The Other Side of Crete
5 Undiscovered Spots on the Island
Greece’s largest island is usually associated with postcard-perfect sights: Balos Lagoon, Samaria Gorge, Spinalonga Island, Chania’s Old Town, and the Palace of Knossos. While it’s easy to build an itinerary around Crete’s most famous landmarks, this time we invite you to take a different turn and let curiosity lead you to some of the island’s quieter, lesser-known corners.
We’ve selected five places that surprised us along the way — and we hope at least one of them will find its way onto your next Crete itinerary.
1. Mochlos – the village where time slows down
If you spot the turn-off to Mochlos while driving along Crete’s eastern coast, one of the most charming discoveries of your trip awaits. A scenic road winding downhill leads to a small fishing village on the shores of Mirabello Bay.
Life here revolves around the waterfront. After a swim in the sea, you can settle into a seaside taverna for a coffee, and if you’re lucky, you might spot octopus hanging out to dry in the sun — one of those scenes that feels exotic to visitors but is simply part of everyday life for the locals. As evening falls, tavernas come alive with freshly caught fish, traditional Cretan dishes and views of the setting sun.
Interesting fact
- Just a few hundred metres offshore lies a small island with more than 3,500 years of history, where the remains of an ancient Minoan settlement can still be seen today. Local taverna owners can take visitors there by boat in just a few minutes. Climb to the island’s highest point and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views across the bay and back towards Mochlos itself.
2. Richtis Gorge and Waterfall – Crete’s greener side
Crete is home to countless gorges, making it difficult to choose which one to visit. If you're looking for a route with plenty of greenery and flowing water, Richtis Gorge deserves a place on your itinerary.
The trail begins in a forest and follows a small stream through lush vegetation and across wooden bridges. Although the route is not particularly long, it includes a few climbs, descents, and rocky sections, so comfortable footwear is highly recommended.
The highlight awaits at the end of the hike: the 20-metre-high Richtis Waterfall, cascading into a natural pool. Plane trees provide welcome shade, while the cool, green surroundings make it easy to forget that you're on one of Greece’s sunniest islands.
Interesting fact
- Richtis Gorge forms part of the UNESCO Global Geopark of Sitia. Along the trail, you’ll also come across the 19th-century stone bridge of Lachanas and the remains of old watermills, reminders of a time when the gorge played an important role in local daily life.
3. Agia Triada Monastery – a peaceful stop on the way to a famous beach
When talking about monasteries in Crete, the famous Arkadi Monastery usually comes to mind first. Yet if you're heading towards the popular Seitan Limani Beach, it’s well worth taking a short detour to visit Agia Triada (Holy Trinity Tzagaróli) Monastery.
Built in the 17th century, the monastery stands out for its Venetian architecture, beautifully maintained grounds, and the sense of calm that greets visitors the moment they step through its gates.
Interesting fact
- The monastery is still home to a wine cellar, an olive oil press, and a small shop where visitors can purchase wine, olive oil, honey and other local products made by the monks. Its olive oil has received several international awards.
4. Tholos Beach – swimming away from the crowds
If you're looking for a quieter spot by the sea that’s easy to reach by car, Tholos Beach is well worth adding to your itinerary. The road winds past olive groves before opening up to views of the sea and the surrounding mountains.
Here, you'll find everything needed for a relaxing day by the water: a stretch of sand and pebbles, crystal-clear sea, natural shade provided by tamarisk trees, and a small taverna perfect for lunch after a swim. Even during the summer season, Tholos attracts far fewer visitors than many of Crete’s better-known coastal spots.
Interesting fact
- Tholos Beach is located on Mirabello Bay, one of the largest bays in Crete. Its name is believed to derive from the Italian words mira bello, meaning “beautiful view”.
5. The Mathena Olive Tree – a giant that has stood for millennia
Hidden among the hills near the village of Lastros stands a tree whose twisted trunk and centuries-shaped hollows look more like a work of natural sculpture than an ordinary olive tree. Its trunk is so wide that it would take several people to wrap their arms around it.
The Mathena Olive Tree is believed to be more than 3,000 years old. It was already growing during the Minoan era and is now considered one of the oldest olive trees in Crete.
Interesting fact
- At the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, a shoot from this olive tree was used in the wreath that crowned the winner of the women’s marathon.
While these places rarely make the list of Crete’s most famous attractions, they reveal a more authentic side of the island.
Which one would you add to your itinerary first?
