What to do in Crete? Top 5 must-do activities

Want to go to the sun for a weekend or more? Discover our direct flights to Crete, a mythical and paradisiacal Greek island full of activities.

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Want to get some sun but unsure which destination to choose? Discover Crete's idyllic landscapes thanks to the many flights departing from Lyon Airport!

You can fly direct to various destinations from Lyon to discover everything Crete has to offer.

A holiday in the sun is always a good thing! Yes but don't know which destination to choose for your trip with your partner, family, or friends? Why not Crete?

The largest Greek island offers unexpected treasures between wild nature, mythology and idyllic beaches. Still wondering what there is to do in Crete? Here are our tips!

1. Wander around the lovely city of Chania

The island's former capital, Chania has been Byzantine, Ottoman and Venetian and still retains traces of its past occupations. By strolling around the city's streets, you can discover its rich historical and architectural history. As an example, at the port you can discover the first mosque built in Crete or even the Egyptian lighthouse.

Here you can enjoy an amazing view of the port and the sunset. In the city centre, you can stroll around the Kastelli district, known for its traces of the Venetian period and around Splantzia, Chania's Turkish neighbourhood. In the cathedral square, you can enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city's busiest neighbourhood.

You can fly direct from Lyon Airport to Chania with easyJet in just under 3 hours. The multifaceted historic city is at your fingertips!

Flight Lyon Chania

2. Visit Knossos Palace in Heraklion

Knossos Palace is the most visited site in Greece and is worth the trip. Built in the Minoan period in 1800 BC, it has been extensively renovated. The heart of the Minoan civilisation and the seat of King Minos, it is also the birthplace of legendary mythical stories.

Examples are the myth of the labyrinth of the Minotaur and that of Daedalus and Icarus. To visit this history-filled place, you can take a direct flight from Lyon Airport to Heraklion. Direct flights are operated by Transavia, Volotea, Sky Express and Aegean. The palace is a 15-minute drive from Heraklion.

Flight Lyon Heraklion

3. Relax on idyllic beaches

Crete boasts many beaches all more beautiful than the next. If you can only choose two, we would recommend Elafonissi beach and Balos beach. The first is a marvel of beauty with its pink sand and its turquoise waters. The second is often considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

To relax on one of these idyllic beaches, you need to fly to Chania direct from Lyon with easyJet. You can then reach Balos and Elafonissi by car.

Flight Lyon Chania

4. Hike in the Samaria Gorges

If you like hiking, the Samaria Gorges will be perfect for you. You can enjoy splendid landscapes over more than 14 kilometers to reach the village of Agia Roumeli.

To get there, depart from the village of Xyloskalo, just 1 hour and 15 mins from Chania. The direct flight from Lyon Airport to Chania takes around 3 hours with easyJet.

Flight Lyon Chania

5. Expand your knowledge at the Crete archaeological museum

If you are passionate about history, a visit to the Heraklion archaeological museum, one of the most important museums in Greece, is a must. The museum houses collections of objects dating back to prehistory, the Roman era and the Minoan period.

With its 22 exhibition rooms, you won't fail to expand your historical knowledge. To get to Heraklion, you can take a direct flight from Lyon with Transavia, Volotea, Sky Express, or Aegean.

So, do you now know what to do in Crete?