The largest of Greece’s islands is known for its sun-drenched beaches, but rich culture, ancient history, and a bounty of excellent food and wine make it a multi-faceted vacation destination.
GREECE Outfits
Though you might spend most of your time on the beach (pack plenty of swimsuits!), the island is also home to plenty of hikes and sightseeing walks that keep you on your feet for hours, so make sure to focus on your footwear when it comes to your packing essentials.
Women
1. Casual Dinners



2. Scenic Walks



Men
1. Greek Whites
Kids
1. Sandcastle Building
2. Bathing Beauty
Pro Tip
😎Don’t forget sneakers—Crete is home to beautiful gorges and scenic canyons. Attempting to explore them in flip flops would be a disaster.
Top 8 Must Have








Eat & Drink
(4)The Perfect Day
Girls Trip
MORNING
You won’t want to miss Balos with its electric blue water and white sand. The best way to get there is by boat. Charter a private tour with SEAze The Day, which provides snorkel gear and a visit to the Balos Lagoon.
DAY
Stop for lunch at the waterfront Falassarna Tavern where you can order house specialties like Kakavia, a Cretan fish soup made with locally-caught fish and olive oil made on Island.
Next, visit Manousakis Winery and sit at a table outside on the terrace to sample organic wines made on Crete.
EVENING
Visit Old Town Chania, which overlooks Old Venetian harbor, for a stroll, stopping into boutiques like Carmela Iatropoulou to peruse the selection of handmade jewelry and artwork.
Family Trip
MORNING
Kids will love the fruit-topped pancakes at the seaside Mare Cafe, but don’t miss the traditional Cretan breakfast with homemade cheese pies and yogurt with honey and walnuts.
A two minute walk from breakfast, visit the Historical Museum of Crete to peer over a treasure trove of artifacts that showcase the island’s past between from the 4th century to WWII. Less than 15 minutes away by car, stop at the Palace of Knossos to explore the Bronze Age archaeological site that was once the center of Minoan civilization. After exploring, pause for lunch at Peskesi, a rustic taverna known for classic local dishes.
DAY
In the afternoon, take a drive along the island’s north coast to Marathi Beach, close to the city of Chania. Shallow water along with umbrellas and showers make this an ideal beach spot for families.
EVENING
For dinner, Apostolis Restaurant is a lovely, kid-friendly spot where you can dine on fresh-caught fish from outdoor tables overlooking the sea.
Romantic Getaway
MORNING
Make the Domes of Elounda resort your homebase, where you can start your day at the SOMA Spa with a couples massage. The Elounda-based luxury property is situated on the coast, overlooking the castle on Spinalonga Isle.
DAY
Book a private boat excursion for the cushiest way to get to the tiny island. Once there, you can explore ruins, hidden coves, rocky shorelines, and deserted beaches.
EVENING
For dinner, reserve a table at Kanali, the lantern-lit, open-air restaurant with views of the surrounding sea. Order plates of oysters and olive-oil drizzled grilled fish and glasses of wine. Afterward, head to nearby Isalos Elounda for dessert and creative cocktails, served seaside, of course.
All products featured on Viva Cabana are independently selected by our editorial team, and the company may earn commission through affiliate links.