Rethimno

Crete

1

@cntraveler

"Crete has the best of everything: pink sand beaches, ancient history, natural beauty, and charming harbor towns. It is the largest and most southern island of Greece, so the weather and water are warmer before and after the summer season. Crete has maintained its own identity. It has a different cuisine, dialect, and traditions. It is one of my favorite places in the world.   Best things to do: The charming harbor town of Rethymnon is a medieval walled city full of interesting handicraft shops and traditional restaurants. AVLI is a boutique property consisting of several apartments that have been converted into a hotel. There is also a natural food store in the hotel that offers several types of olive oil and honey raki. The restaurant is a courtyard with 10 tables offering the freshest ingredients and cooking classes by the owner of AVLI, Katina. You can drive to Crete’s other must-visit sites in under two hours. Visit the uninhabited island of Spinalonga, the pink sand beach of Elafonisi, the Cove of Balos, and the Samaria Gorge—one of the deepest and longest canyons in Europe. How to get there: Take a direct flight to Crete from Athens, or take the year-round ferry from Piraeus or the seasonal, summer ferry from Santorini. —Ronnie Liadis, Travel Specialist at Liadis Travel" - Caitlin Morton

The 16 Best Island Vacations in the World, According to Our Travel Specialists

Rethymno, Greece Get directions

1 Postcard

See full details

More Places For You

Ippokampos

Seafood restaurant · Crete

Dive into a flavorful oasis at Ippokampos, where fresh seafood steals the spotlight amid stunning sea views and a welcoming vibe.

0 Postcards

Milia Mountain Retreat

Hotel · Crete

Nestled in the mountains, Milia Retreat offers rustic charm, cozy cottages, and an organic restaurant known for its divine farm-to-table offerings.

1 Postcard

Lato

Hotel · Crete

Tucked away in a lush setting, this cozy hotel offers laid-back vibes with clean rooms, a palm-lined pool, and a homemade breakfast to savor.

0 Postcards

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa

Resort hotel · Crete

Nestled in Plaka, Cayo Exclusive Resort dazzles with chic rooms, private pools, and stunning sea views, all wrapped in a laid-back, luxurious vibe.

1 Postcard

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Archaeological museum · Heraklion

Explore an extensive collection of Minoan artifacts and Cretan art at this vibrant museum, where history and culture come alive, minus some closed sections.

1 Postcard

Taverna "Progoulis"

Restaurant · Crete

Nestled by a tranquil riverbank in Vryses, this charming traditional taverna serves hearty grilled meats amidst cozy tables under the trees, perfect for a leisurely meal.

0 Postcards

Phaea Blue, a member of SLH | Elounda, Crete

Hotel · Crete

Nestled on Elounda's shores, this upscale resort offers refined bungalows and villas with stunning sea views, plus gourmet dining, a spa, and a private beach.

4 Postcards

KROSS COFFEE ROASTERS

Coffee roasters · Canea

Nestled away from the tourist hustle, this cozy café offers stellar coffee, delicious pastries, and a charming courtyard for a perfect chill-out spot.

1 Postcard

Camping Chania

Campground · Crete

Nestled in Agioi Apostoli, Camping Chania offers a blend of cozy bungalows and tent camping with a pool, restaurant, and quick beach access, perfect for a laid-back getaway.

0 Postcards

PALLAS

Restaurant · Crete

Nestled in a beautifully renovated 1830 customs house, this trendy restaurant offers stunning water views, an eclectic menu, and a vibrant atmosphere for any dining occasion.

0 Postcards