The beach is a lovely, family-friendly spot with shallow, calm waters and soft sand – perfect for swimming and relaxing. We came here late in the afternoon and really enjoyed the peaceful, laid-back atmosphere.

The 4 stars are for the whole area, not just for the beach itself (read the entire review and you’ll understand why). The good points: 1. The beach is close to the city. 2. The walk along the promenade is very pleasant (but only during the day - I'll come back to this topic when I'll talk about the negative points of the beach.). 3. The water is crystal clear. 4. The beach is quite diverse: there are both areas with sun loungers and free zones where you can spread your towel directly on the ground. One such area is at the end of the promenade, where there’s also a small, very picturesque grotto. Right next to it is a mini-cove with shallow, warm water. 5. On the main sandy beach, the water remains shallow for a long distance from the shore, ideal for families with children. 6. In the free area (along the pedestrian zone), the shore is rocky, which makes it great for snorkeling. 7. You can also practice water sports (although the offer is not very diverse). 8. If you want to test your swimming skills, you can try to reach the small islet (actually just a rock rising from the sea) where the Greek flag is hoisted. 9. The underwater fauna is quite varied, I've even seen some giant sea urchins. The negative points: 1. The staff renting out the sun loungers is rude. Only one star for them. 2. I’ve mentioned the pedestrian area along the seashore a few times. To get there on foot from the city, go down Anapafseos Street until you’ll see a small paved road closed to car traffic. During the day, the walk is very pleasant, but in the evening I noticed some suspicious young people hanging around the area. It’s best to avoid it after dark, especially since, for several hundred meters, you have only the seashore on one side and a vacant lot on the other. Other observations: 1. Dogs are not allowed on the organized beach, but you can take them to the free area. 2. If you decide to swim near the pedestrian area, be careful on windy days, because the waves are rather strong and might push you against the rocks (the great danger being due to those rocks who are very close to the water surface).

We visited in late July. It was hot and also busy. 2 sun beds and umbrellas was €40 which I thought was a bit steep. However it is a lovely beach and the water is cool as there is stream running into the sea, that I understand comes from the mountains and it is COLD. Had a lovely dip in it, where you get into the river from a small bridge. Definitely worth a day/visit.

Beautiful sandy beach that’s perfect for small children. The water is pretty shallow and the waves are small. We went with our almost 2 year old and he had a great time playing in the waves! The water was beautiful and clear and quite warm as it was the end of August. Just a really lovely beach. Parking is along the road but there is plenty of space and it’s free! The snack bar had a wide variety and the food we got was tasty. The sign said €4 for a sunbed and €2 for an umbrella… but the lady charged us €20 total for two beds and an umbrella, saying we were on the “private” part of the beach with nicer umbrellas. I was pretty sure she was scamming us but she threw in two ice waters and I didn’t really care enough to move.

Nice sandy beach. One food kiosk with good food at a reasonable price. Umbrellas and sunbeds at 10€ per day on the right, 20€ on the left side

One of the most beautiful beaches I have seen in my life. Really relaxed. 10e for 2 chairs and a beach umbrella.

Awesome sand and clean water also shallow so good for kids. On one end of the beach there is a cold river where you which makes for a nice experience. On the other end you can walk(5 minutes) to a couple for really nice tavernas.

Beautiful little 12th century church on way to village town of Kritsa. It’s amazing all these frescoes are so well preserved. Truly breathtaking. 5 Euros each. If you love art and history worth the short visit. Some tourist shops and snacks next door too.

Highly recommended place! The church is really interesting and an important testimony of medieval frescoes. Also if you come here you must pay a visit to Dimitri’s cafè and shop, a really nice person and the tea, greek coffee and yogurt are super good! Also really fair prices for Creete.

Beautiful church with incredible frescos dating many centuries ago. The site is well preserved and it is small enough to not spend too long inside. You can take photos without flash but there is a significant entry fee despite all that...

5€ for 5 minutes visiting... Not worth it. Nothing to see, waste of money.

We almost drove right past it. Tucked just off the road before you get into Kritsa village, the Church of Panagia Kera looks pretty unassuming from the outside. Surrounded by olive trees, it’s a simple stone building—nothing like the grand cathedrals you might imagine. But that's exactly what makes the interior so breathtaking. When we stepped inside, the air immediately felt cooler and quieter. It was like walking into another century. My eyes needed a moment to adjust, but as they did, the most incredible wall-to-wall frescoes came into focus. These weren't just a few faded paintings; the entire space was covered in biblical scenes, from the walls to the dome above. The colors are still so vivid, it’s hard to believe they were painted 600 or 700 years ago. One of the most powerful parts was standing almost eye-to-eye with the saints on the lower walls—their expressions are so expressive, it’s a very intimate experience. The church itself is small, so you can take it all in at a leisurely pace. We were there in the afternoon, and the light streaming in just made the colors glow. It wasn't overly crowded, which made the atmosphere feel even more serene and special. One tip: Don’t expect any plaques or captions inside explaining the frescoes. To get the most out of your visit, it’s worth buying one of the small guidebooks from the shop near the parking lot. It really helps you understand the rich iconography and history behind the art. The entry fee was just a few euros, and it was absolutely worth it for the chance to see some of the best-preserved Byzantine frescoes on the entire island. After our visit, we walked up the hill to Kritsa village for a coffee at one of the lovely little cafes there. It made for a perfect, history-filled half-day trip. If you're in Crete, especially near Agios Nikolaos, make the detour to see this little treasure. You won't regret it.

Just a very small building with not much around, nice to see if you passing but not if going on a trip to see.

Agio Nikolaos with a visit to the small village of Kritsa and its church. Greece and its delicious Mediterranean cuisine delight us, that’s also life!

The main highlight was the lemur feeding. Definitely recommend going earlier in the day as they can get sleepy and a bit full in the afternoon. It can get quite crowded during the feeding. Overall the zoo was clean and well kept. Quite small with very few animals. Pretty pricey for what it offered to be honest. €14 per adult, €8 for kids. The snack for the lemurs cost an additional €4 per pot.

We stayed in Heraklion and went here in our last day. They have a lot of animals and birds to see and they are treated very well. The main attractions are the lemurs which are fed at certain times. We got there before the feeding time at noon an checked out the park. At 12 we gathered in the snack bar area and the care keeper told us the rules of interacting with the lemurs and gave us the option to buy a small cup with fruits and vegetables for them to feed. Nothing to be afraid of, the lemurs are friendly and will come to you. Overall a very enjoyable experience.

Lovely little zoo, we really enjoyed our visit. Not a whole day kind of place, 1-2hrs at most. Car parking just opposite the entrance. €14 per adult entry. Time for lemur feeding is written on your entry ticket and you meet at the cafe for further info and to buy the cup of food (extra €4 per cup) to feed them. Other animals to see as you wander round. Cafe is expensive in my opinion. Toilets clean.

A must do in Crete ! We visited Amazonas Park during a day excursion from Gouves, after Agios Nikolaos. We really enjoyed the park and hearing the story of its owner, it was very interesting! The park is very small but it’s beautiful and the animals seem well taken care of. The highlight of the visit was the feeding of the lemur and I really like the explanation given by the staff as they mention the safety of their animals as a priority and touching them was not allowed. You can buy some food to give them after these explanations which you can give to the goats also if you want. It was amazing seeing the lemur and interacting with them! I really recommend renting a car for this visit as there were many people in our tour and it seemed a bit overcrowded. A member of the staff told us that if we were to visit on our own we would have had a better interaction with the lemur so it’s something to consider.

We had a wonderful time at Amazonas Park! Arriving around 10 AM, we walked through the park and enjoyed seeing the variety of animals - turtles, monkeys, parrots, goats and peacocks. The highlight of our visit was at 11 AM when we got the chance to feed the lemurs. They were so calm, jumping onto us and gently eating food from the cups - it was such a special and memorable experience. Highly recommended!

The zoo is nice, it's on a hill, so there's at least a bit of a breeze. You have to walk up and down inside the zoo, but we didn't mind. There's a feeding place for the lemurs, and a feeding cup costs €4. The feeding was good, but they probably weren't very hungry, so they only took bananas etc. from the cup. Don't leave the rest there, you can feed the goats right next door. We had a bad experience with the turtle enclosure. Inside the enclosure, there's a small circle where tiny baby turtles are fenced in (about 4cm long babies). But the fence isn't thick enough, so one of the turtles ran away among the adult turtles. One adult turtle started chasing the little one and biting her. Finally, she managed to turn her over and tore off her leg, gradually killing her. My wife tried to report it at the reception desk at the beginning, but the lady was very lax. We tried to find out if this behavior is normal for turtles, and it seems not. It could even be caused by improper breeding. I expect the owner to comment and refute it in some way. Anyway, it was an unpleasant experience.

Very sweet animal park. Well kept. Lots of birds and some primates. The one poor dog that was on duty looked rather sad, and a few animals were without a well needed companion, but otherwise a very pleasant stop off on our Quad bike adventure. This was October, so quiet and no wait for entry.

Nice, calm place with very good food quality. We have visited this place many times.

Dear friends, I thank you for the wonderful relaxing moments in your restaurant. Your restaurant doesn't have Michelin stars, but your food is even tastier and the service nicer. You give your guests the comfort of home that I was blown away by. Your smiles are very sweet and make me come back to you every day of my stay in Mirtos. Your boss is a very nice person full of energy and you can see that he manages his team to the satisfaction of the customers. I'll never forget you, big boss. God willing, I will return to Crete and wave to you again from the balcony. Anna from Czech Republik

The Beach cafe has been one of my favorite restaurant bars. The service is good and friendly and the food excellent. The menu usually changes a little over the week and sometimes you are given a traditional Cretan dish that you didn't know existed.

Quite unfriendly. We asked about the price of the sunbeds, they told us its free as we ate there the evening before and we had ordered iced coffee that day already. A few days later, when we arrived for a second time, they immediately came to us and told us we didn’t pay the last time we used the sunbeds, even though the other day we spend all day there and nobody told us anything. And even if they would have told us, you would imagine 40 euros for a meal is more than enough for two sunbeds. We didn’t want to discuss it, so we just paid another 15 euros, left and never went there again. Anyways, there are much better beaches about 20 minutes to the east, where you don’t have to pay for the beds and the food is delicious there as well.

This restaurant seems to repose only on there location. Horrible tourist salad. I took a salad it was 10€, polite service but not friendly, the salad was horrible tuna from conserves, with horrible anchovies, and a commercial ketchup mayo dressing. I hope that there are better at cooking fish.

Best cafe in Myrtos. We had Salad, octopus, beer and raki. Everything was great and the staff super friendly. Sunbeds included in the lunch bill wich wasn't high. Good job!

Some of the nicest staff in all of Myrtos. Great, fresh and tasty food for a reasonable price. The dining area has a great atmosphere with enough room at any time while the beach area provides a comfortable and relaxing experience morning or afternoon.

Absolutely beautiful bar and beach All staff are amazing and go above and beyond to make you feel welcome Food and drinks are just perfect I couldn't recommend this place more it's just brilliant

Didn't eat there but had the most amazing mohito on 3 occasions. Extremely refreshing and large filled with loads of ice. Stunning location. Staff are lovely especially Hari. Until next year....

Comfy Sunbeds directly by the sea, really nice and helpful staff and the food is very good. U can eat in the sunbeds or the bar either way very relaxed

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!

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

Good place for a drink. Kids enjoyed the bubble tea.

Great place the staff are the best only place i would go, way better food than my 4 star all inclusive

Lovely small museum with small buildings and plants showing Cretan life. We went without a audio guide or tour, so used the map to identify buildings and occasionally a translation app to understand writing inside buildings. There are really no signs around so this wasn't the best plan but still spent about 45-50 minutes, including the eight minute introduction video. It wasn't very busy when there (July Sunday around 10:30) though other visitors were scattered about. Toilets and small cafe available - cafe seemed to have a few drink options, maybe a few mains snacks, and seats. Parking in a dirt shoulder/layby just outside the entrance was fine, held around a dozen cars and a few spots were free when we arrived. Note: photos generally in map order

We found this place beautiful, quiet and charming. It backs onto its own (paying) beach which can be entered from the museum - or vice versa. The little cafe in the museum serves both. The museum is one of village methods and life. Most of the stone is old, from ruined local buildings, rebuilt as representative of the usage. A child will like peeking at odd things, by the way - but not for too long!

Beautiful site, quite large, free to wander around, gates open out onto a beach and the sea. Drinks available, (licensed for spirits too) and small gift shop within cafe. Staff are lovely and friendly, honestly well worth a visit. Inexpensive too.

A very interesting museum. It also has a beautiful beach,great for snorkeling, very relaxing spot, not very crowded, with decent space between sunbeds, 7 euros a set (2 sunbeds+umbrela). They also have a restaurant and very nice staff. Ps: if you are a coffee lover get the frappe with ice-cream,it's to die for and the food is good (with decent prices; a greek salat is less than 7 euros). I will come back to this location for sure.

A small museum of traditional Cretan life and historical agriculture and artisanal occupations. Overall a nice folk museum. Mostly outdoors but with plenty of shade.

A lovely museum and a perfect way to while away a morning. We took our kids (6 and 3) and they loved running around and exploring, there was plenty to keep all ages interested. Friendly staff and beautiful exhibits (and delightfully friendly cats!), it’s a wholehearted recommendation from me.

Found this place by using Google maps to see what was in the area. It took us 30 mins to walk to here from where we stayed, and it was well worth the walk. Interesting to see how it was all made and from what materials. Finished off with a lovely cold cinnamon water.

Not a Relaxing Stay – Needs Serious Improvement We stayed at the hotel with our extended family – adults and kids – during the summer. From the moment we arrived, the service was lacking. No welcome, no guidance to rooms, and the lobby was extremely hot with no drinks offered. Rooms were spacious but had weak air conditioning and ant problems in several of them. Beds were very basic and uncomfortable. Despite being told we’d get bottled water daily, we didn’t receive any unless we asked. The dining room was overcrowded and hot, with no air conditioning. Food was okay – better for kids than adults. The evening shows were unimpressive, and the Greek restaurant had a nice view but isn’t suitable for families with small children. Although the water slides were fun, there's no shade on the way up, making the ground too hot to walk on without shoes. The music around the pool was extremely loud all day, even in the rooms – not ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. Service overall was poor, and I even witnessed a staff member yelling at a guest over a simple food request. Wouldn’t recommend for anyone looking for a calm or high-quality all-inclusive experience.

The food is excellent and the selection is amazing! The area can be a bit windy since it’s up north, but there are plenty of other attractions to enjoy – lots of pools, fun water slides, kids’ corners, playgrounds, and more. The whole resort is quite spacious and access to everything is included in the price, even the sunbeds on the beach. It’s truly a paradise for children. Snacks outside of breakfast, lunch, and dinner are fantastic as well. You can choose from fresh vegetables, fruit salads, or classics like pizza and toasties – even vegetarians will be happy. The alcohol is not cheap quality either; they serve well-known brands like Havana Club and Beefeater. And at the bar, they’ll make you a real coffee, not just one from a machine.

We are On our last day at this hotel. Last 13 days have been great. Rooms are excellent, and cleaned every day. Lots of choice of food and drink. Places to eat all over the complex. Pools are a little cold, but everyone loved the new water slides. The entertainment team Jayden etc are a great laugh well worth getting involved with some of the activities. Overall fantastic holiday.

Great hotel for family vacation. Plenty of offers for children (pools, kids club, playgrounds). Mini Disxo for children on 6 of 7 days. 3 different restaurants (2 with breakfast and lunch) with all inclusive. Also 3 different pool bars included with drinks and some snacks. The Water Park is right next door and has multiple pools for all ages. Some slides for and access to sunbeds in the park and on the beach are also included. The staff is very friendly, especially towards children. The hotel is a great destination for vacation with kids!

! Take your time reading this😁 I just camed back from my holiday with my family and i want to tell you my honest review. To be honest i had the lowest expectations because i knew that on booking the rating wasn't very good.Me and my family usualy go to hotels that are +8.5 rating,but at that time it weren't many hotels available. So when we arrived i saw verry old walls and an old reception and my first thing that i said was:I don't think this is an hotel beacause it was so old and it creeped me out😅,but hear me out after we walked in the mini streets of the hotel i fell in love.Everything is close to eachother😍From the food zone-Beach side-activities-pools-rooms it is amazing. The sea is clear as the water,the views are amazing,and the waves are the best feeling🥰 Okay,THE FOOD WAS ABSOLUTLY THE BEST FOOD FROM ALL HOTELS,guys if u like eating meat,sea food,pasta,pizza,tacos,whatever u want litreally,go HERE!😋 HEAR ME OUT,my parents are very picky when it comes to food,we went to egypt,turkey but nowhere the food was so tasty like hear,the plates where finished😁Don't get me wrong,egypt and turkey have bigger ospitality and a larger amount of food and diversification,but we prefered to be very delicious and it was!I want to thank to all the members of Star Beach Village and we will totally come back!♥️ PS: in front of the hotel there is a whole street of the city center🥰

We come here just for a few hours to let our daughter play nice and clean not to busy, the water is fairly cold for young children to play in! The play park is excellent for all ages water park area is clean and amazing for children to run free for a few hours. Amazing place to take children to burn off some energy! Bouns its next to beach.

I stayed at Star Beach in Crete and had an amazing experience. The resort is fantastic, with delicious and varied food options. The staff were always kind, friendly, and very helpful. Everything was well taken care of, and I truly enjoyed my time here. I will definitely return in the future!

We visited the aquarium and rescue center during our trip to Crete. The aquarium is very well organized, with a great variety of marine life, from colorful fish, turtles to reptiles. It's both fun and educational – perfect for families, but also interesting for adults. The rescue center part was especially touching. It’s inspiring to see how much effort goes into rescuing and rehabilitating injured turtles. The staff is passionate and knowledgeable, and they were happy to answer all our questions. It's heartwarming to see these beautiful creatures being cared for so well. Highly recommend visiting – it's a great way to learn, support a good cause, and enjoy the beauty of marine life!

Lovely little place run by people who enjoy their job and are good at their job. Very interactive with being able to touch and hold some of the animals. Is a small place, only took around 30 minutes to look around and interact with animals. Did not cost much to enter 10 euros which we payed for at the door, was no waiting time to enter. Although I understand this is a rescue centre they do have some long term wildlife in the facility that will not be reintroduced into nature I feel the vivariums/ tanks could be bigger and more engaging for the animals. In particular a few lizard tanks looked over crowded and some animals in small tanks. Including a very large fish which only had minimal movement.

Well worth a visit. Got to see the sea turtle and octopus being fed as well as listening to detailed history of all the amazing creatures on show. You can hold various reptiles if you are brave enough. The best thing about this place is the fact it is supporting the local ecology, is not owned by a bif corporate entity and is a labour of love. Any money you spend here directly goes to the looking after of the animals and funds future expansion.

What a wonderful little place! Please visit and keep this place in business, they are worth it. The conservation work they do is great.. the aquarium part is really good, but the best part really, is the reptile section. I will not spoil anything for you as the surprise is much better witnessed in person with no warning (its not scary, don't worry). If I can, I will be back for another visit.

Wow wow and wow, we absolutely loved it here. You can tell as soon as you walk in that they love what they do all the animals are well looked after and there fact you get to get up and close to the reptiles. Definitely worth the visit you will not be disappointed. It's a great place to visit.

Very small aquarium/terrarium in a flat and yard. To avoid the place getting too crowded they let visitors in slowly and when previous visitors exit. This means a line forms. We waited over 30 minutes in line for what is essentially a 30 minutes visit. It is a nice little place if you don’t mind most fish and reptiles being held in small aquariums with little to no shelter. There are lots of general info posters about ocean life scattered around but not a lot of specific info on the animals in each aquarium beyond their names. The yard with the free-roaming tortoises and lizards is the highlight of course, but is rather crowded. Looks like the animals are used to nudging their way between the visitors. The staff in the yard are friendly and jovial. If you are here and can find a time without a line in the entrance then the place is worth a visit.

What to say about this amazing place. We first visited back on our first trip to crete possibly 2012! And we come every year since. The place is just great. They take care of the animals. They are so clean and so well looked after. The gent who owns it is just well a gent and his staff are so knowledgeable and friendly. We look forward to it every trip and is the first thing we book, we now bring our child who has also found a love for this amazing place. Thankyou as always

This place is amazing. Overwhelmed. One can ask a simple question- how would they build without having today’s technology and tools? You can explore it on your own, taking a local bus from downtown Heraklion for over 2 euros- 2nd zone. Early afternoon there are less people. If you like you can hire a local guide or use your phone to download valuable information. I recommend 2-3 hours of your time. There is a toilet before the gate - nothing inside. There are few benches you can sit while walking around. There is a cafe and souvenir shop with not expensive basic guidebooks in different languages. There is a huge parking lot, I believe for free. We did not need it, since we used a bus.

I really like how certain areas are restored next to the unrestored sections so you can really see the passage of time. Nice open site with plenty of shady spots to sit. Small cafe area at the front is fairly busy, but once you’re inside the grounds it feels very spacious and open.

The Minoan palace of Knossos is the second most visited site in all of Greece. Of course, the most visited site is the Acropolis of Athens. Suggest that you buy a couple good guide books on Knossos, and fully read and absorb them prior to your visit. This enable you to fully appreciate and understand the heroic achievements of the Minoans in creating this beautiful palace. Suggest paying homage to Sir Arthur Evans for excavating and preserving this magnificent archaeological site. Suggest to eat the crowds that you arrive by 0900.

Some photos of the Knossos palace and archaeological site. Was really fun and interesting. But I feel I wanted more time then I had to explore it all. Guide was amazing. But 1 hour extra would been great to walk around by one Self

Awesome historical monument. The reconstructed areas are tastefully done and the excavation has been done so you can really get a feeling for the importance of the site. The Knossos app (if you have a guide they can show you a QR code for the website) let's you see what many areas would have looked like before being ruined, so you can stand in a spot and see what it would have looked like. Well worth a visit.

The site is of course awe inspiring. Simply walking on the same grounds as the amazing ancient Minoans and trying to imagine how the palace looked like with the help of some of the restorative work done is amazing. Still, at times you feel quite lost. Can't truly understand what has been restored(except for the clear ones), what was original and most of the signs don't really help that much either. For such a historical site, there should be an improvement on all aspects.

A must for any history buffs. It’s so interesting and not difficult to walk around. Enjoy your tour with a guide. They will explain everything and help you skip the queue. There is toilets, cafeteria and a gift shop. Plus the resident peacocks and cats. Buses and Taxis easy to get to and from the site.

This place is amazing. Overwhelmed. One can ask a simple question- how would they build without having today’s technology and tools? You can explore it on your own, taking a local bus from downtown Heraklion for over 2 euros- 2nd zone. Early afternoon there are less people. If you like you can hire a local guide or use your phone to download valuable information. I recommend 2-3 hours of your time. There is a toilet before the gate - nothing inside. There are few benches you can sit while walking around. There is a cafe and souvenir shop with not expensive basic guidebooks in different languages. There is a huge parking lot, I believe for free. We did not need it, since we used a bus.

I really like how certain areas are restored next to the unrestored sections so you can really see the passage of time. Nice open site with plenty of shady spots to sit. Small cafe area at the front is fairly busy, but once you’re inside the grounds it feels very spacious and open.

The Minoan palace of Knossos is the second most visited site in all of Greece. Of course, the most visited site is the Acropolis of Athens. Suggest that you buy a couple good guide books on Knossos, and fully read and absorb them prior to your visit. This enable you to fully appreciate and understand the heroic achievements of the Minoans in creating this beautiful palace. Suggest paying homage to Sir Arthur Evans for excavating and preserving this magnificent archaeological site. Suggest to eat the crowds that you arrive by 0900.

Some photos of the Knossos palace and archaeological site. Was really fun and interesting. But I feel I wanted more time then I had to explore it all. Guide was amazing. But 1 hour extra would been great to walk around by one Self

Awesome historical monument. The reconstructed areas are tastefully done and the excavation has been done so you can really get a feeling for the importance of the site. The Knossos app (if you have a guide they can show you a QR code for the website) let's you see what many areas would have looked like before being ruined, so you can stand in a spot and see what it would have looked like. Well worth a visit.

The site is of course awe inspiring. Simply walking on the same grounds as the amazing ancient Minoans and trying to imagine how the palace looked like with the help of some of the restorative work done is amazing. Still, at times you feel quite lost. Can't truly understand what has been restored(except for the clear ones), what was original and most of the signs don't really help that much either. For such a historical site, there should be an improvement on all aspects.

A must for any history buffs. It’s so interesting and not difficult to walk around. Enjoy your tour with a guide. They will explain everything and help you skip the queue. There is toilets, cafeteria and a gift shop. Plus the resident peacocks and cats. Buses and Taxis easy to get to and from the site.

Some photos of Heraklion archaeological museum. Was really fun and interesting. But I feel I wanted more time then I had to explore it all. After the guide was done we had only 20 min to explore the rest or buy some suverni. Would be great if it would have been 1-1,5 hours after extra. But overall it was a great enjoyment.

This museum is phenomenal! Informative, clearly laid out, fabulous collection of artefacts. Super helpful for understanding and appreciating the history and culture of the Minoan people (especially alongside a visit to Knossos Palace). I would recommend spending at least two hours here—I did 1.5 hours and wished I had more time. Entry was free on the day I visited.

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is an absolute must visit in order to gain an understanding and appreciation of the astonishing Minoan civilization. Suggest visiting the Archaeological site of Knossos first and then visit the archaeological museum. Focus especially on the Phaistos Disc, the priestesses with the upraised arms, and the amazingly beautiful frescoes. Suggest you allow two to three hours to get a good tour of the museum. Also, keep in mind that after 1450 BC, Crete had a blended Mycenaean-Minoan culture.

Totally a MUST-visit after Knossos palace. The collections are absolutely incredible - so detailed, beautifully displayed, and full of context that really ties everything together. You finally get the full picture of Minoan history, myths, and daily life (and honestly, it makes Knossos make so much more sense 😅). I loved how well-organized everything is - from tiny gold jewelry to fresco fragments. Ypu could easily spend hours here if you’re into ancient culture. Unfortunately I came 1.5h before closing so I still have a feeling that there was so much more to see. Tip: go after Knossos, not before - it’s like getting the answers after the adventure 😉

Had the option of coming here as part of a Knossos tour. It is a complete no brainer to choose to visit as the museum amplifies and expands your appreciation of the history of Crete particularly after visiting Knossos. I was unable to book tickets online beforehand, but the queue was worth standing in for 15-20 minutes, i'm unsure how long it is normally but there was on a Wednesday a later opening time of 1-8, so it was just a one of those things. However it was a superb building and rooms to view and look at the archaeological finds. Everything was densely packed in but was thoughtfully laid out and I could have spent much longer than the 1.5-2 hours I had available, and this was just prioritising the first floor with the Minoan finds.

Amazing place full of items mainly from Knossos Palace. I would recommend visiting this place prior to seeing Knossos Palace. There is a cafe with a great view over the part of Heraklion and sea port. To avoid the crowds i believe it is better to come in an afternoon.

What can I say, the archaeology in this museum is amazing. The amount and quality of the finds on display at stunning. It covers all throughout the ages. We visited Knossos before visiting the museum, everything just slots into place and you get to understand the history and relevance of the finds.

Nice place to visit, great views from the top. For EU citizens born 2000 or later free entrance. In case you order something in the cafeteria on top, ask and check your receipts! We took two slush drinks (colored ice, see the picture), and were told it cost 10€, no receipt provided. When I checked my card transactions next day, they actually charged 13€ instead of 10! For that reason 4 stars only.

Here we have spent the most interesting part of our day! It is a very beautiful and extravagant fortress. For me this is a place where I would definitely come one more time in the future as it is very beautiful. For EU people that has no more than 25 years the entrance is free as for all the museums in Greece as I understood it!

A very nicely renovated and maintained fortress. Built during the Venetian Republic, the construction was completed in 1540, and then in 1669 it came under Ottoman control. The terrace offers a fantastic view of the sea and the city of Heraklion. It can be reached by walking for about 10 minutes from the city center. The entrance fee is 10 Euro/person, free for those under 25. I recommend it to everyone!

Good for a short visit. There's a decent amount of stuff to see and information about the island's history. You can go at the top of it where you can enjoy the views of the surrounding area and stop for a drink if you wish. The entry fee is €10, which is probably the maximum amount that would make sense for this. Would recommend.

Worth the entrance fee of €10 to explore the incredible fortress. Great views from the top across the port of Heraklion. Lots of history inside with some great displays.

The Venetian fortress Rocca a Mare is definitely interesting, even though you can get through it rather quickly. A big plus: EU citizens under 25 get free entry. From the walls you also have a nice view of the harbor and the city. Overall, worth a visit, 4 stars.

Koules Fortress (Greek: Κουλές), also known as the Heraklion Fortress, the Venetian Fortress, or Rocca al Mare, is a medieval seaside fortress in Heraklion, Crete. Built by the Venetians between 1523 and 1540, it impresses with its architecture and offers beautiful panoramic views of the harbor, the sea, and the city. We only walked around the outside and didn’t go inside. There were quite a few tourists, but it didn’t feel crowded. During our visit, we noticed quite a bit of litter and cigarette butts near the entrance, which was a bit disappointing, so it’s important to help keep such historical sites clean. I recommend taking a walk there, especially in the evening when it’s cooler and more pleasant!

The main square is a lively place with lots of restaurants and shops around—perfect for a casual stroll or a meal. However, during our visit, the fountain wasn’t working, which was a bit disappointing. Still, the atmosphere and variety of places nearby made it worth the stop.

The wonderful Morosini Fountain, in the heart of Heraklion old town. I couldn't help but think the effect this fountain had on the city when it was unveiled in 1629. Incredibly ornate marble font with carved frescos depicting local life and well being. Meanwhile just metres away locals share al fresco dining, could be a mirror image from the fountain.

The fountain is nice. Beautiful carved frescoes all over. However, the fountain was never "on" in the 2.5 days I was there. At night, cockroaches come out of the cracks by the base. The fountain area is packed with tourists that give off a positive vibe and energy. Surrounded by restaurants all over the place and street shops hawking various wares. The fountain is at least 350 years old.

Great central location in Heraklion, Cretes capital city. Lots going on here, squares to sit and people watch, cafes,bars and restaurants plus shopping. If you're after historical- lots to see too. If you're looking for smaller and more picturesque, go to Agios Niklaus.

The vibrant social spot where, even if you don't speak the Greek [never late to try it], you can melt right into the local life. Coffee shops in Greece are a true social institution, the kind Starbucks can only envy. Take your "frapé", sit back, and soak up the lively animated conversation and joy of the locals while tracing the ever lasting attempts of foreign powers to leave their marks in Hiraklion.

Lovely fountain, we stopped here on our guided tour of Herakleion. Was here during the very end of the season and it was still incredibly busy so dread to think how packed this would be in the summer. Fountain wasn't actually on when we visited so not as majestic as hoped. Still wonderful architecture.

Nice meeting place at the historical center of the city. The fountain dates from the seventeenth century. Beautiful cafes and shops nearby.

A wonderful little bay with incredible views and amazing waters. Especially in the afternoon they are unique. It is worth visiting and do not miss a mask for snorkeling, if you like exploring the seabed. In the afternoon you meet octopuses that move fearlessly on the rocks of the seabed as well as squids that take their walks, starfish and all kinds of fish!! Do not forget to visit the picturesque taverns that are there. Excellent people with kindness and respect. and everything we tried was unexpectedly delicious and fresh!

Our best beach in central Crete. Protected from the northern wind/waves. Good water clarity (excepted on the very shore) and amazing underwater variety. Fishes, turtles, rocks, cliffs, caves, it has it all. Daily sunbeds set at 10€ (July) / 15€ (August), unfortunately in the range for Cretan beaches. The beach itself gets quite crowded in high season (very limited place for extra private umbrellas/towels). More for sea-lovers than beach-lovers, maybe. Various boats/pedal boats/kayaks to rent.

Just beautiful! Sunbeds and umbrella are 15€, here is a beautiful tavern to eat lunch. And the water is clean, clear and with a lot of fish to see when snorkeling

Beautiful beach. Clean sea, clear water. Beautiful rocks nearby. Set of two sunbeds and umbrella 10 euros.

A small, wild beach with amazing views! Peaceful, beautiful, and perfect for escaping the crowds.

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.

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!!

Wonderful day had by the whole family. Beautiful cruise on the island coast to a lovely fishing spot where we fished for a while. The cruise then takes us to a stunning beach with amazing snorkelling and a beautiful lunch of fresh fish and salad with wine (and water for the kids). Staff were all lovely and helpful too. Highly recommended.

Wow, what an experience. We booked our trip 1 day in advance which was easy in May, still low Season. When we got in the boat there was only another couple that booked a short passage to the next beach. So we basically had a private tour for a Family of 3. A never forgetting experience. Nikos and Vasilis we‘re very authentic and reliable hosts. Next time we are in Agia Galini, we‘ll visit again 😎

HIGHLY recommend the Elizabeth fishing trip! We did the private trip with 8 people. The two lovely fishermen help you catch your fish and prepare it for you in the best way possible. They are calm, friendly and they give their best to make your day a day to remember. Thank you for a lovely day.

A holiday highlight full of surprises (more than just a fishing trip)!! Whilst professional anglers might prefer a deep-sea charter with rod & reels 🎣, if you're happy with hand-reel fishing and coastal exploration by boat - then this might be preferable! 😁 (Read on for more spoilers!) After a tour of the local coastline (which included reversing the boat into a narrow cave), you'll get to spend some time on a beautiful secluded beach (inaccessible to most cars). We borrowed snorkel masks from the boat and explored the shore whilst the delightful captain & son-in-law team prepared our catch on the beach! The fresh fish was simply fried and served with bread and an epic side-salad (and local white wine)! All of it was delicious and it was probably one of the best meals we had all week! Keep in mind that this is nearly an all-day itinerary, meeting around 10am and returning around 4.30pm.

Nice daytrip to Prasonissi Beach with the captain and his son-in-law. While floating to the beach, we got the chance to catch our own fish. At the beach, the captain and his son-in-law prepared a lunch with fresh fish for us. It was delicious! They are very friendly and the trip is very laid back and chill. Authentic experience!

you cannot expect anything better! it was the best day on island for me and my friends, the fishing is interesting, the sea is clear and calm with so many fishes to see, the meal is great (fish + local salad + wine + watermelon + raki!) thanks a lot for everything :)

We were running a little bit late arriving at 10:20. We had established comms via Whatsapp already as per the website and Teodor and his father in law, the Captain Vassilis were more than understanding and waited for us. Boat was awesome, not too crowded, perfect size. They have been doing this for 27 years, and you can see the efficiency in every action. We passed through the caves, was good, the water was UNBELIEVABLY turquoise (and I come from Mauritius). Then we went fishing, and we had a great catch of small fish (10-15cm long). The beach is pebbly so please bring the right footwear, preferably Aqua shoes (Google it), as the rocks in the water when swimming are very slippery. The beach was nicely located, and secluded. Also, since there are loads of little fishes around and the water is amazingly clear, you best bring your snorkeling gear to make the most of it. The water depth is OK for kids as well to snorkel at a safe distance from the beach. Lunch was definitely the highlight. Vassilis and Teodor definitely have got the fish skills. :) The kids get some different fish with less annoying bones which helps a LOT and the salad + bread lifted the fish that much. Loved it. Lunchtime is communal and we loved it, the wine was flowing from Vassilis like he was Dionysus personified. Watermelon dessert was a perfect refreshment. Best value for money, also great people who really are not only experts at what they do but also GENUINELY friendly. Will definitely come back. Thank you once again guys!

We had an excellent experience with CretanTaxi and Nikos himself. The service was perfectly on time, the car was clean and new, and communication was nice and professional. Feels more like a trusted local contact than just a taxi. Highly recommend!

Cretan Taxi has been a good experience for us. We have booked regular transfers to and from both Herakleon and Chania airport during our visits to Crete. They have always been on time. Waiting for us with a sign. The cars are clean. Our driver was always pleasant giving us good general information of places of interest. They always drove very nicely which is important as I’m a nervous passenger. We used then when we did not rent a car to do local trips to Rethymno Old Town or to places of interest. I highly recommend the company.

We have been working with Niko/Cretan taxi Panormo for over 12 years & I can tell you he is no 1! Niko is reliable, punctual, trust worthy, a nice person, all his cars are well looked after and he speaks English. In a nutshell, I highly recommend Niko & Cretan taxi Panormo.

Highly recommended! Professional service, always on time. Our driver was very polite and helpful, with a big smile!

Very professional and always in a timely matter. Very knowledgeable on the best locations to visit on the island. Most important very clean car !

Great taxi service in Crete! Amazing service from Heraklion airport to Panormo.

Excellent services by professionals in luxury transportation... I highly recommend Chetan Taxi...

Wonderfull unique beach. The climb down is steep but fine and generally safe if you are with normal shoes and carefull. The water is clear and beautiful. There are also rocks from which you can jump off in to the water. The road to the beach is good (bit steep at the end) and the parking is a bit rugged. All on all I would highly recommend visiting this beach as early in the day as possible.

Seitan Limania has a beautiful view when you arrive, but the access is very difficult for people with reduced mobility, we had to go down a cliff to arrive at the beach, for us, the beach was amazing but the water was milky and the place is very small for the amount of people. In the beach you can climb rocks for cliff jumping. The beach is also good for snorkeling, there are a lot of fish.

Such natural beauty, but you gotta work to make it there. Do not wear sandals, you will instantly regret it There are 2 was to go down, one has a chain that gives you something to grab, and the other route has small red + white markers that indicate the path Water was beautiful

Nice hike! Not very difficult, 10-15 minutes walk - so worth it! It is crowded but in my opinion it’s not that bad and you can always find a quiet spot. There are some cool rocks you can jump from. Very nice day trip

What a visit this was 🤩 The beach is quite hidden and you have to hike down a pretty rocky and steap path to access the crystal clear water. It’s feels a bit out of this world to float around there.

Stunning beach with crystal clear water and breathtaking views! The hike down is challenging and tricky so good sneakers are highly recommended; I tried it in slippers and definitely wouldn’t suggest it. Going back up is easier than going down, but you still need to be very careful.. because of this and since the water gets deep very quickly, I wouldn’t recommend it for children. The beach itself is small but absolutely worth the effort, one of the most dreamy beaches. Definitely a must visit!

A gorgeous little beach that we had the luck to have all to ourselves. Unfortunately we visited in November so we didn't really go for a swim but still we enjoyed the climb and the beach.

Marathi Beach offers a few small beaches close to each other, which makes it a great spot for sunbathing and swimming—especially on windy days when other places might be too rough. However, the water is not the cleanest, especially because of the many boats anchored nearby. Still, it’s a nice and relaxed place to spend a few hours…

It’s a very narrow beach, and when we went there (mid-August) it was extremely crowded — there was literally no space. Since it’s so small, I wouldn’t recommend it in high season, though it might be nice in low season

perfect beach when it is windy! Perfect beach when is the last day and you need to fly from Chania Airport. It has shower, changing cabins, it has free parking if you go and park near the boats. It also perfect depth and fine sand outside and inside the water!

Love Love love this beach! It may be the time of year, but it's lovely and peaceful. Clear water that is so refreshing 🌞

Small beach by the airport, super crowded and with no available sunbeds or even space on the beach to lay a towel, we stayed almost lying on the shore. Part of the beach has umbrellas only for military people and their families, the remaining were totally full. Parking for 5€. Very good restaurant by the beach, sand on the shore and clear blue water, but wouldn't come back for being so crowded

A great place near Chania with two wonderful bays. There are some difficulties with finding parking, but it is solvable. You can eat and buy drinks right on the beach, and rent a boat. A great place. Children, adults, young, old, everyone will find something to do.

Beautiful beach, availability of a set of umbrellas and two sunbeds for €8. Crystal clear and calm sea, wonderful sand, possibility to rent boats without a driver’s license, breathtaking landscape.

A very fun experience! We rented a 150hp boat with a boat captain. We enjoyed being on the sea for the entire day. We visited several beaches: 1. Sweet Water 2. loutro 3.Marmara The boat captain takes you to each beach. They stop, encourage you to swim and wait for you to enjoy the beach. We stopped and enjoyed each beach. He also gave us a lunch recommendation. It was a 10/10 experience! I would highly recommend. ** you can NOT rent a boat on your own if you have a Canadian, USA or Australian boater licences. Only European are accepted.

Amazing location to rent a boat. Boat we rent was in good condition. Guys running the business are pros. Some behave a bit strict but that's the location culture. Not too many smiley faces when Southern Cretan men talk to other men 😊. That's quite natural here.

I’ve booked with Notos Mare many times — both in South and North Crete — from taxi boats to catamarans. Every experience has been a must! Not only are the boats safe, comfortable, and perfectly organized, but the landscapes they take you to are breathtaking. The team truly takes care of you, making sure you can just relax, enjoy the sea, and feel looked after in the warmest way. With Notos Mare, every trip turns into an unforgettable memory.

I recently had an unforgettable boat trip with Notos Mare in Crete, and I can’t recommend them highly enough. From the moment we stepped on board, everything felt perfectly organized, welcoming, and professional. What truly made the experience exceptional was the combination of breathtaking scenery and the outstanding guidance of our captain. We were taken along the stunning southern coastline, and I was amazed by how many gorges and hidden spots we got to see. Places you’d never discover on your own were revealed one after another—towering cliffs, dramatic rock formations, and remote stretches of shore that felt almost untouched. The captain didn’t just drive the boat; he shared stories, pointed out landmarks, and made sure we truly experienced the coastline rather than just passing by it. His knowledge of the area was incredible, and he navigated with complete confidence. You could tell he loves what he does and takes pride in showing guests the most beautiful sides of Crete. He was attentive, friendly, and made us feel both comfortable and safe the entire time. Every stop and every viewpoint felt thoughtfully planned, and he always made sure we had time to appreciate the scenery, take photos, and enjoy the moment. Notos Mare itself deserves just as much praise. The boat was clean, well-maintained, and clearly cared for. The entire experience—from communication and booking to the actual tour—was smooth and stress-free. You immediately feel you’re in good hands with a team that values both quality and hospitality. This trip ended up being one of the highlights of our time in Greece. If you’re looking for a company that goes above and beyond, Notos Mare is outstanding in every way. And if you’re lucky enough to have the same captain we did, you’re in for something truly special. I would do this tour again in a heartbeat and will recommend it to anyone visiting Crete. An absolutely top-notch experience!

The trip was worthwhile and we saw beautiful landscaped and beaches. Sandy beach Agios Ioannis is a must. The water is just the right temperature to cool of after laying on the beach. Spent most time in the water.

We cannot say enough good things about the staff and experience. We had the best day on the boat with Irene and Capitan. They stopped at 3 different beaches only accessible by boat. At the beaches, we snorkeled, went cave diving and exploring, jumped off cliffs into the water and had lunch on the boat with the most delicious food prepared by Irene. Every stop, they had paddle boards, snorkel gear all ready for us, towels and beer and wine as well! We also finished the day in the village port of Loutros, which was so beautiful and lovely, with a monastery and cafes everywhere and pristine water. Unforgettable day! Highly recommend for families with teens or a bit younger depending on their swimming level.

A very good choice. It is a bit expensive if we compare it with other places in greece or other countries but the experience is nice. Follow their instructions so you can be safe. The boats need some repairs and maintenance but they are safe to drive.

We visited here on 3rd July, there is a large free car park as you arrive. Walk along a short gravel path towards the ticket booth. The lady in the booth was very helpful and the entrance fee was €5 per person and there was a QR code to scan for information. We took our time navigating our way around the site. There are gravel paths which can be a little steep in places. The cisterns are so enormous, it's hard to fathom how they built them and how much water they held. One is split into 3 sections, like 3 large halls, and there is another 'L' shaped cistern in a different area on the site. There are some public toilets on this site. Take drinks with you as there is no facility to purchase any, and there is little shade. There are no benches to sit down on the paths. Also in a separate area is the Amphitheatre which is definitely worth a visit.

Wonderful Greek ancient ruins. Was nice and calm when we were there in October. Cool location. Parking for free. Entry like 4 euro per person. Great to combine with the Ottoman form which is nearby.

I do not understand any of the reviews that say it’s not worth the 10€. There is lots of history, some things are very well preserved and the terrein is smaller, but definitely not in-and-out in 30 minutes. We spent about 3 hours, taking our time. It helps to read the booklet or the boards in the main house for context. We went with a baby in a backpack, so I was looking for shade and there was always some to be found. It is also to be mentioned that it’s always clear what was restored and what wasn’t. We’ve seen this done a lot poorer in the past.

Decent ruins, some of which were more recently excavated than others (early 2000s). The small theatre is a draw, but we really liked the water cisterns as they were huge and unlike others we’ve seen across the Mediterranean. Other buildings throughout are partial, with some Greek & English signs. We stayed about 30-40 minutes but could stay a little longer if wanting to explore the site in more detail. There is one room shortly inside the entrance that has about 16 signs and a brief video with information about the site, history, and excavations. Very informative. WC: Two clean unisex toilets across the courtyard from the information room (about a one minute walk from the entrance). Cafe: Did not see any cafe or water onsite, beyond a small fountain tap in the courtyard. Suggest bringing your own. Shade: It can be quite hot, but there is occasionally shade dotted around - e.g. under the olive trees at the theatre, within the water cistern, near other buildings depending on the time of day. AR app was mentioned at the beginning, but didn’t see any places to scan/use it inside the ruins. Felt like an interesting concept, though.

Fab morning exploring this archaeological site just outside Chania. You can walk in between all the ruins and the whole site feels wonderfully informal. We enjoyed Aptera much more than Knossos, which felt like a low budget sword and sandal film set.

A very short car journey from Chania is the incredibly impressive and atmospheric ruins of Aptera. You park in a large car park nearby and it is a simple walk to the booth where you buy your ticket (cash only) and then you can walk to the main cluster of ruins, baths, cisterns, etc. In the middle of the more recent structures there is a very charming church, a gallery hallway with lots of information boards and also a very clean and modern toilet. Do look around and taken your time exploring the baths and don't miss going inside and down into the main cistern, it will be on the map you are given getting your ticket, it is a very immersive underground space that just shows how wealthy and important a city this would have been. You can also go to the incredible theatre 5 minutes away, do note the road that would have ran from the baths to here. Imagine bathing and walking here taking in the fantastic view of the mountains before settling down to watch something at the theatre. Can't we just go back to this way of living? : )

Brilliant place to to go to. Must see. Go early as you can. Also go insides to cisterns if you can, absolute blow out! We really loved this place

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.

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

Perfect. We areived with the boat, there are seats and shadow, a bar where dribk and eat.

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!

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.

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.

If you find a ring on this beach please bring it to the floating cafe/tavern. The owner lost it and is looking for it with a metal detector 😞. The beach is also nice.

Really busy Lots of tavernas to choose from. Selling lovely Cretan dishes. Great shops down tiny little streets. Beautiful handmade wares. Stunning scenery in the little streets and across the harbour.. Well worth a day trip. Boat cruises for hire too.

Well worth a visit. I would suggest trying to get there early morning for breakfast and a walk. Late morning it was absolutely heaving with fierce competition for seats in the harbour restaurants. A walk into the harbour and along the outer harbour wall is a great experience set aside at least an hour to do the walk both ways. A number of places advertised real Greek food, but to be honest, the fare on offer was pretty similar in terms of an "intetnational" menu. The exception to this were a few better quality restaurants just on the edge of the main drag.

There is a quiet magic woven into the gentle moments of everyday life—the kind that settles softly in the heart and reminds us how beautiful the world can be. It lives in the warm glow of morning light spilling across a room, in the peaceful rhythm of ocean waves touching the shore, and in the laughter shared between friends who understand us without explanation. Beauty appears in kindness freely given, in courage quietly carried, and in the hope that rises even after difficult days. Sometimes it can be found in the delicate colors of a sunset, painted across the sky like a promise. Other times, it hides in the silent strength of those who continue forward with grace, no matter the weight they carry. There is beauty in love that grows patiently, in dreams that refuse to fade, and in the gentle resilience of the human spirit. When we slow down long enough to notice these small wonders, life becomes softer, richer, and more meaningful. Every moment holds the possibility of light. Every person carries a story worth hearing. And every day, no matter how ordinary it may seem, offers a new chance to feel gratitude, hope, and quiet joy.

This place is absolute magic. The history of nearly 5000 years of civilization is on fully display here. The old Venetian port area is beautiful, restaurants are fantastic and the people are very friendly. Will definitely visit again!

Have been there 7 years ago, returned again for good wibes and memories. It's a gemstone of Venetian architecture with a bit of Ottoman influence, some ruination after WWII and flavours of Greek cuisine. Definitely worth a visit and a walk, if you're on the Crete island. Save couple of hours to stroll in the labyrinth of the narrow streets, wonder in the shops, savour some local food! Just enjoy it!

Clear clean water. The lighthouse. Views that one is not tired to make photos enough in any time of day. From land or when you get out with the glass bottom boat. I let here some of my photos. Enjoy..... And go to see by yourself. You will be astonished and happy relaxed all the time you are here.

Chania is an absolute must visit. Beautiful old harbour. Lots of fabulous shops, restaurants, bars. Those around the harbour front are no more expensive than the ones in the maze of streets behind. The streets behind have a great vibe both day and night. Chania is services by a great bus station with buses running into the early morning to outlying areas like Kato Stalis, Agia Marina, Platanias and much further. There is a wonderful fort to visit and the whole area is very safe. I just love it ❤️

A beautiful place! The garden is huge, full of exotic plants, scents, and colors. Walking along the paths surrounded by nature is pure pleasure, and the mountain views are breathtaking. Everything is very well maintained, and the plant information is really interesting. After exploring, it’s worth stopping by the restaurant – the food is delicious and made with local ingredients. A perfect spot for a peaceful day surrounded by nature. Highly recommended!

What an amazing place to spend our afternoon. We loved it so much we returned the following day for lunch again. The gardens, the trails and the huge variety of plants are a paradise on Earth, where we have learnt so much about Crete, while listening to birds and smelling the rich aromatic scent of flowers and Cretan herbs. ✨Moreover, the story behind this Botanical Garden is such an inspiring story: in 2003 a massive wilfire reduced to ashes this valley and destroyed many thousands of trees, including many thousands of 400 years old olive trees, that only grew in this part of the world. Visiting this place is also a beautiful reminder of how regeneration is possible, with determination and dedication. Bravo to all the people who made this peaceful nature sanctuary a reality, after such a big loss. Also, we couldn’t recommend the restaurant more! Local, oh-so-tasty foods and ingredients: we had the rooster with homemade pasta, the homemade bread, Fava, and several other yummy typical mezze. The small salted olives were incredible, too. It is as if each ingredient here tastes 100% more than similar ingredients in other places. Finally, there’s a very garnished shop with great local products and books, and an amphitheater for events. We fully recommend the visit, if you come to Crete! Ps. Some people leave trash behind - please don’t.

My family and I had a wonderful experience exploring the beautiful gardens, learning about the wide variety of fruit trees, plants, and flowers native to Crete. The gentle pathways created a calm and enriching environment to wander, learn, and appreciate the richness of the landscape. We also enjoyed a nourishing lunch at the restaurant, with fresh and flavourful dishes ranging from vibrant salads and seasonal fruits to wood-fired meats. The gift shop offered a great selection of local products showcasing the many uses of natural ingredients. To top it off, we were surrounded by wildlife, including peacocks and donkeys. I highly recommend visiting the gardens to anyone with an interest in nature.

The park is gorgeous! It left the deepest impression of all the places I visited in Crete. Imagine walking among blooming, fragrant trees and flowers of incredible variety and seeing peacocks and baby deers walking nearby. After the walk you can visit lovely restaurant with very welcoming service. The history of the place is fascinating too. This park was envisioned in the aftermath of the devastating fire. So the park literally appeared from the ashes like phoenix :) It’s easy to get here even if you don’t drive a car by public bus that runs from the Chania bus station on daily basis.

Absolutely beautiful botanical gardens with loads of native and tropical plants. Peacocks everywhere! Treat yourself to the ‘long walk’ down to the lake, It’s not that long, and is really pretty plus there’s donkeys, deer, geese, ducks and more peacocks down there next to a citrus grove. Some parts can be steep and uneven. Once you’ve finished hiking the gardens treat yourself at the restaurant, you won’t be disappointed, the food is delicious and fresh and really good value.

I really loved visiting this botanical park in Crete! It’s such a beautiful place, filled with so many kinds of fruit trees and other unique plant species to discover. I also enjoyed spotting the animals wandering around, which made the walk even more charming. The information boards were very helpful as well, they explained the different uses of each plant, making the visit both relaxing and educational. The entrance fee is €8 per adult, and I spent around 2.5 hours exploring the park at a comfortable pace. A lovely and peaceful walk through nature that I would definitely recommend! 🌿

Wonderful experience. It’s a 2.5km one-way path through a wide variety of plants, taking us 1.5 hours but recommended to be 2 hours. It’s mostly shaded (very helpful in summer), and though it winds a little downhill and uphill we didn’t find the rocky path too difficult (though it is not for those with mobility issues). Suggest making sure to have water during the walk - they sell 500ml bottles at the front (€0,50 when we came). There is great signage throughout about the numerous plant varieties - almost too much information but just choose to read the ones that caught our eye. The amount of wildlife was a special surprise - many peacocks with their recent babies throughout, small geckos, butterflies, bees, donkeys, ducks, geese, and even two deer (that quickly fled when they saw us). Restaurant is at the entrance/exit area and table service only. Though great views we just picked up a few waters and orange juice to go at the entrance area. Toilets nice and clean, though note there are no toilet seats for women’s stalls. Shop had a wide selection of items available to purchase. Car park decently sized, and we had no issues finding a close spot. One electric charger available. A few switchback roads at the end of driving there but fairly wide (for mountain roads) so no problem. Note: Pictures in route order. Also In summer (July/August) cicadas out and were quite loud (commonly 80/90 decibels according to my watch). Typical for the entire island during this time but not quite the peaceful walk originally planned for.

We were there September 2025. Beautiful beach, the water is crystal clear. Often it was a red flag because the waves were high, and the wind was strong. The beach - sand, small stones, large stones or boulders the closer you get into the sea. Shallow water would be suitable for families with children but the waves and current can be tricky. There was many people who walk around with scrapes on their arms and legs after a curious approach to water :) There is a lifeguard. Sunbeds can be rented from various restaurants without or with you eating at them. Just a sunbed with a beach umbrella costs 4 €/person.

Wave here is quite strong, the beach is some places more gravely and some place quite sandy, there are bars along the whole beach, quite easy to find a place to have a some drink or food.

Lovely blue water long sand beach . Best for morning sunrise and evening sunset.

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

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.

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.

Amazing beach 10 Euros for two beds and umbrella with two free water bottles Water is shallow and good for kids

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.

Worst beach I have ever been to. At the lightest waves the lifeguards put a red flag on the beach and do not allow anyone in the water. They are aggressive and yell at everyone who gets in the water even up to their belly. The sea was lightly wavy every day so I never got to swim there.

Ignore the ratings, it is nice, even couple of trees with free shadow but it is a very windy region and red flag is almost always up which means you cannot swim...long story short if you just want to chill at the beach, reading something is fine, if you want to swim...slim chances... PS: Even when you can swim, it is very deep, dirty and has rocks in the water, at least from.where i entered ...

Unfortunately was there on a windy day but the beach itself is great... Sandy beach perfect for children and grown-ups.. lots of sun chairs... Restaurants and stores close by

Average beach, not as nice as nearby Agia Marina. Mix of sand and shingle, not easy to walk on but probably fine if your going straight on the water or on a lounger. Fair bit of rubbish around and the attached bars are, again, average. Basically OK, but easily beaten by Agia Marina beach.

Great mam and pap resteraunt..beach front great views, they were very welcoming. The Limited menu was good and mamma cooked my bream exactly as I wanted it. They are very welcoming and the prices were, in my opinion low...

I find it's necessary to clarify some things after reading reviews made for 2 beaches ('Paralia' and 'Beach' Platanias) that in fact are sections of the same 2 km long beach. On the East side(right hand looking to the sea) the beach starts after Marina=sheltered bay where boats go especially to Thodorou islet. First 200 m after the pier the entry in the water is very rocky with a slippery seabed and shallow water for at least 100 m. Please note that there is stunning for snorkeling with best part near the pier. Quiet area with some shadow under pines and parking lot on premise. After those 200 m measured from Marina to the left looking the sea the entry in the water is smooth with 2-3 m of small rounde stones and the sand as long as we manage to swim. And is lije that for few kilometers to Gerani but there of course is not the subject of the Platania beach/paralia. The sections with sunbeds and free areas to put your towel alternates somehow respecting the new rule to keep around 40% free area.You will have plenty of space to put your towel and umbrella no matter the season. Regarding the water have to say that it is crystal clear when no waves and becomes cloudy when choppy with medium to big waves, very beautiful to play but with the downside that you cannot see the bottom due to the sand moved with the waves.At Paralia Platanias on this map there is an improvised parking lot directly behind the beach, 10 m distance. Also big pines that provide shadow all day long. Lot of tavernas/beach bars that rent sunbeds for around 5-12 E a set if you spend little money for a drink bring to sunbed or eat on their tables. So long story short Platanias beach is one in fact but 2 on Maps and this 1 offer various shoreline conditions that are'n accurately described when someone review with 'rocky' or 'all sandy'. If you walk a little bit near the water for sure will find the perfect spot for you!

White Mountain Safari was out of this world. Highly recommend it

Amazing This tour is worth every penny! Giannis was a great driver, very funny but also very informative. Definitely a trip to remember! :)

Awesome experience, thanks for your time! Highly recommended for potential guests in the area!

Very professional. Highly recommended for a true Cretan experience!

Awesome Experience! Must try!

Nice and thrilling experience!!

One life.......Discover it!

Small but beautiful cave. It also has a nice history/legend behind it which i encourage you to search for. The way up to the cave is a bit hard however since there are quite a lot of steps. Avoid doing in in the hottest hours of the day and go on your own rhythm especially if you have leg/knee issues. I don't recommend to pass by and check it out!

Really surprised about the size of the cave,it is quiet big. You can walk around inside the cave on sturdy foot paths. It is a little difficult to get up all the steps at first but worth the climb.

Small cave with a tiny icon-filled chapel inside that’s free to see and able to be explored in 20-25 minutes, including the 257 stairs up and down. Inside there is a clear walking path that has a few additional stairs. There were a few others when we visited but it wasn’t busy. Parking is on the street layby, and had space for a few cars plus a bus when there. Tavern about 1/4 of the way up had food, drinks, seats with views, and toilets.

Worth paying a visit on your way towards Elafonisi. A staircase begins just next to the road, then alongside some nice tavern, and finally reached the entrance to the cave and the church inside. There's a paved path inside the cave and the entrance is free. Once you reach the entrance you're supposed to go left, through the church, and then follow the signs and walk all the way around, to the right side - it's a circular path. Be so kind to respect the sight - don't go dressed inappropriately (it's not a beach) and do not yell nor laugh loudly.

A must see! Incredible beautiful stunning cave. Don’t forget to walk around it not just at the front or centre. It is free but please donate some money as it is an incredible place and they need to pay people for maintenance. Need to climb to the cave. There was a cafe downstairs.

The cave feels like a hidden gem still. It's so unassuming from the outside, but absolutely beautiful when you go inside to explore the cave. It's free to enter and you can leave a donation if you want. The place is well maintained and a perfect pit stop on your way to/from Elafonisi if you want to explore something new and hide from the burning sun :) There's a small taverna midway through the steps with a gorgeous view where you can get drinks and snacks.

We've seen cathedrals from one end of Europe to the other. This church may now be as grand, but it's just as beautiful. Worth a stop. Be ready for a bit of a climb on the staircase.

Definitely worth visiting, expected the worst after reading the reviews, but isn’t too bad getting there , the road it’s pretty bad but not impossible to get there , just have to make sure you have a good car . The walk is about 30 min going down the hill , so make sure you’re wearing good shoes, definitely not flip flops or sandals. It is a workout but worth it for the beautiful views

What a lovely place! We took the car to the carpark. The drive is doable with a normal car but be patient. The last 8km takes 30minutes at least. It is unpaved with big stones / holes in some sections. We did the walk down to the beach with a 5 year old and two babies in a carry-on. It is a nice walk but you have to be careful. It is not an even path and there are some stone stairs. The beach itself was very peaceful with fantastic view of the sunset. In november there were not that many people and we enjoyed our stay. The way back up is of course a bit harder (certainly with baby's in a carry-on, but after 30min we were back at the car. Certainly worth the trip!

Stunning place, we took the ferry here from kissamos port which was far more enjoyable than taking the dirt road. We came in mid October and I must say the water was quite cold. Stunning location though, lots of space for being flopped on a towel taking in the sun. Lots of goats to keep you entertained and just lovely views.

After a 40 minute off-road drive ( actually not bad) among goats and beautiful mountains, you reach a place like you've never seen before. The turquoise, shallow ( and jellyfish-less) sea is just incredible having the white sand next to it. It is simply impossible to comprehend how so close to red sand covered mountains there can be a place like Heaven on Earth.

Beautiful view also crystal clear waters ! But there is a danger to all this beauty , be very careful there are a lot of rocks everywhere no walk path , I fell very badly sprained my ankle and I had the best running shoes on ! also there are no bathrooms or coffee bar ect please be careful

The beauty of this place is unfathomable. No picture and no video can do it enough justice. The whole experience is tremendous. From the tough drive to get closer, then a nice hike through a wondrous terrain with the phenomenal reward simply waiting for you by the corner. Don't miss out on this on your visit to Crete

Most beautiful beach I have ever been to! There are very naughty beach goats - be careful about bringing food in your bags! There is a bit of a hike to the beach (not terrible - old ladies and kids were doing it and many people wore flip flops. Would recommend sneakers - no need for hiking shoes. The road up there is unpaved and winding. However our Toyota rental car did just fine!

Will have to agree with the rest- a very beautiful beach (but wouldn’t call it unique), crystal water (not deep), soft warm sand, but too expensive regarding the prices. I totally understand that tourism is the main income for most of the people on the island and for sure as a visitor, I am willing to spend, in order to enjoy the perfect vacation, but it’s not necessary to feel exploited in the end.

Pros: One of the top beaches in Crete. Crystal clear water. The beach and sea floor covered by soft fine sand. (Few sections with pink sand )Turquoise water. West oriented, which makes the sunset spectacular. Nude section. Large free parking. Cons: Expensive sun beds( on other 10 cretan beaches we visited before this one, we paid between 6 and 15(only on VAI) euro for sun beds set ), here cheapest was 20 euro. Expensive food and drinks. Very few showers. Not many toilets. Conclusion: great beautiful beach which must be visited, but may be not the best choice for everyday use.

The beach is long and suitable for everyone. It has soft sand and a cozy vibe. We loved it more than the famous Elafonissi Beach

September 2025. One of the best beaches we visited while in Crete, definitely worth spending the day here. Parking was €6 entire day. We stayed middle of the beach, 2 sunbeds for €20. Far right side by the 3 restaurants sunbeds were more expensive front rows €40, middle €30, back €20. The beach is huge and didn’t feel crowded.

Falassarna Beach is stunning — wide, golden sands and turquoise waters create the perfect setting for a relaxing day by the sea. The sunsets here are unforgettable. Truly one of Crete’s finest beaches.

No matter what I say about this beach, it wouldn't be enough. It’s simply perfect — the beach, the water, the sand, everything. Just perfect. The sunbed for two people in the second row is 40 euros. However, it depends on the beach bar, though I don’t believe the prices are any lower elsewhere.

Free parking around Maracaya Beach house, great lounge area, amazing food and drinks. The water is clear and beautiful. There are some fish on the shore line to look at though goggles. Loved the whole experience

In short, this destination is ideal for tourists who are feeling adventurous, for those who want to burn some calories, and can't (or don't want to) swim, or for those with a real passion for photography. For everyone else, admiring the fortress walls from below is probably enough, as there isn’t much to see up top. Highlights: Stunning views: The panorama, especially towards Balos Lagoon, is breathtaking, offering plenty of opportunities for impressive photos. Free entrance: There’s no admission fee - probably because they couldn’t find anyone willing to climb up there to sell tickets! Drawbacks: Limited time: If you’re visiting with an organized group, you’ll likely have around two hours on the island. If you choose to hike up to the castle, you won’t have time to enjoy the beach—which is one of the best swimming spots in this part of Crete. Challenging ascent: The climb is tough. The steps are steep and slippery, making it difficult for anyone with knee or hip problems. Sparse attractions: Inside the castle, there’s not much to see -just a few crumbling rocks overgrown with wild vegetation like thorns, thistles, and weeds. Avoid this hike if: You don’t have proper hiking shoes. You have mobility issues, especially with your knees. You have cardio-respiratory conditions. You can’t tolerate extreme heat.

Gramvousa Fortress: A Rewarding Climb with Breathtaking Views The Venetian-era fortress on Gramvousa Island is a truly remarkable sight. Be prepared for a steep climb to the top; good physical fitness and sturdy footwear are essential. However, the effort is incredibly rewarding, as the views from the fort's summit are absolutely amazing. This historical site is definitely worth the visit.

After disembarking from the boat it’s about a 15 minute walk up ~360-370 stairs. Though hot in summer, the views over the fortress, Balos Beach, and surrounding water and mountains are spectacular and absolutely worth it! We spent about 45-60 minutes between the walk up, wandering around these 16th century ruins, and taking loads of photos. Suggestion: Wear good trainers/sneakers and take water. Many others wore flip flops but the steps up and around the site are rocky and uneven so support and grip are useful.

One of the most breathtaking views from up there. Historical and beautiful. Long way which could be a little hard and long and tiring but absolutely worth it especially with a swim afterwards

As a part of the cruise to the Balos beach, the ferry stops at Gramvousa fort. Beautiful scenery. You'll see the Balos bay nicely from the top. The climb is not that bad, but recommend to have something else on than just flip flops. After climbing, if you have time, the beach looked nice for a refreshing swim. Swim shoes could be useful.

Pretty challenging hike in the heat, but worth the views

Amazing place so beautiful view, historical place.