One island. Many ways to explore.
Choose a destination to open its area in the interactive map. Coastline geometry: Natural Earth. Street-map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors.
01Find your base
Start with the guide for your region, then compare accommodation and plan how to get around.
| Destination | Known for | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Chania | Venetian harbor & exotic beaches | GuideStays |
| Rethymno | Renaissance charm & Fortezza Castle | GuideStays |
| Heraklion | Minoan Knossos & cultural capital | GuideStays |
| Lasithi | Tranquil Mirabello Bay & Vai Palm beach | GuideStays |
| Elounda | Elite luxury resorts & Spinalonga views | GuideStays |
| Matala | Bohemian hippie caves & sunset bay | GuideStays |
| Sfakia | Wild gorges & car-free Loutro | GuideStays |
| Paleochora | Double-sided beach peninsula & hiking | GuideStays |
| Sitia | Quiet Kazarma fortress & UNESCO geopark | GuideStays |
| Hersonissos | Biggest resort, harbour strip & hill villages | GuideStays |
| Malia | Nightlife strip, Minoan palace & dunes | GuideStays |
| Stalis | Shallow family beach between Hersonissos & Malia | GuideStays |
| Agia Pelagia | Sheltered cove 20 minutes from the airport | GuideStays |
| Agios Nikolaos | Lake Voulismeni, Mirabello Bay & Spinalonga boats | GuideStays |
| Bali | Four coves halfway between Rethymno & Heraklion | GuideStays |
| Ierapetra | Europe's southernmost town, Chrissi island boats | GuideStays |
Keep planning
Use the regional guides, compare arrival options and open the things-to-do and beach guides.