The best restaurants and beach bars in Crete
Here I would like to introduce you to our favorite restaurants, taverns and beach bars in Crete. Come with us on a short round trip along Crete’s coast from the north to the east and from there to the south. Get inspired for your next vacation on Crete.
Restaurant Cavo – Rethymno
The Cavo restaurant is located on the edge of the town, with a great terrace and wonderful views over the Mediterranean. The cuisine is upscale, but not over the top. After sunset, the Cavo Rethymno is a popular place to sip cocktails in a convivial atmosphere. We love the boho flair, of course!
CAVO Rethymnon Restaurant, Akrotiriou 13, Rethymno 741 32
Yialos Wine Restaurant – Rethymno
There is another great restaurant just a few meters from the Cavo. In the Yialos Wine Restaurant you can also sit inside or on a cozy terrace with a view of the bay. In addition to many local delicacies, Yialos offers fantastic wines from Crete, Greece and around the world from its wine cellar. You sit in a beautiful boho ambience right by the water and can enjoy the lightness of being.
Yialos Wine Restaurant, Akrotiriou 11, Rethymno 74100
San Giorgio Restaurant – Malia Old Town
This little gem is definitely one of our classics, where we have been guests every time we visit Crete for years. It’s not just the wonderful ambience of the outdoor terrace on the small church square that enchants every time. Of course, it is first and foremost the delicious food that attracts us to the San Giorgio restaurant time and time again. We have eating our way through almost the entire menu and have not been disappointed with any of the dishes. San Giogio is definitely one of our top 5 restaurants on Crete.
San Giorgio Restaurant Malia 27, 28is Oktovriou 23, Malia 700 07
King Scorpio Beach Club – Hersonissos
Now it’s time for some boho vibes. Here you go! Wanted? Found. At the King Scorpio Beachclub, the boho theme shows everywhere! Mediterranean cuisine meets Asian flavors in the restaurant. But if you fancy a burger with fries, you’ll also find what you’re looking for. As the name King Scorpio Beach Club suggests, it is not just a restaurant, but a place where you can spend the whole day relaxing on comfortable loungers, swimming and unwinding. A piece of Bali and Mykonos on Crete.
King Scorpio Beach Club, Kolokotroni & 25 Martiou, Hersonissos 70014
Captain Nicolas Fish Taverna – Plaka
If you are traveling in the northeastern part of Crete, you should definitely stop in Plaka. I think it is d efinitely one of the most beautiful coastal villages with numerous tavernas and small stores. The ferry to the island of Spinalonga also departs regularly from here. Our favorite restaurant in Plaka is Nicolas Fish Taverna. We can particularly recommend the fresh fish here – surprise surprise. Once we also ate our fill of a wide variety of different Greek starters, which was equally delicious. The white house wine is light and fresh and goes perfectly with the food. Nicolas also has a wonderful seat right by the water and a great view of the island of Spinalonga.
Captain Nicolas Fish Taverna Central Harbour Plaka Elounda, Pláka, Lasithi, Greece 72053
The Garden – Heraklion
Fancy cocktails and sushi? And in a beautiful setting? Then head to the island’s capital to visit the beautiful restaurant calledThe Garden. You can expect unusual cocktail creations and lovingly prepared Asian and Polynesian-inspired hot dishes and sushi.
The Garden, Aretousas, Heraklion 71202
Maistrali Restaurant – Agios Nikolaos
We love good food, sea views, bohemian flair and the beach. As we can tick all of these boxes here, Maistrali is naturally also on our list of favorite restaurants in Crete. Here you will find traditional Cretan cuisine presented in a modern way. Many of the products used in the kitchen were produced or bred specifically for the Maistrali restaurant. It’s always good to know where your food comes from. Enjoy your meal!
Maistrali, Akti Pangalou & Evans, Agios Nikolaos, 72100
Taverna Agios Georgios – Agia Galini
This is a list of our favorite restaurants and bars. But for us, there is a clear winner in this list! Our absolute favorite place in Crete is this little hippie style taverna on the beach of Agios Georgios. The bay is just a 15-minute drive from Agia Galini and it’s a great place for swimming. However, the highlight is the small taverna and beach bar, which is run by a true original, the charismatic bearded owner Georgios and his wife Maria. The atmosphere is relaxed and the food is delicious. If we didn’t have such a great urge to explore, we could easily spend every day of our Cretan vacation hanging out at the Taverna Agios Georgios and enjoy life.
Agios Georgios Snack Bar, Bay of Agios Georgios, Agia Galini 74056
Charlie’s Place – Agia Galini
Whenever we are in Agia Galini, a visit to Charly is an absolute must. Why? Because Charlie’s Place is simply unique and still a little insider tip. The owner (Charly, of course) is a one-man show and does everything in his tavern himself. Cooking, serving, cashing up, drinking raki with the guests and washing up. To get to Charlie’s Place, you have to follow a dusty track to the right off the main road shortly before entering Agia Galini. A self-written sign points the way, as you can’t see the tavern from the main road. Those coming by foot from Agia Galini should plan for 20-30 minutes each way. Charly serves authentic Cretan cuisine, and the choice on the menu is surprisingly large for a solo chef that does everything else himself as well. But if you come to eat at Charly’s, you have to be patient. So our tip: never arrive at Charly’s hungry and don’t plan any fixed appointments afterwards.
Charlie’s Palce, Off the main road near Agia Galini, follow the sign
Restaurant Alikes – Agia Galini
The beautiful Alikes taverna is located on the edge of Agia Galini harbor. It really is a taverna straight out of a picture book, in true classic Greek style. From there you have a wonderful view of the bay, the harbor and the wide, blue sea. Greek, honest, traditional cuisine is served. Nothing here is fancy-schmancy and that’s what we like about the simple taverns. Friendly service and simple but good dishes making this place worth a visit. Crete at its best!
Alikes, harbor, Agia Galini 740 53
Karolos Bar and Miligolf – Agia Galini
We always enjoy being at Karolos. Not just for playing minigolf. Also for drinking raki and chatting to other guests or the team. There is always good music and a good vibe, many guests know each other as the regulars have been coming back to the charming little beach bar for many years. Karolos Bar and Minigolf may not be boho, but Karolos and his team quickly had us wrapped around their fingers with their welcoming and super friendly nature. If you like, you can also rent beach loungers here and spend the day on the beach. For us, it’s a favorite place in Crete to end the day and meet up with our friends. Yamas!
Karolos Beach Bar, at the end of the beach promenade of Agia Galini next to the Romantika Hotel
Boho Beach Bar – Matala
The name says it all, yay. A cozy boho beach bar on the edge of the white beach of Matala, the infamous hippy village on Crete, where – it is rumored – Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens also lived for a while in the 1960s. The Boho Beach Bar is perfect for snacks and refreshments during a day at the beach or for a break after a stroll through the village. From here you also have a great view of the Matala caves.
Boho Beach Bar, Matala beach
Port Side Bistro Café – Matala
We’ve only been here twice for breakfast so far, but we really enjoyed these visits. Especially the Greek yoghurt with honey and caramelized nuts is an absolute dream. The price-performance ratio is right. The Port Side Bistro Café also has a great view of the beach, the bay and the caves.
Port Side Bistro Café, Port, Matala
Bunga Bunga – Kommos Beach
Bunga Bunga ended up on our list because we think the style of the hippy beach bar is totally awesome. A bit like the big sister of Taverna Agios Georgios. Kommos Beach is great for swimming and relaxing, so you can combine a trip to Bunga Bunga with a dip in the sea. In the high season it can get quite crowded here, but during the fall vacations it was very pleasant. The Bunga Bunga is somewhat overpriced compared to other tavernas and beach bars in the region. But the atmosphere is great, so it’s definitely worth a visit!
Bunga Bunga, Kommos Beach, Pitsidia 70200
Karibu Beach Bar – Kommos Beach
So, here’s another beach bar for you. This small, super chilled-out beach shack is located between Bunga Bunga and the village of Kalamaki. Everything is somehow wildly put together, old and peeling. But this is precisely what gives the Karibu beach bar its unmistakable charm. You can get refreshments and snacks at a small self-service bar and then linger in the shade of the trees and enjoy the worn-out hippie charm.
Karibu Snack Bar, Kommos Antiquities, Festos 702 00
Onira dream factory – Pitsidia
In the picturesque village of Plakias, which lies to the north-east not far from Matala, you will find the Onira Traumfabrik. A dream factory basically. The café is located in an old olive oil factory and you can still see the millstone in the dining room. There is a small store in the entrance area where you can buy ceramics, handmade jewelry, olive wood objects, bags and much more. In the Onira Dream Factory you can enjoy a delicious breakfast, snacks, fresh juices and freshly baked cakes every day. The small terrace is cozy and invites you to linger in the shade thanks to the canopy.
Dream Factory, Pitsidia 702 00
Taverna Vasilis – Little Triopetra
The small Tripopetra beach is one of our favorite bays in Crete. Not completely overcrowded, great for swimming and (at least at the end of the season) the sun loungers are free of charge. From the taverna you have a great view of the bay and sit at beautiful, light-colored wooden tables under bast umbrellas. Boho feelings all inclusive! We had bifteki and mixed starters, tzaziki (always!!) and bread with olive oil. Everything was absolutely delish, also the house wine tasted great. We love Little Triopetra and the Taverna Vasilis!
Taverna Vasilis, Mikri Paralia, Triopetra, Agios Vasileios Municipality, Crete 74053
GioMa Taverna – Plakias
We only ever come to Plakias to pass through to/from Sfakia and stop for 2 reasons. On the one hand, Plakias has the best massage for a really fair price, and on the other, we love an extended lunch or dinner at the GioMa Taverna. You literally can’t sit any closer to the water. In the shade of old trees, you can enjoy fresh fish, seafood, starters, meat dishes and chilled wine in this delightful taverna. The perfect place to simply let the world pass you by for a few hours.
Gioma Taverna and Apartments, Plakias 740 60
Samaria by the Sea – Chora Sfakion
The small coastal town in the southwest of Crete, surrounded by the white mountains, is home to the beautiful Samaria by the Sea restaurant and hotel. The small car-free promenade along the beach and harbor is lined with a few charming tavernas that invite you to take a break. Many guests are just passing through here, as boats depart from Chora Sfakion to the car-free villages of Loutro and Agia Romeli. However, we stayed here for several nights in the No Problem Suite -the name says it all. All your problems seem to fade away! Of course, I am totally into by the furnishing style, as the tables and chairs are turquoise (my favorite colour!) and everything looks fresh but cozy. Our favorites on the menu: gigandes (broad white beans), stuffed vegetables and tsatziki. But the breakfast is also rich and delicious. Dig in!
From Samaria to Livikon, Chora Sfakion, Sfakia 73011
Glyka Nera Taverna – Sweetwater Beach
Tada…here comes our number 2 in our the favorite restaurant ranking. Paralia Glyka Nera, also known as Sweetwater Beach, is only a short boat ride (with Deligiannis Lines) away from Chora Sfakia. Otherwise, you can only reach the bay, which is surrounded by steep cliffs, if you fancy a hike. On the beach you will find a few beach loungers, the tavern and some mountain goats. The water is crystal clear and swimming is a real treat in this beautify bay. The Glyka Nera Taverna is built on a pontoon on the water and can be reached from land via a small footbridge. The menu options are limited, simple and unexceptional. But it is precisely the simplicity, coupled with the magnificent view of the bay and the sea, that makes this small taverna something very special. It is just so unique and we fell in love with this place in a hearbeat. You rarely find such a relaxed atmosphere.
Paralia Glyka Nera, between Chora Sfakia and Loutro
Ilios Restaurant – Loutro
Loutro, a small paradise in Crete that we absolutely fell in love with. The small village is only accessible by boat or hike and is therefore car-free. Of course it has become quite touristy, but in the off-season it is a little Greek picture perfect paradise for me. Whitewashed houses, tavernas, hotels and small stores line the bay and form a great contrast to the turquoise blue sea and the mountains in the background. At Ilios taverna they serve honest, traditional Cretan cuisine. On request, you can be shown the fresh fish of the day or choose many other delicacies from the display case at the entrance. We loved it here and are already looking forward to our next visit.
