CRETE TRAVEL

When to Visit Crete, Greece The island is a perfect destination all year round. Summers are long and dry, with temperatures that can be quite high during the months of July and August. This is the peak season and therefore the island tends to be packed with tourists. Accommodation can be hard to find and somewhat expensive if you do not book well in advance. Restaurants and attractions are jam-packed so you might find that is often necessary to wait in line or fight for a free parking spot. Yet, despite all of this, the high season in Crete is great for nightlife, beach parties, and meeting friends from all over the world. Both autumn and spring, the shoulder seasons, are my favorite times of the year to fully enjoy Crete. The temperatures are milder, but going to the beach is still pleasant. Late autumn and early spring can be extremely hot with no rain.  The winter period is not long, but it can be very cold and rainy. The highest peaks of Crete receive lots of snow and are popul...

Best Beaches in Crete Arguably one of the main reasons to visit Crete is the stunning variety of beaches you can visit on the island, each offering something different — from shallow sandy beaches to rocky coasts. Some of the top beaches in all of Greece can be found on this island. The beaches of the northern coast of Crete tend to be more wavy and windy than the south. However, there are a few well-protected peninsulas and bays that are ideal for swimming. Head to the west and discover the bay of Falassarna for some adrenaline-inducing waters sports. The wind conditions make the area ideal to chase the waves and enjoy the best sunset on the island. I’ve already mentioned the beautiful pink sand beach of Elafonisi and the superb Balos Beach and Lagoon both of them in the region of Chania, but there are many other beaches in other areas that will blow your mind with their beauty. Here are three of the lesser-known, top beaches in Crete: 1. Lentas Beach, Heraklion At this remote beach s...

 One of the most enriching parts of any trip to Crete is definitely the local cuisine. Greek food is some of the best in the world — but Crete has its own unique ingredients. With local cheese, olive oil, nuts, honey, phyllo pastries, pies, and proteins such as sheep, goat, snails, and lamb, you’ll never be hungry in Crete!  Fresh, seasonal, and full of taste and authenticity, the Mediterranean diet is perhaps one of the healthiest in the world. These are the four best restaurants in Crete, one for each of the regions. Heraklion: Peskesi  Location: Kapetan Haralampi 6-8, Heraklion Phone #: +30 28102 88887 Reservations: reservations@peskesicrete.gr Rating on TripAdvisor: 4.5/5 This place is great both for lunch and dinner and it is popular both with locals and tourists.  Cretan cuisine is at the forefront in this restaurant which manages to combine traditional ingredients and local cooking methods, sprinkled with the fragrance of Cretan herbs. Be sure to book a table ...

There are hundreds of great things to do in Crete, from beach hopping to rip-roaring adventures, eating your way through the mouthwatering Cretan diet, or splurging in the wine scenario of the island. It wasn’t easy narrowing this list down, but here are my top 5 choices for things to see and do on a stunning holiday in Crete. 1. Discover Chania’s Old Town The Venetian atmosphere in the alleys of Chania’s Old Town will take you on a journey of wonder and discovery. The ancient city is divided into different areas, each of them with traits that build the eclectic identity of Chania. The Venetian quarter is the most elegant part of town, with exclusive boutique hotels, traditional restaurants, and tiny souvenir shops that add a touch of color. The old harbor, the Egyptian lighthouse, and the little Mosque right in front of the sea are some of the landmarks to check while walking in the area. Towards the center of the old town, the former Jewish quarter, Zudecca, is home to the last remai...

At 260 km (160 miles) long and 56 km (35 miles) wide, Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece. It’s huge! So, when it comes to choosing your accommodation in Crete, you have many options in each region.  Where to Stay in Crete, Greece To figure out where to stay, all you need to do is decide on which type of vacation you’re focusing on. Are you into cultural experiences? Are you looking for the ultimate beach holiday? Would you rather just relax and disconnect from the rest of the world? Crete can offer you all of that and more, you just need to choose your region wisely. Let’s first take a look at Crete’s four main areas to help you decide which are the best places to stay in Crete according to your interests: Heraklion for History and Culture Chania for Best Beaches Rethymnon for Traditional Villages Lasithi for Relaxing Holidays Here’s a short description of every main city in each of Crete’s four different regions. Heraklion, the Capital of Crete Crete’s main re...