When holidaying in Crete, there are places that you must visit. Crete has so many beautiful and interesting places to see and explore, that one visit will not do it. Although we ourselves have been in Crete for more than 20 years, we have not seen all there is to see. Below is our "must see" list of sites and beaches that we would recommend any first, second or third visitor to visit. There are lots of other places to see and you could also try consulting a tourist guide for Crete to find others:

Knossos Palace and Museum
The Minoan Palace of Knossos and the Archaeological museum in Heraklion, this is an absolute must when in Crete, you can book tours from most areas in Crete including both the palace and the museum.

Samaria Gorge
The Samaria Gorge is Europe's longest gorge and it is beautiful! There is a long way and a lazy way to walk the gorge. Tours can be booked from most all locations in Crete.

Falasarna Beach
Beaches and ruins of Falasarna, far north west tip of Crete, these wast sandy beaches and beautiful ruins of the ancient town and harbour of Falasarna are worth a visit, quiet and calm, but no hotels, shopping and bars. But you need a car!

Elafonissi Island
The island of Elafonissi, far south west tip of Crete, fantastic beaches with coral pink sand and Crystal clear waters. No hotels, shops or bars, just nature, sun, sea, sand and a few simple tavernas

Beaches of Plakias   -  Beaches of Frangokastello  -  Magrigialos
Beaches of the south coast, Plakias, Frangokastello and Magkrigialos. The south coast of Crete offers beautiful beaches and coves.

Spinalonga Island and Elounda
The unoccupied island of Spinalonga is one of the main tourist attractions in Crete. In addition to the abandoned leper colony and the fortress, Spinalonga is known for its small pebble beaches

The Village of Loutro
The tiny village of Loutro perched on a mountainside in a small bay on the south coast you find Loutro. You can only reach the village by boat or hiking over the mountains if you are a keen hiker! A village with out cars or motor bikes, but with a lot of charm.

Monastery of Arkadi
Monastery of Arkadi, visit this historic monastery where a famous holocaust during the Turkish occupation is celebrated every year in November