The earthquake damaged homes and churches and caused rock slides near the country's fourth-largest city.

Monday's quake sent people fleeing into the streets in the city of Heraklion, and schools were evacuated.

Repeated aftershocks rattled the area, adding to damage in villages near the epicentre.

The Athens Geodynamic Institute said the quake struck at about 9.15am local time, with an epicentre 246 kilometres southeast of Athens.

Greece's Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Ministry said according to reports from local authorities, one person was killed and a further nine people suffered injuries.

Details of the circumstances of the death and injuries were not immediately available.

Local media in Crete reported damage, with collapsing walls of old stone buildings in villages near the epicentre of the temblor on the eastern part of the island.

"The earthquake was strong and was long in duration," Heraklion mayor Vassilis Lambrinos told private Antenna television.

"We have requested that schools are evacuated. The children are out in the playgrounds."

Australian Associated Press