If you're dreaming of glamorous beach clubs, luxury shopping, and polished resort towns, Crete may not be the Greek island you're looking for. But if you want to experience authentic Greece — where life moves a little slower, the food is homemade, the people are genuinely warm, and the water is some of the most breathtaking I've ever seen — then Crete absolutely deserves a place on your itinerary.
Getting There
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Crete is how easy it is to reach. Unlike many Greek islands that require connecting through Athens, you can fly directly into Chania from many major European cities, making travel much more convenient. We flew directly into Chania and based ourselves there for our stay. If you're deciding where to stay on the island, I would absolutely recommend the Chania region. Because Crete is such a large island, renting a car is almost essential. Having your own vehicle gave us the flexibility to explore at our own pace, although be prepared for winding mountain roads if you're venturing farther from town.
Sanaz's tip: Fly directly into Chania if you can — it saves a connection through Athens and puts you right in the most beautiful part of the island.
Where We Stayed: Domes Zeen Chania
We stayed at Domes Zeen Chania, a beautiful five-star resort that perfectly suited our family. While it doesn't offer the same ultra-luxury experience you might expect from brands like Four Seasons or Ritz-Carlton, it has its own relaxed charm. Our two-bedroom suite was one of the most spacious hotel accommodations we've ever enjoyed in Europe. My husband and I had our own bedroom, the children had theirs, and the large living area in between gave everyone room to spread out — a rarity when traveling as a family of five. Everything was impeccably clean, beautifully designed, and felt modern yet warm. Breakfast each morning was outstanding, featuring fresh local ingredients and an excellent variety of traditional Greek and international dishes. We also chose the half-board option, which allowed us to enjoy either lunch or dinner each day. The resort pool was beautiful — with a resident DJ creating a relaxed atmosphere throughout the day, it felt upscale, family-friendly, and wonderfully peaceful.
Sanaz's tip: Book the two-bedroom suite — the extra living space is genuinely transformative when traveling with children.
The Best Way to Experience Crete: By Boat
If there's one piece of advice I can offer anyone visiting Crete, it's this: rent a boat. Many of the island's most beautiful beaches are surprisingly difficult to reach by car and often require long drives followed by steep hikes. By sea, however, an entirely different world opens up. We booked several boating excursions with Notos Mare, and they were outstanding from start to finish. The boats were immaculate, the service was exceptional, and every day on the water became one of the highlights of our trip. Even after traveling extensively throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean, the colors surrounding Crete remain some of the most extraordinary I've ever seen. Deep sapphire blues gradually fade into brilliant shades of turquoise, with water so incredibly clear that every detail beneath the surface is visible. Many of the secluded coves we visited were completely empty, or shared with just one other boat, making the experience feel wonderfully private and untouched.
Sanaz's tip: Book with Notos Mare — their boats are immaculate and the service is exceptional. Reserve well in advance for summer dates.
Balos Lagoon: Every Bit as Beautiful as the Photos
Our favorite stop was undoubtedly Balos Lagoon. The water was almost impossible to believe — vivid shades of turquoise that looked as though someone had enhanced every photograph. It truly felt like stepping into a postcard. Nearby, we explored the stunning Blue Caves, where sunlight reflected off the water in incredible shades of blue, creating another unforgettable experience. These boat excursions alone made our trip to Crete worthwhile.
Sanaz's tip: Arrive at Balos by boat rather than the land route — you'll skip the crowds and have a far more magical experience.
Elafonissi Beach: Beautiful, But Worth the Journey?
One day we decided to visit the famous Elafonissi Beach, known for its unique pink sand. Reaching it, however, was an adventure in itself. The drive from Chania took well over an hour along narrow, winding mountain roads — not ideal if anyone in your family is prone to motion sickness. Once we arrived, there was still about a 25-minute walk to reach the beach. The beach itself was undeniably beautiful. The soft pink sand and shallow turquoise water make it one of Greece's most photographed destinations. However, during our July visit, it was also extremely crowded. Finding space for a towel was difficult, every beach chair had already been reserved early in the morning, and the strong winds made the experience less relaxing than we had hoped. Would I recommend seeing it? Absolutely. Would I make the same drive and hike again during peak summer? Probably not. If you have the opportunity to visit Elafonissi as part of a boat excursion rather than by car, I think that would offer a much more enjoyable experience.
Sanaz's tip: Visit Elafonissi by boat if at all possible — the drive is long and winding, and the beach gets extremely crowded in peak summer.
Sometimes the Best Days Are the Simplest
After our experience at Elafonissi, we happily returned to what we loved most — another day exploring hidden coves by boat. Looking back, those quiet moments swimming in crystal-clear water, discovering secluded beaches, and simply enjoying time together as a family are the memories that remain strongest. Sometimes the best itinerary is the simplest one.
Sanaz's tip: Don't over-schedule Crete. Leave room for spontaneous boat days — they'll become your favorite memories.
Evenings in Chania Old Town
Our evenings were spent wandering through Chania's beautiful Old Town. The Venetian harbor is charming, filled with waterfront cafés, small artisan shops, and boutique stores selling handmade ceramics, olive wood products, jewelry, and other local treasures. One of our favorite discoveries was Salis, a wonderful restaurant overlooking the harbor. The owner, Afshin Mowlavi, personally welcomed us, recommended several house specialties, and made us feel like longtime friends rather than first-time visitors. The food was exceptional and remains one of our favorite meals from the trip. If you're looking for more mainstream shopping, you'll find stores like Zara and other familiar brands in the newer part of Chania rather than within the historic center.
Sanaz's tip: Don't miss Salis restaurant on the Venetian harbor — ask for Afshin and let him guide your order.
What We'd Love to Do Next Time
One experience we unfortunately ran out of time for — but would absolutely prioritize on our next visit — is an olive oil and wine tasting tour. Crete is famous for producing some of Greece's finest olive oil and wines, and visiting local farms and vineyards would be a wonderful way to experience another side of the island. Since our visit, Crete has continued evolving as a luxury destination. One exciting addition is Ikos Kissamos, located about 40 minutes from Chania. Having stayed at Ikos Dassia in Corfu, I'm already a huge fan of the Ikos brand. Their resorts combine exceptional service with truly outstanding dining, and their culinary program is led by Michelin-starred chefs. If you're looking for a more luxurious all-inclusive experience while still enjoying everything Crete has to offer, this is definitely a property worth considering.
Sanaz's tip: Ikos Kissamos is a newer property worth watching — if you want the full Ikos luxury experience in Crete, this is the one to book.
Where to Eat
Crete's food scene is deeply local — family-owned tavernas, fresh ingredients, and genuine hospitality. Here's our standout.
Salis
Our favorite mealA wonderful restaurant overlooking Chania's Venetian harbor. The owner, Afshin Mowlavi, personally welcomed us, recommended several house specialties, and made us feel like longtime friends rather than first-time visitors. The food was exceptional and remains one of our favorite meals from the entire trip.
