Category Archives: Crete Attractions & Tips
August 22, 2026
August 22, 2026
Odigitria Monastery in Sivas: History, Location, Tour and Car Rental
Do not confuse this monastery with Gonia Monastery (Moni Gonias) near Kolymbari in Chania, western Crete. The two sites share the Odigitria epithet but stand at opposite ends of the island, and their history, fees and opening times are entirely separate. Everything on this page describes the Sivas monastery in the Asterousia Mountains. Read article
August 21, 2026
Melidoni Cave: Where Is It, Myths, Rules and Nearby Attractions
Melidoni Cave, also called Gerontospilios, is a limestone cave [distance km="2"] from Melidoni village on the southern slope of Kouloukonas Mountain in northern Crete, Greece. Melidoni Cave belongs to the municipality of Mylopotamos and sits at an elevation of 220 metres. The cave charges [amount euro="4"] per person for entry, [amount euro="3"] for organised groups and students-Families etc., and opens to visitors from 9:00 am until 7:00 pm. Guided tours lead visitors down a lit path into the main chamber, which measures more than 60 metres in length and more than 20 metres in height. Read article
August 19, 2026
Dikteon Cave (Psychro Cave): Known For, Myths, and How to Get There?
The cave draws visitors with its impressive stalagmite and stalactite formations, which create a captivating underground landscape. Visitors travel to the village of Psychro to reach the cave, located on the Lassithi Plateau in East Crete. People who visit the cave pay [amount euro="6"] for the Psychro Cave tickets, then follow the marked path leading to the entrance, where they explore the mythical birthplace of Zeus and marvel at the natural wonders within its chambers. Read article
August 19, 2026
14 Best Mountain Villages of Crete
The 14 best mountain villages of Crete are Archanes, Zaros, Anogia, Zoniana, Krousonas, Kapetaniana, Asites, Milia, Therisso, Argyroupolis, Elos, Kritsa, Krasi and Males. Kapetaniana, in the Asterousia range at an altitude of 800 metres, is the highest-altitude village in this guide. Each village below carries its own altitude, distance from the nearest city and parent mountain range, so you can pick the right stop for a day trip or an overnight stay. Read article
August 16, 2026
8 Best Camping Sites in Crete
Crete, the largest Greek island, has eight recommended campsites spread across its north and south coasts. Wild camping is illegal in Greece, so you camp only in licensed, designated sites, which cost roughly [amount euro="5"] to [amount euro="20"] per person per night. Camping keeps you in direct contact with the land of Crete, and the summer air is dry because it seldom rains. Read article
August 16, 2026
Snorkeling in Crete: Best Spots, Season & Practical Guide
Snorkeling in Crete puts you face-to-face with loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), Mediterranean monk seals, and octopuses in waters so clear you can see 30 metres below the surface, making Crete the top snorkeling destination in Greece. This guide covers the 17 best spots, how to reach remote beaches by car, marine life you'll encounter, gear and tour pricing, plus everything you need for a safe and memorable trip from May through October. Read article
August 14, 2026
Parking in Chania: Where to Park in Chania?
Chania sits on the northwest coast of Crete and is the island's second-largest city. Its Venetian harbour and pedestrian Old Town draw heavy summer traffic, which is why a little parking planning saves you time. Many visitors drive over from Heraklion to Chania and meet that traffic as they reach the harbour. This guide covers the parking rules, the free and paid spots, what parking costs, and how to pay. Read article
August 14, 2026
Parking in Heraklion: Where to Park in Heraklion?
Heraklion is the capital of Crete and sits on the island's north coast. The city draws visitors for its history, archaeological sites and culture, so parking in Heraklion is in high demand for both residents and tourists. You can reach the city through Heraklion International Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis", which serves domestic and international flights, and through ferry links from other Greek islands and mainland ports. Read article
August 13, 2026
Lake Kournas: Crete’s Only Freshwater Lake – Visitor Guide
Lake Kournas is Crete's only natural freshwater lake - a Natura 2000 protected wetland near Georgioupolis, home to Diamondback Terrapins, herons, cormorants, and eels. Set [distance km="4"] inland from the Cretan Sea at the foot of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori), the lake is a 45-minute drive from Chania, 25 minutes from Rethymno, and roughly 1 hour from Heraklion International Airport (HER) - the most popular freshwater day trip on the island. Visitors swim in clear shallow water, spot wild turtles, rent pedalos (~[amount euro="10"]/hour), and eat at lakeside tavernas. Read article
August 8, 2026
Wineries in Crete: Best Estates, Wine Regions & Tasting Guide
Crete is home to 80+ wineries producing some of Greece's most distinctive wines from indigenous varieties like Vidiano, Liatiko, and Kotsifali. The best estates to visit span four PDO appellations - Archanes, Peza, Dafnes, and Sitia - most concentrated around Heraklion in the Peza-Archanes-Dafnes cluster, 15–30 minutes by car. Below you will find the top wineries, the grape varieties they champion, the wine routes that connect them, and practical tips for planning your tasting day. Read article
August 1, 2026
21 Amazing Beaches in Heraklion for Crete Travelers
The closest beach to Heraklion is Ammoudara Beach, [distance km="6"] east of the city. Karteros Beach follows at [distance km="7"] and Xenia Beach at [distance km="7.2"]. This guide covers 21 beaches in the Heraklion area, from city-side resort sands to remote southern coves such as Agiofarago, [distance km="80"] south of Heraklion. Read article
August 1, 2026
Heraklion, Crete: Complete Travel Guide (2026/2027)
Heraklion is Crete's vibrant capital - home to Europe's greatest Minoan palace at Knossos, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy food scene, and the island's main car rental hub - making it the ideal base for exploring all of Crete. This guide covers Heraklion's history, top attractions with prices and opening hours, beaches, cuisine, how to get there, and practical car rental tips. Read article
August 1, 2026
11 Best Museums in Heraklion: Tickets, Hours & What Not to Miss
Heraklion's museums tell the island's story across millennia. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum offers an in-depth look at Crete's Minoan civilisation through artefacts spanning from the Neolithic period to Roman times. The Historical Museum of Crete covers art and history from early Christian times to the modern era, with Byzantine art, sculptures, and folk artefacts. The Natural History Museum of Crete - housed in a former power plant - focuses on the diverse flora and fauna of the Eastern Mediterranean. With this variety, every visitor finds something that resonates. Read article
August 1, 2026
26 Great Tours in Heraklion That You Must Do
Heraklion is the biggest and most important city on the Greek island of Crete. Heraklion is significant to history and culture because it was one of the most significant places in the Minoan society, which lived thousands of years ago. Heraklion is now a busy, modern city with a mix of historical places, a lively culture and beautiful scenery. Heraklion sits
on the northern coast of the biggest Greek island, Crete, which is the fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. The city occupies the middle of the northern coast of Crete. Read article
August 1, 2026
Movies Filmed in Crete: 13 Famous Films and Where They Were Shot
Zorba the Greek (1964) is the most famous movie filmed in Crete - shot at Stavros Beach near Chania and winner of three Academy Awards. Crete attracts international film productions with its diverse landscapes, ancient Minoan ruins, and Greece's 40% EKOME production cash rebate, having hosted over 20 international and Greek productions - from Disney's The Moon-Spinners (1964) to Amazon Studios' Killer Heat (2023). This guide covers all 13 notable films shot on the island, their exact filming locations, IMDb scores, streaming availability, and how to visit the sets today. Read article
July 30, 2026
Is Crete Safe? Wildfires, Solo Travelling, Middle East War 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
July 26, 2026
Mythology of Crete: Myths and Legends
Greek mythology gives Crete a founding cast of gods and goddesses. Zeus, the king of the gods, took the shape of a white bull to carry the mortal maiden Europa across the sea to the island. Europa then gave birth to Minos, Rhadamanthus and Sarpedon, the three legendary Cretan kings. Rhea, wife of Cronus and mother of Zeus, gave the island its nurturing and protecting goddess. Read article
July 26, 2026
Best Boat Trips in Crete: By Destination, Port & Trip Type
Crete offers day boat cruises from a dozen departure ports - from the iconic Balos lagoon cruise from Kissamos (shared ferry from [amount euro="37"] pp) to Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos, Chrissi Island from Ierapetra, and even a high-speed ferry day trip to Santorini from Heraklion (from ~[amount euro="80"] pp return). Trip types run from budget group ferries to private yachts, glass-bottom and snorkelling boats, sunset catamarans, and self-drive boat rentals (no licence needed for engines under 30 HP). Below you'll find every route by departure port, with durations, price ranges, what's included, and how to book - plus how to reach each port by car. Read article
July 25, 2026
5 Days in Crete: A Self-Drive Itinerary
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, a gem in the Mediterranean with a rich tapestry of history and natural beauty. Crete spans across its vast landscape, allowing visitors to find a blend of stunning beaches, ancient ruins and picturesque towns. 5 days in Crete offer ample opportunity to dive deep into the essence of the island. Read article
