the norm in Crete. Expect to pay the marked price in shops and galleries.

Feel free to drink the water

Tap water in Crete is safe to drink. Remember to refill your water bottles whenever you can, as it gets very hot in summer. You’ll need plenty of hydration for the beach, hiking trails, bus and car rides, and more.

Don’t stress about crime

Crete is a safe place to travel and you shouldn’t lose sleep over the risk of crime. As anywhere, though, common sense should always prevail: lock your doors, don’t leave valuables in the rental car and never leave your phone or other treasures unattended on the beach or at the cafe.

Frustrate the mosquitos

Mosquitos buzz about ceaselessly at dusk. If you like anti-bug sprays or balms, bring them with you – repellants can be surprisingly tough to find on Crete. Mosquito coils are widely available, as well as electric gizmos that plug into the wall of hotel rooms. But the efficacy of these methods is variable at best.

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Les sites archéologiques en Crète ☼

Anoula’s travel notebook. The four main archaeological sites on the Island of Crete are:

• Phaistos, one of the oldest Minoan Palace , is situated in the North-East of Matala. Even if you won’t find more information than in Knossos, the site is more comprehensible when you look at it at first sight, much more spred out, hung on a hill with a view on the pretty valley of Messara .

• Mallia is situated towards Agios Nicholaos, and was built around 2000 B. C. , it is one of the big cities of the Minoan civilization. You can find more information about the site in an exhibition room than on the previous sites.
• Kato Zakros , in the East of the Island, about 25km from the South of Palekastro, again a Minoan Palace, the last one of the four big palaces discovered in Crete. This site is at the end of a huge gorge called Valley of the Dead (see the hiking rubric), the landscape around the site looks like a little paradise when the tourists coaches leave the place.These four palaces have similar features. It exists many other archaeological sites in Crete, but smaller, you can find them each time you go for a walk and you can discover them as you want because they are left without any attention.

Be careful, respect all these non-protected sites and preserve them, they are part of the Cretan culture .

Lundi à Vendredi : 9h-18. Samedi : 10h à 17h. Appel non surtaxé.

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Voyage Crète : nos offres de vacances

La crète : une île empreinte d’histoire et de charme.

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Présentation de la Crète

Géographie de la crète.

La plus grande des îles grecques propose un éventail de paysages exotiques. Quatre chaînes de montagnes alternent avec des plaines et de hauts plateaux fertiles en agriculture. La Grande bleue borde le sud de l’île par la mer de Libye, et le nord par la mer de Crète. Un séjour en Crète captive les amoureux de nature et de vastes espaces à la découverte d’une île sauvage et montagneuse, parée d’un manteau verdoyant d’oliveraies.

Climat de la Crète

La Crète bénéficie d’un climat méditerranéen agréable, ponctué d’étés chauds, de printemps et d’automnes ensoleillés, bien agréable lors d’un voyage en Crète , et d’hivers lumineux et doux. Les précipitations sont rares, souvent de courte durée, survenant en général entre novembre et mars. Les vents contribuent parfois à refroidir le climat lors des séjours, avantage appréciable pendant la saison estivale caniculaire.

Planifier son voyage en Crète

Meilleur moment pour un séjour en crète.

La période idéale pour un voyage tout compris en Crète s’étend de mai à octobre. Durant l’été, l’affluence touristique dans les hôtels club est maximale. Pour profiter de journées paisibles et de températures plus douces, il est recommandé d’organiser ses vacances dans un resort en Grèce en juin ou en septembre.

Coût de la vie en Crète

En moyenne, le coût de la vie en Crète est 15 % moins élevé qu’en France. Le salaire mensuel moyen net, impôts déduits, est d’environ 800 €. Il faut compter à peu près 420 € pour la location d’un T2 en centre-ville. Côté budget alimentaire, il s’avère deux fois moins cher que le budget alimentaire français. Quant au prix de l’essence, il est similaire : 1 litre de SP95 coûte approximativement 2 €.

Documents et visas nécessaires pour un voyage Crète

Les ressortissants de l’UE doivent se munir d’un passeport ou d’une carte d’identité pour des voyages en Grèce. Si vous envisagez de louer un véhicule durant votre voyage en Crète , alors le permis de conduire français ou international sera nécessaire. La carte européenne d’assurance maladie (CEAM) est utile en cas d’accident, et la souscription à une assurance voyages pour vos vacances est optionnelle, néanmoins recommandée.

Les incontournables pour un voyage en Crète

Les meilleures plages de la crète.

Le long des 1 000 km de littoral se succède une multitude de plages en bordure d’hôtels, pour des séjours paradisiaques en famille. Parmi celles qui méritent le détour, citons :

Les sites archéologiques à voir en Crète

Le riche patrimoine historique de l’île atteste son appellation de berceau de la civilisation occidentale. Les sites à visiter absolument lors de votre voyage en Crète sont l’impressionnant palais du roi Minos à Cnossos, et celui de Phaistos.

Les villages traditionnels crétois

Les balades dans les villages crétois montagnards durant votre voyage Crète resteront des souvenirs impérissables. Les ruelles pavées dans lesquelles se succèdent des maisons blanchies à la chaux ornées de toits de tuiles rouges contribuent à leur charme. Lors d’un week-end hôtel en Crète, partez à la découverte du village Sissi à l’est d’Hersonissos, ou d’Anogia, dans la région de Rethymnon.

Les montagnes et gorges de Crète

Envie d’une randonnée en famille dans l’un des massifs crétois durant votre voyage en Crète ? Le massif des Montagnes Blanches (2 454 m) domine l’ouest de l’île. Au cœur de celui-ci, se logent les gorges de Samaria, s’étirant sur 16 km. Au centre de l’île, le mont Psiloritis culmine à 2 456 m. Plus à l’est, s’élèvent les monts Dikti (2 141 et 2 148 m) et le massif de Sitia (1 476 m).

Culture et gastronomie crétoise

La cuisine crétoise.

La gastronomie crétoise demeurera une découverte culinaire mémorable de votre voyage Crète. Les légumes et les légumineuses sont servis en salade ou mijotés avec de la viande de chèvre ou de mouton. En général, les poissons frais sont grillés tandis que les fruits juteux ajoutent une note sucrée aux fins de repas. Les buffets de nos hôtels club, garnis de spécialités crétoises, raviront vos papilles.

Les traditions et les festivals en Crète

Les fêtes religieuses, comme Pâques ou Dormition (15 août), rythment la vie des Crétois. En février, le carnaval de Rethymnon bat son plein durant une semaine. Si votre voyage en Crète se déroule en période estivale, le festival d’été se déroule de juillet à septembre dans les théâtres en plein air d’Héraklion.

La musique et les danses crétoises

La musique crétoise rythmera probablement votre voyage Crète. La lyra est l’instrument phare de la musique crétoise, souvent accompagnée d’un laouto (mandoline). Les danses traditionnelles, comme le pendozalis ou la sousta, expressives et dynamiques, sont un spectacle à partager lors des animations nocturnes de nos hôtels club.

Se déplacer lors de son séjour Crète

Comment se rendre en crète .

Les vols directs vers Héraklion pour votre voyage en Crète sont proposés par plusieurs compagnies aériennes, au départ des villes françaises et de Genève. Les durées de vol pour la Grèce sont les suivantes :

Transport public en Crète

Pas de train en Crète, mais un réseau de bus « K-tel » bien développé, propice à la découverte des paysages, permettant de se rendre facilement d’une ville à l’autre.

Doit-on louer une voiture pour un voyage Crète ?

La location d’un véhicule procure une certaine autonomie et permet d’explorer plus aisément les villages de l’arrière-pays lors d’un séjour Crète. Il est possible de louer un véhicule depuis la France, c’est meilleur marché que les sociétés de location locales.

Les excursions à faire en Crète

Excursions en bateau autour de la crète.

Les excursions en bateau facilitent la découverte des plages de la côte sud à partir des ports d’Hersonissos, Ierapetra ou Agios Nikolaos. Elles offrent également l’opportunité d’accéder aux îles de Chrissi, de Spinalonga ou de Dia, une excursion de rêve à organiser en famille pendant votre voyage en Crète . La réception de votre hôtel se fera un plaisir de vous recommander les meilleures excursions en bateau de leur région.

Randonnées en Crète

Les gorges de Samaria sont l’un des treks les plus populaires de l’île. Ce sentier de 16 km mène le randonneur à travers des paysages spectaculaires, des gorges étroites et des falaises vertigineuses. Pour une randonnée plus courte et moins physique, la plage de Préveli (Palm Beach) est un excellent choix. Le sentier de 5 km traverse une forêt de pins et de cyprès, avant de déboucher sur une plage de sable blanc bordée de palmiers.

Visites guidées en Crète

Pendant séjour en Crète, optez pour une visite guidée dans Héraklion ou la région d’Hersonissos. La plupart des hôtels proposent des activités culturelles ou de loisirs, à partager en famille, de quelques heures à une journée entière. Après votre journée de visite, rendez-vous au spa de votre resort pour une relaxation bien méritée.

Questions fréquemment posées

Quels sont les principaux aéroports en crète .

Le principal aéroport international de l'île est celui d'Héraklion (HER), situé à 5 km au nord-est de la ville.

L'aéroport international de La Canée (CHQ) est le second aéroport de l'île, localisé à 14 km au sud-ouest de La Canée. L'aéroport national de Sitia (JSH), troisième aéroport de l'île, est situé à 18 km au nord de Sitia.

Quel budget prévoir pour un voyage en Crète ?

Un bon déjeuner au restaurant pendant un séjour Crète coûte 15 à 20 € par personne. Les prix peuvent augmenter dès qu’il s’agit de commander des fruits de mer ou un poisson frais. Le tarif d’un taxi varie selon les villes, de 1,50 à 1,80 € par km. Quant aux tarifs d’entrée dans les sites archéologiques et les musées, ils sont compris dans une fourchette de 15 € (Cnossos) à 3 €. Découvrez notre guide de vacances en Crète complet pour vous aider à préparer au mieux votre voyage en Crète

1. Sélectionnez votre date de voyage 2. Choisissez votre mode de paiement en 3 ou 4 fois 3. Validez votre commande 4. Complétez le formulaire de notre partenaire Oney 5. Recevez une confirmation immédiate !

Afin de bénéficier du paiement en plusieurs fois, les seules conditions à remplir sont :

• Réserver un séjour à partir de 100 € et jusqu’à 4000 €
• Être une personne majeure
• Résider en France
• Être titulaire d’une carte bancaire Visa ou MasterCard (hors cartes Electron, Maestro, e-card, Indigo, American Express, …)
• Posséder une carte bancaire dont la date de validité est supérieure à la durée du financement choisi
• Un premier paiement est dû le jour de la réservation. Les autres échéances suivent 30 et 60 jours après pour le paiement en 3 fois ou 30, 60 et 90 jours après pour le paiement en 4 fois.
• Pour le paiement en 3 fois, les frais correspondants sont de 1,61% du montant total de la commande (dans la limite de 25€ maximum). Vous pourrez bénéficier d'un paiement en 3 fois par carte bancaire pour des achats d'un montant compris entre 100 et 4000 euros.

Exemple : Paiement en 3 fois pour un achat d’un montant de 150€, apport de 52,42€, puis 2 mensualités de 50€. Crédit sur 2 mois au TAEG fixe de 21,68%. Coût du financement 2,42€ dans la limite de 25€ maximum

• Pour le paiement en 4 fois, les frais correspondants sont de 2,40% du montant total de la commande (dans la limite de 50€ maximum). Vous pourrez bénéficier d’un paiement en 4 fois par carte bancaire pour des achats d’un montant compris entre 350 et 4000 euros.

Exemple : Paiement en 4 fois pour un achat de 400€, apport de 109,60€, puis 3 mensualités de 100€. Crédit sur 3 mois au TAEG fixe de 21,61%. Coût du financement 9,60€, dans la limite de 50€ maximum

Offre de financement sans assurance avec apport obligatoire, réservée aux particuliers et valable pour tout achat de 100€ à 4000€. Sous réserve d’acceptation par Oney Bank. Vous disposez d’un délai de 14 jours pour renoncer Oney Bank - SA au capital de 51 286 585€ - 34 Avenue de Flandre 59 170 Croix - 546 380 197 RCS Lille Métropole - n° Orias 07 023 261 www.orias.fr

Pour le paiement en 3 fois sans frais : le coût du financement est de 0% du montant total de la commande. Exemple pour un achat de 150€, apport de 50€, puis 2 mensualités de 50€, Crédit d’une durée de 2 mois au TAEG fixe de 0%. Coût du financement : 0€ Pour le paiement en 4 fois sans frais : le coût du financement est de 0% du montant total de la commande. Exemple pour un achat de 400€, apport de 100€, suivi de 3 mensualités de 100€. Crédit d’une durée de 3 mois au TAEG fixe de 0%. Coût du financement : 0€

Pour toutes vos questions complémentaires sur le fonctionnement du « paiement en 3 ou 4 fois par carte bancaire », pensez à consulter nos conditions générales de vente .

Voir les conditions > Cette solution est proposée par notre partenaire Oney Bank. Conditions : Cette offre est réservée aux particuliers (personnes physiques majeures) résidant en France et titulaires d’une carte bancaire Visa et MasterCard possédant une date de validité supérieure à la durée du financement choisie. Les cartes à autorisation systématique notamment de type Electron, Maestro, Nickel etc… ainsi que les e-cards, les cartes Indigo et American Express ne sont pas acceptées. Modalités de souscription : Après avoir terminé votre commande, il vous suffit de cliquer sur « paiement en 3x 4x Oney par carte bancaire ». Vous êtes alors redirigé vers la page internet 3x 4x Oney de notre partenaire affichant le récapitulatif détaillé de votre commande et la demande de financement personnalisée, que vous devez ensuite valider. Vous saisissez vos informations personnelles ou, si vous disposez d’un compte 3x 4x Oney, vous vous identifiez au moyen des identifiants de connexion liés à votre compte 3x 4x Oney. Vous prenez connaissance des conditions générales de paiement en plusieurs fois auxquelles vous souhaitez souscrire qui vous sont fournies sous format PDF afin que vous puissiez les lire, les imprimer et les enregistrer avant de les accepter. Vous notifiez ensuite votre acceptation électronique par la case à cocher correspondante. Vous reconnaissez que le « double clic » associé à la case à cocher sur la prise de connaissance des conditions générales valent consentement à contracter et constituent une acceptation irrévocable et sans réserve des conditions générales du produit. Sauf preuve contraire, les données enregistrées par Oney Bank constituent la preuve de l’ensemble des transactions passées entre vous et Oney Bank. Si vous demandez à bénéficier d’une solution de financement proposée par Oney Bank, les informations en rapport à votre commande seront transmises à Oney Bank, qui les utilisera à des fins d’étude de votre demande pour l’octroi, la gestion et le recouvrement de crédit. Oney Bank se réserve le droit d’accepter ou de refuser votre demande de financement en 3x 4x Oney. Vous disposez d’un délai de rétractation de 14 jours pour renoncer à votre crédit. Oney Bank - SA au capital de 51 286 585 € - Siège social : 34 avenue de Flandre 59170 CROIX - RCS Lille Métropole 546 380 197 - n° Orias : 07 023 261 - www.orias.fr - Correspondance : CS 60006 - 59 895 Lille Cedex 9 - www.oney.fr

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• International

Le Quai d’Orsay recommande aux Français de « s’abstenir impérativement » de se rendre en Iran, en Israël et au Liban

Depuis la destruction du consulat iranien à Damas, dans une frappe attribuée à l’aviation israélienne, et dans le contexte de la guerre en Israël et le Hamas, la situation au Proche-Orient se dégrade.

Le Monde avec AFP

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Les menaces de représailles de l’Iran contre Israël, à la suite d’une frappe meurtrière contre le consulat iranien à Damas , en Syrie, font monter la tension au Proche-Orient. Dans ce contexte, le ministère des affaires étrangères français « recommande aux ressortissants français de s’abstenir impérativement de se rendre en Iran, au Liban, en Israël et dans les territoires palestiniens » , a fait savoir le Quai d’Orsay, vendredi 12 avril.

Signe concret de la dégradation de la situation dans la région, le ministère a également demandé le « retour des familles des agents diplomatiques de Téhéran » ainsi que l’interdiction des missions de fonctionnaires français dans ces pays. Quant à la situation en mer Rouge, où les rebelles houthistes ont mené des dizaines d’attaques depuis novembre, « la France poursuivra son engagement pour garantir la sûreté maritime et la liberté de navigation, conformément au droit international » , assure le Quai d’Orsay.

Jeudi, les Etats-Unis avaient annoncé qu’ils restreignaient les mouvements en Israël des membres de leur personnel diplomatique et de leurs familles. Un général américain chargé du Moyen-Orient, Michael Erik Kurilla, se trouve actuellement en Israël pour discuter avec les dirigeants militaires du pays des « menaces sécuritaires dans la région » , a fait savoir le porte-parole du Pentagone, Pat Ryder. Selon lui, cette visite, prévue avant les menaces iraniennes, a été avancée « en raison des récents développements » . La compagnie aérienne allemande Lufthansa a, par ailleurs, annoncé qu’elle prolongeait la suspension de ses vols en partance et en direction de Téhéran, « probablement jusqu’à samedi [inclus]  » , en raison de ces tensions.

Soutien « inébranlable » de Joe Biden à Israël

Mercredi, le Guide suprême de la République islamique d’Iran, l’ayatollah Ali Khamenei, avait assuré, dans un discours retransmis en direct à l’occasion de l’Aïd-el-Fitr, que « le régime maléfique [c’est ainsi qu’il nomme Israël] avait fait une erreur, [qu’il devait] être puni et sera [it] puni ».

Le 1 er  avril, des frappes attribuées à l’aviation israélienne ont détruit le consulat iranien à Damas et ont fait seize morts, dont sept membres du corps des gardiens de la révolution, l’armée idéologique de la République islamique, selon l’Observatoire syrien des droits de l’homme. Après des entretiens téléphoniques avec ses homologues allemand, australien et britannique, le chef de la diplomatie iranienne, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, a évoqué la « nécessité » pour Téhéran de répondre à ces frappes, tout en cherchant à « éviter les tensions » .

Le ministre israélien des affaires étrangères, Israël Katz, a répliqué sur son compte X, y déclarant : « Si l’Iran mène une attaque depuis son territoire, Israël répondra et attaquera l’Iran. » « Nous sommes en pleine guerre à Gaza, qui continue à plein régime (…) , mais nous nous préparons aussi à faire face à des défis sur d’autres théâtres » d’opérations, a prévenu jeudi le premier ministre israélien, Benyamin Nétanyahou.

La Maison Blanche a précisé jeudi avoir « mis en garde » l’Iran, tandis que le secrétaire d’Etat, Antony Blinken, s’est entretenu par téléphone avec ses homologues chinois, turc et saoudien, les appelant à faire pression sur Téhéran contre toute attaque visant Israël, selon le département d’Etat.

« Comme je l’ai dit au premier ministre Nétanyahou, notre engagement pour la sécurité d’Israël face à ces menaces de l’Iran et de ses alliés est inébranlable , a par ailleurs déclaré cette semaine le président américain, Joe Biden , avant d’insister : Je répète : inébranlable. Nous ferons tout ce que nous pourrons pour protéger la sécurité d’Israël. » La Russie et l’Allemagne ont appelé, de leur côté, à la « retenue » , afin d’éviter une escalade au Proche-Orient.

Les discussions pour une trêve à Gaza patinent

Cette potentielle réplique de l’Iran aux frappes israéliennes contre son consulat survient alors que les discussions diplomatiques autour d’une trêve entre Israël et le Hamas n’ont pas permis jusqu’à présent de parvenir à un compromis. Jeudi, Israël a accusé le Hamas de « tourner le dos » à une « offre très raisonnable » .

La dernière proposition avancée par le Qatar, les Etats-Unis et l’Egypte prévoit dans un premier temps une trêve de six semaines ainsi que la libération de 42 otages retenus à Gaza en échange de 800 à 900 Palestiniens incarcérés par Israël et le retour chez eux des habitants du nord du territoire déplacés par la guerre, selon une source du Hamas auprès de l’Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Le Hamas exige avant tout accord un cessez-le-feu définitif, le retrait israélien de Gaza, une augmentation importante de l’aide humanitaire, un retour des déplacés et un accord « sérieux » d’échange d’otages et de prisonniers palestiniens. Le chef du mouvement islamiste, Ismaïl Haniyeh, soutient que la mort, survenue plus tôt cette semaine, de trois de ses fils dans une frappe israélienne à Gaza n’était pas à même de fléchir sa position dans les négociations.

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Le Pont Vieux de Béziers, France, en Europe

Voyages culturels en Europe :

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Voyages culturels au Proche et Moyen-Orient :

Arabie saoudite

Émirats arabes unis

Quelles sont les meilleures destinations culturelles proposées par Intermèdes ?

Un circuit en Italie s’impose à tout amateur de voyage culturel : de l’empire romain à l’exubérance baroque, en passant par les artistes de la Renaissance tels Michel-Ange ou Raphaël, l’art et l’histoire y sont d’une richesse éblouissante.

Pyramides de Guizeh, temple de Ramsès II à Abou Simbel, salle hypostyle de Karnak...L'Egypte est une destination qui exalte l’imagination ! En suivant la piste des Nabatéens, on découvre Hegra en Arabie Saoudite, et Petra en Jordanie, où cet ancien peuple arabe bâtit des monuments qui semblent éternels, préservés de l’oubli des sables.

Lors d’un voyage au Mexique et au Guatemala, découvrez les vestiges Mayas, ces « grecs du Nouveau Monde », tandis qu’au Pérou ce sont les Incas, encore nimbés de mystères, qui fascinent au Machu Picchu et dans la Vallée Sacrée. Un voyage en Inde se révèle un périple à travers de multiples cultures, religions et formes d’art.

Partez sur les traces des vikings en Islande et en Norvège, et redécouvrez l’histoire et le patrimoine de la France grâce aux voyages culturels d’Intermèdes.

Effectuez un voyage culturel accompagné de conférenciers d'exception

Découvrez les plus beaux sites de Grèce, d’Athènes à Olympie, en passant par Delphes, en compagnie de nos conférenciers spécialistes. En Ouzbékistan, au pays de Tamerlan, nos itinéraires culturels feront étape à Samarcande et Boukhara où votre conférencier pourra évoquer la célèbre route de la soie , tout au long de votre excursion. Un conférencier sinologue fera de votre voyage en Chine un événement mémorable, tandis que pour décrypter l’histoire du Japon, des shoguns à nos jours, votre conférencier sera un précieux atout.

Historiens, historiens de l’art, les conférenciers Intermèdes seront dans un esprit d’ouverture, de curiosité et de convivialité, décrypter l’histoire, l’art et la civilisation des destinations culturelles que nous proposons. Du Canada à l’Afrique du sud, de l’Allemagne à l’Australie, suivez-les à la découverte du monde !

Partez à la découverte des civilisations à travers le monde

Al-Andalus évoque la mosquée de Cordoue, l’Alhambra de Grenade, véritable palais des Mille et une nuits...Une civilisation qui marqua le sud de l’Espagne et qui enflamme l’imagination lors d’un voyage en Andalousie . De la découverte de l’Amérique à la mort de Philippe II, l’Espagne connut un Siècle d’or, tandis que le Portugal joua un rôle majeur dans les grandes découvertes. Des thèmes évoqués lors d’un voyage culturel en Espagne et au Portugal.

Découvrez un pays authentique, des paysages saisissants et un patrimoine qui raconte une histoire passionnante à Oman, destination culturelle à ne pas manquer. Aux Etats-Unis, nos voyages vous mèneront sur les traces des Anasazis, mystérieux paléo-indiens, et de toutes les tribus amérindiennes. Indépendance américaine, guerre de sécession, innovations architecturales et art moderne, de nombreux autres thèmes seront abordés lors d’un voyage aux Etats-Unis.

En Asie du sud-est, au Cambodge, vous admirerez les temples des rois khmers émergeant de leur parure végétale, dans un site grandiose. Le Laos reste une destination authentique, et à Luang Prabang le bouddhisme recueille des temples comme le Wat Xieng Thong, qui constitue une magnifique toile de fond pour votre croisière sur le Mékong.

Où effectuer un séjour culturel selon la saison ?

A chaque saison son voyage culturel. Ainsi pour visiter en Bolivie le sud Lipez et ses paysages extraordinaires (lagune rouge, lagune verte…) ou le célèbre salar d’Uyuni, et en Argentine le sublime désert d’Atacama, mieux vaut privilégier l’hiver austral. D’avril à octobre en effet c’est la saison sèche sur l’Altiplano, il est préférable d’éviter l’été pluvieux. En Asie, de juin à fin septembre, c’est la mousson et ses pluies abondantes, donc une période non recommandée.

Entre mai et septembre, profitez de nos croisières en Norvège, jusqu’au Spitzberg, ou des circuits en Islande, pour vous émerveiller devant les paysages du grand nord. En hiver, ces destinations permettent toutefois d’admirer les aurores boréales. Pour un safari en Afrique, la meilleure saison est d’avril à octobre. Et pour visiter l’Arabie saoudite, la saison très chaude de mai à octobre est à éviter.

Les monuments les plus visités dans le monde

Rome est une destination culturelle par excellence, elle regorge de monuments d’exception : le Colisée, ancien amphithéâtre romain, la basilique saint-Pierre et les musées du Vatican, qui servent d’écrins à des chefs d’oeuvre de la Renaissance et du baroque, font partie des monuments les plus visité dans le monde. Tout comme bien sûr en Egypte les pyramides de Gizeh, nécropole des pharaons de la IVe dynastie, saisissantes d’équilibre et d’harmonie, et sur lesquelles veille le Grand sphinx.

En Andalousie, le palais de l’Alhambra est aussi une destination très prisée, ainsi que la Sagrada Familia à Barcelone.

En Inde c’est le Taj Mahal, sublime mausolée de marbre, qui est un haut lieu à visiter absolument. Lors d’un voyage culturel en Chine, vous ne manquerez pas l’emblématique grande muraille, ainsi que la cité interdite à Pékin.

Parmi les monuments les plus visités on peut citer aussi la statue de la liberté à New York ou Angkor, la gigantesque capitale de l’ancien empire khmer, aux temples enfouis dans la forêt tropicale.

L’Amérique du sud compte aussi de nombreux hauts lieux : le Machu Picchu bien sûr, citadelle inca nichée dans la cordillère des Andes au Pérou, ou Chichen Itza au Mexique, l’ancienne cité-État maya qui fait partie des sept nouvelles merveilles du monde.

Petra en Jordanie, l’ancienne ville nabatéenne édifiée et sculptée dans la roche de grès rouge, est sans nul doute un site incontournable.

Lire la suite

Quelle sera votre prochaine destination ?

OFFRE PRIMO

Circuit de 4 jours

1 départ programmé

France / Provence-Alpes-Côte d'azur

Le festival d'art lyrique d’Aix en Provence avec Eve Ruggieri – voyage évènement en partenariat avec Radio Classique

Barbara Lepecheux

20 juil. - 23 juil. 2024

À partir de

DÉPART GARANTI

Séjour de 3 jours

Italie / Lombardie

La Scala célèbre Puccini avec l'opéra Turandot interprété par A. Netrebko et R. Alagna

Claire Grebille

11 juil. - 13 juil. 2024

Séjour de 5 jours

Budapest - séjour culturel Tempo

09 juin - 13 juin 2024

Circuit de 7 jours

3 départs programmés

L'Engadine et Sils-Maria

Daniel Rakovsky

10 juil. - 16 juil. 2024

Circuit de 8 jours

4 départs programmés

Royaume-Uni / Écosse

L'Ecosse des Highlands et l'île d'Iona

Anne-Cécile Véron

12 mai - 19 mai 2024

Circuit de 10 jours

La Tanzanie, terre sauvage

Claudine Camel

22 sept. - 01 oct. 2024

Circuit de 5 jours

République tchèque / Prague

Voyage événement musical à Prague en compagnie de Michel Lethiec et de ses invités

Michel Lethiec

25 mai - 29 mai 2024

Croisière de 8 jours

13 départs programmés

La Norvège à bord de l'Express Côtier (excursions incluses)

Ivan Aurenty

01 juil. - 08 juil. 2024

01 45 61 90 90

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