Crete

Greece

Untamed wild beauty and rich soul

Powdery-sand beaches flanked by craggy mountains, sleepy villages, and fertile valleys swathed in olive groves as far as the eyes can see. Crete's natural beauty will not disappoint. And the island boasts a unique history dating back to the birthplace of Greek civilization and a slew of conquerors (Arabs, Venetians, Ottomans, and Romans). Crete might not have the wow factor of some of its glitzy Cycladic neighbors. And yes, part of its northern coast is teeming with big resorts, water slide parks, and umbrellaed beaches. But dig deeper, and you’ll discover Crete’s untamed wild beauty authenticity and kouzoulada, the Greek word that captures the excessively passionate and crazy soul of this unique island.

Think overnight stays in sleepy mountain villages, locally-led tours of organic vineyards or olive oil plants, hut-to-hut hikes in the soaring White Mountains, and plenty of beaches off the beaten track. And for eco-conscious travelers, Crete hits a home run with plenty of nature-based, locally immersive experiences and an abundance of off-grid boutique hotels and farm stays throughout the island.

Crete is one of our favorite stomping grounds, so our Offbeat Goat collection is overflowing with swanky stays in each of the island’s far corners.

The Offbeat Goat Collection

Stays in Crete

Featured

Kamares Houses

A scattering of tastefully restored Provence-style villas nestled in the cobblestone streets of a sleepy Cretan mountain village.

White River Cottages

Boutique-chic shepherd cottages nestled in the forested hillsides of Southern Crete.

Thalori Retreat

A bucolic mountain retreat perched high above the Libyan Sea.

Kapsaliana Village

Charming rustic-chic getaway in a restored 17th-century hilltop village.

Metohi Kindelis

A fusion of farmhouse charm and sophisticated style in an old 17th-century Metohi-style farmhouse in the Cretan countryside.

Cabanon Concrete Retreat

A design-worthy contemporary off-grid sanctuary nestled in the hillsides of Crete.

Milia Mountain Retreat

An off-grid eco-chic hideaway in an ancient mountain village surrounded by chestnut trees and mountain goats.

the highlights.

Venture out to the must-see picture-perfect beaches of Balos Lagoon (be mindful of the windy road), Elafonisi (worth the drive, but a tad touristy), Falasarna (good surf), and Kedrodasos Beach (our favorite secluded beach).

Pack a picnic and plenty of water and hike down the Samaria Gorge or one of the less touristy White Mountain gorge treks — Rokka Gorge, Tromarisa Gorge, Tripiti, or Gingolos Summit.

Ferry out to the small fishing village of Loutro and saunter along coastal paths, discovering hidden coves and solo swim spots at Illingas or Glyka Nera.

Enjoy a locally-led wine tour (and plenty of tasting) at one of the many wineries in the area: Klados (Rethymnon), Manousakis (Chania), Lyrarakis (Heraklion), or Zachariodakis (Plouti).

Explore some of Crete’s most charming villages, including Archanes, Kerasia, Avdou, Tzermiado, Kritsa, and Kamilari (Lasithi); Spili and Margarites (Rethymnon); Theriso, Kaliviani (Chania).

Spend a day exploring Chania, brimming with boutique stores, art studios, sidewalk cafes, and market stalls.

Venture off the usual path to Lasithi Plateau with its sleepy Cretan villages, local windmills, and panoramic mountain views.

Check out the most beautiful jewelry store in the old town of Chania called Carmela Iatropoulou (Angelou 7, Chania Town).