13 September 2023 Last Updated: 06 December 2023

Explore Crete

Once upon a time, the island served as a crossroads between all countries whose shores meet the Mediterranean, including modern-day Türkiye, Egypt, Tunisia, and Lebanon. However, it was Venice and its trading houses that left the most indelible mark on the island, having ruled it for over four centuries.

When you set out to explore Crete, you will find plenty of evidence of this shared, ancient history among the island’s vast stretches of sandy coastlines, which contrast against crystal blue waters, allowing for the formation of natural harbors, many of which served as the foundation for port towns. Crete’s natural geography grows inland to rugged, steep, and harsh mountains and valleys, giving way to awe-inspiring gorges, especially the Samaria Gorge, perfect for those on the lookout for the next, great hiking adventure while enjoying jaw-dropping natural sceneries.

In recent years, Crete has undoubtedly become more popular, even if often overlooked, with expats from all over the world finding their new home on the island. Why not you? All you need is to call Crete your own is to discover the right property to invest in, and Greek Residency becomes possible.

Things to do in Crete

Visit Heraklion

Heraklion, or Iraklio, is Crete’s capital city. It is one of Greece’s major urban centers and is the gateway to the island of Crete. Though the city is a modern hub, its greater region area boasts many monuments, including the famous Palace of Knossos, all of which serve as a testament to the island’s rich and diverse history, having been the cradle for the ancient Minoan civilization and having served as a crossroads for the Venetians and the Ottomans. Glimpse into the past and experience this yourself when you venture into Heraklion.

Visit Rethymno

Rethymno, or Rithymna as it was once called, is Crete’s western region. It is the perfect location for those wanting to experience history and culture, and to also relax under the sun, take a swim in the warm, crystal-clear waters, and enjoy the sand on vast stretches of beach the Mediterranean is famous for, with a cup of Cretan wine in hand. Find out more about this Greek postcard city in our Guide to Rethymno.

Visit Chania

Chania, also known as the City of Many Tales, shares much of the same history as ancient Heraklion and Rethymno. However, it stands apart from them, allowing you to feel as if you are traveling through time. Each of the city's neighborhoods tells a different story of a specific time in Chania, from the Jewish and Turkish Quarters to the Venetian Harbor. All of them are unique and distinct from the rest in their own right. However, when they blend, they make the multicultural tapestry from which the modern town is built. Discover all Chania has to offer in our Guide.

Experience Cretan Culture

Crete stands as a bastion of Greek culture, but it still manages to stand out individually from the other islands in Greece. Make your own pots and ceramics in Rethymno, and marvel at how ancient designs are still practical today. Or, if you are feeling more antsy, why not go dancing? But not so fast. First, you have to sit down and have some stivania fitted just for you. These custom-made leather boots are individual and indispensable for the full Cretan experience. Then, put on a sariki, a traditional, special, handcrafted headscarf, and you are ready to jump, spin, and weave in the most special Cretan dances: the pentozali, the sousta, the siganos, the malevizotis, and the sirtos.

Taste Cretan Cuisine

If the Germans are known for drinking beer, then the Greeks are just as known for using olive oil in just about every meal they cook. Before you taste any Greek delicacies, do not forget the mezes. These appetizers are a shared commonality between the Mediterranean countries, and per Cretan culture, are always accompanied by an alcoholic drink, normally the raki or the tsikoudia. From the most famous dakos, the Cretan cheeses, the kalitsounia, or the tzatziki, Crete will have something for everyone.