Eastern Crete
Greece Travel Secrets’ potted guide to Eastern Crete and why you should consider it for a holiday, including seeing Agios Nikolaos, Sitia, Vai Beach and Zakros.
Eastern Crete has seen some of the densest tourism development on the island, particularly in the north between Irakleio and Agios Nikolaos on the Gulf of Mirabello, where bustling resorts have gobbled up the coastal landscape.
Beyond the gulf, however, the far eastern region holds some of the most stunning scenery on the island, from rugged mountains to an unexpected palm beach.
North-Eastern Crete
Crete’s main centre of package tourism lies east of the capital, Irakleio, stretching along the north coast to Malia. Here a string of resorts have all but usurped the old villages with cheek-by-jowl hotels, apartments, restaurants, bars, travel agencies, and souvenir shops.
Around Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos, set prettily around a little lake, is another bustling centre. Amid this hedonistic coastal strip, the ancient palace of Malia and the Minoan town of Gournia anchor this changing landscape to the past.
Far Eastern Crete
A short drive inland takes you into another world. The provincial hill town of Neapoli is a gateway to the windmills and timeless farming villages of the Lasithi Plateau, High in the Dikti Mountains is the Diktean Cave, birthplace of the Greek god Zeus. At Kritsa, the fresco-covered Church of Panagia Kera is an artistic jewel.
Sitia and Beyond
A stunning coastal drive, not to be missed, brings you further east to Sitia, with its attractive waterfront and relaxed pace. From here you can strike out across a starkly beautiful mountainous landscape to reach the monastery of Moni Toplou, the palm-fringed Vai Beach, and the remains of the Minoan palace at Zakros.
South-Eastern Crete
Ierapetra, Europe’s southernmost town, is the largest on the south coast, with some fine beaches in small untouristy resorts on either side. Here on the south coast it’s a total contrast to the busy resorts on the north coast.
Our Pick of the Crete Guides
Other Crete pages
Cretan Music
Cretan music is part of the island’s soul and visitors will hear live music wherever they go, with several distinctive Cretan musical instruments and songs.
Sir Arthur Evans, archaeologist at Knossos on Crete
Sir Arthur Evans is the archaeologist famous for the excavations he made at the royal palace of Knossos on Crete.
Airbnb near Chania
This Airbnb in the quiet village of Malaxa, a 30-minute drive into the hills above Chania, is a peaceful retreat with a delightful and thoughtful artist owner, with wonderful views and amenities.
Hiking the Samaria Gorge
Hiking the Samaria Gorge on Crete, one of the best things to do on Crete, by Greece Travel Secrets.
Best Beaches on Crete
Greece Travel Secrets chooses ten of the best beaches on Crete including the beautiful beaches at Vai and Elafonisi.
Crete’s Wildlife and Landscape
Crete’s wildlife and landscape are two of the island’s attractions, including gorges for hiking, rare raptors like the lammergeier, wildcats and ancient trees.
Eco-Tourism Accommodation on Crete
The Dalabelos Estate offers luxury eco-tourism accommodation on Crete in the hills near Rethymnon with its own farm, vineyard and olive groves.
The Herb Man of Kouses
Greece Travel Secrets visits the Cretan Botano herbs and spices shop near Matala in southern Crete in search of the herb man of Kouses.
Crete Olive Oil Tour
For a Crete olive oil tour Greece Travel Secrets visits Biolea, one of the few olive oil factories on Crete that you can visit.
Crete Festivals and Events
Crete festivals and events include Carnival Easter, Whitsun, Christmas, many other religious feast days and public holidays.
Driving on Crete
Driving on Crete is the best way to see Greece’s biggest island and here is our driving advice and some information about Greek driving regulations.
Where to Stay in Eastern Crete
Greece Travel Secrets suggests where to stay in Eastern Crete with our favourite hotels in Zakros, Elounds, Sitia, Agios Nikolaos, Istron Bay, Myrtos, Neapolis.
How to Make Petimezi
How to make Petimezi, the sweet Cretan syrup made from wine must, is explained to Greece Travel Secrets.
Zacharioudakis Winery
Greece Travel Secrets visits the Zacharioudakis Winery near Ancient Gortina in southern Crete, and does a vineyard tour arranged by our guide from Go Crete.
Lasithi Plateau Drive
This Lasithi Plateau drive on Crete starts in Neapoli and ends in Malia, covering a distance of 80 km (50 miles) and taking two to three hours.
Keramos Studios in Zaros
Keramos Studios in Zaros on Crete is an inexpensive two-star hotel/guesthouse with one of the best breakfasts on the island using food from the family’s farm.
Diktean Cave, the Birthplace of Zeus near Psychro on Crete
The Diktean or Diktaean Cave, also known as the Psychro Cave, near the village of Psychro in eastern Crete, is said to be the birthplace of Zeus.
Crete Botanical Gardens
Greece Travel Secrets visits the Crete Botanical Gardens near Chania and finds a wonderland of colourful plants, trees, and flowers filling a lovely valley.
Dining at Vegera
Greece Travel Secrets eats at Vegera in Zaros and finds a cheap but wonderful feast of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes cooked daily with fresh local food.
Rouvas Gorge Walk
This Rouvas Gorge walk starts and ends in Zaros in southern Crete and should take three to four hours with a distance of eight kilometres or five miles.
Where to Eat in Western Crete
Greece Travel Secrets recommends where to eat in Western Crete with tavernas and restaurants in Chania, Rethymnon, and Paleochora.
Where to Stay in Central Crete
Greece Travel Secrets recommends where to stay in Central Crete including hotels in Matala, Ayia Galini, and Zaros.
Samaria Gorge
The Samaria Gorge is one the longest gorges in Europe and doing the hike is one of the best and most popular things to do on Crete.
The Snails House on Crete
The Snails House in Plouti near Phaistos in southern Crete serves the Cretan delicacy of snails, cooked in several different ways.
Making Rakomelo on Crete
Greece Travel Secrets visits Crete and learns about making rakomelo from Jorgos Kourmoulis in Agouseliana.
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Latest Posts
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10 Authentic Souvlaki Shops in Piraeus
Dec 28, 24 11:24 AM
Souvlaki originated in Piraeus and its heart continues to beat there even today. But which are the authentic souvlaki shops waiting to be discovered? -
Magic in the Mist: 48 Hours in Florina
Dec 28, 24 11:24 AM
Misty landscapes, snow-covered slopes, art, traditional cafés, and mouthwatering food beckon us to explore this charming border town. -
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Dec 28, 24 11:24 AM
Now that Thessaloniki has, at last, a subway system, we propose a unique history tour that follows the route of that new metro line. -
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Dec 21, 24 11:20 AM
Wine bars are now a cornerstone of Athenian nightlife, as an international trend goes local with a modern aesthetic and a distinctly Greek personality. -
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Dec 14, 24 10:38 AM
These places win us over with their authenticity, unpretentious atmosphere, and dishes that, though simple, are crafted with precision and care. -
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Dec 07, 24 10:32 AM
The gastronomic identity of Syros is a blend of romance, nostalgia, and a hint of drama – a rich mosaic of international flavors imbued with urban sophistication. -
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Dec 07, 24 10:32 AM
The “open museums” unveiled by the operation of the metro – Guided tours begin in January. -
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Nov 30, 24 10:42 AM
Thirty years after the first plans were announced, a new subway system is changing not just how residents get around town but how they experience their city, too. -
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Nov 23, 24 10:25 AM
Busy schedules don’t always allow for extended getaways, but Mount Parnassos and its enchanting landscapes are perfect for a refreshing day trip.
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