All Guides
Explore our collection of carefully researched and regularly updated guides to help you discover the best of Crete.
Explore the Best Chania Villas: Your Guide to Unforgettable Stays in Crete
Discover the best Chania villas for an unforgettable stay in Crete. Explore luxury villas, family-friendly stays, private pools, top areas, and booking tips.
Cretan Music: The Lyra, the Laouto, and the Living Tradition
An introduction to Cretan music — the instruments, the song forms, the mantinades, and where to hear authentic live performances across the island.
Festivals and Celebrations in Crete
A guide to Crete's main festivals, religious celebrations, cultural events, and local traditions — from Easter and the grape harvest to summer music festivals.
Getting to Crete: Flights, Ferries and Connections
How to reach Crete from mainland Greece and international destinations — airports, ferry ports, routes, journey times and practical tips.
A Brief History of Crete
An introduction to Crete's long history, from the Minoan civilisation through Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman rule to the island's union with Greece.
Weather in Crete: A Month-by-Month Guide
A practical guide to Crete's climate — what to expect each month, when to visit for beaches, hiking, or avoiding crowds, and what to pack.
Best Beaches Near Chania
A practical guide to beaches within reach of Chania, from the iconic lagoons of Balos and Elafonissi to quieter coves along the Akrotiri peninsula.
Best Beaches Near Lasithi
Beaches in the Lasithi region of eastern Crete, from the palm forest of Vai to the quiet coves of Xerokampos and the organised bay at Istron.
Best Beaches in Crete: A Practical Guide
A curated selection of Crete's best beaches, from organised sandy bays to quiet rocky coves. Each entry is labelled by how it was sourced.
Best Beaches Near Heraklion
Practical guide to beaches within reach of Heraklion, from the city beaches east of the capital to quieter spots further along the north coast.
Best Beaches Near Rethymno
Beaches within reach of Rethymno town, from the long city beach to quieter coves south of the White Mountains.
Places to Visit in Crete: A Selective Guide
A selective guide to the places in Crete worth visiting beyond the obvious, with notes on what makes each one worth the journey.
Crete in Greek Mythology: The Stories Behind the Sites
An introduction to Crete's central role in Greek mythology — from the birth of Zeus to the Minotaur — and what connects those stories to places you can visit.
Map of Crete: Regions, Towns and Geography
A practical overview of Crete's geography, regions, main towns and distances to help plan your trip.
Nightlife in Crete: What to Expect
An honest guide to evening and nightlife in Crete, from relaxed harbour bars to music venues and the resort club scene.
Scuba Diving in Crete: Dive Sites and Dive Centres
A guide to scuba diving in Crete, covering the main dive centres, accessible dive sites and conditions for different experience levels.
Shopping in Crete: What to Buy and Where
A guide to buying local products in Crete — olive oil, honey, herbs, ceramics and textiles — with notes on where to find them.
Snorkeling in Crete: Best Spots and Practical Guide
A practical guide to snorkeling in Crete, including the best spots for clear water, marine life and accessibility by area.
Where to Stay in Elounda
A guide to staying in and around Elounda in eastern Crete — an area known for its clear water, Spinalonga island and upscale hotels.