20 pictures of Crete in Greece – Why you should visit here (updated 2023)

Crete feels so remote compared to the other Greek islands swirling around the Mediterranean, but it is a relatively short plane ride from the capital city of Athens. And it is definitely on of the most arid and stunning landscapes filled with amazing history, culture, food and monuments – what more could you want? Just to tempt you, here are 20 pictures of Crete in Greece to give you some inspiration to hopefully visit the island soon.

Why visit Crete, Greece now?

Crete, Greece is filled with so much history, multicultural influences and unique cities and landscapes to explore in this beautiful island with gorgeous cities like Chania, historic Unesco sites like Knossos and beautiful little churches that pop out of nowhere inspire you to create these Crete pictures for the perfect photo ops. There are so many wonderful landscapes, beautiful towns and historic attractions to explore around the island and here are just a few to be inspired by.

Exploring Crete in 20 pictures now

You’ll be inspired with these Crete images to inspire you to hopefully visit the entire island soon.

 

Sunrise in the countryside of Crete in Greece

Morning and sunrise in the countryside of Crete

Pictures of Greece starts with a gorgeous sunrise in Crete. Sunrises are always a welcomed time to slowly start a day on the island and marvel at all the small details that start to come alive with the morning light. Views are varied around the island depending on where you are at and where the sun rises, but walking up early to catch the first views of the day are always fantastic and a great way to celebrate the sunrise in Crete.

 

Chania harbor in black and white

The harbor scene in Chania is busy and quite panoramic viewing or walking along the stunning harbor area filled with cafes and galleries catering mostly to a tourist crowd. It is a very colorful area to explore and photograph.

I love capturing cities in a different approach utilizing black and white photography to elicit a historical look and vibe to the many monuments and cultural sites to a city.  Creating beautiful images of Crete is so easy when you have inspiring port cities like Chania to explore and walk around the many narrow streets that are still lived in and utilized today. 

 Chania harbor in color

You’ll enjoy walking around the Chania harbor and capturing the best Greece pictures of this historic city and explore all the wonderful streets, markets and harbor area. You’ll be inspired with some gorgeous photos of Crete from just walking around the historic city and capturing daily life here.

Carriage rides at Chania harbor – Crete

 Horse carriages for hire at Chania harbor

Slowing down to enjoy the town and harbor via horse drawn carriage is always welcome. You really get a different take on the many promenades and scenic spots your driver will take you to, many hidden from the typical tourist destinations around the old town.

Not really into taking carriage rides, I prefer to capture the horse and carriages in photographs to showcase how the lovely the look and vibe of this type of transportation and how it reflects the history and type of transportation used in the past and now for tourism.

The oldest historic lighthouse in Chania harbor

Chania’s lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks in Crete, standing at the entrance of the Venetian Harbor. Originally built by the Venetians in the late 16th century and later rebuilt by the Egyptians in the 19th century, it blends elements of Venetian, Ottoman, and Egyptian architecture. Its minaret-like shape and stone base give it a distinct presence, especially when lit at night, casting a warm glow across the harbor. While the lighthouse itself is not open to the public, visitors can walk along the seawall for excellent views, especially at sunset when the harbor and surrounding buildings take on a golden hue.

 Chania’s church of the Trimartyri in the old town

The Church of the Trimartyri, also known as the Cathedral of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, stands prominently on Halidon Street in Chania’s Old Town. It was constructed between 1850 and 1860 on the site of a former 14th-century church, it replaced a soap factory that had operated there during Ottoman rule. The cathedral’s three aisles—dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Saint Nicholas, and the Three Hierarchs—give it the name “Trimartyri,” meaning “of the three martyrs

Its architecture features a raised central nave, cross-vaulted side aisles, and a tall bell tower, reflecting a blend of Venetian and neoclassical influences. Inside, visitors can admire icons by renowned Cretan artists and frescoes, including one of the Virgin Mary above the sanctuary . Serving as the metropolitan cathedral of Chania, the Trimartyri remains a central place of worship and a significant historical monument in the city.

 Exploring the narrow cobbled streets of Chania’s old town

Go ahead and pick any street to get lost in and eventually you will find an interesting church, landmark or monument to visit along the way. The mixture of old, new and different cultures blend and make the alleyways so diverse and fun to explore.

 Chania’s Islamic temple converted to a Greek church

Once the main Islamic temple of Chania, the building was converted into a Greek orthodox church for daily services. It is fascinating to visit and see the combination of Islamic art mixed in with orthodox symbols and details combined.

The Church of Saint Nicholas in Chania’s Splantzia Square is a unique monument reflecting the city’s layered history. Built around 1320 by the Dominican Order during the Venetian period, it originally served as a Catholic monastery church. Following the Ottoman conquest of Chania in 1645, the church was converted into the Hünkar Mosque, the city’s main mosque, with the addition of a prominent minaret. In 1918, after Crete’s union with Greece, the building was reconsecrated as a Greek Orthodox church dedicated to Saint Nicholas. Today, it stands as the only church in Greece featuring both a bell tower and a minaret, symbolizing its diverse religious heritage.

 The agora or public market in Chania

The Agora just outside the old town of Chania is always busy with locals and tourists looking for daily provisions and what is freshly grown, caught or just made for a quick sale at the marketplace. It is a fun place to explore and take home something delicious or prepared for a meal or quick snack.

The Agora, or Municipal Market of Chania, is a bustling covered marketplace located at the heart of the modern town, just outside the old Venetian walls. Built in 1913 in the shape of a cross and modeled after the market of Marseille, the structure blends neoclassical architecture with practicality, housing dozens of small shops and stalls. Inside, vendors sell everything from fresh local produce, cheeses, and meats to Cretan herbs, olive oil, and souvenirs. It’s a lively spot where locals and visitors mingle, offering an authentic glimpse into daily life in Chania. Though the building underwent recent renovations, it has retained its charm and continues to serve as a vibrant commercial and social hub.

Local foods to try in Chania

Here’s a sampling of local foods to try in Chania, Crete — highlighting traditional dishes and ingredients that reflect the region’s culinary identity:

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Cheeses & Dairy

1. Graviera

• A semi-hard sheep’s milk cheese, slightly sweet and nutty
• Often served sliced or fried as “saganaki”

2. Mizithra

• Fresh, soft cheese made from goat or sheep’s milk
• Used in pastries or served with honey for dessert

3. Staka

• A rich dairy product made from simmered cream of goat’s milk
• Often used in cooking or served with eggs and pilaf

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Appetizers & Sides

4. Dakos

• Barley rusk topped with grated tomato, mizithra, oregano, and olive oil
• A Cretan classic found at almost every taverna

5. Kalitsounia

• Small cheese or herb pies made with handmade dough
• Can be savory (with greens or cheese) or sweet (with cinnamon and honey)

6. Snails (Chochlioi)

• Typically sautéed in olive oil, vinegar, and rosemary
• A local delicacy with deep roots in Cretan tradition

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Main Dishes

7. Gamopilafo

• Creamy wedding rice cooked in rich meat broth (usually lamb or goat)
• Served with staka butter for added depth

8. Lamb with Stamnagathi

• Tender lamb cooked with wild bitter greens
• A seasonal and earthy Cretan dish

9. Antikristo

• Lamb or goat roasted slowly on open fire, seasoned simply with salt
• Traditional method from the mountains of western Crete

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Breads & Accompaniments

10. Cretan Paximadi

• Twice-baked barley or wheat rusk
• Commonly used in salads like dakos or served with cheese and olives

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Desserts

11. Loukoumades

• Small fried dough balls drizzled with honey and cinnamon
• Sometimes sprinkled with sesame or crushed walnuts

12. Xerotigana

• Thin sheets of fried dough spiraled and soaked in honey syrup
• Often served at weddings or festivals

Check out this video city and food tour of Chania with some cool places to eat there

Rugged northern coastlines of Crete  

The coastlines are rugged with rocks peeking out through the rough ocean and surf making for dramatic vistas throughout the island. It’s fun to drive along the many roads that skirt around the island and just happen to stunning scenery like the image below.

 Small harbor scenes of Crete

Little harbors can be found all around the island of Crete, many of them house the typical leisure craft and fishing vessels that ply the ocean to catch a multitude of local seafood ending up in the local markets around the island and the main seafood market at the Agora in Chania.

I loved stopping by a variety of these small harbors to just unwind from driving and checking out the local scene and enjoying the moment.

 Exploring the Minoan palace at Knossos

Visiting the ancient ruins of the Minoan palace at Knossos is a must to understand the history and culture of this ancient civilization in Crete. The palace grounds are huge and worth spending half a day to explore the fascinating ruins and artwork around the grounds. You can check out a recent post with more images and details of Knossos palace here.

Tip – make sure to get your tickets in advanced to visit the palace of Knossos here for more details and booking your tickets.

Beautiful murals of ancient Knossos in Crete

The wall paintings at Knossos, the ancient Minoan palace on Crete, are among the most iconic and vivid examples of Bronze Age art in the Mediterranean. These frescoes depict scenes of nature, ritual, and everyday life, offering insight into the Minoan worldview. Common themes include dolphins swimming among coral, elegant bull-leaping ceremonies, and elaborately dressed figures—often with distinct stylized features like narrow waists and flowing hair. The use of bright colors and dynamic movement reflects a culture that valued aesthetics, harmony, and the natural world. Although many of the frescoes have been restored (and in some cases heavily reconstructed), they remain a key element of Knossos’s identity and help bring the ancient site to life.

Here’s a video tour exploring Knossos below

Enjoy the Wildflowers and coastline views in Crete

There are so many scenic spots driving along the coastline that make it easy to stop and enjoy some of the natural beauty and fauna of the island including the wildflowers below. It’s easy to stop when you discover these breathtaking views, if only just for a quick stop to soak in those views and then photograph them as a reminder of this road trip.

I love all these impromptu moments where you’re driving and you spot a fantastic viewpoint ahead and just enjoy the spontaneous visit and enjoy the magnificent views like the coastline below.

One of the many small harbors in Crete

There are too many small harbor areas around Crete to remember, it’s just fun to stop and go as you please to enjoy the vantage points and capture the moment.

The bustling port city of Heraklion

Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is a busy port city that blends ancient history with modern energy. It serves as the island’s main gateway, with a working harbor, lively markets, and a mix of urban sprawl and historical landmarks. The city is home to the impressive Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which houses many of the original artifacts from Knossos and other Minoan sites. In the heart of town, Venetian-era architecture, like the Koules Fortress and Loggia, sits alongside cafes, boutiques, and street art. While not as picturesque as Chania or Rethymno, Heraklion has a gritty charm and authenticity, offering a deeper look at everyday Cretan life and a strong food culture rooted in tradition.

City views of Heraklion from above

Here’s some city highlights visiting Heraklion city in this video tour below

More scenic cliff views to a secluded bay in Crete

Where to stay in Crete

There are many coastal communities to stay around the island, but you’ll find the majority of inns and hotels around the two larger cities of Chania and Heraklion. You can also check into Air Bnb accommodations all around the island with both cities central to visiting all the different areas around the island. For reviews and current prices in Chania, Check out these Trip Advisor reviews here for an updated calendar and availability. For Heraklion, check out these reviews here for current availability and prices.

Check out these other activities and attractions to visit around Crete

There’s a variety of other activities you can do and explore around the island, here’s some suggestions of things to do.

Visit the Herakalion Archeological Museum

Visit the Lychnostatis Open-Air Museum’s collection 

Minoan’s World 9d Experience

Watercity Park Crete Experience

Want to see more of Crete and Greece, check out these additional posts below

Best places to visit to Greece in October

A visit to Knossos in Crete

Exploring Chania in Crete

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Conclusion to visiting Crete, Greece

You’ll enjoy exploring the entire island and finding the unique vistas, marketplaces, good food and historic places around the island to explore.

Thanks for visiting this post on 20 pictures of Crete in Greece. If you enjoyed the post, please share it with any of the social media buttons listed around the post, thank you. Also, please check out my visit to Chania, Greece post here. Today is also Travel Photo Mondays, so please check out the links of other bloggers below and sharing photos from around the world .

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About author Noel Morata

A professional photographer, freelance writer and travel blogger, I have been fascinated with traveling around the world and experiencing unique locations, ancient cultures and historical sites, markets, street food and so many other wonderful facets of travel, food and photography combined.

Thanks for visiting my website and hope it inspires you to travel around the world and experience these amazing travel destinations.

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