Greece Photo Blogs

Camping in Crete: The Best Campsites

Camping in Crete:
The Best Campsites

Aside from being full of beautiful landscapes (well, or perhaps the two are intricately connected?), Crete also had a ton of amazing campsites that I stumbled across as I was hiking around the island.

Fortress Camp
Camping at the fortress above Loutro.

Some places, like Loutro, sported historic old fortresses that make perfect sites to put up a tent for a night. Protected from wind, exposed to the stars, and with a huge dash of history thrown in for flavor.

Gorge-ous Campsite
Camping above the Thriptis Gorge.

Some places, like above the Thriptis Gorge, offered up amazing views over the landscapes that make Crete so popular.

Best Campsite in Europe
Best Campsite in Europe, just outside of Agia Roumeli.

And of course the little beach just outside of Agia Roumeli, which may well be the nicest campsite I’ve stayed in anywhere in Europe (and maybe the world?). Beach access, a river running next door, and of course equal access to mountains or the village or the fortress nearby.

These are some of my favorite campsites from 18 days on the trail throughout Crete.

Ottomans' Guest
Ottomans’ Guest near Cape Tripti.
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Camping on a hilltop across the valley from Vori.
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In-tent view from an untended orchard.
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The ancient of city Lissos, host to my tent for one night.
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Cave camp near the Tripti Gorge.
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Not the best campsite in Crete: Fragokastello’s beautiful but windy beach.
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Finally, camping in Crete’s White Mountains.

Which one strikes you as best?

3 Comments

  1. Great photos. I’m planning a similar trip for April. What’s the deal with wild camping in Crete? Do any land owners / officials object to pitching up your tent? Do you need permission or have to stick to official sites?

    • Thanks Barrie. So, technically wild camping is illegal all through Greece. In practice, though, I was never bothered – even at campsites just outside of town like in Agia Roumeli. Anytime I could find an owner I would generally try to ask and make sure it was ok, but lots of times it was just some field in the middle of the trail. The only time I was honestly worried about it was at the fortress above Loutro, and there the only people who came along were other tourists who thought it was a great idea. Enjoy your trip, though, there are some awesome landscapes around there!

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