Woltaro
Discover Crete
Eat. Explore. Experience.
Crete is the largest Greek island and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean, divided into four regional units: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Lasithi. It combines long coastlines, mountain ranges, Minoan archaeological sites and a distinctive local food culture.
Explore
What would you like to see in Crete?
Crete on the map
Beaches, attractions, things to do and Woltaro restaurants in one view.
Popular destinations
Towns and areas across Crete
Restaurants you can reserve
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Best beaches
8 places listed
BeachBalos Lagoon
Chania
A shallow lagoon on the Gramvousa peninsula in north-west Crete, reached by boat from Kissamos or on foot from a rough unpaved road.
BeachElafonissi Beach
Chania
A protected beach and islet in south-west Chania, part of the Natura 2000 network, known for its shallow water and pink-tinted sand.
BeachFalassarna Beach
Chania
A wide, west-facing sandy bay in western Chania, next to the ancient city of Falassarna.
BeachSeitan Limania
Chania
A narrow rocky inlet on the Akrotiri peninsula, reached by a steep unmarked footpath.
BeachPreveli Beach
Rethymno
A palm-lined river mouth beach on the south coast of Rethymno, at the exit of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge.
BeachMatala Beach
Heraklion
A sandy bay in southern Heraklion, framed by sandstone cliffs with carved caves.
BeachVai Beach
Sitia
A sandy beach in eastern Crete backed by the largest natural palm forest in Europe.
BeachVoulisma Beach
Agios Nikolaos
A sandy bay at Istro, on the Mirabello coast between Agios Nikolaos and Sitia.
Things to do
6 places listed
Thing to doHike the Samaria Gorge
Chania
A full-day one-way hike through the Samaria Gorge, ending with a boat transfer from Agia Roumeli.
Thing to doBoat trip to Balos and Gramvousa
Chania
A day boat trip from Kissamos port to the Gramvousa islet and the Balos lagoon.
Thing to doDay trip to Chrissi island
Ierapetra
A summer boat trip from Ierapetra to the protected island of Chrissi.
Thing to doVisit Knossos and the Heraklion museum
Heraklion
Pair the Minoan palace with the museum in Heraklion that holds its finds.
Thing to doFollow the Peza wine route
Heraklion
Visit wineries in the Peza and Archanes area south of Heraklion.
Thing to doDrive around the Lasithi Plateau
Agios Nikolaos
A mountain day trip from the north coast, taking in villages, farmland and the Diktaean Cave.
Attractions
8 places listed
AttractionPalace of Knossos
Heraklion
The largest Bronze Age archaeological site in Crete and the ceremonial centre of Minoan civilisation, 5 km south of Heraklion.
AttractionHeraklion Archaeological Museum
Heraklion
One of the most important museums in Greece, holding the main collection of Minoan art and artefacts.
AttractionSamaria Gorge
Chania
A 16 km gorge in the White Mountains National Park, walked one way from Omalos to Agia Roumeli.
AttractionChania Old Venetian Harbour
Chania
The Venetian-era harbour of Chania, with the Egyptian lighthouse and the old town behind it.
AttractionFortezza of Rethymno
Rethymno
The Venetian fortress on the Paleokastro hill above Rethymno old town.
AttractionSpinalonga
Elounda
A fortified islet in the Mirabello Bay, later a leper colony, reached by boat from Elounda and Plaka.
AttractionArkadi Monastery
Rethymno
A 16th-century monastery south-east of Rethymno and a national monument of the Cretan struggle for independence.
AttractionPhaistos
Heraklion
A Minoan palace site on a ridge above the Messara plain in southern Heraklion.
Upcoming events
Concerts, festivals and food nights
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Villages & towns
5 places listed
VillageArchanes
Heraklion
A wine-producing village south of Heraklion, near the Minoan site of Anemospilia.
VillageMargarites
Rethymno
A pottery village in the Rethymno hinterland with a long ceramics tradition.
VillageAnogia
Rethymno
A mountain village on the slopes of Psiloritis, known for weaving and Cretan music.
VillageLoutro
Chania
A small south-coast village with no road access, reached by boat or on foot.
VillageKritsa
Agios Nikolaos
A traditional village above Agios Nikolaos, near the Byzantine church of Panagia Kera.
Dining guides
Where to eat, by area and by occasion
Good to know
- What is the best way to explore Crete?
- Pick a base town, then work outwards: this guide groups Crete by destination so you can see the beaches, attractions and things to do that sit close together, plus restaurants nearby.
- Do I need to book restaurants in advance in Crete?
- In peak season a table for dinner is worth reserving ahead, especially for popular spots. Restaurants listed on Woltaro can be booked online; the rest are listed for reference only.
- Is this guide free to use?
- Yes. Browsing destinations, places and restaurant pages on Woltaro is free, and you only pay when you book a table or an event ticket.
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