36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (2024)

The top stops along the way from Malia to Elafonissi (with short detours) are Knossos Palace, Balos Beach, and Old Venetian Port of Chania. Other popular stops include Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre, and Matala beach.

1

Relax Beach bar in Stalis

Mentioned on

4 lists

$$$$affordable

Cocktail bar

Outdoor Activities

Beaches

Relax Beach bar in Stalis is a versatile spot that caters to both day and night crowds. The owner, George, and the staff are known for their friendliness and creating a fabulous atmosphere. The comfortable sunbeds come in different sizes to accommodate various needs, making it an ideal place for relaxation. Guests can enjoy delicious food and drinks, including bubble tea to beat the Crete heatwave.

An excellent location for both day and night. George, your host , is brilliant, very entertaining. Daytime the sunbeds are very comfortable and a great height for those of us with some medical issues. Well worth visiting.

Peter H — Google review

Highly recommended place to visit.polite and friendly service.Tasty food and drinks.

Karol G — Google review

Spent a week in Stalis, June 2024. Relax was the first beach bar we visited and didn’t feel the need to look any further. Spent every day here. Nice comfortable sun beds and umbrellas. Good food and drinks at reasonable prices. Quiet and chilled. Ari is a great guy, very attentive. Provides great service.

Paul O — Google review

Lovely beach bar the owner George & his staff are very friendly offering a fabulous atmosphere. The sunbeds are very comfortable and different sizes suit all ages & requirements . Highly recommended

Jan H — Google review

Strandbar mit Liegen und Schirmen, lädt zum Verweilen ein. Nette Bedienung. Es gab sogar noch ne Obstplatte zum Cocktail dazu. Gerne wieder!.wer hier am Preis fürs Essen meckert hat se nich alles. Mein mega clubsandwich hat 7,80 gekostet, damit hätte ich zwei Leute sättigen können. Cocktails zwischen 7 und 12 Euro. Vollkommen okay.(Translated by Google)Beach bar with loungers and umbrellas invites you to linger. Nice service. There was even a fruit platter with the cocktail. Gladly again! Anyone who complains about the price of the food here doesn't have it all. My mega club sandwich cost 7.80, so I could have fed two people. Cocktails between 7 and 12 euros. Totally okay.

Lila L — Google review

Lovely relaxing bar in the centre of town. Delicious Nutella and strawberry crepes. Great cocktails and friendly staff. A place to enjoy a cocktail and watch the sea.

Christopher S — Google review

Very friendly and if you want to get the beach bar feeling is this a place which you must visit

Lars V — Google review

Food was alright, service was slow and none of the tables were really fit for eating at. More a place to get drinks.

Wout O — Google review

We love this place, best part of the beach Harry looks after you very well although we was the other end of Stalis we still walk there.

Mary P — Google review

Amazing ice cream, amazing bubble tea, tasty crepes, staffs are extremely kind, song performance every friday. Everything is perfect, would love to come again

Dorota S — Google review

Sehr netter Inhaber, tolles Ambiente. Die Cocktails sind sehr lecker. Auf jeden Fall empfehlenswert 👍🏼(Translated by Google)Very nice owner, great atmosphere. The cocktails are very tasty. Definitely recommended 👍🏼

Viktoria R — Google review

Great, relaxed dinner with bubble tea to help chill in the Crete heatwave. Friendly staff, great service - they even have us a box to take the food away we couldn't eat. Value for money with a smile!

Mike E — Google review

Tolle Bar direkt am Strand mit Liegen und Schirmen. Abgesehen von dem leckeren Essen, den tollen Cocktails und anderen Getränken sind die Liegen mit Schirm echt bezahlbar 😊😍(Translated by Google)Great bar right on the beach with loungers and umbrellas. Apart from the delicious food, great cocktails and other drinks, the loungers with umbrellas are really affordable 😊😍

Jens L — Google review

Lovely bar for cocktails 🍸The guy at the front, getting customers through the door, is lovely!

Lorraine H — Google review

Had to visit the place a bunch of times on our trip to Greece. Best part for sure!! The staff was just lovely and took such good care of us every time! Highly recommend ❤️❤️

Nina T — Google review

Lovely place with relaxing atmosphere. The cocktails are marvelous. Good experience when you are in Stalida. Jorgos ( Sjon) is a fantastic host.

Martijn G — Google review

Such a lovely place. Amazing food, drinks and location. I definitely recommend 👌

Mihaela M — Google review

Absolutely great place and amazing owners - will make you feel right at home. 👌🏻 perfect!!!

Lee B — Google review

It's just as it says. RELAX. Great place, Great staff. Cocktails bubble waffles everything excellent. Totally recommend it!

Giolanta G — Google review

Food - not bad, the sandwich was cold. It felt that they didn't put much effort.Drink-nice, natural juice.Service-was good.

Alina T — Google review

4.7

(157)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (1)

4.5

(1883)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (2)

Agiou Ioanni 148, Stalida 700 07, Greece

+30 698 807 9883

2

Lychnostatis Open Air Museum

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (3)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (4)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (5)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (6)

Mentioned on

3 lists

Museum

Heritage museum

The Lychnostatis Open Air Museum, located on the eastern edge of Hersonissos with a beautiful seaside view, is a family-owned museum that showcases the natural history and culture of Crete. The museum recreates a traditional Cretan village with remarkable authenticity, featuring various buildings such as a windmill and farmers' houses. Visitors can witness weaving workshops, ceramics and plant-dying demonstrations, orchards and herb gardens along with music and dance performances in an open-air theatre.

Unique place. Best spent 7 Euro! The place is magical. Entire place to see takes about 1 to 2 hours. It has a lot of amazing things to see. Pictures looks great. All stuff is friendly and ready to help. I would love to come back.

Agnieszka R — Google review

I visited this lovely open air museum Lychnostatis on Sunday the 31st of July. It has so much to see and lots of little details, prepare for at least 1,5-2 hours to spend your time there. The entrance fee was 7 euros and you got a map and translations of text written in Greek in many languages, including Finnish. There's also a possibility for audio guide should you want one.The bus stop is really close, just tell the staff in the bus that you're trying to get there, they'll know the right bus stop.To be honest, it would be better to visit this mostly garden-like place earlier, maybe in May or June, or then at the harvest time later in autumn. Then you would see more of those beautiful plants they have there. But, it's worth a visit anytime, in my opinion.It's not open on Saturdays and it's not open until late, so check the opening hours from the internet before you go.There are toilets and a cafeteria. You can get drinks and food there as well as buy some local products, if you wish.In the cafeteria they gave me freebies: the pears grown there. They weren't as sweet as the pears I've been eating but that was it for me because I'm not one for sweets. They were just perfect. 👍

M M — Google review

What a wonderful museum we visited on a Wednesday and took part in their Grape Feast. I even got to tread grapes and do a bit of Greek dancing. The museum is very eco-friendly, being built completely from recycled building materials. Can't rate Lychnostatis high enough. We thought it was wonderful and Can't wait to visit again

Marcus T — Google review

What can I say, we were very lucky we went on the day and timed it just right which was a Wednesday at 11am. Usually they charge €8 each on entry but because they had a Festival going on every Wednesday at 11am, they charge €15 each which includes all entertainment, wine, raki and snacks and also get the chance to traditionally tread grapes which is a weird feeling and good fun when you have a crowd around you. It also includes your entrance fee to view the museum which is amazing and well kept. The hospitality and friendliness is fantastic and would highly recommend viewing and taking part in the traditional greek festivities 10/10.

Ducati9981 — Google review

beautiful museum with such a romantic and warm feel. The lady who works here is so friendly and kind, and there is so much to see: Tree garden, historical farmhouse, school, middle class home, shepherd’s hut, fisherman’s hut, chapel, herb garden, sculptures, incredible lockdown-inspired art made from pills! We spent 3-4 hours here taking our time to appreciate everything and listen to all of the audio guided tour, however I’m sure it is possible to do it faster. There is a car park and a side exit to go straight to the beach afterwards! There is also a café with very reasonable prices.

Gabrielle — Google review

Great experience and learning about the story of the family that built the museum. Great opportunity to see the different buildings up close. Staff were welcoming and friendly. Well worth a visit!

Sarah C — Google review

I love this tiny beautiful interwctive museum in open air! I felt so good walking and taking beautiful picture!

Sandra L — Google review

Absolutely amazing!!The staff are so welcoming and friendly and very informative and helpful. The museum is absolutely beautiful and so interesting.I went on Wednesday, which happens to be wine-feast day. I treaded on grapes, tried wine and some foods, and joined in with the Greek dancing. It was absolutely incredible and authentic and made my holiday!I'd recommend visiting the museum any day of the week, but Wednesday for the added experience.I won't post all my amazing photos and videos as don't want to spoil the first look. Go to the museum and see first hand instead.

Al P — Google review

Charming place with big garden and artifacts of traditional Greek way of living.

ARTO P — Google review

Money well spent. Very unique and informative museum- you can see the love and effort the curators put into it. Learning about the Cretan way of life. Great that it’s outdoors!

Julia H — Google review

What a beautiful place!!!! I can't say how much this needs to be visited! So beautifully done. So much information. Shows the beauty of Crete!

Jane R — Google review

This is a stunning, unassuming place to visit. Well presented depiction of life and working practice of locals in the past. From shoe making and textiles to bee keeping and herbs, gardening, soap making, cheese making and so much more. Also regular workshops and a cafe and beach access. A gem of a museum in easy reach on foot from the coastal resort of Hersonissos

Katy H — Google review

We went to the museum from a Google search when staying in Stalida.The museum was really interesting and we had such a great riding time waking around and learning more about Greek family history and the history of they family museum.Definitely recommend a visit for all. Suitable for families and couples.

Gordon C — Google review

This is a charming picturesques open air museum showcasing traditional cretan life. Well worth a visit and the staff are welcoming and audio is available in different languages. My daughter also enjoyed looking around (12 years).

Go4 U — Google review

We found this museum by mistake. Spent a few hours here, some beautiful exhibits.The white church just takes your breath away.Well worth a visit, would definitely return!

Steve C — Google review

I can't rave about this enough. We had the most amazing time here. 8 Euro to enter and it is worth it for the upkeep for the museum. The staff are friendly and helpful. The toilets are clean. My favourite thing was the herb drying room, the smell was immense.

Hayley S — Google review

Such a lovely and unique place to spend a few hours. We began with a short video about the founding of the museum which was very touching and so much time, care and attention has gone into creating the spaces you walk through. Just stunning!

Emz I — Google review

Absolutely lovely museum. It was bigger then expected and the receptionist was very friendly. It is right by the sea and has lovely views when you go up the house. Only €8 euro entry and I would recommend getting the audio book for when you walk around.

S H — Google review

Labai įdomus muziejus. Vietoje galima pasiimti audio gidą. Labai rekomenduoju. Yra kavinukė. Su vaikais labai tinkama vieta praleisti laiką. Patarčiau atvykti nuo ryto, nes vėliau būna tikrai daug žmonių.(Translated by Google)A very interesting museum. You can pick up an audio guide on the spot. I highly recommend it. There is a cafe. A very suitable place to spend time with children. I would advise you to come in the morning, because later there are really many people.

Julija R — Google review

Absolutely stunning place. A complete labour of love.Wonderful representation of the history of Crete that takes your breath away

Donna H — Google review

This was a fantastic folklore museum, the best we have ever visited. It was a 10 min walk from our hotel and only cost 8 euros to get in with 2 euros to hire an audio guide which my blind daughter found really helpful. The site was so big and interesting we couldnt do it all in one visit so we went back again a few days later. The staff were really helpful and Maria joined us to explain things to my daughter. I couldn’t choose one particular favourite part as I enjoyed everything so please visit their website. They also have a great cafe. Its also a place that would interest kids.

Margaret H — Google review

The museum is situated on a large territory, showcasing a variety of artifacts that vividly depict the local culture and way of life. It's an intriguing place and definitely worth a visit, especially with children. What truly resonates is the realization of the effort and hard work invested in creating the museum.Be sure to watch the film about the history of this place at the beginning of your visit. Inside, there's a café conveniently located right by the beach, which boasts comfortable loungers and easy access to the sea. Take your time, enjoy the stroll.

Julia A — Google review

Beautiful place, and it had so much more to offer than expected.As someone said in the reviews earlier this is perfect for a cloudy day.There is also a cafeteria with drinks/snacks/food inside.

Meemelin — Google review

Interesting open-air museum. You can see traditional buildings, crafts and lots of interesting things. It was very nice when they welcomed us in our native language - Czech. We also received translations in the Czech language! There is a cafe in the museum and a small beach right next to it. Pay attention to the opening hours. I recommend!

Ilona B — Google review

Very well maintained, shows the history and culture with lot of space for educating kids from school. Unlimited set of trees and plants. Present school classes in old days, how boat use to work with cycle paddling, serves some food and juices if needed

Deepak P — Google review

We had a great walk around this open air museum. Found it very interesting with lots of information via hand held device. Short film to watch on how the museum was made before you start your tour. Very impressed with the idea and history.

DAZ A — Google review

It's a nice spot on a cloudy day.+ it is like a botanic garden, family owned, one can feel the love toward the build of this place, beautiful scenery, accessible with stroller, multilingual support- too many plants. The audio guide was not loud enough for two people to listen. I think there should be guided tours so people can really enjoy the museum.

Veselina — Google review

4.7

(2458)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (7)

4.5

(1459)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (8)

Μουσείο "ΛΥΧΝΟΣΤΑΤΗΣ" - θέση Πλάκα, Chersonisos 700 14, Greece

+30 2897 023660

Need a place to stay?

When

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

When

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

When

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Rooms and guests

Rooms

1

Adults

2

Children

Rooms, guests

2

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (9)

3

Star Beach Village & Water Park

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (10)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (11)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (12)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (13)

Mentioned on

7 lists

Hotel

Water & Amusement Parks

Water Parks

Star Beach Village & Water Park is a casual resort situated by the waterfront, offering various dining options and amenities such as an outdoor pool, spa, and water park. Families with children can enjoy numerous pools, toboggans, pirate ship and food catering to all tastes. The resort boasts well-maintained and secure surroundings with stunning views of the sea in shades of blue. Friendly staff provides comfortable rooms for a pleasant stay while guests indulge in delicious meals from any of the three restaurants available on site.

Lovely hotel. The staff are so friendly and really make you feel very welcome. The rooms are spacious, well appointed and spotlessly clean. The cleaning of the rooms is 10 out of 10. You are in 5 minutes walk of the town and right on the beach. Its a big complex but nicely set out with lots of different spaces. Great pools and parks for kids and more quiet pools for bigger kids. Plus nice little beach coves dotted along the shore. All with loungers and brollies. The food here is very good. There are so many choices it's almost overwhelming. It's very fresh, very tasty, very nice. I would highly recommend the Asian restaurant too. The food here is sublime and part of the all inclusive. All in all, its fabulous.

Christine Q — Google review

I would have given 5 stars if it wasn't for the fact that the all inclusive list of cocktails is not great and that the facilities don't have lift, which can make it complicated if you have a kid (with pushchair and everything). Also the adults side of the waterpark was not in the best conditions (even if good overall)Everything else is amazing!The spaces for kids are incredibly good, our son loved it.The staff is very friendly and everything is very clean.Food is also great and there are plenty of options.We would surely come back!

Gabriel — Google review

Star Beach started on a very bad note – we were made to wait around half an hour just to get into our room with them insisting on using a bellhop that never arrived. The room turned out to be only 5 minutes walking distance, so this was particularly frustrating. Once past that, however, the resort’s service improved. We had a great day at the water park, with prompt and helpful staff throughout. The room was fairly standard, but good enough considering you will spend most of your time out at the water park and beach. The all-inclusive food and drink was nothing amazing but great value.

Ben B — Google review

This is not a family place. Very disappointing. Right next to the slides there is an over 18 VIP area that is very loud. People are drunk and smoking and acting inappropriate. All of this in front of young children. We moved to the pool area and couldn't even get in because it was packed. The food was terrible. All this for over 500 euros. I could have stayed 2 nights at a beautiful place anywhere in Crete. The "all inclusive" part is also misleading. I paid 4 euros for a plastic cup of coca cola and a bottle of water. If you know Crete...this is NOTHING like Crete. I gave 5 stars for the room and staff as it was clean and they were friendly and helpful.

Heather S — Google review

Truly comfortable room (family of 4 placed in a quiet room with 6 beds, 2 bathrooms), nice swimming pools and slides, extra attractions at the sea and in the evenings at the main bar. Good food if you stay for up to a week. VIP space was the only drawback (music at max volume from 14 till 19) but we spent that time farther from it and then it was bearable. Waterpark busy on weekends with guests also from outside. Many car hires around to choose the right price for a day.

Wojciech B — Google review

As a value for money it was a good choice however there are a quite few items to improve. Starting with the good things: the food is very good, especially the deserts, there are healthy meals and a nice selection for vegetarians. The location is perfect, the beach is nice and the city is close to have some sight seeing. The facilities were good, like the pools or the slides.The down side was mainly the room. We asked for superior family room but it was not super. It was rather basic with old and sometimes dirty furniture and also noisy due to the music from the beach. The cleanness was also not perfect, even if we specifically asked for because there were also some ants. There was no application for the hotel however it could make the life easier and quite usual in other hotels. Facilities were closed quite early at 6pm. There could be some safety controls as well, because hot pots and pans were on the shelves in the restaurant and there was no sign.It is also a pity that the hotel did not ask for any insight automatically from the guests in order to improve.So mixed feelings, good for any occasion but probably not returning

Viki S — Google review

First time in an all inclusive resort, it was the right choice! The place is well kept, clean and safe. Perfect fo children and families, lots of pools, tobogans, the pirate ship, and food for all tastes. It was a brilliant week, the blue of the ski and sea are amazing; the people of Crete are fantastic too. We will return for more

Jose C — Google review

Overall it was an amazing experience, as it had everything you wanted it to have to be a 5 star holiday. For example a snack bar, clean and pristine pools, great service, nice hospitality and lovely food. Altogether one of the best hotel experiences one could ever have.

Renjan T — Google review

Fantastic holiday at this resort for myself, husband and 2 children. Room great and spacious, 2 bedrooms, 2 shower rooms. Fresh towels and bottled water every day, beds made also. Food fabulous in main restaurant. Friendly staff, especially Angelos at the pool bar. Pool towels exchanged every day. Lovely garden areas for photos. Amazing facilities nearby. Highly recommend it!😍

Julie M — Google review

We had such a wonderful time there. Excellent food, drinks, swimming pools, beaches, water slides for kids and adults. There are also beach parties everyday for the youngsters (which can be very noisy for some of the rooms). Overall a very positive experience.

Oded B — Google review

Been home after a week at star beach. The food, staff and holiday was absolutely brilliant. The only comment is we were in the star beach city annex apartments , we did have our own pool but to get to the main hotel we either had to cross a dangerous road or go under a makeshift tunnel, it’s ok if your under 5foot 2 but not lit and quite wet and slippy under foot , maybe provide a regular shuttle bus or make something safer. Especially if people can’t walk very far. It did not spoil the holiday just a suggestion and we would definitely come back . Really did not want to leave.

Sharon M — Google review

This place is really nice to visit. Food was great, always plenty of option to choose from. Service was mainly great and quality of room was above average. There are multiple swimming pools for kids separated for different age. Everyone can find what they like. Access to the sea is a bit more steep, beaches are not the cleanest. But there are showers with water everywhere, so you can shower the sea water easily from yourself.Room service is good, but there is room for improvement.Dining in the main are has every night different type of food you can choose from. There is always fresh food being prepared and plenty of vegeterian and vegan options.Sweet corner was amazing!There is also go-cart racing you can visit, which is open till late hours. Some rooms are faced to this area, so its not best if you want to go to sleep early :)Highly recommending this place for family vacation!

Radek A — Google review

Resort is beautiful, facilities for a family are great. Lots of options for pools and dining. Beach is stunning and very close.Restaurant and bar staff are great.Resort is kept immaculately clean.The only downside was the reception staff were unhelpful. We asked 3 or 4 basic questions over the week and each time they would say we don’t know and move on to the next person. This really let the resort down.

Sinead B — Google review

Highly recommended. Stayed April 2022. Everything perfect 😊. Rooms very comfortable, staff very friendly, food in all 3 restaurants delicious😋 with great choice. Will definitely look to stay here again.

Mr T — Google review

Amazing amazing amazing ! I cannot recommend enough. We have really enjoyed our stay. Kids loved it ! We will be back so impressed from day one when we arrived after 2am in the morning we were welcomed by food and taken to our room. Lovely staff. The bar staff by the pool were amazing and to be able to choose your own food and give it to the chef was great. They cleaned room every single day and done a great job ! The amount of food you could choose from plus 2 restaurants to book where food was so nice. If you got kids who are fussy eaters this is the place for you if you are going all inclusive. Great entertaiment everyday. We can't complain plenty to do. Great location. We hired our car from the hotel plus there are plenty of car parks around the hotel or at the front great and easy access. Good location to travel to other palces to visit. Can't wait to be back.

Michaela P — Google review

It is a vacation and I can’t complain much about that!There are always pros and cons to every place.ProsThe food is unbelievable! The Asian place is delicious and the variety is there.Price during opening of season was a steal of a dealThe mini disco was fun for the children and the two workers are hard working to make it a fun timeThe beach is beautiful and lots of seating!Lots of pools to be found.There is lots of amenities near by within walking distanceThe evening shows were entertainingStaff generally kindConsThe rooms seem outdated and could use a faceliftThe gym hours are exactly when I don’t want to workout (9-18h)The kids club doesn’t seem super safe. There is no check in or check out system (had to constantly monitor my kids were there)The resort drinks are not as good as some resorts I’ve been to (limited options)This is not common in Greece but could make for a nicer vacation in the early season…. No pools heated or a hot tub would be cool!Towel exchange hours are annoyingWifi never worked for me… despite trying everything the resort asked me to do. I took off a star for this also since I’m strictly off data and require wifi to communicate as an international traveller. It was a slap in the face to see signs around the resort stating that there is free wifi.Cell reception can be in and out around the resortAs I was checking out I went to get our shuttle which was stated that we had a free airport transfer. The hotel seemed to say we needed to stay a minimum of 8 nights to receive this service. We stayed 7 and nowhere in our booking did it say we required a stay of 8 nights to receive this service. As a matter of fact it said we had a free transfer and to send our information for times and when we would like to use the shuttle. This caused us a headache and the staff were not very responsive. I have taken off a star just for this interaction.I would recommend the resort to people as long as they know that there are significant pros and cons. Hopefully my review will help you when making a decision. Please keep in mind our visit was early in the season and not all of the resort is up and running.

Carleen P — Google review

We had such an amazing time at this resort! Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. My kids absolutely enjoyed their time at the water park and the beautiful beach at the resort.The service from the reception desk was brilliant and the house keeping staff were always taking good care of our room and were there to help if we needed anything!I would like to give a big shout out to the chef in the main restaurant who went above and beyond for my son who has an egg allergy. My son was given freshly prepped and cooked food straight from the kitchen and then placed onto the table infront of him by the chef himself. We will definitely be coming back in the future!Thank you Star Beach Village & Water Park for a fantastic holiday!!

Family T — Google review

We didn't stay here, but we did spend a day at the water park, so this is the experience my review is based on. It was great fun for my 4 year old daughter, she loved the kids' slides and spent several hours playing around the area. We decided to give this place a go as the high winds made most nearby beaches have a red flag. There is no entrance fee, but you do pay for sunbeds(€8 for one) and umbrellas(€4). You can choose whether you want to stay near the beach, which is quite small, but in a small gulf, so protected from big waves, on the grass, under the palm trees, or closer to the pool. We chose to stay near the kids' zone and, at some point in the afternoon( around 2 or 3pm, I think), extremely loud music started blasting from the nearby 18+ pool area. When we went to get something to eat, the noise was filling the terrace area as well, as it was right next to it. I would not recommend eating there - so far, it was the worst food we've had since we got to Crete, the service was not friendly at all, the water came with plastic cups even though we were sat at a table and, as a first, we were required to pay upfront when we ordered, not when we'd finished eating. There was a fast food feel to the whole eating experience, though the prices did not reflect this. As a one off, if you have kids, you could pay this place a visit, but overall I see no reason why we would return. I cannot imagine what it must be like to actually book a room there, given the level of noise!

Raluca B — Google review

We are home from last week and already missing the hotel. Had a lovely week. Food was great, waterpark was so close. Room big enough for 5 person. Always found something to eat for young daughter with diabetes. Maybe we come back next year

Kelly M — Google review

It was a lovely experience for my family. There was something for everyone to do. The pool side had various activities such as aqua gym, table tennis, football, pilates, yoga, dart game, shows and music for night time, There was never a dull moment during my visit. The icing on the cake was that we were never hungry before the next meal as there was more than enough food, drinks, slushy, and ice cream at different locations. Lovely holiday, would recommend to families.

Seyi D — Google review

This is set in a beautiful part of Crete however the hotel has some areas that look tired and I felt sorry for the staff and most of them looked like they were just doing a job and not enjoying it. The sea is beautiful here and is great for snorkelling as there are so many fish. The hotel is generally clean, but you can tell it needs some money spending on things to tidy it up. There is a big choice of food in the all-inclusive and the cocktails are OK. Lots of pools to use and facilities. It is rated as a 4 star hotel but I would suggest more like a 3 star. It wasn't too busy here, but I can imagine in high season, the food halls could be very over crowded.

Jen — Google review

Great resort for vacation with children. The food was on 3/5, a lot to choose from but mostly stale, it takes time to pick the good from the mediocre. The Breakfast Bacon was superb. The Omelette chef is a kind of artist but the restaurant should have given him more workspace and help.Most of the service staff are without joy or willingness to help. The guys at the Blue Star Beach Bar were exceptional, they are energetic, and give service from the heart. The Wok master there creates the most tasty noodles. This bar gets 5 stars from me.Other people complained about the service, I tried to be polite and always greet the service givers with a smile and mostly got one back. It pays a great deal to be nice to people.

Danny N — Google review

Initially as a party of 6 (2 adults and 4 children) we experienced great difficulty with the allocated rooms as 3 of the children have hidden disabilities and one of the rooms allocated were off the main site of the star beech village and waterpark and we needed to cross 2 main roads with NO footpath to use the facilities so no way was that room allocated appropriate or safe and the children were all very upset! The reception staff were unhelpful, we spoke to the manager (Maria), who listened to our complaint, allocated a family room so we were all in the venue together and changed the room again the following day so we were close to the rest of our travel group. The rest of the staff were amazing, they worked so hard, were very pleasent and couldn't do enough. The facilities were really good, the food excellent, the rooms very clean and we were very happy with this venue.

Frances E — Google review

Visited for one night with my husband for a quick weekend getaway.First impression was not great, the young lady at the front desk was clearly new and unprofessional. We asked her for directions to our room and she didn't even bother responding. The rest of the staff was friendly and helpful making sure you felt comfortable and at home.The room was okay. The restaurants had a big variety of tasty food and beverages. Main restaurant had a different theme every night.

Kat F — Google review

We arrived early to the hotel, so we weren't given our rooms yet, we had to wait for around three hours. That's perfectly fine, I understand, I'm not here to complain about that. Me and my family waited in the lobby, and then ate lunch for those few hours, but there was a big problem all of us had; it was horribly hot inside the hotel too. You could barely notice a difference being in and out of the lobby, and unfortunately, already having traveled hours and not being given our rooms, the heat was just another add to the stress.When we were finally shown to our rooms, I was just simply disappointed. I believe that the minimum for every and any hotel is cleanliness, and this place definitely didn't have that. Despite it being "cleaned" around 15 minutes ago, the floor was still black in some spaces, it was obviously very dirty. I have seen other reviews complain about the same thing as well, and I just really want to know why y'all aren't fixing it, when it's so easy to clean properly.There's also no hot water in the bath, only in the shower, and the TV's screen just hung down, and when we tried to fix it to it's correct position, the screen just dropped down again. I think it's very obvious that the staff doesn't care about the condition of the rooms they give to the guests.On the other hand, the food and beach are absolutely flawless. There are a lot of options to choose from, the servers are really nice, and the view is also gorgeous. I believe that if this hotel maintained better cleanliness and much better rooms, it would quickly get five stars immediately.

Noah — Google review

4 star hotel with waterpark. Food was amazing very wide choice at all meal times 2 additional options to book an evening meal at an Asian restaurant and a Cretian one. Whole complex / village is very clean couple of small beaches to choose from. Loads of pools to choose from and an abundance of loungers in the waterpark. Theres scuba diving and watersports available for additional cost and a go kart track right next door. Also a pizzeria and bar that arent included in the all inclusive package however the snacks available at the pool and waterpark are also very good. Cheese and ham toastie/ chips pizza / ice cream and noodle bar in the waterpark and drinks in the all inclusive package. Towels are free you just exchange a card daily for fresh. Room cleaned daily. All staff were fantastic and couldn't do enough to help. Hotel shop was a bit pricey but theres a Spar shop over the road which was cheaper for inflatables souvenirs etc etc. Short walk into main strip loads of places to hire cars bikes quads so you can access more of the local area. Good evening entertainment we had a lovely week away.

Rob G — Google review

The hotel is good, the food is tasty especially tasty in the Asian restaurant and tavern near the beach. The sea and beach are beautiful, there are many slides for children, and the pool area is well-groomed.But what spoiled the impression was that people from other hotels were freely walking around the hotel, swimming in the pools, using water slides, sun loungers on the beach (without even paying for it), creating a crowd on the slides and beaches.Another issue is the music at night from the neighboring apartments (Anatoly Apartments), which plays loudly until 2-3 at night.Room cleaning is also not ideal. No one washes the floor, no one puts soap on it.In general, the hotel is good... the best on the coast, but there are many shortcomings that we would not have come here knowing about. Because it is not cheap hotel.

Ирина Б — Google review

What a holiday!Lets start off with the staff can not do enough for you. From the cleaners to front of house. You should be proud of your staff 👊The place is immaculate.The pools so much for the little ones to discover in each one of the 4, 5 including the water slidesThe food: the freshness of all the tasty dishes that are plated up is just exceptional quality ingredients. One of the best all-inclusive I've been at.Thank you Beach Star Village

Ian S — Google review

My family and I arrived at the Star Beach Hotel in Crete after a booking mishap at another hotel left us stranded in the middle of the night. The night receptionist at Star Beach went above and beyond to assist us. He spent hours on the phone trying to find us a room at other hotels, contacted our booking agent, and even arranged for a staff member to accompany me to confront the other hotel's rude receptionist.Despite not having a room available for us, the Star Beach Hotel provided a safe and comfortable place for my family to rest while we sorted out our situation. The receptionist's kindness and dedication to helping us were truly exceptional.When I tried to give him a generous tip for all of his help, he insisted a handshake was enough. His selflessness and genuine care for our well-being left a lasting impression.If you're looking for a hotel with exceptional service and staff who genuinely care about their guests, I highly recommend the Star Beach Hotel. Their night receptionist is a true hero, and his actions will not be forgotten.

David B — Google review

Great hotel with lots of water activities. Location is great too, you are near the town center and there are also plenty of restaurants around. All-inclusive has potential even though the main restaurant offers great healthy choices but the Chinese restaurant needs to change (this is far from Chinese food with poor quality). Would be nice to also get your drinks served in glasses rather than plastic cups also considering the environment. Rooms have potential (rather loud and mediocre furnitures. Staffs are friendly making it enjoyable but won’t be coming back.

Annika T — Google review

I would give this place 5 stars for a family getaway. The cleanliness was great. The food choices (3 restaurants) were fantastic. The beaches and water entertainment for the kids, teenagers and adults was just what you’d hope for in a trip to the island. The open bars and snacks were just what you’d hope for at an all inclusive. We didn’t participate too much in the evening activities or kids entertainment but what we saw, we were impressed with. They had mini disco for the kids each night and usually some level of family entertainment just after. The open bar was open to midnight. The staff was friendly and the beds were actually very comfortable. Thank you Star Beach Village for an excellent vacation.

Justin A — Google review

This is a good place to go with your family. I was with my daughter and we had a great day. If you do not stay at the hotel the entrance is free. But inside you have to prepare "some" money. The cost are as follows:Sunbed - 5€ per pers.Umbrella -4€Kids small pool slides - freeBig slides - 10€ per pers. for whole daySea sofa - 20€ per pers. about 15min.You will be offered to take some photos, if you like them you can take 1 digital + 1 printed for 10€ 🥹Meal - 33€ for 2.Overall it is a great place but expensive. We left there 134€ for 2 people (mother and daughter) but we had really great day!

ArteFact D — Google review

The hotel itself is in a great location, to the town & beach itself. Although you have to risk your life by crossing a very busy road in order to get the local shop (Spar) on the other side.Upon arrival the receptionists were not very helpful or forthcoming with information & no welcome pack was in the room giving additional information. I.E check out time, etc.We discovered during the stay of 8 nights that not all areas are covered even after paying for all inclusive & there is no information given to you to indicate this. For example the adult only areas can only be used if you pay for a sunbed etc! So if you are not coming with kids & want an adult only area be prepared to pay for some peace & quiet. Also certain bars located within the hotel grounds are also not accessible & you are told to go to a different bar.We found the professionalism of staff to be low. Staff are not overly friendly or approachable & not certainly not happy.In the main restaurant there is not enough staff to cater for the amount of guests. Tables are not cleared & reprepared for new guests. Food is basic, even though theme nights take place overall the food is the same everyday. Theme nights are not advertised till that night when you walk in to the restaurant… We did book the Asian star restaurant & wow! What a good selection of choice & high quality tasting food! This was our favourite dinner all holiday. Although a mistake had been made & our reservation had not been noted correctly. However as it was only for a table of 2 they were able to accommodate us.We found the room itself to be full of ants on a daily basis. No food was eaten in the room, no fizzy drinks. Only water & tea/coffee was drunk in the room. The ants were in the beds, bathroom, dressing table, unit under the tele & also crawling up & down the wall all the way to the door frame of the bathroom!! Tea & coffee products were not topped up daily & we ended up resulting in purchasing our own. We came as two sisters & the 2 twin beds were pushed together (which is fine) however one large sheet was put over the bed which then meant that single sheets could not be tucked in the side of the bed. Beds were also not made & the sheet & blanket were folded at the end of the bed for it to be made by yourselves. Not always the correct amount of bathroom towels were provided. One day we had 2 beetles in the shower. Come back after the room was cleaned. One was removed & swept outside on the terrace & the other still in the bottom of the shower!The pools were crowded, not once did we see them get cleaned or sun loungers or patio areas. The pools seem like they are never shut as people are still in them at 10pm at night so no chance to have them properly cleaned!Bins around the grounds were not always emptied. We put rubbish in a main bin so it didn’t attract ants in our room & 24hours later it was still on top of the bin.Entertainment gave a variety for everyone which we did find to be good.Loved the location but wouldn’t stay in this hotel again.

Lottie J — Google review

Many thanks for a great stay.A big thank you to Gregory and Nicola. This is customer support at a very high level. Thank you both for your energy and friendliness. The kids would love to only go on vacation where you areBit in general all employees were very friendly and helpfull. 💪

Remo M — Google review

The hotel itself left a bit of a negative impression - rooms are not modern, the cleanliness is very low level. Our room even had ants inside, we reported about that to the reception, they barely did anything. The reception stuff is quite unfriendly and not helpful at all. I’d say the personnel in general is not very welcoming.Food was quite good though. And the best of this hotel is facilities for kids.

Olga M — Google review

Most staff are decent. I get it's the end of the season and it's long, but service is still servicedAnts everywhere and if you aren't lucky that's the room as wellGreat choice in restaurants and pools which you can't faultBut the rooms are not what you see on any of the websites we checkedThis is though an incredibly family friendly resort and if your kids are between 5 and 15 it's perfect but just take the rooms as a base and don't expect the world from itNote it says village! It's massive and there's a lot of people

Chris M — Google review

It is amazing hotel the reception hotel very good and really helpful. Only the one thing I don't like us the last bar after after the pool have 2 man staff one off them not good and make a bad service

RANA A — Google review

We stayed at this hotel last year in June. The size of the hotel is very nice with nice swiming pools area for kids but not for adults unless you want to go to VIP area where kids are not allowed and you have to pay for loungers and drinks in the bar as none of this is included in all inclusive.Entertainment is not the best, food is average and same food served everyday.The personel is average except cleaners who at lest try to smile at you 😀 I've been at many hotels but this one is last on my list so far I will probably never visit again.

Katarzyna K — Google review

This is a beautiful multi award winning family friendly complex. In the summer months there is parties in the main pool. The all inclusive resort compiles of different pools, childrens play areas, aquapark and many restaurants. All staff offer a warm welcome and are helpful and hospitable. I would recommend this village resort as the complete layout has been carefully thought out with entertainment for all ages from infants, teens and adults. Mainly, it is the detail and care taken catering for children which makes this the perfect family holiday. There is a wide selection of delicious food for all tastes and the resort is right on the beachfront.

Go4 U — Google review

We are here now and highly disappointed. We paid extra for a “superior” family room that had an extra WC. I asked at check in and they said “you got the room you booked”. We get to room and it’s small, dirty, and one bathroom. We go back to the front to ask and they tell us this is a superior room and there are no other options. We argue that it isn’t the room we booked and they tell us we will have to come back the next day to talk to the manager. The next morning the manager lady refused to even come out of her office to talk with us until we said we wouldn’t leave. It went around in circles with her saying there is nothing else available and too bad. We’ve tried going back to ask if there is any availability for us to move and she refuses to even speak with us. The lack of professionalism and customer service is truly astounding. There were many other people at the front desk with similar complaints and some even worse than ours, urine in room, ants, etc.The actual facilities are two star, certainly not four as advertised, and that is being generous. The “water park” is old and worn down and open to everyone. No staying at the resort required. Anyone can walk in and stay. There isn’t an actual regular pool to sit at that isn’t Motel 8 sized. The nicer slides are not included nor the actual lazy river.Food is meh. All Buffett style. Not bad, but again, nowhere near four stars.The managers attitude and how she could care less about making sure customers are getting what they paid for is the most disappointing. Overall, I would never stay here again.

Jaimie T — Google review

Plenty to do on the resort. Never had to look far for a sunbed and located well for off resort shops and a beach. Very nice food in the restaurants but alcoholic beverages were watered down. Staff in restaurants were friendly but reception staff seemed to not know how to offer friendly service. Rooms were clean and had everything needed but ours was smaller than pictured.

Andy M — Google review

I had a great time with the family, the staff were very friendly and hard working. The pools were great and very clean, there are several pools to choose from, and the beach access is very convenient. The food options were diverse and very good as well. Although I encountered a few ants and got stung from unknown source, I still had a fantastic time. I think the rooms could have used a mop so guests will be able to keep the room clean during the stay. Anyway, I would recommend this place without hesitation!

Naama R — Google review

Just back from a fantastic week at Star Beach Village. First time in Greece and first all inclusive for us.The room was basic but that's all we needed and all we paid for. The main thing was it was clean and well maintained by the staff.The water park was fantastic and the kids could have stayed there all day every day.The hotel is located right next to the sea with access to 3 different beaches, all nice and clean with great snorkelling around the rocks. Going at helf term meant it wasn't too busy or too hot.Around the hotel was quite quiet due to the time of year and other resorts having closed but everything we wanted was still open, just less busy... which was great! There's plenty to do nearby too.Everyone enjoyed the restaurants and we were very impressed with the range on offer and the lengths the very friendly and courteous staff went to to ensure we had what we wanted and that the place was clean and tidy. The chef even made our youngest a special pudding just for him to cater to his food intolerances.All in all, a brilliant place to have a holiday and made all the better by the staff at all levels.

Tim P — Google review

Just arrived home from star beach last night. Family of 5 3 adults 1 child 1 toddlerCheck in: was quick and easy, taken to our rooms on a buggy, friendly and welcoming staff. There is a cold buffet open for later arrivals.Rooms: be warned there is no lift just stairs & we were put on the top floor with a pram which was difficult but we made it work.On arrival to the rooms one of them smelt of sewage this was reported but went away on its own after 5 nights. They were clean,comfortable & had a fridge that was filled with water daily a microwave & coffee facilities.The entertainment team work hard & the kids love the mini disco.Food: we are a fussy family especially one child. The food was beautiful nicest all inclusive food we have ever had and it is cooked infront of you. The breakfast is hot or cold food with lots to choose from.Facilities: the pools are gorgeous there is 1 deep one & 3 childrens pools with slides & the waterpark. All fantastic, clean and enjoyable. There is always a bar in reach and all do snacks, hot drinks, soft drinks and alcohol.The kids club is only accessible to over 4s & there is no secure/gated area for toddlers to play so if you have a runaway toddler/child please be aware of this. There is also a lot of steps around the hotel & isnt very accessible to a wheelchair/pram user.Location: the location of this hotel is absolutely fantastic is has the best scenic views & the town is only 25 minute walk away with multiple shops, bars, clubs & restaurants.We had a fantastic time away & would recommend it to family with children 4+

Paige S — Google review

Negatives:- We weren't given the family room we booked. We were given a standard double with an extra bed squeezed in. Since it was 2am when we arrived we didn't ask to change immediately. We wasted half a day changing rooms the next day. The room we were moved to wasn't cleaned so we could only drop our bags off and then come back again later. The 2nd room still wasn't as described, with a separate bathroom but since we'd already wasted half a day we decided to stay. The receptionist was rude and arrogant and acted like he was doing us a favour by moving rooms, not that we'd been given the wrong room!- Some bars and restaurants in the complex are VIP access only. We took shelter from the rain in an empty bar and were told (rudely) that we're not permitted to sit there because it's VIP only. Annoying when literally nobody else was there and when you've paid thousands for an all inclusive and then made to feel like a 2nd class citizen.- Found faeces and blood smeared up the walls of the toilet near a family pool. Was still there several days later. I saw the toilets being cleaned once in the 10 days we were there.- Toilet bin was overflowing with used toilet paper.- There is no decent sized pool for swimming. It's only kiddies splash pools. So if you have children above 8-10 then they might get bored or not being able to swim properly, as ours were. And as an adult I would have appreciated a pool to swim in.- The big water slides are not near pool areas. We like to sit in loungers where kids can play in a pool and on the slides and still keep an eye in them. But we couldn't do this due to the splash pool being at one end of the resort and the slides at the other. So you have to pick up and move your towels, books etc and then usually there's nowhere to sit.- Lifeguards are not particularly interested in safety. Encouraging kids to go down backwards, despite signs advising against it. Nots pacing kids out on the slides causing pile ups and injuries at the bottom. More interested in smoking than watching children. Watched the lifeguards walk past piles of crisp packets, bottles etc. Not saying it's their job but they could at least pick up a bottle since they're walking past a bin anyway.- Tea and coffee, shampoo and shower gel not restocked in room. Yes I could probably ring down and ask but since I asked 3 times for additional pillows I couldn't be bothered!- Group of young girls in the room next to us drinking, smoking and listening to loud music on the balcony until early hours of the morning. Group of males the other side doing the same. Families should be separated from such groups.- Had to argue with bar staff to get a clean towel. Towels only available between 10-2, which is fine. Except on the day we checked out and were told be reception since we were leaving at 19:30 we could use the showers and changing facilities (which were great) and to collect a clean towel form the bar. I explained we checked out and needed a couple of clean towels to have a shower before leaving. He refused and just pointed at the sign. I tried politely to explain again and he spoke slower saying 'read the sign towels not available' as if I'm stupid. Again, rude and arrogant. The towels were on a pile next to him, he just couldn't be bothered to pass me a couple.- Water sports were extortionate. 20 Euro for a 10 minute ride on an inflatable. No family discount, so it would've been 80 Euro for the 4 of us for 10 minutes.Positives:- The food was lovely. (Although saying that, my wife did d&v for 5 days of the 10, but we can't say that was 100% due to the food).- Beach areas were fantastic.In summary, I certainly wouldn't go back, It's nowhere near the standard of most of the all inclusives we stayed in places such as Egypt and Turkey. I'm sure my review will get the standard 'let them team know if we can do anything ...' but we did on several occasions and staff were rude, even the manager, so what's the point.

Rob W — Google review

Amazing staff! Amazing food! Amazing location!Really the staff and the food made it such a wonderful vacation. We felt personally close to those working there and they were so kind and helpful. And the food was amazing! So much selection and so much to eat.The location was perfect for our young family to play everyday on the beach too. Kids ages ranged from newborn to 5.Rooms are so so, but we didn’t spend much time there except for sleeping.We would love to come again! You have a beautiful island and beautiful people!

Michel K — Google review

Good hotel somewhat close to the centre of Hersonissos.The beaches are niceThe pools aren’t clean , full of sandWhat guests should be attention to is the fact that the pools and the water park are open to all and not only to the hotel guests.Food wasn’t that varied.In addition, the noise of the parties was so loud so if you’re planning a vacation with babies or toddlers you may think twice .

Fadwa N — Google review

Our stay at starbeach was nothing short of perfection. The hotel’s prime location offers stunning views and easy access to local attractions. The elegant and welcoming ambiance set the tone for a memorable visit.Our room was spacious, impeccably clean, and beautifully designed, complete with luxurious bedding and high-end amenities. The dining experience was exceptional, with a variety of delicious options and outstanding service.The staff were professional, friendly, and attentive, making us feel truly valued. We enjoyed the excellent facilities!!!

Christina K — Google review

The variety of food for a 4 star hotel is really great. But I would like to see more choices in the drink department. Also I feel like the plastic cups are being overused, especially in the lobby bar. I understand them being used at the beach bars, bot not here.Rooms are great. Nothing more to say.Staff - serves are okay, receptionist phenomenal.Would like to praise the younger servers as they are very polite.The location of the resort is ideal for me. 15minutes of walking to the town.I like the resort layout and their number of activities that you can do nearby. The number of sunbeds is enough as we were always able to lay where we wanted even during noon.

Lukáš P — Google review

Delicious food. Diversity in places and choose its great for All food lovers.for Sure perfekt for familiies with Kids. The village is awasome, u can literally find your favorite place to chill on sun- on the beach, rocks or at the swimming Pool with somw music. Lokation also great , you can find everything what u need direct here. And also its like 5 min walk to the Center street with a lot of Shops and like 15 min to heart of the night life whats also diverse and just nice. All the Service people great. I do recommend this place and may come back !

Nate T — Google review

Food and drink quality would depends on your standards. Of course you can't expect high quality and fresh ingredients. But it was fine in my opinion. You have enough variety and you wouldn't feel hungry or thirsty. If I come back again, I will stay here.

Hossein R — Google review

Very nice hotel especially if you travel with small kids. All you really need in one place. Great stuff, everybody is smiling and helpful. Food and restaurants is top - the best part of the hotel - you will love variety of delicate meals. Icecream all day long. Beach is regular. Nice pools incl. waterpark for kids. Very nice and smart location - close to shopping area on foot, but still in calm place. Many opportunities to rent scooters or cars. Close to the capital. Close to the airport. You will enjoy and remember this place.

Vladimír S — Google review

A great family hotel complex. Lots to do. Rooms clean with good showers, large fridge and lots of choice of restaurants and different types of food. Good beaches with a selection of water sports. We came here as a family of 13 with children ranging from 3 to 14 and an adult teenager. I would definitely recommend a visit.

Denise K — Google review

Lovely family resort! We've stayed nearly two weeks at star beach village. Rooms were clean daily and overall they were kept nice and clean. All facilities such as swimming pools came with great variety of slides etc, with easy access to bars with drinks and snacks, beaches and sea were two minute walk from the pool areas, it was so good to switch between pool and beaches within minutes. Reception staff could be a touch more helpful, sometimes it seemed like they were bother by some questions. Food in the main restaurant was really tasty, coming with great variety and choices ranging from yogurt bars, continental breakfast as well as hot breakfast options such. Great choice of grilled, braised and roasted meats and fish, pasta bar, pizzas, composite salads and plain veggies with variety of dressings and toppings, dessert counter was also amazing! A downfall was certainly no "do not disturb" sign that you could hang on the door, this caused some unwanted interruptions from the cleaners and also drinks at any bar, all spirits heavily diluted, you could bearly taste any alcohol even if you asked to fill up your plastic cup 3/4 with just alcohol. You still tasted just sugary colas, beer was also mediocre. Overall great family stay and I'd definitely recommend it, just stuck up your fridge with your won beer! 😁

Gerard B — Google review

4.4

(4804)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (14)

4.5

(2003)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (15)

Themistokleous 5, Chersonisos 700 14, Greece

+30 2897 029351

4

Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (16)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (17)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (18)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (19)

Mentioned on

+5 other lists

Aquarium

Nature & Parks

Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre is a small yet informative facility that offers interactive experiences with various reptiles and sea life. Visitors can touch and learn about tortoises, snakes, and other animals while showing proper respect. The friendly owners and staff are knowledgeable about the different species and happy to share their expertise. As a rescue center, supporting their mission is encouraged. Overall, it is a great place for those interested in marine life and reptiles.

It’s a small but wonderful place! What it lacks I. Size it makes up in information and accessibility to the animals. You can touch tortoise, snakes and other reptiles. Do take care to show the proper respect to the animals of course.Very friendly owners/staff who can and will give you more information about the different animals.As it’s also rescue center, try to visit to support their activities. As it’s a beautiful mission they are following!

Kris V — Google review

Amazing place to visit, not just seaside which can be found around the coastal waters of Crete. The also have reptiles that have been handed over to them or left for them to care for. They are very educational as well with school trips and visits to schools in the local area. To also survive were others have not during the pandemic. Every time we come to Crete we always visit to see new and existing marine life and reptiles. A big thank you to John and his wife and the team for a marvellous job they do in running the place.

Alan C — Google review

A fantastic small rescue centre for various fish, reptiles and other wonderful creatures. We had the opportunity to hold one of the snakes and to watch one being fed. There's lots of variety to see here, the staff are all very helpful and they do great work. We spent around an hour here, there is lots of information to read if you'd like to. €16 for 2 adults was agreeable considering it goes towards the care of these wonderful animals I won't ever get to see except in such situations!

Thomas B — Google review

Wir besuchten im Juli 2024 das Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre. Obwohl die Anlage relativ klein ist, haben wir tolle Tiere gesehen. Die Aquarien und Terrarien wirkten etwas klein, aber wir sind keine Experten und können das nicht fachmännisch beurteilen.Es waren ziemlich viele Besucher da, was zeigt, dass der Ort beliebt ist. Die Eintrittspreise sind in Ordnung. Besonders positiv hervorzuheben ist die Möglichkeit, viele Tiere zu berühren, was für Kinder großartig ist. Allerdings möchten wir darauf hinweisen, dass dies möglicherweise ein hohes Stresslevel für die Tiere bedeutet, weshalb wir das nicht bewerten können.Unsere 6-Jährige war super begeistert und hatte viel Spaß. Insgesamt ein schönes Erlebnis für Familien.(Translated by Google)We visited Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Center in July 2024. Although the facility is relatively small, we saw some great animals. The aquariums and terrariums seemed a bit small, but we are not experts and cannot judge that professionally.There were quite a few visitors, which shows that the place is popular. The entrance fees are okay. A particularly positive aspect is the opportunity to touch lots of animals, which is great for children. However, we would like to point out that this may mean a high level of stress for the animals, which is why we cannot evaluate this.Our 6 year old was super excited and had a lot of fun. Overall, a nice experience for families.

Uwe A — Google review

Absolutely amazing! It was €10 per person for entry, and it's well worth the price. Parking can be done on the street for free.The place isn't that big, but you've got plenty of local and international wildlife to see while supporting the rescue center. The staff is very friendly and helpful. If you're there at the right time, you can see the fish and octopus get fed. The octopus gets fed in a jar, and it's interesting to see how they open it.They have plenty of fish in the aquariums. Toward the middle are reptiles and a nearly blind turtle. At the end, you have even more reptiles and turtles. There's a tortoise that roams free in the area, and it'll have the right of way wherever, so you have to make space for it. There are also reptiles roaming free.You can also hold some of the reptiles and snakes (for free), which really adds to the experience.Even if you're not nearby, this is definitely worth a detour! We spent about an hour here.

George — Google review

A nice rescue place. It's possible to hold some animals and take photos with them. The staff is really knowledgeable and are happy to share their knowledge with the visitors.

Melanie K — Google review

Very enjoyable. Getting up close and personal with the reptiles was a highlight. Great value for money. They clearly care for the animals. Would recommend being there for 10.30 to see the turtle (Stephania) and the octopus being fed and the stories behind them. If you have 1-2 hours spare it's definitely worth it. The work they're doing is so admirable that we just had to leave a donation.

John — Google review

Nice collection of local fishes, reptiles. Not just an exhibition but can pet snakes, lizards and turtles in a small garden. There is no dedicated parking space but the road usually not crowded. Bank card payments are accessible

Andras A — Google review

A great place where you can go, if you need a break from the sunshine. But you don't need that excuse at all. Brilliant experience for adults and children. Possibility to see fish, crabs, starfish etc. You will be welcomed by 25 year old tortoise who is walking freely around the place. You might enjoy holding white and yellow python or a gecko.All the animals are like petsIt's good to support this place especially that the owner rescued lots of them and believe that he will find a room for more.

Magda K — Google review

Amazing aquarium with lots to see. Extremely helpful staff where nothing was too much trouble.We arrived just after 10am and managed to see the sea turtle and octopus been fed which was fascinating while learning more about them.Great range of reptiles, which you could hold and get photos with also.Would definitely come back!

Poppy S — Google review

Great little aquarium and reptile sanctuary run by an incredibly kind and driven team. Multilingual information regarding the fish and reptile species on display makes a visit worthwhile regardless of your language. Many of the animals on display were rescued and all are taken care of with a great deal of dedication. If you're in Hersonissos or around the area it's definitely worth a visit.

Bowen V — Google review

Although small, this was a fantastic place to visit. The staff were extremely knowledgeable and genuinely cared for the animals! You could interact with the animals, watch them getting fed and hold some of the reptiles!! We spent about an hour here but it was absolutely worth visiting!! The entrance fee is used to look after the animals and rescue others!! If you're near it, visit!!

Karen J — Google review

Soooo this place is nice and cute but tbh I don’t think peta would be happy with this. So it’s €10 to get in which is cheap. It’s a rescue centre which is great but a lot of the animals were in small cages and everything. There was a sea turtle who was blind just in this tiny pool not a lot of room. I just felt it wasn’t best for the animals there also was a boa snake just in a plastic container not a lot of room to move around.None of the animals had lots of space in their cages like not a lot of room.So next when you go to the back the have snakes and lizards you can hold which is okay but I guess the animals will get fed up when they are being held all day. There was a massive tortoise just in the corner not moving which was kind of depressing we were there for maybe an hour and it didn’t move once. Sea turtles everywhere even hiding behind everything which was a bit sad but a small area for all the animals.But that’s my opinion

Louisaaa 1 — Google review

We loved seeing all of the animals, they all look so happy and healthy, all the staff were very friendly and knowledgeable, especially Joe, he was fantastic! He let us hold lots of cool animals like snakes and lizards, as well as taking the time to tell and show us all about the side-neck pink bellied turtles! Will definitely come back and would 100% recommend!

Grace J — Google review

Amazing Rescue Centre!I had the pleasure of visiting the rescue centre in Crete this morning, and I was incredibly impressed. The staff are passionate and dedicated to the well-being of the animals. It’s clear that they care deeply about each one and work tirelessly to give them a better life. We got the privilege to see them feed the blind turtle at 10.30 am.The facilities are well-maintained, and the animals are given plenty of attention and love. I felt reassured knowing that they are in such good hands. Whether you're looking to visit, this rescue centre is definitely worth supporting!Highly recommended for anyone who cares about animals!

Chantal V — Google review

Great little place with so much packed in. It’s a nice few hours to spend there- so many species of fish and wildlife etc that we wouldn’t get chance to see in the Uk. The owner is very knowledgeable and his staff are great! The kids loved the experience of holding the reptiles and learning about them.

Amie H — Google review

A really amazing place to go, you get too see so many fish and live feeding of a turtle and a very smart octopus all the fish, then go outside to interact with some reptiles including tortoises, snakes and bearded dragons a really great time!!!

Freya S — Google review

What a cool place! Worth every penny. Many cool and interesting animals to see and interact with. The place is pretty small, but they make the most of the available space. You can even interact with some of the reptiles and hold the snakes. Definitely worth a visit, if you are in the area.

Ekkcry — Google review

Wonderful place! The owner is so nice to all visitors, he has great stories to share about how he rescue reptiles and his water turtle, who is blind. He feeds the animals in the morning and tells you the story about how the animals are being rescued and how he needs to take care of them. I was thrilled by his enthusiasm and passion for animals! Really great experience to see this live. You can even touch snakes and repriles and hold them in your hands.

Radek A — Google review

Nous avons trouver lieu super, l'endroit est assez petit mais il présent quelques espèces d'animaux différentes. Le gros plus de ce lieu, c'est que nous avons la possibilité de prendre les reptiles dans les mains, caressés des tortues terrestres. A 10h30 ils donnent a manger a la tortue marine et donne des explications sur celle ci.(Translated by Google)We found a great place, the place is quite small but it has a few different species of animals. The big plus of this place is that we have the possibility of taking the reptiles in our hands, caressing the land turtles. At 10:30 a.m. they feed the sea turtle and give explanations about it.

Caroline C — Google review

It wasn’t the biggest place, but the experience was an unforgettable one. They have some big specimens on show in the aquarium and after you get to see their rescue sea turtle you have the opportunity to go in the “backyard” and take a look at the reptiles. Under the supervision of employees, you can pet some big iguanas, hold a corn snake, a bearded dragon and in the end take some pictures with a huge Burmese python all while a pretty big turtle is taking a walk at your feet. The 10€ ticket/person was a fair price for the awesome time I spent there.

Mike — Google review

What a great little place to visit. We could hold snakes and reptiles which was an unforgettable experience. Also, the fish there were very interesting. The tanks were clear and we could get some amazing pictures. The staff and the owners were very nice people. Highly recommend 5/5⭐

Roger — Google review

A really lovely centre. Lots of amazing animals, some of which we could hold and touch, with friendly and knowledgeable staff. Despite being very small, we were there for a few hours. So much value for such a small entry fee.Thank you for rescuing and looking after the animals and teaching people about them!

Charl T — Google review

We have been today and we love it , they rescue the animals from the sea and unwanted homes which is lovley! There is a blind turtle which he fed while holding her arm to make sure she got the food🥺 I saw a reveiw about the tank size however as the owner explains today as she is blind she doesn’t need lots of room but they are upgrading her this year as she grows . This place is brilliant we even got to see and hold some of the reptiles. For any English speaking the owner is English which was amazing for us being English ourselfs . But lots of signs in greek and French ect . 100% recommend we got here at 10am and they were feeding the animals and showing us so definitely come for 10am

Terri A — Google review

What an amazing place! A wonderful experience for me and my daughter, with plenty of hands on experiences with the animals/reptiles. This definitely made for a memorable day whilst holidaying in Crete. Would highly recommend.

Michelle M — Google review

Small, but soooo nice. Staff is superb. Very engaging. Everyone loved it. There was a short wait but in the shade. Amazing turtle strolling or lizard snoozing in front of everyone, allowing to pet, fantastic experience. Adults €10, kids €5.

Lauryna B — Google review

My wife and I recently visited the Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre during our honeymoon in Greece, and it was an unforgettable experience! This place is a hidden gem in Hersonissos, Crete, offering a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of sea life and reptiles. The aquarium section was filled with an impressive array of fish, sea turtles, and even an octopus. Each exhibit was well-maintained and provided detailed information about the species, making it both educational and enjoyable. The highlight for us was the large reptile exhibit at the back. We were thrilled to interact with many different kinds of snakes, lizards, and other reptiles. Holding a bearded dragon and some of the snakes was an incredible experience. The center also had a box turtle and a tortoise roaming freely, along with three iguanas that you could interact with. The little pond filled with turtles was a delightful addition, adding to the charm of the place. The staff at Aquaworld were friendly and knowledgeable, ensuring that all visitors had a safe and enjoyable experience. Their dedication to rescuing and caring for unwanted pets and local wildlife is truly commendable. Overall, Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Crete. Whether you’re an animal lover or just looking for a fun and educational outing, this place has something for everyone. Highly recommended!

James W — Google review

Cool place to see. Nice fish and reptiles. I was scared, but if you like snakes then you can take a photo and the crew will help you. Fishes are amazing and pretty. Also, turtles and tortoises or crabs. It is nice to see ocean life near you. Also, it doesn't take long to see everything, so you can easily go sunbathing or swimming before and after go see this place.

Ola K — Google review

Good place to visit in Hersonissos if you and your kids are not afraid of reptiles 😍 you can even hold a huge python in your hands and pet it 🥹

ArteFact D — Google review

We really enjoyed our visit, very interactive, hands on experience, the vivarium and aquarium inhabitants were well looked after and staff enthusiastic/passionate. Kids loved it and so did we.

Amy L — Google review

Absolutely amazing place, had a great experience of holding albino pithon and Iguana crawling up onto my leg. Animals are not hiding, some of them are very communicative. Fairly small, but definitely worth visiting.

Olga P — Google review

J’ai trouvé cette aquarium super, nous avons beaucoup apprécié le fait de pouvoir prendre et toucher les serpents.Cependant, malgré le fait qu’il y est plein beaucoup de choses à voir c’est très petit et s’il y a beaucoup de monde à la fois on ne peut pas circuler correctement.Mais je recommande quand même cette aquarium, il est super !!(Translated by Google)I found this aquarium great, we really enjoyed being able to hold and touch the snakes.However, despite the fact that there are lots of things to see, it is very small and if there are a lot of people at once you cannot move around properly.But I still recommend this aquarium, it’s great!!

Manon - — Google review

What a great little find!We visited first thing as it opened midweek and we were quite shocked to see how busy it got very early on and there was a huge queue as we were leaving. I would definitely recommend getting there early or even later in the afternoon.Yes it was very very busy and some of the staff mentioned that some of their bad reviews have come from the cramped space however you have to take it for what it is. It’s a rescue centre with an owner that genuinely cares about what he does, it’s not a big fancy company.If you take the time to speak to staff and ask questions, you’ll have a fantastic time. Even our toddler had a great time and he got to touch some of the reptiles which we’ve never been able to do anywhere else before.

Amy W — Google review

Small place but definitely worth a visit. You can touch the animals which makes the experience much better than in larger places of this type. Beautiful animals and nice people working there who often joke around and make the atmosphere almost family-like.

Wanessa P — Google review

Amazing place, small and cozy. Very nice staff, you can see how they take care of the animals, how much love they give them. There are animals who were rescued and brought there. Our family had a very good time watching and petting the animals and listening to the explanations of the workers. Thank you very much for being so kind, you are doing a great job.

Olga S — Google review

Super nice place. Quite small but it has a lot to offer. All the guys there had such good humor. It was very cool that they let you hold a huge snake and couple other reptiles. Never had that opportunity before. A lot of animals and a lot of information. Definitely recommend!!

Liisi L — Google review

Museum is small, but it was fun activityYou can also hold some of the animals or touch it

Viktorija P — Google review

The owners are great and informative! The centre is fairly small however the amount of reptiles/fish they have is amazing, such a variety and an amazing experience to hold reptiles and see them all up close. We held a bearded dragon as well as an albino python which was gorgeous. My daughter loved the turtle and the sting rays.

LeahMarie — Google review

What a lovely place to visit. The staff are incredibly friendly and willing to explain information. The work they do rescuing animals is awesome. I especially loved seeing Stephania the sea turtle. The place is small but 100% worth a visit if you’re in town. We also got a chance to hold snakes and lizards, and watch them get fed.

Reanna S — Google review

Definitely a highlight of the holiday.We saw a sign for an aquarium near the supermarket and decided to go have a look. The building is a hidden gem tucked inside a fairly normal looking building. Entry is only €10 per person and for the price you can see loads of marine animals and reptiles.The area inside is split into about 10 smaller aquariums with different types in each one with pictures of the animals inside and information on the walls about marine life, conservation and global climate etc. it's interesting to walk around and see so much.There is opportunity to also watch feeding of the sea turtle and octopus, we only got to see the end of the octopus event but it was good and the staff were very informative.Outside is the reptile area with cabinets and some roaming tortoise, and a selection of other reptiles staff will let you hold and pose for photos with as well as some natural habitat areas.Had a great time, great for adults and kids alike.

James A — Google review

Visiting this place was very enjoyable. Touching and holding all the different reptiles was really cool.However, the venue is quite small and there were a lot of people. We would recommend implementing time slots to better control the crowd. We spent around 30 minutes inside, but you could probably spend up to 60 minutes if it was less busy.

Anonymous R — Google review

4.6

(5223)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (21)

4.5

(3701)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (22)

Filikis Etirias 7, Chersonisos 700 14, Greece

+30 2897 029125

5

Knossos Palace

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (23)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (24)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (25)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (26)

Mentioned on

+71 other lists

Open air museum

Sights & Landmarks

The Minoan Palace of Knossos is an archaeological site on the island of Crete and is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. The palace was built around 1600 BCE and at its peak, it is estimated that over 100,000 people resided there. The palace has remained largely intact since its construction and provides a unique look into Minoan culture and art.

Amazing place full of history. Easy to walk around, if you are in hurry you could see everything in 15 minutes. I recommend visiting in the morning, because in the afternoon the sun will be above the pillars with the bull painting and it will be harder to take a good photo. A lot of free parking spaces nearby. Adult ticket costs 15€ (april 2022). There are many gift shops across the street.

Tom?? ? — Google review

Knossos Palace is a must see if you're interested in the history of the Minoan civilization and Bronze Age here in Crete.Beware that there are tour guides that will try to offer you their service and they charge quite a bit. We were told that the normal cost earlier in the day is €100 for a family of four. We were there later in the day, so our guide offered us a price of €70 and we negotiated down to €60. The tour lasted about an hour and ten minutes.Although tour guides give you the key details, you might want to supplement your tour with a guide book and walk through a second time. It just seemed like we missed some interesting details. There are very few plaques or signs that provide info about what you're seeing.Note: you can buy Combination tickets that are good for both the Archaeological Museum and the Palace, for up to three days. They cost €20 per person. Our children entered for free based on age and residence.Overall, I feel that this is a place to see once, so make the most of it!

Jason C — Google review

For the history, this place is incredible! We walked right up and didn’t have to wait to buy tickets! If you are taking a stroller, it will be a challenge, so keep this in mind. It’s incredible and the history makes it worth the visit! It’s very well preserved and you can discover it at your own pace. Make sure to you take a look at the throne room. Guided tours are available right when you arrive, if of interest!

Mibbie P — Google review

A beautiful place with a piece of history. I recommend buying tickets in advance at the Archaeological Museum, which thematically perfectly combines with the Minoan Palace (the price for a combined ticket for an adult is 20 euros). In the afternoon the place wasn't that crowded, with only occasional groups of people in the most interesting places.

Adam K — Google review

We went on a Sunday, entrance is free on a Sunday.You need a guide or a detailed account of the site to get any real feel for it. The site has been quite brutally reconstructed and it rips the authenticity out of it.I appreciate it's a tourist location and it needs to create interest, just don't go there thinking you're going to see Ephesus or the Parthenon.

Phil E — Google review

One of the most historic sites on the planet. Firstly you enter the park tickets are 8€ during off season btw Nov - March 21st. When you finish paying the entrance fee you are greeted by a guide, if you'd like a private tour for an additional cost you can partake but I choose the virtual tour. To use the virtual tour download the app at the gate, there should be a qr code present for you to do so.

Aaron C — Google review

Wir waren gleich morgens um 8 Uhr da und mussten nicht warten.Ich fand es schon faszinierend, dass hier vor 4000 Jahren die Wiege der europäischen Kultur entstand und hier Menschen diese Bauwerke erschaffen haben und ich auf den selben Steinen laufe, die hier von diesen damals verlegt wurden. Auch die restaurierten Bauwerke sind echt schön und man fragt sich, wie die Menschen hier damals gelebt haben.(Translated by Google)We were there first thing in the morning at 8 a.m. and didn't have to wait.I found it fascinating that the cradle of European culture was built here 4,000 years ago and that people created these buildings here and that I walk on the same stones that they laid here back then. The restored buildings are also really beautiful and you wonder how people lived here back then.

Andreas S — Google review

Really interesting and well kept site. Absolutely NOT stroller/ wheelchair friendly. There are stairs and uneven ground everywhere. Definitely worth going, but if you have a stroller aged child with you, be sure to have a plan

Jules M — Google review

The palace wasn’t either surprising nor extraordinary, at all, the tickets were quite expensive, I wouldn’t say it’s much worth it. We were definitely expecting something better than just a few renewed ruins, but after all it’s been built nearly 3 thousand years ago, which is really cool. If you have the time and money, I believe it’s worth taking a visit

Mako — Google review

Not a lot of reality left here. The museum has all of the statues, and the English Archaeologist recreated sections of the temple as he saw fit. Many sections were closed off today so you could not get to the whole site. The ruins in Athens are better preserved and more original in nature. Visit the museum!

Shawn O — Google review

An excellent experience for ancient history on Crete. Ticket booths and washrooms were organized and easy to navigate. Washrooms were very clean. Thankfully there are shady areas on site if you are visiting during the peak heat of the day.Very limited free parking adjacent to the entrance. Plan to spend around 1 - 2 hours max at the site.

Gayle L — Google review

A must-see if you're visiting Crete.There's lots to explore and take photos of. Depending on how much you like to explore, you could easily spend hours here.Highly recommend getting a tour guide if you're in a group. The guides usually hang around the entrance and usually charge around €100 for the tour.

Armin ? — Google review

Amazing piece of history! If you are a bit of a history buff, I would definitely recommend this place. Beautiful stunning views, whilst standing on ancient ruins, what could be better! Definitely buy tickets in advance, though, as there was a very long queue.

Becca C — Google review

Quite busy on the weekend but still good enough to get a free parking space.On some days in the year entrance is free, such as 18.05. (Museum day). It is good to get a guide if you’d like to understand more context, as the written descriptions are not sufficient in my opinion.

Konrad E — Google review

We went to check out the Minoan palace at Knossos. We got a personal guide Eva, and she was fantastic. Took us all around the site, explaining each part of the ruins and unravelling all the mysteries and meanings.of each intricate marking on the wall and painting.The kids told me I was the best history lesson they had ever hadwell worth the money!Everything that you see with colours on has been reconstructed from bits and pieces that they found at the site and they have brought it back to life so we can see what it looked likeActually it was an Englishman med Evans who excavated this palace in the 1800s when Crete was still under Turkish rule. He bought the land for 200,000 pounds and spent 35 years excavating and reconstructingAnd when he had achieved his goals he gave the site back to Crete.Eva weaved the stories for us, explaining each part of the site, pointing out the rooms and explaining what they were...all the while, blending the greek myths and stories into her narrative.My kids have declared it the best history lesson they have ever had, and are still discussing facts that she told us days later.I highly recommend visiting this site, and doubly recommend a personal guide..and if you can find Eva...go for her. SHE is the best!! (She is in the pictures below)

Vi M — Google review

Visited the site in August, about one hour before sunset and it was a pleasant experience. During summer time, museum closes at 20:00, so there's totally no point to come here anytime before 18:00, only to face the crowds of tourists and the harsh sun.Otherwise, a sunset walk along the ruins, under the shady pines, while listening to cicadas chorus is a lovely way to explore the remaining of the most important palace of the Minoan civilization. There are public buses connecting the museum with the Heraklion city center, so don't need to come by car.

Ionut S — Google review

We heard of the palace of Knossos, and knew we had to visit the place! We had our holiday in Stalis, so we had to travel a few kilometers!A beautiful place, with lots of history, that tells a fantastic tale! We were taken back a few thousand of years in time, to understand and view the story!It took about 20 minutes to get in, and tickets are very cheap; especially if you:1: under 25 years oldAnd2: from a country that is member of the European Union.That way, the tickets will be free. Nonetheless they are still cheap!The palace was very beautiful and; sadly, very crowded the day we were there. This didn’t ruin the experience though! It’s a good place to with family for a good experience!👍

Lasseboss — Google review

This site is not the best ruins site I have ever visited. I personnally prefer much more Roma/Italy for ruins. However, I enjoyed discovering the site with kids.- Large touristic groups.- Entrance ticket 15.- Eur.- We have done the complete tour within 1.5hours with 2 small kids and taking our time.

Dazzle — Google review

The entrance is €15 for an adult, which is entirely warranted. If you're not going at a busy time, don't bother with buying tickets online, they are only more expensive.The palace is huge, expect to spend towards two hours. Definitely worth your time!I have added a few sample photos 📸, they are probably not representative.

Per J — Google review

Wonderful site good way to spend a morning or afternoon. Not as big as I was expecting and busy small passages that should be one way but people seem to be walking everywhere which makes it difficult to stop and enjoy the view .a lot was closed off like the royal rooms but very informative from our tour guide .definitely pre book a tour and we had tablets to get a 3d view .

A J — Google review

To appreciate the monument, scale, technical achievement, history etc, we think you need to spend longer than the 1 hour most guided tours offer when combined with a day/1/2 day tour. We spent 2-3 hours walking around, sitting quietly and also eating our picnic lunch. Lots of online background info to help appreciate the site and history. Public bus from the central bus station every 15 mins. Buying tickets from the kiosk at the bus stop cheaper than on the bus. In some ways the most impressive structure, for me is the one most visitors will take for granted, the quadrangle/concourse.

Nigel R — Google review

Impressive archaeological site. Outdoors and sunny. Good written explanations of the site in Greek and English. We read about the site in advance which was helpful so we had background knowledge before visiting. I would recommend doing that or visiting the Heraklion Archaeological Museum in advance so there is more context.Easy parking on site or up the road. Cafe on site has simple sandwiches, ice cream, drinks, and other snacks. There are some restaurants nearby as well. You can hire a guide near the entrance, which may be helpful.

Matthew D — Google review

Got the bus from heraklion, expected queues but only half a dozen in the line we were in. Very hot day and no shade so be prepared with sun hats, sun cream and water. A route is planned which we liked so you don't miss anything. Went round it all in just over 2 hours.

Julie M — Google review

Great historical place with amazing ancient architecture. There are usually a lot of tourists and tour groups, some of the most interesting rooms could require some waiting.Museum has audio guide and some 3D visualization tablet PC.I would recommend to spend here at least approx 2 hours.There's a public bus from Heraklion number 2, a ticket to the area B is needed (blue zone), bus stop back is right to the entrance after cafes, there's a parking and behind parking a bus stop is. Bus to the city is number 20.

Andrii A — Google review

We decided to get there early to avoid the heat and crowds, and we partially succeeded. As it is August, the heat is unavoidable but there is some shade on the site. Still I would recommend to avoid the hottest time of the day. We spent approximately 1,5 hours there and then had refreshments in the shade at the main entrance. There is an app that you can download to get some info about the different part of the ruins, or you can hire a guide to get the best experience. The guides are offering their services at the entrance so you can hire one if you want. On our way out, we noticed quite a crowd at the ticket shop, so I would recomend to buy your tickets in advance if you want to avoid waiting.

Sanja M — Google review

Too many tours, too many coaches, too many people, long lines for everything.This may have been a 3-4 star place without the over crowding but unfortunately it ruined the experience. At 20€ to get in; you’d expect better.Also note that a lot of this was rebuilt around 1908 so doesn’t have the same authenticity of other places.

Chris D — Google review

Pretty much a must-see on a visit to Crete are these Minoan ruins that show how this island was the cradle of civilisation in Europe. The Victorian archaeologist Arthur Evans who unearthed the ruins made extensive renovations, which have proved controversial but do give a better idea of how things would have looked. You can wander around yourself, but a guided tour is worth it if you want to appreciate what you're seeing. Likely to be very busy and, with little shade, likely to be very hot. There is a cafe, shop and toilets at the entrance. Tickets from £18 online with audio guide or most resorts do excursions with transport and guide included.

Nigel P — Google review

This was a great place to visit. If you are going from Heraklion, the bike ride is very enjoyable. I found the ticket a bit expensive to visit ruins, but the area is large. Despite several guides offering their services at the entrance, the signs with information are more than enough. It was a good place to spend the morning, take your time, sit in the shade and enjoy the atmosphere.

Fernando M — Google review

It's just such a lovely place to visit, if you want to know more about the Minoans. Most of the palace has been reconstructed. They opened a new area this year, which was not available last year. Definitely worth a visit if you've been to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum before.

Andrei-Vlad T — Google review

Recently visited Knossos Palace!It cost approximately €15 pp (which, compared to other attractions I visited, was on the pricier side). However, it was totally worth the money, in my opinion. We did not book ahead of time and visited around 2pm on a Saturday. I only spent around an hour here, but I could have easily spent several hours exploring and reading about the history at the info points!If you're lucky, you might get to see the peacocks 🦚 and peahen! And keep your eyes peeled for street cats, chilling in random places.Make sure you bring water and sunblock, and wear strong shoes - I'd also make sure to have something to cover your head and shoulders with. Although there are shaded areas, it is a long time to be exposed to the blazing sun. It gets *hot*!It isn't the most accessible site, but there were couples getting round okay with prams/pushchairs.If you are driving, there is a large free carpark about a 2 minute walk away from the entrance.There is a gift shop by the entrance which seems reasonably priced, and lots of gift/snack shops along the main road - if you, like me, enjoy a fridge magnet or postcard!

Leah S — Google review

Knossos as a historical site is worth visiting. Children from the European Union have free tickets, which surprised me very positively. I was less positively surprised by the price of drinking water for 1 liter, EUR 5.5.... 😞

Natalia G — Google review

Lots to see here, very impressive ancient palace. Signs could be a bit more informative and less speculative. The archaeological museum was better in this regard but still a cool place to visit.

Tom M — Google review

Mixed emotions immediately struck us upon arriving at this iconic site. The place's rich history left us in awe, allowing us to appreciate the palace's historical significance truly. However, on the flip side, we couldn't help but notice the extensive reconstructive work carried out by Sir Arthur Evans, which significantly altered the original ruins. For anyone planning to visit this site, we highly recommend exploring the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, as it provides valuable context that enriches the overall experience.

Flurin G — Google review

We hired a local guide and did a semi private tour with a couple of ladies from Ireland. The guide was very informative and told us not just about the palace itself but also the surrounding region. We also got some mythology as it pertained to Knossos. It was well worth it and the price was far better than booking through an agency however that may not always be the case. It was one of the hilites of our Crete excursion.

Mike D — Google review

Knossos Palace was easy to get to via the local buses and so interesting to see. I would suggest going early as it’s very very hot with hardly any shaded areas. Bring water and make sure you have plenty of sunscreen. The ruins are so impressive and it’s hard to comprehend how old the site actually is. I would highly recommend a visit. And keep and eye out for the little kittens roaming around.

Clementine — Google review

This site is incredible, but I recommend arriving when it first opens to avoid crowds. I also highly recommend arranging for a tour guide that is familiar and trained in the Palace. There are informational signs, but having a guide makes the experience that much more interesting. There are a ton of peacocks that live here permanently as well as some very friendly cats. It's amazing to stand in rooms that are thousands of years old. A great destination for history enthusiasts.

Samantha T — Google review

A combination of ancient ruins, archaeological excavation, and historic recreation, the ruins of Knossos are a must visit for anyone traveling to Crete. A convenient bus will carry you all the way from the port to the ruins in the hills. Once there, you will be surrounded by the 3,500 year old site. Since the site is on the smaller side, take your time and explore all the paths the ruins have to offer.

Blake M — Google review

The site is magnificent! Although some of the restoration made by Evan’s is not widely accepted by archaeologists, it has now become part of the place.You get to see one of the Minoan palaces, the largest one, linked with the myth of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur. Copies of the wall paintings are found on site. The original at the museum. There are plenty of signs to help you understand what you see or you can rent a tablet (there is a free app to download as well).Plan an hour for your visit, more if you go on peak hours. Also, I recommend starting early in the morning to avoid the hordes of tourists and the scorching sun. If you go later, you may also have to wait long for the tickets.There is a nice museum shop with plenty of things to buy and a cafe for refreshments.On the downside (that’s why the four stars instead of five) toilets are not well cared. The smell of it goes up to the parking area and the ticket booth. We were there early in the morning, before the site was open (so the toilets hadn’t been used yet) and the smell was unbearable. The lady there (a cleaner?) asks for extra money to give you soap and paper cloth! It’s a pity, especially when the ticket costs 15 euros. Show some dignity and respect to the people travelling from the edges of the world to admire the monument.Apart from this, it’s a must for everyone!

S G — Google review

A wonderful historical place with a lot of ruins and remains of the palace on different levels. There are places to rest and where to hide from the sun. Lots of people, we arrived around 11 o'clock, there were already queues for tickets, although the season was already over. The cost of a ticket for an adult is 15e. Of course, it is advisable to look up information about this historical monument in advance.There is a large free parking lot at the entrance.

Natalia U — Google review

You can’t really visit Crete and not come here, When we visited it wasn’t quite the main season yet so it wasn’t ridiculously over crowded and managed to get some nice photos which wasn’t full of peoples heads l. We didn’t have a guide with us but if you would like one there are plenty available to take you round. Just before you enter the turnstiles there is a guy outside a cafe selling fresh orange or pomegranate juice, the pomegranate one was amazing(if you like pomegranate that is ). Plenty of little souvenir shops situated just opposite and plenty of parking close to the entrance.

Jase ( — Google review

Great place to visit and learn about the Mycean and Minoan history. Buy tickets online in advance, it's cheaper. I paid 15 euro per ticket. Before the entrance, sometimes a guide will approach you to see if you want to do a private tour or with a very small group. It was 20 euro per person for a group of 6 which was perfect. It's very organized and legitimate. It was well worth it otherwise you'll be looking just at rocks and stones and pillars. This way you learn about the history and its incredible. Highly recommend the tour. If you're doing 4 people the tour will be 25 euro per person, on top of your entrance fee, just FYI.

Mike A — Google review

A well worth it trip out of the city.We really enjoyed our trip to Knossos this weekend.We had heard that it wasn't very big but we were surprised by how much we enjoyed walking around the site.We needed 1.5 hours but could have easily taken longer.The site has information translated into English which was helpful and there are board all over.There are parts you can't walk which is fine but there is a reasonable, pre-planned route.We really enjoyed walking around.There are benches in different areas around the site in the shade to rest. There are a fair few steps/stairs so it isn't the most accessible site.Once you go through the barriers there is nowhere to get water or bathrooms.We left to use the bathroom and were allowed re-entry but worth using the bathroom first!The on site bathroom has an optional 50c charge/tip for the attendant and they were very clean and well stocked with toilet roll.We visited Sunday at midday and had no issues getting parked or getting in. There was a short queue but it moved very quickly.There is an entry fee.On your way in there are guides who you can hire to take you around and tell you about the site. We didn't do this but whenever we walked past a group with a guide they seemed very knowledgeable and friendly.

Emily H — Google review

It's history is so unbelievably old. I was stunned to walk where they all walk thousands of years ago. Simply stunning!I wish the inside areas would be more available for walking and this is nothing for people who don't care enough about history. For those it would simply be some rocks, but for those who want to understand it's beautiful.I love that under 25 years old Europeans don't need to pay (in all of Crete).We went pretty late to escape the heat (there's not much shade) and it worked well as we didn't need to wait in line.

Pia S — Google review

Came here for the second time today (first time was over 20 years ago). Still a very interesting visit.I’d advise you arrive early as it gets very hot and a lot of it is in the open. Definitely bring a good hat and lots of water. Also the car park fills up very early and there are few shady spots (which you will want in the heat).Most of what you see are the original ruins but a lot of it is also ‘guess work’ by the person who first excavated it. That means some nice reconstructions but also means some of it is clearly modern and is of little historical accuracy. You can decide how you want to feel about that!There are a lot of tour groups so it can be busy and guides will try and sell their tour to you when you arrive.Lots of over priced tourist shops opposite but if you don’t mind the prices then they have a good selection of souvenirs.Signs are not extensive on-site and facilities are minimal although there are toilets by the entrance. Zap the QR code on the signs as you go in for the digital guide.Overall it’s a really interesting place, great for couples, families and groups. Informative, safe and beautiful.

Simon K — Google review

Beautiful place to visit, but we encountered at least 3 rude staff when we visited and was made to made to purchase a ticket for our 4 year old because we hadn't got out passports on us! (Make sure you have these on you as he should have been free entry).Beautiful surrounding scenery and you can arrange a guided tour.

Emily T — Google review

Very interesting ancient ruins. Personal guides are available. They are very knowledgeable, well spoken but pricey. (50€ per person) and without one, there is much to be interpreted or guessed about. You also skip the line at the entrance with a guide. The palace is large and I would recommend at least an hour to explore it.

Everet B — Google review

Wonderful sight. Well curated and good to tour. Caution needed due to uneven ground but well worth the effort.Our taxi driver brought us from the cruise port terminal and waited an hour or so for us to€50.He guided us towards a speedy ticket purchase.

Kevan S — Google review

A great historical sight, with monuments from around 2000 BC and beautiful wall paintings, collums and a throne room still standing from that era. It's a quite famous place so be sure to get your tickets in advance, or just endure some time in the line. Totally worth visiting if you enjoy historical sights!

George G — Google review

4.3

(48958)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (29)

4.0

(13690)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (30)

Knosos 714 09, Greece

+30 281 023 1940

I'll never travel to Elafonissi without this trip planner again

Learn more

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (31)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (32)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (33)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (34)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (35)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (36)

I will never travel to Elafonissi without this app againAvailable on the App Store

6

Knossos Palace

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (38)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (39)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (40)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (41)

Mentioned on

+71 other lists

Open air museum

Sights & Landmarks

The Minoan Palace of Knossos is an archaeological site on the island of Crete and is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. The palace was built around 1600 BCE and at its peak, it is estimated that over 100,000 people resided there. The palace has remained largely intact since its construction and provides a unique look into Minoan culture and art.

Amazing place full of history. Easy to walk around, if you are in hurry you could see everything in 15 minutes. I recommend visiting in the morning, because in the afternoon the sun will be above the pillars with the bull painting and it will be harder to take a good photo. A lot of free parking spaces nearby. Adult ticket costs 15€ (april 2022). There are many gift shops across the street.

Tom?? ? — Google review

Knossos Palace is a must see if you're interested in the history of the Minoan civilization and Bronze Age here in Crete.Beware that there are tour guides that will try to offer you their service and they charge quite a bit. We were told that the normal cost earlier in the day is €100 for a family of four. We were there later in the day, so our guide offered us a price of €70 and we negotiated down to €60. The tour lasted about an hour and ten minutes.Although tour guides give you the key details, you might want to supplement your tour with a guide book and walk through a second time. It just seemed like we missed some interesting details. There are very few plaques or signs that provide info about what you're seeing.Note: you can buy Combination tickets that are good for both the Archaeological Museum and the Palace, for up to three days. They cost €20 per person. Our children entered for free based on age and residence.Overall, I feel that this is a place to see once, so make the most of it!

Jason C — Google review

For the history, this place is incredible! We walked right up and didn’t have to wait to buy tickets! If you are taking a stroller, it will be a challenge, so keep this in mind. It’s incredible and the history makes it worth the visit! It’s very well preserved and you can discover it at your own pace. Make sure to you take a look at the throne room. Guided tours are available right when you arrive, if of interest!

Mibbie P — Google review

A beautiful place with a piece of history. I recommend buying tickets in advance at the Archaeological Museum, which thematically perfectly combines with the Minoan Palace (the price for a combined ticket for an adult is 20 euros). In the afternoon the place wasn't that crowded, with only occasional groups of people in the most interesting places.

Adam K — Google review

We went on a Sunday, entrance is free on a Sunday.You need a guide or a detailed account of the site to get any real feel for it. The site has been quite brutally reconstructed and it rips the authenticity out of it.I appreciate it's a tourist location and it needs to create interest, just don't go there thinking you're going to see Ephesus or the Parthenon.

Phil E — Google review

One of the most historic sites on the planet. Firstly you enter the park tickets are 8€ during off season btw Nov - March 21st. When you finish paying the entrance fee you are greeted by a guide, if you'd like a private tour for an additional cost you can partake but I choose the virtual tour. To use the virtual tour download the app at the gate, there should be a qr code present for you to do so.

Aaron C — Google review

Wir waren gleich morgens um 8 Uhr da und mussten nicht warten.Ich fand es schon faszinierend, dass hier vor 4000 Jahren die Wiege der europäischen Kultur entstand und hier Menschen diese Bauwerke erschaffen haben und ich auf den selben Steinen laufe, die hier von diesen damals verlegt wurden. Auch die restaurierten Bauwerke sind echt schön und man fragt sich, wie die Menschen hier damals gelebt haben.(Translated by Google)We were there first thing in the morning at 8 a.m. and didn't have to wait.I found it fascinating that the cradle of European culture was built here 4,000 years ago and that people created these buildings here and that I walk on the same stones that they laid here back then. The restored buildings are also really beautiful and you wonder how people lived here back then.

Andreas S — Google review

Really interesting and well kept site. Absolutely NOT stroller/ wheelchair friendly. There are stairs and uneven ground everywhere. Definitely worth going, but if you have a stroller aged child with you, be sure to have a plan

Jules M — Google review

The palace wasn’t either surprising nor extraordinary, at all, the tickets were quite expensive, I wouldn’t say it’s much worth it. We were definitely expecting something better than just a few renewed ruins, but after all it’s been built nearly 3 thousand years ago, which is really cool. If you have the time and money, I believe it’s worth taking a visit

Mako — Google review

Not a lot of reality left here. The museum has all of the statues, and the English Archaeologist recreated sections of the temple as he saw fit. Many sections were closed off today so you could not get to the whole site. The ruins in Athens are better preserved and more original in nature. Visit the museum!

Shawn O — Google review

An excellent experience for ancient history on Crete. Ticket booths and washrooms were organized and easy to navigate. Washrooms were very clean. Thankfully there are shady areas on site if you are visiting during the peak heat of the day.Very limited free parking adjacent to the entrance. Plan to spend around 1 - 2 hours max at the site.

Gayle L — Google review

A must-see if you're visiting Crete.There's lots to explore and take photos of. Depending on how much you like to explore, you could easily spend hours here.Highly recommend getting a tour guide if you're in a group. The guides usually hang around the entrance and usually charge around €100 for the tour.

Armin ? — Google review

Amazing piece of history! If you are a bit of a history buff, I would definitely recommend this place. Beautiful stunning views, whilst standing on ancient ruins, what could be better! Definitely buy tickets in advance, though, as there was a very long queue.

Becca C — Google review

Quite busy on the weekend but still good enough to get a free parking space.On some days in the year entrance is free, such as 18.05. (Museum day). It is good to get a guide if you’d like to understand more context, as the written descriptions are not sufficient in my opinion.

Konrad E — Google review

We went to check out the Minoan palace at Knossos. We got a personal guide Eva, and she was fantastic. Took us all around the site, explaining each part of the ruins and unravelling all the mysteries and meanings.of each intricate marking on the wall and painting.The kids told me I was the best history lesson they had ever hadwell worth the money!Everything that you see with colours on has been reconstructed from bits and pieces that they found at the site and they have brought it back to life so we can see what it looked likeActually it was an Englishman med Evans who excavated this palace in the 1800s when Crete was still under Turkish rule. He bought the land for 200,000 pounds and spent 35 years excavating and reconstructingAnd when he had achieved his goals he gave the site back to Crete.Eva weaved the stories for us, explaining each part of the site, pointing out the rooms and explaining what they were...all the while, blending the greek myths and stories into her narrative.My kids have declared it the best history lesson they have ever had, and are still discussing facts that she told us days later.I highly recommend visiting this site, and doubly recommend a personal guide..and if you can find Eva...go for her. SHE is the best!! (She is in the pictures below)

Vi M — Google review

Visited the site in August, about one hour before sunset and it was a pleasant experience. During summer time, museum closes at 20:00, so there's totally no point to come here anytime before 18:00, only to face the crowds of tourists and the harsh sun.Otherwise, a sunset walk along the ruins, under the shady pines, while listening to cicadas chorus is a lovely way to explore the remaining of the most important palace of the Minoan civilization. There are public buses connecting the museum with the Heraklion city center, so don't need to come by car.

Ionut S — Google review

We heard of the palace of Knossos, and knew we had to visit the place! We had our holiday in Stalis, so we had to travel a few kilometers!A beautiful place, with lots of history, that tells a fantastic tale! We were taken back a few thousand of years in time, to understand and view the story!It took about 20 minutes to get in, and tickets are very cheap; especially if you:1: under 25 years oldAnd2: from a country that is member of the European Union.That way, the tickets will be free. Nonetheless they are still cheap!The palace was very beautiful and; sadly, very crowded the day we were there. This didn’t ruin the experience though! It’s a good place to with family for a good experience!👍

Lasseboss — Google review

This site is not the best ruins site I have ever visited. I personnally prefer much more Roma/Italy for ruins. However, I enjoyed discovering the site with kids.- Large touristic groups.- Entrance ticket 15.- Eur.- We have done the complete tour within 1.5hours with 2 small kids and taking our time.

Dazzle — Google review

The entrance is €15 for an adult, which is entirely warranted. If you're not going at a busy time, don't bother with buying tickets online, they are only more expensive.The palace is huge, expect to spend towards two hours. Definitely worth your time!I have added a few sample photos 📸, they are probably not representative.

Per J — Google review

Wonderful site good way to spend a morning or afternoon. Not as big as I was expecting and busy small passages that should be one way but people seem to be walking everywhere which makes it difficult to stop and enjoy the view .a lot was closed off like the royal rooms but very informative from our tour guide .definitely pre book a tour and we had tablets to get a 3d view .

A J — Google review

To appreciate the monument, scale, technical achievement, history etc, we think you need to spend longer than the 1 hour most guided tours offer when combined with a day/1/2 day tour. We spent 2-3 hours walking around, sitting quietly and also eating our picnic lunch. Lots of online background info to help appreciate the site and history. Public bus from the central bus station every 15 mins. Buying tickets from the kiosk at the bus stop cheaper than on the bus. In some ways the most impressive structure, for me is the one most visitors will take for granted, the quadrangle/concourse.

Nigel R — Google review

Impressive archaeological site. Outdoors and sunny. Good written explanations of the site in Greek and English. We read about the site in advance which was helpful so we had background knowledge before visiting. I would recommend doing that or visiting the Heraklion Archaeological Museum in advance so there is more context.Easy parking on site or up the road. Cafe on site has simple sandwiches, ice cream, drinks, and other snacks. There are some restaurants nearby as well. You can hire a guide near the entrance, which may be helpful.

Matthew D — Google review

Got the bus from heraklion, expected queues but only half a dozen in the line we were in. Very hot day and no shade so be prepared with sun hats, sun cream and water. A route is planned which we liked so you don't miss anything. Went round it all in just over 2 hours.

Julie M — Google review

Great historical place with amazing ancient architecture. There are usually a lot of tourists and tour groups, some of the most interesting rooms could require some waiting.Museum has audio guide and some 3D visualization tablet PC.I would recommend to spend here at least approx 2 hours.There's a public bus from Heraklion number 2, a ticket to the area B is needed (blue zone), bus stop back is right to the entrance after cafes, there's a parking and behind parking a bus stop is. Bus to the city is number 20.

Andrii A — Google review

We decided to get there early to avoid the heat and crowds, and we partially succeeded. As it is August, the heat is unavoidable but there is some shade on the site. Still I would recommend to avoid the hottest time of the day. We spent approximately 1,5 hours there and then had refreshments in the shade at the main entrance. There is an app that you can download to get some info about the different part of the ruins, or you can hire a guide to get the best experience. The guides are offering their services at the entrance so you can hire one if you want. On our way out, we noticed quite a crowd at the ticket shop, so I would recomend to buy your tickets in advance if you want to avoid waiting.

Sanja M — Google review

Too many tours, too many coaches, too many people, long lines for everything.This may have been a 3-4 star place without the over crowding but unfortunately it ruined the experience. At 20€ to get in; you’d expect better.Also note that a lot of this was rebuilt around 1908 so doesn’t have the same authenticity of other places.

Chris D — Google review

Pretty much a must-see on a visit to Crete are these Minoan ruins that show how this island was the cradle of civilisation in Europe. The Victorian archaeologist Arthur Evans who unearthed the ruins made extensive renovations, which have proved controversial but do give a better idea of how things would have looked. You can wander around yourself, but a guided tour is worth it if you want to appreciate what you're seeing. Likely to be very busy and, with little shade, likely to be very hot. There is a cafe, shop and toilets at the entrance. Tickets from £18 online with audio guide or most resorts do excursions with transport and guide included.

Nigel P — Google review

This was a great place to visit. If you are going from Heraklion, the bike ride is very enjoyable. I found the ticket a bit expensive to visit ruins, but the area is large. Despite several guides offering their services at the entrance, the signs with information are more than enough. It was a good place to spend the morning, take your time, sit in the shade and enjoy the atmosphere.

Fernando M — Google review

It's just such a lovely place to visit, if you want to know more about the Minoans. Most of the palace has been reconstructed. They opened a new area this year, which was not available last year. Definitely worth a visit if you've been to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum before.

Andrei-Vlad T — Google review

Recently visited Knossos Palace!It cost approximately €15 pp (which, compared to other attractions I visited, was on the pricier side). However, it was totally worth the money, in my opinion. We did not book ahead of time and visited around 2pm on a Saturday. I only spent around an hour here, but I could have easily spent several hours exploring and reading about the history at the info points!If you're lucky, you might get to see the peacocks 🦚 and peahen! And keep your eyes peeled for street cats, chilling in random places.Make sure you bring water and sunblock, and wear strong shoes - I'd also make sure to have something to cover your head and shoulders with. Although there are shaded areas, it is a long time to be exposed to the blazing sun. It gets *hot*!It isn't the most accessible site, but there were couples getting round okay with prams/pushchairs.If you are driving, there is a large free carpark about a 2 minute walk away from the entrance.There is a gift shop by the entrance which seems reasonably priced, and lots of gift/snack shops along the main road - if you, like me, enjoy a fridge magnet or postcard!

Leah S — Google review

Knossos as a historical site is worth visiting. Children from the European Union have free tickets, which surprised me very positively. I was less positively surprised by the price of drinking water for 1 liter, EUR 5.5.... 😞

Natalia G — Google review

Lots to see here, very impressive ancient palace. Signs could be a bit more informative and less speculative. The archaeological museum was better in this regard but still a cool place to visit.

Tom M — Google review

Mixed emotions immediately struck us upon arriving at this iconic site. The place's rich history left us in awe, allowing us to appreciate the palace's historical significance truly. However, on the flip side, we couldn't help but notice the extensive reconstructive work carried out by Sir Arthur Evans, which significantly altered the original ruins. For anyone planning to visit this site, we highly recommend exploring the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, as it provides valuable context that enriches the overall experience.

Flurin G — Google review

We hired a local guide and did a semi private tour with a couple of ladies from Ireland. The guide was very informative and told us not just about the palace itself but also the surrounding region. We also got some mythology as it pertained to Knossos. It was well worth it and the price was far better than booking through an agency however that may not always be the case. It was one of the hilites of our Crete excursion.

Mike D — Google review

Knossos Palace was easy to get to via the local buses and so interesting to see. I would suggest going early as it’s very very hot with hardly any shaded areas. Bring water and make sure you have plenty of sunscreen. The ruins are so impressive and it’s hard to comprehend how old the site actually is. I would highly recommend a visit. And keep and eye out for the little kittens roaming around.

Clementine — Google review

This site is incredible, but I recommend arriving when it first opens to avoid crowds. I also highly recommend arranging for a tour guide that is familiar and trained in the Palace. There are informational signs, but having a guide makes the experience that much more interesting. There are a ton of peacocks that live here permanently as well as some very friendly cats. It's amazing to stand in rooms that are thousands of years old. A great destination for history enthusiasts.

Samantha T — Google review

A combination of ancient ruins, archaeological excavation, and historic recreation, the ruins of Knossos are a must visit for anyone traveling to Crete. A convenient bus will carry you all the way from the port to the ruins in the hills. Once there, you will be surrounded by the 3,500 year old site. Since the site is on the smaller side, take your time and explore all the paths the ruins have to offer.

Blake M — Google review

The site is magnificent! Although some of the restoration made by Evan’s is not widely accepted by archaeologists, it has now become part of the place.You get to see one of the Minoan palaces, the largest one, linked with the myth of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur. Copies of the wall paintings are found on site. The original at the museum. There are plenty of signs to help you understand what you see or you can rent a tablet (there is a free app to download as well).Plan an hour for your visit, more if you go on peak hours. Also, I recommend starting early in the morning to avoid the hordes of tourists and the scorching sun. If you go later, you may also have to wait long for the tickets.There is a nice museum shop with plenty of things to buy and a cafe for refreshments.On the downside (that’s why the four stars instead of five) toilets are not well cared. The smell of it goes up to the parking area and the ticket booth. We were there early in the morning, before the site was open (so the toilets hadn’t been used yet) and the smell was unbearable. The lady there (a cleaner?) asks for extra money to give you soap and paper cloth! It’s a pity, especially when the ticket costs 15 euros. Show some dignity and respect to the people travelling from the edges of the world to admire the monument.Apart from this, it’s a must for everyone!

S G — Google review

A wonderful historical place with a lot of ruins and remains of the palace on different levels. There are places to rest and where to hide from the sun. Lots of people, we arrived around 11 o'clock, there were already queues for tickets, although the season was already over. The cost of a ticket for an adult is 15e. Of course, it is advisable to look up information about this historical monument in advance.There is a large free parking lot at the entrance.

Natalia U — Google review

You can’t really visit Crete and not come here, When we visited it wasn’t quite the main season yet so it wasn’t ridiculously over crowded and managed to get some nice photos which wasn’t full of peoples heads l. We didn’t have a guide with us but if you would like one there are plenty available to take you round. Just before you enter the turnstiles there is a guy outside a cafe selling fresh orange or pomegranate juice, the pomegranate one was amazing(if you like pomegranate that is ). Plenty of little souvenir shops situated just opposite and plenty of parking close to the entrance.

Jase ( — Google review

Great place to visit and learn about the Mycean and Minoan history. Buy tickets online in advance, it's cheaper. I paid 15 euro per ticket. Before the entrance, sometimes a guide will approach you to see if you want to do a private tour or with a very small group. It was 20 euro per person for a group of 6 which was perfect. It's very organized and legitimate. It was well worth it otherwise you'll be looking just at rocks and stones and pillars. This way you learn about the history and its incredible. Highly recommend the tour. If you're doing 4 people the tour will be 25 euro per person, on top of your entrance fee, just FYI.

Mike A — Google review

A well worth it trip out of the city.We really enjoyed our trip to Knossos this weekend.We had heard that it wasn't very big but we were surprised by how much we enjoyed walking around the site.We needed 1.5 hours but could have easily taken longer.The site has information translated into English which was helpful and there are board all over.There are parts you can't walk which is fine but there is a reasonable, pre-planned route.We really enjoyed walking around.There are benches in different areas around the site in the shade to rest. There are a fair few steps/stairs so it isn't the most accessible site.Once you go through the barriers there is nowhere to get water or bathrooms.We left to use the bathroom and were allowed re-entry but worth using the bathroom first!The on site bathroom has an optional 50c charge/tip for the attendant and they were very clean and well stocked with toilet roll.We visited Sunday at midday and had no issues getting parked or getting in. There was a short queue but it moved very quickly.There is an entry fee.On your way in there are guides who you can hire to take you around and tell you about the site. We didn't do this but whenever we walked past a group with a guide they seemed very knowledgeable and friendly.

Emily H — Google review

It's history is so unbelievably old. I was stunned to walk where they all walk thousands of years ago. Simply stunning!I wish the inside areas would be more available for walking and this is nothing for people who don't care enough about history. For those it would simply be some rocks, but for those who want to understand it's beautiful.I love that under 25 years old Europeans don't need to pay (in all of Crete).We went pretty late to escape the heat (there's not much shade) and it worked well as we didn't need to wait in line.

Pia S — Google review

Came here for the second time today (first time was over 20 years ago). Still a very interesting visit.I’d advise you arrive early as it gets very hot and a lot of it is in the open. Definitely bring a good hat and lots of water. Also the car park fills up very early and there are few shady spots (which you will want in the heat).Most of what you see are the original ruins but a lot of it is also ‘guess work’ by the person who first excavated it. That means some nice reconstructions but also means some of it is clearly modern and is of little historical accuracy. You can decide how you want to feel about that!There are a lot of tour groups so it can be busy and guides will try and sell their tour to you when you arrive.Lots of over priced tourist shops opposite but if you don’t mind the prices then they have a good selection of souvenirs.Signs are not extensive on-site and facilities are minimal although there are toilets by the entrance. Zap the QR code on the signs as you go in for the digital guide.Overall it’s a really interesting place, great for couples, families and groups. Informative, safe and beautiful.

Simon K — Google review

Beautiful place to visit, but we encountered at least 3 rude staff when we visited and was made to made to purchase a ticket for our 4 year old because we hadn't got out passports on us! (Make sure you have these on you as he should have been free entry).Beautiful surrounding scenery and you can arrange a guided tour.

Emily T — Google review

Very interesting ancient ruins. Personal guides are available. They are very knowledgeable, well spoken but pricey. (50€ per person) and without one, there is much to be interpreted or guessed about. You also skip the line at the entrance with a guide. The palace is large and I would recommend at least an hour to explore it.

Everet B — Google review

Wonderful sight. Well curated and good to tour. Caution needed due to uneven ground but well worth the effort.Our taxi driver brought us from the cruise port terminal and waited an hour or so for us to€50.He guided us towards a speedy ticket purchase.

Kevan S — Google review

A great historical sight, with monuments from around 2000 BC and beautiful wall paintings, collums and a throne room still standing from that era. It's a quite famous place so be sure to get your tickets in advance, or just endure some time in the line. Totally worth visiting if you enjoy historical sights!

George G — Google review

4.3

(48958)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (44)

4.0

(13690)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (45)

Knosos 714 09, Greece

+30 281 023 1940

7

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (46)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (47)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (48)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (49)

Mentioned on

+84 other lists

Archaeological museum

Museums

History Museums

The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is a museum in Heraklion, Crete, which houses artefacts from the Neolithic to the Roman periods. The building was designed by renowned Greek architect Panagiotis Kalkos and is considered one of the best ancient art museums in Europe.

Very well set up, all the information available in English. It has a good organization through the time. They included quite interesting details, the ligth is well set up so most of the time you could take nice pictures. The rooms are plenty of space, so you can enjoy the visit even in crowded moments.

Claudio G — Google review

Great museum and very beautiful items and displays. The only part I didn't like was that I paid full price for a ticket and the Greek/roman statue section was closed and I wasn't told when purchasing which I feel warrants a cheaper price. Takes a while to get around also and if you want to visit the place the artifacts are from (mostly Knossos palace) you can buy the dual ticket and get the number 2 bus. Well worth a trip to both.

Paul K — Google review

This is a must visit museum! It is one of the best museums I’ve ever visited and it is the most important museum to learn about the ancient Minoan culture, history, artwork and artifacts. The selection of items were very extensive, and they were carefully curated both in Greek and English. It is also unique because these are not items you can find in other museums in the world. What’s so impressive to me was how carefully preserved these items were. Or perhaps some of these were carefully restored but one would never think that some were from 4-5000 years ago. I do notice that some people touch some of the artifacts which frustrated me. Perhaps it would be wise to section off some of those items so that they cannot be damaged. There is an app that goes with tours for the museum. However, I find the app a little bit confusing, but nonetheless, you can read up more on certain items carefully after your visit. This museum requires 3 to 4 hours at least to carefully see, and absorb all the information. I highly recommend visiting this museum.

Wendy L — Google review

The place is quite big. There are 2 floors. Plenty of exhibits. The customer service is excellent. The museum is in the heart of the city, so parking is somewhat difficult to find. In short, the place is good, but I have seen some better museums in my life.

Mateusz S — Google review

Wunderschönes Museum... Sehr schön aufgebaut mit sehr vielen Fundstücken aus der Antike...Wenn man Online Tickets kauft braucht man sich nicht in die Schlange anstellen.Wir haben Tickets vor Ort gekauft. Die lange Warteschlange wurde aber schnell abgearbeitet...Auf jedenfall ein Besuch wert und sehr zu empfehlen.(Translated by Google)Beautiful museum... Very nicely set up with lots of finds from antiquity...If you buy tickets online you don't have to wait in line.We bought tickets on site. The long queue was quickly processed...Definitely worth a visit and highly recommended.

Buddy2409 — Google review

It is absolutely amazing and well worth the visit. Tickets were €12 per person (free if you're 25 or younger). Combined tickets with the Knossos Palace Archaeological site are also available, check the website.They also have an app (in Greek and English) that you can use for additional information during your visit.It's a very extensive collection of preserved and (partially) restored items from the Minoan age up to Roman times. It's definitely worth it.

George — Google review

A must have for your visit at Héraklion. Recommended to visit it before going to Kronoss. If you want to see everything clearly, prepare a bottle of water in the bag and the whole afternoon.

Mo — Google review

Absolutely loved going here ❤️. Why I haven't been here all these years, I'll never know (oh yes, covid came and we had lock downs). On a happier note, I took loads of pictures, it was all so fascinating. I think if anyone plans to go to Knossos Palace, it is a good idea to come here first. I wish I had, as my visit to Knossos Palace would have made way more sense, and I could have placed the objects I saw at the museum, that Knossos.

Paula O — Google review

If you've been to the palace first, then it makes sense to see the museum. But otherwise it's just full of hundreds of clay bulls!But if you know the background then it adds the context as to why they're important.The staff are like boring lifeguards, we got told off so many times for pointing, getting to close to items on display, loitering, laughing to loudly & taking photos posing next to statue's where photos are allowed (see pictures attached)! So it took the fun out of being there.

Ginge H — Google review

This new archaeological museum has so much to see it's almost impossible to absorb everything in one visit. It's simply mind-blowing for all you history geeks out there.I don't remember the entrance fee but it wasn't much, less than 10 euros, I think.Go! Immerse yourself into it! Take enough time to really enjoy everything this beautiful museum has to offer.

M M — Google review

Lovely museum with treasures and artifacts from Minoan civilization, from the Palace at Knossos and all over Crete. Well organised with ample air-conditioning. It takes about 2 hours for the whole museum. The statues at the last portion of the museum are stunning.

Ben K — Google review

Breathtakingly beautiful exhibition. You'd question what happened to the human race for the past 5000 years, as ancient Greeks arguably make more modern, exquisite and imaginative art works!It's worth highlighting that the official mobile app of the museum is incredibly helpful - out of all the museums I've visited these years, including the British Museum and Athens Archeology Museum, I'd say this museum's app is the most clear, informative and easy to use one. Makes the visit a lot more guided.

Joyce Z — Google review

Ein guter Ort um sich die Geschichte anzusehen. Man kann hier entspannt das Museum besuchen und es ist auch nicht so überladen. Wir haben eine Führung gebucht und das war sehr hilfreich. Kann ich nur empfehlen. Wir habeb uns dort mit Führung ca. 1,5 Stunden aufgehalten.(Translated by Google)A good place to see history. You can visit the museum here in a relaxed manner and it is not too cluttered. We booked a tour and that was very helpful. I can only recommend. We spent about 1.5 hours there with a guide.

Schebi — Google review

A really good way to spend an hour looking at artefacts and learning some Crete history. Staff and friendly and helpful, there's a small cafe there and a small garden to relax but it is always occupied so a little wait to sit should be expected.There are tours available which have a great amount of info about the things on display there.The majority of the things in the museum are in Greek and English.

Zafo F — Google review

Great atmosphere, love that you can see how they decorated their Palace.

Ray L — Google review

Absolutely stunning. I spent 3 hours and was amazed by the amount of artful pottery, jewelry and weapons produced by the Minoan. If you really want to understand what live was like 4000 years ago at the time if the Knossos palace you have to come here and dive into the fascinating history.

Christian L — Google review

The Lux Local Organic MuseumDo the Palace of Knossos before coming here, if you want to have a greater appreciation for the history and adventure that lead to many of these artifacts being featured in this museum.It is incredible that there is so much in this museum despite being up to 5,000 years old.My mind was blown that the ancient Greeks saw the Minoans as we see the ancient Greeks. This multi tiered layers of history and mythology have shaped the western world from sports to religion.A true local and healthy feast for the eyes, mind and spirit.

Kevin L — Google review

There is a combined ticket for visiting the museum and Knossos. We only found out about it after visiting Knossos. The museum was great! We really enjoyed the exposition and the layout. We felt that this is a must if you really want to get an idea of the artefacts found in Knossos and other archaeological sites. We rushed so we only had an hour, I wish we had at least 2.

Elitsa L — Google review

This was a great place to visit. I bought a combined ticket to here and Knossos. There are so many artifacts here and it really takes you through the history of Crete. There's a lot of great information about the place. I could've spent a lot longer here but I went on my last day in Crete and was pretty tired. Would definitely recommend visiting.

Oliver P — Google review

Excellent museum with clear signs and really great exhibitions. The best thing to do in Heraklion. If you can, combine your ticket with going to Knossos. I’d recommend going there first to have context for your visit.

Jessica C — Google review

Pretty modern, clean and interesting museum. Highly recommend seeing the Knossos ruins beforehand (preferably with a guide) to get a better understanding of a lot of the items on display here and make the most of the experience.WARNING: Although taking pictures inside is allowed, it is not allowed to take them with any gestures, grimaces, etc. (peace signs / thumbs up)They don't seem to tell you this at the entrance, so a few people, including myself, got in trouble for it. (The staff ask you to delete the photos)

Armin Č — Google review

Very old-fashioned museum, 90s style, absolutely not interactive like other modern museums. Museum keepers are very mean to the tourists. They do not allow to pose for the pictures with the exhibits, and if you do, prepare, that the lady approaches you and demands to delete all the pics off your phone.As for the exhibits themselves: too much clay, all put together, no proper chronology. To understand what you see, you have to read the long descriptions in a rather small font.I do not recommend this place. There are better ways to spend 12 €.

Nat M — Google review

An interesting, affordable (6 euros)museum that we completed in less than an hour. Watch for Ginger the resident cat who lures you in with her meowing affections and nips you when you fall for her wiles lol.It was nice respite from the pouring march rains. Staff were friendly and offered to store our bags of purchases. A no frills indoor cafeteria Should you need a drink or snack. They allow you to bring bottled water as you walk in the museum

Hopi W — Google review

Top Museum - alles sehr gut gestaltet. Sehr informativ. Mehrere Stunden reichen nicht, um alles zu erfassen. Wir haben den Teil über die minoische Kultur geschaut.Ein Punkt Abzug, weil ohne Vorwarnung das Museum morgens einfach zu war und öffnete erst um 13:30 Uhr. Komplette Umplanung erforderlich - wir hatten Tickets für morgens. Zweiter Nachteil waren große Gruppen junger Leute, die viel zu laut waren und niemand vom Museum sah sich in der Verantwortung, hier klare Grenzen zu ziehen. Die jungen Leute würden sogar frech. Eigentlich hätte der Hausherr vom seinem Recht Gebrauch machen müssen und sie nach Ermahnung aus dem Museum zu verweisen(Translated by Google)Top museum - everything very well designed. Very informative. Several hours are not enough to grasp everything. We watched the part about the Minoan culture.One point deducted because without warning the museum was simply closed in the morning and only opened at 1:30 p.m. Complete rescheduling required - we had tickets for the morning. The second disadvantage was large groups of young people who were far too loud and no one from the museum felt it was their responsibility to set clear boundaries here. The young people even become cheeky. Actually, the landlord should have exercised his right to expel them from the museum after warning them

Frank — Google review

Archaeological must see!Great exhibits in the Museum. Items are well curated and presented.A mix of different exhibits from sculptures to ancient homewares and beyond.The age of these exhibits is truly impressive.The museum is well set out. The outdoor cafe is surrounded by a lovely herb garden and offers a welcome place for visitors to rest and regroup. Does need to fix the lift to facilitate special needs visitors.The ticket office needs to improve its service when it comes to visitors having to wait for admission into the Museum.PeterAustralia

Tubepaiste — Google review

Schönes Museum. Klar strukturiert. Wenn man vorher im Palast von Knossos war ist das Museum ein Muss. Hier findet man die Gegenstände aus dem Palast und die Geschichte verdeutlicht sich. Man bekommt einen noch besseren Eindruck vom Leben der Menschen vor fast 4000 Jahren. Der Rundgang durchs Museum ist sehr gut. Wir waren am Nachmittag da. Kaum Wartezeit am Ticketschalter und im Museum waren auch keine Massen unterwegs(Translated by Google)Nice museum. Clearly structured. If you have been to the Palace of Knossos before, the museum is a must. Here you can find the objects from the palace and the history becomes clear. You get an even better impression of people's lives almost 4,000 years ago. The tour of the museum is very good. We were there in the afternoon. There was hardly any waiting time at the ticket counter and there were no crowds in the museum

Annett — Google review

It was a wonderful visit into this beautiful museum. We had our own tourguide, so we got her insight on the exhibition. I loved the detailed descriptions and all the beautiful, tiny jewels. This place is great not only for groups, but for individuals and families too. They have a buffet with a great menu. It is quite big, so 1 hour was enough for only half of it. So think about it when planning to go with kids.

Margareta P — Google review

A truly beautiful museum, a great collection of historical significance housed in a modern building. The artifacts range from a big time period, dating back 10s of thousands of years and going forward to the last known hints of Minoan period.An experience you should not avoid!

George G — Google review

We bought our tickets on their website, choosing from 4-5pm.When we went there around 15:30 to be early, they told us it was closed, we showed them our tickets and still refused.The next day we went early in the morning and showed the lady who denied us the entry the day before if we could use the tickets and she said no, but we had the proof that the museum makes you select the time you’d like to visit (as every single museum in the world), she said it was for “statistics”, to this day, I will never find out what that meant.We had to beg security to let us in and we could finally appreciate this place.They urgently need to fix their website, we were not the only ones affected.

Angela B — Google review

It's a very interesting museum with an overwhelming amount of ceramics, stamps, jewellery, and other treasures from the minoan period and Knossos.This is really what I missed when visiting the site of the Palace. There it could have been a great help to have the model on exposure together with just a few things from the museum, to make that visit more interesting and as a carot to visit the museum in town.I spent three amazing hours and knew a lot more about how skilled people were in those days. The pottery really blew my mind! So many different forms and minute decorations. Not speaking of the head of the bull!I really recommend visiting this museum!

Lya S — Google review

Really cool museum, you can opt for a guided tour, audio tour or just wander around on your own. We decided to walk ourselves around and a full price ticket cost us €12 each, there are concessions options.All the information is written in Greek and English and was very well labelled. Clear walking routes and plenty of maps on the walls to tell you where you are. Clean, well-maintained toilets by the exit.Fascinating place, there’s lots to look at and photography is allowed everywhere. Lovely little coffee shop at the end with a nice little courtyard to sit outside.I would be prepared to wait for tickets. The Ticket machine was broken when we were there and there was only one person serving, it only took 20minutes to get in but on busier days I would recommend buying a ticket in advance.Lots of little coffee shops, traditional restaurants and souvenir shops nearby.Really nice day out ☺️

Danni D — Google review

A must-see after the Knossos Palace. Well-organized with some digital material. Some parts upstairs were closed, but still very much worth it. There is a nice cafe with tables under the trees. Have coffee and cake after your visit.

Burcu ( — Google review

If you like museums this one had a surprising amount of interesting items found in caves and ruins. Amazing to see.

Annette M — Google review

I spent 2 hours walking round in detail the museum is circular so you won't get lost or miss anything with the great culture of Herklion and Crete with disabled access for upstairs. The museum was fantastic and detailed amount of ancient Greece and the hellenistic period that heavily influenced the daily modern day life it is a seek peak Into our past that is a do not miss

Jeanette W — Google review

Amazing collection of VERY ancient pottery, sculpture, metals works, burial items and art. So much of each type and many/most in beautiful condition!The galleries are laid out very well so that it's easy to follow the chronology, with helpful brief info cards for everything.I've been to a few, and this is a great mid-sized local museum. Astounding exhibits!

Steve R — Google review

Lovely little museum, very tough for parking in peak times, took around 1 hour to get around.. lots of pots and pans! Simple but a good time killer on the last day!

Kay R — Google review

It was an amazing museum with full of wonders and history. Before you start your tour make sure you Download an app called Heraklion Museum for free and check the most amazing/popular works and its description! Either you read it or listen to it. Only on Wednesdays the museum opens at 13:30 other days in the morning. Have fun!

Yağmur K — Google review

A fantastic museum containing findings from the different palaces of Crete, showing the Minoan culture which was the first European culture preceding the Mycanean era. There are few findings of the Minoan language, and thus there is little to know about the language they spoke, but the museum has a fantastic round clay plate showing somewhat 40 different symbols resembling the Egyptian hieroglyphs. The archaeologists hope to discover more such plates so that we might learn more about this first European language. I would definitely recommend a visit to this museum in connection with a trip to Knossos and a guide is highly recommended. It brings so much more to the experience. Enjoy!

Vidar S — Google review

A super complete and instructive museum.The amount of historical items is amazing.Ancient Greek art, jewellery and history mix between the items of the museum.

Luciana C — Google review

We stopped in on our last day in Crete and were glad we did. The artifacts are incredible and the way the museum flows is thoughtful and logical. The BIGGEST downside, is that we happened to go the same day as a cruise ship so it was packed. The museum isn't very big so it was loud and at times difficult to get up to see the artifacts.The staff is great! Very friendly and knowledgeable. I would recommend getting a guide that knows where all the good stuff is and has some inside knowledge so you can better understand what you're looking at.

Samantha T — Google review

Liked it very much. You get to see the most important Minoan artefacts, those you have seen only in pictures for years. The museum is rich but of a contained size, which makes for a pleasant one hour visit.It’s a must see in conjunction with a visit to Knossos.

Christopher R — Google review

Must-see after visiting the Knossos museum. It details the story of the Minoan and later period in Crete, in connection to other civilisations at the same time. Lots of unique objects, and lots vases.The entry is €12 for adults and it takes about 2 to 3 hours to see everything. Bags can be stored for free after the security gate.

Carl — Google review

We had prepaid combo tickets which were only €5 more than the price for Knossos with 3 days to use them. So glad we did. Lovely artefacts from Minoan sites giving a real insight into their lives which you don’t get from the site alone. Nice cool galleries with seating. A bit crowded.

Alison W — Google review

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is an awe-inspiring journey through ancient history. With its vast collection of artifacts meticulously curated, visitors are transported back in time, experiencing the rich cultural tapestry of Crete. From the intricate Minoan pottery to the majestic frescoes of Knossos, every exhibit is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of past civilizations. The museum's informative displays and knowledgeable staff enhance the experience, making it a must-visit destination for anyone with a passion for archaeology and history.

Suru V — Google review

You cannot come to Crete without visiting this museum. It is absolutely fascinating to learn about the Minoans and how they lived four thousand years ago. Super impressive!

Alex G — Google review

A fantastic museum.The focus is on the ancient Minoan culture, with such a wealth of artifacts it is overwhelming (I've posted 50 pics and that is only about a third of what I took). The quality is also very high, so many have survived in amazing condition (sadly the frescos not so much).The famous pieces (the bees, the snake ladies, the balls and the language disc) are all great, really absorbing. Their are a few surprises; a skeleton in a jar, so many octopuses, the museums inability to know what children's toys are, the wealth of roman artifacts.The roman artifacts were nice, more interesting the pieces which have survived from the archaic period. All fascinating stuff.There is a nice wee garden outside also where you can have a bit of a break. The gift shop is small and a lot less expensive than North European equivalents.An amazing museum, highly recommended, a must visit if you're in Crete.

Drew Y — Google review

All of the important artifacts discovered during the excavations around the ruins of Knossos Palace are exhibited here. Visiting the museum is essential for anyone who want to get an idea about the first European civilization. Actually, the people should visit this museum before exploring the Palace of Knossos. The most important figure of Minoan rituals and myths seems to be the bull of an extinct wild cattle species named aurochs. The frescoes depicting the bull hunting and bull leaping scenes are stunning.

Ionut S — Google review

Much of the significant finds from Knossos Palace are here.Huge exhibition rooms which display the wide range of items well.They are laid out in historical order and the staff are not keen on you skipping that order 😄We did find a friendlier staff member who taught us a lot about the exhibits in her section.A long drag for children and anyone not interested in Minoan archaeology and history.

Mark B — Google review

6stars! Renewed display, and in a modern display.. I really loved it. I visited for the third time in the last 30 years.

Carine I — Google review

The museum is arguably the most important museum for bronze age finds in Greece, fresh off a new renovation which presents the collection thematically. One star off for MiniCult wankiness meaning that seasonal staff have not been hired and it has early closing and half the collection is closed to the public. Thankfully the greco-roman half.

Stelios Z — Google review

An important collection of artefacts from a lost culture. This museum guides the visitor through thousands of years of history. The walk through its halls can easily take 2 hours, as it is filled with wonderful art and plenty of historical texts that will enlighten the curious mind.

Nikos P — Google review

Massive. Huge range of artifacts and texts explaing a bit about the history. Very detailed pieces ranging from miniature figures/jewellery to large Greek statues and pots. It's pristine, air conditioned thankfully.If you are into your history, you could spend a good 2 hours here.

Dan H — Google review

The Heraklion Archaeology Museum is a fascinating journey into Crete’s ancient history. The artifacts and exhibits, especially those from the Minoan civilization, are incredibly well-preserved and provide deep insights into the island’s rich cultural heritage. However, during our visit, access was restricted to the ground floor only, which meant we missed out on 50% of the exhibitions. Despite paying full price for admission, we didn’t get the complete experience, which felt unfair. Nonetheless, the quality and significance of the displays we did see were outstanding, and I highly recommend a visit when the entire museum is accessible.

Romeo B — Google review

Went mid week at 1130, was a cue up 30 minute wait, then we found a ticket machine, paid by card & went straight it. The museum is well laid out, First section has all the relics on display and the second section to the right, near the coffee/snack shop has all the busts & statues, stone work. It's air-conditioned so great compared to outside temp 37C. Finally got to see the famous gold honey bees necklace, 1700BC or older. The artefacts were incredible & jewellery, trinkets, pottery, spears etc presented well, we spent 2 hours in the first chamber then 45 minutes in the statue/stone creations area. Went here first then the Palace of Knossos after as there is a great connection between them & stories of how Arthur Evans found & excavated the Palace for 30 years. Well worth the vist for those interested, but no for kids.

Tezza W — Google review

A regional archaeological museum, the biggest of its kind on Crete. It hosts the most important artifacts from the whole island and covers a period of more than 5500 years of history from early prehistoric to late grecoroman era. Regarding the Minoan civilization, it is, for sure, the most important museum in the world. Not crowded on an early Sunday afternoon, so no waiting time but it can look very different on weekdays! Well organized and maintained but of course there is plenty of space for improvement, for example, more audiovisual and digital instruments for improving the visitor's experience and not least for younger children!

Νίκος Σ — Google review

4.7

(30417)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (53)

4.5

(7654)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (54)

Ξανθουδίδη και, Chatzidaki 1, Iraklio 712 02, Greece

+30 281 027 9000

8

Rocca a Mare Fortress

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (55)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (56)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (57)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (58)

Mentioned on

11 lists

Fortress

Sights & Landmarks

Built by the Venetians in the 16th century, Rocca al Mare Fortress is a dramatic and well-restored example of coastal fortification. The fortress features cannons and artifacts recovered from shipwrecks around Dia island by Jacques Cousteau in 1976, which makes for an informative and atmospheric presentation.

One of the first sights that draw your attention when you arrive in Heraklion, it's q very nice to walk by and also to visit inside. With a very rich history, it has been renovated to both bring it to it's former glory but also to host a piece of physical and visual gallery that will transport you a few hundred years into the past. The stories on the walls are a nice addition, while the objects dug up from the near by see make the experience an extraordinary one. And do not forget to visit the terrace: it will give you a 360 view of the surroundings.

Radu T — Google review

Beautiful historic location and definitely worth a visit if you're in Heraklion. The price for a ticket is 4 euros. They provide some information in English about the location and different times, which was an interesting read. Though the exhibition further inside I was most interested in was unfortunately almost completely in Greek. With the addition of a proper English translation you could definitely spend some more time inside. Nevertheless I recommend checking out this place as it's beautiful and so is the view from the top of the fortress.

Bowen V — Google review

It's an awesome fort, well preserved, with an amazing view. If you want to enter, you'll have to pay €4 per person unless you're 25 or younger.. When walking up the pier, stick to the right (next to the water) for the entrance.The bottom floor has an exposition of the history and relics they've preserved. The top floor has a small place for something to eat and drink, a bathroom, and an amazing view.Definitely worth the price.

George — Google review

Beautiful old castle guardian of the old port at Venetian times.the castle is very well preserved although its next to the sea.the maintaining job was and still is very good.Inside the castle is very nice with alot ancient items to see and feel the spirit of that time. During the centuries the castle had alot usages and big history.

Manos K — Google review

This is a great location to spend a few hours and learn about the history of Crete. The fort is very easy to find and well maintained. The location is full of artifacts and has lots of information regarding the site and its uses. Well worth a visit if you go to Crete.

G F — Google review

An iconic historical place in the island. An interesting place to visit, but there’s an entry fee. Still you can get up to the ground floor and have a look around. You get a good view of the whole city and Bay Area from the top of the fortress.

Hans S — Google review

Historic place with much to learn. Must be visited, check the opening hours because there are some days that it is closed. Nice view of the bay area.

Robert D — Google review

Not only from the outside where you can watch spectacular sunsets. Inside is a museum with findings from Jacque Cousteau. Very interesting display of history. You can also access the rooftop with a beautiful 360 degree view. You can also walk along the seawall to the very end. The wall is lined with paintings done by local artists and students

Sabine E — Google review

I have very much enjoyed the visit (entry 4e). Wonderful views of the harbor & sea, history exhibition, refreshing wind blowing through the windows... The fortress is beautiful 🏯

Viera B — Google review

Quite interesting, costs 2 euros to get in (Nov), takes about 15 min to do the whole inside of the fort. You can walk to the lighthouse and the mermaid sculpture too.

Christina C — Google review

This is a must see visit for only 4 euros a person. It is full with history from Ancient Greek times. It felt a privilege to be able to experience it first hand. The information boards have English and Greek.Staff are also very friendly.

Luke — Google review

Other than Tuesday, when visiting always read the signs, as sometimes the second floor is closed and without it the visit to the fortress is pointless. The staff are kinda tired of tourist attention and a lot of screaming and whistling was on ... the fortress itself wasn't anything special, but the view is fine. Don't trust the "sunset" reviews - they closed at 19. Best hours for visitors are 17-18 in my view.Did not even take pictures of the ground floor - it's very dark and hard to even read the info signs.

Marin K — Google review

Sollte man sich anschauen, ein Stück Zeitgeschichte und sehr beeindruckend, was diese Mauern schon so alles erlebt und mitgemacht haben. Eintritt 4€ pro Person die sich lohnen. Von Oben hat man eine schöne Sicht auf die Altstadt und auf den Hafen. Toiletten gibt's hier auch. Wir fanden es sehr interessant und waren von der Geschichte fasziniert. Auf jedenfall lohnenswert.(Translated by Google)You should take a look, a piece of contemporary history and very impressive, what these walls have experienced and been through. Entrance fee €4 per person which is worth it. From above you have a beautiful view of the old town and the harbor. There are toilets here too. We found it very interesting and were fascinated by the story. Definitely worth it.

Inken — Google review

This place was on my bucket list. It didn't disappoint. I was more than impressed, the entry fee was a mere €4 more than worth it. Great history lesson in the changing times and rulers of Crete and especially the Heraklion port. The views from the top are amazing. Not to give anything much away except to say it is well worth the visit. You will be transported back to the Venetian times when the fortress was built on the site of an Arabian tower. The siege of Candia (original name for Heraklion) gave victory to the Ottoman's and all of this history is well documented and artifacts displayed. I think this place is a hidden gem on the tourist route, despite sticking out like a vast sore thumb on the edge of the city.

Grá B — Google review

Avis pas objectif à 100% car nous n'avons pas pu rentrer à l'intérieur (avril 2023)Juste une promenade autour de l'édifice. Très jolie vue sur le port et sur la mer, en fin d'après midi avec un petit vent, vraiment agréable pendant les vacances :)(Translated by Google)Opinion not 100% objective because we were unable to go inside (April 2023)Just a walk around the building. Very pretty view of the port and the sea, late in the afternoon with a little wind, really pleasant during the holidays :)

Orcam 7 — Google review

A historic fortress in the Port of Heraklion. Cheap entry, very detailed history and information in the dark recesses of the walls.Upstairs boasts great views of the town, harbour and out to sea. There is also a Cafe and WC.

Dylan S — Google review

This is a must-see in Heraklion. The Venetian fortress is very well preserved, and there are a lot of interesting artifacts. The views are also incredible and provide a cool ocean breeze.

Samantha T — Google review

Ich persönlich fand es sehr schön und habe jede Minute genossen. Der Eintritt liegt bei vier Euro pro Person. Wenn man schon da ist, sollte man’s auf jeden Fall sehen.(Translated by Google)Personally, I found it very nice and enjoyed every minute. Admission is four euros per person. If you're already there, you should definitely see it.

Grup C — Google review

A magnificent relic of times gone by. Free to walk around the outside of but costs €4 or €2 if you are an EU citizen. Inside there's lots of info but it's still a crumbling fortress.Visited on a Saturday and it was very quiet.

Adam N — Google review

Patrimoine architectural intéressant.A faire plutôt le matin à cause de la chaleur.Signalétique en grec ou anglais.Le seul point d'intérêt pour ma part du port et de la ville(Translated by Google)Interesting architectural heritage.Best done in the morning because of the heat.Signage in Greek or English.The only point of interest for my part of the port and the city

Corine D — Google review

This Venetian-style fortress is a must-see from the outside, at least because of the short walk that takes you there. You can see the inside for a few euros, but it isn't necessary unless you really like history. From here there are spectacular views of the entire city of Heraklion.I recommend it.

Jesús ( — Google review

Lovely historic place to visit. Lovely views. Staff were polite but don't mess with the woman with the whistle.....if you look too far over the side walls (leaning), she'll blow her whistle at you and I'm sure you'll feel like a 7 year old being scalded in the school playground 🤣🤣 it was funny to watch. There are toilets there. Think it was roughly £6 or £8 each. There are no refreshments there but there's a man selling water and fruit as you walk down to the Fort. Nice little hour or two. It's also walkable from the bus station and its near the main town.

Chrissey J — Google review

Probably the most famous landmark in Heraklion. It has a very interesting exhibition about the history of the fortress. If you go to the top you get a fantastic view over the harbor and the city.

Dirk — Google review

Sehr spannender Ort. Der Eintritt ist echt günstig und die Geschichte dieses Ortes ist besser als ein Abenteuer Roman. Das ganze Gebäude strotzt nur so vor trotziger Standhaftigkeit und Geschichte. Noch dazu war es malerisch stürmisch an dem Tag unseres Besuches und die Wellen arbeiteten sich nur so an den Mauern der Burg ab.(Translated by Google)Very exciting place. The entrance fee is really cheap and the history of this place is better than an adventure novel. The whole building is brimming with defiant steadfastness and history. What's more, it was picturesquely stormy on the day of our visit and the waves were just working their way off the walls of the castle.

Rick F — Google review

Nothing special to be honest, but the ticket is only 4 euros. It has some old artillery pieces and informative stands about Heraklion's history. You can go on the roof, which has a small coffee shop. The view from the top is nothing special.

Mantas G — Google review

Les visites ne sont pas possible tous les jours, c'était porte close mais l'extérieur reste accessible.Le site est bien restauré et reste un magnifique point de vue sur le port et sa jetée.Nous avions gros temps et avons pu profiter de magnifiques gerbes d'eau.(Translated by Google)Visits are not possible every day, it was closed but the outside remains accessible.The site is well restored and remains a magnificent viewpoint over the port and its pier.We had good weather and were able to enjoy magnificent sprays of water.

Johannes J — Google review

The castle is a nice historical site to visit when in Heraklion. It is well restored/kept and gives a nice feeling of the time it was build and used. Inside it displays some artifacts from the time which belonged to the castle but it also has some information and artifacts from an old ship which was found in 1976 outside the port in the sea. From the top of the castle you have a beautiful view of the current harbor with sailing boats and some remains of the old venetian harbor wall and on the other side the sea.

Jos B — Google review

Very interesting remnants of the Venetian fortress. The stone is several deep, and you can go up on the parapets for a fantastic view of the sea. Only 2€ for old goats. The harbor is lovely, the crashing surf is just enchanting.

Cat L — Google review

If you visit the city of Heraklion, you have to see this important tourist attraction.It's easy to get there - the fortress is located right in the city's old port, at the end of the pedestrian street, in an area full of bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops.The entrance fee is cheap, and the view is splendid, especially at sunset.

Catalin H — Google review

I highly recommend to visit at least once. Entry cost couple of euros per person inside the museum and it's very interesting place to explore with lots of underground, small windows and magnificent views of marina upstairs.Also you can see the sea port of Heraklion with ferries and cruise ships.

Swanky C — Google review

Popular tourist location in Heraklion. We went there on Thursday morning and were told that entrance is free on that day. There were no much crowd given that we are early.Overall visit was good, as the site provides historical information about the fort.Probably one thing I do not fancy was the parking. Took us a while to locate the central parking and the fee was not cheap with its valet only option.

Deric C — Google review

The place is amazing… it’s a small town, quite pricey… but the parking cost 3€ for the whole day, no ticket needed to see the place… lots of shops and restaurants all around… nice huge churches to visit… good vibes everywhere around, people are very polite and kind!

Camelia B — Google review

Enchanting fifteenth century fortress overlooking the great gulf of Heraklion. On the ground floor you can visit ancient rooms used as a story-telling museum, while on top of the fortress, on the parade ground surrounded by beautiful crenellations, a strong and fresh sea breeze and a bar will welcome you in the infinite view of the Blue sea horizon

Blenx — Google review

A word of caution. Don't plan your visits on a Tuesday because this is the day that the fortress is closed. Otherwise, come in and take a long walk on the wave breaker after you finish your visit. There are great views on the city. The fortress is historically important, so take your time exploring it. Another practical suggestion is to come in as early as possible - the fortress opens at 8:30 AM - to avoid crowds and to escape the noon heat.

Georges Y — Google review

I visited the place and the entrance is very cheap at 2 euros, it is a good experience base on the person's enthusiasm on history. You will see ship wreckage goods like wine potteries and old cannons. Not a big place to roam but you have a good view once you go on top of the foretress. Not bad for a 2 euro trip.

Rio A — Google review

It was a lovely weekend and saw many residents walking and jogging along the ‘tail’ of the fortress. This is one of the most historical and magnificent site that visitors must visit. You can either look from the harbour or enter with a ticket of eur 2/per person. It was built during the period of Venetians in 16th century and been rebuilt and renovated couple time in different periods. It worth a lot being hear to understand the history and artifacts.

Dennis — Google review

Visited March 2024Nice place to walk and enjoy and evening. The Fortress is well kept up and is really neat! Enjoyed visiting it!

Kirk B — Google review

C’est le lieu que nous avons le plus apprécié à Héraklion. Il permet de revivre l’histoire de Crête à travers les murs et panneaux d’explications.La vue du sommet permet d’avoir une vue magnifique et panoramique.Le prix de visite est raisonnable. Le site est très bien entretenu.(Translated by Google)This is the place we liked the most in Heraklion. It allows you to relive the history of Crete through the walls and explanatory panels.The view from the summit provides a magnificent and panoramic view.The visit price is reasonable. The site is very well maintained.

Bo L — Google review

It's a nice older place to visit. Watch the yachts leave the port.... Then watch them come back again later!

Mark H — Google review

We were there on a Monday and cost us €12 to enter 2x Adult 2x Kids. Great value for money. Great reading about the history and superb views from the top looking out.We also walked along the tail but it was shut just before the mermaid. Some sort of works.Great day walking about the city and the people are super friendly here in Crete. Our 1st holiday here and will come back. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

James M — Google review

4.6

(10224)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (59)

4.5

(1243)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (60)

Iraklio 712 02, Greece

+30 281 024 3559

9

Morosini Fountain

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (61)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (62)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (63)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (64)

Mentioned on

+29 other lists

Sights & Landmarks

Historical landmark

Fountains

The Morosini Fountain is a 1628 Venetian monument located in the heart of Heraklion, which is visited by tourists for its beautiful fountain and lively square. The square is filled with cafes, shops, and statues that make it one of the most popular destinations in the city.

In the very center of the city you will find this beautiful old fountain. The place is so vibrant and beautiful, it has good energy to it. The fountain is surrounded with nice cafes you can enjoy the view from.

Ana-Marija Z — Google review

It is a very busy street. All nationalities are around. The fountain itself is nothing special, but the beauty comes from the long street. There is a nice and cheap coffeeshop nearbye with clean toilets upstairs. It is recommended to go there only for a couple of hours.

Fares H — Google review

Morosini Fountain: A Historic Gem in CreteThe Morosini Fountain is a captivating landmark in Crete, steeped in history and surrounded by a vibrant atmosphere.A Piece of History:World War I Stories: The fountain holds significant historical value, with fascinating stories from World War I linked to its past.A Bustling Hub:Vibrant Surroundings: The Morosini Fountain is surrounded by a lively neighborhood, bustling with cafes, bars, and people from all walks of life.A Must-Visit:If you're looking for a place to soak up the local atmosphere and learn about Crete's history, the Morosini Fountain is a must-visit. Its rich history and vibrant surroundings make it a captivating destination.

Tanny G — Google review

A nice place. So centrally located that you can get anywhere from here. Also great as a meeting place.

Anna R — Google review

Beautiful fountain still doing what it was built to do! Great that it is well looked after!Lions Square is the heart of Heraklion city and the favorite gathering place for locals and visitors.

F?bio — Google review

❤️ ❤️ ❤️ My heart is here. EVERY SINGLE THING I ate I loved. My favourite was some cheese encrusted in Almonds ❤️ WOW. It was served with a Fig jam (chutney) delicious. I could happyly eat it every day of my life for the rest of my life. Interestingly, one of my friends (who is Greek) said she didn't normally like this dish, but I went on about it so much that she tried it and equally loved it. The shock on her face made me laugh. Our friends ordered many different dishes to share, which was a great way to taste many of the unique dishes at this restaurant. I would happily review all the dishes here because I reckon it would all be fabulous 👌

Paula O — Google review

Pleasant stopping place to a coffee or drink while shopping. Fountain from around 1600's. It is much better now that trees have filled in and it is a pedestrian zone. Great for people watching.

Ralph D — Google review

The fountain is in the centre of the old town, close to the harbour and lots of other beautiful buildings and food/trinket stalls. Its free so why not stop by and take a pretty photo? :)

Hazel B — Google review

One of the best spot of the city, a must to visit. It is located on a nice square with nice pubs and restaurant around and beautiful trees.

Luca P — Google review

This is a fountain in one of the market squares in Heraklion, Crete. The fountain is very old and dates back to when the Venetians occupied Crete. While we were there, we ate a Bougatsa, which is a Greek dessert dish, and I highly recommend indulging in one. They are absolutely delicious. It's probably one of my most favorite things we ate while on our trip to the Mediterranean. The square is full of shops of all sorts, and there are also street vendors there selling their wears. Crete is a beautiful island of Greece. If you ever get the chance, please go. You will not regret it. It is a beautiful and clean place.

Mpj1965 — Google review

Er steht mitten im Zentrum, wenn man die Stadt besucht läuft man zwangsläufig an ihn ran. Leider lief er nicht. Ist ein toller Ort um ein Moment zu verweilen und dem treiben der Stadt zu Zuschauen.(Translated by Google)It is right in the center, when you visit the city you inevitably run into it. Unfortunately it didn't run. It's a great place to spend a moment and watch the city go by.

Michel K — Google review

Honestly, I don't understand what's the big fuss about this fountain.Yes, it's old, a vestige of the past, and pretty well-preserved, but it's nothing spectacular.It's not worth going all the way there just to see the fountain. However, the whole area is full of bars and taverns where, for some 20-25 euros, you can have a decent meal, as long as you don't mind the hustle and bustle (25th Avgoustou Street is the main promenade for tourists and is very crowded even outside the season.)

Catalin H — Google review

Nice little fountain in what seems like the heart of a market district. Has a bunch of tourist trap like bars playing music around and the occasional scammer trying to sell you flowers or trinkets. Probably good to keep an eye on you bags and just move through.

Royce D — Google review

The Lions in Heraklion is the square of the Fontana Morosini, the ornate Venetian fountain with four lions with water gushing from their mouths. The Fontana Morosini is in Eleftheriou Venizelou Square in the centre of Heraklion, but the inhabitants of the city never use the official name, usually referring to it as the Lions Square or the Lions for short.The fountain with the lions is one of the most important monuments the Venetians bestowed on Heraklion. When it was built, it offered a solution to the problem of supplying Heraklion with water, providing 1,000 barrels of water a day.

Φίλιππος Π — Google review

Der Mittelpunkt der urbanen Fußgängerzone ist ein belebter Platz rund um den antiken Morosini-Brunnen. Ein schöner Platz zum Verweilen und für einen Kaffee :)(Translated by Google)The focal point of the urban pedestrian zone is a lively square around the ancient Morosini Fountain. A nice place to relax and have a coffee :)

Sab A — Google review

A nice area to stroll with lovely cafes and stores.

Hila — Google review

Visited at weekend and it is PACKED! Lots of shops and stores for a variety of selections, it was surprised to me there are so many youngsters in the city and it feels full of energy. It is nice having these places at the heart of the city and hope all the visitor can enjoy of stay.

Dennis — Google review

A very beautiful venetian fountain, know for its sculpted lions. The plaza and the shops, cafes and restaurants around it are picturesque, perfect for a nice walk during the day or the night. Might get too crowded in high season.

Cookie C — Google review

A busy square flanked by restaurants & cafes. Particularly beautiful at night w lights and musicians

Hopi W — Google review

The Morosini Fountain (1629) on Lions Square in Heraklion, Greece, was built under the care of Francesco Morosini, General Proveditor of Crete, during the Venetian period.

David S — Google review

Original fountain from 1629, well preserved. It is located in the centre of Heraklion and can be visited for free. It's the most interesting part of this city, apart from the fact that there are thousands of souvenir shops aimed entirely at the tourist public.I recommend visiting it.

Jesús ( — Google review

The fountain was built in 1629 during the Venetian period. It is decently preserved and has water in the basin but doesn’t appear to spout water. The lions are cool.

Karin V — Google review

If you're looking for an active heart of the city spot, Morosini Fountain is the perfect place in Heraklion. In a bustling square surrounded by shops, churches, and outdoor seating restaurants in all direction, the fountain is a historic landmark. Check it out and all this area has to offer. An easy walk to the local market and harbor awaits.

Mark J — Google review

Heraklion ist ganz nett zum Shoppen. Hat aber nicht den Flair von Chania(Translated by Google)Heraklion is quite nice for shopping. But it doesn't have the flair of Chania

Dirk M — Google review

The fountain is in the middle of the shopping and cafes district of Heraklion. Very nice area to walk around to shop, eat and drink and buy especially gifts.

David E — Google review

Nothing that crazy to look at. It's exactly what you expect it to be, a fou tain. There's restaurants and shops along the same street but it's just a place to take a photo if you want and hang out.

Mike A — Google review

Went to Herakleion for the day the fountain is up from the port, just follow the yellow line saying to the city centre. Another must see is the Venetian fortress at the port

Philip W — Google review

It is very busy and a lot going on around. Very nice atmosphere and a lot of restaurants. Avoid from going to the Chocolate Heraklion ice cream shop unless you can afford 2 scoops of ice cream for over €12.

Gigi Y — Google review

Shops and food along with the great atmosphere of Greece .

Michael ( — Google review

4.5

(23307)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (66)

4.0

(1537)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (67)

Pl. El. Venizelou, Iraklio 712 02, Greece

+30 281 340 9000

10

Cave Ideon Antron

Mentioned on

+4 other lists

Historical landmark

Nature & Parks

Historic Sites

Caverns & Caves

Cave Ideon Antron, a large limestone cavern system, is believed to be the birthplace of Zeus, the mythical king of the gods. Despite its seemingly unremarkable appearance, it holds great sacred significance in mythology as the place where Zeus was raised by his mother. Visitors can combine a trip to Sfendoni caves at Zoniana for a full day of exploration.

We were hesitant about going up Mt Ida for a cave. And really, unless you are really into Greek Mythology, there isn't much to get excited about. But the view is spectacular. Quiet, scenic and a perfect afternoon. It made it well worth the drive. Take the road slow and stay on your lane and there wont be any problems. It is a good paved road up to a parking area (beside the half constructed hotel) and then a 15 minute hike up. If you can't hike, you can walk the gravel road, but it will take longer.

David F — Google review

Un instant magique suspendu dans le temps . Nous y sommes allé un mardi jour accessible mais pas de visites. Nous étions seuls au monde au rythme du son des oiseaux. Et le spectacle des chèvres à flanc de falaise. Certes nous n'avons pas eu les lumières des jours d'ouvertures au public, mais je ne changerai pour rien au monde cet instant. Le petit sentier qui y mène est pentu il faut la mériter.(Translated by Google)A magical moment suspended in time. We went there on a Tuesday accessible day but no visits. We were alone in the world to the rhythm of the sound of the birds. And the spectacle of goats on the cliffside. Certainly we didn't have the lights of the days of opening to the public, but I wouldn't change this moment for anything in the world. The little path that leads there is steep, it has to be earned.

Delphine B — Google review

Last 3 minutes of drive up are unpaved and like others I got a flat tire.Otherwise the drive up is beautiful but also quite dramatic and treacherous. Not for the faint of heart!The cave is an amazing part of history and myth so I couldn't skip it it. One plaque at the entrance of the site gives a brief detail of its significance. Best if you read up yourself. According to Google the site is open til 8pm. Sign at entrance says 4pm. Was officially closed when I arrived but thankfully the gate door was open.

Kerstin L — Google review

The cave is noteworthy for its religious and mythical significance. Not an especially interesting-looking cave though still worth a visit. The highlight for us were actually the views of the mountains and the plain on the way to the cave. Spectacular scenery! Note that the last 1.5km of road to the cave is unsealed, single lane, rocky and has no Armco barriers. Daunting… if there are two cars passing each other..luckily there is very little traffic… we didn’t pass any other cars on the way up or down. Do-able.

On S — Google review

Went there 5pm and nobody was around. Was able to drive all the way to the gate. Side gate at the entrance was open so we kind of slipped in. Alot of birds on the ceiling and a little bit spooky place all alone.

Jaakko L — Google review

We think this is a 5* day if combined with a visit to Sfendoni caves at Zoniana. Whilst Ideon cave itself is a little dank, we loved the visit because of the geology of the cave, the birdlife (incl. crag martins and vultures soaring above) and the historical significance. But most of all we loved the surroundings - the beautiful Nida basin which looks like a piece of savanna, and the stunning drive to it. Oh, and we saw a goat in a tree, which totally made our day!Traveller tips @ May 2023:- Google maps is still wrong: DO NOT take the road south from Zoniana - it does not lead to the cave, but will take you up to a 1700m church under the summit of the mountain - fascinating, but on a rubble strewn road that's not for the fainthearted! And it will take 1.5 hours out of your day. The road from Anogeia is the only route to the cave.- There no longer seems to be a charge for parking.- They shut the gate to the cave at around 3.30pm one the day we visited (Tuesday). Not sure if you can get to it after this.- In theory you can drive up the track to a parking place close to the cave; we saw a little hire car manage it, but it's pretty rough. Better, if you can, to park at the disused mountain centre and walk up the stony path which takes around 20 mins and has points of interest and shady places to rest.- It's nice to walk down the track, as it's easier to admire the view down into the valley.- The whole plateau has been populated with information boards and walk routes, including a loop of Nida, which we didn't do but would be lovely.

Baz C — Google review

En résumé : 3h de route de montagne, 1h30 de marche intense pour voir un trou. Vraiment il n'y a rien d'autre qu'un trou pas éclairé avec des marches en bois humides et des défections de pigeon. On vois des spots de lumière qui auraient pu rendre le trou plus intéressant mais ce n'était même pas allumée ...Le petit plus : une dame nous "accueil" en nous expliquant en 30sec chrono l'histoire de la grotte. 3 min après (le temps de descendre dans le trou et remonter du trou), on l'a vois partir dans son 4x4 à 15h50. On a tenter de la faire s'arrêter avec des gestes pour éviter la descente à pieds mais malheureusement elle ne nous a pas vu ... Je ne suis pas même sur que c'était une employée en y repensantLe seul truc jolie est le panorama.(Translated by Google)In summary: 3 hours of mountain road, 1h30 of intense walking to see a hole. Really there is nothing more than an unlit hole with damp wooden steps and pigeon defections. We see spots of light that could have made the hole more interesting but they weren't even on...The little extra: a lady “welcomed” us by explaining to us in 30 seconds the history of the cave. 3 minutes later (the time to go down into the hole and come back up from the hole), we saw him leave in his 4x4 at 3:50 p.m. We tried to make her stop with gestures to avoid going down on foot but unfortunately she didn't see us... I'm not even sure she was an employee when I think about itThe only nice thing is the panorama.

Maël C — Google review

It is easier accessible by car than expected, beautiful scenery too. Not an extraordinary spectacular cave by itself, but millennia of history and mythology stand behind it. Recommended for any ancient Greece enthusiasts!Don’t forget to make a stop at one of tavernas in Anogea for a portion of traditional cretan grilled lamb. This is where the dish originated from!

Andrei K — Google review

The king of theTitanes,Cronussired several children byRhea:Hestia,Demeter,Hera,Hades, andPoseidon, but swallowed them all as soon as they were born, since he had learned that he was destined to be overcome by his own son as he had overthrown his own father. But when Rhea was about the give birth toZeus, she soughtGaeato devise a plan to save him, so thatCronuswould get his retribution for his acts againstUranusand his own children. Thus,Rheagave birth toZeusin theDiktaean Cave in Crete, handingCronusa rock wrapped in swaddling clothes, which he promptly swallowed.Then,Zeuswas moved from theDiktaean Caveto theIdaean Cave. During the moving, in accordance withDiodoros, his navel fell near a river, which is the today’sKarteros River, east ofHeraklion

Ioannis L — Google review

It's not a cave! It's a big hole and no more that that. Don't waste your time on this. You can drive with the car to some point, and need to walk up 20 min. to see the hole for 1 or 2 min. Entry is free.

Ivan Y — Google review

Endroit paisible et perché sur la montagne surplombant une majestueuse plaine, habitée par ces multiples biquettes accompagnées de leurs jolis sons de cloches.Vous pourrez y admirer et visiter un magnifique et majestueux échafaudage de 34m sur 20, (Oui j'ai compté, bel ouvrage) tout ça gratuitement seulement après 2 heures de route... ça vaut le détour.Merci au site officiel d'avoir prévenu que le site était ouvert alors que tout est inaccessible.Amoureux du BTP n'hésitez plus venez, mais randonneur et visiteurs abandonnez.(Translated by Google)Peaceful place perched on the mountain overlooking a majestic plain, inhabited by these multiple goats accompanied by their pretty bell sounds.You will be able to admire and visit a magnificent and majestic scaffolding measuring 34m by 20m, (Yes I counted, beautiful work) all for free only after 2 hours of driving... it's worth the detour.Thanks to the official site for warning that the site was open even though everything is inaccessible.Construction lovers don't hesitate to come, but hikers and visitors give up.

Théo G — Google review

The road to get at this cave is fantastic when you come from the south. It’s really off-road but amazing views. The cave itself is not that phenomenal but interesting enough to come over. The site is an old archeological site but no activity anymore. You can see the top of the mountain Psiloritis. Take a sweater with you. It’s quite chilly.

Marc V — Google review

Nice place for short visit. Free. Recommendation, parking lot and walk about 1 km. Quite easy to reach out by foot. No wc

Alejandro P — Google review

The cave has a beautiful drive up to it through the mountains, which is well worth stopping and having a look at. The site is not well signposted so even at the carpark we were unsure if we were in the right place. Parking was €3 and is the only option. You start either on a path to the left or up some stairs. If you can I recommend the path started by stairs, it's quicker and more fun but very rocky and steep .The second path is smooth but longer, theyre are signs recommending the use of a donkey, PLEASE DO NOT USE THE DONKEYS. They struggled to stand, had bald areas and no water. If you cannot walk the paths you shouldn't go. Once you're at the top you pay entrance to the cave at €6, there is one signpost which tells you a brief outline of Zeus being there and thr discovery of the cave but it's very short and sadly the only information you get. The cave is impressive but more could be done with lighting and signs. Overall it's was enjoyable but maybe not worth driving to far to see.

T — Google review

Pour notre part, peu d'intérêt pour ce lieu touristique. Pas très bien exploité et difficile d'accès.Le trajet pour y aller et d'autant plus intéressant et des haltes en amont sont bien plus enrichissantes.Nous avons peut-être louper quelque chose....(Translated by Google)For our part, little interest in this tourist place. Not very well operated and difficult to access.The journey to get there is all the more interesting and the stops upstream are much more enriching.We may have missed something...

Albert's 1 — Google review

The cave is supposed to be where Zeus grew up, but I don't think this destination is worth visiting unless you are close to this place. You have to drive more than an hour 40 km per hour up a steep mountain road, the entrance is free, but there is nothing much to see there, just a cave with steps down, some excavations and that's it. If I had knew this before I drove there , I would have chosen to visit the canyon. Do not recommend going there, for the most part just a waste of time.

Дмитрий М — Google review

Short walking distance from parking place. Amazing view to Nida. Quiet & beautiful and worth to visit.

Klaudyna Ś — Google review

The cave is good, fairly priced at €6. It's a tough walk up there in high heat. Then there is the tourist rip off points called refreshments, top tip take your own or pay extortionate prices.

Stephen L — Google review

Beatiful view and interesting cave. Could't enter because of ice in front of the enterance.Tjek your GPS when you are drivning down the mountain though, we should drive to Zaros and went on a 9 km small and very scary roadtrip.

Lønne D — Google review

À faire sans hésitation. Comment passer à côté du lieu de naissance de Zeus !!!La montée semble un peu rude mais pour autant, une simple condition physique suffit. Oh pire, il vous est proposé une montée à dos de mules qui pourra aider les plus âgés, où ceux voulant faire vivre le folklore local et nos amis les ânes.L’entrée est gratuite pour tous ressortissants européens de moins de 25ans et à demi tarif pour ceux de plus de 65 ans comme nombreux sites en Grèce.Le paiement par CB est possible.(Translated by Google)To do without hesitation. How to miss the birthplace of Zeus!!!The climb seems a little steep but nevertheless, a simple physical condition is enough. Oh worse, you are offered a mule ride which can help older people, or those wanting to bring local folklore and our friends the donkeys to life.Entrance is free for all European nationals under 25 and half price for those over 65 like many sites in Greece.Payment by credit card is possible.

Alx M — Google review

This is the most beautiful place I have ever seen, amazing! (It’s nice and cool, that is nice on a sunny day, in the winter maybe wear a jacket)Take the old rock path on the right to go above, and the straight path on the left to go down. The walk is 15 min. And the entrance is €6,- but worth it.

Agathadirks — Google review

Unfortunately the cave is currently closed due to safety concerns. We still went though as it is a place of ancient history and myth. The drive up from Anogia was spectacular with amazing views and probably worth the trip for that. Entry was free and the gate was being locked when we left around 16.00.

Gareth P — Google review

The drive up alone to this cave is worth it for the truly stunning scenery and interesting views, the plateau is incredible and looks like an African savannah, truly dripping in natural beauty. We arrived at the end of the tarmac road and carried on up the gravel road to a parking area just below the entrance, we walked up to the entrance to be greeted by a young lady and her son, she gave us a book on the area and informed us the entrance was free, she then proceeded to give us a guided tour, not a great deal to see but worth it none the less, over all a great visit and definitely worth the effort.

Brian H — Google review

4.1

(784)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (69)

4.0

(1338)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (70)

Idaean Cave, Nida Ψυχρό, Greece

+30 2831 023653

I'll never travel to Elafonissi without this trip planner again

Learn more

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (71)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (72)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (73)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (74)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (75)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (76)

I will never travel to Elafonissi without this app againAvailable on the App Store

11

Minoan Palace of Phaistos

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (78)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (79)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (80)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (81)

Mentioned on

+5 other lists

Historical landmark

Sights & Landmarks

Phaestos, a Bronze Age archaeological site in Crete, boasts of a Minoan palace and village. It was the second most significant city after Knossos, situated with breathtaking views of Messara Plain and Mt Psiloritis. The palace was reconstructed around 1650 BC due to an earthquake after it was initially built in 1900 BC.

This palace is a tad bit smaller than the palace of Knossos, but I personally felt that the structure was relatively more intact, so one could easily imagine the grand walls and room when there. It's a great place to learn more about the Minoan culture and civilisation.Additionally, it's at a hilltop, so the view of the surroundings is magnificent. You could easily imagine why one would construct a palace there.Also, we found some very social and friendly cats there, and that was like the cherry on top of the cake :)

Tiyash B — Google review

We are not specially fans of archaeological museums, but this one was really nice. It showed a lot of different parts of the old palast. However, we are giving just 4 stars, because for us there was a big map missing which would give an overview.

Simon P — Google review

The place is linked to a free large parking. I strongly recommend to visit the site in the early morning or in the late evening since there is not enough shade all over the complex. The entry fee is 6 euros, reduced to 4 for people over 65 y.o. and for whom who are not E.U. citizens between 5 and 65. There is no fee for people under 25 y.o. from E.U.

Simone C — Google review

A really interesting archaeological site. Even though it isn't as well preserved as Knossos, you can still get a good picture of its enormous size. There are helpful signs everywhere, though I do suggest taking a guided tour, as it will be much more informative. Put sunscreen on and have lots of water with you too, the sun is ruthless and there is close to no shade due to its location.

Cookie C — Google review

Much better than knossos, this time you will not walk around concrete. The entrance is 8€ that is totally over price, especially after the fact they close some section. Still cheaper and the view is beautiful. You can see the whole valley from the ancient palace. Look inside you can also find a guide to get more explanation of the site.

Thomas L — Google review

Very nice Archeological site on the top of the hill you can see how Ancient people built the structures and how advanced knowledge they had given the time. Very nice experience and must visit site at Crete. Its better to visit it during winter or spring because usually during summer time is very busy.

Manos K — Google review

Fascinating place to visit especially with a guide giving some of the history. It seems remarkable how much technology and civilization the Minoans had.

Mikki Y — Google review

As a historical place it holds huge value, but, it is not being taken care of properly. Visitor are allowed to walk literally all over the place, around floors made back in their day and touching everything. You can even see the corrosion talking place around the palace. Unfortunately it has been left to the mercy of the weather and unstoppable marching of people.

George G — Google review

I could upload a thousand photos but none would be able to give you the feeling of walking the same alleys that our ancestors walked on approx 3700 years ago.Just go late in the afternoon as the sun during the summer time is unforgiving.

Vasilis P — Google review

"The Palace of Phaistos with its superb architectural composition and its almost perfect construction, is considered to be the finest and most typical of all Minoan palaces."For once the official blurb lives up to its claims. In many ways a superior "touristic experience" to Knossos, and certainly an excellent complement to it.

Marcus L — Google review

Definitely not worth the 8 EUR for the entrance and in my case the 3 hours spent on getting there and sightseeing. Ruins, laconic description, no audio guide. The potential is huge, but completely untapped. Perhaps the reconstructions in Knossos are debatable, but they definitely make a better impression and stimulate the imagination more.

B G — Google review

A beautiful palace.Wear athletic and take a hat and some water with you . Do not forget to take a look inside the rooms.You will find out how people use to live and save oil and wine in large barrels.

Sofia R — Google review

We loved the palace of Faistos! Mr Giorgos very kind and helpful. It’s walkable with spots in shadow to seat and take a breath. There are explanatory tables everywhere and a restaurant to have a refreshment. Very picturesque. entry fee is well worth it. Self guided tour with boards explaining all to know. Take water as very hot.

Maria A — Google review

Very interesting place but not that engaging for children. We went in August and by 11am the heat in the sun was intense. One area was closed off where they were still excavating. The on-site gift shop and cafe were nice and there are fantastic views of the surrounding area and mountains.

Mirko M — Google review

Lovely history shared by our guide. Gotta to be interested in this kind of thing though otherwise it's just a big pile of bricks.

That P — Google review

In 20 years since the my last visit, pretty much nothing has changed. Not so Easy to walk around, scattered ruins all over the Place, not an organic and structured itinerary to follow throughout the visit

Filippo F — Google review

Amazing spot for understanding the breadth of Minoan building abilities. It seems less than Knossos at first, but it's only because architects from the 1900s did not put the effort into rebuilding this one like Knossos. So in that sense, it is much more authentic! Very cool place.

Ben B — Google review

Loved it! Tastefully restored sections, lots to see and walk, Wi-Fi and clean restrooms. Has a restaurant. Lots of info tablets for history buffs

Jan K — Google review

Loved it. The history is phenominal. Added to that, magnificent views and a lovely cafe for refreshments

Margaret H — Google review

A Must-Visit for History BuffsThe Minoan Palace of Phaistos is a hidden gem on the island of Crete. This ancient site, dating back to the Bronze Age, is incredibly well-preserved and offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Minoans. The palace's intricate architecture, stunning frescoes, and commanding views of the surrounding countryside are truly awe-inspiring.Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking for a unique experience, the Minoan Palace of Phaistos is a must-visit. The peaceful atmosphere and knowledgeable guides make it easy to immerse yourself in the rich history of this ancient civilization.

Ioannis L — Google review

Unique experience, as it is very remote, on top of a hill and with very few visitors. We enjoyed it to the max! The song of the cicadas makes it even more pleasant. An audioguide to walk you through would be a nice addition, though.

Venera R — Google review

As someone who studied archaeology I had a great time! But you have to have some knowledge on the history of the place, be interested in archaeology or be really enthusiastic about history, otherwise it's just a bunch of old stones with no meaning. Since there isn't a lot of "visible cool archaeology" so to say (like Forum Romanum for example).There are some signs with information, so you still have some context.There's also a viewpoint in the shadow so that's also nice. I also saw a cat 😺So I recommend it for e.g. history lovers and archaeology students, but if you just want to see some cool artifacts I'd suggest a museum.

Kimberly P — Google review

Wow - go here instead of Knossos! Less crowds and fake concrete reconstruction but seems about the same size as the Knossos site. Awesome views and plenty of parking (at least in the morning when we got there). Small cafe, restrooms and gift shop. It can get very hot with no shade so bring hat and sunblock. Takes at least 1 hour self guided, but probably budget more time. This is where the Phaistos Disc was discovered in 1908.

Rick — Google review

Incredible history here for those who are passionate about life as it was almost 4000 years ago. The site is pretty much unspoiled and left in its original condition, but organized enough to visit. Helpful signs and explanations everywhere. It is amazing what humans could do thousands of years ago in terms of engineering and architecture. Careful where you step. Go early in the morning because it gets super hot in the summer months by 11 am. Fascinating experience and recommended to all history lovers. Be respectful of the ruins, don't climb on the rocks or walls and keep your kids in line. This is a sacred place where we can learn more about how our ancestors lived.

Melinda — Google review

Spectacular views from these ancient ruins. Ghostly and eerie because it was not crowded like Knossos. Very impressive if you are a student if Minoan and Hellenic culture

Angelo P — Google review

Excellent place to learn about history of Minoan civilization! Phaistos was important in the Old palace period and the site was slowly reconstructed in New palace period towards its end.

Supreeth P — Google review

More aesthetic than the Knossos,but harder to comprehend.Don't forget to visit Matala in order to understand where the ancient servicing harbor was.Ask the officers to show you where the ancient Lake used to be.

Russian P — Google review

Nice ruins I visited before already so didn’t go in this time. But even do a nice little walk to see the valleys and olive trees and take a few pictures. Free parking also for wheelchairs. Was there when Timbaki Friday market was on so most of the parking was taken.

Miri — Google review

Stunning location, not been messed around with unlike another palace... want a quiet stroll around a Minoan site, then come here

Steve G — Google review

A relatively large and extensive space with a lot of rich history of the advances of the Minoans. In summer visit late in the afternoon or early morning to avoid the baking sun, as it’s a pretty open space with little shelter.When you finish there’s a quite nice alfresco area adjoining the kanteen with views of the mountains to have a cold drink.

Michael W — Google review

The views from here are simply stunning, and worth the entrance fee alone. A simple historical site, that lets you walk through the over three millennia of Creten history. The onsite cafe, which you can visit without paying the entrance fee for the palace, has a good selection of local pastries, drinks and other snacks. Make sure you grab a Greek coffee and enjoy your surroundings.

Simon H — Google review

It was free for under 25, which is good for students like us.It was honestly hard to picture ourselves in the palace, we missed the first info sign explaining the history of the palace so we just had the insights of each room.It was really great at sunset because there was no one and the lights were great, but to be honest we enjoyed the view more than the archeological aspect.Note : we are curious about history but are not archeological specialists

Marie D — Google review

4.4

(6289)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (83)

4.0

(1037)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (84)

Άγιος Ιωάννης, Kamilari 702 00, Greece

+30 2892 042315

12

Karavostasi Beach

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (85)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (86)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (87)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (88)

Mentioned on

3 lists

Beach

Outdoor Activities

Karavostasi Beach is a tranquil pebbly beach located near the town of Aghios Nikolaos in Crete. Surrounded by olive groves, it offers a quiet escape and is mainly frequented by locals. The area boasts clean and cold waters, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Despite its small size, the beach can get crowded during summer, so arriving early is recommended to secure a sunbed.

Situated within the area of Evita bay.A beautiful beach right out of a dream. I came here the first time during winter, when it is completely empty and simply a dream.In summer it fills up very quick due to it being rather small.The water here is very clean and cold. Often while there are rough waves on the northern coast, this place will still offer a calm sea for a relaxed swimm. There are lots of fish and many possibilities to explore the area while swimming. Left and right, when swimming out of the bay you will find caves and beaches only accessable by water.To reach the beach you will have to park the car a bit above and then walk down. On the beach you can hire chairs, umbrellas, boat rides and scuba diving courses.Adjacent to the beach are two taverns and a hotel.

J J — Google review

Best beach in Bali if you like calmer beaches with clear water for snorkeling. Popular among families with kids but if you lay in grass area there is quite calm vibe. You can hike nearby rocks or swim to cave beaches if you are a good swimmer. Clean toilets and good showers and very helpful guy in charge of the sunbeds that cost 10 dollars a set. :) honestly my favourite beach in Crete

Markéta V — Google review

A really nice and beautiful beach. There are two very good taverns, showers and the set of two sunbeds and umbrellas are 6 or 7 euro. It depends on where you seat. Recommend!

Violeta M — Google review

Was there in August. Water was warm and clean but not the clearest I saw in Crete. Pebbles and a bit of sand. Great location for snorkelling. Usual little naughty fishes that like to bite your ankles are in. 2 x sunbeds 7€/whole day. You can rent pedalo for 15€/hour. Come early if you want a sunbed, everything was full from 11am. There's a small free parking just upstairs, easy access to the beach. There are also 3 x tavernas just over the beach, you'll find Freddo Espresso, local snacks and all the good stuff for a reasonable price. Free cabins and showers. Overall really nice little beach, beautiful and well equiped. Suitable for kids.

Mike B — Google review

Very nice small beach. We were there in the beginning of May and it was very empty, but I can imagine it gets packed during high season.Two sunbeds and umbrella cost 8 eur for the whole day which is very reasonable.

Kristina P — Google review

Really nice place but one thing I would say is that there are so many people and especially near the shore it is very crowded. It is okay to find a sun bed in the morning but in the afternoon it gets VERY crowded. When you get further out to sea it is lovely with clear waters and LOADS of fish. Highly recommend but visit in the morning in order to get a sun bed and avoid big crowds. There are 2 cafes one is a taverna where it would be ideal to get lunch or dinner. One is a cafe that does milkshakes and plenty of ice lolly’s. There isn’t much litter in the sea either with is refreshing to see. Come here mainly if you want to snorkel since it is very good! There is very limited parking especially in the afternoon so arrive before 10:30. We have been to many beaches around the Cretan coast but homely this was the bed one!!

Lois P — Google review

Beautiful, intimate small beach that even the locals in Crete are not that familiar with.You park the car and then walk down to the beach.2 beach beds + umbrella cost 7 euros.The water are excellent for swimming.There are two Tavernas restaurants in this place and one small hotel.

Eyal P — Google review

Very nice and family-suitable and -friendly beach. Small children can play in the shallow and rather not wavy water. Make sure to be there early to get a place. Not do much free space, so if you don’t fancy a sunbed probably not the best. Good (few) shadow places for babies on the right hand side.If you are there already make sure to eat something at the Karavostasi Tavern!:)

Till T — Google review

This is arguably the best beach in Bali. The water is crystal clear, teeming with colorful fish, and the breathtaking landscape is truly awe-inspiring. I would definitely come back here without a doubt.

Bianca — Google review

Cool beach! The umbrella and chair combo was not too expensive (10€ for a set of two chairs) and the cove was really cool. I swam here for hours.

Erin M — Google review

Nice beach. The walk is a bit hot going up but the sea is very clear and there are tavernas for tasty lunches. The entrance to the sea is on fine pebbles, price 2 sunbeds and an umbrella 8 euros, just perfect 😍

Юлия К — Google review

Very nice beach. The water is calm and good for snorkelling around. It can get busy especially on a weekend. But overall it’s a lovely place. €10 euro for an umbrella and two sun beds. Very reasonable I think. Also two very good restaurants, very friendly staff and good prices.

Simon S — Google review

The water here is crystal clear and the water is calm making it ideal for younger children. There is a little cove area to the right hand side which is worth exploring to see some small crabs and other wildlife. It’s a small secluded beach with free parking. There is a small taverna with toilets.The views out to sea are spectacular and the water is perfect. Honestly one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to.

Mark P — Google review

Super calm and beautiful area. The water is extremely clean and transparent.

Alion Ç — Google review

Great beach, worth a visit. If you are planning to come to Bali you should definitely check this beach out, it is a small and tranquil beach and is way better than Bali Beach. It costs around 11€ for 3 sunbeds and an umbrella. There is a small taverna behind the beach that has amazing fresh fish.

Kerem — Google review

Beautiful place but it would not be comfortable for you if you didn’t want to rent sun lounger- it’s almost on the all territory. Not big area for children to play with sand. In water a lot of renting stuff- boats and catamarans. Parking is a little up from the beach.

Kate B — Google review

Very clean and clear water. Set 2 sunbeds and umbrella costs 8€ in August 2023. There are showers and dressing rooms on the beach. It is better to come here in the early morning, after 11 am becomes very crowded. Free parking nearby. Good spot for snorkeling and for me it is the best beach on Bali village.

Olga M — Google review

Lovley little Cove, 2 beds, and an umbrella for €10 was good.Definitely would vist

Elliot S — Google review

One of the hidden gems of Crete.This beach is placed in a small golf with calm water, low waves, no wind.Perfect for snorkling and scuba diving due to its underwater relief and the variety of fish and other marine animals.It is completely equipped with sunbeds, showers, dressing cabins, parking, and 3 taverns from which I recommend Karavostasi Tavern.

Bogdan N — Google review

We stoped by in the morning, good place to dip into the sea, showers available on site. There are also some rental units and tavern nearby. Great views both from parking and the sea itself.

Konstanty K — Google review

Absolutely beautiful, my taste. Its a pebble beach, crystal clear water, calm and sun bed set for 8 euros. Get there before 10:30 if you want to avoid car parking mess. Its a small place with lots of people wanting to come by.Has pretty good spots for cliff diving as well.

Vijaya K — Google review

The beach is very beautiful (in my opinion the most beautiful), but unfortunately it is very small. We also visited it on Sunday, so it was very very crowded. It's a pebble beach. The sunbeds + umbrella are 8 €. The water is very clear, it is perfect for snorkeling. The taverns on the beach serve great food for good prices and the staff is very nice.

Raluca J — Google review

4.5

(1083)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (89)

4.5

(444)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (90)

Greece, Mpali, Greece

13

Caves Matala

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (91)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (92)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (93)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (94)

Mentioned on

6 lists

Historical landmark

Nature & Parks

Caverns & Caves

Matala Caves, a series of ancient caves carved into the sea cliffs, have a rich history as a hippy hangout in the 1960s and are now protected. The caves offer separate rooms, windows, and stairways, indicating their use as living quarters. Visitors can stay at Matala Caves Seafront Apartment for stunning sea views and easy access to nearby restaurants and shops. The area also boasts clear waters for swimming and various craft shops to explore.

Interesting place to see. I'd recommend reading about its history prior to going. Wear good walking boots. Cool place for climbers/boulderers.

Sylwia N — Google review

Welcome end to the day to swim in the Aegean, cool, refreshing and a bit of surf to frolic in. Wonderful craft shops, with plenty of tavernas for a drink or to sample the local fish. The caves were impressive too and waiting to be explored. We paid the 3 € and were lucky enough to park right at the back of the beach. Sunbeds and parasols if you wanted them but also just enough room to put down a towel and get in the sea.

Simon G — Google review

Such a magnificent place. The energy, the vibes are just one of a kind.. Recommendation: visit the beach late in the afternoon and watch one of the most amazing sunsets next to the beach.. The light and the aurora will definitely leave you speechless!🌺

Maria A — Google review

Unique historical place.It would have been safer for walking if it had a clear route or more ropes for guidance.Still, it is a dangerous place to visit, especially for elderly people.Pay full attention at your footsteps.One is not allowed to enter with any kind of liquid except water.

Grigore Z — Google review

Completely over price for what you get. The entrance is 4€/pax and you are on your own inside. No path, no security and it's actually sad that they let the tourist climbing and damaging the rocks. On the bright side, it's fun to see those caverns in front of the sea. The kids will love it for sure.

Thomas L — Google review

Awesome experience as must see if in the area!!! The town is wonderful also. If you do go see the caves there is climbing involved make sure you have proper footwear, no flip flops. We wore our water shoes which worked great because of the grip.

Melisa B — Google review

Very beautiful and atmospheric place! Definitely recommend to visit it if you are in Crete.

??? ? — Google review

Great piece of history over looking a nice beach and amazing waters. Be prepared as its hot and hard work climbing in 30 plus heat also very dusty and if you sit with damp swimwear it clings like concrete.

Craig D — Google review

It used to be a place where hippies spent time. Today it's a hip place for tourists. Caves are interesting with nice view but empty. There's less leisure time here, but the salespeople are always friendly.

Heidi S — Google review

Great place with little wind and mostly small waves, just perfect for swimming and snorkeling. And when you get tired and hungry there are great taverns nearby!

Bogdan C — Google review

Great experience. Many caves that been used as a roman cemetery. Worth to see. You need to have trainers or stable shoes not flip-flops as you need to climb a bit. The best ones are closer to the sea. Entrance is €4. Free under 25 years of age. Large parking near the beach €3 for standard car for the whole day. Nice beach as well.

Into L — Google review

Caves that were taken over by a hippy commune in the 70s. Worth a look if you are in the area, but wouldn't go out of my way to visit. 4 euros each is expensive, since the owner has spent nothing on preservation, walkways, etc. and the area is getting eroded with some caves in a bad way. Avoid going up to the top unless you are young and agile.

Robert T — Google review

A very nice place to visit if you're going to Matala. The climb can be a little difficult at the some places for kids. Wear shoes when visiting because some places are slippery. The view on the beach and Matala is worth it and you can take some cute pictures.Entrance is 4€ for adults and free for kids and students under 25yrs.

Adrien S — Google review

Interesting way to pass an hour in Matala bay, but there isn’t actually much to see. Not suited for young children and people who don’t like height. And be sure to have the proper shoes.

Salvatore D — Google review

The place of legends...thousands of years ago warriors were laid to rest here (I found this out after visiting a local museum). The site offers cheap entrance and remarkable stone masonry dating back thousands of yearsRead up on the hairy before visiting...there are no formal noticesBring shoes that you can climb in, low difficulty but flip flops are not recommended

Rory W — Google review

Get there right at 10:00 when they open the entry and enjoy for yourself the piece of ancient and not so far history.Worth wearing sport shoes because you will be climbing up the rocks if you want to explore the whole site.After that get sunbed at the beach and enjoy the view.

Ondřej K — Google review

Labai graži vieta. Tikrai verta atvažiuoti, pasėdėti restorane ant kranto, pasimaudyti.(Translated by Google)Very nice place. It's really worth coming, sitting in a restaurant on the shore, swimming.

Monika A — Google review

Didn't go into the caves but thought Matala was a lovely place to visit. Shops and tavernas along with great views. Seemed well priced too.

That P — Google review

I don’t think it should charge money for tickets on the little amount of time you spend there but at least was cheapIt is very difficult to climb on the higher caves, also inside smells of urine so you gotta move fast when taking photosYou also need to wear shoes. No flip flopsAt least they could clean the caves or something if they want to charge for the entrance but…

Claudiu ( — Google review

Fascinating rock-cut tombs from the Late Antiquity period. The area is accessible for an entrance fee, but at your own risk. It is certainly worth a visit, but I recommend good footwear and physical fitness. The ascent to the higher parts of the rock wall can be quite challenging for some. But it provides beautiful views of the adjacent bay and beach. All the visitor will find are now empty niches and sarcophagi, but with many interesting places and views. The caves' association with the hippies in the 1970s may be attractive to some, but their current state is more reminiscent of their earlier history.

Viktor Č — Google review

interesting location, the landscape is dreamlike, the combination of mountain and sea is sensational. entrance to this tourist attraction is 4 euros.

Mihai M — Google review

Great tourist destination easy drive and a lot of parking (3€) there are these hippie made holes and they look amazing a lot of shops near by for water and food. Very clear and clean sea and it's quite a popular spot so if you want a sunbed and umbrella I suggest you get there early. Beautifull town with a lot of places to shop and eat. The hippie caves are NOT free its 5€/person.

Oskar V — Google review

Some interesting caves with good views of the beach. Nice and cool inside though some very unstable pathways... sort of make your own way. Worth a wander.

Tristan B — Google review

You can see these anywhere from Metala beach. For a small fee you can explore them. It's a moderately strenuous climb to get inside them. The caves are empty. Some have accessory rooms. We found one with two beds carved out of the stone complete with pillows:)

Jonas S — Google review

Did not know that these were Roman tombs until after the visit, I thought this was just hippie place in the 70s. Wish there was more information sign.Wear good shoes if you want to see more caves. Need some climbing and jumping from rock to rock gere and there. I saw some caves with 2 beds, some with 3, worth going in and explore the place.

WWS A — Google review

Very beautiful place, the water was very good. The only difficulty is the stones till you enter in the sea but.

Lorant C — Google review

Very nice and beautiful place to visit. The Matala caves are amazing. Just make sure you wear hiking shoes and attire to climb into the caves. If you're not in good shape, i wouldn't attempt to climb into them. The beach is gorgeous, and the water is so clear and cool. The whole town is such a beautiful and friendly place. Highly recommend it.

Milton V — Google review

Old caves cut into the cliffs, originally used for Roman burials. They were used as a hippy commune in the 60s & 70s, including Joni Mitchell & Cat Stevens.Good views of the beach/ bay. €4 entry change.

Tim B — Google review

The caves look impressive and the give a great accent to the beach. There is an entrance fee if you want to see it inside. From the outside it is very big and it is possible to reach it by swimming up to one of the rocks. The views are great!

Aleksa — Google review

It's amazing. The water is clear and warm, but you have to pass some rocks to get into water.

Dalma C — Google review

Really cool place to visit, lovely beach and nice little village with lots of shops and restaurants. The beach is cool because you can swim about 50m out and stand on rocks, also diving from the cliffs. Must see when in Crete.

Paddy M — Google review

These caves were carved during the neolithic age, then they were transformed into tombs under roman rule. Eventually they housed a hippie community during the '70s. They can be visited for 4 euros. The view of the sea from inside is amazing

Luca F — Google review

Really cool place to see and climb. Tickets are 2euros. Get some comfy shoes for climbing.

Andris L — Google review

Nice beach.Many people. But the caves have not been very spectacular.

Stefan B — Google review

Prepare to take your life in your hands... the tombs were robbed out by the hippies in the 70/80s as can be seen by the thousands of pottery sherds scattered about. There's very little H&S when you scale the cliffs, so be very, very careful

Steve G — Google review

I had an excellent experience in Matala, Crete. The Roman caves were unforgettable—breathtaking views, rich history, and stunning natural beauty.

Shawn — Google review

Beautiful caves with amazing views but very difficult to climb in flip-flops. You need to find your own path between the rocks.

Tomas R — Google review

4.5

(8963)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (95)

4.0

(576)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (96)

Μάταλα, Pitsidia 702 00, Greece

14

Matala beach

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (97)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (98)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (99)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (100)

Mentioned on

+33 other lists

Beach

Outdoor Activities

Matala Beach is a lively and popular destination located in the southern part of Heraklion on the island of Crete. This former hippie hangout boasts impressive cliffs with rocky caves, making it an ideal spot for water sports enthusiasts. The beach itself is long, sandy, and well-organized, attracting families seeking sun, sea, and relaxation.

This beach is great! Lots to do if you need a break from laying out/swimming.We loved exploring the hippy caves, relaxing on the beach, eating, and shopping.

Marissa B — Google review

We did rent a car to be in this beach, and pay €3 for the parking, and you can park just in front of the beach.

Tour M — Google review

Even though touristic, it has kept its mysterious charm and feeling of «stuck in time». The only place where you might still meet the first generation hippy. TODAY IS LIFE, TOMORROW NEVER COMES.

Natia M — Google review

Great place to stay, excellent beach with coarse sand and rocky slabs in the water. There is a 4euros fee to enter the caves, doable but not recommended in flip flops.

Alina G — Google review

Nice village at the south coast of Crete. Sheltered bay, perfect for water sport and swimming. Cool bars and restaurants at the bay..Old caves at the cliffs, some hippies used them in the 70's.

Rainer S — Google review

Awesome area on the south side of Crete. It’s famous for its hippie built caves from the 1970’s which are marvels in their own right. There is a small 4Euro fee person to visit the caves but it’s worth it. Just make sure you have good shoes to climb as there are no real stairs to climb the upper levels of the caves.The beach itself is okish with quite a stony seabed and not so clear waters but the waters were warm and it was a very refreshing dip.There are numerous shops, cafes and restaurants nearby selling literally everything so that is also a nice walk around.One issue that we faced is that Matala is quite far from any nearby major cities. So you have to rent a car and drive around 80kms from Heraklion. The roads are well maintained though quite winding through the hills in the central region. Definitely worth a visit if you are in Crete.

Ritesh S — Google review

Matala village with it's painted small streets is definitely a place to visit. The beach is near the village and after walking you can rest on the beach and visit the caves in nearby cliffs.

Gaitis P — Google review

Beautiful beach that comes with an awesome market/walkway. Fairly long stretch of beach, easy to find a spot. The water is clear and sandy.

Al — Google review

Crowded but well organized. A must-see stop when in Matala. Handy to a host of waterfront restaurants. Great place to view the sunset.

Anastasios G — Google review

Nice place to see what's was going on in the sixtees.Of course it's a bit difficult to get back to that feeling.

Guy R — Google review

The beach itself is very nice but not better than many others on the isle. The whole set incl. the hippie caves (entrance costs a few EUR) and the nice restaurants as well as some shops (a bit touristic) makes the set.

Daniel S — Google review

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (5/5)Absolutely in love with Matala beach! 🏖️💛From the moment you approach, you're greeted by the breathtakingly blue waters 🌊 and the intriguing sandstone cliffs with their ancient caves 🏞️. The beach is just the perfect blend of history, nature, and sunshine! ☀️The water is crystal clear and inviting 🏊‍♀️. It's also perfect for snorkeling 🐠. There's something magical about diving into that sparkling sea and exploring its rich marine life. For those who prefer to relax, the soft golden sands are ideal for lounging and soaking up the sun 🌞.Away from the water, there's plenty to explore. The iconic caves, steeped in history, are fascinating. It feels like stepping back in time when walking through these awe-inspiring formations 🗿🕰️.The local cuisine here is also a real treat! 🥗🍲 Fresh seafood, delicious Greek salads, and exquisite local wines 🍷. Dining in the nearby tavernas with the sunset as your backdrop is an unforgettable experience 🌅.It's not just the natural beauty and historical intrigue that make Matala beach special. It's the friendly locals and the warm, welcoming atmosphere that make you feel at home away from home 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🤗.Overall, Matala Beach is a gem that offers a unique blend of relaxation, exploration, and fun! It's a place that stays in your heart long after you leave 💖. Can't wait to return! 🌴👣👜

Valdido M — Google review

Nice beach 🏝️! This area is also famous for Hippie🏝️ and has various shops for shopping, as well as many nice restaurants and bars. Although we didn't have a chance to dine here, I believe it must be a great place for an evening out! Next time for sure! 💞

Po C — Google review

Nice place to relax.Fair prices for sunbeds and an umbrella (set 8€- 2x sunbeds +1 umbrella)Clean,Water is nice, easy access.Little waves. Small Stone beach.Probably During high season overcrowded.

Andreas K — Google review

The beach has a disabled parking spot and a big cabin for changing. There is a path which you can follow with your wheelchair until you reach the entrance of the cave. The cave is not accessible.

Simone L — Google review

Amazing beach with beautiful caves next to it. A must see if you visit Crete!!Water is clean, safe but there are some big rocks in the water so careful swimming is a must. There weren’t enough parasols. There are many great cafes, restaurants and public toilets. You can come by car or bus. Parking is great. Lots of space and it’s only €3 p day.💙

Melanija R — Google review

During the summer the beach gets very loud and crowded, and we had to pay for a parking spot because there's only one road where it's almost impossible to find parking. Despite its natural beauty—especially the caves, which are worth a visit, and the beautiful sunset—it must have been stunning before the locals turned it into a proper tourist trap.

Smaragda P — Google review

Matala beach has a dream scenery, it is splendid but it has the beach and water with many stones which are very annoying. We caught a windy day and the waves were quite big. anyway, it's worth visiting for the beauty of the place.

Mihai M — Google review

This beach was a disappointment for me. We were here in the middle of 06/2024 and the beach was already overcrowded. We lived right in Matala, but we were only on this beach once. There are a lot of sunbeds in a small space. If you do not arrive by 10 a.m., the fight for a place begins. We waited for the place for about 2 hours. We visited many other beautiful beaches during our vacation. Nearby services were fine (bars, restaurants, shops).

Lucia Z — Google review

Beach is nice, caves are interesting and water is clear. Parking is also very near! Beach set is around 10 euros which is not expensive. The only bad thing was that it was so crowded, but I guess that comes with the popularity of the place. I have also heard that, at the beginning of July, some kind of artistic festival is being held there!

Neda L — Google review

Lovely beach but very busy and a bit dusty which means the water is a little cloudy. Does have a relaxed feel. Lots of beds but you have to get there early to pick one up.Parking is a bit of a challenge in the afternoon but if your prepared to walk a few minutes you can get a space on the street outside of town.The caves are worth a visit (small charge 4€) but not really suitable for small children... something more that flip-flops would be advisable on your feet.Beach is lined with bars and Tavernas which are reasonably priced.

Eliott J — Google review

The beach is really nice! The sand is fine but in the water there are some slippy big rocks. The water is clear and it was pretty calm despite the fact that that week was windy on the whole island. You can also climb inside the wall.

Valentina ( — Google review

Great beach, it’s a must see, and currently holds first place in my heart in Crete.

Romeo B — Google review

Beautiful sandy beach, with all necessary amenities (showers, toilets, restaurants, bars). Some trees in the back provide natural shade. You might want to be there earlier to grab some beds and umbrellas. We arrived around noon on a work day and they were all busy.Definitely recommend visiting!

Nikola J — Google review

That's not a nice Beach ⛱️! That's not a nice Beach at all!! Especially if you compare it with all the well known cretan beaches!!! It's even worse if it's windy. The sea bottom is rocky and in some places very slippery. You can have some good photos over the historical Caves!

George T — Google review

Gorgeous place, especially worth visiting for the history and the hippie vibe. Very crowded though, and some of the shops are overpriced, but it's simply worth seeing. We also explored the caves for a small fee. Must see once in a lifetime!

Melinda — Google review

One of the coolest beaches that we’ve visited in Crete so far highly suggest visiting. Lots of shops and restaurants on the beach, only 8 euros for two chairs and an umbrella! Very popular beach.

Tyler H — Google review

Matala has energy... Even if we went during spring... Again it was empty place...all Matala for us to enjoy.. beautiful scenery.. colourful corners of this small city.. and the vibe all around.. can't describe it more but this place has energy and vibe.. I don't know how it is during the season , during summer and when it is full of people.. what I saw during March I liked it..

Antonis M — Google review

Too crowded in the afternoon, parking is very hard to be found near the beach and it cost 4 euros. Other than the views of the cliff, don't expect for the water to be crystal clear, only if you snorkel far enough you will meet the clarity of the Lybian Sea with no rubbish. In my opinion, you should come here only if you support staying in crowded places and for the panorama. Also the sand (actually made of pebbles) is scorching hot 🥵, so please wear some water shoes since in the water you'll find some huge rocks. If you want to take a shower, be prepared to wait in the heat a lot.

Teodor C — Google review

Amazing beach with beautiful caves (visit caves for a small fee) next to it. A must see if you visit Crete. Water is clean, safe but there are some big rocks in the water so careful swimming is a must. Waves are moderate and it’s fun for swimming. There weren’t enough parasols but we got the sun-bed and hid under a tree. There are many great cafes, restaurants and public toilets. You can come by car or bus. Parking is great. Lots of space and it’s only €3 per day. Come early to find the best spot on the beach and you’re gonna need a whole day for this adventure 🏖️

Milica — Google review

Amazing beach, crystal clear water and great cliff for jumping, must visit place in Crete.

Branko N — Google review

Very crowded beach, especially on Sunday. Large rocks in the sea and are very slippery. Beautiful place with the caves.

Stella P — Google review

This place is nothing short of amazing!! Unless you go all the way down to the beach you might just miss it. Very eclectic, with numerous bars and shops and restaurants. It reminds me of books I've read about pirate days and old shopping poets although it's not a port. Just an amazing discovery.

Dianne M — Google review

Nice for a swim, and scenery, tavernas and coffee/bars. Beach gets really crowded and as it is a public beach you pay for the sun loungers and parasols unlike in some other places. But overall Matala is a great place to visit and stay!

Miri — Google review

It's a very beautiful beach, although it gets really busy and the sunbeds are almost glued to each other, there are very few natural shadesnot a really good place for snorkeling but the view is amazing and it's perfect for sunset

Flavia A — Google review

Amazing view.This is not far from the Red Beach area

Legendary W — Google review

Really nice beach with a lot of coffees and restaurants. You can visit the caves (4euros entrance fee). Clean water…everything typical greek :)The downside is the man, who is charging for umbrellas and sunbeds - he wanted to charge double for the same set, even showing him the paid bill.

Dobrin P — Google review

July 2024. Very busy even at the noon of the hot summer day. Little pebble beaches with clear water and caves. Renting parasol and bed available around 10euro for a set. Cave is accessible at 4 euro as entrance price.

Y J — Google review

4.5

(6816)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (102)

4.5

(2392)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (103)

702 00, Greece

15

Red beach

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (104)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (105)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (106)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (107)

Beach

Outdoor Activities

A hiking trail leads to this shoreline with reddish-brown sand, towering rocks & a cocktail bar.

I don't like to climb peaks, but I would return to this beach again for the atmosphere, clear water and beauty on land and under water. We stayed all day and enjoyed a sunset. It wasn't hard to get back after him.

Irena S — Google review

Very nice beach! It takes abou half an hour to get there from Matala center. Not very hard, we did it with 4 years old son. Sand is very soft, water level is about 1m like 20m far and maybe 30-40m is up to my shoulders (150cm maybe). We had nice waves like 0,5m to 1m. Beach was nudist before, so there are still some. Two bar buildings and one remote snack stand is there, little people and a lot of wild. Excellent to visit!

Stanislav K — Google review

Steep walk on relatively good path at a small but charming clothing optional beach. Parking at beginning of trail (likely payable in season, free space early October).

Jacques B — Google review

One of the best beaches I have ever visited, it's hard to get to the beach, you need to walk through the mountain about 20-30 minutes, but believe me it's worth it, you'll find unbelievable view. There is clean and clear water, the left side with stones, the right side without stones, you had better have an umbrella. It's a nude beach, but you can stay in your beachwear, however, why don't you try to swim without beachwear? Just visit and enjoy

Lumpen — Google review

Amazing beach, just its long hike 35 minutes, but it's worth it,

Haik A — Google review

A lovely golden sanded beach. Located right next to the village of Matala. One can go there after a 30 minute hike following a path that starts from the village

Ioannis K — Google review

Amazing beach. It’s quite a hike but totally worth it. Definitely swimmable but it’s better if you are a strong swimmer.

William W — Google review

This is a very pleasant little beach, far from the hustle and bustle of Matala. It takes about 30 minutes to walk there (15-20 minutes for faster walkers, and 40-45 minutes for slower ones). Proper footwear is strongly recommended, ideally sneakers. I advise against wearing sandals, flip-flops, or any similar footwear. Once you arrive, it's a delightful spot with distinctive red sand, beautiful clear waters, and two small bars offering food and refreshing drinks. There are only a few umbrellas available.

Michele C — Google review

A beautiful beach.However, getting there requires effort and caution. On the beach itself, there are 2 bars, some sunbeds, and umbrellas.In the water there are large rocks and stones. Be carefully when swimming 🏊‍♂️There's a designated area for naturists.And goats that are not afraid to steal your food🙂Definitely worth to visit.

Greg S — Google review

Stunning beach, with oranje sand and impressive cliffs! Very clean, very cold water (end April). It’s a 25 minute walk from Matala square, you have to climb and descend quite steeply on a rocky path. No problem for kids though, do wear shoes. The two bars weren’t open yet, but there was a guy selling drinks. There were not many people this time of year, a few nudists.

Michael S — Google review

You need to hike there in the pure sun, takes about 25min to get there from matala over the little mountain. Protect yourself from the sun (sont go during midday!), put good shoes on, walk safe and you will find a very beautiful "red" sand beach with 2 little bars with music and only a few dozens of people on the beach. You can use the benches and "umbrellas" for something like 5-8€.

Jonas R — Google review

If you’re looking for a beach adventure that mixes stunning views with a bit of a workout, Red Beach in Matala is your spot. The hike to this beach is like a scene from an action movie—complete with rocky terrain and the occasional carved figure to keep you company. It's about a 30-minute trek from Matala, so pack your sturdy shoes and plenty of water.Once you get there, the reddish sand and crystal-clear water make the effort worth it. Don’t miss out on the infamous mojito from Gianni’s bar. Trust me, that strong drink will make the hike back feel like a breeze. Just be ready for some nudist sunbathing action, especially on the southern side of the beach. This place is the perfect blend of natural beauty, a touch of quirkiness, and a whole lot of relaxation.

Robert W — Google review

In our case the beach was not worth the 1 hour hike under the hot sun (we took the route that starts after the parking lots—that might have been a mistake—and got lost a couple of times, but that seemed typical amongst first time visitors).I don't know if that's normal there but the waves were HUGE. There was a breeze, but I wouldn't say it was windy; yet the waves were as tall as me! To be fair, sitting on the red sand, further away from the water, and letting the waves hit me was kinda fun in itself.There's a huge sign that says it's a nudist beach, but there were literally only a couple of nude people among a hundred or more visitors. When my partner and I took off our swimsuits, some people even looked at us weird. 😅

Anna F — Google review

I feel this place could use a different type of review to balance things out.It’s a bit of an effort to get here but take your time and you will be fine. It will take somewhere between 20-30 min. Take the longer and easier route (through town) and get some sandwiches at the bakery.You can definitely do it in flip flops if you are used to walking in them (I did) but wife preferred sandals. Water for the walk is nice but it’s not like you’re on a hike. You can buy water at the beach if you don’t want to carry it.Come before 11:30 if you want an umbrella with sun beds. There are only about 30 of them.They cost €10 per setYou can get salads, sandwiches and some other small stuff there but we did not try that (cash only)Mojitos are €10, Yannis was closed when we were there but the was another guy selling at the beach.Naked sun bathers usually keep to the far left (and right) but the beach is mixed.We don’t like the Matala beach (too crowded) but we love this beach. It’s worth the effort.

Marcus H — Google review

To get to the Red Beach you have to hike from Matala and over the mountain. Path is well marked, steep as they come but the view of the beach from the top of the mountain is breathtaking. Definitely worth a visit. Best mojito bar in the world as well!

Filia F — Google review

Very nice beach with fine sand. Much less busy than Matala and it's really not far to get there. However, proper footwear is required for the hike. I can also recommend Jannis' Moijtos.

David N — Google review

left part of the beach is marked FKK yet few "jacket" swimmers dont respect that and look surprised to see naked people. The best is to put your towel right at the FKK sign and they start to turn around getting back to jacket beach :D

Matúš D — Google review

Definately worth it - a much better, clearer, and exotic beach comparing to the Matala one. Please take good shoes and start your journey around 7:00 a.m. - it gets freaking hot. Even hiking and view around worth it for sure ;)

Krakatau — Google review

Lovely alternative to the touristic Matala beach. You reach it after a short (20-30 min) hike which is well marked with blue arrows. At some point you will see a donation box and a sign. Feel free to leave whatever you are willing to give for preservation of this gem :) It is a fine sandy beach, sunbeds are available on the right side, there are 2 little bars with chill music. Be aware that it is marked as Nudist beach ;) but of course everyone is welcome!

Sonja L — Google review

Beautiful beach, FKK mostly take the left side away from the restaurant and bar. The waves were VERY intense when I went, I am a strong swimmer and it was difficult. There is also no toilets. The walk is a challenge so I would definitely bring tennis shoes for it. Everybody here was very respectful and quiet.

B B — Google review

Its an okay beach. To come you need to take a little walk from Matala (about 30 minutes) which is not as bad as the reviews say ( just sunny and hot). I did it in flipflops and my boyfriend without shoes and we didn't get hurt at all.People here don't know what nudist/fkk means. Most of the people are wearing clothes.I think comos Beach is the best nude beach on the island: easy access and not so crowded.

Sheila S — Google review

Fun, soft and empty beach (early May) with a funky bar right next to it. Great 45 min hike to get there.Facing the ocean on the right side of the beach there are some really cool rock sculptures that are worth exploring

Marc F — Google review

My absolute favorite out of all visited beaches on Crete. Nice 1km trail (easier with hiking shoes), marvelous red, fine sand. Deep, clear water with relaxing waves. Small bar is available (not always open). It is nudist beach, but level of nudity varied so you can visit it also if you are not nudist. Most relaxed place <3

Zuzana V — Google review

Don't forget to see mud-sculptures created by a talented couple. ;)The sculptures ain't probably gonna last until the next year due to weather, enjoy it's beauty now. :)Otherwise.. It's an amazing hippie /nude beach, warm water, sand, a vibe.Love the energy here. And yes it's hot. Even now in September. Better bring your shade and water. Otherwise sunbeds cost 8e.

P. E — Google review

May 2024: The southern part of the beach (after going down to the beach from the tavern to the left) is definitely more mixed: while in previous years the FKK culture prevailed here, now there are more and more people in swimsuits.May, 2023: There are some changes and changes to the best. The waterline receded a few meters, revealing stretches of beach that earlier were under the water. The stones that covered most of the left (southern) part of the beach in 2022 have been cleaned up, so once again, coming to the beach along the path next to the Giannis tavern and turning left, you can find a lot of space to lie down on the sand at the FKK part. On the other hand, from the tavern going to the right there is still a zone with the FKK sign.The water is still crystalline (sometimes there are waves and wind), with fine sand, and the entrance to the sea is gentle.

Sergiusz A — Google review

4.5

(1543)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (108)

4.5

(1062)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (109)

702 00, Greece

I'll never travel to Elafonissi without this trip planner again

Learn more

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (110)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (111)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (112)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (113)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (114)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (115)

I will never travel to Elafonissi without this app againAvailable on the App Store

16

Reptisland

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (117)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (118)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (119)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (120)

Mentioned on

1 list

Theme park

Nature & Parks

Nature & Wildlife Areas

Reptisland is a must-visit for reptile enthusiasts and families in the area. The wide range of rescued reptiles provides an educational and interactive experience for visitors of all ages. The friendly staff offers hands-on encounters with various animals, including the opportunity to hold snakes. The presence of a charming tortoise adds to the appeal of this unique destination, making it a great place for kids to explore and learn about these fascinating creatures.

Quite fun! I've never held a chameleon in my entire life, but the little buddy was chill about it. There was a really fast wayward turtle that thought the place was a racing track, that was quite funny to observe. I wasn't brave enough to hold the snakes, but you can. Every terrarium had a Wikipedia QR code, which was very educational. The price (4 EUR), was fair, considering that they seem to feed them fresh food (the turtle got fresh salad and strawberries). Your kids will probably love it 👍

Susanna B — Google review

It is worth a visit. There is a guide, that explains to you where the reptiles you see are coming from and some more details. You are allowed to hold and pet some chosen animals, like snakes and small dragons. It's pretty cheap (around 4€) and there is a funny turtle that roams free in the room :D

Marcel G — Google review

Absolutely loved this little gem of a place. Held various snakes and lizards. The owner was very informative, and there was no rush to put animals back into their environment, and they seemed very happy to be handled. Great for any ages. QR codes on tanks to scan for information on the animals, too. Little shop area to buy a present if you wanted. It is very cheap to enter, so donations are welcomed. Clean and very hospitable. Toilets are onside and again very clean.

Natalie G — Google review

Brilliant small zoo. Walked in and was handed a snake within minutes. Lots of animals in clean environments. Very tame and no one was bitten

Luke B — Google review

100% recommend if you are here on Crete. Very informative and lovely business. The animals were all healthy and good taken care of and the team was super friendly and made sure you feel comfortable. I really enjoyed the time and look forward to coming back here! :)

Tanja Z — Google review

Recommended place.The owner is very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. You can handle the snakes and lizards. The highlight was a tortoise walking leisurely in between the visitors 😂

Prash V — Google review

Super cool space for conquering the fear of snakes. All of the snakes there are not poisonous, so it is safe to hold them. The staff tells you facts about the animals. We did not have a lot of time so we only held 4 snakes. I would recommend giving more time for this place. They have more reptiles, so if you want to get to know all of them, reserve some time for this activity.

Ineta Z — Google review

Awesome experience!For everyone who had never touched a reptile before a absolute must and for everyone who loves animals! I had so much fun, thank you for that amazing experience and your work you put into!The service is great and the price super affordable - your money will be well spended.

Kevin Z — Google review

Definitely a hands-on experience. The owner hands you all kinds of animals from the moment you walk in. The tortoise which is always walking around the place is very friendly too. Great place for kids to visit

Peter W — Google review

For only 5 euros each, my family spent a good hour here. Sadly I cannot remember the owners name but he has created this safe haven for reptiles and they are all rescued animals. He spent ages with us letting us all handle multiple lizard and shakes and telling us the stories of how they came to be with him. The money all goes towards the upkeep of this wonderful place. Please pay them a visit ☺️

Richard C — Google review

Small Zoo with snakes, turtles and many other animals. We were there with small kids who loved it, especially to hold and pet the snakes or to see the big turtles walking around. Perfect destination on a rainy day on crete. However, not big, many people with the same idea.

Chris N — Google review

Wonderful experience that you can't get anywhere else. As soon as you go in, you are handed a snake or some other lizard. The owner is super passionate about his job and tells every single visitor about the reptiles. He loves his pets, so he calmly explains how to hold them and reassures you if you're scared of the reptiles. No matter what your opinion is about snakes or other reptiles, you should visit this place because after you leave, you will have a completely different point of view. Also, it's really cheap—only 5€ per person for an unforgettable experience.

Rytis B — Google review

This place is amazing! The animals are cared for and in good condition and it shows. The people running it are quite passionate and will explain to you in great detail everything you want to know about each snake, lizard, turtle or spider that lives here. They allow you to take some of these magnificent creatures into your hands and look at them closely. Don't worry, none of them are dangerous!

Cookie C — Google review

The absolute perfect place in you’re an animal lover! We got to hold a leopard gecko, multiple snakes and a chameleon! It seems like it is family owned, and they are so sweet and informative. We arrived around 10:00-10:30 and the place was nearly empty.It does get very crowded with large families and groups during peak season so come early. If you’re just looking to hold some animals and take pictures, I would choose somewhere else. The wait times can be long when it is crowded because it is a smaller place where they really care about the animals and you get to hold them for quite some time.If you love and care for animals it is a must visit! But beware of their turtle. It is free roaming and apparently hates black shoes and socks - and it will chase you if you are wearing either 😄

Laura S — Google review

Really worth a visit, better than the caves. The owner really cares about all of his pets and very generous with them! He’s owned some of them for over 20 years. We spent over an hour in heat and had a really fun time. This is a very hands on experience (if you want it to be), I’ve never held so many reptiles. There was even an escaping turtle when I arrived which was funny.It’s well worth stopping here on the way to the caves and then visiting the village centre.A great spontaneous day out for us!

Edward G — Google review

Very very very nice and cool.The owner makes a little tour with you and explains everything.It's a cool experience to hold snakes in your hands, what you can't really do in any normal zoo.The entry is 5€Amazing

Igor S — Google review

Small but very interesting place where you can hold snakes, lizards and gekkos. The owner gives informative details on the species and Orpheus the tortoise super cute ☺️

Di T — Google review

Amazing little reptile zoo! We where there early and had it to ourselves. The owner showed us all different kinds of animals and let us hold them! It was very exciting for our kids!!Highly recommended also in combination with Melidoni cave as its very close by!

DSS K — Google review

It was an amazing visit at this place. We never had the opportunity to get in touch with reptiles like Gecko, Chameleon and snakes that close. The owner is a very skilled and friendly person who explain and give answers to all questions around the animals. We had a very good time there.

Alex D — Google review

A great experience for reptile lovers. You'll get to hold snakes, lizards, and chameleons, all of which are very docile and used to being handled. There is a tortoise that wanders around like he owns the place and a number of other reptiles that are just for viewing. Highly recommend.

Micah W — Google review

Such amazing place owned by a lovely man who you can tell loves his job. Walked in had a brief chat and once he found out I was comfortable with all animals I was getting snakes on my shoulders and chameleons on my Arms. Really was an experience and almost was late for out transfer home because we where having such a great time :) enjoy the pictures 🌺

Lily D — Google review

A must visit! It is a small place admittedly however the owner speaks perfect English. We made the 2hr trip from the west coast (visit the cave near by also) and had a great time, they are knowledgeable and if you show a bit of confidence and interest they let you hold a wide range of animals from snakes to chameleons.Our 11 yr loved it!

Stuart L — Google review

What an amazing place. We had the place to ourselves when we arrived and the owner showed us around and let us hold some of the animals. Of interest is the 'Guard' tortoise that followed us around. Beware though we were told he doesn't like black shoes.

Neville D — Google review

What an adventure! This place was such an amazing experience, the owner is really a great guy. You get to hold different animals. It only cost 5€ per person so it is also very affordable. Many beautiful reptiles to see. Highly recommended!

Krish N — Google review

This was the most beautiful visit… We could hold some of the lizards and I totally fell in love with the snakes. They are so chill and cuddly! Anyway the stuff was also amazing I forgot to ask the name of the owner but even though he had a lot of stuff to do he paid attention to everyone and was just the best! We Thank you and will come visit again If possible!!❤️

Anna M — Google review

A fantastic experience with a lot of hands-on time with some beautiful reptiles. The owner clearly cares deeply for the animals and his enthusiasm and love for them is infectious. The animals are very well-cared for. I'd suggest combining it with a visit to Melidoni village (great spot for lunch) and Melidoni cave.

Aled E — Google review

We had the best time here. The man who owns it is so informative and kind. His mum was so lovely, too. The animals and insects and bugs were so cool to hold, and we loved it as much as the kids. Something different for you to do alongside a beach holiday. It's so well priced that we tipped our entry fee again as it seemed the right thing to do to help give the critters a happy home. We'd love to come back again one day.

Rainbowsprinkles — Google review

What a wonderful place. The staff really care about the animals and do a great job of introducing you to them.I was a bit nervous as I had not handled reptiles before, but the handler made me feel fairly confident about holding them. First we were introduced to a small Leopard Gecko before moving on to a young Milk Snake, then an adult Milk Snake, before going on to the Pythons. I really enjoyed handling these beautiful animals and learning more about them.There were many other reptiles in the facility, which we enjoyed going around at our own pace to see. Each animal had a QR code linked to a Wikipedia page, and the guide was very happy to answer any questions and as there weren't a lot of other people that day would sometimes even take them out for us to have a closer look.

Robin — Google review

This place was a highlight of the trip. The owner clearly loves all of the animals which is nice to see. This means he's also very knowledgeable and gives you information on the species.He lets you hold a lot of those on display, including lizards, snakes and chameleons with a large tortoise acting like a roomba, wandering around the floor.The place is small, but it was only €5 each and for this kind of experience, you'd pay significantly more elsewhere.Highly recommend this place for reptile or animal lovers on general.

Joe D — Google review

What a great place! I was a little apprehensive of visiting as I wouldn't say this would usually be my choice of somewhere to visit (and the thought of holding a snake or other reptiles), the same for the others in my group. But we decided to visit whilst visiting the honey museum, olive oil factory and melidoni cave all in the same day. We were so glad we did, greeted by the (surprisingly fast) tortoise that roams about the place, and then by the very friendly owners. The man in particular took our payment and then our group around the place, straight away showing us a small gecko and handing over to us. This was followed by various snakes and lastly a chameleon. He would only hand each one to you if you felt comfortable and you never felt pressured; you could tell just how passionate he is about all of the animals their and gave lots of information on them and how to handle, putting you at ease. After handing each one over he would walk off and leave you with them 😅 (whilst he spoke to other visitors) which was strange at first, but was actually another element that put you at ease as you felt very welcomed and trusted too. I never thought I would ever hold a snake, but ended up holding 3 (including 1 round the neck), the small gecko and the chameleon. A fantastic experience for all, and a must visit if you're nearby. Even if you've got any reservations, just go, you'll have a great time!

Matt H — Google review

Lovely space & atmosphere, the owner Stelios was so kind & friendly, you can really tell he cares about all the animals he looks after! The €5 entry fee goes towards his reptile rescue service! I was scared of snakes before going here, I was immediately put at ease by Stelios! An amazing experience, would definitely recommend :)

Billie-jean S — Google review

What a lovely guy. The €5 entrance fee goes towards the 500 rescued reptiles and other animals he looks after. No wonder he only has names for 5 of them! If you hold a chameleon look out for flies for them to eat. The free roaming tortoise hates black shoes and they will get nipped! We spent a good hour here holding a variety of reptiles with a lot of trust from the owner. You can see how much he cares for them all.

Louisa C — Google review

I loved this place. We stopped off here as part of the stop off on the little train. As you reach the entrance you are greeted by the most gorgeous tortoise. I have and love tortoises.They have a wide range of reptiles. The guy who looks after the animals told my daughter most of the animals are rescued reptiles.Without places like this, these poor animals would have no hope. Thanks to everyone Reptisland they have a new home and are looked after.If your ever in the area pop in its a great place for all age ranges to see all the reptiles and even hold them. My daughter did with the snakes.

Siobhan S — Google review

At first I think - good it is small, it will be fast. No, it was not. And it was incredible. The owner is so enthusiastic, he also give us a gekon and snakes to hands. If You are somewhere near, it is must see ! Entry was 5€ per person, no childer tickets, but it is worthy!

Sileny K — Google review

This is a truly amazing place that we found by chance when driving by. Encouraged by positive opinions on the internet we went there with our 7-year old son that loves animals and we were all amazed! The owner is truly knowledgeable and will tell you everything about each animal he has there. We were lucky as we were the only visitors for the majority of our visit so we picked his brain on many things. I absolutely loved the iguana and its story. The snakes are incredible, each of them has different scales and the turtle that walks freely was a cherry on the cake. I recommend it to everyone that likes animals. I’ve never experienced such a thing. Looking at an exotic animal and holding it in your hands are two different things. An additional plus for the owner: excellent English 😀

Agnieszka K — Google review

Fabulous place if you love reptiles. As soon as we walked in, we were met by a fabulous tortoise just roaming round! We were then able to handle a milk snake, a leopard gecko, two pythons and a chameleon. We could have spent longer there and my daughter (16) wants to go back.

Claire H — Google review

4.8

(2171)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (121)

5.0

(655)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (122)

Melidoni, Rethimni, Greece 740 52, Greece

+30 2834 020477

17

Melidoni Cave

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (123)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (124)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (125)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (126)

Mentioned on

+8 other lists

Historical landmark

Nature & Parks

Caverns & Caves

Melidoni Cave, also known as "Gerontospilios," is a captivating network of subterranean chambers located about 1,800 meters northwest of the village of Melidoni in Crete. This mysterious cave holds great archaeological significance and houses various artifacts that have been unearthed over time. It was once a significant worship site during the Minoan period, associated with the mythological giant Talos of Crete.

Great little cave with a lot of stalagmites and stalactites. It also contains a tribute to the fallen women and children who died from the turks. The ticket is 4 euros per adult and the view outside is breathtaking.

Jim P — Google review

Amazed with the place and the history behind it. Definitely a must if you are in the area. It’s a quick walk, however lots of stairs to go inside the cave so not handicap accessible. My mom walked half easy down and then had to go back up but we went down and enjoyed seeing the cave. It took us about 40 minutes totalIn and out.

Lori A — Google review

Very spacious cave that has an easy to follow path. Very good place to survive from the heat:) The place also have a bar with stunning panoramic views about the valley. It has an internal and external free parking area. Worth to visit during afternoon to avoid traffic

Andras A — Google review

Easy access and short visit. It gets colder in the cave. Not expensive (4€). Friendly staffs. Impressive and interesting (sad) story. Brochures in different languages are given. It's a nice stop on the way but won't drive hours just for it as small and quickly done.

S B — Google review

Without a doubt of all the caves I’ve been in this one is spectacular. It’s amazing to see and walk around knowing this cave has taken 1000s of years to form.The cave is easy to find. But google maps might take you down some tight roadsEntrance fee is 4€ per person and YOU need a current COVID vaccination pass to enter.This is checkedFree parking. But please be aware there are plenty of steps and some are slipperyCheersDR

Drone R — Google review

Nice experience with impressive background story.Although the cave is not small it won't take up to much time (25 min.) The restaurant that is also part of it serves great coffee and fresh drinks. Clean toilets. Nice views.

Michael R — Google review

Majestic. The cave itself is very impressive. It is located on top of a hill which offers great view from the top. Easy to get to by a car. The cave costs 4 euros per person to go inside. I think they've said there's 100 stairs. Its was easy even with our 14 month old baby. It was 18 degrees inside so no need for extra clothing. Definitely worth visiting.

Pawe? G — Google review

What a great little hidden gem, and something different to monuments, acropolis and beaches.It’s one large opening of a cave, well signposted and good upkeep of steps and handrails. And the cave has an interesting history and stories to read about. The visit itself was about 30 minutes to walk in, explore and to leave the cave.Overall, if you are in the area, it is worth a visit. But maybe not if you have to drive out of your way.

D S — Google review

Impressive cave and worth a visit. Just be aware that this is a rather short visit as there is only 1 room to explore. I would not recommend it if you have to drive far, but it definitely is an impressive (and historical) place. If you can add it to your plan, do it.

Timo F — Google review

Wow!! My husband and I were blown away by this cave. We went to Zeus's cave the previous day, but liked this cave much more. The stairs and pathways are in great shape with excellent lighting. The cave just is awe inspiring - you feel so small knowing how much history has transpired in this place. Definitely worth visiting. The staff at the ticket office are some of the friendliest we have met on our 2 week visit to Greece ☺️

Joan P — Google review

370 women and children were murdered in the cave in the 1800's, killed by asphyxiation which is pretty gnarly. The limestone has created rock formations over 200 million years. When you step back and think about it it's an amazing place.

Richard C — Google review

Beautiful cave, there are about 100 steps but it's not that bad. Nice and cool in cave 18c all year round. Well worth a visit. Plus views are spectacular

Claire S — Google review

The history is fascinating. The cave is beautifully presented. Great views over the valley from outside and a good cafe (we didn't use it but staff were lovely).

Mandy H — Google review

We went on 31st December. So it was off season and almost public holiday. There was no rush rather weirdly empty. There are 3 parts of the cave out of which 2 were closed for maintenance. So we could cover that in 15 minutes. While the cave history is fascinating the cave itself is quite small. But it is worth a visit once definitely. Just one note, in the peak season parking can be a challenging task, there are parking place for 6-7 cars and rest goes into the road. So plan your visit accordingly

Shankar B — Google review

A beautiful place to visit, with a sombre story. First of all walking down into the cave is a welcome break from the heat outside at this time of year. The view of the cave as you walk down the steps in stunning, and equally so as you walk around it. Reading the stories as you go round, especially of the many souls that where intentionally trapped and passed away down their, lead to moments of reflection of those events that took place right where you are stood. In my opinion a must visit if you're nearby. The views from the car park outside are stunning too.

Matt H — Google review

Cool cave with a morbid but interesting history. Cool escape from the heat and not terribly difficult. Pretty ample parking which spreads down the hill a bit.The visit lasts only probably 30 minutes and is only for the very large main cave.A restaurant with a juice bar and ice cream shop are at the entrance.Friendly people.

Jason — Google review

Originally reviewed 4 yrs ago, google deleted photos in error so reposting;Impressive cave to wonder through.It's a very small loop once you've descended the at times slippery stairs.You get a brochure with the information/history of the cave which is quite interesting to read.Entrance fee is € 4,- per person, very doable.

Lord S — Google review

I visited Melidoni Cave in the off-season so I had the cave all to myself. If you visit in the winter, they have very limited hours so plan accordingly.I was staying in Rethymno for a few days so it was an easy 1 hour drive through the twisty mountain roads. If you start your day in the morning, you can pair up the visit to the cave with something like Arkadi Monastery, stopping by a local tavern in between or in the end. If you’re out of Rethimno, it’s an easy loop for a day trip.Story of Melidoni Cave:At the beginning of November 1824, during an Ottoman operation to eliminate the resistance in and around the surrounding villages, 300+ civilians and 20+ fighters took refuge in the cave waiting to be saved.After refusing to leave the cave when they were eventually discovered, the leader of the Ottoman Army unit ordered his men to seal the entrance of the cave with rocks and stones and afterwards to set flammable materials on fire. The civilians and their defenders died by suffocation.

Tyrone — Google review

Found by accident as we drove around the countryside. Interesting history, we were last visitors for the day so lucky, we had the place to ourselves. Amazing stalagmites and stalactites.well organised, we had good footwear as bit slippery and uneven-we left older relative up at cafe.

John W — Google review

A must see! If you love a quick trip and an exploration, this is a definite choice. The cave has a lot of history to it, and it's so much more beautiful than expected. Loads of stairs all around to view the whole cave - with illuminated lights, lighted paths, and fascinating structure of the actual cave itself. The entry was about 4 euro, so not expensive at all. The little cafe next to it wasn't too expensive, and they did amazing smoothies. Recommend visiting!

Asia B — Google review

Cost effective and very interesting. Fairly busy when we visited. Was close to where lived but I think a journey of up to 30 mins would be worthwhile. It’s one big room but it’s beautiful and with a sad history. Recommended.

Simon K — Google review

Stairs is not so long and temperature inside the cave is much lower than outside what helps you to climb up the stairs. Cave is beautiful and there are some descriptions which interesting to read. Parking is in front of entrance. WC is near ticket office and it’s free. I liked this place.

Kate B — Google review

Absolutely beautiful. Lovely drive up to the caves with plenty of space for parking. Really reasonable price to get in, easy walk to the caves and inside is stunning. Not a place you would spend hours at, we only had a short stop there but it’s really worth a visit. Beautiful view from the parking area too.Also when we visited a member of staff had recently got married and left some favours out for visitors to take. Such a sweet idea and really made me smile. I have kept the bag and ribbon special.

Lauren C — Google review

There is a car park on the front gate. It is easy to get there. The cave doesn't have a lot of stairs and also it's like 3mins walk from the gate to get to the cave. It's a little slippery so watch your feet once you get there. The place is definitely worth seeing.

Monika L — Google review

What a beautiful place. Great views across mountains and the village. Many steps to get down the cave I counted 126! They are spread out so not too bad. Amazing cave with a great story. Cafe on site so u can enjoy the view with a brew😁 amazing stalegmites and tights. Great place.❤️

Andrea C — Google review

A wonderful cave that you can explore on your own. The round does not take much time. The cave has a quiet atmosphere and the mind is sad when you think of the 370 villagers who were killed in the cave in 1823. The remains of the victims are gathered in a grave that is in the cave.

Jarkko K — Google review

Absolutely amazing place to visit and worth a trip here. Only 4 euros each to go in which is good value in my opinion. Steps into the cave are not too bad and once you go in…wow it’s just amazing. So much history down there, very interesting and they are probably some of the best caves I have ever been to. Not a long walk round but it’s what you make it. I took my time to stop and take it all in. Stunning place. Cafe up the top and fab views all around

Caroline B — Google review

Very good attraction. Only accessible to those who can descend and climb about 100 stairs. However, the effort is worthwhile. Small taverna/café at the site. Lots of parking too.

Jim Y — Google review

The cave is cool for a quick stop if you are around. It’s chilly inside but not cold. The cave has a sad history, which is interesting to learn about. The views from the road up and the scenery near the cave are really nice; you can see the entire plateau.

Mantas G — Google review

The caves are obviously the main part of this company thing ( the caves are very interesting!) but I have to mention the cafe!! The cafe! A HUGE selection of different ice cream flavours (that can be made into milkshakes) and coffee is lovely! Staff is also so kind!! Highly recommend the milkshakes though! We have been coming here for a few years now and love it so thank you!!

Lois P — Google review

Quick visit but very much worth it. The cave itself is very interesting. Walking through it took us about 10-15 mns. The temperature is cool inside the cave, which felt very nice on a hot day. There is parking around. They have restrooms and a small cafe. The entrance fee is really inexpensive. Parking is free.

Christina M — Google review

Great to visit as a break from the hot weather. Combine with Reptisland down the hill for a great half day out of the sun.Take your time in the entrance to the cave to allow your eyes to adjust and watch your step on the way down. Superb cave to visit, unlike anything we've ever seen before.

Matt W — Google review

Absolutely worth the detour. Takes half an hour to visit, but stunning. Especially if you take into account the historical events

Kevin V — Google review

A nice way to cool down to 16 degrees Celsius. Small cave but huge main hall. 4 euro per person

Bart K — Google review

Tragic backstory but a really striking cave. 101 steps down (my count) so bear that in mind. Worth a visit to at least pay your respects.

Larzo A — Google review

4.5

(5858)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (128)

4.0

(666)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (129)

Melidoni, 740 52, Greece

+30 694 156 1261

18

Agios Pavlos Beach

Beach

Outdoor Activities

Beautiful beach with crystal clear water. There’s free space if you don’t want to use the sun beds and umbrellas.

Sofia S — Google review

Very nice beach, we went there because it was a 20-minute drive from where stayed at Agia Galini. There are sunbeds, umbrellas and a café next to the beach. Parking is free and right next to the beach. There were not a lot of people, we arrived early in the morning. At the end of the beach, there is a stair that leads to the top. Water is crystal clear.

Sarah — Google review

A pretty little beach with crystal clear water but not so easy to get in and out of the water. The views all around the bay are magnificent.

Rebecca T — Google review

This beach is beautiful. I’m from Houston so seeing this turquoise water is mesmerizing. This is the perfect location for a get a way.

Carlazeli G — Google review

This is a must see beachHas clearest water 💦And nice place to stay enjoy for the dayNot easy to come-road is a killer. I mean that

Vojislav G — Google review

Views amazing, water so clear, great for swimming and snorkeling, definitely worth a visit and worth the walk down & up the sand dunes!

LGW L — Google review

Excellent beach situated at 20 minutes drive from Agia Galini, on a beautiful next to the sea road. Beach has umbrellas and sun beds, a tavern next to the beach, showers, toilet, Wi-Fi from taverna. On the beach there are also places where you can stay for free. Parking places right next to the beach. Beach has fine gold sand, but when you go into the sea shoes are mandatory or you must do it carefully because of the slippery yellow stones at the shore. Water is crystal clear perfect for snorkeling. There are 2 paths of 5 minutes waking to places where you can see awesome panorama of the beach and of the Libyan sea. There is a tavern next to the beach with good snacks, salads, drinks and ice cream at affordable prices. We’ll definitely come back at this beautiful place.

Cata — Google review

Nice small pebble/sand beach with a few cafes/tavernas and hotel. Narrow roads on cliffs that take you there. Car/scooter required. Free parking.

Miri — Google review

Lovely beach and Taverna. It was quiet when we got there at 2pm.Beware getting into the water, there is a flat rock which is very slippery! Beautiful clear water.Good snorkelling, and an amazing sunset over the sandhill beach next door - go up the steps to the right of the beach.Would definitely return.

Sian D — Google review

We ended up on this beach by accident, but it was the best experience of our lives so far. Spontaneous parties are the best parties.

Tibor P — Google review

Great location. Stunning views. Lots of rock pool for kids to spend hours. Rock at top of the hill is amazing with decent path uphill.

Dinesh H — Google review

Great and calm beach.bring water shoes to it. Lots of rocks on the bottom but the beach is sandy

J F — Google review

Perfect all round beach. Hire sun loungers and stay all day. Great for swimming and snorkeling. The Taverna close by is ideal for lunch. The drive there is an adventure, but it's definitely worth it.

Daniel H — Google review

19

Seitan Limania

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (132)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (133)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (134)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (135)

Mentioned on

17 lists

Public beach

Outdoor Activities

Beaches

Seitan Limania is a remote sandy beach located in Cape Akrotiri, about 20km east of Chania town on the island of Crete. It is surrounded by rock formations and nestled in a wild area, making it unique and beautiful. Despite not being as wide as Elafonisi or exotic like Balos, Seitan Limania's striking blue shades of the sea attract many visitors.

Small but amazing hidden beach. Loved it. Had an amazing time there. In peak Summer, it might get crazy busy with a lot of tourists. Remember three things going there.1 - the drive there is by a sneaky road, so be prepared to drive carefully. Its not crazy, you can do it.2 - you need to hike down from the parking to the beach, so NO sandals please for the hike. Hike is not too extreme, so dont worry. Just be prepared3 - Go in the first half of the day, as during second half the sun starts hiding off of the cliffs

Soum — Google review

Such an Amazing beach between the mountains...incredible views great place. It's a bit hard to get down and up there ( kind of climbing) so be prepared...It's even suitable for sporting people, u can climb and jump in the water.

Ayham A — Google review

One of the most beautiful beaches in this area! Much more worth it than Elafonisi! There's parking, but you need to descend on a pretty narrow path down the mountain to get to the beach. We did it in flip flops with a 7y old in about 10-15 minutes. Ascend is easier! The beach is narrow, but not too crowded. Bring your own umbrella because there is some shade up until 11 am. Water is crystal clear and cold enough so you can chill on a hot day like ours - 26.07.23 - 42 deg C.Highly recommend arriving early, until 10 am so you can enjoy the almost empty beach.Well worth the trip, descent and ascent!

Marica D — Google review

I will start off by stating that the effort you put in to reach the beach is totally worth it.There's a big area where you can park your car which is not tied to any sort of payable amount, but it is a bit concerning since the goats that are strolling around might climb on top of your car.Expect a downhill walk besides harsh rocks that are indeed dangerous. There are chains nailed in the rocks at some places which you can use for stability.The beach itself is not so big which may result in tight spaces where you might or might be able to sit.The waters are crystal clear and beautiful.Do expect to be bothered by a lot of goats. If they smell food will for sure reach out to you and try to grab the food by force.It is a nice touch and many may say that it works as an attraction as well, but it might get annoying at some point. fortunately, they are tamed to an extent they do not appear to be hostile, however, I would be cautious around them.there is nothing down there to get anything to eat or drink. so be prepared and bring your own stuff.

Apostolis M — Google review

Beautiful beach! 💙 Worth the trek down there but it’s quite scary as it’s not really steps.. more like climbing down rocks on a cliff edge to get to the bottom, take good shoes.

Stacy S — Google review

Extremely crowded on a very small beach. I recommend visiting early in the morning or at sunset. View is absolutely amazing. Road is not so bad as others said, but still with small children or elder is not recommended. Is a short 15 min descending in the cliffs and definitely not with Beach slippers. Don’t carry on with you scuba diving equipment because water is not so clear

Cata — Google review

One of my favorite beaches on Crete. It's possible to jump from cliff. Water is deep but rocks are sharp. I recommend swimming shoes for more pleasant climbing. Take potato chips for goats - they love it. Snorkeling is also pleasant there due to colorful fishes.

Bartek N — Google review

Picturesque beach location, only available by boat or hike! Not strenuous, maybe half a mile, but very very rocky & with a lot of food traffic can get busy going up & down. Not Ada accessible. It was worth it for this view & beach experience! Billy Goats will approach you, not harmful. Once down there it’s just breathtaking.

Kara G — Google review

Quite nice little pebbles beach with entertaining goats 🐐Worth a visit despite the climb (wear proper shoes!) and the clever but stubborn goats, which will harass you and search your bags for food. It’s probably best to bring no food at all and enjoy the show put up by the goats and the other tourists. 😂

Diego C — Google review

Amazing beach ,clear blue water and some goats. The goats will steal your food 😁, please be kind to them and keep your bags closed and give them some bread when you leave the beach. Don't forget to leave your trash with you. The access to the beach is made by rocky pat. Advice: use sneakers to do this pat.

Diana S — Google review

It is a steep descent to the small beach area and it rocky. One must be careful and having good knees help. It is gorgeous once there, refreshing turquoise water sandwiched between bare rocky heels on either side. Plenty of goats to welcome you.

Victor V — Google review

The view is incredible. It can get a little crowded at 12. There are goats, if you feed them you won't get rid of them (i made new friends see pictures). You need proper shoes not white like mine, it's doable with sandals too.

LiviuAM2 — Google review

Brilliant afternoon out.Great climbing down and back up to the car park ...but be very careful.The goats are good and keeping you company but I would recommend NOT taking food down with you as the goats will be in your bags eating it.One of the nicest swims I have had .... Great experience.Loved it..😆

Mel R — Google review

It feels like driving to the end of the world, a sharp serpentine and a parking lot and the end. A very steep and adventurous climb down to the beach. Please: No flip-flops! Very fantastic blue or better turquoise water! But little bit crowded.

Dirk V — Google review

I think pictures can't portrait the beauty of this beach! Totally worth the small hike to get to the beach! However, I suggest use a good pair of sneakers because you will walk through many rocks. Plus, goats are super friendly and hungry! 😋

Maritere — Google review

Extremely beautiful cave with a 10 minute hike down from the parking spot. Be aware of the goats they WILL eat anything you bring down. Overall cool vibe an beautiful water also perfect for cliff diving 👌🏼

Jakob — Google review

Lovely small hidden beach, no goats this time. Such a beauty spot! But I am not joking when I say it's a fight to get to. The roads are narrow and scary. You need good footwear and knees of steel. But once you get to the bottom you see the most beautiful rocky beach with clear blue waters. A true gem.

Holly P — Google review

The next beach ever! But DO remember to take full shoes in order to get there! There is a hike which isn't so easy before you reach the beach. The beach is small but lovely! Don't forget to bring some carrots for the goats there and they will never let you go just become your pets;)

Gina C — Google review

Absolutely stunning! The hike down was treacherous, so you should wear good shoes. It's like a private little beach. Highly recommend! Beware of the goats. They will try to steal your food, but they are fun to watch.

Scott S — Google review

Der Zugang zum Strand ist steil, steinig und sehr schmal. Man braucht unbedingt feste Schuhe um dorthin zu gelangen. Am Strand muss man mit Ziegen rechnen, die sehr aufdringlich sind, im Gepäck schnüffeln und alles essbare klauen 😂 es gibt am Strand keine Möglichkeit etwas zum Essen oder zum trinken zu kaufen, man sollte unbedingt etwas mitbringen(Translated by Google)The access to the beach is steep, rocky and very narrow. You definitely need sturdy shoes to get there. On the beach you have to expect goats that are very intrusive, sniff your luggage and steal everything edible 😂 There is no possibility to buy anything to eat or drink on the beach, you should definitely bring something with you

Katarzyna S — Google review

We went down with 9yrs old child. The trail down to the beach needs your mind-focus when descending, and certain strength when ascending. It is not too dangerous but does require orders when the visitors are in crowds. The view and water as well as the rocks aside are just beautiful and fun for a half day enjoyment here. The goats are very curious trying to poke into every single bag…

Y J — Google review

I was literally out for a morning ride to find something to do. I just got to the island and didn't want to waste one minute. I stumbled on this 💎 GEM. It may be well known by locals, but I absolutely loved it. Don't wear flip-flops. The hike is very technical however, very doable. The age range while I was there about 10 to mid 60's just take your time and watch your step it's about a 10 to 15 minute walk straight down a gully.Clothes were optional... one last but very important fact the goats are very aggressive to eat anything you have, including books. Bring something that you can secure all of your stuff and don't leave it unattended when you go in the water.

LAUS D — Google review

Great beach to spend 2-3 hours, not much to do except taking great photos and swim. Photos are amazing. Hard to go down from the parking is rocky and wear the shoes, NO FLIP-FLOPS. Bring umbrella if you want to stay longer. I’m giving 5* because this is really something for nature give us to see. Enjoy every moment is worth it.

Goran T — Google review

Beautiful! Small hidden beach - the path down requires good shoes! Please do not wear flip-flops/crocs. The goats are very cheeky😂, will drink from bottles (we wanted to get rid of water before the flight) and eat anything you offer. They even jump on cars 😐

Martin A — Google review

Breathtaking views.Prepare for a dangerous hike, definitely not for beginners. Don’t go alone. However, it was just 15-20 min.The turquoise water and experience was worth it…

Julia P — Google review

Rocky beach, small, though very beautiful! It’s pretty dangerous though (cliff and you may slip) as there is a hike to go down. You can get pretty lost if you don’t pay attention going back up (when leaving).

Mike S — Google review

Be aware of harsh goats that, like monkeys in Thailand or the Spirits of this place, can demand some sacrifices from visitors😉 Definitely do not recommend wearing flip-flops, as descending/ascending to the beach is harsh—you need to climb down a shattered, stony road, and there is a possibility they will get ripped apart. However, the place is amazing. You can jump from cliffs about 2-5 meters high. There is a possibility that if you swim far into open water, you may encounter lost jellyfish tentacles and get stung if you are not wearing a long wetsuit.

Ivan K — Google review

This is a very cool beach. The drive here is amazing, offers very steep switchbacks coming down to the parking lot. Once you get to the parking lot, there is a trail with switchbacks going down to the beach.People were cliff jumping, swimming, laying out or just hanging around.The goats are nice to see but they liked bugging people also. (Probably looking for food) is my guess

Mike P — Google review

The trail to Seitan Limania is a bit difficult. It is relatively steep and will take you 10-20 minutes, depending on your speed. It is a scary trail when you first walk it, as it is next to the cliff and the ropes that are there to hold on to and to prevent falls don't feel very steady. You have to be careful, but I believe that a person with not much experience in hiking and without the best physical condition can still manage it. I saw parents hiking on this trail with their children and they were okay, old people might find it difficult. Make sure to use good shoes and not flip flops. The sun is unforgiving and there are no shops on the beach, so make sure to wear sunscreen and have water, food, and whatever else you might need on you (but pack as light as you can). I would recommend to use a backpack and not a handbag, as you will need your hands to be free for better balance. The views from the trail are breathtaking and the beach, even though crowded, is worth the effort!

Cookie C — Google review

Beautiful place and THE GOATS!! Most of them at parking lot (and yes, they may end up on your vehicle so make sure you are insured!)Don’t feed them and don’t take any food as they will get into your bag once they smell something and will rip off any packaging you put your food in.If, by any chance you take any food, try to eat it as quickly as possible in water (yes, they do not enter sea) and once again… DO NOT FEED THEM!!!If you want to hide in the shade, choose right hand side and go early 9-10am and leave before noon as it becomes very busy and sun may catch up.Hike is EASY! Sandals or closed boots are recommended but 50% of ppl come in flip flops! Easiest „mountain type” hike I have been to… and I have very bad knee.. and it was easier than all of the „easy” trails I have been to this year, so don’t be afraid and go to the beach!

Rafał P — Google review

Surreal experience. Beautiful private swimming cove that’s pretty hard to access. The drive in has extreme winding roads and after you park you have to hike down an extremely steep and rocky path. Better not wear flip flops there are no safety railings.If you complete the challenge you will be rewarded with a beautiful swimming beach with cliffs for cliff jumping and for the goats.The goats are good aggressive so keep your food away from them.

Andrew L — Google review

Absolutely stunning…get there early, at 11am it was maybe 15 people but by 1pm it was closer to 50 which is very noticeable for such a small beach…this is definitely a must see when in Crete, you won’t regret itAlso, the hike is short (about 15 minutes, but NOT easy…good shoes are a must, doing it in sandals is a terrible idea, highly advise against that)

A. K — Google review

Fun beach close to Chania. Clear water that is 8-10m deep and nearly perfectly clean bottom. Cliffs are great for cliff diving. Not much shade so be ready for that. Parking is small so go early. Path is steep but doable for most people. A bit intimidating but not unsafe. Real shoes are advisable.Goats are a real issue. Seriously if you bring food just walk back into the cliff path to eat it or they will bully you until you feed them.

Ryan C — Google review

the most gorgeous blues in Crete! 💙i went down to the beach in my flip flops, it’s not for the faint hearted if you don’t like heights and aren’t very adventurous.suddenly out of nowhere, a group of goats came down, it was cute and entertaining at first however they got a little violent, grabbing bags looking for food. they stayed for a good three hours, which was a little annoying as we couldn’t go swim during that time and had to guard our bags 😏thrilling cliff jumping spots too, just be careful! it was one of my best road trips!

Fatema S — Google review

AMAZING Unique views. Goats on roof of vehicles n everywhere. steep cliffside hike, 10x easier (quicker short distance but difficult trail) than ballos. Just be careful, take your time. Kids should be careful if any. Swims, visibility bad for snorkeling, cliff jumps, rock climbing to jump in

Alyssa M — Google review

Beautiful spot, the climb/descend can be challenging for elders or less mobile people but it is well worth the challenge. Beautiful views and swimming spot, we could even swim on the 29th of December.

JF P — Google review

Must visit beach! To get there is pretty easy as the road is well maintained. I recommend be there around 8:30-9:00 as parking lot is small. We went around this hour and there were plenty of free places. The hike down is not that scary and difficult as well. Do not wear flip flops, watch your steps and you’ll be fine. Take snacks and water with you. Goats on the beach are very friendly and will eat your food unless you close your bags/backpacks. So if you plan to socialise with them bring some extra food. You can cliff jump which we did. Take water shoes with you as the rocks are pretty painful to stand on. Since the beach is tiny expect it to get very crowded in the afternoon.

Диана П — Google review

We arrived just before 9am and only about 5 small groups there, when we left at 12.30ish there were at least 60/70 people there.100% recommend to come early.Goats arrived after a few hours, don't bring food unless you don't mind them stealing it as they will go through your bag for it 😂A steep walk down but worth it when get there

Amy C — Google review

A must see!! Beautiful milky blue waters coming into a white rock/ sand beach. Friendly goats climb down the rock wall to walk among you. Sometimes they try to go through your bags but a small firm push sends them away. The walking path down is definitely very rocky and sharp but very short. The car road has very tight corners and a steep drop so only go if you are a competent, confident driver. Perfect cliffs for cliff jumping, an easy swim out to the rocks and a small climb let’s you jump into the ocean. Varying heights to jump from depending on how confident you are. Very highly recommend this place!!

Layla S — Google review

A must-see beach with goats when visiting Crete!Bear in mind that there is a 20-minute walk down a steep rocky path and doing it with flip-flops can be risky. It is a good idea to look after your bags and stuff as these goats can get quite proactive looking for food everywhere.We were lucky to see only one goat on the beach which was quite friendly and mannered :)

Momchil I — Google review

Nice and cool looking hidden beach, however the name matches the path going to the beach - sharp, slippery and steep rocks. A bit dangerous, but a cool experience and worth seeing. Recommend going in full shoes, not crocs.

DepeszHubert — Google review

Wonderful place, even if it's crowded, it's worth it. I recommend to eat before going and not to bring food, otherwise the goats will beg/search and even try to pick it out a bag if they smell it. Also bring water and an umbrella.

Ciprian T — Google review

One of a kind beach to visit in Crete.Absolutely spectacular view from the top to the torquoise water deep down in the gorge. It was a spontaneous visit so we came with our regular slippers and were afraid we wouldn't be able to climb down the path, but it was fine to go with any kind of shoes, however, if you plan to go there, rather wear hiking or snorkeling shoes for stability. The beach has goats that feel absolutely free to chill there and interact with the visitors, if you wish to feed them, please do not use human snacks and fast food which we saw the majority did, buy some carrots, apples or cucumbers instead. Absolute must visit place!

Iren Y — Google review

Secluded, interesting beach. It is perfect for cliff jumping. Not interesting for snorkeling, even though the waters are crystal, there is nothing to see underwater. The pathway to it is very steep and the way back is hard in the heat. The parking is free. Be careful with the goats, they are indeed eating everything and will go through your stuff, bags and all.

Petko D — Google review

Beautiful! but the hike can be treacherous without the right shoes or if you aren’t careful. The water is nice but not good for snorkeling. The goats are very cool but don’t bring your lunch because they will take it from you! They ran off with peoples bags a few times!

Kat P — Google review

Very overpopulated but it is amazing experience. It is very beautiful, there are goats everywhere and it is good for swimming with mask. Just be careful with your stuff because the goats will eat and take everything.

Hristo B — Google review

Fantastic beach. Would recommend getting here before 9am to make sure you get a good spot on the beach. When you get to the parking lot, be sure to take the path on the left as it’s a much easier walk down and only took us about 15 minutes. There will be be another route back up once you get to the beach. Beach started to get overly crowded around 1130 but made for a great morning and incredible pictures. Would not recommend bringing food due to the goats but they are funny to watch

Carl C — Google review

Call it a secret beach, a hidden beach, an unbeaten path, or anything else.This beach is a limited edition. It can't fit all. The size is small and very steep terrain to access it. If you are not fit or have powerful legs, then this place is not for you.There are no services here since it's supposed to be a hidden beach.Just an advice, get there early. As early as 7am. You'll love it! 👌🏻Things to pack: towels, umbrellas, water, sun cream, food, and some food for the goats 🐐

Ali T — Google review

4.7

(8579)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (136)

4.5

(1255)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (137)

Seitan limania, Greece

20

Marathi Beach

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (138)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (139)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (140)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (141)

Mentioned on

6 lists

Beach

Outdoor Activities

Marathi Beach, located just 17 km from Chania town, is a picturesque coastal area with two stunning sandy beaches separated by a charming small port. The beaches are well-organized and offer shallow waters, making it an ideal destination for families with young children. Additionally, the beach is popular among locals and visitors alike due to its crystal-clear waters and protection from strong winds. Marathi Beach also boasts traditional taverns serving local delicacies and beach bars where visitors can enjoy refreshing drinks.

Our favourite beach in West Crete! For a young family this beach is just perfect. Small, quiet and spotlessly clean. The water is shallow, almost no waves except for small ripples caused by passing ships and protected from the wind. Lovely view of the mountains too. We enjoyed sitting at the end of the bay as it has free parking steps away from your spot on the beach and a wonderful family run beach side restaurant with great food and service. Beach even has a mascot goose who swims in the sea. Our toddler spent hours playing on the sand, searching for pebbles in the surf and swimming in the calm warm sea. Arrive by around 11am to make sure you have a sun bed as it starts to get busy from around then. €8 for 2 sun beds and umbrella, €3 for an extra sun bed. Look forward to returning again in the future.

Aimee L — Google review

Love everything about this beach! It’s small, cozy, located in a bay area where the waves are not as strong. That makes it a great place to swim and enjoy a pretty view as well!There are multiple restaurants options available with good prices and welcoming staff. Also water activities for those interested!Came back here because we liked it so much!

Diana V — Google review

Beach is nice, but not clean. The way to the beach is dangerous for little child. Stairs are high, made off ground and wood. Price for set umbrella is realy high. 20 euro for set , two beds and umbrella.

S D — Google review

Always a great idea for family fun, combining good waters (ideally morning hours the true colours are seen) and good restaurant options for all day fun. Love the night quiet dinning and lights.

Ioanna K — Google review

Love this beach! Like most beaches in Crete getting there is an adventure but worth it! Chairs and umbrellas are reasonably priced. Get there early or they will be sold out. If you are not an early bird you can arrive after 2pm when many people start leaving. Absolutely a must visit!

Samuel — Google review

Extremely beautiful small bay. Very clean sand and sea, 8 euro for 2 sunbeds and 1 umbrella. The photos don't show just how amazing the view towards the mountains is.

Ana P — Google review

This is a very nice beach and has many taverns and restaurant’s to choose from, and a nice little beach cafe in the harbour.It is possible to rent standup paddle boards, kayaks, pedal boats and motor boats very easily from a vendor on the beach, and there are other options for motor boats etc. along the roadside.It can get very busy here at weekends as it’s very popular!

Matt S — Google review

Beautiful beach with crystal-blue water and super soft sand!Be aware, if you wanna have a relaxed day I suggest you go in the middle of the week (don’t go on weekends you ll be sorry) , early morning (8am) because it’s absolutely full of families with kids and very aglomerated, so keep that in mind.

Ale — Google review

Amazing beach, specially if you have kids. Water is clear, clean and calm.There is a rental place where you can rent a pedal boat with a slide for €30/hour. Kids loved it and they said it was the highlight of our holidaysSunbeds are €20 (2 chairs and one umbruella). We arrived around 11 am and got one of the few sunbeds availableWe had a better time there rather than at elafonisi

Adriana B — Google review

Cute place that’s way less crowded than most beaches and also has calm clear water. Don’t pay for the parking where there’s parking signage, drive past and turn left for a feee parking lot and bigger stretch of the beach right in front of a cute fish tavern called rokos. More room for beach towels there as well.

Pardis P — Google review

A lovely little beach not far from Chania. Very cozy, with beach chairs and umbrellas for rent (9€ for two chairs, a table and an umbrella). The water is shallow and very protected from the open, so perhaps a bit warmer than anywhere else. A couple of restaurants and a small change room made everything perfect. There is free parking if you keep driving down toward the beach.

Krista P — Google review

Perfect beach away from the busy areas, calm and nice water, prices are affordable and you can rent boats to sail on your own!

Ali — Google review

We had a good time. This beach was clean and the water was clear. It was crowded and there were lots of kids, but it was pleasant and not too expensive. The restaurants were only so so, but beach food is beach food.

Matthew C — Google review

We arrived around 9.15am on an extremely busy day in August.The sunbeds were already 50% gone with no parasols left soon after 10am.The beach is beautiful with soft white sand in a sheltered bay.It's a small sheltered bay with a fishing quay to one side.There's a selection of tavernas and a cabin on the quay selling hot and cold drinks and snacks.You do have to pay for sunbeds it was around 8 euros for two with an umbrella. The downside was that there weren't any as the beach was so busyYou park on the quayside of the small harbor that is surrounded by small tavernas and restaurants.Arrive early if you want a parking space and a sunbed.It's worth it.Beautiful bay, great beach, great views. Very safe for families.Very accessible for drinks and snacks through the day

Magnus G — Google review

This is a really nice beach,close to Chania (20min tops).It’s a kind of a gulf with two beaches with sand separated by a parking place.8€ per set of umbrella and sun beds.Very good coffee shops and restaurants nearby.If you get early in the morning (anytime before 9:30) you can find free parking either next to the beach either on the road. You will see plenty if cars parked next to the road, that’s just the Greek parking, you can use it as well. 😀 There is also a private parking which costs 4€/ day.But the water is amazing. Shallow waters and enough space for children to play. If you venture a little further there is cristal clear water with no waves. It’s a perfect place for a day at the beach.

Raluca C — Google review

Beautiful place, nice and quiet sand beach. Love it

Gill R — Google review

It is a must.One of the most beautiful beaches in Crete.

Giouana P — Google review

Gorgeous beach with all amenities. Arrive early and there's a car park (€4 for the day). A few areas with chairs and good sun blocking umbrellas to rent (€8 for the day). Gorgeous sandy beaches, changing facilities, many tavernas and refreshment areas and toilets. A lovely way to spend the day.

Wendy — Google review

The beach is too crowded, there’s barely any place to sit. We got there at 11am and by 12pm there wasn’t any sunbeds available. The only reason we went was for the sea food restaurant Marathi restaurant. But if you are short on time, definitely don’t waste your time visiting this beach

Tamara H — Google review

We loved it so much that we wen there twice in our 1 week stay in Chania. It is one of best beaches in Chania. Prices is affordable too. 8 euros for a set of umbrella with 2 beds and small restaurants around the beach offer good food with normal prices. There is a paid parking area but I recommend not to use it because there is enough space around the beach to park safely and free then walk 100-50 meters to the beach.

Intigam F — Google review

Our family has come here every time we are in Greece for longer than I’ve been alive (the last three generations) and we can’t get enough of it. The water is very calm making it enjoyable to go for long swims that are relaxing. The view is stunning, food is amazing, and the only downside is how busy it is. As the years have gone on the beach has continuously gotten busier, and now it feels more developed than ever. It has still maintained its charm though, and it’s best if you can get there early in the morning or later in the afternoon/evening because it’s not quite as hot, and there are less people so it’s easier to get a chair. It’s also nice that they have 2 chairs and an umbrella for 8 euros. Highly recommended if you are close to Chania!

Harry F — Google review

We love an early morning swim here when there are only two or three other swimmers, I want to cherish this memory and not go during the day when it's crowded.It's such a beautiful sandy beach with clear blue sea, deep for swimming and the views are spectacular 💖

Di K — Google review

The sea is very clean and the sand is clean without garbage.Shallow water good for kids.2 sunbeds and one umbrella costs 8€.There are plenty of places for food and drinks.

Mette A — Google review

Well it is a nice beach. But it is not worth the hustle. There are many beaches closer to Chania that are as beautiful. Too crowded. Even in September.

Yoram D — Google review

Although a bit crowded during weekends of September, I loved the beach because of crystal clear and always calm water, stunning view of mountains and nice restaurants. The beach is great for paddleboarding (SUP) because of the beautiful cost and nearby island you may want to explore, SUP rental is available. Of you feel like beautiful organized beach with all services, this is the place for you and your kids.

Lenka B — Google review

great and cozy beach! it is recommended to arrivedearly in the morning to be sure to find sun-beds. Allpeople working at the different structures on thebeach or at the tavernas are lovely, smiley andavailableThis is a very pretty little cove with soft sand. Thereare parasols and loungers to hire for a veryreasonable cost (8 euros per set) and a nicerestaurant/snack bar - they did us an early lunchbefore they were really open, as we had to get tothe airport. We arrived early before a flight home (itis only 10 mins from the airport) and it was empty butI have been told that it gets very busy on a weekendwith locals - it can be a good beach when it is windydue to it facing the other direction to most of thebeaches in the area - it didn't matter to us though aswhen we visited it was very calm and the sea waslike glass. There is a handy shower and we spent apleasant couple of hours here. We parked rightnext to the beach for free - continue to drive acrossthe harbour wall and park up near the restaurant.You will need to pay a few euros if it is busy and youhave to park in one of the car parks a bit furtheraway from the beach. The only thing stopping itbeing 5 stars are the flies, there did seem to bequite a lot and they are annoying when you aretrying to sunbathe and they keep landing on you! Itis only a few minutes from the other beach, Loutraki,so swapping between the two would be easy. Sadly,we didn't have time to explore both.

Mohammed D — Google review

Amazing beach on the bay in Crete. Had day beds that you could rent for €8 for the day. Right across the street was a restaurant that served delicious food. One of the most tranquil beaches I’ve been to.

Nabeela H — Google review

Beautiful beach to swim, to relax. Good for families with kids. Clean. Set of sunset beds will coat for you $20. I loved the left side where the Rokos taverna with yummy food.

Gayane M — Google review

A good beach overall, it has a shower and a changing room. There are multiple cafes at the beach and this one is certainly among popular ones. It is a pretty small beach but it was not crowded in the evening. There are also a bunch of small boats parked along the pier - it did not make the water dirty but I think it contributes to the water condition. Swimming there was fine - no big waves or big wind. This is not the type of a beach that is worth a long drive but if you are close by then it’s a descent beach

Alexey S — Google review

Beautiful area. I spent two days here after the first day it was that nice.There are plenty of restaurants for food and drinks. I really enjoyed snorkelling along the coast.

Ray T — Google review

I'll never travel to Elafonissi without this trip planner again

Learn more

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (144)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (145)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (146)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (147)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (148)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (149)

I will never travel to Elafonissi without this app againAvailable on the App Store

21

Notos Mare - Marine Adventures Sfakia

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (151)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (152)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (153)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (154)

Boat rental service

Tours

Boat tour agency

Diving center

Water Sports

Boat Rentals

One of the best experiences in Crete.. it’s easy to book, the service is on point & our skiffer Costas was amazing!! The best part was he took us to some amazing secluded beaches & helped the non swimmers to cross & reach the beach! Highly highly recommend the Sfakia day trip in private boat!

Adrita G — Google review

Had a good check in , they had a great App to help us navigate the area. A real professional organization, very friendly and efficient.We are boaters and have rented boats often and I must say the boat was very good, comfortable and performed very well in the waves. The 30 hp was sufficient. The cruising area was absolutely beautiful. Stopped a few places to swim, the water was crystal clear and warm. Stopped in to a little town for lunch.All in all a beautiful day

Pierre T — Google review

Rented a boat 30hp at Sfakia. Very friendly service. Nice boat. Got all the instructions on how to control the boat. No issues. You pay for the boat, then you pay for the used gas.They have 3 locations. We’ve chosen southern part of the island to explore more, as we l’ve stayed in the northern part. Very beautiful beaches there and magnificent water colour. Recommending a boat for the whole day.

K S — Google review

All perfect. Notos team is really kind and takes really care explaining the area and the few dangerous areas to avoid. Boat is good, clean and well maintained. Engine responsive. Really nice experience

Giacomo V — Google review

After 3 days of waiting for the wind to calm down, we managed to get to Notos Mare and take our first boat trip. It was worth the wait, they were really nice and helpful, especially the girl from the reception, she called every day to reschedule and was great overall.

Catalin M — Google review

We have rented a boat tour including captain with this agency.We visited Sweat Water Beach, Marmara Beach and Loutro.The reason why we rented a private tour is, we wanted to decide our own time frame and spoil ourselves a little.They were friendly and kind. The service is I think a little expensive. This is the only reason why I gave 4 stars instead of 5. But there are also regular ticketed tours you can book.Captain was also professional and friendly.I would recommend to book a tour with captain since you do not worry about parking the boat. They are dropping you at the beach you want and picking you up whenever you want.

Ahmet Z — Google review

Everything was perfect. Booked online, was contacted for details, so the contract was ready when we arrived.Great introduction of the area and the boat.Choose a day with little wind and try the beaches further away, they are the best and most empty.Best day of the trip!

Moritz — Google review

Fantastic experience! Everything from checking in to handing over the boat! Felt so comfortable sailing after their great instructions and wow - what a bunch of stunning places you can visit!!! Saw the most gorgeous waters and even some wild dolphins very close to the boat. 10/10 would do it over and over again

Mikkel R — Google review

Great people who go out of their way to assist you and make your day super special. Very organized and did a great job preparing you for the day. We had a wonderful time. Thank you Notos Mare.

Dondit53 — Google review

My husband found Noto Mare through our Airbnb host. We came to Kriti for our honeymoon and this definitely has been our favorite experience thus far. The staff was so friendly and attentive. We left from South Crete area and spent the day touring beaches you cannot reach by car. We would anchor our boat safely away from the shore and swim and explore—It was incredible. The geography in this area is spectacular and breathtaking. My favorite spot was Marmaros. Stunning clear water, swimmable calm water, caves you can swim into safely. There is also a delicious restaurant where they serve many things. I had the goat which was amazing. The boat was great too, handled the waves well. There can be big waves so hang on and you’ll get your sea legs quickly. Boat has storage, life vests, and extra fuel. You can buy water, soda, juice, coffee at the noto mare office before you leave port.Couldn’t recommend this experience enough!!! Thank you to Dimitri & Camilla for being so helpful!

Eleni H — Google review

Easy to book online and great service in person when picking up the hire boat.Staff took us through a demo in the boat and suggested what there was to see in the area.Would definitely use this company again.

Kevin S — Google review

Ein tolles und freundliches Team hat den Tag für uns unvergesslich gemacht.Schon die Anreise über die Serpentinenstrassen war ein Highlight mit fantastischem Ausblick.Wir hatten zu zweit ein 30PS Boot, ohne jegliche Vorerfahrung, aber Dank ausführlicher Einweisung inkl. gemeinsamer kurzer Ausfahrt auf See kein Problem.Man kann von Sfakion aus viele tolle Buchten anfahren und bekommt tolle Tipps vorab für alle Strände und Anleger..Mein absoluter Favorit, die Stadt Loutro.Notos Mare hat uns einen tollen und unkomplizierten Service bereitet zu einem absolut fairen Preis. Volle Empfehlung.(Translated by Google)A great and friendly team made the day unforgettable for us.The journey along the serpentine roads was already a highlight with a fantastic view.The two of us had a 30hp boat, without any previous experience, but no problem thanks to detailed instructions including a short trip out to sea together.You can drive to many great bays from Sfakion and get great tips in advance for all the beaches and piers.My absolute favorite, the city of Loutro.Notos Mare gave us a great and uncomplicated service at an absolutely fair price. Full recommendation.

André N — Google review

We rented a boat on the site. We didn't have any problems and they explained everything to us quickly. The staff is very friendly. We were near Sfakia and we visited that part and it is beautiful. All recommendations

Mijat L — Google review

This week we rent a 30pk motorboat.After a nice welcome the tell us how te rules are and explain everything very clear how to use the boat..🇬🇷🚤☀️👍 you must do this to see the other site of Kreta

Erik L — Google review

Zum wiederholten Mal haben wir bei Notos Mare ein Boot gemietet. Die wunderschöne Küstenlinie spricht für sich selbst. Traumhafte Buchten, tolle Tavernen super Strände. Aber vor allem auch der professionelle Service rund um das Boot runden das Erlebnis ab. Mails werden in kürzester Zeit beantwortet und auf alle Wünsche individuell eingegangen. Die Einweisung des Bootes erfolgt in der nötigen Ruhe und dem individuell benötigten Umfang. Einfach klasse. Wer ein unvergessliches Erlebnis auf dem Wasser erleben will findet hier die passenden Boote und den passenden Service. Danke für den tollen Tag!(Translated by Google)For the umpteenth time we rented a boat from Notos Mare. The beautiful coastline speaks for itself. Fantastic bays, great taverns, great beaches. But above all, the professional service around the boat rounds off the experience. Emails are answered as quickly as possible and all requests are addressed individually. The introduction to the boat takes place with the necessary calm and the individually required extent. Simply great. Anyone who wants to have an unforgettable experience on the water will find the right boats and the right service here. Thanks for the great day!

Karsten H — Google review

Fantastic day of boating. Brilliant and knowledgeable captain who took us to some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. A must.

Steve V — Google review

My husband and I rented boats from several companies in Crete but Notos Mare was by far the best! The staff was amazingly nice, very helpful. The 80 HP boat was way beyond expectations. We could stay a whole day and it was the best day in Crete! I recommend with all confidence. Next time we come to Crete we will rent from them for at least 3 days! The children had the most beautiful day of the vacation!

Marina B — Google review

The best day... staff were knowledgeable and friendly. The briefing on how the boats worked, where everything was, was not only comprehensive but adapted for the non mariner and those with power boating experience. I have to say this is a golden little find and made our holiday. The coves and areas Sofia told us about were spectacular. I didn't want the day to end. Thank you to you all for the best day.

Susanna M — Google review

Had such an amazing day exploring the beautiful coastline and beaches. The no licence required boats are great, and the safety briefing we received before setting off gave us all necessary information. Would recommend this experience to anyone!

Ben — Google review

Wir haben einen wunderschönen Sommertag auf unserem Boot verbracht. Im Süden fanden wir die Landschaft vom Boot aus noch schöner als im Norden der Insel. Die Buchung per Internet war unkompliziert, das Personal vor Ort war superfreundlich und hilfsbereit und das Boot war in einem super Zustand. Der 80 PS Motor lief zuverlässig und brachte eine Menge Fahrspaß aufs Wasser. Die Preise sind wirklich fair. Tipps zu einsamen Stränden und Buchten gab es auch. Wir können diesen Bootsverleih uneingeschränkt empfehlen und werden auch nochmal bei ihm buchen. Liebe Grüße und einen schönen Tag!(Translated by Google)We spent a wonderful summer day on our boat. In the south we found the landscape from the boat to be even more beautiful than in the north of the island. Booking online was uncomplicated, the staff on site was super friendly and helpful and the boat was in great condition. The 80 hp engine ran reliably and brought a lot of fun to the water. The prices are really fair. There were also tips on lonely beaches and bays. We can fully recommend this boat rental and will book with him again. Kind regards and have a nice day!

Andre S — Google review

We have no problem with the hire of the boat which was very good although we could not go swimming from the boat as we had problems getting back in the boat. I struggled due to the bottom step swinging the wrong way when trying to get back into the boat causing excessive brushing to my shins. My wife could not get back into the boat at all therefore rendered the experience for her as a waste of time. The safety briefing was excellent and all the staff were great. The check in process be a bit quicker but there was only one girl doing this so 10 to 15 minutes with each customer if there is a queue is quite tedious. The cost of the fuel was not overly excessive 20 ltrs cost around €34 which took us to the most westerly point allowed.

Chris K — Google review

Great staff, great organization, everything went without any problems.The boats are clean, nicely equipped, with everything you need. We rented a boat, without a license, in Sfakia and all recommendations!!!!They explained everything nicely and we understood everything quickly.

Tamara R — Google review

We had 30hp boat without license. The boat was in good condition and the introduction was very detailed and good. I would recommend the company for rent, but the area does not offer to much to see. Most of the coast is only rocks. There are few spots to see, but other areas are better for boating in my opinion, like Elonda bay which we did last year.

Tobias — Google review

Excellent service, excellent boats and amazing routes. The staff is extremely helpful and all safety measures are kept at highest standards

Anastasia D — Google review

Fantastic experience renting a boat for the day. It enables you to see some amazing places that are free of the usual tourist! I had rented from here a few years ago, but this time was different as you now get a 30 min in-depth induction on how to be a good captain 😂🫡. Very fun experience.

Eugeen — Google review

Amazing experience! We rented a boat for 4 hours with a skipper. The tour was so much fun and beautiful. The captain was super friendly! Best day ever in Chania. Thank you!

Lauren E — Google review

I rented a 80hp motor boat from Hora Sfakion and I took it along the coast to Domata Beach and back. The Notos Mare team was very friendly and professional. They explained and showed everything I needed to know about the area and the boat. The boat was in a good condition and it caused no troubles. Pay attention to the propeller and take pictures before you leave the marina! Mine was a bit chopped but, luckily I had photos with it. Also the fuel indicator was, of course, malfunctioning.

Ciprian Ş — Google review

4.7

(358)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (155)

5.0

(108)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (156)

Sfakion, Chania 731 34, Greece

+30 2821 008536

22

Glyka Nera beach

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (157)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (158)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (159)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (160)

Mentioned on

4 lists

Beach

Outdoor Activities

Glyka Nera beach, also known as Sweet Water beach due to its freshwater sources, is a pebble beach surrounded by cliffs and accessible only by foot or boat. The cold and clear waters of the beach originate from mountain springs and can be reached via the European E4 trail with a hour-long walk from Loutro. The location is unique, featuring a tavern on an islet that allows nudism. Trees are present on the sweet water beach which provides gorgeous views during the journey.

We were here Sept 21 and now love this beach , the snorkelling is excellent ,the taverna is great and the boat trip or walk are enjoyable (tickets for boat are only from the service that is situated on the Hora Skafion harbour, the smaller business). Top tip , take some bread to feed the fish they love it!! this eventually enticed the Dolphin fish pictured below to come and explore which was a bonus to catch on my gopro.

Living S — Google review

Very beautiful. We stayed at Loutro and took the boat taxi for 2 hours to Sweet Water Beach. We did some snorkeling which was pretty, however the gasoline from the boats make the snorkeling a bit annoying. Not many fish out there. Watch out for the lamb as they come for the food.

Meytal M — Google review

Beautiful beach, cristal water but littlebit cold. We ware come with a boat, cost 8e, on the beach is restaurante and umbrellas, set is 6e. View from the top on the beach are amazing.

Blue_blue 8 — Google review

Beutiful beach.Can drink water from a hole in the beach.East half of beach nudist.More nudist on beach then clothed but everyone getting on doing there thing.Can take private taxi boat to reach beach or big boat.Benefit if taxi boat you meassage them and they come.

Krugerstravels — Google review

Beautiful secluded beach that’s well worth a visit! You can get there by ferry, but we parked at the start of the trail and walked down. Park by the road and take some trainers or hiking shoes because the path is quite rocky. It isn’t a difficult hike but go slowly as parts of it is quite steep and you walk along the cliff. It’s about 30 minutes down to the beach. As you finish the trail, you enter the nudist side of the beach but keep walking towards Mermaid Bar at the other end and you can sit on some sun loungers away from the nudist half. Beware of the goats if you have food in your bag, we were confronted by a pretty aggressively hungry goat who chased me and my bag of food around the beach! The stones are very hot so take flip flops to walk to the sea and enjoy the crystal clear water!

Sam B — Google review

Excellent beach with crystal clear water. Be warned, the water is cold due to the springs of sweet water that run into the sea - you can see the bubbles rising from the sea bottom!

Akis K — Google review

It is rated as one of top 20 beaches to visit in Europe, the sole reason being that there are sweet water springs inside the sea and on the beach. Keep in mind that you will need to bring your own sun umbrella because the amount of sunbeds and trees is limited. There are showers on the beach that are pumping water from the spings under. Most of the beauty is inside the sea where salt water and sweet water are mixing and it makes that beautiful green color.

CRETA T — Google review

So, it will be the realist feedback about this beach. So you need park the car in the middle of nowhere in the road, after that you need to go 40 - 60 minutes though the hills and rocks, and I hope you wearing snickers, not the flip flops, like us. But the beach is very beautiful with the really silk water )

???????? ? — Google review

Incredible location, worth the hike in and out. Or ferry if you can’t be bothered to hike but I do recommend doing so as the hike isn’t that hard and quite special. The natural fresh water spring under the sand is wonderful too. A very special place

Chiffeni R — Google review

Sweet Water Beach, also known as Glyka Nera Beach, is an impressive hidden gem situated between Loutro and Hora Sfakion.What sets this beach apart from others is the drinkable natural mountain spring water that is hiding at this beach.The pure and crisp taste of the spring water is truly fascinating, but you’ll need to do some work to find it. If you visit this unique beach, don’t miss the chance to discover the spring water. It’s an experience that will blow you away!

Ashortyexplores — Google review

Possibly the best beach I went to in Crete. I parked at Sfakia and took the ferry to Loutro and did the hike over to the beach. The hike took about 45 minutes and was relatively easy. Sunbeds for 10 euros and not at all crowded. I went on a Wednesday however. Highly recommend.

Mikhaila B — Google review

The beach is good and it’s not super popular. It can be accessed either by a hike (25-30 mins) or by a boat. There were not so many people coming by boat in the beginning of September so overall by 12:00 there were probably ~30-40 people overall on the beach (and the beach is pretty long). Part of the beach closer to Sfakia is taken by nudists. What is pretty unfortunate is that a large part of the beach is closed by a fence with tables that forbid camping there (likely due to risk of falling rocks). The set of two sunbeds and an umbrella costs 10 euro and you must pay to the owner of trattoria who pretty much took over the beach. It is possible to just lay on your towels but there is not so much space and most of the space in the shadow of the mountains/trees is closed with the fence (first tile I have seen it). Either this is a beach with a very high risk of stones falling down, or the owner of the sunbeds wants to maximise the profit. The water was pretty clear although there was a lot of garbage like tyres on the bottom of the sea. The beach itself is not very picturesque. There is a free shower. Overall it might be worth a 1-1.5h ride because the hike to the beach is beautiful but definitely this should not be your top priority to visit if you are based far away

Alexey S — Google review

This beach is stunning, offering a breathtaking view from the clear, cool waters up to the mountain caves above. The water is pristine, perfect for a refreshing swim. However, I’m docking one star due to the non-functional showers and the limited space available for those who prefer not to rent a sunbed.Additionally, if you head towards Sfakia, there's a designated nudist area on the same beach, which might be a plus or minus depending on your preference.

Alexis M — Google review

Very nice beach. The waters are crystal clear. There is a small restaurant for snacks and refreshments. The beach here is a very famous spot for naturists. So don't be shocked to see a lot of naked people.

Aris P — Google review

Wow, wow, wow! One of my all time favourite beaches.The hike from the trail head is 25 minutes and it is stunning and not so difficult but be sure to wear shoes and not thongs or sandals and carry everything in your back so you have 2 hands free.When you arrive at the beach you will think it’s just ok and nothing special. The sand is greyish and there are pebbles.The reward is when you enter the water and get past the rocky entrance. The waters are some of the cleanest, most crystalline I have ever seen. As you swim further out the water changes from aqua to turquoise to azure, all the while being crystal clear as if you’re in a swimming pool. The visibility is incredible, even more than 100 metres off shore.This beach feels quite wild, it is very long and is not accessible by car, so it never feels crowded (last week of August, first week of September 2023). There are fresh water springs under the sand so you can take a fresh water shower on the beach. Umbrella and 2 chairs €10, and even arriving at 1pm there were still free beds.At the end of the beach are toilets and a very good taverna, the food is delicious and the staff are lovely. You get on and off the very on the same jetty as the taverna, in fact the taverna is the jetty.The taverna end seemed more for families. The other end of umbrellas that you come to first if you’re hiking from Sfakia is more clothing optional.I love this beach. Go if you want dramatic scenery, peace and quiet, crystalline water and a memorable experience!

D M — Google review

I really believe this is the best place in Crete. You can reach this one by boat from the Sfacia town or doing a longer hike. Be sure to have proper footwear for the hike. There is a small bar/restaurant on the spot so no worries about that

Luci P — Google review

A little piece of heaven hidden in a cove. Crystal clear turquoise waters. Complete serenity and calm. Only a couple dozen umbrella settings or so. You can only get here by boat or tracking a relatively easy but still very rocky trail for about 20 mins.Boats run several times a day and will offer a taxi service to drive you up to where you parked your car.Part of the beach is clothing optional.

Adam H — Google review

Very nice beach, easy to spend the whole day here with a good book, we parked at the top and made our way down on foot rather than take the boat. It is best you take a pair of trainers of walking boots with you for the hike down and plenty of water. On the beach you'll find a boat, here you can purchase refreshments and food if you don't take your own. We spent the entire day here, water is lovely, nudist beach on the left hand side of the beach.

Alex — Google review

A beach that you should not miss if you arrive in Crete. There are two ways to reach it, one on foot, but probably quite dangerous if you are not properly equipped (boots), to be safe.From the beginning we gave up after we reached where everyone parks and we chose to take the ferry that connects Sfakia - Swet water and Loutro for the price of €8 return per person. The beach is equipped with cots and umbrellas at the price of €10/2 people.The water is different from the rest of the beaches, slightly cooler, due to the springs that flow into the sea. You can hear a sizzle if you dive.About the tavern on the pontoon, only words of praise. We served a Greek salad, an octopus, 1/2 wine, a water for the price of €32. It is very enough for 2 people.We warmly recommend!

Francesca M — Google review

23

Old Venetian Port of Chania

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (163)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (164)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (165)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (166)

Mentioned on

37 lists

Historical landmark

Nature & Parks

Chania's Old Venetian Port district is a popular tourist destination for visitors to Greece, with its restored lighthouse and beautiful Venetian-style homes in the Topanas neighborhood. The district is also home to a number of shops and eateries, as well as the Firkas Fortress, built in 1250 to ward off Turkish invasion.

Beautiful place in chania, a must visit!Great for walking, cafes are nice there.You can easily spend your day around… and also you can enjoy the fresh air and the great food

Ala' B — Google review

If you're visiting Crete and you've never been before then I suggest you definitely visit Chania, especially the old town where the port is located. You can park 5 minutes away on the outskirts and walk into town if you don't want to pay for parking and that's not to say you can see everything in 5 minutes. You will need at least a full day to get the grasp of most of this beautiful town. The port is absolutely awe inspiring and surrounded by various cafes and restaurants with a few of them offering special seafood dishes which are reasonably priced but not cheap.If you decide to walk to the lighthouse and have a pram or have trouble walking you will find it tricky because it gets very narrow.At one point you have the choice of climbing down some building sand or up onto the wall but it is worth the effort. We had a pram and there was a man selling oil paintings, we bought a painting and when he saw us struggling he offered to look after the pram. I think he would have offered without us buying anything as the Greek people are so wonderfully kind.There's a car park right next to the port and some children will insist on helping you park your car if you use it, they will want a tip for this but it does not pay for parking. My wife thought it did and paid them €10 and she regrets it to this day. Parking is €3.50 for 3 hours but if I remember you can pay for 6 hours. We moved the car after 3 hours and parked just outside the car park for free but it does get busy around mid day.

Harley Q — Google review

Amazing day in Chania! The port deserves a 5 star. We had taken amazing photos and enjoyed a cold beer in the taverns nearby. If you get the chance to visit, remember to use sun screen as the sun is very strong.

Andreea M — Google review

The old port it was the main entrance to the town in the old ages. Now it is the main attraction of the city, full of bars, restaurants and shops. The view it is really pretty. You can walk around and enjoy the vibrancy of the town. The sunset has the best spot. It is the placeToGo.

ANA M — Google review

They preserved history and nothing is more important than this!This was an interesting and I would add iconic place to visit, and I am super happy they were able to blend modernity with the historic architecture.The meals were exceptional and I am looking forward to visit again.Beautiful viewsBeautiful harbour to enjoy a nice evening stroll and romantic when you’re next to your loved one.The shore is very clean and that is something I must commend.Quite busy and tough to find parking.Luckily my hotel was right in front of the shore.Had one of the best local dinner here and I will never forget.

Blecyn — Google review

The port is a very picturesque location and worth a walk from city center bus stops to soak in the scenery and get a bite to eat or shop. Also in the vicinity is the Chania lighthouse which you can get to by walking along a sea wall. The significance of mentioning this is while walking along the wall is a very beautiful photo opportunity of the Port and mountains in the background

Kristopher M — Google review

Great place to stroll at night (or during the day for that matter) but be aware that this is a very touristic and busy area. It's worth the visit for the nice buildings the very beautiful port and restaurants (a lot of restaurants) but a above all the nice sunsets you can enjoy from the port side. If you would like a nice view of the port itself I would like to recommend to go up to the lighthouse. Also make sure to visit the back alleys for nice little shops with craft works, leather and more...restaurants.

Thomas D — Google review

Great shopping and dining options! The Venetian influence is plain to see in the architecture, so different than other Greek isles. We would definitely recommend spending some time just wandering the small streets and enjoying the atmosphere.

Julia S — Google review

Beautiful town.Many places to see and places to eat. The port is gorgeous all day long.We really liked going here for a stroll, dinner, ice cream and a snoop in the shops.Easy to get to - just jump on the bus if your staying in Agia Marina.

Julie S — Google review

The Old Venetian Port has significant importance to the development and history of Chania. We visited it twice. It is a wonderful place to see and you can envision the ships coming in to the harbour on their way from the east and heading out to Venice and Europe. The Port is filled with restaurants and small shops offering any type of keepsake or souvenir toursist could want. We also went on a lovely carriage ride around the old walls of the city which was also informative. We are so pleased that we did. There are also several boats and a ferry available for trips around Crete area.

MJ D — Google review

This is a must visit place in the Crete island. There’s a touch of history with beautiful architecture. This area is filled with shops and restaurants whee you can take walks amidst them. There’s a paid horse ride service too. A busy and lively place

Hans S — Google review

This old harbour is absolutely gorgeous. It was fairly busy but still retained a peaceful atmosphere. I impact to return some time for a proper holiday rather than a day visit from a cruise ship.

Glyn ( — Google review

One of the most charming ports that I’ve visited.When you visit, you can start walking towards the lighthouse, it’s a 20 min walkAfter that you can have a walk in the old streets of Chania and enjoy the lovely restaurants

Nady S — Google review

This old port is a gorgeous hub for incredible views, food, and shopping. Lots of touristy shops and tons of people, but even if that’s not your thing it’s still worth coming for the beautiful view of the Venetian lighthouse, old buildings and the authentic food. Sitting on a bench by the water is really magical as well.

Harry F — Google review

Beautiful location near the city center. It's full of good places to have something to drink or eat, with specialties from all over the world (although i reccomend to avoid food from your country, especially for Italians and in particular pasta)The sightseeing is good with a nice view of sea.There is maybe not too much to do nearby, but it's nonetheless a place to go at least once.

Alessio D — Google review

What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! The many streets are filled with restaurant, cafe's, shops. As in most towns in Europe most streets are covered with trees and vines to provide shade and make the experience that much better. Beautiful town, I highly recommend a visit here.

Glenn D — Google review

Strolling along the ancient Chania port by the lighthouse, I stumbled upon a mesmerizing underwater world! Crystal-clear waters revealed vibrant habitats, resembling coral reefs, teeming with life. Nature's palette painted the scene in hues so vivid, it felt like diving into a living kaleidoscope. 🐠✨ #ChaniaAdventures #UnderwaterWonder #Nature'sMasterpiece

John J — Google review

A beautiful, bustling old port. There were plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars around the whole area, and my family and I ate dinner whilst the sun was setting. It was fabulous 👌

Jonathan T — Google review

Lovely old port with heavy venetian influence. Lined with restaurants on water, with vendors on the spokes to the streets. The narrow streets break out with more restaurants, shops, and hotels. The port has a sea wall and a lighthouse, creating a quaint, captive cove and small marina with a few dozen boat slips. This was an end of summer visit, so very busy, but very accommodating both with and without reservations.

James L — Google review

Beautiful. The walk is a must here. Its free. You can up to the lighthouse but not on top of it. On a sunny day, a walk here is heaven.

Vishesh S — Google review

Nicely laid out with many nice restaurants. The shopping area has many things other than the same old stuff you find on every port. There is a local horse and buggy ride that will take you through the city which is very nice. Beautiful views.

Tom M — Google review

Beautiful old seaside port. Plenty of restaurants and tourist shops for a variety of goods such as leather, linen and jewellery. Heaps of food options and cafes. Very busy during summer and locals are very friendly. Perfect spot for photos, a meal and or a drink. A must when in Chania, Crete.

Andrew P — Google review

This is one of the most charming and atmospheric places in Crete. It attracts many tourists with its amazing architecture and history. The harbor was built by the Venetians in the 14th century, and this heritage is felt in every corner of it.Walking along the embankment, you can enjoy the view of ancient buildings, cozy cafes and restaurants offering traditional Cretan dishes. The Venetian lighthouse, which is one of the oldest in the world and a symbol of the city, deserves special attention.In the evening, the harbor is especially beautiful, when the lights reflect in the quiet waters of the bay, creating a romantic atmosphere. This is an ideal place for evening walks, photos and enjoying local cuisine.The Venetian Harbor in Chania is a must-see for anyone visiting Crete to experience its unique culture and history.

Gennadios M — Google review

Fancy renovated historical buildings, lots of restaurants, souvenir shops and cafes, thousand of tourists strolling up and down the waterfront. The majestic silhouette of the lighthouse dominate the entire scenery. Perfect for a sunset walk and Instagram shots. Visited the place in August, so it was packed with visitors from around the world. Parking the car is a headache during the working days and almost impossible over the weekend. However, we managed to park the car at Talos Parking, then walked all the way to the touristic harbor. The best option is to come by bus if you're accommodated in the area.

Ionut S — Google review

This old port is spectacular. The place is full of restaurants and bars and other shops. The views are amazing with small and some big yachts. This bustling stretch of the port is full with all age groups. There are so many alleys around which are worth exploring.There is a nearby parking lot too.

Vivek B — Google review

Normally I would have given three stars, because the view from the ancient sea wall is stunning, especially at night, but there are some downsides that shouldn't be overlooked.The Venetian port gets overcrowded; there are moments, quite a few actually, when you feel suffocated by the crowds rushing around.The whole area seems like a tourist trap; many items sold in the shops aren't related to the local culture.There are plenty of restaurants around, but it's wise to check reviews from other tourists, especially those with three stars or less, to avoid unpleasant surprises. Most shoreline restaurants charge exorbitant prices (I once paid 45 euros for a palm-sized fish), serve frozen and reheated food (particularly seafood), and cleanliness can be an issue (we were shocked to find out we had to walk through a restaurant's kitchen to reach the restroom).If you're keen on a sea excursion, it's better to head to one of the neighboring cities; most boats docked in the port charge very high prices (over 400 euros for a group trip of 4–5 people).The port's highlight (the ancient sea wall) is poorly maintained and, in some spots, littered with garbage.The last, but not the least, of the negative aspects: c'mon, people, please stop subjecting the poor horses to such a torment. There is nothing romantic or noble about strolling around the port in a carriage pulled by horses suffering from hunger, thirst and heat... not to mention the hustle and bustle of crowds, which alone is a significant source of stress for the poor animals.Positive aspects:Strolling on the old breakwater towards the lighthouse is really enjoyable. If you're lucky, you might even spot turtles swimming in the clear water.PS: Be careful not to fall into the water, as some areas, covered with algae, can be very slippery, and the water is deep.

Catalin H — Google review

The Old Venetian Port in Chania is pure magic! Its lively atmosphere, historic charm, and stunning views make every moment unforgettable. A stroll along the harbor is the perfect way to experience Crete's essence. A must-visit gem!

Derrick — Google review

Stunning views of the sea and old, historic buildings crowning the port. Quite busy with foot traffic, but well worth the visit and walk around thousands of years of history

Daniel B — Google review

The Venetian Harbor of Chania is an absolute must-see! This historic gem offers a rich blend of culture, charm, and beauty. Whether you’re wandering along the picturesque waterfront or exploring the winding streets of the old town, there’s something for everyone. You can savor delicious meals at the many waterfront tavernas, where the view of the harbor is breathtaking, but keep in mind that the restaurants in the front row tend to be a bit pricier. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly meal, venture into the charming old town alleys, where you’ll discover smaller, cozier restaurants offering equally delicious Cretan dishes.In addition to dining, the harbor is perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee at one of the many cafés, shopping for unique souvenirs, or even visiting local museums to dive deeper into Chania’s rich history. As the sun sets, the area comes alive with vibrant nightlife, making it a wonderful place to enjoy an evening out. Just remember to stay cautious, as busy tourist spots like this can attract pickpockets. All in all, the Venetian Harbor combines stunning views, history, and vibrant experiences that shouldn’t be missed.

Jens M — Google review

Chania was fantastic with lovely architecture and very relaxed atmosphere. There are a few museums to visit in around the main port. The main attraction for us was just taking a stroll around the port enjoying the picturesque buildings and landscape. We would love to go back and stay there for few days as there was plenty more to do in Chania and surrounding area that you can't do in just one day.There are plenty of restaurants and cafes around the port and a bit further off the busy tourist areas. We tried a few and all were very good. Even though it was peak tourist time in August we didn't struggle to find a place for our large party of 12 people. Service was very friendly and fast wherever we went.We drove to Chania and arrived just before 10:30 and were able to use the public car park by the port. By 11 in the morning it got very busy so would recommend an early start if you're visiting. There is the usual traffic for a city so it takes a little bit of patience getting in and out.Overall great day out and would highly recommend visiting Chania.

Apo — Google review

Beautiful Venetian port, it looks exactly like Venice. Some houses are not in the exact best condition and they lack repairs but overall it looks great. Perfect photo and video spot + quite a few restaurants around. Overall I really recommend paying a visit to the port and it is one of the highlights of Chania.

Kerox — Google review

A Sunday morning walk around the port. The restaurants have their spit roasting of sheep or goat on display outside each establishment (not for the squeamish). Viewing the wonderful view as you stroll along can leave your feet wet, as the sea crashes over the port wall. Gets busy as the morning reaches lunchtime.

Paul M — Google review

The old port of Chania, Crete, is a picturesque gem that transports you back in time with its charming Venetian architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're strolling along the waterfront, dining at a seaside taverna, or exploring the historic landmarks like the iconic lighthouse, every corner exudes a sense of history and beauty. With its blend of culture, history, and stunning views, the old port of Chania is a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking a taste of authentic Greek charm.

Shawn — Google review

Loved it! Beautiful walk on the old pier towards the lighthouse overlooking beautiful venetian style buildings on the shore. There is a nice maritime museum at the start of the pier. Loved the fact that the shore is very clean with crystal clear waters! Loads of cosy cafes all around with very welcoming owners, even if you just stop by for ice cream or fresh orange juice.However, if you are driving, keep in mind that it's really difficult to find a parking spot, so be ready for that. Loads of cars and people everywhere. We were at noon on a Saturday, so probably one of the busiest times also:D

Vilgaile S — Google review

We visited here for a day trip and it was beautiful 😍 such glorious views with so many bars and eateries, it's worth a visit.We walked around the port wall to the lighthouse, and then back again. It was a windy day when we went, I'd take care if you're not sure-footed as the wall is very narrow in places!You could spend a whole day here or just a few hours to take in the sights and sounds of the port.

The Z — Google review

Really nice, plenty of bars and eateries, little shops for browsing too. Lovely in the evening with everything lit up.

Marilyn W — Google review

Lovely town. The restaurants are solid and it's a perfect place to stroll amid the small streets and alleys

Jason K — Google review

Absolutely beautiful. I understand why this part of downtown is so popular - it’s stunning, especially at sunset - breathtaking!Numerous restaurants line the edge of the water. Plenty of room for foot traffic, although I visited near the end of September. I’m sure it’s much more busier during the summer months / tourist season. Any spot along the harbor is a good spot to view the lighthouse and watch the sunset.Inland of the harbor has many shops and restaurants hidden in every alley and main space.

Jasmine — Google review

Views to die for .. amazing place to visit . Lots of restaurants serving spit roasted lamb and pork at reasonable prices . We visited on a Sunday early morning, and it became very busy within a couple of hours , we will definitely go back..

Bernie M — Google review

Very nice. Very busy.Some amazing, historic sites and buildings. Lovely shops in the small, winding streets and the harbour is a sight to behold. Very busy as the day goes on. Go early.

Michael F — Google review

The Old Harbour in Chania is a timeless treasure that invites visitors to step back in time while enjoying modern comforts. For most, a visit to the old Venetian Port of Chania should be a romantic experience, at least to watch the sunset. At that time, it does get a bit crowded, but understandably so, especially as we near the end of June. The restaurants around the harbour are mostly solid—I tried about six of them—and you can even find some hidden treasures in the back streets.The stores offer a fun mix of cheap tourist trinkets and fantastic local and international designs. My personal favorite was a store near the maritime museum that reuses old rugs to create new rugs and pillowcases; I bought two of the latter. This place is not just a quick stopover; it deserves a leisurely exploration. Wander around the streets and the harbour, soak in the atmosphere, and don't be deterred by the constant pitches from restaurant staff. I actually enjoy the stories they tell about why their place is the best and why you should dine with them. If you are a story collector like me, you will relish these interactions.The Old Harbour is more than just a picturesque spot; it's a living, breathing part of Chania's history and culture. Make sure to give yourself the time to fully appreciate its charm and nuances.

Kristjan H — Google review

The Old Venetian Port in Chania is absolutely enchanting! The vibrant atmosphere and bustling colors make it a lively and unforgettable destination. Walking along the harbor, you’re greeted with stunning views of historic buildings, charming cafes, and colorful boats gently swaying in the water. The blend of history and modernity creates a unique and captivating vibe. The picturesque scenery, with its beautiful sunsets and inviting waterfront, makes it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing meal. The Old Venetian Port in Chania truly captures the essence of Crete’s charm and is a must-visit for anyone in the area!

Romeo B — Google review

T he Old Venetian Port in Chania, Crete, is a timeless masterpiece! The charming blend of Venetian, Turkish, and Greek influences creates a picturesque waterfront. Cobblestone streets, vibrant shops, and historic landmarks make every stroll enchanting. Unwind at seaside cafes and soak in the rich history of the lighthouse. A must-visit destination, earning its 5-star rating for its unparalleled beauty and cultural significance.Tip: Explore the port in the early evening for a magical sunset backdrop, casting warm hues over the Venetian architecture and creating a truly romantic atmosphere.Fact: The Egyptian Lighthouse at the entrance of the port, built by the Egyptians in the 19th century, stands as a testament to the diverse historical influences that have shaped Chania. It's a captivating piece of maritime history against the backdrop of the Cretan seascape.

Fleur T — Google review

Great place to spend your holiday. It has a wide selection of restaurants and shops.Amazing spot for sunsets and boat activities, too.

RG. S — Google review

This is such a beautiful harbor. It is worth walking all the way up to the light house.This place is equally worthwhile during the day and evening.Just try to avoid going while a cruise ship is anchored offshore. Just too many tourists when that happens...

Eric J — Google review

Absolutely stunning area. Great shopping. I laughed when I saw a Starbucks. Much better local coffee nearby. Food was incredible and extremely reasonably priced. Every place I stopped took a card but there are ATM all over.

Vann D — Google review

Built in 14th Century and still standing! Absolutely beautiful day & night. There are so many restaurants to choose from, the Coffee's are great, taste strong but not overpowering, full bodied, but ask for hot otherwise it's cold.Saw the local turtle swimming near the marina, went down "leather street" where all the local merchants sell top quality leather bags, coats, belts. Night life is great in water front area to about 0200. Stunning!

Tezza W — Google review

A very beautiful place to visit, we stopped for a bit of lunch at one of the many restaurants along the waterfront, the only warning that I have is that if you ask for a large beer it is very big 😁

Gavin G — Google review

4.8

(35081)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (167)

4.5

(6608)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (168)

Ag. Markou 8, Chania 731 32, Greece

24

Botanical Park & Gardens Of Crete.

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (169)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (170)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (171)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (172)

Mentioned on

4 lists

Botanical garden

Nature & Parks

Gardens

Nestled in the foothills of the stunning White Mountains, the Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete is a vibrant oasis that emerged from the ashes of a 2003 fire. This expansive 20-hectare space showcases an array of tropical trees, medicinal herbs, and plants from around the globe. Visitors can meander through paths lined with fruit trees, aromatic plants, and therapeutic herbs while taking in the colorful blooms and fragrant scents.

Amazing place, probably my favourite thing to see on Crete. There is an incredible amount of plants and a lot of animals; tons of peacocks. geese, ducks, goats, donkeys, there are turtles, but we didn't see them. Slowly walking it takes about 2 hours, there is lots of shade on the path. At the end there is a water mister for cooling. The restaurant has really good wooden grilled meat and the ice tea with herbs from the garden, even though a bit pricey is one of the best things I drank, ever.

Bine S — Google review

Very different setting for a botanical garden! The entrance is perched at the top of a rocky outcrop and they've successfully managed to design a steep descending garden and it's not so steep incline on the other side of the ravine. Paths are rough and steep in places with not much to hold on to if you aren't fit or able! The abundance of interesting flora and citrus fruits are worth going to see. The reward at the end is a superb restaurant with excellent food. A bit too early in the year to see it at its best.

Gwen J — Google review

To be honest I read the reviews before going and expected more. There are a lot of interesting plants but you can’t tell which is which because the labels are confusing or missing altogether. Also there are some ‘highly poisonous’ species (as the sign said) right on the path so I’m not sure that’s a good idea. The path itself gets a bit steep at times so people with troubles walking should note that. There are stopping points and benches which were a bit wrecked and I recall only one bench with a nice thick shade. The animals are by far the best part of the gardens , they are adorable. You should prepare for a long walk .

Nikol S — Google review

Sehr schöner Ort wenn man Blumen und Bäume 🌳 liebt bzw. noch mehr aus aller Welt entdecken möchte.Es ist aber eher wie ein Bergpfad als ein Garten, demnach sollte man festes Schuhwerk tragen.Vor Ort gibt es eine Taverne mit WC sowie kostenlose Parkplätze.Wir haben viele schöne Pflanzen sowie auch ab und zu Tiere gesehen.Preislich vom Eintritt her ist es völlig in Ordnung.(Translated by Google)Very nice place if you love flowers and trees 🌳 or want to discover more from all over the world.However, it is more like a mountain path than a garden, so you should wear sturdy shoes.There is a tavern with toilet and free parking spaces on site.We saw many beautiful plants and occasionally animals.In terms of the price of entry, it's completely okay.

Sonja W — Google review

A visit to the Botanic Garden is more than just a stroll through nature, a 2.5-hour walk will take you through a lush variety of plants, vibrant flowers, and even a small zoo.There’s truly a lot to see, making it a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. The drive there is also an experience in itself, with scenic views that set the stage for the day ahead.After your hike, the on-site restaurant is the perfect place to refuel. The food is delicious, with generous portions and beautifully plated dishes. But the real star here? The homemade lemonade. Hands down, it’s the most refreshing drink you’ll find on the island, and quite possibly the best you’ll ever have. You may even forget you came for the plants.Service was...fine. Not extraordinary, but nothing to complain about either—let’s just say they aren’t rushing to write themselves into the customer service hall of fame.In short, the Botanic Garden is worth the visit, both for the scenic hike and the chance to indulge in some seriously good lemonade. Just remember, the garden might be the main attraction, but the lemonade steals the show!

Ryan ( — Google review

Such a wonderful place and all, we had a walk around the park with our 9 year old and thou he got a bit frustrated at his parents stopping to read up on the different plants in the garden he still by the end of the day liked it.The restaurant has plenty of shaded tables and a wonderful personal. We had a salad and the lamb pie and shared them among us three and it was plenty of food for us. As a dessert we got some fruit on the house, the oranges are super tasty and sweet.I would recommend this place to anyone but especially to any gardening nerds out there.

Kristoffer S — Google review

The botanical park was a special treat while visiting Crete! The staff of the park were very welcoming, and the host did a great job explaining the Crete culture, food, and use of olive oil.We got to walk half of the garden, which took about an hour. If you visit, definitely wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water to stay hydrated as the garden has a lot of up and down slopes.The garden featured so many different plants and fruits, and there were even beautiful peacocks roaming around the grounds.The best feature of the park is the view of the beautiful hills and mountains of Crete from the restaurant!

Natalie — Google review

Beautiful and relaxing 2,5km walk through exotic and domestic trees, shrubs and herbs.It is a lot cooler amongst all the vegetation but I recommend bringing a bottle of water nevertheless.We didn't expect to descend and again ascend so much and my mother, who is almost 80 and has a bad knee was struggling a bit but we took it easy and she made it at her own pace.Treated ourselves to coffee and delicious cheesecake back at the restaurant.

Heike D — Google review

Really amazing to see the variety. Even the kids loved it and seeing the animals. Worth a visit. Great view from the bathroom. There is a lovely cool down shower near the end of your walk. Very refreshing

Rakel ? — Google review

Really lovely place to visit. You follow a trail downhill and then back up, for about 2.5 km. I am 55, very overweight and unfit, but managed the walk without any issues as there are no major steep places on the way back up. 7 Euro in. Busy restaurant also. Good toilet facilities. Little lake at the bottom with deer, ducks, peacocks, etc. So glad I went.

Michael M — Google review

The most exciting thing was the location of the park - surrounded by mountains although the plants were not too impressive. A lot of fruit trees did not have any fruits (not sure if not the season or just not the right climate). The circular walk is 2.5 km, and a mostly in a shade. Firstly the path loops down, you visit a small pond with some geese and peacocks around and then you climb up to a restaurant for some refreshments. The views are really nice.

Vilgaile S — Google review

Genau das richtige für so einen warmen Tag. Da das Gelände meist im Schatten liegt und zwischendurch auch Plätze zum verweilen anbietet. Mit 7 Euro Eintritt günstig für den 2,5 km weg durch den botanischen Garten. Man benötigt ca. 2 Stunden.(Translated by Google)Just right for such a warm day. Because the area is mostly in the shade and offers places to linger in between. With an entry fee of 7 euros, it's cheap for the 2.5 km walk through the botanical garden. It takes about 2 hours.

Mario S — Google review

Es sind ausreichend Parkmöglichkeiten vorhanden und der Eintritt von 8 Euro pro Person durchaus gerechtfertigt. Wie schon oft angemerkt braucht man festes Schuhwerk und sollte auch gut zu Fuß sein. Dieser Park ist sehr beeindruckend durch seine vielfältige Flora und ist selbst bei 37° gut zu schaffen, da ausreichend Schatten vorhanden. Einfach herrlich dort zu verweilen und die Natur zu genießen. Ein absoluter Traum für alle Hobbyfotografen und am Ende der Tour sollte man auf jeden Fall noch im Restaurant verweilen und bei einer Limonade zum Abschluss die atemberaubende Aussicht genießen.(Translated by Google)There are enough parking spaces and the entrance fee of 8 euros per person is definitely justified. As has often been noted, you need sturdy shoes and should also be able to walk well. This park is very impressive due to its diverse flora and is easy to manage even at 37° as there is enough shade. It's just wonderful to stay there and enjoy nature. An absolute dream for all amateur photographers and at the end of the tour you should definitely stay in the restaurant and enjoy the breathtaking view with a lemonade at the end.

Claudia T — Google review

One of the most beautiful botanical garden I have ever been. Plenty of interesting plants and fruit trees, also astonishing views on the mountains of Crete. There are a few cute animals there which you can feed (the donkeys especially).We came by bus from the central station, it was a road with such an amazing view. On the return the bus was 10 minutes late.The restaurant is so so nice with delicious food. I can only recommend it!

Anamaria L — Google review

The park and gardens are enjoyable and their collection of plants and animals makes for a nice walk. The best part has to be the restaurant though, the service, setting and food is amazing. Locally sourced organic ingredients, cooked in a traditional wood fired oven, all served while you take in the amazing view of the surrounding hillsides. They also have a great l selection of local wines and beers!

Joe H — Google review

A favourite visit during our trip to Crete. Accessible via reasonable roads with parking on site (for a low entrance fee) to the gardens. Stunning scenes and a manageable 2.5hr set route to walk (managed by adults and children aged 7-10). Sticks were available to borrow for the walk and basic (well marked) tracks that followed through a set of beautiful plants and flowers en route. At the bottom of the route (around half way) there is a wonderful lake with some very content animals (or so they seemed), which we were thrilled to find. At the end of the walk, a wonderful, hillside restaurant, which offered traditional dishes (at a reasonable price) which were beautifully made using (what I understand was) for a lot of the produce available on site. Staff were very polite and accommodating with options for children. The shop also sold some delicious, local products at a range of prices.

Catherine T — Google review

A jewel in Crete's crown, this wonderful meandering walk through this garden is packed with specimens from around the world. How they managed to keep hostas, as well as some other more temperate plants/trees alive, is beyond me!It's a good two hour walk and includes a walk around a large pond with reindeer, geese, ducks, peacocks and donkeys. Further up near the stream, that trickles down through the garden, is even a badger set.Lovely signs placed around the site remind us of how precious the natural environment is.There is also a restaurant on site which rightly boasts excellent cuisine. I was blown away by the haute cuisine at very reasonable prices. There is also a shop where you can buy local produce.I hope to visit again in the future - highly recommended.

REBECCA V — Google review

This one needs to be on top of to do list when going to Crete!We had an awesome experience learning about flora and fauna. The place is beautiful and you clearly see it's being taken care of in a very professional way.Having the chance to see a peacock so closely and see how happy the animals in general were there made the experience even better.PS: Never have I ever seen such well treated donkeys in my life. Shiny hair, very clean. Just great

Geovanny — Google review

Amazing views, beautiful plants. Not crowded, quiet place, a really nice program. Most of the place has a shadow but if you visit during the summer months I recommend a hat, water, and definitely comfortable shoes. There’s a restaurant upstairs, with beautiful view. The entry fee is 6 EUR for adults, it really worth it!We parked by the road, but even if you see cars on the road parked, try to go to the parking lot, there might be places still.Kid friendly place, but it might be boring for kids under 6-7 years.

Dóra K — Google review

This park was a welcoming surprise. Their claims are well supported. The trek can be a bit rough at times, you must have proper shoes. They have resting areas and benches toward the end. It is certainly fun and educational. They have excellent views. The restaurant, which is located at the beginning and the end of the tour is excellent with amazing local food. Although it's something different in what you'd expect in Crete, I do recommend it.

Peter P — Google review

2.5 km walk through the botanical park. At the beginning you have different plants every 5 meters until you reach the lake. I am not an expert but many of the planta did not look well maintained. Next to the lake there are some donkeys which you can pet.

M. ( — Google review

A wonderful experience! You can tell how much work has gone into cultivating this amazing garden. If you do go however make sure to wear your walking shoes because the garden is a hike up and down the side of a mountain (but worth it). The garden is not handicap accessible.

Meena N — Google review

Sind an einem Montag im August da gewesen. So um 14 Uhr. Es waren nicht viele Leute da.Wir haben uns den Park auf der kurzen Route angesehen und waren echt begeistert. Die Früchte wachsen und gedeihen und je weiter man geht, desto schöner wird es. Festes Schuhwerk wird definitiv empfohlen, da es keine befestigten Wege gibt. Schatten war auch mehr als genug vorhanden. Der eine Stern Abzug ist im Grunde dafür, dass das Personal gefühlt alles andere als begeistert von ihrer arbeits Stelle ist, das macht ein wenig die Illusion kaputt.(Translated by Google)Were there on a Monday in August. Around 2 p.m. There weren't many people there.We looked at the park on the short route and were really impressed. The fruits grow and flourish and the further you go, the more beautiful it becomes. Sturdy shoes are definitely recommended as there are no paved paths. There was also more than enough shade. The one star deduction is basically because the staff feel anything but enthusiastic about their job, which spoils the illusion a bit.

Andreas K — Google review

Everything about this place is a dream come true. If I could beam myself to one place right now, it would be this botanical garden.I don't want to say too much today about the outstanding quality of the garden itself: many others have probably done that before me with better words and pictures.I would rather let my thoughts wander once again to the spectacle that took place on our tongues:Everything about the lunch that we were able to enjoy in the garden after the hike was simply fantastic!Starting with the very friendly, attentive and communicative service of the waiter through to the quality and presentation of the dishes ordered.I ate probably the best olives (only dried and salted - unfortunately these are not sold in the shop next door) of my life. Under shady vines. Overlooking the lush green valley.The main course was perfectly balanced. Fresh, tasty and yet not too much.Greek coffee is not served directly in the cup, but is poured from a copper pot at the table. A detail, but a beautiful one.I could go on raving, but now I have to work to finally be able to afford the next trip to this paradise.

Björn R — Google review

The Botanical Garden was quite pleasant. There are free parking spaces available both up the hill on the road and down in front of the entrance. The garden essentially consists of a long walkway with plants arranged around it. Along the way, you might spot a few peacocks. The entire tour takes about 2 hours. There are free walking sticks available for borrowing, which can be helpful if you want to explore the garden more comfortably.The variety of plants is decent. While there are a few exotic species, the garden isn't exactly a jungle. However, it does offer a nice selection of greenery and flowers. There is a large pond where you can see ducks, and there are even friendly donkeys you can pet.At the end of the tour, there is a restaurant that uses spices from its own garden in its cooking. The food tastes very fresh and flavorful. They do not serve chemical drinks like Coca-Cola, instead they offer homemade beverages such as lemonade.Before you leave, there's a shop that sells local products from Cretan farmers. The prices are reasonable.

Philipp E — Google review

This is the best botanical gardens I have been to ever!The place is beautiful, steeped with variety and beauty.Contrary to some reviews, this isn't wheelchair or buggy friendly. You need at least 2.5 hours for the walk which is well worth it.We had our 2 year old toddler (who's very active and well behaved) he was very engaged and only needed support on the steep stairs and a little bit at the end.For children, the best part is the lake and animals, particularly the peacocks.We came in the afternoon and had lunch first. The restaurant was amazing, the view, the food and the ambience.I had the best meal out of my 11 day holiday in Crete here and I would revisit this place in a heartbeat if I could.Both the trek and the restaurant.They have plants, trees, herbs and fruits from all over the world and you could easily spend all day here.Thank you for a wonderful experience.

Naz H — Google review

Very nice walk along a well maintained path. Educational. Beautiful. We were there in spring, so some nice flowers. But other seasons will have their own benefits. We also saw some salamanders and butterflies. The restaurant is nice as well, good food and nice views. Overal highly recommended.

Erik V — Google review

It is a lovely place to visit if you want to relax and have a nice walk in such a lovely garden. It is a little piece of heaven. You have so many different plants that you can admire, and there is also a small zoo area at the bottom of the hill. We had a great time in here. The restaurant serves food made with fruit and vegetables from the garden. Their store also sells local Cretan products.

Andrei-Vlad T — Google review

For me, the most interesting part was in the beginning (fruit tree section).The lake and animal farm is not that interesting unless you have children with you. Be prepared to hike up and down quite a lot.It's great that most of the trail is shady.Overall a great but also exhausting experience. Plan around two hours or more.

Benjamin S — Google review

Why isn't this place more famous?We have been watching a lot of videos about places to visit in Crete but none of them mentioned about the Botanical Park.This place totally changed our perspective about Crete. It's a wonderfully "designed" themed 2.5km hike, where you can see hundreds of species of plants, trees and flowers. And most importantly, you walk mostly in the shade. We spent around 3-4 hours here, stopping at every single species, admiring everything that nature offered us.The restaurant at the beginning / end of the trail has a nice view and the food is very good.I recommend taking at least 1L of water per person for the hike.The trail is not suitable for people with low mobility. However, people with poor fitness level should be able to do it.

Robert L — Google review

I recently visited the Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete, and it was truly a delightful experience. The park offers a scenic haven for trekking enthusiasts, with its well-maintained trails and stunning natural surroundings.The abundance of flowers, plants, and trees was a botanical marvel. Each species is meticulously labeled, providing an educational aspect to the journey. Exploring the diverse flora was not only visually pleasing but also intellectually enriching.The park also hosts a variety of birds, adding a touch of wildlife to the serene landscape. The overall cleanliness and meticulous upkeep of the park were evident, creating a pleasant and inviting atmosphere.A highlight of the visit was the on-site restaurant, where I indulged in some local culinary delights. The honey and other products available for purchase were a testament to the rich local offerings. I HIGHLY (!) recommend buying some; you won't be disappointed.The culinary experience extended to the restaurant, where the food surpassed expectations. The Feta, in particular, stood out for its deliciousness. All in all, the Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, offering a perfect blend of beauty, tranquility, and gastronomic delights.

Stav B — Google review

Nice place to visit. There are a lot of different plants: trees, flowers. Of course, more interesting to come here in spring when the most of trees are in blooming. Also you can find here a lot of peacocks. There are some geese here, donkeys, deers, ducks. After walking around the park you can come to taverna and take some Cretan food.

Наталья К — Google review

Dieser botanische Garten ist unglaublich schön und seinen Eintritt von 7€ auf jeden Fall wert.Hier wachsen so viele tolle Pflanzen und auch die Wege bzw. Stellen zwischen den Pflanzen sind mit viel Liebe zum Detail geschmückt.In dem kleinen Tierpark gibt es Pfauen, Gänse und Esel.Der Park ist 2,5km lang und wir waren ca. 2,5h dort.Das Restaurant hat ebenfalls sehr gutes Essen und Trinken zu bieten.(Translated by Google)This botanical garden is incredibly beautiful and definitely worth the €7 entrance fee.So many great plants grow here and the paths and places between the plants are decorated with great attention to detail.The small zoo has peacocks, geese and donkeys.The park is 2.5km long and we were there for about 2.5 hours.The restaurant also offers very good food and drink.

Sandra R — Google review

Such a beautiful variation of plants, the location is also impressive as you're surrounded by amazing mountains. There are so many different types of trees and plants that I've never seen before. Also, I loved the gift shop where you can buy local honey, olive oil, jams, and other nice things (we purchased 2 very nice books there). If you love nature, I 100% recommend this place. I also recommend getting their freshly squeezed orange juice - it was amazing.

Ana M — Google review

GETTING THEREPublic bus from Chania leaves bus station 09:30 return 14:45 €2.70 each way. Tickets can be bought at bus station and from bus driver at gardens and intermediate stops.Correct at time of writing summer 2024.A very nice day out lots of walking up and down the valley.It's hot take water. Staff very helpful food excellent but not cheap an abundance of waiting staff.So much to see on the 2,500 meter route.You can get by car too obviously .

Sjb H — Google review

Spectacular garden, beautiful flowers 🌺, ducks 🦆 peacocks 🦚 goose 🪿 turtles 🐢Bus goes from Xania at 9:30 and comes back at 14:30, bus ticket 🎟️ costs 2,70Entrance is 7€, student cards with discount

Alina G — Google review

A gorgeous garden with plants from temperate and tropical places worldwide, all informatively labelled in Greek and English. The trail is around 2.5km on dirt paths with a lot of steep ups and downs ( not for wheelchairs) but the plant variety is astounding. And the restaurant is excellent.

Peter R — Google review

A lovely place. Good information on most plants. Very neat and tidy. The animals were plenty. They were friendly tho very loud.Highly recommend coming with good time because the route can take several hours to stroll through. The route is not too physically demanding but good shoes are a must.

Barnender 1 — Google review

Ticket 7€ per person, nice walk up and down in serpentine style with lots of palnts from all over the world. Mostly shaded, total length 2500m to walk. Advice- waer full shoes or trainers because very dusty. On the end of the walk, nice restaurant with view, medium prices.

Ewa B — Google review

Very nice walk. Beautiful, well looked after gardens with additional benefit of cats, peacocks and terrapins, some lizards and deer. My family and I have thoroughly enjoyed it.I must mention the restaurant. It's one of the best with the cretean menu from produce from the gardens. It's really worth it.

Irene B — Google review

Very nice botanical garden, with a lot of citrus trees, pheasants and even a small (very) farm. You need to follow a tour that takes about 1-1,5h and you go uphills and downhills and you see very nice scenery. The restaurant has a splendid view with very good local dishes. The prices are reasonable. Take a bus for 5,4 euros aller -retour!

Mariia S — Google review

The Botanical Gardens in Crete were definitely an experience! It’s a beautiful nature walk with a mix of different terrains and plenty to see. The combination of the gardens and the wildlife in the zoo area adds a nice change of scenery. To clarify, "zoo" might be a bit of a strong word, but the presence of animals is a welcome addition and truly appreciated.That said, be prepared—the terrain can be challenging, especially for those who may not be in the best health or accustomed to longer walks. The garden route does offer a shortcut, but I’d only recommend taking it in case of an emergency or if you really need to cut the trip short.

S S — Google review

Very nice trip with great restaurant with vegan options and local food from their garden. Can't upload photo of the restaurant because Google censores wooden Greek statues 🤣.

Lorian H — Google review

Maybe not the most organized and arranged botanic garden, but well worth a visit. At least in the beginning of may.Plenty to see, on a entertaining and demanding trail, with several ascends and decends.Didn't really try out the restaurant. Only stopped for a dessert and some water.

Ejnar J — Google review

Absolutely beautiful path surrounded by a big variety of plants and trees from all over the world. The path is mostly in the shadow. It is made with much love and in an artistic and romantic style. A bit wild as well which fits perfectly to Crete and the place where the garden is. Also they have some amazing peacocks, ducks, donkeys and deers, which are living freely in a species appropriate territory. Highly recommended to spend there some morning or afternoon hours.

Birgitta K — Google review

This is a spellbindingly magical place which promptly shot up to become one of my favourite places in the world. I was so humbled by the beauty of nature here and loved every second of my visit.Nestled within a vista of extraordinary natural beauty, this botanical garden had a huge array of plants, herbs, cherry trees and even a small animal park where you could wander around amongst the pheasants and donkeys.The restaurant and shop were great, and a good place to stock up on the natural produce of Crete.A wonderful place to spend the afternoon and one that I'm eager to return to some day! 💚

Matt L — Google review

We had a lovely time wandering around these beautiful botanical gardens. We only did the short route due to time limits but I would love to visit again and complete whole route. The smells of the plants were amazing and we saw a baby peacock and several full size peacocks.

Ruth B — Google review

Very beautiful botanical garden with lots of exotic species of plants. The walk through the park is very relaxing and it is a wonderful experience for all the senses. The restaurant has very tasty traditional dishes. Overall a wonderful experience!

Lucian M — Google review

Great botanic gardens! You get to learn about all of the produce and where they originate from. The path is shaded and lots of rest areas along the way. You get to see the beautiful animals as you go through too. We didn't go to the restaurant but we heard it's amazing and they cook food in the traditional Cretan way. 8€ entry for adults, definitely worth it!Side note: I thought I saw a small beetle hovering around the flowers but it was actually a tiny humming bird!!! Be on the lookout for them, it definitely made my day!

Rachael M — Google review

Great Park. But you have to be able to walk down and uphill. Very nice collection of different plants, trees and flowers from all around the globe.Very nice restaurant with lots of traditional food.Nice zoo with donkeys and deer. Not far from Chania .Plenty of parking spots there for free . Park is 7€ per adult. Would go there again.

Kris — Google review

We can as part of a cruise ship excursion, this resulted in crowds and waiting that took away from the experience. That being said, the four star vs five is really about the overall logistics in the dining area missing the mark. After the walk through the park they served a snack, but no water or drinks available. Seating and food logistics were disorganized.

Gabriel L — Google review

Wir haben hier viel Zeit verbracht. Ein sehr schöner Park! Am Samstag Nachmittag kaum was los. Man bekommt hier viel Schatten und kann sich sehr gut hier an heißen Tagen aufhalten. Ein Restaurant gibt es auch, das sehr schön aussieht, da hatten wir nicht besucht, da wir vorher schon Essen waren.(Translated by Google)We spent a lot of time here. A very nice park! Hardly anything going on on Saturday afternoon. You get a lot of shade here and it's easy to stay here on hot days. There is also a restaurant that looks very nice, but we didn't visit there because we had already eaten there before.

Katha R — Google review

Lovely place! The walk is hilly and not accessible for those with mobility issues, but it winds gently and there are places to sit and rest and handholds. The animal farm is worth the “long route”, and make sure you finish your visit with a tall glass of fresh lemonade. A delightful treat!

Kathie O — Google review

Absolutely gorgeous plants. Beautiful nature. It's good to take your time, not an easy path, with many stairs. We took the shorter path because we walked really slow, to look at all the plants and it took us 2 1/2 hours. I guess the longer path will take a bit more than 3 hours in our speed.It is important to take water with you. Also a hat and sunscreen will be useful, because not the whole path is in the shade.

Enrico R — Google review

This place is amazing. It has such a great variety of flora and fauna. A different way of spending your day in Crete. A 2.5 km of nature paradise.Don’t miss the food at the end of your hike/ walk at their restaurant. One of the best local cuisines with wine pairings. The service was great. Highly recommended.

Moely G — Google review

A must experience when in the Chania area, we’ve done the trail a few times over the past few years, every season offers a different experience, and if you stop and take in the natural abundance the world offers it is sure to lift your spirit and provide a positive boost, highly recommended! The restaurant is optional, most experience there were good, even if the service can go either way depending on the season and number of people. Enjoy! We ❤️ it!

Jamie C — Google review

4.7

(6349)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (173)

4.5

(1477)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (174)

Epar.Od. Chanion-Omalou, Fournes 730 05, Greece

+30 2821 200770

25

Beach Agia Marina

Beach

Outdoor Activities

Agia Marina Beach, located near Chania, is renowned for its long sandy stretch and family-friendly atmosphere. The beach offers a variety of facilities and accommodations including villas and hotels. Visitors can enjoy clear, transparent waters suitable for children and engage in water sports activities. Additionally, the area boasts numerous taverns and restaurants where guests can savor local cuisine while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

Clean beaches, comfortable sand, incredible water temperature, decidedly fantastic... I've never spent so much time at the beach, I want to be more and more...Clean, blue waters with great sun loungers and shade!!!Although tourism is enough, it is nothing extraordinary, you can walk comfortably in the middle of August!I loved Agia Marina

Lidia O — Google review

The beach is not that great, it is sandy but with a lot of stones.There are big waves so not really good for kids.Plenty restaurants and sunbed around

Gosia L — Google review

Wave here is quite strong, the beach is some places more gravely and some place quite sandy, there are bars along the wholebeach, quite easy to find a place to have a some drink or food.

Lin Z — Google review

Great and clean beach, ONLY sand and it doesn’t get deep for quite a few meters in. Great for children!

Chrysi S — Google review

Beautiful beach, the water is clean and warm. This beach have sunloungers and they can be paid for or you could get food in the restaurant on the beach and then they are “free”. I’d say if you are visiting this beach be careful with people who are selling jewellery. Other than that everything else is great.

Gabrijela T — Google review

Great beach just a short drive from Chania. Very nice beach. We came here to rent watercraft and go paddling. The paddling and swimming were good. Water temperature was nice. No waves (or only very small ones). Water was very clean and clear. Sandy beach. Numerous restaurants along the beach amd on the road nearby. Parking on the street was not difficult midday on a weekday.

Matthew D — Google review

Not a bad beach at all. Water is fairly calm, it’s usually busy but no more than 60 people at a time from what I’ve seen. Like many beaches here, the earlier you come the better spots there are going to be

Liam N — Google review

Absolutely beautiful place the water is clear and warm,hope to come again some day

ALAN C — Google review

Later edit: i have tried the beach next to Gorgona Restaurant. This part of the beach is much more clean, the sand is nice and soft, the restaurant offers good services, Alex is a great host. 4****The rating for this beach is higher than it should be. Not suitable for kids. The "sand" is mostly gravel, the only good part about this beach is the fact that the waves are small due to its peers and you have a beautiful view to the "goat's island".

Simon C — Google review

A very nice place for my tastes, full of accommodation buildings (villas and hotels) full of facilities and optimal conditions for spending holidays. The golden sand does not give you that blue colour of the sea but the sea is clear, transparent and very suitable for children. A very well organised beach where you can find umbrellas and sunbeds for free if you are a customer in the tavern or with a payment up to 6-8 euros

Irma Z — Google review

The beach is sandy, it doesn’t have many waves, the sunbeds don’t have a price, you need to buy something in the bar, you can get coffee from 2 euro and you can get french fries for 3,5 euros. The water is not very clear because of the sand that goes up when someones walking.

MiciX — Google review

Sunbeds with the bar. First part is better for swimming as further is cross stream wave.The water activities are medium like round the island etc

Настя М — Google review

If you feel like huge crowds and all possible beach services, overpriced low quality food in busy beach canteens/ cafes, come, otherwise run away/ rent a car and visit the other beautiful beaches of Crete.

Lenka B — Google review

Amazing beach with sand that is not so fine that it sticks everywhere. Crystal clear water, beautiful surroundings and restaurants close by. Sand colored fish that swim around your feet, the small ones might bite if you have a wound and stand still, but it's not really hurtful, just surprising. I think they might be doctor fish known from spas.

Michelle A — Google review

4.4

(215)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (175)

4.0

(1571)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (176)

PEO Kissamou Chanion 24, Ag. Marina 730 14, Greece

I'll never travel to Elafonissi without this trip planner again

Learn more

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (177)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (178)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (179)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (180)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (181)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (182)

I will never travel to Elafonissi without this app againAvailable on the App Store

26

Platanias Beach

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (184)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (185)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (186)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (187)

Mentioned on

+7 other lists

Beach

Outdoor Activities

Platanias Beach is a vast sandy stretch located in the charming Platanias village, just 11 km from Chania. It's a popular spot with younger crowds due to its collection of hotels and beach bars. The beach is well-equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, and water sports facilities. While it can get wavy at times, there are also days with calm waters perfect for swimming and floating around.

Really nice stretch of beach. Many restaurants offer use of sun chairs and umbrellas with any food or drink purchases, so it's easy enough to find a good spot. We stayed at Sonios hotel right along the beach and most of that area was perfect because of all the space. It can get very wavy though depending on the day. During the week we probably had 3-4 days where the water was calm enough to just float around, and they other 3 were a lot more rough so not as good if you aren't the best swimmer.

Caleb — Google review

Even though at first glance one might think it's a clean beach, here is unfortunately the proof that it's not!This bucket was filled within 10 minutes (in front of the 5-star hotel "Basil Honey") in an area of just 10 meters. This is not just a Greek problem, but a global one, unfortunately. Please, during your vacation, take a bag with you and spend 10 minutes, no matter which beach you're on. It helps everyone, and it's no effort.Even a small contribution from many can make a difference.

Stefan O — Google review

Nice beach. Sunbeds, restaurants, boat trips, clear water. Very nice.

Jacob W — Google review

Very good prices (5 euro per umbrella) plus what you drink which was also quite cheap. Beautiful beach even though it was windy the day we visited. Friendly staff and a relaxing place for families to visit.

Despoina P — Google review

Nothing bad to say! Beautiful beach and waves 🌊YouTube: MMTO Official

MMTO O — Google review

Lovely...

Thomas S — Google review

Excellent beach. A lot of sunbeds, pool bars and tervernaes. There can be windy with big Wales - but also quite and flat water. Good for water sporting and sun bating. You might see turtles come out of the many nets on the beach

Jim D — Google review

Very nice beach. It is a beach with mostly small stones and some sand. Enjoyed being here in late August and early September. Still tourist season, but not quite as busy as earlier in August.

Amy M — Google review

Good beach to chill for a day. Not the most beautiful beach but nice enough for a relaxing day. The beds are for free at the bars if you order a couple of drinks during the day.

Mathijs K — Google review

Mostly small rocks and rubbled sand. Very nice temperatures in July under the scorching sun. Decent waves as you can see in the picture. Several restaurants along the beach.

Mattias L — Google review

4.2

(474)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (189)

4.0

(717)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (190)

Kolpos Chanion, 730 14, Greece

+30 697 254 3588

27

Cave of Agia Sofia

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (191)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (192)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (193)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (194)

Mentioned on

1 list

Chapel

Nature & Parks

Caverns & Caves

The Chapel Cave of Agia Sofia is a small cave with a church located on the way to or from Elafonissi beach. While there are about 200 steps to climb, there is a café and toilets available for visitors along the way. The cave provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and offers booths where visitors can buy olive oils and honey.

About 200 steps from the road up to the cave. There’s a cafe a quarter of the way up to get some refreshments and small bite. Toilets are also available. There are booths to buy olive oils and honey. Breathtaking view of the mountains.

Prettie C — Google review

Beautiful and relatively large cave with many beautiful stalactites and stalagmites formations. The cave is 5 minutes walk by stairs up from the main road. The path up offers a fantastic view of the canyon below. The steps are not to steep or high so manageable for children as well. Cave floor can be slippery in places so be careful.

Johan K — Google review

Originally reviewed 4 yrs ago, google deleted photos in error so reposting;Good, tranquil, cool cave with friendly guy to hand out a flyer with information about the cave if you want it. The cave has a large history and it's worth reading the pamphlet before making a walk around.Go for the small loop or bigger round the edge, though it's very slippery and not really a path as such to follow.Option to make a donation and burn a candle if you so feel like it.You can more easily get to the cave if you drive a little further and park opposite the restaurant on the corner. There's a few stairs and then track going slightly uphill to the cave, you exit this track to do the last bit of stairs (the same stairs starting from the road). This track saves a lot of energy and also wear and tare on your ankle/knee joints.

Lord S — Google review

Interesting cave on your way to or from Elafonissi beach. If you dont have much time then don't worry, you're not missing much.If you do, it's a nice stop to stretch your bones (there are many steps up there).As other reviews have mentioned, there a lot of pigeons there 🙃

Ori G — Google review

You can treat it as additional point of your trip. There is a lot of steps to reach this place so take a small bottle of water :)When you walk around the cave (there is a special route) don't forget the flashlight or you can always use your phone like we did. Just don't drop it! It's easy because the floor there is slippery. Pay attention so.

Cezary M — Google review

Very nice cave. Be ready for alot of stone stairs. But it's a nice little cave filled with history and pigeons. If you aren't scared of a walk up stairs is worth a visit

Ryan L — Google review

It's a small cave with a small church in it.If you are passing by there it's nice to stop to see it, but I would not go just to see this. Is not so much to see.To arrive there you need to climb a lot of stairs.

Madalina B — Google review

Nice little cave, 200+ steps up to it, some decent stalagmites and stalactites, nice trip up through the caverns to get here. They sell some really nice liquor, beeswax, honey and refreshments half way up the steps, recommend the melon flavour!

Sean G — Google review

Lovely views at the top. The cave itself is also interesting to explore though it's rather small.Still used for worship, so have that in mind. Not appropriate for rowdy groups.

Kristiyan T — Google review

A magical place, well worth the walk up the steps. Stunning views and the privilege of seeing the European Vultures way up high in the rocks, a fantastic place to visit.

Anne W — Google review

Absolutely stunning, surprise stop on mu way to Elafonissi Beach. Views from the tavern are breathtaking, easy access via some steps. Stopped at the cafe and had some freshly squeezed orange juice and bought some local honey from the cafe on the way up too

Jayne P — Google review

The walk up the 260 stairs can be exhausting in the heat but the cave itself offers shadow and colder temperatures. Cave is big and impressive.

Julia — Google review

The Chapel of the Wisdom of God, nestled within a cave, offers a unique and serene spiritual experience. Its natural setting creates a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere, blending the beauty of nature with sacred architecture. The cave enhances the chapel's ambiance, making it a memorable and tranquil place for reflection and prayer.

Tina W — Google review

The stairs are worth it :) it’s a nice spot, not many tourists and the cave itself is amazing!

Madlen ( — Google review

Agia Sofia Cave in Crete is a hidden gem worth exploring! The journey to the cave is scenic, and once inside, you're greeted by impressive stalactites and stalagmites, along with a peaceful, almost mystical atmosphere. The small chapel inside adds a unique touch, blending natural beauty with spiritual significance. It's an easy hike to the entrance, and the views from the cave are breathtaking. A wonderful spot for nature lovers and those interested in Cretan history!

Nikos V — Google review

No tickets required, and free parking on the road. It's a really nice and unique spot! I highly recommend visiting it. The cave is stunning, unique, and powerful! A great place to stop and spend an hour. The cafe is good too, with nice views and plenty of seating. Overall, 10/10.

Marianna Z — Google review

10 minutes hiking up hill and you‘ll reach a very nice cave.

Traci F — Google review

Nice quiet and hidden place where 257 steps lead. It´s a small cave with nice view. We discovered it on our way to Elos.

Veronika V — Google review

Se urcă 257 de scări(dacă țin bine minte), dar merită tot efortul, este o peșteră nu foarte adâncă, demnă de toată admirația, cu o istorie frumoasă și în plus la intrare se poate admira un peisaj de poveste, iar dacă este cald afară, vă mai și răcoriți puțin. Nu se percepe taxă de intrare, dar iubitorii de frumos pot dona pentru întreținere. De asemenea se poate aprinde o lumânare și spune o rugăciune în micuța biserică din stâncă, din incinta acestei minunate grote.(Translated by Google)There are 257 stairs to climb (if I remember correctly), but it's worth all the effort, it's a not very deep cave, worthy of all admiration, with a beautiful history and in addition, at the entrance you can admire a fairytale landscape, and if it's warm outside, cool off a little more. There is no entrance fee, but beauty lovers can donate for its upkeep. You can also light a candle and say a prayer in the small rock church inside this wonderful grotto.

Ioana N — Google review

The story of the cave church is really interesting. And the place is beautiful. I enjoyed the sound of the pigeons, who live there. It made it more spiritual. The view from there is also good.

Ljubena S — Google review

A fantastic stop along the gorge.....well worth a stop.First up....it's free. I've paid good money in various places to see caves a lot less impressive.It's also nice and cool in the cave. A welcome relief from the heat. The path through the cave is extremely well made. The stalagmites and stalactites are pretty large in places too.Make sure you put a few euros in the donation....it's well worth it

Darren W — Google review

A calming sanctuary with breathtaking views!There is an overwhelming feeling of peace upon entering the cave.The formations are absolutely beautiful as well.Photograohs are a must but please be aware of personal items being present for offerings.A must if you're in the area.

Maressa — Google review

A bit of a climb to reach the caves, although not too arduous and definitely worth it. The view is stunning. The caves have an interesting history and are fascinating to explore. The atmosphere has a very spiritual feel. I can recommend the fresh orange juice available at the eatery a little way up the steps. The steps also offer a great viewpoint for the birds of prey typical of the region. There is no charge for entry to the caves.

Caroline H — Google review

The cave is also a church dedicated to Holy Wisdom. The rock formations and formations are impressive and allow you to admire the combination of nature and the place of worship. The cave is located on a slope about 40 meters above the road. On the way back, you can relax in the café.

Tomasz L — Google review

Seen the cave from the street. There's abit of a space on the road where we you can park although no real parking nearby. The view is unreal, mountains are absolutely breathtaking. We recorded the cave with a drone (didn't actually walk up there), but if you are into caves I would definitely recommend stopping by when you're passing by.

Natalia P — Google review

Very beautiful cave with a lot of history and also very well maintained. You have to climb 247 stairs to reach it, and the entrance is not paid but you can give coins for the candles which help support the place. There is a guy there who gives you instructions and explains things but mostly on Greek, in case that you don't speak Greek he provides you with a paper on your language, he is very friendly and helpful.

CRETA T — Google review

Very interesting cave, a short climb up steps to the entrance. Get some amazing photos of the valley. Definitely worth the stop.Spent about an hour here, got some great photos.

Rhys C — Google review

Worth the trip up the loooong stairs. Impressive cave. Donate and light a candle. There is a super viewpoint up there. We were lucky to see an eagle flying between the Cliffs 👍

Niels A — Google review

Great cave to visit. Not too far from plantanis if you have hire car. Lovely tavern at caves too. If into bird watching you can see vultures, falcons and more. Well worth a visit

Lynn P — Google review

A wonderful historical and religious sight, well-worth visiting. Be prepared for quite a long stair climb. The cave-church has a very interesting history and is a one in a kind place.

Anna K — Google review

This Is hard, it Is a nice cave, to go there, You will drive a car on gorgeous roads and more thank 200 stairs Is between You and the Cave. The Cave Is a religious place, so the review Is depend how religious You are. For me good to see, but nohing special inside. What was really nice were roots of trees which goes from the ceiling and there are branches on them.

Sileny K — Google review

It is a good place for a quick stop on your way to/ from elafonisi beach. There would be around 100-150 steps leading directly into caves. Definitely something to checkout if you are in vicinity.

Moely G — Google review

4.6

(3717)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (195)

4.0

(253)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (196)

Minoa Pediada 734 00, Greece

+30 2821 044647

28

Balos Beach

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (197)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (198)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (199)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (200)

Mentioned on

+41 other lists

Beach

Outdoor Activities

Balos Beach is a well-known lagoon on the northwestern side of Crete that can be reached by either boat or car. A natural paradise with white sand and turquoise waters, it sits within the Gramvousa Peninsula, where visitors can also find two small islets overlooking the beach. The larger one has a Venetian fortress that was built to deter pirates. The shallow waters near the shore are perfect for snorkelling while further out in the lagoon there are deeper parts to explore.

Amazing place, the colour of sand and water Is so beautiful.You have to drive for about 20 min on gravel road, pay €1 per person at the entrance to the area. Once parked on free parking area, walk 20 min down to the beach. Wear comfortable shoes, so you can walk on stony uneven path. I was wearing flip flops and was fine, so not too bad of a walk. Elevation is about 150m, so wouldn’t recommend to elderly or very young kids, unless you can carry them some of the way.

Natalie M — Google review

One of the most beautiful places I ever visited! So many shades of blue, the water is clean and there are even a few patches of pink sand. If you rent an umbrella, just make sure you close it before going in for a swim, since the wind is pretty strong in the lagune.

Carmen F — Google review

The road to the beach is quite long, if you have a rental car the policy does not allows you to go on this route. We rented an ATV from the city next to it and it took about 25 minutes to the parking lot.But then you have to walk for about 20-30 minutes to get down to the beach.The water wasn’t so turquoise blue like in the pictures and definitely I couldn’t say it’s the most beautiful beach in Greece.Probably, going by boat would’ve been a better option.

Roxana G — Google review

Although we intended to take the ferry to get here, we didn't make it as it was fully booked and we were told that only one trip is made per day. So, we ended up taking the road trip but I think that's the best thing to happen to us. The road was difficult but it was definitely worth it, we stopped a couple of times to buy sandwiches and drinks that were local to the area. when we reached I thought we may not be able to get the parking as it was mentioned many times but when we got there, the locals charged us €2 to enter per person and parking facilities were good as the locals were managing it. From there we started a little hike down to the beach, the view was amazing. Took lots of pictures along the way. I couldn't get enough of it, simply beautiful. There weren't many people on the beach and it was peaceful. After spending an hour there we saw the ferry arriving at the beach, so many people got down at the same time and that was our cue to depart from the beach. All and all, it was a thing to remember. This is definitely a must to see the beach. Highly recommend.

Sony P — Google review

This is a beautiful place to view from up top. Other than that it's interesting having all these people running, laying, sitting in the pond/swamp-like water, but not more than that. The closed off lagoon's water is dirty because of everyone going in. The shallow isn't good for swimming. The swimmable part of the beach is overwhelmed and has slippery pebbles till you get to somewhere you can enter the water. So yes - beautiful beach, not a good beach. Please keep clean and have in mind there are a lot of people there.

Marin K — Google review

Visiting Balos Beach in Crete was an unforgettable experience. The journey to this remote paradise, whether by rugged hike or scenic boat ride, is an adventure in itself. Upon arrival, the sight of the turquoise waters, pristine white sand, and dramatic landscapes took my breath away. The shallow lagoon is perfect for wading and swimming, making it an ideal spot for families and relaxation.Exploring the area revealed small coves and rocky outcrops, offering privacy and a sense of adventure. Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters exposed a vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life. A highlight was the hike up to the viewpoint, providing a stunning panoramic view of the entire lagoon—perfect for capturing memorable photos.Balos Beach remains relatively unspoiled, maintaining tranquility even during peak season due to its remote location. Modest amenities, including a small café, add to the authentic and serene atmosphere without extensive commercial development.Balos Beach is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Crete. Its natural beauty, sense of adventure, and breathtaking scenery make it an experience that will stay with you long after you leave.

Claudia V — Google review

Wunderschöner Strand mit klarem Wasser.Der Wind ist jedoch sehr stark, es ist sehr voll und die Anreise ist mit einer langen Schotterstraße und einem langem (für alte und kranke Menschen wohl zu harten) Weg von und zum Parkplatz verbunden.(Translated by Google)Beautiful beach with clear water.However, the wind is very strong, it is very crowded and the journey involves a long gravel road and a long path (probably too hard for old and sick people) to and from the parking lot.

Leila — Google review

This place is a must-see without hesitation. Amazing sand, incredible water, and breathtaking views!We went there by car. The last 7-8 km took 30 minutes because the road isn’t well-maintained. However, I think the difficulty is exaggerated in other reviews; it’s neither dangerous nor terrifying. We drove a small car with no problems, and if we had an SUV, we wouldn’t have needed to go slow at all.The hike takes about 20 minutes and isn’t particularly challenging. Just pack some water and wear hiking-compatible shoes, and you’ll be fine. However, I’m not sure how it would work with kids or if you have a special condition, but for someone with an average fitness level, the hike shouldn’t be an issue.The goats are funny and add to the fun experience. The water is quite shallow, so the beach is better for chilling and having fun rather than diving or swimming. We didn’t arrive at 8-9 am like others suggested; we got there around 4 pm. The beach wasn’t crowded at all, the sunset was amazing, and the return hike offered great views and cooler temperatures, which made it easier.

Yusuf S — Google review

It's obviously stunning and a must see. The road there is 10km of bumpy and slow off-road and the place is a bit too touristy for my liking with a lot of sunbeds and umbrellas giving it a slight hotel resort feel. Wander off a bit to the other side and walk a loop around the lake over the rocks to get a more secluded feel

Marc F — Google review

Love the beach so much! It has the blue color that i was always wanting to experience, water so clear and shallow so u are not scared of not being able to swim! Took a walk on the top and u can also see the panorama view! Juat that the ferry left so quick and u had no much time to explore! Wish the tour could last longer!

Quynh H — Google review

It was a very nice beach with a natural scenery view, but then walking down and up the mountain can be stressful. Make sure you wear very comfortable shoes (trainers) and make sure you are very fit or you could take a boat there instead. Driving there is not bad but dusty. In general you should visit beach, it’s a must see

Nankam C — Google review

Is it worth the drive trough the worst road ever, the hike down (20 mins) and back up (30-40 mins)? Absolutely yes! It hurt but that’s how you form precious core memories. Parking lot is too small so we found a 1km of cars parked alongside the last part of the road, so add this to the hike, you’re gonna park faaar away. Any how, it’s awesome and they have goats!

Razvan C — Google review

The beach is beautiful. There is a small part of water separated from the main see and which is very shallow, very good for kids. The entrance to the territory costs 1 euro per person and the parking costs another 3 euro. Then you have to take a small hike (~20 mins) and you will be there. The hike is very easy. The beach gets crowded towards 11:00. There are no big waves and swimming there is very joyful

Alexey S — Google review

Such an amazing place to be. It's definitely worth it especially if you drive there on your own, then you can spend some good quality time at the beach. Spectacular views from the mountain top. You will also enjoy seeing the Kri-Kri goats. Just be aware that they will come to your bags searching for food 😂.

Dennis M — Google review

You MUST go to Balos Beach! Forget about the people who say it’s dangerous. Plan accordingly and read all the tips people share. It is absolutely amazing.Highly recommend to get proper shoes to hike down and up. Cover your head and shoulders and have water with you. I recommend getting there around 13/14pm as the boats will leave shortly and the beach becomes empty. You can rent umbrellas or bring your own if you want some shade. There is a canteen in case you need refreshments or something to eat. The road to get there is 7km but you can only drive around 10-20km/h. There is enough space for two cars driving opposite ways, don’t worry! Small kids and older people must take special care when walking. Water and the over view is just FABULOUS!!!!

Gemma G — Google review

Incredible beach, one of the best in Crete. Have appropriate hiking shoes 25 minutes down to the beach the challenge is the return 45 minutes uphill but a great workout/hike with spectacular views. The beach is beautiful with a natural lagoon and fine sand, nice snorkeling and mountain goats on the beach.

Juan F — Google review

Loved it! The toilet was broken or closed however when we where there during Easter week, and the time that took us to get there was really underestimated by oneself. Also not the easiest path to take, but worth it. I burned 1000 calories durjng this trip.

Maria K — Google review

Suuuuch a beautiful place! Took a boat trip there. Waters are shallow for a large part but you can reach a swimable distance that is safe, warm yet refreshing waters. Bed and umbrellas free for anyone to use. You can drive there but be sure you’ll have to climb down a very big mountain for approx 20 min!

Nicole G — Google review

Beautiful beach and the lagoon is just amazing. Shallow and warm water with no waves. The only downside is the 9km dirt road and the 2.5km of walking down the cliff to the beach from the carpark. To be honest, it was even more difficult yo get back to the top.

Wojciech D — Google review

Not worth the hassle in my eyes. 30 min drive on a very bad road, another 30 min walk to the beach which gets very crowded with people who arrive by boat. Places to actually swim are few and far between as the waters are quite shallow here. €1/person for entry, €3 for parking, and €20 for a beach set. Probably best to be the first or last to arrive in the day. The goats are cool though :)

Filip N — Google review

Balos Beach is a true natural gem that left us in awe during our visit. The twenty minutes hike down to the beach, which included navigating through gravel, stones, and rocks, was an adventure in itself. We even had a delightful stop at the viewpoint, where we were treated to breathtaking scenery and encountered some curious goats along the way. Trust me, sturdy footwear is an absolute must for this trek.But once you arrive at the beach, it's like stepping onto another planet. The white sand is simply mesmerizing, contrasting beautifully with the clear blue waters of the sea. The picturesque setting makes it a fantastic spot for sunbathing, swimming, or simply soaking in the natural beauty.It's important to note that Balos Beach can get quite crowded around midday, as tour boats typically dock at twelve pm. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon.The only caveat is the hike back up, which is undoubtedly more challenging than the descent. However, the stunning beach and panoramic views make every step worthwhile. Balos Beach is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and beach lovers alike, just be prepared for that uphill journey!

Michel B — Google review

This is still one of the most impressive views after 5 years!It is quite challenging to get there following a narrow dirt road but so so worth it!Oh, even after reaching there by car, you need to walk like 2-30 min, it was quite tough because of the sun, but the hiking itself is doable with flipflops.

Soohyun P — Google review

This is an absolutely beautiful beach. The colors are amazing. It's a bit of a hike to get to so suggest wearing good walking shoes

Graeme H — Google review

One of the most beatiful beaches I’ve ever been to. To get there you need to drive a few kilometers through unpaved road, entrance fee to the area is 1 EUR per person and parking is 3 EUR.

Michal T — Google review

Amazing views and cute goats dotted around!Around 20 mins of dirt-track, max 10MPHAnd then 20 min walk down which is very steep and path is uneven. Wouldn’t recommend for anyone unable and please wear trainers!! Much harder in flip flops.

Shannon J — Google review

This godly, otherworldly beach is probably one of the most beautiful places I have ever been in. Sapphire, crystal clear water with a lot of space to swim, agreeable temperature and the two rising mounts that are surrounding the place. You can easily get to the top of the hill, a bit rocky and it doesn't have a path but you have the checkpoints that will guide you there and you'll have a gorgeous view from the beach, the islands nearby and the mount. I arrived at the morning and I was able to enjoy a lot. It gets busy in the afternoon with all the tourists coming in from the boat but well, what can you do. Unfortunately I found plenty of plastic scattered around the hill and had to myself clean a little bit, so please watch out for anything that you will throw away. Getting there was easy by car, very comprehensive roads and a parking lot. We had to pay to enter and I think also for the parking but it's not much and it is worth it, of course. Specially if the money goes for conservating this paradise. The chairs under the parasols are paid and it was 20 euros.

Lucas B — Google review

The one star is for the nice view.The rest is a complete horror trip!You have to drive 8km a dusty road which is only made for off road vehicles.We had a normal rental car and were afraid we will not make it to the parking lot.The parking cost is 3€ and is a very rocky platform.Than you have to hike 30 minutes down a narrow rocky and dusty path in the burning sun to the beachSo have good shoes with you, Sneaker or something Like This.The beach is nice.Everywhere are rocks and honestly there is also goat crap in the sand, I’m afraid.The water is really warm so not really refreshing, but okay.It’s good for children because it’s not deep there.The goats are walking around the beach, stepping over your towls and the beach loungers, looking for food, so be prepared for that.Maybe it's nice to go there by boat?!I’m sorry but I would never ever visit this place again.We were very disappointed.

S K — Google review

Amazing only for photo.. you have to pay a boat trip (30€ pp), bring your umbrella o have luck to rent one in place (10€/h).The water was dirty and with bad smell, nothing to see having snorkeling.Reaching the beach by car is strongly discouraged because the off-road is hard.In the place there is a bar where you can buy food and drinks paying with card.

Manuel M — Google review

Excellent beach with fine sand and shallow turquoise water. Be prepared for ~7km of dirt road followed by ~20' of mild trekking to descend (30-50 to climb back, depending on your fitness level). Be there earliest possible as after 11 it gets full of tourists from boats and gets crowded. The view from above is magnificent.

Alina G — Google review

Balos beach is a must see beach from the nearby hill. If visited by a boat, you have to climb the rocky path in order to see the entire beauty of it. This is the reason we picked the unpaved road. It takes about 10 km of it, not very pleasant to travel, however, it seems maintained and secure. You can see a lot of goats and sheep while driving as well as on the beach. Bring them snack or close your beach bags, so they don’t pick the threats themselves. The fee to enter the natural park is €1 per person (cash) for clean up and maintenance almost at the beginning of the dirt road. Then, parking costs €3 payable cash or by card in the coffee/sandwich shop at the parking lot. There is a person helping with the parking logistics in the morning as the parking can get really packed at lunch time. The journey down hill takes about 30 minutes and even more if you stop for pictures. You aren’t allowed to use your own umbrella, no need to carry it all the way down. If you get there early, there could be available beach chairs and umbrellas for €20 per set. It gets very busy after noon with the boats arriving. The bigger ones don’t turn their engines off while waiting for the tourists so it gets noisy, too. Apart from this and the too many small boats and water paddle boats, the nature is preserved, stunning views and colors.

Iva D — Google review

The beach itself is quite pretty, the vista of the lone rocky island surrounded by shallow waters is breathtaking, and the beach itself is quite pretty, and the water is clean. Our experience as well was that the beach wasn't that crowded, and Also, there are wild goats roaming around freely!Now the road to the beach isn't the best and that is an understatement. It is a gravely off-road, narrow mess, and multiple times in our 20-minute drive, we debated on whether to just return back. Once we arrived, we had to pay 3 euros for parking, which wasn't even parking, it was just a wide empty space consisting of the same macadamy structure. And then, you need to hike to the beach -> down a dangerous and badly fenced road. That lasts around 20 minutes as well.Now I am just rating the beach itself, but the way to and back isn't a childs play, so keep that in mind. If it was, i would probably drop my score a bit.

M D — Google review

Great view. BUT if you’re not sure in your abilities to walk under hot sun down “China wall” don’t go. The road to get there is horrible, not enough parking space, so people leave their cars on the side of the road and it’s impossible for to cars to drive past.

Kertu R — Google review

Very nice place, beautiful views from the top of the hill. The way to get here is a bit tricky, you need to ride cca 7-8km on offroad and then walk cca 30 minutes. Parking is charged 3€ however there is also free parking on the left side of a road.

Zlatica V — Google review

B R E A T H T A K I N G, one of the best beaches I have ever seen in my life + amazing spot to see the sunset.100% worth the horrible way up 😂 be ready to suffer!TIP: there are free nice toilets in the area.

Orihana M — Google review

This was by far my favorite Crete beach simply because it is absolutely gorgeous. Having read the reviews we decided to go by car, because that would allow us a full day at the beach. The cruise companies only seem to spend a couple of hours here (which is a good thing in my opinion).Getting to Balos by car consists of driving along 11 kilometers of unpaved road, occasionally navigating turns and twists, there are sharp stones and except for a few places there is no railing on the sea side so I can see how some might find it uncomfortable driving there. But I thought that it is absolutely worth it. You pay 1 euro to enter the area and 3 euros for parking (which is also full of sharp stones). From the parking lot you have to go down to the beach, maybe a 20 minutes walk (on the way back it's uphill so maybe 30-40 minutes). The views of the beach from the path are breathtaking and there are many goats along the way.The beach has a toilet (1 euro) and a small shop selling sandwiches and drinks. You are not allowed to use your own umbrella so don't bother bringing any. There are a few umbrellas and beds available for rent, I don't remember how much we payed but it's in line with the other beaches of the island. Around lunch time the boats arrived and the beach became very crowded, but like I mentioned they only stay for an hour or two and then leave so in the afternoon it became less crowded again.

Andreea F — Google review

This is a must go place. It is so breathtaking that no Words can describe its beauty. Awesome place, beach a nice canteen nearby and boats to rent in the area. You need to carry cash or you can literally not enter the natural reserve. Fee is 1 euro per person. Also, loads of hungry goats are there. It's phenomenal.

Francisco G — Google review

Well this is going to take a while.. the trip all in all was amazing and worth the hike.. but anyone thinking to visit this place should consider the bumpy drive for around 7km on a cliff side & a hike of around 2km down a rocky trail sometimes without any sides to reach.. once you’re at the most magical place on earth!🌍 consider the way back up 👍🏻

Randa C — Google review

Sehr schöner Strand. Touristisch stark besucht, verläuft sich aber gut. Liegen sind vorhanden, man zahlt für 2 + Sonnenschirm 20€.Der Weg vom Parkplatz zum Strand (ca. 30min) ist allerdings nicht ohne.Für die Schotterpiste, die zum Parkplatz führt, zahlt man pro Person 1€, für den Parkplatz selbst nochmal 3€. Ziemlich holprige & steinige Fahrt (ca. 30-40min), ein Jeep ist empfehlenswert.Hauptattraktion sind Schafe und Ziegen.(Translated by Google)Very nice beach. Heavily visited by tourists, but it goes well. Loungers are available, you pay €20 for 2 + a parasol.However, the path from the parking lot to the beach (approx. 30 minutes) is not easy.You pay €1 per person for the gravel road that leads to the parking lot, and another €3 for the parking lot itself. Quite bumpy and rocky ride (approx. 30-40 minutes), a jeep is recommended.The main attraction are sheep and goats.

Lisa — Google review

Most stunning beach ever. We drove there around 9am, hiked down to the beach for 30 mins. The view is magnificent along the way, the water is clean and shallow perfect for baby and toddler, while you get deeper water on opposite side of the strand. Around 11.30am mass tourists would arrive by the boat or ferry, so better leave before then.

Y J — Google review

The beach is stunning, but it's quite a trek to reach. The drive takes 25 minutes on bumpy roads, and then there's the parking and entrance fee. Be prepared for goats to rummage through your belongings, and expect a 20-minute hike to the beach. If you have young children who can't walk yet, it's not the best place to go, as it'll be challenging to carry them back up.

Mario M — Google review

Very beautiful panoramic view! For sure if you’re in Crete you must to go. Parking 3€, the access from the parking to the beach is sporty: you go down smiling and come back crying for the effort. Bath and snorkeling is not exceptional as others beaches

Danilo V — Google review

Driving to this beach is a bit difficult but not impossible. We need to drive almost 6 kms on a dirt road.From parking we need to walk about 45-60 mins for normal people or 20-30 mins for fit people.Walking is a bit difficult so please plan accordingly especially if you have a baby or elder people in your group.There is only one canteen at the beach, food and drink options are very limited. There is no shower as well.Beach is very beautiful and water is so clear. You can rent a boat there directly if you want.There is lot of sea weed at some parts of the beach but if you go inside the water there is nothing.All in all it’s an excellent beach in crete with some amazing views and awesome driving experience.We enjoyed our experience but hope to see some cable cars or so next time I visit here or at least they build some new roads.

Hemanth S — Google review

I took a ferry to come to this beach. We stayed 2-3 hours (we booked this through agency). I wish we got more time to spend here but in that amount of time spent here I absolutely loved it. The beach is nice and water is very warm (depends on what time of the year you go - we went in September). Walking to the beach it can be an awkward walk cause some of the stones can be really big so you have to take precautions. All in all I definitely recommend visiting this beach.

Gabrijela T — Google review

Amazing. Best beach we experienced in Greece. Hiking it is not as big of a deal as people say. We saw older people and children hiking it. Climbing back up is a strenuous 30-45 minutes, but totally worth it.

Alonso H — Google review

This beach is truly stunning, no doubt about it. However, I’m giving it 4 stars due to a few key points:1. Getting ThereWe arrived by car, and the final 7 km are quite challenging, with a dusty and bumpy road. There are two fees to pay: a road fee and a parking fee, both reasonable. Once parked, we faced a tough walk to the beach. Despite being in good physical condition, the walk was challenging due to the heat and the slippery rocks. We all wore flippers, which were unsuitable for the terrain—we should have had proper hiking shoes. The walk takes about 20-30 minutes through a valley with rocks and heat, so appropriate footwear is essential. Many families with children faced difficulties, and I saw some minor injuries.Alternatively, the beach is accessible by ferry, but this option has its own challenges. There is no bridge or proper connection from the ferry to the beach, requiring people to walk on sharp rocks, which appeared quite rudimentary and dangerous.On our second visit, we rented a boat, which I highly recommend despite the higher cost.2. Bring CashThere is only one bar on the beach, and it only accepts cash. The same applies to the toilet facilities.Despite these challenges, this beach is an absolute natural beauty and well worth a visit. Just be prepared for the journey and bring cash to fully enjoy the breathtaking blue waters and the amazing views.I hope this helps!🙏🏻

Angelica B — Google review

The footpath to the beach wasn't that hard to walk down if you're decently fit, at least in my experience. I recommend a good pair of shoes (not slippers!!), a head covering and water, and you're set. Don't forget to take lots of breaks in the shade.The beach itself is very busy, people are constantly trickling from the road or boats, but the place is so large that it's not crowded.There are two main areas of water: a golf with deeper water, where most boars anchor, and an enclosed "pool". The water there is ankle deep in some places and quite warm. A current runs through the joint between the two. It's very strong despite the shallow water, so don't let it surprise you.The accommodations aren't amazing: there's only a couple of sunbeds and a "canteen" with drinks and snacks.There's also lots of goats! They came down onto the beach and strolled around, looking for food. They ate right out of my palm, but when I was in the water, took the rest of my food. They even poked their heads in open backpacks.

Qwe — Google review

The beach was really nice, it has a convenient restaurant for snacks, the only thing is it was pretty hard to get there especially when it’s this hot! Be prepared for a trekking becuse the beach is at least 3km rocky climb away from parking.

Rajan S — Google review

Definitely a must see location, the rocky sides, the flora, the water there, it all makes this place very special. Sandy beaches, in some places you’ll find the same pink hues sand as in elafonissi beach. Highly recommend to visit.Tip: take proper water shoes with rubber sole and snorkeling mask with you, the water in some places might have quite sharp rocks but you’ll be rewarded with amazing fish and sea life

Fleur T — Google review

The dirt road drive was pain in the a.s but well wort it. Recommend to come early and leave before the sunset as the climb up is harder if your not used to hiking.

Peter H — Google review

Although there is a way to get there by ferry, it was not our case since we went by car as far as geography allowed us to go. After that, you have to walk downhill for about 200 meters, it is not easy to go down since the path is rocky and irregular, but the beach makes it all worth it. Balos Beach is among the most beautiful beaches I have ever known. You have to take mobility into account, because after spending the day on this amazing beach, you have to go back up the winding path. I would do it a thousand times more, no matter how much suffering it takes to get there. It is a hidden treasure.

Mede B — Google review

The view is beautiful, but I do not recommend staying more than 2 hours. However, you need to be prepared with cold water, snacks, definitely an umbrella.

O.M. — Google review

beautiful beach, if you are in the area I recommend visiting at least once. Clear water, fine sand, incredible romance. I just recommend that if you drive by car, go early in the morning, the road is rocky, but with a regular car it's completely fine, you just have to drive slowly. At the top there is a large parking lot and then the trip down on foot is really worth it.

Petr Z — Google review

A long ride down a rough dirt road and a tough hike but worth every bit of it. Magnificent views for miles and a day you will not forget.

Pool G — Google review

29

Falasarna beach

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (206)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (207)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (208)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (209)

Mentioned on

+9 other lists

Beach

Outdoor Activities

Falasarna beach, situated in the Chania region of west Crete, boasts ancient Hellenistic harbor ruins nearby and high season cafés and sun loungers. This wide bay is ideal for water sports due to its strong winds. The village of Falassarna offers accommodation options such as hotels and houses to rent, making it a great base from where to explore all the beaches in West Crete.

We spent 2 weeks on Crete and Falasarna was definitely our favourite beach. We have visited many famous beaches here including Balos, Voulisima, Vai etc. but nothing could top Falasarna. There is one big beach and 2-3 smaller ones. So there is plenty of space, also areas without sunbeds and umbrellas. It's sandy beach and the water is very clean and crystal clear. The beach is also a great spot to watch a beautiful sunset. There is a few nice tavernas right on the beach. We personally liked the most Galatia Thea on the small beach. We stayed in Aqua Marine apartments for 1 week and it was a great experience. We can highly recommend this beach.

Tamara M — Google review

The most perfect beach in Crete, full of beautiful sand, even bit of pink sand too. Umbrella set was only 15euro. Water was great too. Oh and amazing sunset!!Food in Gilisima Tavern was fresh and delicious 😋

Katarzyna L — Google review

Very windy and moderate waves. It is an opened golf and there is no limit of wces, thus it make it a surfing area all the year long. There is a restaurant on the beach and you can rent a set of 2 chairs and 1 umbrella for 15 euros, also a bed for 40 euros. Easy to reach to this beach, the parking place is near to the beach. Colors are unexpectedly turquoise. Recommend videos and photos from the drone.

Iulia M — Google review

Very nice beach with certain levels of 🩷 sand. Perfect spot for sun bathing and swimming. It is very large and not too crowded compared to other famous beaches. Can be easily reached via bus from Chania without renting a car.

KH Y — Google review

The beach is great! Water is clear. It is a bit deeper vs other beaches. It is perfect for water sports. The way to the beach is not long but it is quite steep. However, the view from the parking to the beach is simply beautiful…blue sparkling paradise.

Darina G — Google review

One of the best beaches on the island. Fantastic waves with crystal clear sea. Nice long sandy beach. The beach bar is very good with delicious food and excellent hight quality service with deep music. Prices are also okay

Zsolt H — Google review

Amazing beach! Toilets, restaurant are close. For 15 euros you get a beach set, parasol and two sun beds. Plenty of parking space for free, clear blue water, wonderful day on the beach!

Karina P — Google review

Most beautiful beach we have been to. Stayed also once a whole day at the beach beds. You have toilets and showers. Well there is a few big restaurants with very good food and drinks.

Katharina — Google review

This beach does not disappoint! It is a very long and large beach with ample room. The water is a nice depth and there are plenty of sunbeds available. Plus a restaurant with excellent food! Highly recommend visiting this beach if you are staying in Chania.

Kat B — Google review

One of the most beautiful and huge beaches on Crete island. We liked this more than a famous Elafonisi beach. Worthy.

Domi D — Google review

Favorite beach in Crete , beautiful clear deeper water for long distance swims. Mts. Rocks. Nice sand and entry. Good parking. Less tourists. Long beautiful beaches. Snorkeling. Shipwreck maybe if we had time we would go.

Alyssa M — Google review

Very beautiful beach, not that difficult to reach out. It is big, with white send and crystal clear water. You can rent both tge beach umbrella or the beds under a characteristic roof: 30 euro for the line in front of the beach, 20 for the second, 10 for the 3rd. There is a bar restaurant close by, but you can order directly from the beach spot and one guy will manage the order as well as the delivery. Prices are fair, and the food is good.

Claudio C — Google review

Amazing beach, warm water. Plently of parking even after 1 pm there was still some spaces. Crystal clear water and clean. Lots of bars/ restaurants around. A cabana is 50€ and a sunbed 30 € if you’re interested.

M P — Google review

Spacious clean sandy beach with amenities. Beautiful crystal clear water, not the best for swimming because of waves. Recommended for sunset view. Accessible by car.

Silvia H — Google review

Falasarna beach is a captivating haven nestled among majestic mountains. The serene setting is adorned with available sunbeds, inviting relaxation. The pristine waters offer a refreshing escape, while the waves provide an exhilarating touch. A perfect harmony of natural beauty and comfort, making it an idyllic destination for tranquility and enjoyment.

Magdas W — Google review

While not widely recognized, this beach stands out as one of the most beautiful in Chania, and quite possibly the entire island of Crete.Stretching for several kilometers, the beach offers diverse landscapes. To the north, rugged rocks line the shore, and the crystal-clear water creates perfect conditions for snorkeling. In other areas, the conditions are ideal for swimming and various water sports.Close to the shore, the water remains shallow—so shallow, in fact, that even non-swimmers can comfortably wade several tens of meters without difficulty.Numerous private beaches dot the coastline, allowing visitors to rent sunbeds. Additionally, there are ample free areas for those seeking a more laid-back experience.

Catalin H — Google review

Second best beach ever visited. There is a copious amount of room for everyone and crystal clear waters next to the sandy beach. What's not to like!Bring your own beach umbrella or you can rent one on the beach. Some shade during a long sunny and hot day is highly recommended ❤️‍🔥

Priyamvad T — Google review

one of the top beaches in Crete, and you’ll be surprised i found more pink sand here than at Elafonissi! the waters are so clear, it almost looks like a pool! it was super windy the day we visited but we still had a great time swimming, snorkelling (not much to see though), having a picnic, playing cards & rackets! it doesn’t feel overly crowded as it’s a pretty spaced out beach.

Fatema S — Google review

One of the most stunning beaches I've ever been to. The water is crystal clear and turquoise, the sand is really soft and the beach itself is really long and spacious. The only downside is that it's very windy. We stayed at the Liokalyvo beach bar and paid 15 euros for two sunbeds and an umbrella. There's a big free parking lot next to the entrance of the beach and the views from the road to it are picturesque. The sunset on the beach is also really beautiful.

Preslava D — Google review

The most beautiful beach I have ever seen. Blue water, pink sand, wide and long beach

Artem R — Google review

The beach is suitable for couples, with or without children, but also for friends. This is a beautiful beach, with sand and some rocks that are great for snorkeling.If possible, avoid when windy.A lot of loungers, some of them can be expensive… we rented one at a bar nearby (Liokalyvo)for 15€, but some others were 30€. Facilities available and easy and free parking.

Marie A — Google review

Sandy beach surrounded by steep mountain slopes. It's located on the west side of the island, so the sunsets are spectacular. Hundreds of tourists gather here at dusk to flood Instagram with their sunset selfies.It's also a popular wedding location, so if you want to enjoy a sundown drink by the beach (just like me), make sure there's no wedding planned for the day at your favorite beach bar.Large parking lots near by. Driving down to Falassarna beach is an unforgettable experience by itself, due to spectacular scenery (unfortunately, mutilated here and there by large greenhouses, visible from the road).However, the beach might not be a good destination for those travelling with toddlers, as it's quite windy sometimes, the waves are strong and the sea is way deeper than other beaches on the island.

Ionut S — Google review

For me, one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen. Cold clear water. Definitely the best clean beach. Great service on the beach itself. several restaurants, toilets, shower,... Huge free parking

Zlatko M — Google review

Really beautiful beach! Easy access, large parking space and comfortable beach equipment - plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas. It feels like the water is colder than the other beaches at that time.

Polina — Google review

A beautiful beach with sand and waves like on the Baltic Sea, but the water has colors found only in Crete. It is worth spending at least one day on this beach and eating delicious food in the restaurants on the beach. Free parking, showers and changing rooms are available and the beach is partly guarded.

Tomasz L — Google review

Loved this beach. Long nice beach with lots of sunbeds and tavernas. Much less touristy than f.ex Elefonissi. Recommend own car as there are free parking very close to the beach. You can get there by bus, but bus stop is a little walk away.

Gøran — Google review

One of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen. The crystal blue clear water, the patches of pink sand, the free, large parking lot and the accesibility of day beds and food/drink make this beach a perfect day experience.

Andrew G — Google review

A gorgeous beach to float, relax, and watch the stunning sunset. We wanted to watch the sunset so we arrived at 5pm. There was plenty of parking and we quickly got sun beds for 50% off. We paid $30 for 2 beds under one umbrella.

Rachael S — Google review

Hands down, the best beach in Crete! You’ll never feel crowded here, no matter if it’s peak or off season. Waters - crystal clear, sandy bottom, surprisingly shallow, but deep enough for a swim. We’ve even spotted few surfers in the afternoon.Tip: you’ll want to come here as early as possible, the waves can get quite high in the afternoon.

Fleur T — Google review

Best beach in GreeceFree parking lots.Lounger and umbrella available to rent (€20-50/day).Restaurants on the beach offer shower, change rooms, toilets, and food delivery to your lounger on the beach.

Elysia R — Google review

The most beautiful beach in the world. I would spend here every day of my summer if I could. Crystal clear and warm water, golden sand, and lots of beach clubs. Sometimes when it’s windy it gets very wavy and it’s super fun to play with the waves.

Elena P — Google review

The beach boasts stunning blue waters and soft, whitish sands, creating a picturesque setting. The water is exceptionally clean and clear, offering a refreshing experience every time you take a dip. However, it's worth noting that windy conditions can detract from the overall enjoyment. The surrounding areas are quite arid, and when strong gusts blow, you can often see dust swirling in the air. Without some form of wind protection, the beach can become less pleasant.For added comfort, sun lounges and cabanas are available for hire, many of which include service for food and drinks. The staff is exceptionally friendly, and the food is delicious, enhancing the overall beach experience.

Pedro F — Google review

Beautiful beach but very windy the day we came. I don’t know if it’s often like that but better check the forecast and avoid comming on windy day. It was impossible to swim. Pair of sun beds was 30€ and there is pleanty of free parking.

Mina A — Google review

There is a lot of plastic in the sea. Mostly big and small pieces of plastic. It looks like it is cleaned during season, but not in April. It is not so nice to swim in plastic. Otherwise, just a standard beach, nothing special about it. There are definitely more beautiful beaches in Crete than this one

Sergey A — Google review

Probably the best beach in Crete! Large, sandy, sun beds, free beach, water sports, beach clubs, free parking, excellent crystal clear water, sometimes moderate waves, sunset, very large beach.15-20 km (15 min drive) from Kissamos. Car is need to reach the beach. We love it!

Cata — Google review

This was by far one of the most beautiful and scenic beach I have been too on this trip. The sun beds were really expensive, but if you come in the afternoon you pay half the price. It is worth a visit

JD S — Google review

Real good sandy beach with clear water. The blue colour of the water makes it more beautiful. It is around 60 kms from Chania, an hour by car. The scene from the top of the hill when you approach the beach is fabulous. The gradient is a bit steep and I think that is why the waves are a bit high. The water was pretty cold. There is a changing room at the edge of the beach for a visitor who is not planning to stay there at a hotel. I thought the beach chairs were a bit on the expensive side.

P S — Google review

Long sandy beach with crystal clear turquoise water. It's not as spectacular as Balos ( at least for me ,maybe for others it's the other way round),but it is a beach with a great fine sand ( in the water too). You need to bring your own sunshade if you don't want to pay for the sunbeds. Tip: stay and see if you can the sunset because it is indeed spectacular.

Viorel T — Google review

Sunset side. Water is slightly cold, and the sea bottom is deep from the very beginning.Apart from that, very beautiful view to enjoy the sunset.Two beds and one umbrella cost us 20€ (cards supported). However, the cashier ends at 16.00, and you can use beds and umbrella free of charge.

Michael G — Google review

Wasn't sure how to rate this one so I will split it in sections:Water: 10/10 Probably the most beautiful water in CreteSunbeds: 1/10 Sunbeds and umbrellas are packed like sardines. 20e for 2 sunbeds and umbrellas unless you want first two rows which is 60 I believe. I don't mind paying 20e but sitting so close to people is just not pleasant.People: 5/10 - There is a lot of people on the beach, and I mean a lot, however you can still swim somewhere where it's not that packed.Overall, worth visiting definitely but I wouldn't go there every day during full eeason even if someone paid me to.

Srdjan C — Google review

Stunning beach. Huge place with lots os space to stay. The sun beds are nice. Water not ver warm tough this period of the year. Easy access and parking.

Pablo M — Google review

Beautiful beach but overrated in my opinion. Very crowded and not as good views as Balos. Water is crystal clear, not fair from car park which is free. Restaurant and bar close

Daniel Z — Google review

The beach chairs and umbrellas are outrageously priced. The range is 30-60 euros. The food from the onsite restaurant is very average. The actual beach and the water are amazing. Lots of waves so be prepared.While the actual beach is beautiful this is a huge tourist trap the staff laugh while they charge the “ stupid tourists “ the only bonus is the free parking but I’m willing to bet that this will not last long

Samuel — Google review

Stunning, long sandy beach with crystal clear turquoise waters and tones of pink where the sea meets the shore. The northernmost part offers some shelter from the winds and is nudist friendly. There’s several bars, water sport activities and a lifeguard. Absolutely worth visiting.

Andi M — Google review

Absolutely perfect beach. Well, it can get rather windy sometimes. But the beach and the sand and the water and the sunsets and everything else is spectacular. Even the nearby parking is great too - always a spot to find.Best tip - go in the evening after 6PM for unforgettable sunset swimming. Less people, less wind, but still as amazing as ever. This beach is pure heaven.

Alex B — Google review

4.7

(8712)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (212)

4.5

(3960)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (213)

734 00, Greece

30

Gramvoussa Fort

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (214)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (215)

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (216)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (217)

Fortress

Sights & Landmarks

Castles

Old ruins of an old venetian fortress. The way to the top is a bit challenging, make sure you have proper shoes or you'll have to struggle a bit. It's also more convenient, since you probably don't want to spend most of your stay at the island hiking. The view is spectacular, so it's worth the exercise. On your way you can also find some goats. Be cautious with the wind, it gets really strong at the top (watch your hats!).

Riccardo C — Google review

This deserted island hosts the ruin of the Gramvoussa Fort. It is a short 10 minute boat ride from Balos Beach and a bout 20-30 minutes by boat from Kissamos by boat. You have to rent a boat tour to access the island. We visited off season so we were the only people on the island. During the season you can book guided tours. But it is also fun to explore the island and the fort by yourself. Be aware that the climb uses antique stone stairs that can be challenging to climb for some. There are no railings and there are a lot of loose stones.

Timo N — Google review

A unique panorama over the cliffs and waters.Walking to the fortress is a 30-minute rock stairs climbing.Have proper sports shoes and water at your disposal to hidrate and a sun hat.It is worth the breath o climbing to the fortress.

Grigore Z — Google review

Nice view to the sea and Balos beach. It takes 15 minutes to climb to the fortress and 20 minutes to look around. The fortress isn't well preserved except walls but the view is very nice.

Vasil K — Google review

The remains of the fortress approximately 170 meters above sea level. The views from the fort are magnificent and enchanting. It is definitely worth the trip up, even in the heat. It can be done even in flip-flops, the path is slightly paved.

Ladislav M — Google review

Walking up the stairs to the Fort is a nice little walk. You might stop a few times to catch your breath. When you come to the top you realize the trip was worth it. The view is great.It's doable in sandals you don't need shoes 💪🏾I'll suggest you pay a little more for the trip and go by a smaller boat, as we did. The boat crew will make sure that you get there earlier than the big boat "Gramvoussa". That ship will unload 500 people on the island and make the beach and stairways crowded

Dean O — Google review

The hike is so worth it for the incredible views!!

Mr B — Google review

Nice walk up to the fortress, nothing to crazy, we were there in about 15 minutes. Absolutely stunning view from up there but the fortress itself was a bit barren (to be expected). Could have had a bit more information but since it was completely free I can't complain. Definitely recommend going here when you visit the Island.

Julian H — Google review

The visit to the fortress on this island is done in combination with the visit to Balos beach. It is an old Venetian fortress, abandoned a long time ago. There is about 15 min walk to get there, through a well maintained staircase. Because you'll likely walk there at mid day, bring water with you. The views at the top are incredible and the small hike to get there is worth the sweat 💦

Stefan P — Google review

Sailed here in the evening. Best time to come to avoid crowds is in the evening once all the tourist boats have left. There is a dock to land on and you walk to the beach area. There is a small house at the bottom for the keeper of the island during tourist season. At the beach it’s rocky, you can swim or carefully go to ship wreck and snorkel around there. Apparently there are no sharks near Crete so don’t be scared to have some fun.The fort is approximately 400 feet at the top, take the ancient stairs (very high steps) for about 15 min. The fort is by beautiful, walk around, take some photos, has a great vantage point of Balos Bay.Not very strenuous hike, equivalent to walking up 15 stories. Goats along the way. Going down is tough on the knees due to how high the steps are in general but you can walk on the side of them if you wish to avoid the strain. I did it in water shoes.

Edward ( — Google review

O vedere spectacol.Am fost cu excursie organizată (locală) 41€ a inclus transport din China până la Kissamos, după am luat feribot, ne-a dus la laguna Balos și după pe insulă.Este o cetatea cu acces gratuit și e amenajat drumul să mergi ca pe scări.Plaja de un albastru superb dar nu ai timp să le faci pe amândouă (cetate și plajă) ai la dispoziție o oră după aceea te întoarce acasă și mai faci pe feribot aproximativ 2h până în KissamosE recomandat să vă duceți cu autobuzul local, puteți lua de acolo bilete pentru vapor.(Translated by Google)A spectacle view.I went with an organized trip (local) 41€ included transport from China to Kissamos, then we took the ferry, it took us to the Balos lagoon and then to the island.It is a citadel with free access and the road is laid out to walk like stairs.The beach is a gorgeous blue but you don't have time to do both (fortress and beach) you have an hour at your disposal after that you return home and take the ferry for about 2 hours to KissamosIt is recommended to take the local bus, you can get tickets for the ferry from there.

Sava V — Google review

Busy place. Used a ferry from Kissamos port. Beautiful island and the beach is fantastic.

Leandro L — Google review

Great island, once in a lifetime view. Definitely to be put on bucket list

Tsveta G — Google review

It was a great experience. The island has a stunning view from the top of the fort in which you have to climb 400 steps to 134m altitude. It is not for everybody,but the view worth.

Gisele F — Google review

Climb to the fort is about 15-20 minutes, but there is no shade so have that in mind. The path is full of really old stairs, so its rather easy and there's no serious need for hiking shoes.The highlight are the amazing views in all directions. You will most-likely visit by boat during one of the the many day-cruises to Balos. Even if you have somewhat limited time on the island, as long as you have a full hour, spend it here.

Kristiyan T — Google review

Aussicht war schön! Die Steine (besonders der letzte Abschnitt) sind allerdings sehr rutschig, hier ist festes Schuhwerk beim Besteigen ein muss!(Translated by Google)View was beautiful! However, the stones (especially the last section) are very slippery, so sturdy shoes are a must when climbing!

Petar K — Google review

Great view, 15-20 min walk up the stairs, but definitively worth it. Apple Watch said 36 floors up 🤣

Stanislava P — Google review

Highly recommended to do the hike up to Gramvoussa Fort (15-25min walk), great view, beautiful scenery 👌🏻

Fons S — Google review

It is worth taking appropriate footwear for bathing, because the ground is rocky.

Patrycja X — Google review

Very hike-worthy, it's great that the morning ferry reaches the island at around 11:30, so you might squeeze a quick dive, too (July 2023) 😎

Dimitra K — Google review

Worth the climb for the scenic shots you can get from up there!The climb from the beach is only 12-14 minutes, the path is reasonably well maintained but there are some big steps and slippery rocks so you still need to be careful.Once you get up you will see a mighty fortress, covering the full top of the island with some impressively fortified walls. Inside the fortress you won’t see much, but you have a few small watch posts and a church in ruin.The best thing to do here is to walk around the outer walls and capture the scenery all around!

Ioan O — Google review

The view is breathtaking, but getting up and down is not easy, so bring water and a hat.

Brigitta D — Google review

If you can make the climb from the beach it is well worth it. Amazing site and to explore and the view from the ramparts were some of the best I've seen in Greece.

Greg H — Google review

Gorgeous place with incredible beaches and blue water. The fort is quite interesting, but be prepared to climb many stairs! The hike is absolutely worth the view and it's nice to look into the old remnants of the fort.

Insa N — Google review

The prettiest view from a fortress I've ever had. It takes 15-20 minutes to get up, and then another 15 to walk around it, although just admiring the view is more than enough time consuming. I would climb again if I ever visit. The beach and the sea below far outweigh Balos beach as beautiful scenery to me. There is no entry fee nor any guards and I find this a loss, for this place gets a lot of visitors daily and really needs protection. There is a ruined church and a maze of old paths and houses that the fort hosted.

Marin K — Google review

Incredible hike to the fortress. The view is pure worth the effort. We arrived by ferry as part of going to balos beach. I highly recommend this experience. The hike is pretty intense especially with the time given.

Andrew L — Google review

4.7

(1588)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (218)

4.5

(546)36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (219)

Minoa Pediada 734 00, Greece

36 Best Stops Between Malia and Elafonissi (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Ray Christiansen

Last Updated:

Views: 5863

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ray Christiansen

Birthday: 1998-05-04

Address: Apt. 814 34339 Sauer Islands, Hirtheville, GA 02446-8771

Phone: +337636892828

Job: Lead Hospitality Designer

Hobby: Urban exploration, Tai chi, Lockpicking, Fashion, Gunsmithing, Pottery, Geocaching

Introduction: My name is Ray Christiansen, I am a fair, good, cute, gentle, vast, glamorous, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.