Explore Crete

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We Love Crete – Travel in the Greek Islands (site blog and practical guides)

A long-running, local-focused blog covering villages, beaches, hiking, food and practical tips across Crete; especially useful for authentic local recommendations, lesser-known villages and detailed beach/gorge pages.

Elafonissi Beach: How To Visit & Photos (Delve Into Europe)

A practical, experience-driven guide to visiting Elafonissi (pink-sand beach) with transport, timing, photography tips and nearby alternatives — helpful for planning the visit and avoiding crowds.

Balos Lagoon in Crete: A unique meeting point of three seas (Waypoint Wonder)

A focused guide to Balos Lagoon with history, access options (boat vs. drive/hike), best times to visit and what to expect on-site — good for deciding logistics and getting scenic photos.

Crete Travel Guide (Wanderers Compass) — Crete overview, highlights & tips

Comprehensive travel-guide style blog covering Crete’s main sights (Knossos, Samaria Gorge, beaches), recommended itineraries and practical travel tips — useful for first-time planners looking for routes and priorities.

Elafonissi / Western Crete beach guide (We Love Crete – Crete Beaches page)

A detailed, locally authored roundup of Crete’s beaches (Elafonissi, Balos, Falasarna, Vai, etc.) with notes on access, suitability, conservation and nearby tavernas — ideal for choosing beaches by vibe and travel method.

Palace of Knossos

Knossos, 714 09, Heraklion, Crete

Seat of Minoan civilisation and the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete; linked to myths of King Minos, the Labyrinth and the Minotaur and excavated and partially restored in the early 20th century.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Xanthoudidou 2, 712 02 Heraklion (central Heraklion area)

One of Greece’s premier museums, home to the largest, most important collection of Minoan artifacts — pottery, frescoes and the Linear A/B finds from Knossos and other sites.

Samaria Gorge (Samariá)

Omalos plateau → Agia Roumeli, Chania regional unit (general area: White Mountains, SW Crete)

Declared a national park in 1962 and a biosphere reserve; the gorge’s 'Gates' is a dramatic narrow passage and the area shelters the wild Cretan kri-kri goat.

Spinalonga (island)

Opposite Plaka / Elounda, Gulf of Elounda, Lasithi (near Agios Nikolaos)

A fortified islet with Venetian ramparts that later served as a 20th‑century leper colony; now an evocative archaeological site and popular boat excursion from Plaka, Elounda or Agios Nikolaos.

Vai Palm Forest (Vai)

Vai, Sitia area, east Crete (Lasithi)

Europe’s largest natural palm forest set beside a sandy beach; an unusual and photogenic mix of palm trees and Mediterranean coast celebrated as a local natural landmark.

Hike the Samaria Gorge

A long, dramatic hike through the White Mountains from Omalos down to Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea — famous for its narrow 'Gates' section and endemic kri-kri goats.

Classic Crete outdoor experience combining alpine scenery, endemic wildlife, and the satisfaction of finishing at a coastal village accessible by ferry.

Visit Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa

A striking shallow lagoon with turquoise waters and white sand/marl beaches; often paired with a boat call to the nearby Venetian fortress on Gramvousa island.

Spectacular colors and a unique coastal landscape ideal for swimming, photo opportunities and a short history stop at the Gramvousa fortress.

Relax at Elafonisi (Elafonissi) Beach

Shallow, warm waters and sections of pink-hued sand on the southwest coast, protected dunes and a relaxed beach atmosphere.

One of Crete’s most famous beaches — great for families, snorkeling in calm waters and enjoying a distinctive coastal environment.

Explore the Palace of Knossos and Minoan heritage

The largest Minoan palace complex near Heraklion — ruins, restored frescoes and evocative architecture tied to myths like the Minotaur and King Minos.

Essential for history and archaeology lovers; pairs naturally with the Heraklion Archaeological Museum to see original Minoan finds.

Stroll Chania Old Town and the Venetian Harbour

A picturesque historic center with narrow alleys, waterfront cafes, Ottoman and Venetian architecture, and a waterfront lighthouse.

Chania offers atmospheric wandering, excellent tavernas, local crafts and photography-worthy evening light on the Venetian harbour.