Category Archives: Crete Attractions & Tips
March 10, 2025
Crete or Paros: Which One is Best for You?
Crete and Paros offer unique experiences when it comes to celebrating special occasions. Crete, with its rich history and cultural heritage, Crete provides an ideal setting for exploring ancient ruins like the Palace of Knossos and attending local festivals that showcase traditional music, dance, and cuisine. Paros is a romantic destination perfect for couples celebrating milestones like honeymoons or anniversaries, with its villages, secluded beaches, and active nightlife. Crete is the largest island in Greece, while Paros is significantly smaller. Read article
March 8, 2025
Crete or Naxos: Which Greek Island is Best for You?
Crete is an ideal destination for celebrating special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, or romantic getaways. The island's beautiful beaches, such as Balos and Elafonisi, provide a backdrop for these events. Naxos is perfect for family vacations or group trips with its laid-back atmosphere and family-friendly beaches like Agios Prokopios and Plaka. Crete is larger than Naxos, making it the largest island in Greece. Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades group but much smaller than Crete. This size difference means Crete offers more diverse landscapes and experiences, while Naxos provides a more intimate and relaxed island experience. Read article
March 8, 2025
Crete or Milos: Which Greek Island is Best for You?
Crete and Milos offer unique experiences catered to different travel preferences for travellers in Greece. Crete is larger and more developed, a better option for celebrating special occasions like weddings, anniversaries or large family gatherings. Crete can accommodate groups and provide a memorable setting for milestone events with its well-established tourism infrastructure, diverse accommodation options, and various activities and attractions. Milos is smaller and has untouched natural landscapes, which are best for intimate occasions like honeymoons or romantic getaways. Read article
March 8, 2025
Crete or Santorini: Which Greek Island is Best for You?
Crete is the largest Greek island, located in the southern Aegean Sea. It has a mountainous interior and beaches along its coastline. Santorini is part of the Cyclades island group and is known for its dramatic cliffs, volcanic landscape, and stunning views. Read article
February 26, 2025
Potamos Beach: All You Need To Know By Locals!
Potamos Beach is located 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) east of Malia on Crete’s northern coast, and provides a quieter alternative to Malia Beach. The beach's golden sands allow for sunbathing and walking, while the gentle, see-through waters are excellent for swimming and aquatic adventures. Read article
February 18, 2025
Minotaur and Minoan Labyrinth: Story, Facts, Life and Death
The Minotaur, a creature from Greek mythology, was a half-human, half-bull monster born from the union of Queen Pasiphae of Crete and a divine bull sent by Poseidon. The unnatural birth was a punishment from Poseidon after King Minos of Crete defied the god by refusing to sacrifice the bull. Read article
February 15, 2025
Agios Pavlos Beach: A Secluded Cretan Coastal Paradise Beach
Agios Pavlos Beach is a remote coastal destination on the southern coast of Crete. It features a small bay with clear green waters, rocky capes, and a rocky seabed. The beach is known for its unique geological formations called the Apoplystra Folds, created over millions of years. Nearby, there's St. Paul's Chapel, believed to have housed the saint on his journey to Rome. Alatsogremni Beach, to the west, offers a quieter alternative with sand dunes and rocky formations, great for snorkeling. The best time to visit is from April to mid-November to avoid extreme summer heat. Agios Pavlos Beach's preservation is due to its remote location and strict construction regulations. Nearby attractions include Cape Melissa, Alatsogremni Beach, and Saint Anthony Monastery. To get to Agios Pavlos Beach, you can drive from cities like Rethymno, but renting a car is recommended for convenience. Read article
February 14, 2025
Elafonissi Beach: All you need to know by Locals!
Elafonisi is an island and nature reserve near the southwestern corner of Crete, part of the Cretan Islands archipelago, and administered by Greece. Elafonissi Beach is connected to Crete by a sandbar and lies 76 kilometres (47,22 miles) west of Chania and 5 kilometres (3,11 miles) south of Chrysoskalitisa Monastery. Elafonissi area covers 1.5 square kilometres (0,58 square miles) and is protected under the EU Natura 2000 program and is known for its environmental significance. Read article
January 29, 2025
Crete Boat Trips: Hersonissos, Balos, Spinalonga and Santorini
Crete provides diverse activities in Hersonissos, Balos, Spinalonga, and Santorini. Private boat rentals range from €50 ($54.40, £44) for motorboats to €1,500 ($1,630, £1,323) for yachts with skippers. Popular day trips include Knossos Palace, Heraklion City tours, and Samaria Gorge hikes, costing €35 ($38.10, £30.80) to €50 ($54.40, £44) per person. Crete is accessible by ferries from Athens and nearby islands, with tickets starting at €36 ($39.20, £31.70). Snorkeling and paddleboarding are favored at Elafonissi Beach and Agia Pelagia. Combo packages for car rentals and boat trips are available, with reliable services like Rental Center Crete. Read article
January 20, 2025
Agioi Apostoloi Beach: All you need to know by Locals!
Agioi Apostoloi Beach attracts locals and tourists through its accessibility and amenities. The beach lies on a small peninsula with three bays separated by rocky outcrops. Sandy shores, blue-green waters, and surrounding vegetation provide a space for relaxation. The name "Agioi Apostoloi" originates from a small church dedicated to the Holy Apostles, located on a headland above the beach. The church offers a panoramic view of the bays and serves as a summer wedding venue. Read article
January 20, 2025
Spilies Beach: All you need to know by Locals!
Spilies Beach lies 15 kilometers (9 miles) east of Rethymnon in Crete. Spilies beach, located between Skaleta and Geropotamos, sits near the highway connecting Heraklion and Rethymnon. A small rocky bay surrounds the pebbly beach, offering deep crystalline waters and protection through towering vertical cliffs. Read article
January 14, 2025
45+ Less Known, Exotic Beaches in Crete
Crete, Greece's largest island, offers diverse beaches for all preferences. Livadi Beach enchants families with green waters and modern amenities. Sougia Beach provides tranquility with pebbly shores and hiking trails. Sarantaris Beach near Hersonissos offers snorkeling and serenity.Kommos Beach, an ancient Minoan port, attracts history buffs with its ruins. Agiofarago Beach combines natural beauty and history, accessible through a gorge hike. Limanakia Beach provides family fun with calm waters and cultural attractions. Read article
January 13, 2025
18 Authentic Crete Souvenirs to bring back from Crete
Going on a trip to Crete and wanting to bring back memorable souvenirs to each of those moments into your heart and mind? Looking for the best souvenirs on any visit to Crete can be a tough nut to crack. From traditional jewelry and mouth-watering Cretan food to other Cretan products, you will have a variety of souvenirs to choose from while touring here. Crete has a rich history and is famous for its customs and traditions. You will definitely want to cherish your days in Crete with the 'right' type of souvenir, something that speaks to your heart. Read article
January 5, 2025
Cities of Crete: Names, Facts, Features and Car Rentals
Crete, the largest Greek island, combines history, culture, and beauty across its destinations. Coastal areas offer sandy beaches, nightlife, and landmarks, while inland villages provide setting and traditional Cretan cuisine. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, relax by the sea, or experience the heritage, making Crete an ideal destination for all travel styles. Read article
January 5, 2025
Best Time to Visit Crete: Climate, Weather and Temperature
Travellers enjoy a variety of experiences on Crete, the largest and southernmost Greek island. Personal preferences and the desired type of experience help determine the best time to visit Crete. The summer months of June to August are ideal for enjoying warm weather and the best beaches in Crete. The island is crowded with tourists during the busiest time of year and visitors take advantage of the island's sun-drenched beaches and exciting nightlife. Big tourist attractions are crowded during peak season. Read article
January 3, 2025
13 Amazing Movies Filmed in Crete and Greece
Crete has long served as an attractive film location due to its diverse landscapes, cultural heritage, and supportive production environment. Numerous international and Greek movies have been filmed across the island, making use of its beaches, mountains, historic fortresses, and ancient ruins. The accessible transport links, mild weather, tax incentives, and skilled crews make it ideal for year-round filmmaking. Visitors can easily explore iconic filming spots—like Stavros Beach, where Zorba’s famous Syrtaki dance was filmed, or the ruins of Knossos, featured in international productions. Read article
October 27, 2024
Cretan Wines, Wineries in Crete & Wine Routes
Crete’s wine culture spans over 4000 years, evidenced by Europe’s oldest vineyard discovered in Kato Zakros and a 3500-year-old wine press found in Archanes. Wine deeply intertwines with Cretan life, with viniculture festivals showcasing traditions enhanced by modern knowledge and technology. Carefully selected vineyard sites and favorable climate nurture distinct grape varieties, yielding premium wines that pair excellently with nutritious Cretan cuisine, making it a culinary highlight for visitors. Read article
October 25, 2024
Heraklion Crete: History, Tour, Cost, Travel Guide and Car Rentals
Heraklion, or Iraklion, is the capital of the island of Crete. It is Greece’s fifth-largest city. Its name derives from the ancient Roman port of Heracleum. The ancient history of Heraklion is strongly associated with the Minoan Palace of Knossos. Ancient Historians refer to Heraklion as the port of Knossos, the heart of the Minoan Civilization. The city centre is inside the fortress built by the Venetians and fortified by the Ottomans. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is the city’s most important attraction. The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is where the most beautiful frescoes can be seen. At present, Heraklion is Europe’s fastest-growing destination for 2017. Heraklion, today, is a modern town that offers extensive facilities that cater for all needs of its visitors. Tourists who visit Heraklion will also love hiking and walking tours around the area. One can easily explore the nearest cafés, museums, and local markets. There are several ways to explore and tour going to the Heraklion. One can opt to use a public bus or taxi. Read article
October 8, 2024
Agios Nikolaos Crete: History, Travel Guide and Car Rentals
Agios Nikolaos is a picturesque coastal town located on the northeastern part of the island of Crete in Greece. The town was built around a beautiful, deep inlet of the sea known as the Gulf of Mirabello. This natural harbour is surrounded by high cliffs and linked to the sea by a narrow channel. At the center of Agios Nikolaos is the charming Lake Voulismeni, which adds to the scenic landscape of the town. Read article
September 18, 2024
Milatos Crete: Beaches, Things to do, Travel Guide and Car Rental
Milatos is a village located on the northern coast of Crete, Greece, 47.2 kilometers (29.33 miles) east of Heraklion and 25 kilometers (15.53 miles) from Agios Nikolaos. The village consists of the main settlement, located 1 kilometer (0.62 miles) inland, and the coastal area known as Paralia Milatou or Milatos Beach. Milatos has ties to the ancient Minoan city of Milatos, which was destroyed by the city of Lyttos in the 3rd century BC. Homer mentions Milatos as one of the Cretan towns that sent troops to fight in the Trojan War, according to legend. The best way to get to Milatos is by rental car, bus and taxi. A medium-sized rental car is the best vehicle for visiting Milatos, offering a balance of comfort, maneuverability, and fuel efficiency. Renting a car in Crete is popular among tourists and prices starting from €30 ($33, £27) per day for a medium-sized vehicle. Factors to consider when renting include insurance coverage, driver's age and gender, car type, hotel delivery, one-way rental possibility, and required documents. Read article
