The 10 Best Free Things to do in Crete, Greece

April 30, 2022 Stefan Strunk

Crete (Greek: Κρήτη, Kríti ['kriti]; Ancient Greek: Κρήτη, Krḗtē) is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, the 88th largest island in the world and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily, Sardinia, Cyprus, and Corsica. Crete and a number of surrounding islands and islets constitute the region of Crete (Greek: Περιφέρεια Κρήτης), one of the 13 top-level administrative units of Greece. The capital and the largest city is Heraklion. As of 2011, the region had a population of 623,065.
Restaurants in Crete

1. Greek National Football Museum

40 Tsouderon, Chania Town, Crete 731 32 Greece +30 697 433 1691 http://www.galanolefkosfaros.gr/museum.html
Excellent
94%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 696 reviews

Greek National Football Museum

A unique Museum, the biggest one for a National Football Team, the Greek National Football Team, which was European Champions in 2004, located in the Old City of Chania and has over 1000 exhibits, balls from World Cup and Euro games, official shirts, photos and thw whole history of Greek football. BECAUSE OF CORONAVIRUS EPIDEMIC, THE MUSEUM WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE WHOLE MARCH.

Reviewed By che_ham

So glad we made the time to visit, this little museum is excellent, and can easily be visited even if you’re short of time. I’ve never been to a museum quite like this, it really is quite unique. We were limited on time, so were shown the shirts and memorabilia related to my team first - so I got to try on the shirts and get the pictures - then were shown the vast collection of international shirts worn by the greatest players of all time, and finally the lifting the Euro 2004 trophy given to Greece when they won the tournament. The personal touch here is what really makes it special though; being meeted and greeted as a friend, by someone with a genuine love of the game, and who delights in sharing this amazing collection that you can physically touch and feel, instead of the admiring-at-distance you expect of museums. A true home of world football.

2. Star Beach

Hersonissos 20, Hersonissos, Crete 71302 Greece +30 2897 029351 [email protected] http://www.starbeach.gr/
Excellent
54%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,942 reviews

Star Beach

Reviewed By G2292DQsoniak

Beautiful beaches lots to do spotless clean loads of activities for children's water park good family entertainment everything I need in one place and excellent staff so friendly

3. Elafonissi Beach

Elafonissi, Crete Greece http://www.cretetravel.com/activity/elafonisi-beach-in-west-crete
Excellent
69%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14,358 reviews

Elafonissi  Beach

Reviewed By Caligaltraveler

We rented a car from Chania and took this amazing drive to the countryside. The drive was quite long but so scenic and amazing. We stopped along the way and enjoyed the roadside vendors. Bought some delicious olive oils and olives. The eateries along the way were small, authentic and affordable. Once we arrived at the beach we were stunned. The water was crystal clear with no rocks or seaweed. You could wade out quite far before it got deep so this would be a very safe beach for kids. The beach sand was soft and clear of any debris and the colors of the water turning pink as the waves crashed really was spectacular. A must see and one of the highlights of our trip!

4. Matala beach

Matala, Crete Greece http://www.visitmatala.com
Excellent
49%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,158 reviews

Matala beach

Reviewed By 79jelenap

Absolute must see when in Heraklion or Rethimno region, as this beach has so mich to offer. First, the beach itself - sandy, shallow water just for couple of meters, followed by clean, blue, calm see where you have a wide bay to swim around. At the very beach beside sunbeds and umbrellas there are trees in which shade you can spread your towel and hide from the midday sun. Then there are several cliffs from which you can safely jump and dive into water, that is neither hot nor cold. Further you will see the caves that used to be Minoan graves and later shelters of those who wanted peace and solitude. Last but not least, there is wonderful, picturesque village with market, shops, restaurants and bars where you can savour local flavours and dishes. It is live and vibrant the whole day long :) this beach is absolute winner this year.

5. Stalis Beach

Beach Road, Stalis, Crete 700 07 Greece
Excellent
59%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,796 reviews

Stalis Beach

Reviewed By LouandMark2012 - Surbiton, United Kingdom

Lovely clean beach, my daughter loved playing in the sand and swimming in the sea, clear water and lots of water sports for you to enjoy x

6. Richtis Gorge

Exo Mouliana, Sitia, Crete 723 00 Greece http://www.visitsitia.gr/en/activities/SitePages/view.aspx?nID=58
Excellent
65%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 455 reviews

Richtis Gorge

Reviewed By Winkmeister

First of all don't park at the top of the main road , go down the track to the starting point at the bridge , the road is narrow but passable I have drove down worse roads on Crete, the road track is about a mile long so your cutting out a fair walk for nothing and it's steep on the way back up , stating from the bridge make sure you go under not over but it is clearly marked with red and yellow marking every 50 metres, the first 20 minutes is fairly easy just a small stream with stepping stones to negotiate and a small track, it is a bit damp in places but I did it with no problems in trainers , I would not recommend flip flops , as you come to 2 old houses it's starts getting a bit trickier with a little bit of rock climbing and further distances to jump across the streams , some places you will have to slide on to your bum to slide down the rocks , there is many beautiful places with nature and mini waterfalls and deep fresh water pools , there are metal staircases on the highest points to help your decent , after the steps there are a few challenging large boulders you need to take you time getting over , continue like this until you reach the wooden balcony with the steep stairway leading you down to the waterfall , you can see the waterfall from the wooden staircase , at the bottom of the stairs it's about a minute walk to the magnificent waterfall , it's beautiful to look at , there is a picnic bench there for you to enjoy a snack , we got to waterfall about 11am there were about 6 people there sat at the bench resting , there is a fresh water pool under the cascading waterfall , my wife went straight into the pool to cool down under the waterfall and she did see a eel about 4ft long off to the right hand side of the pool but it did not attemot to go any where near her and stayed under the rock , apparently there are 2 in there , I got in shortjy after stayed in the pool for a good 10 mins and had no problems , we also did the extra 30 mins extra hike to the beach , it's not as challenging but there are some tricky bits however I'm not going to judge as we bumped into alot of older people doing to beach to the waterfall route , the beach is just rocks with a shaded tree picnic area , and there is also drinking water , we did not swim in the sea on this day as it were quite rough , we also had the beach to ourselves , it were nice to reach the waterfall for a second time on our way back up from the beach to have a final soak and cool down before the return trip back to the car , it were 28 degrees on the day we did it , there are shaded areas on the hike but when it opens up you do feel the heat , I cooled down in rock pools on the way back up , just take plevty of water and you will have a fantastic time , I would recommend this gorge it's amazing , it took us 1 hr 20 mins from the main road to the waterfall , the whole day took us 5.5 hrs but it's worth it , you can do it quicker by stoping at the waterfall and not going to the beach

7. Kedrodasos Beach

Kissamou-Elafonisiou Innachorio, Kissamos, Crete 73012 Greece http://www.cretanbeaches.com/el/%CE%B8%CE%B1%CE%BB%CE%AC%CF%83%CF%83%CE%B9%CE%BF%CF%82-%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%85%CF%81%CE%B9%CF%83%CE%BC%CF%8C%CF%82/%CF%80%CE%B1%CF%81%CE%B1%CE%BB%CE%AF%CE%B5%CF%82-%CE%B4%CF%85%CF%84%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%AE%CF%82-%CE%BA%CF%81%CE%AE%CF
Excellent
78%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 545 reviews

Kedrodasos Beach

One of the best beaches in Chania prefecture, quite untouched and unexplored. Many travelers use the area around the beach as a free camping spot. It is actually a cedar forest next to the beach. It is also a favorite beach for naturists. The road up to Elafonisi is quite good and then you need to take a non asphalt road for about 10 minutes. Then you also need to take a walk path for another 15-20 minutes. No matter the time you will need to go there, it's sure that you will enjoy that unique beach.

Reviewed By MrJDB - London, United Kingdom

Made the mistake of going to Elafonisi first which was beautiful but very very overcrowded with shallow waters. This beach is an absolute stunner; peaceful and an amazing landscape of trees and rocks down to the shoreline. Pack a lunch and water for a day of bliss.

8. Kourtaliotiko Gorge

Koxare to Asamotas Road, Agios Vasileios Municipality, Crete 740 60 Greece
Excellent
66%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 310 reviews

Kourtaliotiko Gorge

A long and pleasant walk along the gorge through breathtaking scenery, past waterfalls, fountains, deserted chapels and monasteries, to an authentic palm beach at Preveli. You can even catch a glimpse of a lammergeier if you are lucky. Watch out though for slips and trips - stout shoes essential.

9. Rethymnon Old Town

Rethymnon, Crete Greece +30 2831 342100 http://www.rethymno.gr
Excellent
62%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8,048 reviews

Rethymnon Old Town

Reviewed By northants90 - Northampton, United Kingdom

This is a lovely day out and you can lose yourself in the narrow streets of cobble stone! Narrow streets Lots of shops Many small tavernas Beautiful buildings Lots to do Places to refresh A real lovely part of old Greece and very busy with tourists.

10. Old Venetian Harbor

Agiou Markou 8 Akti Tompazi, Chania Town, Crete 731 32 Greece http://www.allincrete.com/chania-old-venetian-harbour/
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,412 reviews

Old Venetian Harbor

Reviewed By lovetrav_9 - Old Colwyn, United Kingdom

There is so much to see and do in this busy Harbour area including ample shops, bars, restaurants and cafes, boat trips, a museum, an art gallery and the lighthouse plus fabulous views to enjoy. It is also a great walking area. On top of all that, we had a superb lunch. Our time was sadly limited as we had to return to our hotel in Chersonisos, but had a most enjoyable visit and we definitely recommend.

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