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Crete is a myth-stical island (see what I did there?) in Greece the place gods have been born, empires got here and went, and lunch can last more than a Minoan dynasty.
It’s an island that refuses to be diminished to a single postcard, as a result of there are such a lot of issues to do in Crete, it’s turning into certainly one of Europe’s most sought-after locations.
Anticipate wild mountains, deep gorges, louder opinions about olive oil, balmy seashores, and loads of pure magnificence. One second you’re wandering by the labyrinthine of historic ruins of Knossos, the subsequent, you’re ankle-deep in pink sand at Elafonissi. Between these moments lie secret coves, charming villages , and goat paths by gorges.
Whether or not you’re right here to hike, swim, feast, or philosophise (ideally all 4), don’t miss these unmissable points of interest in Crete.
1. Uncover Crete’s previous within the Minoan Palace of Knossos
The second most visited archaeological web site in Greece (after the Acropolis in Athens), is the Knossos Palace. Knossos is Europe’s oldest metropolis and was residence to the mysterious Minoan civilization that lived on the island hundreds of years in the past. The palace was residence to King Minos, and although a lot of town is in ruins as we speak, you’ll be able to nonetheless see the remnants of buildings and roads and the grandeur of the palace.
In keeping with Greek Mythology, the palace was residence to the well-known labyrinth of the Minotaur.
As a consequence of its recognition, the palace could be jammed in any given season. Because of this, it’s a good suggestion to go to early within the morning or at sundown, this manner you gained’t solely keep away from the crowds however the scorching solar of the island. You possibly can simply attain the archaeological web site by bus from the middle of Heraklion (bus quantity 2).
2. Try the Capital, Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Because you’re already in Heraklion, take a look at the landmarks on the town. Begin with a stroll alongside the previous port to succeed in the Koules, the magnificent Venetian Fortress that stands reverse the Mediterranean sea.
Then, transfer in direction of the middle of city, strolling alongside 25 of August Road. It would take you just a few minutes to get to the busy Liontaria Sq.. Right here, cease for a cup of Greek espresso and take a look at certainly one of Crete’s scrumptious pastries, bougatsa. Bougatsa could be full of goat cheese or custard, and it’s scrumptious with a drizzle of native honey on high.
Additionally within the space, pay a go to to Saint Titus, a former mosque remodeled right into a church when the Ottoman Empire ceased its rule on the island.
3. Return in time within the Hippie Caves of Matala
Should you drive south from Heraklion, it is possible for you to to spend a day on the implausible seaside of Matala, which is thought for its caves the place an enormous neighborhood of hippies used to reside throughout the seventies.
Should you’re within the temper for a hike, comply with the indicators till you attain Purple Seaside, about 20 minutes from Matala. This can be a hidden naturist seaside with reddish sand and pristine waters. It’s additionally an amazing spot for snorkeling.
4. Discover the alleys within the Outdated City of Chania
Arguably certainly one of Crete’s most lovely cities, Chania is on the northern coast of Crete, about 2.5 hours from Heraklion. Chania boasts a powerful previous city with cobblestone pedestrian alleys, distinctive Venetian mansions, and a surprising previous port with one of many oldest lighthouses on this planet.
Among the many finest issues to do in Chania, don’t miss a go to to the mosque of the Janissaries, the previous Jewish quarter and its 15-century synagogue, or the church of Agios Nikolaos.
Agios Nikolaos is a really peculiar church. Inside its courtyard, it’s attainable to see not solely a bell tower but additionally a minaret. Actually, throughout the Ottoman rule of the island, most non secular buildings on the town have been remodeled into mosques.
5. Spend a day on the Pink Sand Seaside of Elafonisi Seaside
Elafonisi is a powerful extensive shore on the Southwest coast of Crete. To get to Elafonisi seaside you’ll be able to journey by bus from Chania (ticket €9.00) or drive by the spectacular gorge of Topolia. The shores of Elafonisi are identified for the distinctive pink sand in addition to for the shallow lagoon, very best for households with children.
The shades of blue of the ocean are merely beautiful and distinction with the tough mountainous panorama of the island. Elafonisi is in a fairly remoted space, there are a number of seaside bars the place you will get the fundamentals, but it surely’s all the time a good suggestion to pack sufficient drinks and lunch.
6. Trek alongside certainly one of Europe’s longest gorges: Samaria Gorge Nationwide Park
Out of doors adventures have a spot of their very own on Crete. There are spectacular mountain ranges on the island with peaks reaching greater than 2000 meters.The area of Chania is residence to the White Mountains, which counts over 15 spectacular ravines.
Essentially the most well-known of them, the Gorge of Samaria, connects the Omalos plateau, within the north of Crete to the Agia Roumeli, a small village on the southern coast of the island, on the Libyan sea.
Should you love mountain climbing, remember to take a look at the Samaria Gorge hike. The 9.0-mile point-to-point path goes from close to Lakki, Crete and finishes in Agia Roumeli. It’s a surprising path with spectacular vistas and luxurious surroundings. You hike by the middle of the gorge and are surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs, lush greenery and even cross by a river.
It’s a troublesome hike and may take 14 hours to get from one aspect to the opposite, although many individuals simply hike a piece of it earlier than turning again.
It’s certainly one of Crete’s hottest points of interest, with hundreds of vacationers visiting every summer time. Samaria Gorge is on our record of issues to do in Greece with teenagers.
High tip: Should you’re not a seasoned hiker, it’s a good suggestion to ebook an organized tour.
7. Hike to Balos Lagoon and Seaside
The unique seaside of Balos, on the intense west of the island, is to not be missed. The seaside has typically been described as Crete’s Caribbean and for good purpose. The white sand and distinctive emerald coloration of the ocean give the lagoon an unique feeling.
Nevertheless, a visit to Balos shouldn’t be solely in regards to the seaside. The journey additionally features a drive alongside an notorious filth highway on the sting of a cliff, in addition to a 20-minute hike which could be very tiring in summer time.
Nevertheless, irrespective of how troublesome the highway is perhaps, it’s certainly one of my favourite issues to do on the island. The views of the calm, shallow lagoon are an amazing reward as soon as you allow the highway behind.
8. Take an insane highway journey within the mountains
There are a number of spectacular drives everywhere in the island. Should you take pleasure in winding mountain roads and breathtaking cliffs, driving on Crete could be a nice expertise. A few of the most scenic drives are those that take you from the north of Crete to the south, passing by a really rugged panorama.
The highway between the villages of Kapsodasos and Kallikratis, for instance, is taken into account to be one of the vital harmful roads on this planet, with 11 kilometers of steady hairpin turns with a precipitous descent in direction of the ocean. Keep away from it for those who undergo from vertigo!
9. Take pleasure in Cretan gastronomy
Crete is a paradise for foodies! Crete’s meals largely consists of contemporary seasonal merchandise, that produce easy and wholesome tasty dishes.
The highest-quality additional virgin olive oil produced on Crete is the primary staple of native gastronomy. It’s used on salads, to prepare dinner and bake, and even on freshly baked bread as a fast chunk, with some contemporary oregano on high, and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Regardless of being an island, nevertheless, stewed or grilled goat and lamb are much more common than fish. Different native delicacies embody cheese, each aged and delicate, honey, and quite a lot of greens and fruits comparable to grapes, figs, and oranges.
10. Style Crete’s olive oil in a monastery
Crete is the second largest producer of olive oil in Greece. The island has greater than 30 million olive timber, a few of them over 3,000 years previous.
There are two fundamental olive tree varieties rising on the island and so they produce very small olives which are capable of stand the dry, scorching summers of Crete. The style of the native olive oil may be very concentrated, fruity, and typically even spicy.
A few of the finest olive oil comes from the native monasteries. Within the area of Lasithi (east Crete), Toplou monastery produces among the highest quality olive oil in Greece. Should you’re staying on the west coast, as a substitute, you’ll be able to style genuine Cretan olive oil within the historic monastery of Agia Triada.
11. Snap a selfie above Seitan Limania Seaside
The lightning-bolt form of Seitan Limania put this seaside on Instagram not so way back and made it probably the most well-known place in Crete. Seitan Limania is a seaside with pretty troublesome entry that entails a zigzag highway and a hike down a steep hill.
The seaside shouldn’t be organized, so it’s higher to take with you every part it’s essential spend the day. Do not forget that the cove is topic to sturdy currents so it’s not all the time secure for unskilled swimmers.
12. Take a look at your dancing abilities with Pentozali
Crete is a land the place customs and traditions are just about alive, and dancing is among the issues that locals and guests alike take pleasure in probably the most in Crete.
Pentozali is the standard Cretan dance that you would be able to witness throughout festivals and native celebrations everywhere in the island.
Regardless of pentozali actually that means “5 steps”, the dance is a mixture of 10 totally different steps during which totally different dancers take turns to place their abilities to the take a look at with jumps and complicated figures that comply with the rhythm of the Cretan Lyra, an historic musical instrument with Byzantine origins.
13. Study in regards to the leper colony of Spinalonga Island
There are a loads of issues to do on the east of the island. Near town of Agios Nikolaos, it’s attainable to go to the island of Spinalonga. This small, fortified island could be visited in lower than an hour and it’s well-known for its turbulent previous as one of many final leper colonies of Greece, which closed its doorways in 1957 when a treatment for leprosy was found.
At this time, you’ll be able to take a ship journey from the seaside village of Plaka and uncover the Venetian fortifications of Spinalonga. As you cross the doorway tunnel, you’ll uncover the world the place the sufferers lived an remoted however affluent life. Their outlets, their deserted homes with gardens, the church buildings, and the hospital of Spinalonga nonetheless stay, surrounded by terraces of olive groves and fortified by stone partitions.
14. Get misplaced within the Outdated City of Rethymnon
Rethymnon is a crucial metropolis of Crete, situated between the areas of Chania and Heraklion. Most likely the best-preserved Venetian metropolis on Crete, the previous city of Rethymnon has an enthralling previous port with a lighthouse and a number of other tavernas lining the promenade.
Within the previous city, you’ll be able to go to among the most spectacular minarets of Crete, lovely mansions with Turkish balconies, and the stays of the star-shaped Venetian fortress or Fortezza, situated on high of a hill overlooking the ocean of Crete.
Rethymnon has a number of attention-grabbing museums, such because the Archaeological Museum and the Historic and Folklore Museum the place it’s attainable to study conventional native crafts, comparable to pottery and embroidery.
15. Spend the night time in a mountain village
Those that wish to expertise an genuine Crete vacation spot filled with attraction, shouldn’t miss a visit to any mountain village on the island. Essentially the most conventional villages are identified for various causes, some have performed an necessary position within the battles for the liberation of the island, whereas others produce distinctive crafts or staple merchandise.
One factor is for certain, although, time appears to have stopped nonetheless. Life may be very easy within the mountains, and there’s nothing like certainly one of these villages for these desirous to chill out throughout their Cretan vacation.
16. Go to the Historic Arkadi Monastery
Essentially the most well-known monastery of Crete is Moni Arkadi, within the area of Rethymnon. It’s a good looking fortified constructing, with a baroque church and lovely gardens.
Again in 1866 a whole bunch of locals sought refuge from the Turks contained in the monastery however after weeks of siege, they determined to commit suicide as a substitute of surrendering.
This occasion performed a key position within the closing liberation from over 200 years of Turkish occupation of the island, resulting in Crete’s unification with Greece. At this time, traces of that battle are nonetheless seen within the partitions of Arkadi. But, regardless of its tragic previous, this is among the most lovely and peaceable buildings you’ll be able to see on Crete Island.
17. Sail to certainly one of Crete’s smaller islands
There are a number of lovely islands surrounding the coast of Crete. Should you’re staying within the area of Lasithi, it’s attainable to take a ship journey and sail to the uninhabited island of Chrissi. Also referred to as Gaidoruronisi or the island of the donkeys, Chrissi is a really small island off the southern coast of Crete, on the Libyan sea, simply an hour away from the coastal metropolis of Ierapetra.
Chrissi island hosts Europe’s largest juniper tree forest, a uncommon tree typically confused with cedars. It’s a protected reserve, not more than 2 km extensive and seven km lengthy. There are a number of totally different bays, the closest to the pier is Chrissi Ammos, nevertheless, it’s normally crowded with daytime guests arriving from Crete.
For a extra remoted expertise, head to the east of Chrissi Ammos. Right here, the small seaside of Kataprosopo is an ideal spot for snorkeling and it’s normally abandoned. Do not forget that it’s not attainable to spend the night time in Chrissi, there are not any motels, outlets, or something! A number of canteens promote meals and drinks on the seaside however they’re fairly overpriced. It’s not a foul concept to pack a lightweight lunch for the day.
The boats to Chrissi depart every day from the port of Ierapetra if the climate situations enable. Should you actually wish to go to this abandoned island, it’s smart to ebook a couple of night time in Ierapetra, simply in case you encounter sturdy winds and the boat to Chrissi is canceled for the day.
18. Drive across the Lasithi Plateau
The 23 km highway that circles the Lasithi Plateau is a implausible drive that you would be able to take pleasure in throughout your Crete trip. The plateau stands about 805 meters above sea degree and has nice views of the mountains and the fertile plain beneath.
When driving across the space, it’s a good suggestion to find any of the 18 villages of the plateau, one of the vital well-known is Psychro, identified for the magnificent Cave of Zeus.
In keeping with the parable, that is the place the place the God Zeus, born on the island, was raised by a goat whereas his mom was making an attempt to cover him from his father, Chronos. The cave is manufactured from a number of chambers with lovely columns of stalactites and stalagmites. In keeping with analysis, this is among the many historic Minoan locations of worship of Crete. Right here, archaeologists have discovered non secular figures and different objects linked with historic non secular rituals.
19. Go wine tasting in certainly one of Crete’s wineries
Once you go to Crete, you can not go away the island with out first tasting one of many 13 distinctive grape styles of the native winery. A really previous wine press discovered within the wine area of Heraklion proves the island’s lengthy historical past in winemaking, an business constantly energetic since no less than way back to the Bronze Age.
At this time, there are over 35 wineries open to the general public the place you’ll be able to style the wines of Crete. Should you love reds, go for the kotsifali and the liatiko varieties. Should you desire the whites, as a substitute, positively strive the vidiano selection, one of many oldest white grapes, referred to as the rising star of the native varieties.
20. Drink a shot of Tsikoudia
Not every part is wine on Crete! Tsikoudia, also referred to as raki, is Crete’s hottest drink and a transparent expression of native hospitality. Even for those who’re not a lot into sturdy drinks, chances are high that you’ll expertise every part about raki from day one on the island.
Raki is an area distillate, with a fairly excessive alcoholic gradation (about 45 levels), served in any given restaurant or taverna as a complimentary deal with on the finish of each meal.
It’s normally paired with contemporary fruit or a small dish of yogurt and honey, additionally on the home, and it’s the right excuse to be taught your first phrases in Greek (Gia mas! Or Cheers!), make a toast, and interact in pleasant dialog.
21. Take a day journey to Santorini
Since most of Greece is made up of islands, you’ll discover ferries function often to lots of the close by islands. When you’ve got time and have seen all the opposite high points of interest, a day journey to close by Santorini is a good way to spend a day.
Santorini, which is legendary for its sunsets and romantic environment, additionally has lovely winding streets lined with whitewashed buildings with iconic blue roofs, and there are views of the ocean from each nook.
It takes two hours by ferry to get from Crete to Santorini. From Santorini, it’s straightforward to get to the Greek island of Mykonos, in case you intend on doing any extra island hopping in your trip.
READ MORE: Greek Islands you don’t wish to miss
22. Hit the bars in Malia
Malia is a surprising, coastal city with a harbor and boutique outlets.
Within the day, it’s quiet and cosy, however at night time, it involves life with vibrant bars, golf equipment and reside music venues. You’ll discover the nightlife scene on The Malia strip to be fairly loopy, and it’s not for everybody.
It’s a well-liked place to go to for college college students, bachelor and bachelorette events, and anybody seeking to go wild.
23. Wander across the Venetian Harbor of Rethymno
One other historic city in Crete is Rethymno, which is thought for its harbor and lighthouse. The previous harbour of Rethymno, referred to as the Venetian Harbor due to the city’s commerce enterprise with the Venetians, is a quaint, historic harbor in northern Crete. The harbor circles round a bay full of small fishing boats. You’ll discover many eating places with al fresco eating right here, and it’s my favourite place to go to for sundown.
On the finish of the harbor is Rethymno Lighthouse, which was constructed within the 1830s. You’ll want to take a look at the remainder of the Outdated City of Rethymno whilst you’re there. On the hilltop is Fortezza, a star-shaped, Sixteenth-century citadel that gives unbelievable views of town.
Across the city, you’ll discover many boutique shops promoting native crafts like textiles and ceramics.
24. Discover the Birthplace of Zeus
Crete is well-known for being the birthplace of Zeus, the God of Thunder and the Sky in Greek mythology. Zeus is the god of all gods and dominated because the King of Mount Olympus. Although the precise location of Zeus’s start has been beneath debate, it’s thought to have been certainly one of two caves within the mountains of Crete.
The Ideon Cave, which is situated on the tallest mountain in Crete is among the thought-to-be places. The second is The Dikteon Cave, on Crete’s southern coast. Each caves are fairly unbelievable and have spectacular rock formations and caverns.
The place to remain in Crete
Crete has many cool cities that make for an excellent base for exploring. From buzzing harbour cities to blink-and-you’ll-miss-them villages, there’s a base for each journey type.
Most individuals select to remain in Chania for his or her first go to. Its Venetian harbour is endlessly photogenic, the Outdated City a tangle of lanes lined with boutique motels, restored mansions and atmospheric guesthouses. Keep right here for tradition, delicacies and easy accessibility to western Crete’s headline acts, together with Balos Seaside, Elafonissi Seaside, and the Samaria Gorge.
Somewhat smaller and calmer than Chania is Rethymno. The Outdated City is wealthy with Ottoman and Venetian touches, whereas the lengthy sandy seaside runs proper as much as the sting of city. Keep right here if you would like character with out the crowds.
Heraklion is Crete’s capital is usually underestimated. It’s the gateway to Knossos, residence to top-notch museums and a thriving native meals scene. Lodging ranges from good metropolis motels to budget-friendly choices.
For seashores and luxurious, keep in Elounda & Plaka, which ship postcard-ready seascapes, luxurious resorts, tranquil coves and boat journeys to Spinalonga. Keep right here for honeymoon vibes.
You possibly can browse lodging choices within the following interactive map:
Finest time to go to Crete
Crete has very lengthy, scorching, and dry summers, whereas winters are usually brief with delicate temperatures. Some areas have little or no rain throughout the 12 months. The perfect time to go to is within the shoulder seasons of October and November and April and Could.
Getting round Crete
Crete is the largest island in Greece, it might probably take you from 4 to six hours to journey from the west coast to the east. The island is split into 4 totally different areas; Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Lasithi, all of them price seeing.
The easiest way to get round is to hire a automobile and drive your self, or ebook excursions out of your lodge. The easiest way to go to such a giant island is to journey by automobile. Driving on Crete is pretty straightforward for those who comply with some primary guidelines – drive on the best, watch out on slender, winding roads, and look out for native driving habits like utilizing the shoulder as a passing lane and utilizing headlight flashes as warnings.
Public transport exists, but it surely runs on Greek time (sluggish and every time it feels prefer it), so having your individual automobile permits you extra flexibility.
What number of days in Crete is sufficient?
We advocate you spend no less than per week in Crete to essentially see all of it. Should you don’t have that a lot time, then 5 days is an efficient sufficient period of time to go to Crete to see the primary points of interest and sights.
Ultimate ideas
Crete is an island for the curious, not simply the social gathering crowds because it was as soon as so famously identified.
Observe your nostril and also you’ll uncover bakeries perfumed with honey and thyme, and tavernas the place you’ll be able to indulge on meze all day for those who needed to.
Probably the greatest issues about Crete shouldn’t be the points of interest, however Cretans themselves. They’re fiercely proud, effortlessly hospitable, and all the time have a narrative to inform.
We hope you fall in love with Crete and have the most effective time exploring this mystical island!
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