If you’re getting ready for your trip to Crete or dream about visiting soon, then this list of books about the island will keep you in good company as you wait for the moment you leave for the island!
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Captivating Books About Crete
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📍 Top tours I recommend on the island:
– Boat cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa
– Ticket to Knossos Archaeological Site
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Books About Crete That You Should Read Before Your Trip
Thinking about coming to Crete and cannot wait to board that plane? Why not read a book that puts our busy minds to rest for a while?
Here, you can find a great selection of the best destination books about Crete.
Whether you decide to use your time to plan a new holiday for the next season or to discover new stories about the island.
Whether it is to explore the tastes of the local cuisine or to learn about the past of Crete, these are the best books about Crete that can help you cope until you finally make it to the island.
Best Crete Travel Guides
If you’re left wanting more after reading my own Crete Travel Guide, or if you want a deeper insight into places that I’ve still not written about, you can check the following top-selling travel guides to plan an itinerary… you’ll be ready to use it once it’s finally time to visit the island!
Lonely Planet
Crete
(Regional Guide)
(Publishing date: Feb 2020)
320 pages
Lonely Planet guides are among my favorite travel guides. They include the needed information without excessive detail. It’s probably the most useful travel guide out there. Real value for money!
The itineraries by Lonely Planet are really sensible, doable, and well-thought.
The Rough Guide to
Crete
(Travel Guide + ebook)
(Publishing date: Jul 2019)
384 pages
I have bought several Rough Guides, and although I find them overpacked with details, they sometimes cover things you can’t find anywhere else.
This guide is the perfect travel mate if you are a fan of the island, mostly for those who really want to know it all about Crete!
DK Eye Witness
Top 10 Crete
(Pocket travel guide)
(Publishing date: June 2020)
144 pages
This guide does not cover everything you need to do and see on Crete. It just lists (with fairly accurate detail) the top 10 things about Crete.
It’s a brief travel guide for those who want a quick review of what they shouldn’t miss on Crete. Pocket size and easy to carry.
Plus, I coauthored this book!
A Classic About Crete
Looking back at all the books I’ve read ever, and not just thinking about Crete, this is among the ones I’ve loved the most. Kazantzakis offers a magnificent, round, and thick portrait of life.
Zorba the Greek is a classic, a book as much alive and relevant in the times we live as it was when it was first published. A book that teaches more than a lesson about life, simplicity, and the true essence of ourselves.
Zorba the Greek
Nikos Kazantzakis (1946)
First published in 1946, Zorba the Greek, is, on one hand, the story of a Greek working man named Zorba, a passionate lover of life, the unnamed narrator who he accompanies to Crete to work in a lignite mine, and the men and women of the town where they settle. On the other hand, it is the story of God and man, The Devil and the Saints; the struggle of men to find their souls and purpose in life and it is about love, courage, and faith.
Editor’s words – Amazon
Zorba has been acclaimed as one of the truly memorable creations of literature (…) Zorba’s life is rich with all the joys and sorrows that living brings and his example awakens in the narrator an understanding of the true meaning of humanity. This is one of the greatest life-affirming novels of our time.
>> Check all the books by Nikos Kazantzakis
Fiction Books About Crete
Some of the following titles are among my favorite reads about Crete; some of them have often helped me decide on a place or area to visit, and others have put a frame, a face, or a soul to a well-known part of the local history.
Despite being mostly fictional, even though some are based on real events, each can take you on an imaginary trip to the island.
The Riddle of the Labyrinth
(Margalit Fox)
Publishing date: May 2013
385 pages
The Riddle of the Labyrinth, The Quest to Crack an Ancient Code is one of the most fascinating books I’ve read so far, entertaining and very hard to put down.
A detective story that will have you glued to the pages from beginning to end.
Reader’s tip: The ancient code is key to understanding the story; for this reason, the paperback is much better than the Kindle edition.
Kritsotopoula: Girl of Kritsa
(Yvonne Payne)
Publishing date: Dec 2018
221 pages
Yvonne Payne’s book is a perfect companion for those who want to intimately explore the eastern region of Crete.
With Kritsotopoula, Girl of Kritsa, she explores one of the saddest chapters in the history of Crete through the life of a young girl, Rodanthe, during the Ottoman occupation of Crete in the early 19th century. It is a historical novel that depicts vivid scenes of Cretan life with raw but vivid colors.
The Lost Lyra
(Richard Clark)
Publishing date: Feb 2019
228 pages
A debut fiction book by Richard Clark, a well-known writer about everything Greek (see his non-fiction notebook about Crete).
The Lost Lyra is set in the unique landscape of the White Mountains of Crete.
The stunning region of Chania puts a frame and a soul to a modern story that takes you back to the magnificent past of Crete.
Rodanthe’s Gift
(Yvonne Payne)
Publishing date: Oct 2018
292 pages
They often say that sequels don’t live up to expectations… this is absolutely not the case with Yvonne Payne’s second historical novel, Rodanthe’s Gift.
This historical novel is about people and stories that have made Crete’s resilience one of the most distinctive traits in the character of the locals.
The Crete Connection
(John Manuel)
Publishing date: Feb 2020
254 pages
It is a story full of intrigue and surprises that connects life in England with life in a village in southeast Crete.
John Manuel has written several books about life and other stories in Greece. Some of them account for his personal experience in the country and depict a faithful snapshot of life on the islands.
Return to Turtle Beach
(Richard Clark)
Publishing date:
pages
Publishing date: March 2020
Return to Turtle Beach is a book so fresh from print that I still haven’t had the time to grab it, and therefore, there’s little for me to say about it.
All I can tell you is that Richard Clark has never disappointed me with his books about Greece. His Notes about Crete are brilliant, I don’t expect anything less from this book.
Books About the Ancient History of Crete
Some of these books have been my company when I still didn’t live on the island. I would read them at night in bed while dreaming about visiting in the next holidays. I’ve even taken some of them with me during my trips.
They’ve been valuable to understand and appreciate the past of the Cretan people and the origin of their traditions and culture.
A History of Crete
(Chris Moorey)
Publishing date: Sep 2019
312 pages
One of my favorite books about the island covers the history of Crete from the very beginning, from the Stone Age until today.
If you want to learn about what was going on in Minoan Crete but also under the rule of the Mycenaeans, Dorians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Venetians, Ottoman Turks, and, the Third Reich, but also about Crete’s contemporary history, this is a fantastic book I’ve read more than once.
Art and History of Crete
(Mario Iozzi)
Publishing date: Dec 2003
128 pages
A fantastic visual guide with accurate information about Crete that tells you all about the history of the island and its beautiful art and monuments. Texts are detailed and maps help you decide what to see in Crete.
An illustrated book that brings fond memories of your last trip or inspires you to plan your next vacation.
A Short Popular History of Crete
(John Henry Freese)
Publishing date: Nov 1897
186 pages
A hidden gem among books about Crete. The author gives an account of the Cretan geography and social life from the earliest times till now.
A wonderful glance back over the stormy past of Crete helps us understand the present position and character of the island in the context of the country.
Tip: The Kindle edition is not so good, get the paperback if you can.
Crete (Directions)
(BARRY UNSWORTH)
Publishing date: Jun 2011
192 pages
Written as a personal travel diary, Barry Unsworth’s visit to Crete in 2004 gives an insight into what people should see on the island and, most importantly, what to expect there.
The book thoroughly describes the history of several sites, so I’ve included it among the books about the history of Crete.
Crete Early History and Culture
(Ranchowwy Nicholson)
Publishing date: Nov 2017
180 pages
It’s another unknown excellent book if you’re interested in Crete’s past.
The book offers good insight and detailed information on the island since 8.000 BCE, emphasizing the different civilizations that lived and ruled on the island, from the Minoans to the Ottoman Empire.
The Sea-Kings of Crete
(James BaIkie)
Re-publishing date: Jan 2015
210 pages
Although this book is a bit dated (originally published in early 1900), it has a didactic approach to the Minoan civilization and the early excavations in the Minoan Palace of Knossos.
It describes the role of the legendary King Minos’s role in Greek mythology and uses archaeological findings to describe the traits of the Minoan Culture.
Books About the Modern History of Crete
Some of these books have recently turned into best-sellers due to their accuracy and perfect description of the island’s history in recent times.
Some of them, which could be read as fiction books, are magnificent accounts of Crete’s role and participation in WWII.
The Cretan Runner
(George Psychoundakis)
Publishing date: Sep 2009
352 pages
The Cretan Runner is one of my favorite books about Crete and the Nazi occupation of the island.
Psychoundakis was a young shepherd who joined the resistance when the Nazis invaded in 1941. He undertook journeys carrying vital messages, smuggling arms, and guiding Allied soldiers through Crete. “A gripping story of bravery against impossible odds.”
Crete, the Battle, and the Resistance
(Antony Beevor)
Publishing date: Sep 2005
400 pages
You don’t need to be a fan of WWII to adore this book! This is one of those amazing readings you only find once in a while. It’s hard to put it down.
The author, a well-known WWII historian, puts the Battle of Crete in a larger context while also managing to paint an accurate picture of life on the island during the Nazi occupation.
The Battle For Heraklion Crete 1941
(Yannis Prekatsounakis)
Publishing date: Feb 2017
287 pages
Many books describe the more famous battles of Chania and Maleme, but this rare book focuses on the importance of the battle of Heraklion and the city’s desperate fight against the Nazis.
The book accentuates the historical facts without disregarding personal stories and accounts of the lesser-known Battle of Heraklion.
The Fall of Crete
(Alan Clark)
Publishing date: Oct 2001
224 pages
Hard to find but worth the research, The Fall of Crete tells about the moments that lead to the invasion and the different battles taking place on the island.
It’s not the best account of the facts, but it’s pretty easy to read if you already have some background about the events.
The Lost Battle
Crete 1941
(Callum MacDonald)
Publishing date: Jan 1995
368 pages
This book is key to learning about the German decision to invade the island and provides great and wide background information that led to the terrible events in the areas of Platanias, Rethymnon, Heraklion, Maleme, and Chania.
Personal tip: Combined this book with any of the ones above.
Battle for Crete
(John Hall Spencer)
Publishing date: Sep 2008
320 pages
This book offers a different look at the facts taken place during the Nazi invasion. Many of the accounts are given by actual soldiers, which puts a new voice to the history of Crete.
Worth reading if you have visited or are about to visit the island.
My Favorite Books About Crete
Crete: A Notebook
(Richard Clark)
Publishing date: 2012
305 pages
Crete a Notebook was the first book I’ve ever read by Richard Clark and after it, I became addicted to his different notebooks about Crete as well as other Greek islands.
This book, together with his Hidden Crete and his More Hidden Crete are great travel companions to any trip to the island, both real or virtual. Whether it’s the first time you visit or not!
The Island
(Victoria Hislop)
Publishing date: April 2006
480 pages
You might be wondering why this book does not come up higher on the list.. well, you probably know about this book and the story behind its immense success.
If you’ve read my guide to Spinalonga, you probably know what this book is about. If not, simply buy it and read it. It’s a great picture of Crete.
Creepy-Crawlies
(Steve Daniels)
Publishing date: Nov 2019
82 pages
What I find fascinating about this book is that most of the pictures were taken on the island!
Beetles, butterflies, spiders, scorpions, woodlice, worms… But also bee flies, dragonflies, and crane flies. Steve tells you all about them in this fascinating book on the often-overlooked part of nature.
Cretan Cooking
(Maria & Nikos Psilakis)
Publishing date: 203
208 pages
I’ve published a complete list of recipe books about the healthy and tasty Cretan diet, but this one is one of my top favorites and the one I always use at home when trying a new Cretan recipe since they are all tasty and super simple to prepare!
Uncaptured Crete
(Diana Conveyrs)
Publishing date: Sep 2015
238 pages
I held this book close to my heart, not only for the experience of the writer, which in many ways reminds me of my own but also because it showed me a different side of East Crete. I used to plan my itinerary of Lasithi and I loved it!
Eastern Crete, A Notebook
(Richard Clark)
Publishing date: Jun2 2018
117 pages
I guess you’ve already noticed I like the books by Richard Clark…!
This is another must-read if you’re planning to visit the Lasithi region. His notes are really accurate!
Best Books About Crete for Kids
Children love all the things they can discover and do on the island, Crete’s mysterious legends and archaeological sites, the myths, and the stories that make any trip to Crete an adventure and a journey into discovery. These are the ones my own kids have read before and after traveling to the island.
Travels in Time: Minoan Crete
(Mary Black)
Crete My Travel Diary
(Stylesyndikat Greece Books)
Travels in Time: Venetian Crete
(Mary Black)
More Books About Crete That You Should Check Out
The Golden Step
A Walk Through the Heart of Crete
(Christopher Sommerville)
The Village
A Novel of Wartime Crete
(Philip Duke)
A Small House in Crete
The Story of Finding and Renovating a Small Stone House in Crete
(Geoff Dendle)
Travel Maps of Crete
You might be wondering why am I suggesting a map with all the wonderful online resources out there!
Well, I am a fan of maps and they’ve been my most faithful travel mates when traveling around remote places.
But also once back home, I’ve opened my maps a hundred times, they bring as many memories as photos and stories do.
Not just because your Internet connection might not be available. But because there’s nothing more fascinating than stopping by the side of the road, opening your map over the hood of your car, and putting everything into a new perspective.
Michelin Map Crete
I’ve bought this map twice, the first one for my first trip to Crete, the last time just some months ago after I lost the first one. Although I use a navigation device, I can’t leave my maps back home when I drive in Crete!
Insight Guides Flexi Map
I’ve already told you which one I prefer, however, this is a valid alternative. A bit limited in detail, it also includes top landmarks and places to see. The laminate makes it waterproof and really practical.
Crete Marco Polo Map
I have mixed feelings about this map. On the one side I find that its mini-plans for the different important cities of Crete are very useful. However, letters are really small and it falls apart after a couple of times you fold and unfold it…
Have you read any of these books?
Chania, West Crete
This is my small but well-researched travel guide to West Crete. With it, you can build your customized itinerary, including Chania’s best beaches, the Gorge of Samaria, the less-explored Akrotiri Peninsula, Sfakia, and the area of Apokoronas.
You can read it before preparing for your next trip to Crete or dream about your next holidays on the island. E-book only.
Read more about this and other books I wrote about Crete here
Read more about Crete
- Trip to Crete in October: Top Things to Do in Crete in the Fall
- How to Get from Heraklion to Chania: Practical Guide by a Local
- Unique Villas and Airbnbs to Rent in Gavdos Island, Crete
- A Sommelier’s Guide to Cretan Wines for Wine Lovers
- How to Travel to Crete: Best Air and Sea Routes to Reach the Greek Island
More resources to enhance your Crete adventure
Start by checking out my guide to planning your trip to Crete, packed with helpful essential information. Explore the articles on prices in Crete, common mistakes to avoid, and insider secrets. If you prefer, you can purchase one of the digital travel guides I’ve specifically written about Crete. They are affordable and practical to check from your mobile.
When it’s time to plan, explore the best places to visit on Crete Island, discover my tours and activities, and be amazed at Crete’s incredible beaches. If you are exploring specific areas like Heraklion, Rethymnon, Lasithi, and Chania, I’ve got detailed guides to help you make the most of your time.
Suggested accommodation in Crete
No time to read all my accommodation guides? Check out these places to stay:
- Heraklion: Galaxy Hotel.
- Chania: Porto Antico.
- Rethymnon: Archipelagos Hotel.
- Agios Nikolaos: Hotel Port 7.
Pin This Guide to the Best Books Set on Crete and Start Planning Your Holidays!
About me:
I have lived in Chania, Crete, since 2016. As a local, I have an intimate knowledge of the Crete. I host culinary and concierge tours and experiences in Crete and write about the island for several travel media. During the last five years, I have helped many travelers plan the perfect holiday in Crete. I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and had more glasses of frappe than any regular person could ever handle.
Thanks for including my History of Crete on your site. All publicity is welcome. I also find your list very helpful. One small point that might need clarification: John Henry Freese’s A Short Popular History of Crete is actually a reprint of a book originally published in 1897. I found it very interesting as giving a different viewpoint of Cretan history. I’d also recommend 2 other books for inclusion.
1 Nikos Kazantzakis – Freedom and Death, which is a tremendous novel set during the rebellion of 1897. It paints a wonderful picture of Cretan life during the period. https://www.amazon.com/Freedom-Death-Nikos-Kazantzakes/dp/057117857X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1UF4BC1ZGORE4&dchild=1&keywords=freedom+and+death+nikos+kazantzakis&qid=1584268084&s=books&sprefix=freedom+and+death%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C279&sr=1-1
2 John Tomkinson – Travels in Crete (Kindle only). This is a collection of travel writing from Venetian times onwards. It’s really interesting to see contemporary descriptions of the island from several hundred years. https://www.amazon.com/Travels-Crete-Greece-Book-ebook/dp/B00GO69U6E/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Tomkinson+travels+in+crete&qid=1584267375&s=books&sr=1-1
Thanks again for a very useful site.
Chris, I’m honored to have you in my blog, humbled, and sorry for any eventual typo or mistake you might find now or after, as I’m not a native speaker. That being said, yes, I found a lot of difficulties trying to learn the actual publishing date of Freese’s book, I arrived up to the second publishing date (1913 if I’m not wrong), but then couldn’t manage to go back to the original one. Thanks for the info, I’ll introduce the update. Freedom and Death (Captain Michalis), is one of the most outstanding books I’ve ever read, and you’re right, it deserves a place on its own on the list. And about the second book you recommend, I’d been in the hunt for books about the Venetian times for very long with little to zero success (and honestly that’s how I got introduced to your book by a bookstore owner in Chania!!!), I will try to grab a copy, it looks like we will be having a lot of free time to read these days.
So happy and glad to find you here.
You’re more than welcome in my little blog at any time!