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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 decreased to a single postcard, as a result of there are such a lot of issues to do in Crete, it’s turning into one among 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 via the labyrinthine of historical 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 via gorges.
Whether or not you’re right here to hike, swim, feast, or philosophise (ideally all 4), don’t miss these unmissable sights in Crete.
1. Uncover Crete’s previous within the Minoan Palace of Knossos
The second most visited archaeological website in Greece (after the Acropolis in Athens), is the Knossos Palace. Knossos is Europe’s oldest metropolis and was dwelling to the mysterious Minoan civilization that lived on the island hundreds of years in the past. The palace was dwelling to King Minos, and although a lot of the town is in ruins at this time, you possibly can nonetheless see the remnants of buildings and roads and the grandeur of the palace.
In keeping with Greek Mythology, the palace was dwelling to the well-known labyrinth of the Minotaur.
Resulting from its reputation, the palace might be jammed in any given season. For that reason, 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’ll be able to simply attain the archaeological website 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 Begin with a stroll alongside the outdated port to succeed in the Koules, the magnificent Venetian Fortress that stands reverse the Mediterranean sea.
Then, transfer in the direction of the middle of city, strolling alongside 25 of August Avenue. It’ll take you only some minutes to get to the busy Liontaria Sq.. Right here, cease for a cup of Greek espresso and check out one among Crete’s scrumptious pastries, bougatsa. Bougatsa might be crammed with goat cheese or custard, and it’s scrumptious with a drizzle of native honey on prime.
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
If you happen to drive south from Heraklion, it is possible for you to to spend a day on the unbelievable seaside of Matala, which is understood for its caves the place an enormous neighborhood of hippies used to reside through the seventies.
If you happen to’re within the temper for a hike, observe the indicators till you attain Pink Seashore, about 20 minutes from Matala. It is a hidden naturist seaside with reddish sand and pristine waters. It’s additionally an important spot for snorkeling.
4. Discover the alleys within the Outdated City of Chania
Arguably one among Crete’s most lovely cities, Chania is on the northern coast of Crete, about 2.5 hours from Heraklion. Chania boasts an impressive outdated city with cobblestone pedestrian alleys, distinctive Venetian mansions, and a shocking outdated port with one of many oldest lighthouses on the earth.
Among the many finest issues to do in Chania, don’t miss a go to to the mosque of the Janissaries, the outdated 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 potential to see not solely a bell tower but in addition a minaret. In truth, through 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 Seashore of Elafonisi Seashore
Elafonisi is an impressive extensive shore on the Southwest coast of Crete. To get to Elafonisi seaside you possibly can journey by bus from Chania (ticket €9.00) or drive via the spectacular gorge of Topolia. The shores of Elafonisi are recognized for the distinctive pink sand in addition to for the shallow lagoon, ideally suited 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 reasonably remoted space, there are a couple of seaside bars the place you will get the fundamentals, nevertheless it’s all the time a good suggestion to pack sufficient drinks and lunch.
6. Trek alongside one among 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 dwelling 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.
If you happen to love climbing, be sure you 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 shocking path with spectacular vistas and plush surroundings. You hike via 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 might take 14 hours to get from one facet to the opposite, although many individuals simply hike a piece of it earlier than turning again.
It’s one among Crete’s hottest sights, with hundreds of vacationers visiting every summer season. Samaria Gorge is on our checklist of issues to do in Greece with teenagers.
High tip: If you happen to’re not a seasoned hiker, it’s a good suggestion to e book an organized tour.
7. Hike to Balos Lagoon and Seashore
The unique seaside of Balos, on the acute west of the island, is to not be missed. The seaside has usually been described as Crete’s Caribbean and for good cause. The white sand and distinctive emerald shade of the ocean give the lagoon an unique feeling.
Nevertheless, a visit to Balos isn’t solely in regards to the seaside. The journey additionally features a drive alongside an notorious grime street on the sting of a cliff, in addition to a 20-minute hike which might be very tiring in summer season.
Nevertheless, regardless of how troublesome the street may be, it’s one among my favourite issues to do on the island. The views of the calm, shallow lagoon are an important reward as soon as you permit the street behind.
8. Take an insane street journey within the mountains
There are a number of spectacular drives all around the island. If you happen to get pleasure from winding mountain roads and breathtaking cliffs, driving on Crete is usually a nice expertise. A few of the most scenic drives are those that take you from the north of Crete to the south, passing via a really rugged panorama.
The street between the villages of Kapsodasos and Kallikratis, for instance, is taken into account to be some of the harmful roads on the earth, with 11 kilometers of steady hairpin turns with a precipitous descent in the direction of the ocean. Keep away from it in the event you endure from vertigo!
9. Bask in Cretan gastronomy
Crete is a paradise for foodies! Crete’s meals principally consists of recent seasonal merchandise, that produce easy and wholesome tasty dishes.
The highest-quality further virgin olive oil produced on Crete is the principle 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 recent oregano on prime, and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Regardless of being an island, nonetheless, stewed or grilled goat and lamb are way more standard than fish. Different native delicacies embrace cheese, each aged and smooth, honey, and quite a lot of greens and fruits reminiscent of 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 bushes, a few of them over 3,000 years outdated.
There are two primary olive tree varieties rising on the island and so they produce very small olives which are in a position to stand the dry, sizzling summers of Crete. The style of the native olive oil could be very concentrated, fruity, and generally even spicy.
A few of the finest olive oil comes from the native monasteries. Within the area of Lasithi (east Crete), Toplou monastery produces a few of the highest quality olive oil in Greece. If you happen to’re staying on the west coast, as an alternative, you possibly can style genuine Cretan olive oil within the historical monastery of Agia Triada.
11. Snap a selfie above Seitan Limania Seashore
The lightning-bolt form of Seitan Limania put this seaside on Instagram not so way back and made it essentially the most well-known place in Crete. Seitan Limania is a seaside with pretty troublesome entry that includes a zigzag street and a hike down a steep hill.
The seaside isn’t organized, so it’s higher to take with you all the things it’s essential to spend the day. Keep in mind that the cove is topic to sturdy currents so it’s not all the time secure for unskilled swimmers.
12. Check your dancing expertise with Pentozali
Crete is a land the place customs and traditions are just about alive, and dancing is likely one of the issues that locals and guests alike get pleasure from essentially the most in Crete.
Pentozali is the normal Cretan dance you could witness throughout festivals and native celebrations all around the island.
Regardless of pentozali actually which means “5 steps”, the dance is a mix of 10 completely different steps through which completely different dancers take turns to place their expertise to the take a look at with jumps and complicated figures that observe the rhythm of the Cretan Lyra, an historical musical instrument with Byzantine origins.
13. Be taught in regards to the leper colony of Spinalonga Island
There are a loads of issues to do on the east of the island. Near the town of Agios Nikolaos, it’s potential to go to the island of Spinalonga. This small, fortified island might 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 remedy for leprosy was found.
Immediately, you possibly can take a ship experience 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 outdated city of Rethymnon has an enthralling outdated port with a lighthouse and a number of other tavernas lining the promenade.
Within the outdated city, you possibly can go to a few of the most spectacular minarets of Crete, lovely mansions with Turkish balconies, and the stays of the star-shaped Venetian fortress or Fortezza, situated on prime of a hill overlooking the ocean of Crete.
Rethymnon has a number of fascinating museums, such because the Archaeological Museum and the Historic and Folklore Museum the place it’s potential to study conventional native crafts, reminiscent of pottery and embroidery.
15. Spend the evening in a mountain village
Those that need to expertise an genuine Crete vacation spot filled with allure, mustn’t miss a visit to any mountain village on the island. Essentially the most conventional villages are recognized for various causes, some have performed an essential 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 could be very easy within the mountains, and there’s nothing like one among these villages for these eager 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 gorgeous fortified constructing, with a baroque church and beautiful 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 an alternative of surrendering.
This occasion performed a key position within the ultimate liberation from over 200 years of Turkish occupation of the island, resulting in Crete’s unification with Greece. Immediately, traces of that battle are nonetheless seen within the partitions of Arkadi. But, regardless of its tragic previous, this is likely one of the most lovely and peaceable buildings you possibly can see on Crete Island.
17. Sail to one among Crete’s smaller islands
There are a couple of lovely islands surrounding the coast of Crete. If you happen to’re staying within the area of Lasithi, it’s potential 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 usually confused with cedars. It’s a protected reserve, not more than 2 km extensive and seven km lengthy. There are a couple of completely different bays, the closest to the pier is Chrissi Ammos, nonetheless, 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. Keep in mind that it’s not potential to spend the evening in Chrissi, there aren’t any resorts, 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 light-weight lunch for the day.
The boats to Chrissi depart every day from the port of Ierapetra if the climate circumstances permit. If you happen to actually need to go to this abandoned island, it’s sensible to e book a couple of evening 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 street that circles the Lasithi Plateau is a unbelievable drive you could get pleasure from throughout your Crete trip. The plateau stands about 805 meters above sea stage 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, some of the well-known is Psychro, recognized 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 product of a number of chambers with lovely columns of stalactites and stalagmites. In keeping with analysis, this is likely one of the many historical Minoan locations of worship of Crete. Right here, archaeologists have discovered non secular figures and different objects related with historical non secular rituals.
19. Go wine tasting in one among 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 forms of the native winery. A really outdated wine press discovered within the wine area of Heraklion proves the island’s lengthy historical past in winemaking, an business repeatedly lively since at the least way back to the Bronze Age.
Immediately, there are over 35 wineries open to the general public the place you possibly can style the wines of Crete. If you happen to love reds, go for the kotsifali and the liatiko varieties. If you happen to choose the whites, as an alternative, positively strive the vidiano selection, one of many oldest white grapes, generally known as the rising star of the native varieties.
20. Drink a shot of Tsikoudia
Not all the things is wine on Crete! Tsikoudia, also referred to as raki, is Crete’s hottest drink and a transparent expression of native hospitality. Even in the event you’re not a lot into sturdy drinks, likelihood is that you’ll expertise all the things about raki from day one on the island.
Raki is an area distillate, with a reasonably 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 recent fruit or a small dish of yogurt and honey, additionally on the home, and it’s the proper excuse to study your first phrases in Greek (Gia mas! Or Cheers!), make a toast, and have interaction in pleasant dialog.
21. Take a day journey to Santorini
Since most of Greece is made up of islands, you’ll discover ferries function usually to most of the close by islands. When you have time and have seen all the opposite prime sights, a day journey to close by Santorini is a good way to spend a day.
Santorini, which is known for its sunsets and romantic ambiance, 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 need to miss
22. Hit the bars in Malia
Malia is a shocking, coastal city with a harbor and boutique outlets.
Within the day, it’s quiet and cosy, however at evening, 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 trying to go wild.
23. Wander across the Venetian Harbor of Rethymno
One other historic city in Crete is Rethymno, which is understood for its harbor and lighthouse. The outdated harbour of Rethymno, generally known as the Venetian Harbor due to the city’s commerce enterprise with the Venetians, is a quaint, historical harbor in northern Crete. The harbor circles round a bay crammed with 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. Make sure you 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 provides unimaginable views of the 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 delivery has been beneath debate, it’s thought to have been one among two caves within the mountains of Crete.
The Ideon Cave, which is situated on the tallest mountain in Crete is likely one of the thought-to-be areas. The second is The Dikteon Cave, on Crete’s southern coast. Each caves are fairly unimaginable and have spectacular rock formations and caverns.
The place to remain in Crete
Crete has many cool cities that make for a great base for exploring. From buzzing harbour cities to blink-and-you’ll-miss-them villages, there’s a base for each journey fashion.
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 resorts, restored mansions and atmospheric guesthouses. Keep right here for tradition, delicacies and easy accessibility to western Crete’s headline acts, together with Balos Seashore, Elafonissi Seashore, and the Samaria Gorge.
Just a little 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’d like character with out the crowds.
Heraklion is Crete’s capital is commonly underestimated. It’s the gateway to Knossos, dwelling to top-notch museums and a thriving native meals scene. Lodging ranges from good metropolis resorts 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’ll be able to browse lodging choices within the following interactive map:
Greatest time to go to Crete
Crete has very lengthy, sizzling, and dry summers, whereas winters are typically quick with gentle temperatures. Some areas have little or no rain through the 12 months. One of the best 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 may possibly take you from 4 to six hours to journey from the west coast to the east. The island is split into 4 completely different areas; Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Lasithi, all of them value seeing.
One of the best ways to get round is to hire a automotive and drive your self, or e book excursions out of your resort. One of the best ways to go to such a giant island is to journey by automotive. Driving on Crete is pretty straightforward in the event you observe some primary guidelines – drive on the appropriate, 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, nevertheless it runs on Greek time (sluggish and at any time when it feels prefer it), so having your individual automotive permits you extra flexibility.
What number of days in Crete is sufficient?
We advocate you spend at the least per week in Crete to essentially see all of it. If you happen to don’t have that a lot time, then 5 days is an effective sufficient period of time to go to Crete to see the principle sights and sights.
Closing ideas
Crete is an island for the curious, not simply the social gathering crowds because it was as soon as so famously recognized.
Comply with your nostril and also you’ll uncover bakeries perfumed with honey and thyme, and tavernas the place you possibly can indulge on meze all day in the event you wished to.
Among the finest issues about Crete isn’t the sights, 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 perfect time exploring this mystical island!
Searching for extra journey concepts in Greece? Attempt these…
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