Discover Crete, the largest Greek Island

Here, you’ll find information about more than 30 cities on Crete, ranging from Chania in western Crete to Agios Nikolaos in the east. On the southern coast, you can explore places like Paleochora, Agia Galini, and Makrigialos.
Learn about attractions worth visiting, practical advice like why Greeks paint tree trunks white, and etiquette for visiting a Greek home.

At Kretaforum.dk, you’ll find an abundance of photos. Click on the gallery in the menu or explore galleries on many city pages. You can also view live webcams from over 18 locations on Crete.

A Quick Overview of Crete
Crete is the largest island in Greece and one of the largest in the Mediterranean, covering approximately 8,300 km². It stretches about 260 km in length and up to 60 km in width.
The island is home to around 650,000 people, most of whom live in Iraklion, followed by Chania.

Crete is dominated by high mountains, with many peaks exceeding 2,000 meters. The highest is Mount Ida (Psiloritis), which reaches 2,456 meters.

Development and Agriculture
Since the 1970s, Crete has seen significant growth in its tourism industry, although agriculture remains the primary occupation.
The island's climate and rugged landscape are ideal for traditional Mediterranean crops like olives, tomatoes, and citrus fruits. Potatoes, cucumbers, and melons are also widely cultivated. In recent decades, vineyards have expanded, and Crete now produces high-quality wines once again.

Tourism on Crete
Tourism on Crete has steadily increased since the 1980s. The largest tourist areas are on the north coast. To the west, the Chania coast stretches from Chania to Kolimbari. Major tourist spots include Agii Apostoli near Chania, Agia Marina, Platanias, and Maleme. To the east are Kalyves, Almyrida, and Georgioupolis.
Further east lies Rethymnon, Crete’s third-largest city, with a long sandy beach lined with hotels. Beyond Rethymnon, you’ll find Panormo, Bali, and eventually Iraklion, Hersonissos, and Malia.
Before reaching Agios Nikolaos, you can take a detour to Elounda, another major tourist destination. The last large tourist city to the east is Sitia.
On the south coast, Paleochora lies furthest west, followed by Chora Sfakion, Agia Galini, Matala, and Ierapetra in the far east.

There are many other tourist towns not mentioned here, but at Kretaforum.dk, you’ll find information on more than 30 cities under the menu “Cities on Crete.”

Independent Travel to Crete
In recent years, it has become easier to travel independently, thanks to airlines offering flights from March to October. You can also fly via Athens, with daily connections to Crete. Organizing your own trip often leads to unique experiences unavailable through travel agencies.

Whether you’re traveling with a tour operator or booking flights and hotels yourself, you’ll find help in the forum at Kretaforum.dk or in the Facebook group Kretaforum.dk, where members eagerly share advice and recommendations.