Category Archives: Crete Attractions & Tips
August 7, 2025
Acqua Plus Waterpark: Location, Travel Guide and Transportation
Acqua Plus Waterpark is the largest waterpark in Crete, offering over 50 rides and attractions suitable for all age groups. It operates from early May to mid-October, but is especially popular in July and August, when visitor numbers peak. The park is divided into zones for thrill-seekers, families, and children, with standout rides including Kamikaze, Spacebowl, Black Holes, and a dedicated island for younger children. A history spanning over 20 years, along with certifications from the Hellenic Tourism Authority and the World Waterpark Association, supports its reputation for safety and operational quality. Read article
August 7, 2025
Nea Chora Beach: All you need to know by Locals
Nea Chora Beach is a centrally located coastal attraction in Crete, 1.3 kilometers (0.8 miles) west of the Chania Old Town and 1.9 kilometres (1.18 miles) west of Chania’s city center. Nea Chora beach is cherished by locals and tourists alike for its golden sand and shallow, calm seas. Nea Chora is partially organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and cafés, while its promenade links to seafood tavernas and nearby attractions. Visitors at Nea Chora Beach can enjoy swimming, beach volleyball, paddleboarding, and sunset walks. Nea Chora is well-connected by foot, bus, taxi, and car rental for tourists exploring further. Read article
July 11, 2025
Koutsounari Beach: A Vast Coastal Escape in Southern Crete
Koutsounari Beach stretches along Crete’s southern coast, a beautiful shoreline popular for its soft sand, colorful pebbles, and deep, translucent waters. The beach features a mix of organized and natural areas, catering to different visitor preferences. The central section offers sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach bars, an organized space easily accessible by car or public transport. Read article
July 11, 2025
Aquaworld Crete: Visitor Guide, Location, What to See and Directions
Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre is a specialized educational and conservation institution located in Hersonissos, Crete, dedicated to the rehabilitation and exhibition of marine and reptilian species. A public aquarium and reptile rescue center, it was founded in 1995 by marine biologist John McLaren, and stands as Crete’s first facility of its kind, distinct from other local institutions such as Cretaquarium and Thalassocosmos due to its hands-on approach and rescue-centered mission. Read article
July 11, 2025
Anogia Village: What to See and Do, How to Get There and Travel Guide!
Anogia in Crete is a historic mountain village located 39.9 kilometers (24.8 miles) from Heraklion Airport and 122 kilometers (75.8 miles) from Chania Airport. Set on the slopes of Mount Psiloritis at 750 meters (2,460 feet), it is the highest village in Crete and known for its strong cultural identity, resistance history, and traditional crafts. The village is characterized by narrow stone alleys, multi-level neighborhoods, and a central square that serves as the heart of local life. Travelers can reach Anogia by car, bus, or taxi. Driving offers the most flexibility, especially when exploring nearby sites such as the Ideon Cave, Nida Plateau, or Skinakas Observatory. Read article
June 22, 2025
Anissaras Crete: Things to Do, Beaches, Nightlife and Car Rentals!
Anissaras is a beach town in the northern coast of Crete, located 24 kilometers (15 miles) east of Heraklion and 3.7 kilometers (2.3 miles) from Hersonissos town, a popular resort town. Anissaras is known for its collection of luxury hotels and resorts including Mitsis Royal Mare (ex. Aldemar Royal Mare), Mitsis Laguna Resort and Knossos Royal Beach hotel. Anissaras Beach stretches along this coastline and is characterized by a combination of sandy and rocky sections. Anissaras beach is mostly man-made and well-organized, offering amenities like sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach bars. The beach is popular for snorkeling and diving due to its rocky seabed, which attracts marine life. Visitors to Anissaras appreciate the clear waters, though they are advised to wear protective footwear because of the presence of sea urchins in some rocky areas. Read article
June 22, 2025
Imbros Gorge: Hiking, Map, Transportation and Car Rental
Imbros Gorge is an 8-kilometre (4.97 miles) hiking route in southern Crete. Imbros Gorge is part of the E4 European hiking path. The narrowest point of the gorge measures 1.60 meters (5.25 feet), framed by cliffs rising 300 meters (984 feet). Imbros Gorge runs parallel to Samaria Gorge and lies 57 kilometres (35.42 miles) southeast of Chania. Read article
June 7, 2025
Lendas Beach: All You Need To Know By Locals
Lendas Beach is a quiet, unspoiled coastal spot on the southern shore of Crete, cherished for its calm waters, rocky backdrop, and relaxed setting. The beach combines sand and pebbles, with a shallow sea entry that deepens gradually, making it safe for casual swimmers and families. Sunbeds are available for free, and the beach stays peaceful even in peak season due to its remote location and low tourist traffic. Lendas is located 70.3 kilometers (43.7 miles) south of Heraklion, reachable by a fully paved road, and offers basic services like tavernas, mini markets, and small guesthouses. Read article
May 31, 2025
Ferma Crete: A Peaceful Coastal Beach in Southern Crete
Ferma Beach is a small, unorganized beach located on Crete’s southern coast, just 11.9 kilometers (7.4 miles) east of Ierapetra. The beach is cherished for its peaceful setting, natural shade from shoreline reeds, and consistently calm, warm waters, ideal for travelers desiring a quiet alternative to busier resorts. Ferma has a sandy shoreline, surrounded by scattered rocks and caves, making it a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and light exploration. The translucent waters, gradual depth, and lack of crowds make it especially suitable for families and casual swimmers. Read article
May 25, 2025
Aradena Gorge: Hiking, Map, Things to Do and Car Rental
Aradena Gorge is one of Crete’s most dramatic Gorge natural landmarks, stretching 15 kilometres (9,32 miles) from the abandoned village of Aradena to the secluded Marmara Beach on the island’s southern coast. Aradena Canyon was formed through millennia of erosion and tectonic activity, and offers a challenging but rewarding hiking experience, featuring steep descents, narrow passages, and vertical drops aided by metal ladders. Read article
May 23, 2025
Panormos Crete: Things to do, Beaches, Travel Guide and Car Rental
Panormos Beach is a quiet, family-friendly destination located 21.6 kilometers (13.4 miles) east of Rethymno on Crete’s northern coast. Panormos beach is set in a natural harbor and features soft, golden sand and calm, shallow waters suitable for swimming, paddleboarding, and relaxation. Its wind-protected setting and proximity to the traditional village of Panormos create a peaceful environment for visitors of all ages. Panormos name comes from the Greek word "Πάνορμος", which means "sheltered harbor". Panormos village is pronounced "PA-nor-mos" in English and written "Πάνορμος" in Greek. Panormos has a population of 500 residents. Panormos beach is partially organized with sun loungers, umbrellas, and basic amenities, while the village itself hosts tavernas, cafés, and small shops just steps away. Popular nearby attractions include Spillies Beach, Melidoni Cave and Varkotopos Beach. Read article
May 21, 2025
Vai Beach: A One-of-a-kind Beach with a Lush Palm Forest
Vai Beach is one of the most iconic coastal attractions in eastern Crete, famous for its rare palm forest, soft golden sand, and clear blue waters. The beach is located 24.1 kilometers (15 miles) northeast of Sitia, offering an exotic landscape paired with organized facilities like sunbeds, umbrellas, and a canteen. Vai is accessible by car rental, with parking near the entrance and a short walking path to the shore. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and hiking to the nearby lookout point above the palm grove. Vai beach welcomes kids and pets and is free to enter year-round, making it ideal for all sorts of travelers. Read article
May 20, 2025
Agia Roumeli: A Remote Paradise on Crete’s Southern Coast
Agia Roumeli is a quiet, remote coastal spot on Crete’s southern coast, recognized for its dramatic scenery, black pebbled shoreline, and clean, refreshing waters. This beach offers a peaceful atmosphere far from heavy tourism and commercial noise, often visited by hikers completing the Samaria Gorge trail. Agia Roumeli Beach provides the perfect setting to swim, sunbathe, snorkel, or simply relax after a long hike, with sunbeds available in some areas and large stretches left natural and unorganized. The beach is only accessible by ferry or on foot, making it one of the most secluded destinations on the island. Visitors usually combine a scenic drive and short ferry ride from small ports like Hora Sfakion, Sougia, and Palaiochora to reach the village. Agia Roumeli is best visited between late June and early October when water temperatures are warm. Read article
May 17, 2025
Analipsi Crete: All You Need to Know by Rental Center Crete Experts
Analipsi is a village on the northern coast of Crete, 21 kilometres (13,05 miles) east of Heraklion, the capital city. It lies in a valley with olive groves near the popular tourist area stretching from Kato Gouves to Anissaras. The history of Analipsi dates back to the period of Ottoman rule in Crete in the 1800s when a small settlement called "Svourou" or "Svourou Metohi" existed in the area. Shepherds from the Lasithi Plateau region started moving to this warmer area during the winter months to feed their animals, and they began building basic stone houses, forming the village. A church dedicated to the Ascension of Christ was established in 1896, giving the village its current name, "Analipsi" (meaning Ascension in Greek). Read article
May 16, 2025
Psaromoura Beach: All You Need to Know by Locals
Psaromoura Beach is a small, pebbled cove in northern Crete, offering a naturally enclosed setting with calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. It is located within a rocky bay, shielding it from strong winds and creating a peaceful coastal retreat with clear, inviting waters. Psaromoura Beach attracts visitors seeking a quieter alternative to larger beaches, combining scenic surroundings with a more intimate seaside experience.Psaromoura Beach is located 22 kilometers (14 miles) northwest of Heraklion, near the seaside village of Agia Pelagia. The beach can be reached via a 25-minute drive from Heraklion, following the E75 highway toward Rethymno before taking the exit for Agia Pelagia. Read article
May 16, 2025
Seitan Limania Beach: A Hidden Gem on Crete’s Rugged Coast
Seitan Limania Beach is one of Crete’s most visually dramatic and remote coastal spots, nestled in a narrow cove on the Akrotiri Peninsula, just 22.2 kilometers (14.1 miles) northeast of Chania, Seitan Limania, also called Agiou Stefanou beach, is a secluded beach that is accessible via a challenging downhill trail, and features a compact shoreline of coarse sand and pebbles surrounded by steep limestone cliffs and clear turquoise waters. Read article
May 15, 2025
Kastri Beach: All You Need To Know By Locals
Kastri Beach is a pebbly shore on Crete’s southern coast, located 60 kilometers (37.2 miles) from Heraklion. The beach is named after the nearby village of Kastri and is known for its glistening waters and relaxed atmosphere. Kastri Beach has loungers and umbrellas in some portions of its shoreline, while much of it remains unspoiled, allowing visitors to admire Crete’s natural beauty. Read article
May 12, 2025
Almyros Beach: All You Need To Know By Locals
Almyros Beach is located 2.5 km (1.5 mi.) from Agios Nikolaos in northeastern Crete. The beach is named after the Almyros River which flows directly into the sea, creating a mix of fresh and saltwater. The beach is ideal for families and nature enthusiasts with its shallow, clear waters and lush greenery. Facilities include sunbeds, umbrellas, and a beachside café. Read article
May 5, 2025
Tris Ekklisies Beach: All You Need To Know By Locals
Tris Ekklisies Beach is a coastal attraction located 64 kilometers (39,76 miles) south of Heraklion in Crete. Tris Ekklisies is named after the three nearby churches and features fine golden sand, clear waters, and rugged cliffs. It's a peaceful escape from Crete’s more touristy spots, perfect for visitors seeking relaxation. The beach can be accessed by car, offering scenic views along the Asterousia Mountains, and is equipped with sun beds, umbrellas, and nearby tavernas. Read article
May 5, 2025
Psari Forada Beach (Sidonia): All You Need To Know By Locals
Psari Forada Beach is a coastal retreat in the fishing village of Sidonia in Crete, situated 74.8 km (46.5 miles) south of Heraklion. The beach features dark-colored sand and deep blue waters, providing a peaceful alternative to busier Crete beaches. Psari Forada is easily reachable via KTEL buses or cars and is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Read article
