Category Archives: Crete Attractions & Tips
May 4, 2026
The 6 Most Unique Churches in Crete (And the Oldest One You Must See)
Crete has more than 5,000 churches, chapels, and monasteries - a density shaped by 1,600 years of Greek Orthodox faith, Byzantine imperial rule, Venetian occupation (1211–1647), and Ottoman domination. Among them, six stand out for their historical significance, Byzantine frescoes, and unique locations: from Panagia Kera near Kritsa - widely considered the oldest church in Crete still preserving its original Byzantine fabric - to the Agios Nikolaos chapel in Georgioupoli, which rises from the sea at the end of a stone pier. Read article
May 4, 2026
Mosques and Minarets in Crete: A Complete Visitor Guide to Ottoman Heritage
Crete preserves more than a dozen former Ottoman mosques, concentrated in the old towns of Chania and Rethymnon. The Ottoman Empire ruled the island for nearly 250 years - from 1646 until Crete gained autonomy in 1898 - during which the Turks converted most Venetian churches into mosques. When Ottoman rule ended, the buildings were repurposed again: as churches, museums, conservatories, and cultural centres. Today, these structures remain some of the most distinctive architectural landmarks on the island. Read article
April 26, 2026
Kalyves, Crete: The Complete Local Guide (What It’s Like, What to Do & How to Get There)
Kalyves is a quiet, family-friendly seaside village in the Apokoronas region of northwest Crete - known for its Blue Flag beach, authentic Cretan tavernas, and easy access to the ancient city of Aptera. Kalyves occupies a sheltered position on the southern shore of Souda Bay, 21.5 km (13.4 miles) east of Chania and 27.6 km from Chania International Airport (CHQ). The village is divided by the Kyliaris River (also called Xydas River), with the old town on the west bank and the modern village on the east bank. Read article
April 24, 2026
Chania Nightlife Guide: Best Bars, Clubs & Things to Do After Dark
Chania's nightlife spans six distinct areas - from the romantic Venetian Harbour and live-music tavernas of the Old Town to the high-energy beach clubs of Platanias and Agia Marina - with options for couples, groups, and solo travellers at every budget. Chania's nightlife delivers something for every type of traveller: a slow harbour walk past illuminated Venetian buildings, cocktails in a former synagogue courtyard at Sinagogi, or dancing until 4am at Senso Club. Read article
March 11, 2026
Is Crete Safe? Middle East War, Solo Travelling, Wildfires and Earthquakes
Crete is a secure and flexible travel destination, particularly suitable for solo travelers throughout the year. Crete remains a safe destination for solo travelers, supported by cultural awareness, smart planning, and centralized accommodations that reduce isolation risks. The island offers safety-focused solo travel tips that enhance personal security while exploring. Centrally located and well-reviewed lodgings enable easy access to public areas, minimizing night-time walking risks. Read article
March 10, 2026
Greek Independence Day: Parades, Customs, History, Date & Traditions
Greek Independence Day is a national holiday in Greece that commemorates the start of the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire in 1821, a key event in modern Greek history involving figures such as Theodoros Kolokotronis, Alexander Ypsilantis, and the Greek War of Independence, and it is a type of national independence holiday. Independence Day in Greece is a particularly wonderful celebration, as it is in fact two holidays in one. Greek Independence day is celebrated on the 25th of March, coincides with the Annunciation - the Evangelismos. Read article
March 9, 2026
Samaria Gorge: Hiking, Open Hours, Map, Attractions and Car Rental Guide
Samaria Gorge is one of Crete’s most iconic natural wonders, drawing hikers globally to experience its rugged beauty, rich history, and ecological significance. The gorge stretches 16 kilometers (9.9 miles) through the White Mountains in southwest Crete, and descends from the Omalos Plateau to the Libyan Sea at Agia Roumeli. Read article
February 25, 2026
Almyrida Crete: Beaches, Things to Do & Travel Guide
Almyrida Beach is a sandy coastline located in the village of Almyrida, 24.1 kilometers (15.0 miles) east of Chania on the northern coast of Crete. It lies between Kalives at 4.7 kilometers (2.9 miles) and Plaka at 1.4 kilometers (0.9 miles). This coastal destination showcases golden sand and shallow waters, making it a safe choice for families and casual swimmers. It is semi-organized, with open sandy stretches and managed areas that provide sunbeds, umbrellas, and showers. Several tavernas and cafés line the beachfront, serving seafood and traditional Cretan dishes. Lifeguards are present during the summer months, and entry to the beach is free. Sunbeds and umbrellas usually cost €6–€8 (£5–£7) per set. Read article
February 12, 2026
Mochlos Beach: A Hidden Gem Beach in Eastern Crete!
Mochlos Beach is a small pebbly coastline in the village of Mochlos, located in eastern Crete’s Lasithi region. The beach has calm, shallow waters that are safe for swimming but lacks lifeguards. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available in summer at [amount euro="6"]–[amount euro="10"] per set. The beach is situated [distance km="35.7"] east of Agios Nikolaos, [distance km="32.4"] west of Sitia, and [distance km="123.8"] from Heraklion. Access is easiest by car via the coastal road linking Agios Nikolaos and Sitia, though public buses connect only to nearby villages, requiring a taxi for the final stretch. The setting is semi-organized, with tavernas and cafés offering seafood and Cretan dishes nearby. Read article
February 4, 2026
Chania Airport Guide ✈️: All You Need to Know!
Chania International Airport (CHQ), officially named Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport (IATA: CHQ, ICAO: LGSA) is located 14.3 kilometers (8.9 miles) from Chania Town on the Akrotiri Peninsula. It serves both domestic and international flights and functions as a joint civil-military facility alongside the Hellenic Air Force. Chania airport plays a vital role in Crete’s tourism sector, local economy, and defense network. The airport offers various services for travelers, including restaurants, duty-free shops, ATMs, car rental desks, medical support, and free Wi-Fi. Read article
February 3, 2026
Heraklion Airport Guide ✈️: All You Need to Know Before Arriving
Heraklion International Airport (HER), officially named Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, is located [distance km="4.4"] east of Heraklion Town. It is the busiest airport in Crete and a key entry point for international and domestic travelers. The airport plays a vital role in the island’s economy, tourism, and trade, serving as the main gateway to central and eastern Crete. Read article
January 16, 2026
Bali Crete: Holiday Guide, Things to Do, Car Rental, Beaches and Nightlife
[intro]Bali in Crete is a coastal village and emerging holiday destination situated [distance km="53"] west of Heraklion and [distance km="30.4"] east of Rethymno. Bali was defined as a former fishing settlement but now has evolved into a low-impact, family-friendly resort village that retains its authentic charm and Cretan identity. According to the Hellenic Tourism Organization, this type of resort exemplifies Crete’s shift toward sustainable tourism, which now comprises over 35% of the island’s rural hospitality offerings. The village features four organized beaches, amphitheatrically built hillside neighborhoods, and modest yet efficient tourism infrastructure. Read article
January 14, 2026
Smart Guide to the 20 Best Beaches in Crete (Updated 2026)
The best beaches in Crete refer to the most ecologically pristine, culturally significant, and tourist-preferred coastal destinations on the largest Greek island. These beaches are characterized by their unique geomorphology, biodiversity, and heritage connections. Crete, with a coastline exceeding [distance km="1000"], offers over 100 officially recognized beaches, many of which have been awarded the Blue Flag certification for water quality, safety, and environmental management. Read article
January 14, 2026
14 Top Rethymno Beaches to visit in 2026: Explore Preveli, Bali and Agia Galini Beach
A Rethymno beach refers to any of the diverse coastal areas lining the northern and southern edges of the Rethymno regional unit in Crete, Greece. These beaches are known for their geological diversity, ecological richness, and cultural accessibility. Spanning over [distance km="20"] along the Cretan Sea, the coastline of Rethymno includes organized urban beaches, secluded coves, and ecologically protected zones. According to the Hellenic National Tourism Organization, Crete boasts more than 100 Blue Flag beaches, and Rethymno contributes significantly to this achievement with its clean waters and sustainable practices. Read article
January 13, 2026
20 Best Things to Do in Heraklion in 2026: Explore Koules Fortress, El Greco and Archaeological Museum!
Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is a complex urban and archaeological landscape, blending Minoan heritage with vibrant modern life. Heraklion, defined as a major Mediterranean cultural hub, saw over 2 million international arrivals in recent years, underscoring its status as a top-tier destination in Greece. The city serves as the gateway to Europe’s earliest advanced civilization - the Minoans - whose legacy is physically manifested in the ruins of the Palace of Knossos, just outside the city center. Read article
January 13, 2026
16 Best Things to Do in Chania in 2026: Visit Elafonissi, Old Town and Samaria Gorge
Chania is a multifaceted cultural and historical hub on the northwest coast of Crete, renowned for its Venetian architecture, archaeological richness, and Mediterranean landscapes. Defined as one of Crete’s most visited municipalities, Chania recorded over 1.5 million tourist arrivals in recent years, highlighting its enduring appeal. According to Dr. Eftychia Stavrianopoulou, Professor of Mediterranean Studies at the University of Crete, “Chania represents a living museum - where Venetian, Ottoman, and Minoan legacies shape the rhythm of contemporary life”. Read article
January 6, 2026
Hersonissos Crete: Holiday Guide, Things To Do, Beach and Car Hire
[intro]Hersonissos is a coastal town in Crete located [distance km="25"] east of Heraklion, popular for its mix of lively nightlife and traditional charm. The town is dotted with beaches, theme parks, cultural sites, and a vibrant port district, attracting a wide range of travelers worldwide. Tourists who travel to Crete with kids often enjoy visiting Sarandaris Coves, Lychnostatis Open Air Museum, and Aquaworld Aquarium. Party lovers seeking nightlife head to the Hersonissos Strip, where bars and beach clubs stay open late. Daytime activities include watersports at Star Beach, strolling in Koutouloufari village, and boat trips to Dia Island. Hersonissos welcomes over 700,000 tourists annually, making it a vital contributor to Crete’s tourism-driven economy, according to the Hellenic Statistical Authority. Read article
September 28, 2025
Skaleta Crete: Holiday Guide, Things To Do, Beaches and Car rental
[intro]Skaleta is a seaside village on Crete’s northern coast, located [distance km="12.5"] east of Rethymno, [distance km="69.5"] west of Heraklion, and [distance km="73.6"] east of Chania. Skaleta was originally a fishing and farming community, and has grown into a holiday resort with hotels, tavernas, and guesthouses along the coast while retaining traditional homes and traces of Byzantine history. Its sandy shoreline connects to the larger bay of Rethymno, forming the main attraction. The best time to visit Skaleta is between June and September, when temperatures range from [temp c="24"] to [temp c="30"]. The village is described as quiet, safe, and practical for families and couples, offering beach access, small shops, and connections by car or bus to nearby towns. Read article
September 4, 2025
Spili Crete: Holiday Guide, Things To Do, History and Crete car hire
Spili is a traditional mountain village in Crete located [distance km="106"] south of Heraklion and [distance km="84.4"] southeast of Chania. The village has around 634 permanent residents, serving as the administrative center of Agios Vasileios municipality while maintaining its small-village charm. Spili is positioned at the foot of Mount Vorizis, and has historically developed as an agricultural and trade hub before tourism, now blending local life, agriculture, and visitor services. Its cobbled lanes, whitewashed houses, and plane tree–shaded squares shape the character of the settlement. The Venetian Lion Fountain, with [amount euro="9"] lion-head spouts pouring natural spring water at [temp c="13"], stands as its most recognizable landmark and central meeting place. Read article
September 3, 2025
Adelianos Kampos: Holiday Guide, Things To Do, Beach and Car hire
[intro]Adelianos Kampos is a coastal village situated [distance km="6.2"] east of Rethymno, on Crete’s northern shoreline. Adelianos Kampos is known in Greek as "Αδελιανός Κάμπος", and the name translates to “Plain of Adele,” referencing its proximity to the inland village of Adele, located [distance km="2.9"] south. The village was once reliant on olive cultivation and livestock farming, and then transitioned into a seasonal tourist destination in the 1980s. It has around 600–700 permanent residents, but the population increases significantly in summer. Visitors are drawn to its long, sandy beach, calm waters, and accessible location near the E90 highway. Seasonal infrastructure includes hotels, beach bars, mini-markets, car rentals, and restaurants, making the area especially appealing to families and couples. Peak season spans June to September, with temperatures between [temp c="24"] and [temp c="30"], making it ideal for beach holidays and slow-paced exploration. Read article
