Explore Crete

ABOUT CRETE

Located οn the southern side of the Aegean Sea, Crete is the biggest of all Greek islands. Its beauty, though, is even bigger than its size! Let us paint the scene: Just imagine enthralling natural beauty meeting rich culture and worldwide famous gastronomy, to create the most dreamy holiday paradise!
The island is separated into 4 prefectures: Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, and Lassithi.

The mythical Crete island is one of the most popular Greek destinations, thanks to its unreal Crete beaches, its amazing historical sites, such as Knossos Palace and Spinalonga islet, and its mesmerizing natural landscapes.

Not to mention Chania town and Heraklion town some of the biggest towns in Crete, which boast magnificent medieval architecture. Honestly, wandering around their warren of romantic alleys will make you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time!

Crete Greece is, hands down, one of the most magical Greek islands!

Chania

Chania is a city on the northwest coast of the Greek island of Crete. It’s known for its 14th-century Venetian harbor, narrow streets and waterfront restaurants. At the harbor entrance is a 16th-century lighthouse with Venetian, Egyptian and Ottoman influences.

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Heraklion

Though not pretty in a conventional way, Iraklio definitely grows on you if you take the time to explore its layers and wander its backstreets. You'll discover a low-key urban sophistication with a thriving cafe and restaurant scene, good shopping and bustling nightlife. A revitalised waterfront invites strolling, and the newly pedestrianised historic centre is punctuated by bustling squares flanked by buildings from the time when Christopher Columbus first set sail.

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Rethymno

Basking between the commanding bastions of its 15th-century fortress and the glittering azure waters of the Mediterranean, Rethymno is one of Crete’s most enchanting settlements. Its Venetian-Ottoman quarter is a lyrical maze of lanes draped in floral canopies and punctuated with graceful wood-balconied houses, ornate monuments and the occasional minaret. Crete's third-largest centre has lively nightlife thanks to its sizable student population, some excellent restaurants and a worthwhile sandy beach right in town. The busier beaches, with their requisite resorts, line up along a nearly uninterrupted stretch all the way to Panormo, some 22km away.

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Agios Nikolaos

Lasithi’s capital, Agios Nikolaos has an enviable location on hilly terrain overlooking the sensuously curving Bay of Mirabello. There’s a strong local character to Agios Nikolaos that imbues it with charismatic, low-key flair. A narrow channel separates the small harbour from the circular Voulismeni Lake, whose shore is lined with cafes and restaurants.

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Loutro

Loutro is a quaint fishing village on the south coast of Crete. The amphitheatrical bay, lying right by the sea, boasts a unique waterfront made of whitewashed buildings, blue windows, and pink blossomed bougainvillea. A unique reminder of the Cycladic landscape… but on Crete! Peaceful and quiet, Loutro can be accessed only by sea or on foot, making the area ideal for those who seek to destress, reconnect and reset. Loutro exudes an unmatched tranquility authenticity that permeates every corner of the tiny settlement.

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🏛️ Art, History, and Architecture

Things to see & do in Crete are unlimited and ideal for all preferences. All regions of Crete offer something special to visitors all year round. Certainly, most tourists visit Greece in summer and stay on the northern coasts, but the island offers many off-season activities even in winter, such as hiking or sightseeing drives.

Palace of Knossos

Crete’s most famous historical attraction is the Palace of Knossos, the grand capital of Minoan Crete, located 5km south of the city of Ηrakleio. The setting is evocative and the ruins and recreations impressive, incorporating an immense palace, courtyards, private apartments, baths, lively frescoes and more.

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Preveli Monastery

Historic Moni Preveli cuts an imposing silhouette high above the Libyan Sea. Like most Cretan monasteries, it was a centre of resistance during the Turkish occupation and also played a key role in WWII, hiding trapped Allied soldiers from the Nazis until they could escape to Egypt by submarine. A small museum features exquisite icons, richly embroidered vestments and two silver candelabra presented by grateful soldiers after the war.

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🌊 Beaches

Paros has some of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Greece. Paros beaches are characterized by their crystal water and relaxing atmosphere, attracting many visitors every summer. Some beaches are organized and lined up with seaside hotels, restaurants, and beach bars, while others are secluded. The most famous one is Kolympithres beach, characterized by beautiful blocks of granite. Another famous one is Santa Maria beach, characterized by its length and beautiful sand. The beaches on the eastern side, particularly Golden Beach and New Golden Beach, provide nice spots for windsurfing while Pounda area is worldwide famous for kitesurfing. Do not confuse it with Pounda beach which is famous as a party beach.

Balos

The rugged Gramvousa Peninsula cradles the lagoon-like sandy beach of Balos, whose shallow, shimmering turquoise waters draw huge crowds in summer. This remote stretch features on many tourist brochures for Crete, and when it's at its best it's a heavenly scene, with lapping waters shimmering with darting fish. If the tide is out, the wind is whipping up or it's overrun by visitors off the cruise ferry, it can be something of a letdown.

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Elafonissi

Tucked into Crete’s southwestern corner, this symphony of fine pink-white sand, turquoise water and gentle rose dunes looks like a magical dreamscape. As the water swirls across the sands, rainbows shimmer across its surface.

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Preveli Beach

Also known as Palm Beach, dazzling Preveli is one of Crete’s most celebrated strands. At the mouth of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, where the river Megalopotamos empties into the Libyan Sea, the palm-lined riverbanks have freshwater pools good for a dip. The beach is backed by rugged cliffs and punctuated by a heart-shaped boulder at the water’s edge.

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Seitan Limani

While it might be a white-knuckle drive down hairpin bends to get here, the incredibly vivid turquoise waters of this secret cove are more than worth it. Take in the views from the top or brave the steep, rocky path that leads down to the remote, tiny, sandy beach to take a dip. It's located on the northeastern side of the Akrotiri Peninsula.

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Vai Beach

The beach at Vaï, is famous for its large grove of Phoenix theophrasti (Cretan date) palms. With calm, clear waters, it's one of the island's most popular strands and its tightly spaced rows of umbrellas and sunbeds often fill by 10am in July and August. Jet skis kick into gear shortly thereafter. Snack bars and a reasonably priced taverna provide refreshments.

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Agio Farago

Agio Farago is a clean pebble beach with crystal clear turquoise blue water. West of the beach is a beautiful rock arch where you can swim through. Vertical cliffs surround the beach

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🌿Hikes

Paros is an enchanting island with great natural beauty. The most famous sightseeing in Paros is the Valley of the Butterflies, which is another must-visit destination for nature lovers. In general, the island is famous for the wonderful beaches with sandy shores. A drive around will bring visitors to traditional villages and old monasteries.

Samaria Gorge:

Hiking the 16km-long Samaria Gorge, one of Europe's longest canyons, is high on the list of must-dos for many visitors to Crete. There’s an undeniable raw beauty to the canyon, with its soaring cliffs and needlenose passageways. The hike begins at an elevation of 1230m just south of Omalos at Xyloskalo and ends in the coastal village of Agia Roumeli. It's also possible to do it the 'lazy way': hiking a shorter distance by starting at Agia Roumeli. The only way out of Agia Roumeli is by taking the boat to Sougia or Hora Sfakion, which are served by bus and taxi back to Chania.

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