Hidden Gems~£5
Samaria Gorge Hike
White Mountains
A famous 16 km walk through Europe’s longest gorge, ending at a beach in Agia Roumeli.
- Suggested time: Full day
- Booking recommended
- Suits: Photographers
Open roughly May–October; weather dependent
Crete
4 quieter places to add to the big sights: viewpoints, markets, walks, small museums and local favourites.
Plan your Crete trip
- Flight + Hotel PackageRecommended Best option if you want the trip arranged together. View Packages Packages
- Hotels Prefer to book accommodation separately? View Hotels Hotels
- Flights Already have accommodation? View Flights Flights
- Things To Do Tours, attractions and experiences. View Activities Activities
4 places in Crete
BeachesFree
Elafonisi Beach
Elafonisi
A lagoon of pink-tinged sand and shallow turquoise water in the far south-west.
- Suggested time: 5 hrs
- No booking needed
- Suits: Beach lovers · Photographers
Open access; busy in summer
BeachesFree
Balos Lagoon
Gramvousa
A shallow turquoise lagoon of pale sand, reached by a boat trip or a dirt road.
- Suggested time: 5 hrs
- Booking recommended
- Suits: Beach lovers · Photographers
Boats run daily in season; check weather
BeachesFree
Preveli Beach and Palm Forest
Preveli
A river meets the sea among palm trees, in a sheltered south-coast cove.
- Suggested time: 5 hrs
- No booking needed
- Suits: Beach lovers
Open access; steep path down
Hidden gems are the quieter alternatives to the headline sights. Prices, hours and booking advice are approximate, so check the official site before you go.