A FASHION EDITOR'S GUIDE TO: Crete
- Tasha Arguile
- Sep 10
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 21
Greece’s largest island has all the traditional charm of the Greek islands and then some, making it the perfect spot for an autumn getaway. My Greek island pick for those wanting to explore and those who call themselves serious foodies. Crete is known for its rich culinary traditions, order some Apaki, Mizithra, Dakos or my personal favourite Kolokythanthoi Yemistoi (stuffed courgette flowers, similar to the stuffed vine leaves but in my option better).
Crete has something for everyone, from its history (Minoan, Venetian and Ottoman empires), the many vineyards, hikes such as Samaria gorge, vibrant cities such as Chania and Rethymno, stunning beaches and tranquil villages. Despite visiting for more than 25 years, I still find more to see (and eat).
Our Fashion Editor Tasha Arguile talks over her favourite things to do and take, to Crete.
Things To Pack
Korres - I stockpile their shower gels and skincare, but adore their perfumes too.
Ancient Greek Sandals - Iconic Greek sandal designs but with modern additions too. I can’t help but love their ‘Jellies’. Perfect for clambouring down to the best rocky beaches and snorkel spots.
Zeus and Dione - Blending traditional Greek design features and architectural details with a modern twist.
Ancient Kallos - Relaxed and elevated pieces you’ll want to spend your entire trip in.
CHANIA and the West
Bougatsa Lordanis, Chania - There’s only one thing on the menu (and a vegan option) and they do it very very well.
Oasis, Chania - For when only Gyros will do. (No website or insta, its old school!)
Maiami - A modern take on Cretan cuisine right by the water.
Maiami. Photo by Vicky Tsatsamba
Dome Zeen Chania A perfect spot to recuperate from all the exploring the West of the island has to offer.
Milia Mountain Retreat - for every foodie, exceptional local cooking in the most peaceful mountain setting. The drive up is not for those with a fear of heights!
Gramvoussa - They don’t take bookings so arrive early! It’s not every day a restaurant causes queues out the village.
Domes Zeen Chania
Manousakis Winery - A chic family run vineyard. The owner’s daughter’s pottery is wonderful and can be found at their restaurant in Chania, Maiami.
Biolea Astrikas Estate - An organic olive oil estate run on par with any vineyard. Nestled in the groves, the view through the mountains down to the sea is stunning.
Manousakis Winery
Elafonissi Beach - whilst becoming very popular in recent years with its iconic pale pink sandy beaches, it is absolutely worth the visit. The shallow lagoon is beautiful. Stay for the spectacular sunset that the west of the island has to offer.
Seitan Limania - A beach not for the faint heart or unfit but worth the steep hike down and up. Go early and it will be just you and the goats. A word to the wise, wear proper shoes, bring water and make sure your rental car can handle hills!
Samaria Gorge - Europe’s longest gorge in the White Mountains. For the experienced hikers.
top: Milia Mountain Retreat and Biolea Astrikas Estate bottom: Elafonissi Beach and Seitan Limania
RETHYMNO
Venetian mansions and Ottoman minarets, the medieval town is a firm favourite.
Giorgia Hatziparaskos - It’s easy to walk by but look for the queue. Fillo masters at work and the ultimate sweet treats to take with. (Also old school no website or insta!)
Avli - A beautiful and peaceful garden setting with delicious food and drink, come hungry.
Margarites - Well worth a detour inland to this beautiful pottery village. Come with an empty bag and lots of bubble wrap.
South of Rethymno and through the mountains. Crete’s less explored South coast is gorgeous, especially of an evening where there is little to no light pollution. Kalypso beach nearby is stunningly clear and tranquil.
Apivita - My favourite factor 50 for the body smells divine and leaves no cast. Plus the perfect mini’s for when you’re travelling with just hand luggage home.
HERAKLION and the centre.
A day trip to the capital requires a stop off at the museum, stroll around the old town and fresh small plates at Antipodas.
Heraklion is known as the wine region of Crete and you can easily spend a day or two exploring the fantastic selection of vineyards;
Phaea Cretan Malia
Phaea Cretan Malia - for most Malia conjures up images of first solo holidays and partying. This property shows the other (and dare I say better) side to Malia. The perfect base to explore nearby vineyards, archaeological sites (you can even see some from the beach) and one for the foodies. Crete has UNESCO protected food heritage and Mouries shows it off to its best, with locally grown garden food all cooked the traditional way.
LASSITHI
THE VILLAGES
I am biased but Milatos is everything you imagine of a Greek seaside village (and one named in the Iliad no less), including a string of wonderful beachfront tavernas. From Meraklis to Socrates, you can’t go wrong. Socrates Rooms - come for Sunday lunch like the Greeks and get what's in the oven whilst looking out across the beautiful view and watch out for the waves!
Miliaras Tavern, Latsida - Famous for their Souvlaki and grill, I dream of these french fries all year around and would never miss a stop. I order extra for beach picnics the next day too. Again no website or Insta, call for a reservation!
The Cave of Dikteon Andron - The famous birthplace of the god Zeus and an ancient Minoan cave. Great for beating the heat!
ELOUNDA and SPINALONGA
My favourite way to spend a day in on this side of Crete is an early morning snorkel in the waters north of Agios Nikolaos in Plaka, followed by lunch at Terrassa looking over the bay then moseying on down to Agios for a shop and ice cream by the harbour followed by dinner at Arismari or Gioma Meze.
Adrakos’s Terrassa feels like a secret that more should know about, it has delicious fresh food with the most spectacular high view of the bay and Spinalonga. Whatever is cooking in the oven that day is worth ordering.
Spinalonga - Look for a boat that will take you early and snorkeling after in the most turquoise waters of the bay of mirabello. A UNESCO site and a fascinating piece of history, nothing like reading Victoria Hislop’s famous book whilst there!
Domes of Elounda
Domes of Elounda - A beautiful and understated luxury hotel, it feels like the hotel has is nestled itself into the surrounding hillside and built around the environment. A swim on the beach feels like you could just stretch out and touch Spinalonga whilst sunbathing alongside the trees. The beachside restaurant collab with Vilebrequin La Plage is chic, delicious and a wonderful blend of the two mediterranean cuisines, all with an extensive wine list, offering not just international wines Greek and Cretan too.
AGIOS
Minos Palace - For when you want unparalleled luxury, tranquility and with a focus on wellness. The entire hotel has exceptional views from all around, including of Agios Nikolaos. The hotel is above and beyond what you expect of a spa with infrared sauna, sound bathes, cryotherapy, photobiomodulation to name just a few. Open longer than the traditional season, this is one for the perfect autumnal RnR trip.
Minos Beach - Just across the water is the sister of Minos Palace. An ideal spot for those with no car rental and who want to mix in some exploring. Not only a stunningly beautiful hotel that is considerate of its setting and history but also one where you can explore artworks nestled all over the property. My favourite from previous years was a sculpture of an ear on the sea bed, that when you snorkeled/ swam close by, it sounded like birds chirping in a meadow. I’m always excited to see what they have showing. Plus a great snorkel and swimming spot.
Gnamamidakis Foundation - Further information about all artworks exhibited at Minos Beach Art Hotel and Minos Palace Resort.
Agios Nikolaos is my favourite Cretan town, a good mix of tranquil calm spots and enough of a buzz for when you want a drink or evening out without the craziness. Perfect for an early evening wander down the main streets, drink overlooking the lake. Art on Olive Wood is a favourite store.
Bio Aroma Crete - A wonderful store in Agios by the harbour. I loved touring their gardens when open to see where their ingredients for their products were grown.
Gioma Meze - Worth booking ahead as this has exceptional food and the best views of Agios, bay and the sun setting.
Aris Mari - my favourite new find, locally recommended when another loved restaurant was closed! It feels like a homemade meal but with a fresh twist. The perfect dinner after a day swimming and snorkelling.
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