Category Archives: Crete Attractions & Tips
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
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
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
May 9, 2024
Zaros Crete: Travel Guide, History and Car Rental
Zaros is a village in central Crete, Greece, 48.4 kilometers (30.08 miles) southwest of Heraklion. It lies at the southern foothills of Mount Psiloritis, at 340 meters (1,115.54 feet). The village is known for its freshwater springs, after which it is named "Zaros", which means "a place with a lot of water" in Greek. Zaros's history dates back to ancient times. Minoans and Romans settled in the area, drawn by the plentiful water supply. Ruins of Roman aqueducts that once supplied water to the ancient city of Gortyna can still be seen. The village also has several Byzantine monasteries, attesting to its long Christian tradition. Read article
May 9, 2024
Agiofarago Beach: All You Need to Know by Locals!
Agiofarago Beach is a remote beach located at the end of the Agiofarago Gorge, 74.2 kilometers (46.12 miles) south of Heraklion on the Greek island of Crete. The beach is accessible by hiking through the gorge, which takes 30 to 50 minutes, or by catching a boat from nearby ports like Matala, Agia Galini, or Kali Limenes. The area has a rich history dating back to early Christian times when it served as a center of ascetic life, with around 300 hermits living in isolation within the gorge's caves. In the 14th century, the church of Agios Antonios (St. Anthony) was built, and it remains standing today, along with a well that once supplied water to the hermits. Read article
May 2, 2024
Snorkeling in Crete: Best Locations to Snorkel in Crete
Snorkeling in Crete is highlighted by its clear waters and abundant marine life. The visibility can reach over 30 meters, ideal for observing various species like fish, octopuses, sea turtles, and the Mediterranean monk seal. The rocky seabeds and underwater caves enhance the underwater experience. The optimal snorkeling season is May to October, with water temperatures between 20°C and 27°C. For fewer crowds and good conditions, June or September are recommended. Read article
April 29, 2024
West Crete: Attractions, Landmarks, Travel Guide and Car Rental
West Crete is in the westernmost part of the island of Crete, the largest and most populous of the Greek islands. This region has the regional units of Chania and Rethymno, stretching from the Akrotiri Peninsula in the north to the Libyan Sea in the south. The origin of West Crete can be traced back to the Minoan civilisation, one of the earliest civilisations in Europe, which flourished on the island from around 2700 BC to 1450 BC. The Minoans established several notable settlements in West Crete, including the sites of Phalasarna, Polyrrhenia, and Lissos, where valuable archaeological evidence, such as pottery, frescoes, and architectural remains, has been uncovered, providing insights into the daily life, trade, and religious practices of this ancient civilisation. Read article
April 29, 2024
East Crete: Things to do, Landmarks, Travel Guide and Car Rental
East Crete is a region in the easternmost part of the island of Crete, Greece. It is between the Ida Mountains in the west and the Dikti Mountains in the east. This region has a rich history dating back to the Minoan civilisation, one of the earliest advanced civilisations in Europe, which flourished from 2700 BC to 1420 BC. The Minoans were an advanced civilisation that developed an urban culture centred around major palace complexes like those found at Knossos, Malia, Zakros, and Palaikastro in eastern Crete. Their daily lives revolved around these palace centres, which served as administrative hubs, religious sanctuaries, and craft production centres. Read article
April 23, 2024
Archanes Crete: Top Attractions, History, Travel Guide and Car Rental
Archanes Village is one of Crete’s most historical villages. Its history dates back to the Minoan era. It is located in the Heraklion regional unit of Crete. Archanes has a beautiful view of the local countryside. The village has a rich history dating from the Byzantine era. In 1961, Nikiforos Fokas defeated the Arabs, who had power over Crete. Then, the Venetians ruled the island in 1205. There are churches built during those times. Later, the village of Archanes was known to be the key location in the revolt of 1897 against the Ottomans. Read article
April 23, 2024
South Crete: Beaches, Things to do, Travel Guide and Car Rental
South Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece. It is famous for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and busy cities. South Crete is a perfect destination to experience different kinds of adventure and enjoy the attractions and Crete Restaurants that Greece has. South Crete is situated 300 kilometres south of Athens and approximately 200 kilometres north of Africa. During the Palaeolithic age, humans have inhabited the island since at least 130,000 years ago. Crete was the cradle of Europe’s first civilisation. It is considered one of the largest Mediterranean islands. There are good reviews about the peaceful and historical island of South Crete. There are good reviews about the peaceful and breathtaking scenery of South Crete. The food also receives good reviews, mainly because of the fresh ingredients used. The breathtaking beaches make it a popular tourist destination. The tourists' reviews of South Crete are relatively lovely due to its relaxed and quiet ambience. South Crete consists of several beaches, restaurants, hotels and nearby popular tourist destinations, which cater to all the needs of visitors. Read article
April 23, 2024
Ammoudara Beach: All You Need to Know by Locals!
Ammoudara Beach is a long, sandy beach on the northern coast of Crete, near Heraklion. It extends 7 kilometres (4.3 miles), making it one of the longest beaches on the island. The purpose of Ammoudara Beach is tourism and recreation. It is a popular destination for locals and visitors, offering various amenities and activities. Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and beach bars line the coastline, catering to the needs of tourists. The beach is well-organized, with sunbeds, umbrellas, lifeguards, showers, and changing rooms. The beach's proximity to Heraklion, the capital of Crete, and its international airport makes it easily accessible, contributing to its popularity as a tourist attraction and a significant contributor to the local economy. Read article
