Category Archives: Crete Attractions & Tips
August 25, 2024
Agia Galini: Things to Do, Beaches, Travel Guide and Car Rental
Agia Galini, located on the southern coast of Crete, is known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and convenient car rental options. The town features a semiarid climate, making it an ideal destination year-round, especially from May to October. Beachgoers can enjoy the fine pebbles and amenities at Agia Galini Beach, with sunbeds and umbrellas available for €8 ($8, £6) per day. Nearby Preveli Beach, known for its palm forest and the Kourtaliotiko River, offers a landscape, though visitors must bring their own beach gear and pay €2 ($2, £2) for parking. Travelers are encouraged to rent a car to fully explore Agia Galini and its surroundings. Renting a medium-sized car, such as a Renault Kadjar, ensures comfort and efficiency. Car rentals in the area typically cost €57 ($63, £49) per day, varying by vehicle type and rental duration. Smaller cars like economy models range from €52 ($57, £45) to €54 ($60, £47) per day, while compact cars average €68 ($75, £59). For larger groups, medium-sized cars are available at an average of €41 ($45, £35) per day. Agia Galini offers attractions such as the Gortyna Archaeological Site, the Minoan Palace of Phaistos, and the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Read article
August 25, 2024
Palekastro: Things to Do, Beaches, Travel Guide and Car Rental
Palekastro is located at Crete's eastern end, and holds a history by Venetian influence. The town's name, derived from "old fort". Hiking trails in and around Palekastro cater to different skill levels. For travelers, a medium-sized rental car from car rental crete is recommended, offering comfort and efficiency for exploring both urban settings and scenic routes around Crete. Popular routes include the Golden Beach and Grove loop and the more challenging Cyclamen Gorge. A tour in Palekastro and its surroundings is best done with a rental car, providing the flexibility to navigate both urban areas and routes. Palekastro is 16.8 kilometers (10.4 miles from Sitia, or Heraklion International Airport, 140.4 kilometers (87 miles). Palekastro's Mediterranean climate features warm summers and cool winters, so pack light, breathable clothing and sturdy hiking shoes. Entry fees for key attractions include €4 ($4.50, £3.60) for Moni Toplou and €2 ($2.25, £1.80) for the Archaeological Site of Roussolakkos. Car rentals in Crete range from €18 ($22, £16) to €30 ($37, £26) per day, ensuring an affordable and comprehensive travel experience. Read article
August 8, 2024
Spili Crete: Attractions, Beaches, Travel Guide and Car Rental
Spili, whose name comes from "spilia", meaning "cave", features a history dating back to the Second Byzantine era. Spili offers a variety of hiking routes catering to different levels of difficulty and interests. The hike begins at Spili’s Kefalovrissi fountains and climbs to the summit of Mount Kedros. Spili offers a range of activities and attractions, including the Venetian fountain with 25 lion head spouts, the Kourtaliotiko Gorge with its towering limestone cliffs and waterfalls. A medium-sized car is ideal for visiting Spili, offering comfort, fuel efficiency, and maneuverability. This type of vehicle is well-suited for navigating the narrow streets and winding roads typical of Cretan towns. Car rental prices start from €30 ($33, £26) per day. Renting a car in Crete is recommended for visiting Spili. Car rental prices vary, with rates starting from €30 ($34, £25) per day. Spili does not require advance booking for general visits. The town welcomes tourists to enjoy its beauty and local culture without the need for prior reservations. Renting a car enhances the travel experience, offering the flexibility to explore Spili and its surrounding areas independently. Read article
August 7, 2024
Kissamos: Things to do, Beaches, Travel Guide and Car Rental
Kissamos, located on the western coast of Crete, Greece, offers a blend of natural beauty, historical richness, and Cretan culture. The Kissamos Archaeological Museum is a cultural landmark, inviting visitors to explore artifacts narrating the area's history from the Neolithic to the Roman era. Not far, the Kastelli-Kissamos Fortress, remnants of Venetian and Genoese architecture, offers a glimpse into the town's strategic military past. Another gem, the Church of Agia Marina, with its Byzantine frescoes, is a testament to the region's spiritual heritage. Kissamos's appeal extends to its accessible location, providing an ideal base for exploring western Crete's natural and historical sites. Transportation options with car rental services offer a convenient way to traverse the landscapes and visit remote beaches and archaeological sites. For those relying on public transport, regular bus services connect Kissamos to significant towns, including Chania and Heraklion. Kissamos also features modest nightlife options, offering cozy bars and cafes for relaxing evenings. For shopping lovers, local markets and specialty shops offer everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts, reflecting the town's rich agricultural and artistic traditions. Read article
August 4, 2024
Ierapetra Crete: Best things to do, Attractions, Beaches and Car Rentals
Ierapetra has traditionally been a significant island center, advantageously positioned and endowed with favourable natural conditions. It has developed into the biggest town in south Crete and a significant travel hub. This is a great place to visit, especially if you are looking for a town that is livelier than Agios Nikolaos or Sitia. Read article
July 7, 2024
17 Best Restaurants in Rethymno
The best restaurants in Rethymno capture the diverse culinary scene of Rethymno, a city known for its rich history, beautiful beaches and charming Old Town. The city offers various restaurants that cater to different tastes. Notable examples include Lemonokipos, known for traditional Greek dishes and vegetarian options and CAVO, a beachfront restaurant specialising in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood. Another top restaurant is Avli, which merges modern and traditional Cretan cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. Rethymno is renowned for its Venetian Harbor and Fortezza fortress, iconic landmarks reflecting the city's Venetian heritage. The Old Town, with its mediaeval quarter, narrow alleys, Venetian buildings and Ottoman-era influences, is a place of interest. Tourists also enjoy Rethymno's beautiful beaches and vibrant student life courtesy of the University of Crete. The city's raki production, a traditional grape-based alcoholic drink, adds to its cultural richness. Read article
July 6, 2024
24 Best Things to Do in Crete and Activities
Crete, Greece's enchanting island jewel, provides a variety of things to do that appeal to a wide range of interests and passions. The alternatives for things to do in Crete are almost limitless. Crete entices explorers, history buffs, nature lovers, and foodies alike, with ancient ruins that whisper stories of a rich past and blue seas of magnificent beaches. The fascinating resort has some top things to do in Crete, combining classic charm and contemporary vitality. Crete offers a unique vacation that captures the spirit of Greek culture, hospitality, and natural beauty, whether meandering through charming neighbourhoods, diving into historical treasures, savouring excellent Mediterranean food, or going on daring outdoor exploits. Read article
July 5, 2024
Kourtaliotiko Gorge & Waterfall: All you need to know from locals
Kourtaliotiko Gorge is one of Crete's top attractions, featuring a dramatic 7km long canyon carved out by the Kourtaliotiko River in southwest Crete. The towering 600m limestone cliffs and winding passageways dotted with caves, rapids and pools create a stunning natural landscape. Kourtaliotiko Gorge is located in southwest Crete and is popular for its rugged landscape and active river, the Kourtaliotis River, which flows through the gorge. Read article
June 25, 2024
11 Most Popular Museums in Rethymno
Rethymno is home to a collection of museums that provide insight into the rich history and culture of the city and the broader Crete region. These include the Archaeological Museum of Rethymnon, nestled in the Pentagon bastion, which showcases archaeological finds spanning various periods. The Historical and Folk Art Museum of Rethymno offers a glimpse into traditional Cretan life, displaying items from farming to traditional professions. The Military Museum of Chromonastiri explores the region's military history, featuring a wide range of weapons, uniforms and memorabilia. Lastly, the Museum of Ancient Eleutherna, located in the archaeological park, unveils historical artefacts dating back thousands of years. These museums collectively enrich the understanding of Rethymno's history, making it a destination that appeals to history enthusiasts and culture seekers. Read article
June 10, 2024
Daratso (Kato Daratso): Things to do, History, Travel and Car Rental Guide
Daratso is a tourist resort located on the northwest coast of Crete. It consists of two parts - upper Daratso on a hill and lower Daratso stretching along the seashore. The name Daratso comes from the Greek word for forest, the area that used to be covered in dense woods. The weather in Daratso features hot, dry summers and mild winters typical of the Mediterranean climate. Read article
June 10, 2024
Tavronitis Crete: All You Need to Know by Locals!
Tavronitis is a small village on the Greek island of Crete, 21.7 kilometers (13.49 miles) west of Chania. It sits between the coastline and the White Mountains, near where the Tavronitis River flows into the Cretan Sea. Tavronitis played a significant role in the Battle of Crete during World War II in 1941. The village's bridge was the scene of fighting on the first day of the German invasion, with paratroopers landing nearby. The Germans assaulted the Maleme airstrip across the Tavronitis River, eventually taking control of the airfield the following day. Scars from the battle can still be seen on the bridge today. Read article
June 10, 2024
Kalyves Crete: All You Need to Know by Locals!
Kalyves is a traditional seaside village located on the northwest coast of Crete, Greece, 21.5 kilometers (13.36 miles) east of Chania. It sits in a fertile valley surrounded by olive groves and is divided by the Xydas River, with the old town on the west bank and the modern town on the east bank. The history of Kalyves dates back to ancient times, with evidence of habitation since the Minoan era. The village's name is believed to come from the makeshift huts (kalyves) built by Arab pirates who invaded in 828 AD. Throughout its history, Kalyves was influenced by various civilizations, including the Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans. Read article
May 27, 2024
Kritsa Crete: Attractions, History, Location and Car rental
Kritsa is a traditional village in Crete, Greece, 9.8 kilometers (6.09 miles) southwest of Agios Nikolaos. It has a population of around 2,200 inhabitants. Kritsa has a long history, with evidence of occupation dating back to the second millennium BC. The village is built on a hill, and features narrow cobbled streets and houses in the traditional Cretan style. Kritsa's history is closely tied to Crete's past. The village is near the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Lato, one of Crete's most powerful Dorian towns. The oldest settlement in the Kritsa area dates back to the 12th to 13th century BC. Kritsa has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout the centuries due to its involvement in Crete's revolutions. Read article
May 20, 2024
Skaleta Crete: Things to do, Travel Guide, Beaches and Car Rental
Skaleta is a coastal village located on the northern coast of Crete, Greece. It is 12 kilometers (7.46 miles) east of Rethymno. Skaleta was once a small fishing village but has become a popular tourist resort. Car rentals in Skaleta cost €50 ($54.5, £43.5) daily for a basic compact car. Visitors who are looking to explore the mountain roads and rural areas around Skaleta, a small SUV or a 4x4 vehicle would be the best choice, costing €70 ($76.3, £60.9) per day. Read article
May 20, 2024
Kamilari Crete: Things to Do, Facts, Tourist and Car Rental Guide
Kamilari is a village in the southern part of the island of Crete, Greece. It is a traditional settlement built atop three hills - Ovgora, Goulas and Alevrota - offering panoramic views of the surrounding olive groves, the Messara valley, the Libyan Sea and the Psiloritis and Asterousia mountain ranges. Kamilari has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The village gets its name from the Byzantine era, derived from the word "Kamilaris", meaning "the one who rides a camel". This suggests that camel caravans have passed through the area during that period. The area around Kamilari has been inhabited since the Early Minoan times, as evidenced by the discovery of a vaulted Minoan tholos tomb just outside the village, dating back to the beginning of the Neopalatial period (1700 BC). This tomb, known as the "Kamilari tomb", contained significant archaeological findings that are now exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Read article
May 19, 2024
Adelianos Kampos: Things to Do, Beaches, Travel Guide and Car Rental
Adelianos Kampos is a seaside village 4.7 kilometers (2.92 miles) east of Rethymno on the northern coast of Crete. Initially a small fishing village, it grew into a suburb of Rethymno to accommodate visitors and cater to the tourism industry. The town is relatively new and an extension of Rethymno was developed in response to population growth. The Adelianos Kampos area is a fertile plain known for its olive groves and vineyards. It was originally part of the Arkadi municipality. Read article
May 19, 2024
Xerokampos Crete: All You Need to Know by Locals!
Xerokampos Beach is a remote coastal settlement located in the southeastern part of Crete, Greece, 102 kilometers (63.37 miles) southeast of Agios Nikolaos, 44.1 kilometers (27.4 miles) south of Sitia and 69.6 kilometers (43.24 miles) east of Ierapetra. The beach serves as a destination for visitors seeking pristine beaches, clear waters and unspoiled natural beauty away from mass tourism. The climate in Xerokampos is pleasant during the shoulder seasons of May to June and September to October, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). The beach features a variety of textures, including white sand, fine pebbles and clay and the coastline is characterized by small coves, rocky capes and sea caves. Tourism plays a role in the local economy, with a few houses, guesthouses and tavernas scattered throughout the valley. Read article
May 18, 2024
Argyroupolis Crete: Things to Do, History, Travel Guide and Car Rental
Argyroupolis is a village in the Rethymno region of Crete, Greece. It is at an altitude of 260 meters (853.06 feet) between the Mousselas and Petres rivers. The village has a population of around 700 residents primarily engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry. Argyroupolis has a rich historical background. It was built on the site of the ancient city of Lappa, which dates back to the 8th century BC. According to mythology, Lappa was founded by the Greek hero Agamemnon. The village has remnants of Roman, Byzantine and Venetian architecture, including mosaic floors, Byzantine churches with frescoes and grand Venetian mansions. Read article
May 18, 2024
Maleme Crete: History, Attractions, Travel Guide and Car Rental
Maleme is a village on the northwest coast of the Greek island of Crete, 16 kilometres (9.9 miles) west of the city of Chania. This village holds a significant place in history, as it played a crucial role during World War II. Maleme was the site of a major airborne invasion by German paratroopers, known as Operation Mercury. The village's airfield was a strategic target for the Germans, who aimed to capture it and establish a foothold on the island. The Germans seized control of the airfield after sustaining heavy casualties. This allowed them to airlift in reinforcements, leading to the defeat of Crete. The German War Cemetery in Maleme, containing over 4,000 graves, serves as a solemn reminder of the battle's toll. Read article
May 12, 2024
Sougia Beach: All You Need to Know by Locals!
Sougia Beach is a 1.08 kilometer long (0.67 mile) pebble beach located in the village of Sougia, 75 kilometers (46.6 miles) southwest of Chania on Crete, Greece. The beach is a relaxing destination for tourists seeking a less crowded and developed area than other resort towns. Visitors can engage in activities such as swimming, snorkeling, hiking the nearby Agia Irini Gorge, and exploring the ancient city of Lissos. The climate in Sougia is pleasant during the shoulder seasons of May to June and September to October, with temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). The beach is located at the exit of the Agia Irini Gorge and faces the Libyan Sea. The seabed drops off quickly, resulting in profound and transparent waters. Tourism plays a significant role in the local economy, with the village offering accommodations, tavernas, and mini-markets. Archaeological preservation measures limit extensive construction in the area. Sougia Beach attracts tourists primarily during the summer months, and its proximity to hiking trails and historical sites contributes to its appeal as a travel destination on the southern coast of Crete. Read article
