Are you an adventure seeker? Are you looking forward to relaxation and serenity? Do you like exploring new tastes? Or maybe you enjoy immersing yourself into rich historical backgrounds? Take this guide to find out which one suits you best and have the time of your life in Crete!
Shared Love for History And Culture
Crete has plenty of secrets waiting to be unraveled. Visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of the largest among Greece and indulge into the rich history of the island. At Knossos Palace, you will get to know Crete’s complex past. Its archaeological wonders promise you a unique breathtaking experience! Crete is also known for its innumerable churches and monasteries; Arkadi Monastery, which played an active role in the Cretan resistance of the Ottoman, is located to the southeast of Rethymnon. Influenced by the Renaissance, dates from the 16th century.
Sun-kissed Beaches
Well, the first thing you would like to explore on an island would be its beaches. And in Crete there are plenty! Whether you are on family vacation, you like enjoying a cocktail in the sun, or maybe you prefer isolation and naturism, you will find the shore of your dreams in Crete. The destinations are numerous and stunning; Seitan Limania and Falassarna at Chania, or Vai Beach at Palaikastro are some of the most popular destinations you probably have heard about. But don’t waste time and start exploring the hidden gems and emerald waters around the island.
Sail and Explore Charming Small Islands
Access beaches otherwise unreachable by taking daily sailing trips to the small islands along the coast of Crete. Visit the azure waters of Koufonisi and Chrissi and spend a day swimming in the crystal-clear sea. Choose the Spinalonga island, instead, if you want to learn a lot about Crete’s past and the last leper colony to survive in Greece. You can also take a boat trip to the island of Imeri Gramvousa to explore the ancient Venetian fortress.
Let’s Go On An (Outdoor) Adventure
For the adrenaline junkies, Crete has it all! There are many high mountains, deep gorges, caves, plateaus, valleys, rivers, waiting to be explored and practice any kind of sport. Choose to go hiking through the Samaria gorge, or rock climbing on the White Mountains, popular with climbers of all experience levels. Perhaps you will simply choose trekking and enjoy the scenic route. But of course, water sports could not be missing, including scuba-diving, canoe kayaking and windsurfing. Pack your comfortable shoes, sunscreen and some water, and satisfy your thirst for adventure.
Foodie Tours – Every Bite Is A Journey!
Crete’s cuisine is a feast for the senses. Book a tour and learn about olive-oil production and wineries, or take Cretan cooking classes to indulge into the island’s gastronomic delights. Otherwise, make a stop to one of the numerous traditional villages of the island and visit a taverna. Traditional pies, Greek yogurt, almonds, nuts, olive oil, boiled goat, mizithra cheese are only some of the local traditional foods you will taste in Crete. Do not hesitate to accompany your meal with raki or wine!
Animal Lovers
Except for its natural beauty, Crete also has many vibrant theme parks. Want to dive into the underwater wonders? Visit the CretAquarium in Heraklion, the largest aquarium in the Mediterranean! Have you ever fed a lemur? Amazonas Park in Neapolis, is a small private zoo in the hillsides and focuses on habilitating rare bird species. Aquaworld Aquarium and Reptile Rescue Centre, in Hersonissos, is housing sea life and reptiles from all over the world and it is also a must.
Crete has it all! This journey will be more than just sightseeing; it’s a chance for you to connect with the past, lounge on golden shores, explore, enjoy new flavors, have fun and create memories to last for a lifetime!