Crete -
Discover the beauty of the island
Discover the beauty of the island
Book your flight from Saarbrücken to Crete now!
Flights from Saarbrücken to Crete ( - )
Flights from Crete to Saarbrücken ( - )
~ 3:00 hours
Heraklion N. Kazantzakis Airport (HER)
Top highlights ofCrete
Palace of Knossos
The main attraction of Crete is the ancient palace of Knossos in the north of the island. This was the center of the Minoan civilization. Fans of history and archaeology will be in their element here: the palace of Knossos is the largest and most impressive of the Minoan palaces on Crete and one of the most famous archaeological sites from the time of ancient Greece. Particularly impressive are the detailed frescoes depicting scenes from everyday life and religious ceremonies. Knossos is also considered the origin of the labyrinth myth, which tells of Daedalus and the Minotaur. Visitors can embark on an exciting journey into one of the oldest advanced civilizations in Europe.
Arkadi Monastery near Rethymnon
A peaceful place with a harrowing history. The former Orthodox monastery from the 14th century is Crete's most important national monument. It was here that the uprising against the Ottoman occupation began in 1866, claiming hundreds of lives. The event attracted international attention, and so Arkadi Monastery played an important role in Crete's independence in 1897. The well-preserved Venetian architecture with its magnificent façade is particularly impressive. Inside the monastery, there is now a museum with historical artifacts and moving memorabilia that bring history to life. Visitors can also explore the chapel and the courtyard surrounded by olive trees, which convey an atmosphere of peace and contemplation.
Samaria Gorge
Hike between 600-meter-high rock walls, cross the river on small bridges, and experience Crete's nature: it's no surprise that the Samaria Gorge attracts hikers from all over the world. At around 16 kilometers long, this natural attraction in Crete is one of the longest and most famous gorges in Europe. The trail leads you along slopes covered with pine trees and other exotic plants. One highlight is the "Iron Gate," a spot where the gorge narrows to just a few meters wide, while the walls rise spectacularly into the sky. At the end of the hike, the picturesque village of Agia Roumeli awaits you with a refreshing view of the Libyan Sea—the perfect way to end the tour in a relaxed manner.
Lake Kournas
It is the only large natural lake on Crete. The best way to reach this hidden paradise is by rental car from Chania or Rethymno. The drive takes about an hour and takes you through picturesque landscapes and small villages. Try canoeing, paddling, or pedal boating and let the unique nature work its magic on you. Lake Kournas is also an ideal place for a picnic, as it is surrounded by olive trees and mountains that create a peaceful and idyllic atmosphere. Especially exciting: with a little luck, you can spot turtles and other native animals that live in the clear waters of the lake. A perfect outing for nature and animal lovers!
Elafonissi Beach in southwestern Crete
Southwest of the island of Crete lies the small island of Elafonissi, which is known for its colorful beach. The beach, which stretches from Crete across a sandbank to Elafonissi, is predominantly sand-colored, but in some places it has a delicate pink hue. This special coloration is caused by tiny, ground-up shell and coral particles that mix with the sand and give the sandbank its unique backdrop.
Lassithi Plateau with Zeus Cave
The Lassithi Plateau offers unspoiled nature and fascinating views of the Cretan mountains. The plateau lies about 830 meters above sea level and covers an area of 130 square kilometers. The Lassithi Plateau also features some unusual sights, such as the Psychro Cave in the village of the same name and the Kera Kardiotissa Monastery. The Psychro Cave is also known as the Cave of Zeus: in Greek mythology, Zeus was born in this cave and cared for by the nymph Almatheia and the Curetes. The impressive stalactite formations inside the cave create a mystical atmosphere reminiscent of ancient myths. Visitors can also discover the white windmills typical of the region, which were once used for irrigation and still dominate the landscape today. A visit to the Lassithi Plateau offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and mythology.
Heraklion
dream beaches
Samaria Gorge
The most beautiful beaches in Crete
- Balos Beach
- Preveli Beach
- Plakias Beach
- Falassarna Beach
- Malia Beach
- Georgioupolis
- Elafonissi
- Ammoundi Beach
- Rethymnon Beach
- Palm Beach Vai
Facts about Crete
Crete is the largest Greek island: it is so big that locals joke that you could spend an entire vacation here and still only see half of it.
The birthplace of Zeus: According to Greek mythology, Zeus, the father of the gods, was born in a cave on Crete—a divine starting point for any vacation!
The Minotaur's labyrinth: The myth of the Minotaur and the labyrinth is set in Crete, and some claim that the Palace of Knossos was the real-life model for it.
An island with snow: Although Crete is known for its sunshine, the Lefka Ori mountains often have snow-capped peaks until summer – sunbathing and snow gazing in one day!
A dance called Pentozali: Crete's traditional dance is so energetic that you wonder if the dancers are secretly marathon runners.
Olive tree champions: Some olive trees in Crete are over 3,000 years old—and they are still producing olives. A true success story!
Weddings in Crete: Cretan weddings often last several days—and include enough food and raki for a small village.
Crete: Tips for...
- Dakos: Rusks softened with water and topped with incredibly intense tomatoes, garlic, spicy feta or myzithra (Cretan soft goat cheese), and olives.
- Boureki: Yufka dough with a savory filling, e.g., ground meat, sheep's cheese, spinach, or other vegetables and parsley.
- Staka: Freshly milked goat's and sheep's milk is salted and mixed with flour until it has a pudding-like consistency. Then one or two eggs are stirred in.
- Apaki: smoked pork that is stretched around the fire pit in metal devices. The heat and smoke preserve it.
- Saganaki with shrimp: diced tomatoes, chopped onions and garlic, feta cheese, and parsley with shrimp.
1. Diving and snorkeling – There are fantastic underwater worlds, especially around Elounda and Paleochora.
2. Boat trip to Spinalonga – A historic island with a Venetian fortress.
3. Hiking through gorges – Go on exciting hikes through Crete's numerous gorges, e.g., the Aradena, Imbros, Richtis, or Agia Irini gorges.
4. Cave exploration – Discover, for example, the Milatos Cave with its historical traces and impressive rock formations, or the Skotino Cave with its huge stalactites and an ancient place of worship.
5. Quad bike tour through the Lasithi Plateau – An adventurous ride through the mountains and traditional villages.
6. Coasteering on the south coast – Climbing, jumping, and swimming along spectacular rocky coastlines.
- Archaeological Museum of Heraklion – One of the most important collections of Minoan culture.
- Archanes village – A charming village with wineries and traditional architecture.
- Gortys – An ancient Roman city with fascinating ruins.
- Street art in Heraklion – Discover modern artworks in the old town.
- Local markets – Browse markets such as those in Chania or Rethymnon and sample fresh produce, honey, and cheese.
- Olive oil and wine tastings – Visit one of the traditional olive oil mills or wineries.
1. Traditional Cretan music evenings – Experience a live bouzouki concert or an evening of Cretan dancing.
2. Wine bar tours – Discover the best wine bars in cities such as Chania or Rethymnon and sample local wines.
3. Night hike through gorges such as the Richtis, Samaria, or Deliana Gorge. Particularly impressive under the starry sky.
4. Taverns in Rethymno by the water – Enjoy the romantic atmosphere right by the harbor.
5. Open-air cinema – Enjoy a movie under the open sky at cinemas such as the Attikon in Heraklion. Most of the films are also shown in English.