- Read More
Aptera
A Roman colony built on the ruins of a Minoan site, this archaeological site is a smorgasbord of Crete’s colorful history: an ancient Greek theatre and temple, Roman baths, a Turkish castle and an Orthodox monastery. Many experts predict that...
- Read More
Chrissi Island
Also known as Gaidouronisi (Donkey Island), this uninhabited wildlife sanctuary is like a tropical illusion adrift in the Libyan Sea. Shaped from the lava of an underwater volcano, the island’s white sand beaches are fringed by fragrant cedar trees. Rolling...
- Read More
Paragliding
Crete’s rocky peaks and steep ravines are accessible to serious hikers. A more dramatic way to explore the unforgiving terrain is on a tandem flight with paragliding instructor, Yannis Katsandredakis. You don’t need any previous experience—just a sense of adventure...
- Read More
Spinalonga
The setting for Victoria’s Hislop bestselling novel, The Island, this floating Venetian fortress and archaeological site was the last leper colony in Europe. (It closed in 1957, but some of the last survivors still live in the village of Plaka.)...
Crete

Rich in archaeological sites, unspoiled beaches and dramatic landscapes, Crete entices history buffs, beach-goers and adventure seekers alike.
Destination
Type of Activity
Editors Pick
Beyond…
Consider combining your trip with one of these destinations.
- Courtesy Jan TielensRead More
Athens
With roots going back to the Neolithic age, Athens in classical times was a breeding ground for ideas that shaped Western civilization. Today, the city that has been regarded as little more than a stopover destination for decades is undergoing...
- Courtesy of Visit LondonRead More
London
London cherishes its duality: it fully embraces history and stiff upper lip traditions alongside the cutting-edge and the new, whether through its clubby residential five star hotels, its dynamic art and architecture or its buzzy theater and restaurant scenes. This...
- Courtesy of Mykonos BluRead More
Mykonos
Often referred to as the Capri or St.-Tropez of Greece, Mykonos seamlessly combines sandy beaches and a charming, authentic town, much-photographed windmills, chic hotels, sophisticated restaurants and an exciting night life.