Thinking about a sunny island with beautiful beaches, pretty towns, and amazing natural landscapes? You must consider visiting Crete, an island located south of the Greek mainland. Crete is a world-class travel destination, with crystal clear waters, lovely towns, stunning ancient Greek ruins, jaw-dropping natural landmarks, and exquisite coastlines. Besides that, Crete hidden gems are so special that they are unmissable.
Those untouched or less-known destinations have excellent landscapes and exciting experiences. Walk off the beaten path to find them all! Here are some gorgeous Crete hidden gems you must check out during your trip.
Hidden Gems in Crete – Summary
- Lake Kournas
- Kedrodasos Beach
- Agios Pavlos Sand Dunes
- Kalypso Beach
- Spinalonga
- Margarites Village
- Loutro
- Stavrochori Village
- Richtis Gorge
- Kourtaliotis Gorge
Lake Kournas
This vast freshwater lake looks like it is straight out of a fairytale. Lake Kournas offers clear waters, gentle brown hills, and sandy shores with a hint of lush vegetation. Lake Kournas is a significant sanctuary for aquatic species, such as eels, turtles, and ducks. As it is not packed with tourists, Lake Kournas is one of the most tranquil Crete hidden gems you can visit.
How to get there: Drive towards Georgiopuli on the national road, then follow the street signs to Kournas village. You can turn to the village road of Kournas just slightly before the exit to Georgiopulli.
Kedrodasos Beach
Kedrodasos Beach deserves the title ‘hidden gem’, as it is located in a remote area outside the town of Chania and is recognized for its brilliant beauty. You will find yourself enchanted by the beach’s pinkish sand, aquamarine waters, and golden brown landscapes. Expect to burn some calories if you are going to this beach! A 10-minute hike along a rocky hill is required to reach this hidden gem in Crete.
How to get there: Drive for around 90 minutes from the town of Chania to Elafonissi road. You can then continue walking for around 10-20 minutes to the beach.
Agios Pavlos Sand Dunes
Can’t get enough of the beaches in Crete, especially this one! If you are looking for a unique, picturesque beach with deep blue waters, you should visit Agios Pavlos Sand Dunes! Like its name, Agios Pavlos Sand Dunes offers a series of stunning dunes that spread around the area. It is a serene beach, perfect for everyone who is looking for a relaxing, sunny escape. Thus, it is one of the overlooked Crete hidden gems you must check out.
How to get there: Drive for around 90 minutes from the town of Chania to Elafonissi road. You can then continue walking for around 10-20 minutes to the beach.
Kalypso Beach
The brilliant blue sea of Kalypso Beach is inviting you to take a huge jump! Kalypso Beach is a cove located near the small village of Plakias. It is a unique beach in Crete, as well as one of the best Crete hidden gems. Thus, the beach isn’t actually a beach, as it doesn’t have a sandy shore. Instead, Kalypso Beach is surrounded by rugged and rocky cliffs. You can jump from those rocks and dip into the crystal clear waters.
How to get there: Drive from Plakias or Rethymno, but you can also take a public bus from Rethymno.
Spinalonga
This uninhabited island is the home of stunning ruins, beautiful natural scenery, and tragic yet rich history. Spinalonga was the isolation area for patients with leprosy during 1903-1957. The island is now a captivating destination, attracting travelers from all around the world.
Spinalonga has several 19th-century and medieval ruins, including the notable Fortress of Spinalonga and Dante’s Gate.
How to get there: Get on a public boat from Plaka or Elounda. You can also book a day trip from Agios Nikolaos, which usually includes a full itinerary and meals.
Margarites Village
Among tons of pretty villages in Crete, Margarites is a special one. Margarites Village is the home of ceramics and pottery, making them the main attraction of this village. The village gives out a laid-back and serene atmosphere with its sand-colored classic Greek buildings and pleasant neighborhood. Margarites is also the location of old ruins and a remarkable monument, the Monastery of Arkadi. Unheard of by tourists, it becomes one of the prettiest Crete hidden gems.
How to get there: Get on a public boat from Plaka or Elounda. You can also book a day trip from Agios Nikolaos, which usually includes a full itinerary and meals.
The Village of Loutro
This seaside village looks stunning! Loutro is a fishing village located in south Crete, facing the Libyan Sea. You can see white buildings with hints of blue on their windows or doors siding beautiful green-brown hills and a brilliant blue ocean. It looks like it is out of some dreamy painting.
How to get there: Get on a bus from Chania to Chora Sfakion, then continue to depart by boat from Sfakia port. You can also get on a boat from Sougia and Agia Roumeli. Discover the information here.
Stavrochocri Village
The remote village is located in Eastern Crete, in the Lasithi region. Stavrochori is the home of historical churches and chapels, along with beautiful religious festivals. One of the notable churches is the Church of Agios Konstantinos South Village, which was built next to a waterfall and offers a gorgeous view.
If you take a few minutes walk from the village’s center, you can find the pristine Makry Gialos beach. Only a few people know about the beauty of Stavrochori, so it is indeed one of Crete hidden gems!
How to get there : Drive from Heraklion to Makry Gialos or Sitia. There are also some public buses from Heraklion that passes by Stavrochori Village.
Richtis Gorge
Besides its pristine beaches and pretty cities, Crete is also home to gorgeous gorges. Looking for a beautiful and remote one? Go to eastern Crete and visit the hidden Richtis Gorge, which is located near the village of Exo Mouliana.
Richtis Gorge offers crystal clear waters, lush vegetation, and refreshing shades of green. The gorge is beautiful and serene, as there are no crowded visitors and untouchable nature. If you are into hiking, you can also visit Richtis Gorge and hike around its lush forests and moderate hiking trails.
How to get there: Drive from Heraklion to Exo Moulina, which takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes travel time. You can also get on a bus from Heraklion to Sitia, then continue with a taxi to Exo Moulina.
Kourtaliotis Gorge
Who could have imagined that under a rocky and arid canyon lies a gorgeous gorge with lush vegetation? Kourtaliotis Gorge is definitely a hidden gem in Crete!
Kourtaliotis Gorge is located in the city of Agios Nikolaos. You can see its roaring waters and crystal clear plunge pool under the Church of Agios Nikolaos Kourtaliotis. You have to walk on the steep stairs and road beside the church, then walk along a rocky river to the gorge. Have an exciting moment in the beautiful, cave-like gorge!
How to get there: Drive along the mountain roads south of Rethymno. You can start from cities like Heraklion, Rethymno, or Agios Nikolaos with requires a 20 minutes – 1-hour drive. Stop your car in the Kantina of Church of Agios Nikolaos, then go down the steps beside the little church. Take the right pathway which leads to the river.
Exploring Crete and visiting its hidden gems is a great idea to spend your day-offs! You can either relax by the beach, go for a hike, stroll around ancient cities, or dip yourself in a waterfall on this beautiful island.
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