Top 15 Insider Tips for Crete

Turquoise blue sea, beautiful sandy beaches, and fantastic palm groves - that's what comes to mind when we think of Crete. The largest of the Greek islands captivated us during our first vacation many years ago. Once you're there, the island's special charm captures you right away.

Crete is a beautiful island that will surely make your summer vacation an unforgettable experience. We don't need to tell you that this Greek island has long ceased to be a hidden gem, hosting thousands of vacationers each year. To help you experience and enjoy its beauty away from the tourist crowds, we've put together our Top 15 insider tips alongside the Top 18 attractions in Crete. From secluded paradise beaches to exciting activities and delicious restaurants frequented by locals, you'll find plenty of helpful and lesser-known tips here. Let yourself be inspired and discover Crete at its most beautiful!

1. Voulisma Beach

2. Atherina Beach

3. Itanos Beach

4. Balos Lagoon

5. Lake Kournas

6. Kourtaliotiko Gorge

7. Mylonas Waterfall

8. Agia Irini Gorge

9. Peskesi Organic Farm

10. Rental Car

11. Diaskari Tavern

12. Gioma Meze in Agios Nikolaos

13. Taverna Avli

14. Peskesi

15. Insider Tips from an Expat

To give you an overview of where our Top 15 insider tips in Crete are located, we've marked them on this map.

Crete is one of the first destinations that comes to mind for many when it comes to summer vacations and beaches. And quite rightfully so, as the island boasts palm-lined white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. We set out to find some hidden and less touristy beaches. Here is our top selection of insider beach tips in Crete:

Voulisma Beach itself has become too well-known to be considered a true hidden gem. It's simply too beautiful and easy to reach, but we still want to share it with you. At this several hundred meters long sandy beach, you can rent sunbeds, and there are changing rooms, showers, and a small kiosk where you can buy water or ice cream. If you want to enjoy the beautiful beach between the cliffs all to yourselves, leave the umbrellas on the right side of the beach behind and follow the rocky path until you reach a lagoon where crystal-clear water and absolute tranquility await you. While Voulisma Beach itself may not be an insider tip, this spot close to the beach definitely is. Let yourself be enchanted by the sparkle of the water!

At Atherina Beach, you will hardly encounter any other people, even during high season. Small coves line up next to each other here, the water offers perfect snorkeling conditions, and you can enjoy absolute peace undisturbed. Be sure to bring snacks and plenty of water - you won't find cafes, restaurants, or beach bars at Atherina Beach.

You've probably heard of the beautiful palm beach of Vai - maybe you've even been there yourself. If so, you know this little piece of earth is quite special, as Vai is considered the largest natural palm grove in Europe - making it a magnet for many tourists. Our insider tip: Drive about 2 kilometers further and stop at Itanos Beach. Here, you can enjoy the beauty of the place undisturbed. Be sure to bring water shoes, as the sand here is a bit pebbly. However, you'll be rewarded with absolutely clear water. Good to know: Itanos Beach is a popular spot for naturists.

Balos Lagoon is one of the most famous attractions in Crete. It's often mentioned in the context of the most beautiful beaches in the world. What makes it so special? The lagoon lies between the Gramvousa peninsula and Cape Tigani, connecting both spots with its white-pink sand surrounded by impressive, crystal-clear water. Getting here isn't easy, and you should definitely wear sturdy footwear as the path is steep in places. Another way to reach Balos Lagoon is by sea. Rent a boat and steer towards paradise on the west coast of Crete. Insider tip from Urlaubsguru: Book a guided day tour on a ship that includes Balos Beach and the island of Gramvousa. This way, you won't have to worry about anything and can fully enjoy the beauty of the place.

• Book a day tour to Balos Beach & Gramvousa Island here

Crete has more to offer than just beautiful beaches. If you're vacationing on the Greek island, be sure to take some trips to get to know the land better. From adventures to relaxing spots and traditional farms that let you experience the Cretan way of life - these insider tips will make your Crete vacation unforgettable.

Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, Crete has turquoise water around it. But the island's inland has much to offer as well, like Lake Kournas in the west. It is the only natural freshwater lake in Crete. Here, you can escape the beachgoers and immerse yourself in a very peaceful place. Rent a pedal boat, let yourself drift across the lake, and jump in headfirst for a refreshing dip. You might even encounter cute little turtles in the water, snakes on land, and various species of dragonflies in the air.

As challenging as the name of this gorge may be to pronounce, a visit to Kourtaliotiko Gorge is well worth it, especially for the adventurous among you. Enter Saint Nicholas Kourtaliotiko Church in southern Crete into your GPS and drive up to the sacred site. Here, you can park your car and then take a roughly 15-minute walk. Walk downhill until you reach a fork in the road. Here, you need to turn right. Climb down the path and swim 50 meters into the gorge. You won't be able to contain your amazement. Incredible nature, fascinating waterfalls, and hardly any tourists make this place so special.

Our next insider tip takes you to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Crete's mountainous landscape. The way to Mylonas Waterfall is a bit more challenging, and you should definitely wear sturdy footwear. But the path along the red arrows leading you to the destination is beautiful in itself. Our tip: It's best to set off early in the morning or during the morning hours when it's still very quiet, and you can enjoy the sound of the waterfall and take the prettiest photos. You can park at a small parking area directly on the road.

Put on your hiking shoes tightly and head to Agia Irini Gorge. It is a real alternative to the famous Samaria Gorge in Crete, but it boasts some notable advantages. In terms of natural beauty, it doesn't fall short of the Samaria Gorge in the east, but it's significantly less crowded. On peak days, you'll encounter comparatively fewer other hikers here. Other benefits include the length and elevation. The descent at Agia Irini Gorge is not as steep and far as at the Samaria Gorge, and here you're only on a route of 7.5 kilometers instead of 16. So there's still plenty of time to unwind at the beach afterward. The best part: The gorge is shaded, making it a wonderful walk even on hot days. We wish you a great time!

If you want to experience Crete up close, learn more about the people and their living conditions, and discover how they prepare their delicious dishes, we have a real insider tip for you. Visit the Peskesi Organic Farm. You'll be welcomed with a freshly brewed coffee and will learn quite a bit about the farm and its work. Here, goats, chickens, rabbits, geese, and even peacocks make their home. You'll witness various fresh herbs being picked from the garden, be introduced to the production of the popular Raki schnapps, and be served the tastiest homemade dishes made with ingredients sourced from the Peskesi Organic Farm. If you're interested, you can also learn how the dishes, especially the cheese, are made here. You can book the tour through the farm's website or directly at the Peskesi Restaurant in the capital, Heraklion.

Crete has the perfect size to discover all its beautiful beaches and historic places in about 14 days without having to rush. This is best done with a rental car, which accompanies you throughout your Crete vacation and takes you to even the most inaccessible places on this beautiful island. As you cruise along the coastal roads or cross the island from north to south while driving through the misty clouds, you'll surely discover many of the small white churches known from typical postcard images of the Greek islands. Be sure to stop and get out. Perhaps you'll be lucky, and the church will be open. Inside, in the cool prayer room, you'll feel like a giant because this little house of worship in the middle of the island has hardly ten seats. It smells of wood and limestone, and the small chairs creak when you sit down. In the northern part of the island, the roads are very well built, so you can leisurely travel from the beautiful Balos Lagoon in the northwest to Sitia in the northeast without too many dirt roads. If you traverse the island from west to east, it takes you about five hours. From north to south, however, you only need 90 minutes.

Good food is an essential part of a successful vacation! After an exciting sightseeing tour, a long drive in a rental car with beautiful stops, or a relaxing day at the beach, you shouldn't miss the chance to sit down in a restaurant, be pampered, and try the culinary delights of the country. Especially not when it comes to the delicious Greek food in Crete. We've tested some restaurants on the island and present our favorites to you.

The Diaskari Tavern is located right on Paralia Diaskari Beach, which is also a true hidden gem, especially for naturists and those seeking peace. The charming little tavern impressed us in several ways. The location right by the water is unbeatable and makes the dining experience something very special. The tasteful yet cozy and authentic decor adds that final touch to the whole. But we can also highly recommend the restaurant in terms of food and hospitality. Here you can enjoy Mediterranean and Greek delicacies at an absolutely fair price.

Agios Nikolaos is a popular harbor town in Crete and definitely worth a visit. Quaint taverns line the entire city, charming cafes invite you to relax by the beach, and fantastic restaurants allow you to savor delicious meals with stunning views over the marina. We were particularly impressed by Gioma Meze - not just because of the family atmosphere that prevails here. The view over the marina is great, and the food is truly delicious. We'd recommend ordering several of the appetizers. This way, you can try many different dishes without spending more in the end than if you ordered a main dish. Generally, prices here are reasonable, and you often get a little treat on the house.

If you're looking to dine a bit more elegantly, we recommend the fine dining restaurant Avli. Be sure to make a reservation in advance, as the spots in the picturesque garden courtyard are popular. Along with delicious and inventive menus, high-quality wines will be offered to you, and the service is very attentive and friendly.

Insider tip from Urlaubsguru: A visit to the harbor town of Rethymno is worthwhile not just for the food. Enjoy the views along the coast during your drive, and if you're lucky, the wild oleander bushes will be blooming along the road. Simply wonderful! For instance, visit the Rethymno fortress. You can drive quite close to it and then simply climb up. You'll be treated to a magnificent view of the island and the sea. Near the fortress, you can even visit a pirate ship for free.

We've already raved about a visit to the Peskesi Organic Farm. Everything that is grown and produced there is served at the Peskesi restaurant in the capital, Heraklion. And we can assure you: You've never tasted anything like it. Old recipes are reinterpreted, the chefs come up with increasingly creative dishes, and the freshness of the ingredients will guarantee an explosion of flavor in your mouth. Don't miss out on this dining experience!

Sigrid Wohlgemuth is a German expatriate and author of the novel 'And Goodbye - Off to Crete!'. She has been living in Crete for more than 20 years, and it's primarily 'the land and people, but also the interplay of sea and mountains' that continues to fascinate her about this island. When we asked her for insider tips, Sigrid named her three favorite spots in Crete:

1. The fishing village of Mochlos on the northeast coast of Crete

2. Milatos near Malia

3. The small, idyllic village of Listaros on the southern coast of the island.

All three places are still relatively unknown to many vacationers and correspondingly uncrowded. However, she also warmly recommends the well-known harbor town of Chania - especially for its wonderful architecture from various eras, which is definitely worth seeing.

If you're looking to treat yourself to a culinary experience in a typical Greek tavern, Sigrid recommends Ta Kochilia and Mesostrati in Mochlos. A bit off the beaten path is the Aphrodite Tavern in Kato Simi, but here you'll find 'the best lamb chops with wild vegetables.'

When asked where her favorite beach in Crete is, Sigrid immediately mentions four largely unknown beauties:

1. Tholos Beach near Kavousi

2. Kato Zakros all the way in the south of the island (this one feels to Sigrid as if it's at the end of the world)

3. Pachia Amos near Timbaki

4. Xerokampos, a lonely but beautiful beach in eastern Crete.

Are you looking for cool excursions in Crete? You can easily book great tours online in advance for your trip. A selection of the best tours and activities in Crete can be found here:

As you can see, Crete has so much more to offer than the well-known attractions. Take your time visiting the island and experience the most beautiful places. Let yourself be swept up in the Greek way of life, get to know the people and their culture, and relax on the most beautiful beaches. Feel free to share more insider tips with us in the comments that we should check out during our next visit to the island. And now, let's get going to Crete - the island is worth it at any time of the year!