Crete - Information
Located on the southern side of the Aegean lies the gorgeous mythical island of Crete, known to be one of the most popular Greek destinations thanks to its astonishing beaches, endless ancient historical sites such as Spinalonga islet, Knossos Palace and of course its captivating, untouched and dramatic landscapes. The island is split into four regions such as Lassithi, Rethymno, Chania and Heraklion being the capital of the island. Crete successfully combines enchanting natural beauty, colorful ancient culture and exquisite gastronomy to create a paradise holiday destination!
To begin with, all the beaches throughout the island are unreal! Encircled by flourishing nature and mystical waters covering all the shades of blue and green as well as warm, soft sand. Visiting some of the most famous beaches in Crete is most definitely one to add to the bucket list. The bucket list beaches are known to be Balos beach, Vai beach and of course Elafonisi beach - true paradise! Aside from the glorious beaches the island has to offer a whole lot more! Crete is blessed with a rich history and strong culture which is still evident today. Take a stroll through the romantic walkways of either the town of Chania or Heraklion and you will feel as if you have traveled back in time! The Venetian fortresses, museums, ancient churches emit a unique beauty throughout the towns. But if you want to dig deeper into the island's heritage then Knossos Palace, Phaistos Palace and Spinalonga islet are must see locations during your vacation.
Eating Out
And now it comes to the famous Greek cuisine. The local cuisine is widely popular not only in Greece but throughout the whole world. The scrumptious culinary scene of Crete is mainly focused on fresh, local produce in their mouth-watering dishes. Pure olive oil, sweet-vine tomatoes and a pinch of garlic make up the base of most of these. Cretan Plaki which consists of freshly caught fish, oven baked with tomatoes and topped with a lemon and parsley dressing is a classic specialty throughout the island. Prawn Saganaki (hot prawns baked in feta cheese) is another popular dish which is best served with a cold glass of the grappa-like Crete 'Raki'.
Things to see and do in Crete
An Island of Beaches
Travel south of the island to the southern tip and you will find the famous Elafonisi - a small islet which is connected to the rest of Crete by a shallow reef that can be crossed when the weather conditions are calm. Elafonisi is famous for its pink sands, crystalline waters and complete paradise feeling! The beach got its peculiar colour from thousands of years of corals disintegrating naturally into sand-like grands beneath the clear water.
If you find yourself on the north coast of the island, be sure to make a visit to Vai's Blue Flag beach. Surrounded by Europe's largest natural palm-tree forest, its warm white sands offer another exotic destination, completed with a range of water sport activities and scuba diving.
Samaria Gorge
South of Chania is the gorgeous Samaria Gorge and is known to be an ideal place for those wishing to take hikes. Tourists from all over the world come to trek this gorge. Back in 1962, Samaria Gorge was announced as a National Park for the survival of endangered species that live here. A small village was once located in the Gorge, but in 1962 was abandoned by all of its inhabitants to transform the gorge into a National Park. There still remains a small church called Santa Maria.
Discover the West
Seeking history with nice scenery? Then head over to the west of Crete where you can join a well-organized excursion which takes you to Souda Bay - the home to World War II cemetery. With rich green gardens edging into the bay's shores, this touching place holds over 1,500 graves of the British and Commonwealth soldiers who fought and died here during the 1941 Battle of Crete. Afterwards, you will continue onto Chania in which you will have a chance to explore this gorgeous town, possibly indulge in some snapping up some of Crete's leather good from the towns famous 'Leather Lane' before ending your trip at Lake Kournas - Crete's largest lake where you will be given some time to relax and enjoy the scenery before heading back to your drop off location.
Frangokastello
One of the most important ancient monuments of Chania is of course the Fortress of Frangokastello. Constructed throughout the period of 1371-1374 BC by the Venetians, who had conquered Crete that that present time. Apart from protecting the local area and houses from pirates the castle served as a military base for the Venetian army. The Venetians built gigantic, strong towers at each end of the four corners of the fortress. On an enormous scale they also built a coat of arms to symbolize their bravery. However, the buildings and fortifications which remain today were completed by the Turks in the 17-19th century better known as the 'Ottoman rule'. If you are a history junkie then be sure to pay a visit to the fortress, you will not be disappointed!
Heraklion
Located between Rethymno and Lassithi on the eastern region lies the hugely popular and well-known Capital of Heraklion. Despite the town being one of the busiest cities of the island, its ancient history and charm is still evident in the towns-capes wherever you look! Take a stroll through the city and you will be presented with the picturesque Venetian harbor, an ancient fortress, numerous fountains, a large shopping centre and many squares full of restaurants, tavernas and cafes. Even though the city can be overly crowded throughout the year the town still managed to keep its magical charm.
The Minoan Palace of Knossos is the greatest of all the Minoans luxurious structures. The remains of vibrant murals, striking red columns and the fabulous throne room will automatically feel as if you have stepped back into the Minoan Era. The second most important monument in the capital is the Palace of Phaistos. Located on the eastern side of Kastri hill, draws in hundreds of history devotees from all over the world not only to view the history but also the beautiful natural landscape this monument offers.
Aside from the endless historic sightseeing one can enjoy in Heraklion, you should head over to some of the nearby beaches. All the beaches in the surrounding area are an absoulte haven! If you do not want to stay right in the heart of the capital, there are several hotels and self-catering accommodations available near to many of this region's beaches.
Popular Resorts of Crete
Elounda
The seaside resort of Elounda is located on the north west coast of Crete. Elounda is a fast up-and-coming resort that primarily revolves around the picturesque harbor and vibrant main square full of bars, cafes, restaurants and traditional tavernas. There is also a lovely golden sandy beach overlooking the pretty islet of Spinalonga. Elounda is relatively lively with numerous activities and facilities available throughout the resort. If you are looking for complete action pack then you can head over to Agios Nikolaos which is only a short 15-minuet drive away.
The main beach of Elounda can be reached within a short stroll from the harbor. The beach is approximately 200-metres long of gorgeous golden sand and turquoise waters and has been awarded a Blue Flag for cleanliness. Alternatively if you have a car you can head over to the pebbled beach of Plaka which comes with a promenade. A short walk south of the beach will bring you to a pathway which connects Elounda to Spinalonga Islet where one can see submerged under the clear water, the ancient city of Olous.
Chania
After the Capital, Heraklion comes the second biggest town of Crete named Chania. This beautiful and ancient settlement is situated approximately 60 km from Rethymno and 145 from the Capital. Chania is one of the oldest towns therefore it displays evidence of strong and rich history through its remarkable architecture and historic monuments. Chania consists of two separate settlements, one being the old and one being the new which synchronize harmonically to this current day. The modern town successfully combines tradition with modern tourism and suites for all.
In the centre of the old town lies the picturesque Venetian port which is curtained by small alleys creating an blissful area and distinctive atmosphere. The ancient mansions which have all been well-preserved have been converted into traditional tavernas, shops and restaurants. Chania provides numerous accommodation options, several restaurants serving an international cuisine, delicious pastry shops, cafes, lively bars and clubs as well as traditional Greek tavernas all of which are mostly found in or around the harbor.
Agios Nikolaos
Contrasting to the other towns in Crete, Aghios Nikolaos is an arty, easy-going, tranquil yet also buzzy place, a medium-size town with a small-town vibe, one that has much to offer. Whether you are a beach lover or a night bird, it is certain that Aghios Nikolaos offers something to suit all in this colorful resort. Several organized daily excursions are departing from the village such as trips to traditional olive farms or for something more historic a trip to the Monastery of Faneromeni. There are several restaurants, shops, cafes, bars and nightclubs in the village so one will not go without entertainment when the sun goes down!
Sfakia Village
Constructed roughly 70 km south east of Chania Town, on a hilltop location overlooking the gorgeous bay lies the unimpaired and historical village of Sfakia. The town is well-known for its local cuisine and wonderful restaurants which can be found scattered along the seafront and nestled within the streets of Chora. There is a nearby beach which is considered to be a wonderful choice for swimming and snorkeling due to its crystal clear waters. The village is a perfect example of an authentic, traditional Greek fishing village with a soothing atmosphere. Sfakia is a wonderful holiday destination for those wishing to seek total relaxation!