Regions of Crete
Get to know the island through its 4 regions.
Chania
Crete’s 2nd largest and most western city also gives its name to its prefecture: Chania (Χανιά). This region is very popular with foreigners and there is a large British community, with people from all over the world living or passing through. The closest Airport is in Chania, 20 minutes from the city and close to some of the nicest beaches in the area. The Western coast boats 4 stunning, world-class beaches featuring some of the most incredible landscapes in Europe, and its Southern shores offer wild, romantic beauty.
Highlights:
Chania’s Old Town and the Venetian Harbour, one of the most beautiful in Greece.
Balos Lagoon, straight out of Pirates of the Caribbean.
Elafonisi Beach, the Caribbean at your doorstep.
Samaria Gorge, a towering monument to the Earth.
Loutro, a retro and family-friendly beach town with no cars.
Venetian Castle of Frangkokastello and its sleepy surrounding beaches.
Lefka Ori/White Mountains in their wild and rugged nature.
Lake Kourna, a protected and peaceful area.
Rethymno
Crete’s 3rd region is also on the west side of Crete, nestled between the Prefecture of Chania to the west and the Prefecture of Heraklion to the east. The towering mountain peak of the Psiloritis (Πσιλορίτης) looms over the region, diving the north and south into two unique landscapes. Its narrow width makes the wild escapes of the South very accessible, and South Rethimno offers some of the most enchanting and beautiful places. It has no airport of its own (Chania is 70km away and Heraklion is 80km), but it does offer ferry services to Santorini and other islands in the summer.
Highlights:
Arkadi Monastery
Preveli Beach and Monastery, where the wild meets the sacred.
Argyroupoli
Mount Psiloritis / Thronos and excursions
Plakias, a sleepy beach town that has something for everyone.
Kourtaliotiko Gorge: driving or walking through the gates of paradise.
Kourtaliotiko Waterfall, the experience of a lifetime, standing beneath the power of nature.
Ligres, Triopetra, and Agios Pavlos, three giants of the Southern coast, where the Earth meets the sea.
Heraklion
Heraklion is the central region of Crete with the capital of Heraklion (Ηράκλιο), with the highest population density of the island. Especially if you want to live on Crete permanently it makes sense to consider this region, as you will have easy access to Heraklion all year round with the best choice of flights on the island. There are wonderful hidden gems all around the region, with its South coast providing endless escapes for sea and sun lovers. The closest airport is Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis Airport.
Highlights:
Palace of Knossos, a monument to mythical times past. Palace of Phaistos
Palace of Malia
Koules Fort, Heraklion City
El Greco Museum, Fodele
Matala, with its flower power spirit still very much alive
Kommos, a wild escape from modern life
Agiofarago, a sacred gorge, and beach full of history.
Lentas
Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Heraklion City
Wines of Crete, a tour visiting the vineyards in the Heraklion area (http://www.winesofcrete.gr)
Gortyn Ancient town, Messara, South Iraklion
Lasithi
The most eastern region of Crete probably registers the least tourism of all four regions, which means it provides an incredible sense of quiet and remains in large parts untouched. The very Eastern area is protected, and both its interior and its coastline offer spots of outstanding natural beauty. Agios Nikolaos is its capital, with the second biggest city of Sitia being well known for its high-quality olive oil. Ierapetra down South is the hottest city on the island and the most southern city in Greece. The closest airport is Heraklion with Sitia serving flights only via Athens.
Highlights:
Lasithi Plateau
Kapsa Monastery, East of Crete.
Dikteon Cave, Lasithi Plateau
Gorge of The Dead, Zakros
Xerokambos, a sleepy resort that feels at the edge of the world
Makry Gialos
Agios Nikolaos
Ierapetra
Vai Beach
Voulisma Beach
Island of Spinalonga
Kritsa, and the archeological Lato
Panagia Kera Church, Kritsa
Village of Kritsa
Chrissi Island
Monastery of Toplou, part of Wines of Crete
