Beaches and lakes
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Balos Lagoon | A shallow turquoise lagoon between a sandbar and the island of Gramvousa, among the most beautiful beaches in Greece. | By boat from Kissamos port, or a dirt road then a walk down |
| Elafonissi beach | Pink sand and warm, shallow water that suits children. | A protected beach, mostly free of sunbeds and shops |
| Preveli beach | A small river and a palm forest that end at the sea. | South of Rethymno |
| Lake Kournas | Crete's only freshwater lake, among the mountains, with pedal boats. | Between Chania and Rethymno |
Mountains and gorges
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Samaria Gorge | One of Europe's longest gorges: a trail of about 16 kilometres between rock walls down to the sea. | Open from spring to autumn depending on the weather; needs good fitness |
| The Lasithi Plateau and the Dikteon Cave | A green plateau of old windmills, and a cave from the Greek legends. | South-east of Heraklion |
Towns and ancient sites
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Chania's old harbour | A harbour with an old lighthouse, colourful houses and restaurants on the water; the island's loveliest town to walk. | West of the island |
| The Palace of Knossos | The palace of the Minoan civilisation, one of Europe's oldest, with its red columns and wall paintings. | €20, near Heraklion |
| The Heraklion Archaeological Museum | The world's finest collection of Minoan treasures. | Central Heraklion |
| The Rethymno fortress and old town | A fortress by the sea above old lanes, mosques and historic fountains. | Rethymno |
| Spinalonga island | A fortress on a small island near Elounda, with a moving history. | Boat from Elounda or Plaka; entry €20 |
| Arkadi Monastery | A historic monastery and a symbol of Crete, with a fine stone façade. | Near Rethymno |
Tips before you go
- The island is long, so split your stay between the west (Chania) and the east (Heraklion), and hire a car between them.
- The best time is May to October; the sea is calmer and warm in June and September.
- You need a Schengen visa, and you usually reach Crete via Athens, then a flight of about an hour to Heraklion or Chania.
Flights to Athens
More places nearby
Visa
- Greece visa for Saudis: Schengen step by step
- Schengen visa for Saudis 2026: documents, fees and how to apply
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Crete?
Balos Lagoon, Elafonissi beach, Chania's old harbour, the Palace of Knossos, the Samaria Gorge, Spinalonga island and Lake Kournas.
Is Crete good for families?
Yes: calm, shallow beaches such as Elafonissi and Balos, Lake Kournas, old towns to walk, and wide open spaces away from the crowds.
How much is the Palace of Knossos?
€20 for an adult (checked in October 2026).
How do I travel to Crete from Saudi Arabia?
Usually via Athens, then a domestic flight of about an hour to Heraklion or Chania; you need a Schengen visa.
Planning your trip to Greece? Read Travel to Greece from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.