Ultimate Crete Honeymoon Guide

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Late June to August is the peak tourist season. The weather is hot and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F) although in recent years the mercury has trended upwards with intense heat waves.

In July and August, the beaches are crowded, and the popular tourist attractions are busy.

March to April and October are shoulder season months. The weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. The average temperatures range from 18°C (65°F) to 25°C (77°F).

Spring is especially beautiful with blooming flowers and greenery. If you prefer a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere with pleasant weather, then this is the best time to visit Crete, although bear in mind that the sea can be colder in March and early April.

Crete can also be more windy than other Greek islands as it’s a more mountainous island.

Cretan winters are mild and rainy. The average temperatures range from 10°C (50°F). Winter is a great time to experience the island’s local culture and traditions, but many resort hotels, restaurants and tourist shops will be shut.

The capital is Heraklion (pop. 150,000) is in the north of the island. Though not as pretty as Crete’s other seaside towns or other port cities in the Mediterranean, it’s certainly worth staying nearby on your Crete honeymoon, with must-see sites including the legendary Knossos Palace.

In western Crete, Chania is a romantic town in the northwest of the island (and home to its 2nd airport) with a beautiful 14th-century old Venetian Quarter centred around the port and a 16th-century lighthouse.

Its narrow streets are filled with tavernas, cafes, boutiques, and museums. Chania is a perfect base for day trips to Samaria Gorge, Elafonisi Beach, or Balos Beach.

Rethymno is almost halfway between Heraklion and China (with a similar atmosphere to Chania). Its mostly pedestrianised Old Town extends from the Venetian harbour and fortress.

To the east of Heraklion, Hersonissos is a nearby lively resort town. This is a less romantic vibe but there are plenty of hotels to suit different budgets.

Further along, Agios Nikolaos, is a picturesque seafront town centred around Lake Voulismeni, which was once a freshwater lake and is now connected to the sea by a small canal.

Elounda is a former fishing village about a half an hour south, with some of the best honeymoon hotels in Crete. There are beaches like Voulisma. You can take day trips to Vai Beach on the far east coast and the 16th-century Spinalonga island fortress.

Along the south coast, there are smaller seaside towns with more local style accommodation options, although around Ierapetra has seen a couple of luxury spots open up.

There is no wrong place to stay on a Crete honeymoon and both the east coast and west coast have their own highlights, whether it’s beaches or historical sites.

If you have more time, we’d highly recommend spending a few days on each side.

This adults-only beachfront barefoot luxury resort is one of our top picks for honeymoon hotels in Crete with its earthy design touches and upbeat vibes.

In a secluded cove in Vathi, near Agios Nikolaos, it even has a private beach. There’s a range of luxurious accommodations, including villas.

Opt for the One Bedroom Suite Sea View with Private Pool. The suite features a spacious bedroom with a separate living room, a marble-lined bathroom and, most importantly, a spacious terrace with a private sea water pool and beautiful views.

Opt for the Executive Suite with Private Pool Sea View with stylish interiors and full views.

It’s not about the beach and is all about the heavenly pool with overwater Maldives-style bungalows.

This adults-only paradise invites you to experience island life (but in a resort!). This is where your honeymoon resort dreams find their haven.

Opt for the Grand Overwater Bungalow with Jacuzzi with the lagoon pool right outside your bedroom. Indulgent spa treatments, delectable dining, all set against the backdrop of Crete’s beauty. Perfect honeymoon vibes.

Opt for all-inclusive and if you can tear yourselves away, you’re right beside Hersonissos and the west coast delights. 

The Signature Suite has a heated pool and sauna with pillow menu and a walk-in chromotherapy rain shower.

In Rethymno, it was formerly a part of the Arkadi Monastery. Now it’s transformed into a contemporary retreat.

The Superior Double Terrace Mini Pool room is your go to with a spacious bedroom and a private terrace with a mini-pool spa, offering panoramic views of the village canyon.

Originally built in the 16th century, the hotel has been lovingly restored with Venetian and Ottoman architectural elements.

Combining Cretan hospitality with a Zen vibe, the Upbeat Retreat Sea View with Plunge Pool is a modern getaway. Hungry and thirsty? There’s neo-Greek delights and champagne awaiting!

With crystal Caribbean-like turquoise waters of Balos Lagoon and soft white sand, Balos Beach is one of the most photographed spots in Crete. You can drive through a track road from Kissamos and hike, but most couples take a day trip by boat and visit adjacent Gramvousa island.

At Elafonisi Beach, you’ll find another of Crete’s best beaches, with (sometimes) pink-hued sand (it depends on the season) yet beautiful at any time of year. You can easily take a boat trip from Chania.

These beaches are one of the reasons we recommend a west coast stay.

If you’re staying on the east coast, don’t worry, there are lovely spots there too, like Vai Beach, with its lush palm forest which is the only native palm trees in Europe and is designated a national park.

Bear in mind that the most popular beaches can be extremely busy during high season so arrive early if you can.

The Palace of Knossos is an ancient ruin and one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete. It was the centre of the Minoan civilization from around 1900 BC, which was one of the most advanced of its time. The throne room is regarded as one of the oldest rooms in Europe.

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is our top pick for things to do on a Crete honeymoon for history lovers. It houses a collection of artefacts from ancient peoples that inhabited the island.

Stroll through the old Venetian harbour of Chania and the seaside town of Rethymno where you’ll find Byzantine, Ottoman, Arabic, and Venetian landmarks and architecture. 

Learn about the production on an olive oil tour (and bring some bottles home). Explore Cretan vineyards. The island has a long tradition of winemaking. We’ve taken this tour.

Would it be a Greek foodie honeymoon without a cooking class or a street food tour? One of the most famous local specialties is the Dakos salad, which is made from barley rusk, fresh tomato, feta cheese, and olive oil. 

How about meeting local goat herders and beekeepers or truffle hunting and learning about Crete’s drink, Raki?

If you’re staying on the west coast, stop by traditional villages like Plaka. You’ll find the best seafood and beautiful views.

Kritsa is known for its olive oil, which you can buy along with local products including herbs, honey and nearby Kroustas. You can try authentic myzithropita, a type of Greek cheesecake.

You can go snorkelling, and scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island

For couples who love who thrills you can go quad biking, mountain biking, abseiling, parasailing and even paratriking, too. Plus, hot-air balloon rides over the mountain scenery.

The Kourtaliotiko Gorge is another rugged natural beauty in the south of the island, with steep cliffs. Connected to Preveli Beach is a series of springs and waterfalls. It’s a lovely day trip to southern Crete.

The Katharo Plateau has the most stunning Dikti mountains scenery, and you’ll meet sheep and wild goats along the way. You can visit Sarakina Gorge and swim in the Libyan Sea at Myrtos Beach on the southern coast on this day tour.

Don’t miss Richtis Gorge where you can hike through the forest to Richtis Waterfall and have a swim in the waterfall pool and then hike on to the pebbly Richtis beach.

You can also visit Psychro Cave, which is filled with stalagmites and stalactites and was believed to be the birthplace of Zeus.

Crete truly has an abundance of terrains and tracks to offer.

If you’re staying on the west coast, Spinalonga Island, with its Venetian fortress and poignant leper history, is a must. Cruise in Mirabello Bay and swim in the clear waters of Kolokitha Bay and learn all about this ancient island.

If you’re staying around Ierapetra, Chrissi Island (or Chrysi / Chrisi), a natural paradise, is ideal for couples seeking tranquillity. Chrissi translates as golden and is a lovely laid back day trip. 

Haven’t got time to visit the Cyclades Islands? Then you can take a day trip to Santorini. It’s a long day and while it’s just a peek at the island, it’s ideal if you haven’t got time to stay on Santorini.

Since then, Crete has been under Byzantine, Ottoman, Arabic, and Venetian rule, which is evident in its architecture. 

In contrast, contemporary Crete thrives with vibrant urban and rural life. The island’s geography varies from rugged mountains to long stretches of sandy beaches and a thriving food scene.

This is the Greek islands, life moves at a slower pace in the best possible way.

• Crowds: Crete is a very popular destination, especially during the summer months (June to August) and major tourist spots including the best beaches can be crowded.
  
  
• Wind: Crete can be quite windy, especially around the northern coast. This can sometimes make beach days less pleasant and may disrupt ferry schedules.

Map of Crete