Greece crete interesting places. Tips for vacationers or the best places about. Crete
The Greek island of Crete is one of the most popular in mythology Ancient Greece. It is Crete that is considered the birthplace of Zeus, as well as many other mythological figures. Crete is one of the most famous resorts in Europe due to its unique climate and beaches. The island is washed by several seas and has an ideal tourist infrastructure for lovers of beach tourism. But even if you like to sunbathe on the beach, you should not deprive the attention of the sights of Crete. In this compilation, I will tell you about the most popular places on the island that are worth exploring during the tour.
The ancient city of Gortyn
Among the ancient sights of Crete, you should pay attention to ancient city Gortyn. It belongs to the most important archaeological sites in Greece and is located a few tens of kilometers south of the capital of Crete. Many different peoples lived on this land over the centuries, whose cultures are reflected in the partially preserved ruins. You will find here elements of Greek, Roman and even Egyptian cultures. Another interesting place nearby is the catacombs, which were formed during the extraction of stone during the construction of Gortyn. Unfortunately, this labyrinth is not accessible to travelers due to security measures.
Fortress of Spinalonga
For centuries, these territories of Crete were empty and only after the advent of the Venetians began to develop, as they discovered rich reserves of salt here. Spinalonga was founded on a small island in 1579. The fortress was built for defensive purposes, as the settlement was often attacked by pirates and Turks. The history of the island and the fortress of Spinalonga is very rich in numerous events. This place constantly changed owners and passed from one owner to another. To this day, many old buildings and defensive walls have been preserved here. Is in the history of the island and dark spots. For example, at the beginning of the 20th century, Spinalonga was a kind of prison for lepers from all over Greece. However, it was here that electricity first appeared on the island of Crete. The fortress is one of the must-see attractions in Greece.
Dicteian cave
Among the natural attractions of Crete, it is worth noting the Diktea cave, which is located in the mountains of the same name. This is one of the most beautiful places on the entire island, where, according to myth, the god Zeus was born. During excavations, many ancient artifacts in honor of this ancient Greek deity were found here. The cave is very popular among travelers who visit the legendary place en masse. Dikteyskaya cave consists of the so-called vestibule and the main hall. Here you will find a large underground lake with special wooden bridges that lead along fantastic stalactites and other geological formations. To diversify your journey, you can get to the cave with the help of donkey excursions.
Lake Kourna
The attractions of Crete include several lakes, but this is one of the largest freshwater reservoirs in Crete. Kourna is very popular among the other natural wonders of Crete. The lake is located 50 kilometers southeast of Chania. You will certainly be surprised to meet turtles and other rare inhabitants of fresh lakes here. For this reason, the lake is a nature reserve and is protected by European nature protection laws. Numerous studies claim that lake water is so pure that it can be drunk even without purification and boiling. There is also a nice cozy beach where both locals and numerous tourists relax. Qurnas can be safely included in the list of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
Lake Voulismeni
Another wonderful lake of Crete is Voulismeni. This freshwater reservoir is located in the city of Agios Nikolaos. The lake is famous for its round shape and great depth of several tens of meters. There have long been myths that Vulusmeni is completely bottomless. According to these legends, the goddess Athena herself bathed here. A proven fact is that during the Second World War, the inhabitants of Crete flooded German military equipment at the bottom of the lake. Voulismeni was the object of research by the legendary Frenchman Jacques Yves Cousteau, who dived here with his bathyscaphe.
Samaria Gorge
The Samaria Gorge in Crete is the largest gorge in Europe. This is one of the most picturesque natural sights of Crete. This gorge has been inhabited since prehistoric times and has managed to preserve elements of ancient buildings and shrines. About a century ago, the Samaria Gorge became a national park and protected reserve. Thus the government decided to protect the unique animal world and flora of Samaria. A special hiking trail runs through the gorge, along which hundreds of thousands of tourists pass every year. Sometimes there are so many people here that even traffic jams form. The Samaria Gorge is open to tourists during the summer and autumn period when the rainfall is least. Traveling here is dangerous during the rainy season, as the gorge often fills with water.
Minotaur Labyrinth
Not surprisingly, many sights of Crete are associated with myths and legends. In the case of the labyrinth of the Minotaur, it was here that the monstrous monster was kept, terrorizing the inhabitants of Athens. With his help, King Minas collected requisitions from people, but the brave hero Theseus saved the inhabitants of the city from the minotaur. And so another myth of Ancient Greece appeared. Interestingly, the exact location and plan of the labyrinth are not known. It is believed that the ancient labyrinth was located in the ruins of the Knossos Palace in northern Crete. Some of the underground routes have indeed survived to this day, but none of the researchers have been able to decipher its plan and real purpose.
Knossos palace
The Palace of Knossos is mentioned in the list of architectural sights of Crete as an integral item. This palace was the main building of one of the oldest cities in Greece called Knossos. You can find the famous Ruins in the north of Crete, near the current city of Heraklion. Throughout history, the palace was repeatedly damaged by earthquakes, but was soon restored again. When the archaeologist Evans bought the land in the north of Crete, he tried to partially recreate this ancient structure. It is thanks to his efforts that today it is possible to look deep into history and see some elements of the Knossos Palace.
Ruins of ancient Olus
A very popular place among scuba divers is the Ruins of the ancient city of Olus. The city was under water after a powerful earthquake, being a powerful port and shopping mall. By diving underwater today, scuba divers have a unique chance to observe the legacy of several civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans. Here you can rent diving equipment and even hire a private guide to take you on an underwater tour. Not everyone can visit this unusual attraction of Crete, as certain diving skills are required. Olous is included in the list of the most mysterious underwater cities in history.
Kera Kardiotissa
A less visited attraction in Crete is one of the island's most important shrines. The monastery of Kera Kardiotissa includes a number of buildings that are about 800 years old. Today it is a quiet place where services are still being held. Orthodox tourists are attracted here by a copy of the icon of the Virgin, which is considered a healing disease. Many believe that by touching this icon they will be able to recover, or gain longevity. This peaceful place creates an atmosphere as if life had stopped many centuries ago.
Museum of Agios Nikolaos
One of the attractions of Crete is the Museum of Archeology in the city of Agios Nikolaos. Here you can see many archaeological finds found during excavations. The exposition of the museum reveals to the visitor the history of the island of Crete. Various epochs of the life of the island are presented, but the most outstanding exhibits are the statue of the goddess Metra and the skull of a young Roman.
Water City Waterpark
Many will certainly be interested in the modern landmarks of Crete, including the WaterCity water park in the city of Anapolis. Numerous tourists rest here after a tour of the ancient ruins. The water park can be found near the village of Kokkini Hani. There are water slides for both adults and young children. The most modern range of attractions is presented, which can only be found in European resorts.
Rethymno city
In the western part of Crete is the picturesque town of Rethymnon. It was built by the Venetians during their reign on the island. Many sights of this city are perfectly preserved to our time. But among them it is worth highlighting the magnificent Fortezza fortress from the 16th century. There are also museums here, including the archaeological and historical-ethnographic ones. Numerous tourists like to gather near the Rimondi Fountain in the port of Rethymno.
Elafonisi beach
Elafonisi beach is included in the list of the best beaches in Greece and is located 20 kilometers from the city of Chania. Elafonisi is famous for its pink sand and scenic views. It is for the sake of this beach that many tourists from different countries Europe choose the island of Crete as a destination for holidays. Such unusual color The sand was formed thanks to the remains of special corals, and the water in the lagoon is always crystal clear. It has everything you need for a quality holiday, so I strongly advise you to visit this attraction of Crete during your trip.
Vai beach
In the final part of our review, let's go through the best beaches of Crete. Among them is the palm beach of Vai on the territory of the same name national park. It is famous for the largest palm forest on the European Continent. Even more surprising is that endemic Theophrastus palms grow here. Vai Beach is very popular with tourists, so in summer season it's always very crowded here. However, this place is recommended for visiting due to the picturesque views and the opportunity to watch the sunrise.
Bay of Balos
Many come to Crete just for the sake of this amazing place, where one of the most beautiful beaches in the world is located. The beach of Balos bay with white and pink sand and turquoise water in shallow water is surrounded by untouched nature. There is no infrastructure here, since Balos Bay is a protected area. Numerous tourists come here on foot from the nearest parking lot, but such a journey is worth it. As an alternative, donkey rides can be booked, especially for children.
Matala beach
This is not just a beach, but an important historical site near the small Greek settlement of Matala. Matala is located in a cozy bay formed by rocks. People have lived in this place since prehistoric times, and supporters of Jesus Christ hid from persecutors in numerous rocky caves. The ruins of ancient temples and burials are still preserved here. This is the case when history, a picturesque beach and the beauty of nature are combined in one sight of Crete.
Crete, the largest Greek island, is known not only for its richest history, numbering several thousand years, many monuments and attractions, and not only for its unique nature with a variety of flora and fauna. It is also famous for its picturesque beaches, which attract more and more tourists every year. In this article, we have described the most best beaches Crete.
1. Balos
Balos is the best beach in Crete, with snow-white and pink sand, ornate braids cutting through the fabulously beautiful sea, surrounded by picturesque coasts. This place is considered one of the most beautiful in the entire Mediterranean.
The beach is located in the beautiful bay of Balos, which, together with the surrounding area, has been declared a protected area. The beach has retained its original appearance since ancient times, and no achievements of civilization have touched it. Balos Beach is absolutely wild, there are no cafes, restaurants or other establishments nearby, and getting here is quite difficult.
The water in Balos Bay remains calm even when a strong storm rages in the sea. The bay is famous for its extraordinary crystal water, which is so clear that on a bright sunny day you can count up to 10 different shades of color in it, ranging from pale azure to dark blue. This feature is explained by the fact that three seas meet at once in the waters of Balos beach: the Aegean, the Ionian, and the Libyan.
2. Elafonisi
The small island of Elafonisi is located 100 meters from Crete. Elafonisi beach is famous for its unique sand Pink colour and so clear crystal water that at the bottom you can easily see all the pebbles and grains of sand. According to local legend, the sand of Elafonisi acquired this color after the tragedy that broke out in the spring of 1824, when the Turks massacred hundreds of local residents who had hidden on the island. But in fact, numerous small inclusions of shells and remnants of corals give the sand near the shore a pink color.
Due to the small depth, there are almost no storms on Elafonisi, and the water in the sea warms up quickly, so the swimming season lasts from late April to October. The beach is perfect for all lovers of a relaxing holiday, including tourists with children.
3. Wai
Wai is one of the most beautiful beaches Crete, located on the east coast of the island in the region of Lassithi. The beach has been declared a protected area. The word "vaya" in Greek means "palm branches". The beach got its name due to the unique palm forest that grows next to it. The palm forest has several thousand trees and is the largest in Europe. Interestingly, it is of natural origin. According to legend, about two thousand years ago, the Phoenicians landed on the island of Crete. After eating the fruits, they scattered along the shore date pits, from which a forest subsequently grew.
Along the palm forest lies a beach with golden sand and a stunningly beautiful light turquoise sea. Vai Beach is very popular with both the local population and numerous guests of the island. There are always a lot of people here, especially in the high season. According to many tourists, the sandy beach against the backdrop of a palm forest resembles the Caribbean.
Vai Beach has a very convenient gradual entry into the water, which is well suited for those who like to swim in shallow water, and especially for children. Everyone has the opportunity to make a tireless ascent to the observation deck, from which on a clear day a stunning view of the golden beach surrounded by a palm forest, the endless blue sky, the majestic mountains and the amazingly beautiful sea will open. various shades, with numerous rocky islets.
4. Red Beach
The Red Beach is located near the famous village of Matala, where, according to Greek mythology, Zeus brought Europe. It should be noted that the path to the beach along mountain paths and under the scorching sun is very difficult. However, all the problems of a difficult transition to the Red Beach are compensated beautiful landscapes to the majestic mountains and the boundless expanse of the sea.
This amazing beach of Crete got its name due to the sand, which has a red tint. It acquired this color due to the reddish rocks located in this area. The rocks surrounding the beach on three sides also have a red-brown color. And the blue-green sea contrasts with the red coast. This gives the whole landscape a unique and fantastic atmosphere.
And in the northern part of the beach, you can see a local landmark - a group of limestone sculptures that a Belgian sculptor left here, shocked by the beauty of this unusual place.
5. Matala Beach
The village of Matala is located in the south of Crete, between two mountains. This place has its own microclimate, one of the most favorable and beneficial on the island. Here is a clean transparent sea, soft White sand, and from the windows of numerous bars and taverns in the evening you can admire the most beautiful sunsets. According to an ancient Greek legend, the supreme god Zeus, turning into a bull, kidnapped the beautiful Europa and transferred her first to Matala, and then to Gortyn.
The beautiful Matala beach is located near the village, the length of the beach is about 300 meters. Among the numerous guests of Crete, he enjoys great attention, so there are usually a lot of people here. The beach has a convenient gentle entry into the water. Waves in these places are rare, as the sandy shore is fenced off by rocks.
Nearby is another local attraction - ancient caves, where prehistoric people lived in ancient times. In these caves, the first Christians hid from the persecution of the authorities. The caves are located in the rocks surrounding the beach and are popular with tourists.
6. Beaches of Plakias
Plakias is a small resort village on south coast Crete, 35 kilometers from Rethymno, on the coast of the Libyan Sea. Not so long ago it was a small fishing village. However, the convenient location, beautiful and diverse nature, and many magnificent beaches have led to the fact that today Plakias has become a popular resort.
Plakias has 16 magnificent beaches. Among them there are sandy and pebbly, large and miniature, well-equipped and absolutely wild. The most famous of them are: Plakias, Sousa, Skinos, Damnoni, Paligremnosa, Amoudi, as well as the magnificent Shinaria - one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete.
Schinaria is a small beach with coarse gray sand, small pebbles and unusually clear crystal water. It is located among the rocks and is almost immune to winds and bad weather. In these places, there is a rather steep entry into the sea - the depth is rapidly increasing. The decoration of the beach is amazing beauty small freshwater lakes, which were formed thanks to a mountain stream. Lush emerald vegetation grows near these reservoirs.
Schinaria is great for everyone who dives and just loves to snorkel. There is a special diving center here. And this is not surprising, because numerous representatives of the local marine fauna are found in abundance in the local waters: octopuses, crabs, squids and huge moray eels.
7. Frangokastello Beach
This beach is located in a small village of Crete, next to the famous medieval fortress of Frangokastello, built by the Venetians in the 14th century. It is washed by the warm Libyan Sea. As a matter of fact, there are four beaches near the fortress, but only one of them, the largest and most picturesque sandy beach, was given the name of the settlement.
At the edge of the water, light golden sea sand, but moving away from the sea, it gradually acquires a gray color with small dark patches, probably of volcanic origin. In this place, a gradual entry into the sea, a gently sloping bottom, waves are rare, so the beach is excellent for children. Since Frangokastello is located far from major settlements, there are not very many tourists here, and therefore you can enjoy your vacation in a calm atmosphere, the sea and the sun. The beach is equipped with everything you need. Near the beach there are several taverns offering their guests delicious fish dishes.
8. Platanias Beach
Platanias is a resort village located a few kilometers from the city of Chania. The village got its name thanks to the plane trees growing around the river crossing it.
The picturesque sandy beach of Platanias stretches for 4 kilometers along the coast and is the largest beach in Crete. In some places, white sand alternates with pebbles. The beach has a very developed infrastructure: there are umbrellas, sun loungers and showers, as well as numerous cafes, taverns and various shops. There are also many water activities for every taste: you can go water skiing, diving or windsurfing, ride a scooter and a banana boat.
Opens from the shore beautiful view to the island of St. Theodore, which is home to a population of rare kri-kri goats. Platanias is one of the cleanest beaches in Crete. For its cleanliness and livability, it has been receiving the Blue Flag for many years in a row.
9. Stavros Beach
Stavros is a quiet seaside village located in the region of Chania. It is located at the foot of a large mountain, shaped like a camel. The main beach of Stavros is considered one of the best in Crete. Located in front of the mountain, in a cozy beautiful lagoon with turquoise water, it is completely protected from winds and bad weather. transparent the purest water shimmers with a brilliant brilliance in the rays of the bright sun. The mountains frozen in their grandeur give a special and unique beauty to the whole landscape.
The entire coast is covered with large white sand. Due to the shallow depth and lack of winds, the water near the coast warms up well. Although there are usually a lot of people on the beach, there is no feeling of crowding and pandemonium here. All these factors, as well as a convenient gentle entry into the sea, have led to the fact that Stavros is very popular with families with children. However, this place is well suited for young people and lovers of a relaxing holiday. The beach is well equipped and provides its guests with various services. In the immediate vicinity there are many shops, cozy taverns and bars.
10. Beaches of Anissaras
Anissaras is a small cozy resort village on the island of Crete, located 24 km from Heraklion, on the coast of the Aegean Sea. In Anissaros, everything is conducive to a quiet and peaceful holiday: a good climate, beautiful clean sea and magnificent beaches. It is perfect for families with children.
Anissaros has both sandy and pebbly beaches. All of them are very clean and well maintained, equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers, and also offer a wide range of water entertainment services. It should be noted that all the beaches of Anissaros are municipal, even near hotels, which means they are open to everyone.
Rocky seabed and immaculate clear water allow you to fully enjoy the beauty underwater world. Therefore, Anissaros is very popular with diving enthusiasts.
These were the best beaches in Crete. But it is worth noting that in addition to those listed in Crete, there are many other wonderful beaches. So, one cannot fail to mention the amazing Preveli beach - one of the most interesting natural attractions of the island, where you can swim in both salt and fresh water at the same time.
And also about the most famous beaches, such as Falasarna, Kedrodasos, Triopetra, Malia, Lendas, Agios Pavlos and, of course, Kournas beach, located on the lake of the same name and being the only freshwater beach in Crete.
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The island of Crete is chosen for their holidays by millions of tourists every year. And this is not surprising, because the island is completely “given away” to tourists, and it seems to be specially made for recreation. Sometimes holidays in Crete cause conflicting reviews. Many are interested in: which sea and beach is better for relaxing, where best places for holidays in Crete? In this article, we will try to deal with this and understand, so where are the best places in Crete to relax. And so, let's see.
Crete is an amazing place. It is washed by three seas at once, each of which is attractive and amazing in its own way. From the north, the island is washed by the Cretan Sea, which is not so well known, from the south the Libyan Sea flows, and the Ionian Sea in the west.
Each sea is different: different temperatures, different currents and different water. But they are all loved by tourists and each sea has its pros and cons.
Western part of the island.
The western part of Crete has the longest beaches. They stretched for several kilometers along the sea. There are famous bays, caves and gorges. The entire coast and cities are surrounded by mountains that have a white and limestone appearance.
For fans of excursions here is also a paradise. You can visit ancient churches, museums and monuments. Also, palaces of nobles have survived to this day, the entrance to which is open to tourists.
The beaches of the Libyan Sea.
The Libyan Sea got its name from the country of Libya. It is warm and its waters are clear. A few hundred years ago, the Libyan Sea was larger, and its waters flooded Crete. Now the sea has receded from the shore and black sand remains on the shore. It hosts music festivals, celebrations and other major events.
Chrissi Island is located in the Libyan Sea not far from the coast of Crete. Locals love to come here, they know where the best places to stay in their country are.
The whole island is covered in golden sand. It grows trees and grass. The trees are from two hundred years old, but at the same time they are only 10 meters in height. Chrissi Island is included in the protection program environment. There are many rare plants and flowers on the island. Therefore, you can’t pick flowers here, collect shells and do something that may cause bewilderment among local residents.
Red Beach - hard to get to, good rest.
Red Beach is so called because the sand on it is red. What caused this, no one still knows. But this is not important, because the main thing here is rest and the sea.
To get to this beach you need to try hard. After all, you have to go down the mountain, and after the beach go uphill. Not every tourist will do this, but there is no other way to get here.
It is worth noting that there are no water activities on this beach. There are no boats, no catamarans, no diving. There is only sand and sea. Therefore, people come here not for entertainment, but just to relax.
If you do not know which hotel to stay in, then see the map of Crete with the best hotels on the island. On the map, only hotels that are located on the coast and are popular with tourists.
Elafonissi beach is a beach from a fairy tale.
You can get to the island and the beach of the same name simply by fording the sea. You have to walk a hundred meters across the water and you are on the island. All this time the sea will be up to your waist, or a little deeper.
The sand on the beach is pink. There are legends why he became like that. But in fact, everything explains physics and the laws of nature.
Tourists with children like to relax here, because there is no great depth near the island for 100-250 meters. Children will be able to enter the sea under 50 meters and at the same time the water will be knee-deep or slightly higher.
Although the island is small, it has infrastructure. There are cafes, bars, toilets and showers. It is also possible to rent water transport. Diving is at your service, but in order to do it here you will have to walk a long distance through the water before there is sufficient depth.
Crete is the largest island of the Greek archipelago. It occupies its southern part, while being surrounded by 3 seas at the same time. After Cyprus, this is the sunniest island that attracts tourists with its exquisite coastline, picturesque mountain landscapes, fully equipped beaches, in addition, the brightest echoes of the architecture of the Minoan civilization (the oldest in the world). In this article, we will find out why holidays in Crete are so popular among tourists.
Climate
Crete is a large island with a mountainous terrain. IN different parts The islands have a completely different climate. So, in the north, separated by a central mountain range from the south, it is moderate Mediterranean, in fact, as in other resorts in Europe. The south is much hotter, sunnier and drier as it is dominated by the North African climate zone. It is colder in the mountainous regions, and even snowfalls occur in winter. On the island as a whole, winters are mild and rainy, which, in fact, the whole of Greece can boast of. Crete, the rest on which is so popular among tourists, seems to freeze at this time. The level of air humidity here is determined by the proximity of the sea. For example, for coastal resorts, due to high humidity, it is typical that the heat will be more difficult to endure, and in winter coastal zone temperatures are lower.
Tourist season
Crete is like a small country with a lot of possibilities. It is a space of spectacular valleys, fertile plateaus, golden sands, pleasant smells and stunning views. Holidays in Crete captivate with the fact that it approaches everyone with special care: for connoisseurs of silence there are secluded resorts, for party lovers - lively beaches, for active and sporty individuals - a variety of water activities. People start coming here in April, while the massive tourist season ends in mid-autumn.
"High season
Here it lasts all summer, when the air temperature is 28-30°C. The thermometer in the hottest parts of the island often jumps up to 40°C. There is one little secret for fans of midsummer: in Crete, not all beaches are crowded at this time. Yes, they are quite remote from the Cretan cities and offer few amenities, while some are ready to give a lot for the opportunity to relax in solitude. At the height of summer, on vacation in Crete, it is usually worth going to the northern part of the island, to the coast of the Aegean Sea, although the number of tourists here is huge.
"Low" season
All 3 winter months, as well as in March, there is a decline in the tourist season in Crete. Then those who do not experience much interest in relaxing on the beach go to the island, but prefer to stay in solitude and tranquility. The weather here is changeable, the expected temperature is 16-17°C. It can get hot or cold. At the same time, you won’t find better weather and prices for visiting numerous sights.
bathing season
The holiday season here begins in mid-April. Then there is the discovery of the beaches of the island. In the Mediterranean Sea, the water becomes comfortable for swimming only at the end of May. In the middle of summer, when the weather is hot, in this place the water temperature reaches 25°C. IN daytime the sun is very dangerous, therefore, try to get out to the beach early in the morning or in the evening. In September, holidays in Crete become the most comfortable, because the intense heat subsides. Due to this, the sea becomes a little cooler.
The Velvet season
Holidays in Crete in September can be called ideal. The very end of the month and October here belong to the velvet season. It's not as busy here now as it used to be. summer period, but also sunny, while the weather conditions are conducive to swimming and long stays on the beach. Think for yourself: in September, the temperature sea water is 24°C, in October - 23°C. Discomfort can only consist in the fact that holidays in Crete in October are not suitable for everyone: it is already cold at night (16 ° C), so you can swim only at the height of the day. The huge advantage of the velvet season here is low prices for food, housing and other services.
The best beaches
It is not even necessary to say that holidays on the island of Crete primarily attract lovers to lie on the beaches, which are actually on the highest level. But at the same time there are special beaches that deserve close attention.
Youth rest
Holidays on the island of Crete are often chosen by young people. Companies mainly stay at certain resorts: noisy, with a huge range of entertainment. Among them is Hersonissos, which is characterized by the largest number of clubs and a rich nightlife. Sandy beaches are no worse than in secluded modest resorts. Nearby is a water park called Water City.
Another tourist center of the island, where young people like to relax, is Malia. This place offers a variety of entertainment, not only club life, but also active daytime activities, such as horseback riding.
You can also choose Rethymno with a fast modern life. You will not be bored in this place either thanks to the various architectural sights that are located right on the territory of this city.
Vacation with children
For families, you need to choose resorts with a sandy beach and a gentle, convenient entrance to the sea. Elafonisi, mentioned above, is well suited, although the list of suitable places to stay is not limited to them.
Makryialos is also shallow, so it is safe to swim here even with very young children. This place is located far from noisy resorts, including Heraklion, and is perfect for a quiet family vacation.
Some hotels in Crete will help make your holiday with children as comfortable as possible. So, excellent service is offered by Club Marine Palace. Especially for infants, cots and high chairs are provided free of charge at this place. Also, even the smallest nuances are taken into account: there is a device for heating milk, an audio nurse. If adults need to spend time separately, it is possible to resort to the services of a professional nanny. There is a club for kids. Nearby in a picturesque bay there is a cozy sandy beach.
It's time for festivals
There is a high probability that, once on the island of Crete, you will combine your vacation with some kind of celebration taking place here. In Crete, Shrove Tuesday is celebrated in winter, after which Holy Week is celebrated on a grand scale in March, as well as Easter. Then March 25 is the Independence Day of Greece, April 23 - the day of the patron saint of the island (St. George). The inhabitants of Rethymnon celebrate the Wine Festival in mid-July, followed by the birth of the Virgin Mary on September 8th.
Attractions
The sun-drenched cradle of the Minoan civilization oozes all history. The resort thrives as a completely contradictory island: the raucous parties of Malia and the loneliness of wild mountain areas, dramatic ravines and sugar beaches. A real beach paradise with a rich culture offers you a vacation in Crete, reviews of which can be found so admiring that you willy-nilly want to be there.
Minoan palace
The ancient territory of the castle and the Minoan Palace itself are located just south of Heraklion. It got its name from its owner - the famous ancient king Minos, who was the son of Europa and the god Zeus.
In this palace, according to legend, there was a labyrinth where at one time half a bull and half a man, the Minotaur, was imprisoned. For 9 years, local residents sacrificed young girls and boys to him until Theseus killed him. Since that time, the word "labyrinth" has appeared in everyday life.
For 6 euros (admission price) it is possible to touch the footprints ancient civilization, walk along the paths of the gods and kings: a huge number of halls, galleries, decorated with exquisite frescoes, stately pink colonnades, tapering downwards contrary to architectural laws, as well as the Small Palace, the Temple of the Tombs and the Royal Villa.
Samaria Gorge
This gorge is one of the largest in Europe, it is located in the southwestern region of the island, in the prefecture of Chania. This place is a National Park. The gorge is 16 km long. Here you can observe the rarest magnificent fauna and flora. For example, kri-kri are mountain wild goats with spiral horns.
Width of the Iron Gates of Sidiroportes, the narrow section, - 3.5 m, and the widest - 300 m. All tourists who have arrived here will have to overcome this on foot. Although the feeling that the path is exhausting is deceptive. In fact, it consists of continuous descents. In this gorge there is a whole village where the church of Mary of Egypt functions.
In general, the walk takes 5-6 hours. It takes its beginning at the wooden steps (beyond the Omalos plateau), ending at the coast of the Libyan Sea, where the village of Agia Roumeli is located. The entrance fee to the gorge is 6 euros.
Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
This is one of the largest museums in Greece, it is located in the very center of Heraklion on the street. Xanthoudidou. The exposition presented here covers 5000 years (from the Neolithic period to the Greco-Roman era). It includes the largest and finest collection of Minoan works in the world.
The museum is currently under renovation, but there is a temporary exhibition at the back of the main building. It contains the brightest exhibits from the collection of artifacts, including the Goddess with snakes, the Phaistos disc, golden bees, a leaping bull. The museum has only twenty themed rooms, each of which is dedicated to its own period and area taken separately.
Best holiday: Crete, hotels
Those wishing to go here on vacation need to know that hotels here do not have stars, they are replaced by categories: A, B, C and Delux. The resort houses completely different establishments: from modest small rooms to completely luxurious apartments.
Since the island is one of the most popular among tourists choosing holidays in Greece, Crete hotels offer various formats for accommodation. The hotel business is very well developed here. Tourists want to relax without worrying about where to eat. For these vacationers, there are hotels with an all-inclusive service.
Traditional cuisine
Cretan food is not just food, but a way of life. It includes healthy eating and a great excuse to get family and friends together. Today, holidays in Greece are becoming more and more popular. The island of Crete, in addition to all kinds of entertainment, also offers tourists to get acquainted with its unique cuisine.
Cretan traditional cuisine uses products such as all kinds of cheese, lemons, wild herbs, oranges, lentils, beans, various vegetables, olive oil, barley, seafood and fish, meat, and wine in small quantities to prepare dishes. By the way, here is grown the most in the country of organic products.
Breakfast in Crete
Classic Greek breakfast includes cigarettes and coffee. Of course, this is a joke, although not without a grain of truth. Greeks smoke a lot. And here, breakfast as such is not breakfast, it includes a cup of aromatic coffee, a couple of olives and a piece of toast with jam or honey. Sometimes it is complemented by all kinds of pastries, for example, "Tiropitu", spinach pies or cheese pies. They can also serve as snacks throughout the day.
Coffee
Coffee in Greece used to be called "Turkish". But after relations between these countries deteriorated, it began to be called Greek, which must be remembered when ordering it. There are several types of it:
- "Sketo" - without sugar;
- "varigliko" - sweet and strong;
- "metrio" - semi-sweet.
Cretan cheese
In the mountainous regions of the country, one can occasionally meet shepherds making cheese from their own milk. But there aren't many left.
In Crete, Feta cheese is not as popular as in the rest of the country. Here are the most used varieties:
- Myzithru is a classic whey cheese that has been around in Greece for about 1000 years. There is unsalted fresh "Mizithra", slightly salted or salted and dried, used for its further rubbing. This cheese is made from whey that has been fermented from goat, cow or sheep milk.
- "Gravieru" is a hard cheese with a slightly sweet taste, created in several ways. It is made from sheep's milk, which is sometimes mixed with goat's. At the same time, the cheese ripening period is at least five months.
- "Anthotirus" is a light soft cheese, which is obtained from sheep's or goat's milk. It can be fresh, dried or salted. The first is added to various cheese cookies or simply served at the table.
Holidays in Crete: traveler reviews
Today, many tourists have already visited this resort. Accordingly, you can find a lot of information about holidays in Crete. Reviews about it are mostly positive. Many here find the resort that is right for them: family, youth, secluded. Travelers admire its architecture, national color, openness and activity of local residents, and incomparable cuisine. But still there are those who speak negatively about Crete. In most cases, they were here out of season, finding themselves either in sweltering heat or on the shores of an already cool sea. Although there are those who prefer more luxurious resorts, against which Crete pales.
If you want to get acquainted with the unique history and culture of the island of Crete, you can choose almost any resort, since almost everywhere an excursion program is offered with sightseeing of both the island and other territories, including mainland Greece.
Crete is one of the most famous Greek islands, but few people know that it is also the largest. And this means that choosing it for recreation, you will be faced with another question: where is the best place to relax in Crete? Where to stay to spend the most comfortable time? The answers to these questions depend on what exactly you expect from the trip.
The best beaches of Crete
Needless to say, Crete primarily attracts connoisseurs beach holiday, which is really at a high level here.
But still there are special beaches that deserve special mention. Elafonisi is located in the southwestern part of the island and attracts with pink sand and clear sea, which is rather shallow in this area. Thanks to this, the water in the coastal zone of Elafonisi is always several degrees warmer than in other places. The special charm of the beach lies in the fact that there is practically no tourist infrastructure on it, which means that you can relax, forgetting about civilization.
A beach located next to the fortress of the same name. Despite the fact that this place is popular among tourists, the sea is perfectly clear here. The beach is sandy and quite large. Snorkelers love to swim here.
It attracts by the fact that it is located at the foot of a very interesting cliff. Thanks to the layered structure, long multi-tiered balconies seem to be located on the rock. At different levels of this rock at different historical periods people dug caves. Now they are allowed to visit.
Where can you have a good rest in Crete with children?
For family vacations, it is necessary to choose resorts with a convenient gentle entrance to the sea and a sandy bottom. The beach mentioned above is well suited Elafonisi, but this list of places for families with children is not exhausted.
Makryialos is also characterized by shallow water, so it is safe to swim here even with babies. In addition, the place is located away from noisy resorts, including Heraklion, so it is perfect for a quiet family vacation.
From hotels excellent service offers Grecotel Club Marine Palace. Here, cots and high chairs are provided free of charge for infants. Even the smallest nuances are taken into account: there is an audio nurse, a device for heating milk. If adults need to spend time separately, then you can resort to the services of a nanny. For children there is a circle, nearby is a cozy sandy beach in a picturesque bay.
Where in Crete to relax young people?
Often chosen for youth recreation. At the same time, young companies usually stay at specific resorts - more noisy, with a rich range of entertainment. One of them - Hersonissos, which is characterized by big amount clubs, rich nightlife. Wherein sandy beaches here is no worse than in modest secluded resorts. Nearby is Water City Water Park.
Another tourist center of Crete, where young people prefer to relax, is Malia. It offers a wide variety of entertainment, not only night life, but also daytime activities, in particular horseback riding.
You can choose the town of Rethymnon with modern fast-paced life. You will not be bored here also thanks to the numerous architectural sights located on the territory of the city.
If you want to get acquainted with the unique culture and history of the island of Crete, you can choose almost any resort, since almost everywhere a varied excursion program is offered with visits to the sights not only of Crete, but also of other territories, in particular, the mainland. We hope that now it has become easier for you to decide for yourself where it is better to relax in Crete.
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