Why go
- Largest Greek island.
History
Crete is the largest and most populous island of Greece, the 89th largest island in the world, and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily, Sardinia, Cyprus, and Corsica. Crete is located approximately 100 km (62 mi) south of the Peloponnese, and about 300 km (190 mi) southwest of Anatolia. Crete has an area of 8,450 km2 (3,260 mi2) and a coastline of 1,046 km (650 mi). It bounds the southern border of the Aegean Sea, with the Sea of Crete to the north and the Libyan Sea to the south. Crete covers 260 km from west to east but is narrow from north to south, spanning three degrees of longitude but only half a degree of latitude.
Getting there by ferry
Restaurants & places to go
19 more places in the Ultimate edition. See the Ultimate edition →
Where things are
Photographs
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page
When to go
The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.
Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.
Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.
Getting there & around
Getting there. We do not yet hold airport or rail details for Crete (Kríti), Greek Islands — check the official tourism sources below for the best routes in. By water: 2 ferry terminals within 20 km (nearest: Worldchampion Jet & Champions League Jet 1, 20 km); routes include Sitia - Heraklion, Rhodes - Chalki - Karpathos (Diafani) - Karpathos - Kasos - Sitia - Heraklion - Anafi - Santorini (Athinios) - Milos - Piraeus.
Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Crete (Kríti), Greek Islands. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.