Crete is the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea. It boasts remnants of ancient civilizations, stunning beaches, impressive mountains, fertile valleys, and steep gorges, all contributing to the island’s rich gastronomic culture. Crete is a small universe brimming with treasures that would take a lifetime to uncover.
The island’s extensive coastline features numerous sandy beaches. In the region of Chania, you can visit the beautiful beaches of Balos, Falasarna, and Elafonisi. At the same time, near Heraklion, there are beaches like Amnissos, Agia Pelagia, Kaloi Limenes, Malia, Limenas Chersonisou and Ammoudara. Matala beach, well-known since the sixties and seventies as a hotspot for hippies, is also worth a visit.
Rethymno offers the longest sandy beaches such as Episkopi and Petres, as well as some unique beaches like Triopetra, Agios Pavlos, Ligres, Fragokastelo, and Preveli. The area of Lasithi is famous for its picturesque shores washed by the Libyan Sea, including the cosmopolitan Elounta beach.
Luxury resorts and various accommodations line the seafront. Apart from the big towns like Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos, Siteia, and Ierapetra, other destinations offer unforgettable vacations. These include Agia Pelagia, Amnissos, Kaloi Limenes, Chani Kokkini, Malia, and Ammoudara in the Heraklion region; Platania, Agia Marina, Kolympari, Agia Roumeli, Loutro, Palaiochora, and Kissamos in the Chania region; and Georgioupoli, Bali, Plakia, Agios Pavlos, and Panormos in the Rethymno region, as well as Elounta, Plaka, Makrygialos, Koutsounari, and Agia Fotia in the Lasithi region.
In the mountain villages, old customs and traditions are well-preserved, offering a glimpse into Cretan culture. Some noteworthy villages to visit include Archanes, Zaros, and Asites in the Heraklion region; Vamos and Chora Sfakion in the Chania region; Anogeia, Axos, and Margarites in the Rethymno region; and Makrygialos and Kritsa in the Lasithi region, representing the heart of traditional Crete.
The old towns of Chania and Rethymno showcase a captivating blend of Venetian and Ottoman architectural elements. These charming towns, much-photographed and steeped in history, offer a nostalgic ambience. Visitors can stroll along their narrow alleys and streets, and experience the magical charm of old times while enjoying a coffee, snack, or meal in traditional cafes and tavernas.