🏛️ What to see on Crete: Knossos, Spinalonga and taverna customs

Crete is not just beaches.

Here you'll find the Palace of Knossos with the labyrinth of the Minotaur, the fortress of Spinalonga, and the ancient city of Gortyna. You come for the sea, and you leave with history, food, and mountains.

The island is large, and you won't see everything in one trip. We've gathered the essentials: where to go, how much tickets cost, and how to get there.

The night ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion takes about nine hours (as of 09/2026, ferries to Crete).

Ad: this article contains affiliate links. We earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.

Crete: the island where Europe began

💡 In short:

Knossos: entry 20 €, reduced ticket 10 €, in summer the archaeological site is open from 8:00 to 20:00 (as of 09/2026, description on the ministry website).
Spinalonga: entry 20 €, from April 1 to October 31 daily from 8:30 to 18:00 (as of 09/2026, visitor information).
Ferries from Piraeus arrive in Heraklion and Chania, most often at night.
Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, verified on the official website of the Ministry of Culture.

According to legend, Zeus was born in one of Crete's caves. He later turned into a bull and brought Europa to the island. From them were born Minos, Rhadamanthus, and Sarpedon.

In Gortyna, locals point out a plane tree under which this supposedly happened. There you'll also see a code of laws carved into stone blocks. Historians call it one of the earliest in Europe.

Later the island passed from one conqueror to another. It was held by the Phoenicians, Romans, and Byzantines. Then came Venetian merchants, the Ottoman Empire, and even Napoleon. Each people left its mark on the look of Crete's cities.

In the Bronze Age, the Minoan civilization emerged on Crete. Its flourishing is evident in the palaces and cities you'll find on the island. The main ones are Knossos, Phaistos, Malia, and Zakros.

Knossos: the labyrinth and the Minotaur

The Palace of Knossos stands on a hill near Heraklion. According to myth, this is where the Minotaur lived, with a labyrinth stretching underground. Today you see the remains of walls, columns, and frescoes, while the best finds were taken to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Reconstructed columns and fresco of the Palace of Knossos

Online tickets are sold through the official Ministry of Culture service for Greece, and Knossos tickets with a time slot let you skip the ticket office line.

Getting there is simple: city buses run from the Heraklion bus station to Knossos. Take a morning departure, as there is little shade at the open-air site in the afternoon.

The catch: in extreme heat, the archaeological zone is partially closed. On August 26, 2026, Knossos was closed from 12:00 to 17:00 (as of: ministry website).
How to get there: bus from the Heraklion city bus station.
Who it's for: anyone interested in the origins of European history.

Ierapetra and Spinalonga in the east

Ierapetra is a quiet port town on the southeast coast of Crete. There are fewer tourists here than in Heraklion, but you get a waterfront promenade and a market.

Island fortress of Spinalonga, view from the sea at Plaka

Nearby, by Elounda, lies Spinalonga. The Venetians turned the island into a fortress, and later it became a leper colony. Today people come for the stone walls and the view over the bay.

Boats take you to the island from Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, and the schedule depends on the weather. Choose Spinalonga tours with a morning departure.

Heraklion: the capital and the fish market

Heraklion brings together old and new. Small churches sit next to mosques, banks, and supermarkets with bright signs.

Panorama of Heraklion with the sea in the distance

You will also find traffic jams and a fish market with a wide selection here.

The old town is easy to explore on foot. Go in the morning, before it gets hot and while the streets are still quiet.

Agios Nikolaos and Chania by the sea

Agios Nikolaos is called the Golden City. The buildings here are made of stone with a distinctive hue, and all the streets lead to the center, where a lake lies.

Venetian harbor of Chania with shipyards and lighthouse

Crete has few lakes, so locals are especially proud of theirs. The town sits on Mirabello Bay, considered one of the most beautiful spots on the island.

Harbor of Agios Nikolaos in Crete with a boat

Chania is Crete's second-largest city, with a Venetian harbor and narrow streets. Both towns move at a relaxed pace. Locals drink coffee on terraces overlooking the sea, and the habit quickly rubs off on you.

Cretan cuisine: tavernas and customs

In shepherd villages, life follows an age-old rhythm. Here they cook lamb with spices and wine from local grapes. In a village taverna you will try zucchini blossoms, yogurt with olive paste, rabbit cooked on oleander branches, and sheep's milk feta.

Lunch at a taverna like this lasts about two hours. You will be served several dishes, and it costs less than at a city restaurant. Fish and seafood on Crete are always fresh.

You don't need to know Greek. The owner will bring out the best the house has to offer.

How to get there and where to stay

Crete has two international airports: in Heraklion and Chania (as of: 09/2026, airport overview). In summer, direct flights arrive here from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (as of: 09/2026, FlightConnections).

By sea, the island is connected with Athens. Night ferries from Piraeus to Heraklion and Chania take about nine hours (as of 09/2026, ferry schedules). Crete has six ports on its northern coast in total (as of 09/2026, ports of Crete).

From the airport to your hotel, a transfer is the most convenient option. After a night flight, you're unlikely to want to hunt for a bus with your suitcases. Crete hotels on Trip.com

Tours and tickets in Heraklion

Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.

See offers on Kiwitaxi

The widget loads once you give your consent.

Santorini near Crete

Santorini is part of the Cyclades, which are served by seasonal ferries from Crete (as of 09/2026, ferries to the Cyclades). After the Bronze Age eruption, a caldera remained at the center of the island.

Aerial view of Santorini caldera at sunset

The black and red beaches of Santorini are popular, so accommodation here gets booked up well in advance. Nights on Santorini cost more than on Crete, so book before your trip. This is where Vinsanto wine is made from grapes that grow only on this island.

If you're going for just one day, take an early ferry and come back in the evening.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much does a ticket to Knossos cost?

An adult ticket costs 20 €, a reduced ticket 10 € (as of 09/2026, official website of the Ministry of Culture). In summer, Knossos opens at 8:00, and closing time shifts by month: 20:00 in August, 18:00 in mid-October. An online ticket with a time slot saves you an hour in line.

How do I get to Knossos without a car?

Regular buses run from Heraklion's central bus station to Knossos. The ride is short, and it's not far to walk from the stop. Buy your ticket from the driver or at the ticket office. Arrive at opening time: by midday the buses are packed, and there's little shade at the site.

When is the best time to visit Crete?

Mild weather comes in May, June, and September, and the water stays warm until October. The peak heat falls in July and August, when visiting Knossos and the towns is tough. If you're traveling in summer, plan excursions for the morning and leave the afternoon for the sea.

How much does entry to Spinalonga cost?

Entry costs 20 €, a reduced ticket 10 € (as of 09/2026, official island website). From April 1 to October 31, it's open daily from 8:30 to 18:00, and closed in winter. Book the boat from Elounda or Agios Nikolaos in advance, as spots sell out quickly in season.

What should I see on Crete besides the beaches?

The Palace of Knossos with its Minoan frescoes, Gortyna with its ancient law code, and the Spinalonga fortress. In Heraklion you'll see the fish market, and in Agios Nikolaos a lake right in the city center. For a day trip, Santorini is worth adding.

In short: what to book

First time on Crete: use Heraklion as your base, plus Knossos and Agios Nikolaos.
History lovers: add Gortyna, Ierapetra, and Spinalonga.
Want to see the islands: take a day trip to Santorini.
Traveling by car: choose accommodation closer to your preferred coast.

Buy tickets to Knossos and Spinalonga online. Book Crete excursions in advance: find an excursion on GetYourGuide.

Crete: Minoan palaces, mountain tavernas and Santorini