Heraklion or Chania: where should I land?

It depends where you stay. Heraklion suits the centre and east, Knossos and Hersonissos. Chania suits the west and the Balos and Elafonisi beaches. Heraklion has direct flights most of the year, Chania mainly in summer.

Is there Chabad in Crete?

Yes, in Hersonissos, east of Heraklion, with a kosher tavern and grocery. There is no Chabad in Chania.

How many days do I need in Crete?

At least a week. The island is big, so focus on one or two areas.

Do I need a car in Crete?

Highly recommended. Buses link the towns, but beaches, villages and gorges are much easier by car.

When is the Samaria Gorge open?

In season only, roughly from spring to the end of October, with dates that change each year. It also closes in bad weather, so check before you go.

What are the best beaches in Crete?

In the west: Balos, Elafonisi and Falassarna. In the south: Preveli and Matala. In the east: Vai with its palm forest.

Are there strikes affecting travel to Crete?

No strikes affecting travellers are announced right now.

Crete guide: regions, beaches, Chabad & getting there

Crete at a glance

Crete is Greece's largest island, big enough to fill a week or more. It has four regions: **Chania** in the west, **Rethymno**, **Heraklion** in the centre and **Lasithi** in the east. For most trips pick one or two areas rather than trying to see everything – drives are long.

**Heraklion** is the capital and main gateway, close to Knossos and to north-coast resorts such as Hersonissos. **Chania** in the west has an old town and Venetian harbour, with some of the island's most famous beaches nearby.

How to get to Crete

Crete has two international airports: **Heraklion (HER)** and **Chania (CHQ)**. Heraklion has direct flights from Tel Aviv most of the year; Chania mainly in summer. Who flies where and when: flights to Crete guide. There are also ferries from Piraeus to Heraklion and Chania (links above).

Top things to do in Crete

Knossos: the best-preserved Minoan palace, about 6 km from Heraklion. Go early in summer.
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum, with the finds from Knossos.
The Samaria Gorge: a 13–16 km descent from Xyloskalo to Agia Roumeli, leaving by boat. Open in season only, and closed in bad weather.
Chania's old town and Venetian harbour, and Etz Hayyim synagogue.
Rethymno: a small old town and Venetian fortress.
Western beaches: Balos, Elafonisi and Falassarna.
The south: Preveli, where a river and palms meet the sea, and Matala with its caves above the beach.
The east: Vai beach and its palm forest.

Best beaches in Crete

Balos (Chania): exotic water and white sand, reached by car or boat from Kissamos.
Elafonisi (Chania): white and pinkish sand in the island's south-west.
Falassarna (Chania): a large, organised sandy beach, good for families.
Preveli (Rethymno): a river flowing into the sea through palms, forming a lake by the beach.
Matala (Heraklion): a long organised sandy beach with caves in the cliff.
Vai (Lasithi): surrounded by Europe's largest palm forest, about 5,000 trees.

When is the best time to visit Crete?

The main season is May to October. June and September are especially good: warm sea and fewer crowds than July and August. Spring and autumn are pleasant for gorges and sites. The Samaria Gorge is open in season only, with dates that vary each year. Live weather is at the top of this page.

Getting around Crete

Buses link the main towns, but for beaches, villages and gorges a rental car is best. Before you book, read our guide to renting a car in Greece.

Shabbat & kosher in Crete

**Chabad of Crete** is in Hersonissos, east of Heraklion, at El. Venizelou 44: a kosher tavern, grocery, ready-made Shabbat food, Shabbat meals by registration and Shabbat kits to hotels by area. **Chania has no Chabad**, but it has the historic **Etz Hayyim** synagogue, open to visitors Monday to Friday. All details: Chabad of Crete.