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Crete

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Crete is not only the largest island in Greece, it is also the island that lies furthest south in Europe. This is what makes it one of the most tropical islands one could ever visit and is partly the reason for drawing in thousands of tourists every year. The brilliance of the island can be found in its mountain ranges, clear blue water, exotic plants and wildlife, or in the friendliness of the people. Whether you choose to stay at a resort in the area of the island that has been mostly developed for tourism, or you choose to find your own adventure off the beaten path, Crete is sure to have something for you!

Areas

Aside from the areas listed below, there are many other wonderful areas of the island that haven’t even begun to think about tourism, so if you’re looking for a super-secluded vacation in a little-known part of the world you may want to check out Chora Sfakia, Rogdia, and Anogia for some of the best parts of Crete.

Heraklion

Heraklion is one area of the island where you will find hustle and bustle as the locals are busy working and playing. This part of the island is where many cruise ships dock and the huge archaeological museum is also here, which is a must-see for many tourists. There are also many other museums, forts, and palaces so if you want sightseeing to play a great part in your vacation, you’ll want to spend at least two days in Heraklion.

Chania

If you’re looking for a truly authentic Greek vacation, you may choose to spend your time in Chania. It is here that you will find narrow streets, many markets, quaint cafes, and many shops and boutiques. This is a wonderful area that has found the perfect combination of the old and the new!

Rethymno

Rethymno is another area that is quieter but still has many spots that are perfect for tourists including lots of good food, museums, gardens, and even a carnival! Here you will find older sections of Greece with very little modern upgrades so if you love looking at antique architecture and lying or playing on the miles of sandy beach this spot holds, you may want to spend your time here.

Sitia

The Sitia region is where you will meet some of the friendliest people on earth; although everyone in Greece is extremely friendly these folks seem to take it to a whole new level! This is a much quieter area of the island but still has a wonderful beach that stretches for miles and also has fantastic views as well as several monasteries.

Weather

The weather in Crete changes quite a bit during different seasons but it always remains quite warm. July and August are the hottest months of the year, with average temperatures being approximately 35 degrees Celsius. It becomes cooler in September but is still warm enough to make the water some of the warmest temperatures you’ve ever swam in! March, April, October, and early November have been considered the best times to go because the temperature remains quite mild at around 26 degrees Celsius and although the weather can be unpredictable during these months, it’s also the time that the island is a lot less crowded. December becomes much cooler in Crete with average temperatures around 11 degrees Celsius and sometimes colder in the mountains.

Getting There

By Plane

Many travelers come to Crete by plane, arriving at any one of the island’s three airports. The Heraklion Airport and the Chania Airport are international airports, welcoming people and wishing others a happy departure from all corners of the world! Sitia airport can be used only by those visiting from other parts of Greece as this airport is currently only accepting domestic flights.

By Boat

Ferries are also another popular way to enter Crete and these leave from Athens. It does require a bit more travelling time but after taking this romantic ferry ride and absorbing the stunning views, you’ll be glad that you took the extra few minutes. Make sure to check the weather report and ask at the dock as ferries will not sail in bad weather. Many people coming by boat will also be onboard a cruise ship, which dock in either the Heraklion port or the Chania port.

Getting Around

Whichever way you choose to enter Crete, there are many options available for getting directly to where you want to go.

By Car/Taxi

Taxis can also be taken on a short fifteen minute ride and they cost approximately twelve to fourteen euros. A taxi into town from this airport takes about fifteen minutes again and costs approximately fourteen to sixteen euros. Rental cars are available in Crete and many agencies will arrange for you to pick up and drop off your car right at the airport. This is a great way to experience Crete as there are so many areas of the island to explore and it could become quite costly to continue to pay for taxis.

Public Transportation

If you are coming by way of the Chania airport, there are only a few buses running so it’s best to hire a taxi or rent a car. When arriving in Heraklion via the airport, there are many city buses that will take you directly to Eleftherias, the main town center. Tickets need to be purchased in advance and being the cheapest way to travel to the town, cost one euro.

Food & Dining

It is in Crete that you can enjoy a vacation filled with tasty and healthy food. This region is known for its healthy diets that are full of nutritional value. Cheese is one of the many things that you will find in Crete although feta is not produces here nor is it a very common cheese in this area of Greece. However, Graviera is very popular as is Anthotiros. The latter is a type of cheese that is quite different from mozzarella but commonly compared to it. Souvlaki, which usually has pork, chicken, lamb, or fish, is very popular and can be found just about anywhere. The main type of meat found in Crete is snails and these are prepared in many different ways. Octopus is also very popular and can be served as psito, when it is roasted or krasato, when it is cooked in white wine. As with the rest of Greece, Crete is also known for its dips and sauces. The most popular are Tzatziki and Dakos.

Beaches

Martsalo Beach (Sand beach) Location: Mesara This is the beach where sun worshippers and history buffs come to partake in both of their passions. A beautiful beach with gorgeous sand, it's also holds a very interesting history. This is the place Apostle Paul left his ship and went to Rome to teach and the numerous caves that can be found here are thought to once have been refuge for Christians hiding during different invasions of Crete. While here be sure to check out Saint Mary, which is a church that has survived over centuries.

Platia Peramata (Sand beach) Location: On the road between Lentas and Kali Limenes This beach is perfect for those who want to see how Cretans live without having to deal with the hustle and bustle of the many tourist crowds. In August, this beach quickly fills with locals but there is still enough room and sun for everyone! Engage in water activities, spend some time sunbathing or simply stroll along the coast and explore the coves, this is a beautiful beach!

Hrissi Island (Pebble beach) Location: Seven kilometers south of Lerapetra This beach is only accessible by the ferry which departs every day from Lerapetra, is truly a must-see on your Crete vacation. Here you will find pink sand, unlike anywhere on earth and only by stepping on it will you notice that it is not sand at all but fragments of delicate seashells. You may want to be very careful while you are and not do much more than gaze at the sheer beauty of it all -- this is a protected area and fines for violating rules can be hefty.

Aghia Marina (Sand beach) Location: Hania This beach is one of the most popular in Crete because it is here that you can find a combination of sports, wildlife, culture, tourism, and local life. Although it's too much of a touristy area for many Cretans, the vendors and shop people are all from the area and all very friendly! Tourists will love it due to the number of amenities available and also because there's so much to see and do here! It's hard to believe that the entire island the beach looks out onto was once a Venetian fortress and that the mouth of a cave, which resembles a dragon's mouth, was once a sanctuary.

Balos (Pebble beach) Location: Cape of Gramvousa If there is any place on earth that should be visited simply because of its sheer beauty, Balos would be it. Here in this shallow lagoon look at the beautiful green and blue colors of the sea and then get right in and bathe in its warm waters. This is truly a piece of paradise on earth and although its probably the most known landscape in all of Crete, you will truly feel as though there is no one else on earth when you're visiting here!

Elafonissi (Sand beach) Location: Southwestern tip of the island It is at this exotic beach that you will find the perfect place to truly let go and enjoy the nature that surrounds you. It's not hard to tell why this is Crete's most popular beach with the pink sand, crystal clear waters that seem to stretch on forever and a horizon that is dotted with rocky islands. There's many ways to spend a day on this beach although you may have to fight crowds and noise to do any of it.

Sights & Activities

Samaria Gorge National Park

This park is considered to be one of the top tourist attractions in Crete but be forewarned that it is a hard hike. You will walk the sixteen kilometer gorge, which although it’s mostly downhill, is still quite a challenge. If you feel as though it’s just not worth it, consider that the picturesque village you will come to is the perfect place to take a dip and soak in some of the most soothing waters in the world.

The Palace of Knossos

This is a must-see attraction if you are staying in Crete. It is here that you will here fascinating history and stories about the king and his servants that lived there hundreds of years ago. The building that covers almost five and a half acres of land is astounding and can be almost surpassed by the myths that revolve around it. Be sure to park in the car park right across the street as the other lots are only free if you buy something while wandering the grounds on your own or with an experienced guide, which can come in quite handy.

Matrix Club

If you’re looking to get your groove on while in Crete, the Matrix Club is where you want to be. This disco club is a wonderful way to grab a refreshing cocktail and relax after your full day of exploring Crete. Be sure to remember as you go that practically no one there speaks English.

Aquaworld Aquarium

If you’re planning on doing any diving while in Crete, this is a great place to first catch a glimpse of the sea life that you will be viewing as these 15 aquariums hold many local species. It’s also has reptiles and your very own chance to hold one!