Dikteon Cave, locally known as Psychro Cave, is a renowned natural wonder located on the Greek island of Crete. Dikteon Cave is widely recognised for its historical and mythological significance. The cave holds great importance as it is believed to be the birthplace of Zeus, the king of the Greek gods. Rhea, Zeus' mother, sought refuge in the cave to give birth secretly, according to mythology.
Dikteon Cave is known for its impressive stalagmites and stalactite formations, creating a captivating underground landscape. Visitors need to travel to the village of Psychro, to reach the cafe located on the Lassithi Plateau in East Crete. The journey involves driving along a winding and uphill road, taking approximately 45 minutes to an hour from nearby towns such as Neapoli, Malia, Stalida and Hersonissos. Read article
The Koules Fortress or Castello a Mare (“Fort on the Sea” in Italian), is a defensive structure located at the entry point to Heraklion's historic harbour in Crete, Greece. The Republic of Venice constructed it in the early years of the 16th century and it is still standing now. The major objective was to defend the city of Heraklion, Crete and its citizens from pirate and other conqueror attacks.
Arabs protected the site in the 9th and 10th centuries, with a Byzantine tower named “Castellum Comunis.” The “koules'' were damaged when they were demolished by an earthquake in 1303. The Venetian Senate strengthened Candia's defences in 1462, but the Koules Fortress was destroyed in 1523. Old ship stone was used as a breakwater when the Castello a Mare was built. It had 25 large guns on the roof and 18 cannons on the ground floor when it was finished in 1540. Read article
Crete is for people who like camping and have a great time. The air is perfect in Crete, especially in the summer, when it seldom rains. Camping in Crete is the best place to stay for people who want to spend all their time in direct contact with the lush and beautiful land of Crete. There are a lot of well-planned and equipped campsites where tourists get close to nature safely and easily on Crete.
Some available online platforms and websites specialise in camping when looking for camping sites in Crete. The platforms provide information about the location of the campsites, their amenities and their availability. Get up-to-date information and make plans by calling local tourism offices or going straight to the campsite. Read article
Fodele is a lovely town on Crete's northern shore. Fodele offers a scenic environment surrounded by mountains and rich vegetation. It is located about 25 kilometres West of the island's capital, Heraklion. The small town is famous for being the birthplace of El Greco, a famous painter. Explore the El Greco Museum in Fodele, Crete, to learn more about the artist's life and works and to obtain an understanding of the painter's artistic journey. Read article
Chania is a city on the northwest coast of the Greek island of Crete. It is a tourist destination that beautifully blends the old with the new. Its rich history, stunning landscapes and modern amenities make it a must-visit location for any traveller. This guide will provide an overview of the city's history, hiking opportunities, tours and car rental options. Chania's history is as vibrant as its colourful Venetian harbour. Established by the Minoans in 2200 BC, the city has seen the rise and fall of various civilisations, each leaving its unique imprint. The Venetians fortified the city in the 13th century and their influence is still visible in the harbour, lighthouse and the well-preserved old town. The Ottoman Turks also left their mark with the construction of mosques and bathhouses. Read article
Elounda is a lovely beach village on the northeastern shore of the Greek island of Crete. Elounda is located roughly 70 km east of Heraklion, the capital city. It has a beautiful setting overlooking Mirabello Bay and the famous Spinalonga Island.
Elounda is famous for its natural beauty, beautiful waters and opulent resorts. Elounda is a popular resort for domestic and international tourists looking for a peaceful and scenic escape. The town has become well-known for its expensive hotels and villas, which attract travellers seeking a rich and indulgent vacation experience. Elounda to Plaka is a popular walk along the coast, affording stunning views of the crystal-clear ocean and beautiful settlements. Read article
Kolokytha Beach is a beach located in the north of Crete, 3.1 km (1.9 miles) away from Elounda and located 13.1 km (8.3 miles) from Agios Nikolaos. Kolokytha Beach offers various recreational activities such as , snorkelling and hiking. The best time to visit Kolokytha Beach is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm and sunny. However, it's important to note that the beach can get crowded during this peak tourist season. For a quieter experience, it is recommended to visit during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, when the weather is still welcoming and the beach is less crowded. Read article
Heraklion, the capital city of Crete, is a vibrant and bustling hub with diverse hotel options to match every budget. This list includes the best choices, ranging from luxury to eco-friendly to boutique hotels, all centrally located for ease of access to local attractions. GDM Megaron Hotel, a monument of history turned into a luxury hotel, offers guests a deluxe experience in the city's heart. For eco-conscious travellers, Olive Green Hotel presents a sustainable and cultural blend in a boutique setting. Dimargio Luxury Hotel & Spa brings comfort and relaxation a few meters away from the city centre. At the same time, Sartori Concept Hotel and DOM Boutique Hotel offer stylish boutique experiences, merging convenience and local attractions. For urban living, Metropole Urban Hotel provides access to many attractions and Artion City Boutique Hotel serves up a boutique experience with a sun terrace, shared lounge and restaurant. Finally, for an apartment-like feel, LAVRIS City Suites offer equipped apartments with free WiFi. Each hotel offers a unique experience, making a stay in Heraklion memorable for every traveller, regardless of budget. Read article
Heraklion, the capital city of Crete, is a vibrant urban hub. As one of the most historically significant cities in the Mediterranean, it offers an intricate blend of ancient and modern. Beyond its rich history, Heraklion has an exciting and lively nightlife. The local nightlife centres around the charming old town, where cobblestone streets are lined with traditional tavernas, modern bars and live music venues. From elegant cocktail lounges to cosy pubs, Heraklion has a bar to suit every mood and preference. Among the must-visit bars, you'll find the vibrant Xalavro Open Bar, known for its inventive cocktails and the Whistler Espresso Bar, which presents a chic, contemporary setting. For a more traditional Greek experience, head to Stone Project for a glass of local raki or wine while enjoying the stunning sea views. The upbeat The Bitters Bar caters to all tastes with its vast selection of wines, beers and spirits. Read article
Agia Fotia Beach, located on the southeastern coast of Crete, is located 22.9 km (14.2 miles) east of Ierapetra and 56.4km (35 miles) southeast of Agios Nikolaos Town. Its name, derived from the Greek words "Agia", meaning "Saint", and "Fotia", meaning "Fire", is as intriguing as the beach itself. The beach is famous for its crystal-clear waters, pebbly shores and lush greenery. Agia Fotia Beach is an isolated and peaceful beach located in the Lasithi region of Crete, Greece. It's known for its clear waters and pebbly shores, surrounded by tamarisk trees offering natural shade. The beach's origins are linked to local legends about Saint Fotia from Greek Orthodox Christianity. Situated between Makrigialos and Ierapetra, it's a popular destination for both locals and tourists, contributing to the region's tourism industry. The preservation of the beach involves regular cleaning and strict regulations to protect its natural environment. Nearby attractions include Galini Beach, Agia Fotia Monastery, Sitia and Makrigialos. Various accommodations and dining options are available for visitors to enjoy their stay. Read article
Kedrodasos Beach is a secluded beach located on the southwestern coast of Crete, Greece. It is located around 76km southwest of Chania and just 1 km east of the well-known Elafonissi Beach. Kedrodasos Beach earns its name from the abundance of juniper trees gracefully adorn its dunes. These junipers, often mistaken for cedars, contribute to the beach's lush greenery that contrasts its pristine white sands and the clear, turquoise waters of the ocean. Read article
Museums are establishments; house art, artefacts and sculptures that are open to the public. There are different types of museums such as Archaeological, Art, Encyclopaedic, Historic and Military. Archaeological museums contain archaeological artefacts such as clothes, tools, weapons and pottery. These archaeological artefacts, sometimes called portable remains, are preserved for later generations to know how the ancestors used to live. The artefacts are used to present things that were invented or flourished before as well. Crete is one of the places in the world that is home to many archaeological museums. Crete is considered to be the largest island in Greece and home to ancient ruins and archaeological sites. Read article
Episkopi Beach is a long, sandy beach, perfect for a variety of beach activities. It is located in Lappei 740 55, Crete, Greece, 45 km (28 miles) east of Chania and 14 km (8.7 miles) west of Rethymnon. Visitors can access it via the main road linking Rethymno and Chania, making it easy to reach by car or bus. Episkopi Beach is 3.5 kilometres long and features a long expanse of golden sand. Episkopi Beach offers an array of activities, including water sports and has facilities such as sunbeds and umbrellas available for those ordering from the nearby beach bars. It is a family-friendly and safe beach, with lifeguards and best enjoyed by children. However, it's important to note the safety warnings on windy days, as swimming can become unsafe. Read article
Ligres Beach is a hidden gem in South Crete, perfect for travelers seeking a more secluded experience away from the typical tourist hotspots. It is located 51 kilometers (31.7 miles) south of Rethymno and 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) south of the village of Kerames, at the foot of the imposing Mount Siderotas. Ligres beach features coarse sand and a fantastic deep sea, offering an ideal setting for those looking to enjoy natural beauty in peace and tranquility.
The relatively challenging access to Ligres Beach has helped limit the influx of tourists, preserving its serene and unspoiled environment. As a result, it remains one of the nicest and most secluded beaches on the island, providing a perfect retreat for those seeking solitude and a more authentic Cretan beach experience.
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Sitia is a picturesque town located on the eastern coast of the Greek island of Crete. Sitia is featuring a charming harbor, beautiful beaches, archaeological sites and traditional villages. It's an accessible destination with two main modes of transportation - by air and by sea. Sitia's own airport serves domestic flights from Greece. It's practical to rent a car for convenience in exploring the area. The car rental process requires a valid driving licence and a credit or debit card bearing the driver’s name. The cost of car rentals in Crete, including Sitia, ranges from €30 to €40 per day on average. If you're planning on a longer stay, a week-long rental is typically around €250, while a weekend car rental might cost approximately €78. Because the streets of Sitia can be narrow, it's often advisable to opt for a smaller vehicle. Read article
Avlaki Beach is located in Vrachasi, near the villages of Sissi and Milatos in Crete island, Greece. It’s a serene beach with grey sand, pebbles and clear blue waters. The beach is family-friendly, making it an excellent spot for swimming and snorkelling. Avlaki Beach is nestled in a secluded cove, bordered by cliffs. It offers amenities such as sun loungers and umbrellas for rent. The beach is 1.2 km (0.75 miles) away from Sissi and entrance is free. Besides water activities, visitors can enjoy hiking near Avlaki Beach, with the Selinari Canyon just 2.9 kilometres (1.8 miles) away. Read article
Rethymno is a town located in the center of Crete. It has a rich history and is known for its historical landmarks, beautiful beaches and rich culture. The town was established by the Minoans and played a significant role in the Mediterranean world during its prime. Rethymno is home to the Rethymno Fortress, an impressive structure with thick curtain walls that protected the town from attacks. In terms of accommodation in Rethymno, there is a plethora of top-rated hotels. Rimondi Boutique Hotel, a well-preserved Venetian mansion, exudes historical charm and contemporary comfort. Avli Lounge Apartments, tucked away in the city's heart, offer luxurious and uniquely styled suites. Mythos Suites Hotel provides an unforgettable stay with its fusion of modern luxury and traditional aesthetics. Read article
Chania, a charming city located on the northwest coast of Crete, stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Greece. Adorned with a beautiful Venetian harbour, cobblestone streets and an old town filled with quaint shops and eateries, Chania offers an idyllic setting for travellers seeking to experience authentic Cretan life. Accommodation in Chania caters to every type of traveller. The best hotels in Chania range from luxurious resorts to boutique hotels, each offering a unique taste of Cretan hospitality. Many of these establishments are within walking distance of the city's main attractions. In contrast, others offer a serene retreat in the surrounding countryside or on the sandy shores of the Aegean Sea. These hotels provide comfort and convenience for guests, with amenities such as pools, fine dining options and stunning views of the city or the sea. Read article
Chania, a city on the northwest coast of Crete, Greece, combines ancient history with a modern vibe, and is often regarded as one of the most picturesque cities in Greece. It lies along the North coast of Crete, near the westernmost point of the island. With its mountains, gorges, and coastline, Chania exhibits a diverse and beautiful landscape. Chania's Old Town is a testament to its rich history, characterised by narrow streets, old buildings, the emblematic lighthouse. Read article
Lygaria Beach is a much-visited beach in Crete, situated approximately 21 kilometers (13.05 miles) west of Heraklion and close to the village of Agia Pelagia. It's an attractive sandy beach, tucked away in a sheltered bay that safeguards it from harsh winds. Ligaria offers sun loungers, umbrellas, a range of local restaurants, and opportunities for exciting water activities such as swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. To get to Lygaria Beach, you can take a car, bus, or taxi. If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car from Heraklion and take the BOAK/A90 highway towards Rethymno. After approximately 21 kilometers (13.05 miles), take the Ligaria exit and follow the signs to the beach. Read article
