February 27, 2025, 4:16 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
Winding alleyways, olive groves, and traditional tavernas, where time seems to stand still — away from the tourist regions — show Crete’s most authentic side. TRAVELBOOK presents five of the most picturesque villages that the Greek island has to offer. They should definitely not be missed when planning your trip.
Alongside Mallorca, Crete has become one of the most popular islands among Germans in recent decades. Not without reason, as the vacation destination offers the perfect mix of active adventures, beautiful beaches, nature, and culture. While popular tourist hotspots and hotel complexes have sprung up in the northern regions around Chania, Rethymno, and Heraklion, as well as in Agios Nikolaos in the east, the heart of the island consists of mountains and small mountain villages that have largely retained their original character. Here, you can feel the pulse of the real Crete particularly strongly. TRAVELBOOK presents five villages on Crete that are worth a visit.
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The Most Beautiful Villages on Crete
Loutro
Small white houses line a stretch of coastline like a string of pearls while the rugged mountains rise up in the background, the sea glistens turquoise blue, and boats drift calmly on the shallow waves. The enchanting small village of Loutro, nestled in the southwest of the island, is a place where magic seems to come alive. Here, you can experience peace and seclusion in a very special way. The fishing village can only be reached by ferry or water cab, and cars are nowhere to be found, just like large hotels or crowded beaches. Instead, Loutro offers a tranquil and cozy atmosphere. It is one of the villages on Crete well worth a visit.
Legend has it that several centuries ago, Loutro served as a spa town, a tale supported by the village’s official website. Various ruins of old baths bear witness to this, which are said to have given it the name Loutro (translated: “bath”). Today, there are small tavernas, cafés, and a shallow pebble beach here. The village is also the starting point for fantastic hiking tours through the mountains or to nearby beaches such as the freshwater beach Glikanera.
Anogeia
Just south of Heraklion, in the middle of the mountains and nestled in the plateau of Mount Psiloritis, lies the ancient village of Anogeia at an altitude of around 800 meters, which has largely preserved its old values. Livestock farming has always been very important here and used to be the main source of income for the inhabitants. To this day, the air is thick with the enduring spirit of tradition and an indescribable sense of community. Winding through the village, narrow alleyways lead to quaint pubs and stores, each extending a particularly warm welcome. Visitors also appreciate the proximity to a number of spectacular sights, such as the Ideon Andron or Sfendoni caves. According to Greek mythology, the former is the birthplace of Zeus, the father of the gods.
Mochlos
If you take a road trip across the easternmost tip of the island, with a bit of luck (or good planning), you will reach the coastal village of Mochlos (large picture above). It is hard to beat in terms of tranquillity. It is located in the Gulf of Mirabello and overlooks the small offshore island of Ágios Nikólaos (not to be confused with the village of the same name, which is located a little further north on the mainland).
As you dine and converse with locals in the charming regional tavernas, savoring freshly caught fish, you’ll find that the few available accommodations in Mochlos are nestled within the mountainous countryside. From everywhere, you have a breathtaking view of the clear sea that stretches to the horizon. The cultural highlight is definitely the archaeological ruins located on the island. Good swimmers can cover the short distance in the water, alternatively you can reach them by boat.
Agios Georgios
In the middle of the mountains and the lush nature of the Lassithi plateau lies the village of Agios Georgios. It is one of the villages on Crete that offers a sense of serene peace and tranquillity pervades the streets, enveloping visitors in a calming embrace. The locals cherish their relaxed way of life, a timeless tradition they eagerly share with visitors in their traditional-style tavernas. In addition to fresh seafood, typical Greek specialties are on the menu, immersing guests in authentic Crete. For deeper insight, a small folklore museum has been set up not far from the church, revealing the secrets of simple Cretan life in the 19th and 20th centuries. Hikers and nature lovers, in particular, find their way to the village due to the breathtaking mountain landscape and enjoy a brief moment of relaxation before moving on.
Aspros Potamos
Perched on a mountainside in the Pefki range, the small settlement in the southeast of Crete possesses an almost ethereal quality. Aspros Potamos and its distinctive stone cottages were built around 300 years ago. If you look at the interlocking buildings, you might think that time has stood still here. A few years ago, the ten houses were modernized and are now open to guests who want to take a trip back in time. The mountain slopes and gorges around the village are densely overgrown but are perfect for extensive hikes in harmony with nature.