Samaria Gorge: Hiking, Open Hours, Map, Attractions and Car Rental Guide
Samaria Gorge is one of Crete’s most iconic natural wonders, drawing hikers globally to experience its rugged beauty, rich history, and ecological significance. The gorge stretches 16 kilometers (9.9 miles) through the White Mountains in southwest Crete, and descends from the Omalos Plateau to the Libyan Sea at Agia Roumeli.
Mochlos Beach: A Beach in a small fishing village in Eastern Crete!
Mochlos Beach is a small, unspoiled beach on the northeastern coast of Crete, located 37 kilometers (23 miles) east of Agios Nikolaos and 35 kilometers (22 miles) west of Sitia. The beach remains naturally sheltered by rocky formations, keeping its waters calm and clear throughout most of the year.
Stavros Beach: All You Need To Know By Locals
Stavros Beach is an amazing beach located 15.4 kilometers (9.5 miles) northeast of Chania on the Akrotiri Peninsula in Crete. The beach acquired international recognition for appearing in the 1964 film Zorba the Greek. Stavros’ distinctive features include its powdery sands, clear waters, and a natural lagoon protected by a limestone mountain, which makes it an excellent spot for families and travelers seeking relaxation. Visitors can enjoy sun loungers, umbrellas, and nearby tavernas serving Cretan cuisine.
Tympaki Beach: All You Need To Know By Locals
Tympaki Beach is a beach in Crete’s southern coast, located 62.3 km (38.7 miles) southwest of Heraklion. Tympaki has dark volcanic sand, clear waters, and strong winds, beckoning windsurfers but is less suitable for tourists seeking calm swimming conditions. Tympaki Beach lacks organized facilities, with no sunbeds or parasols, and only a few tavernas in the area. Accommodations are not available directly on the beach, but the nearby town of Tympaki offers guesthouses and holiday rentals.
Fascinating Facts about Crete: Basic, Historical and Cultural Information
If you're a traveler by soul and Crete is one of the many countries on your bucket list, then you're in for a huge treat. The island is among the best places to visit in the world, and you're certainly going to love it. So whether you're a solo traveler, a couple on your honeymoon, or with your family, Crete is a place you should all visit.
Is Crete Expensive? A Guide to Prices in Crete in 2025
For many years, the idea of a Crete holiday was only on the radar for those seeking a trip to an all-inclusive resort. Its ideal southern Greece location means great weather and over 2000 hours of sunshine every year. Travellers were ready to pay a lot to enjoy the Crete's atmosphere without having to sacrifice any of the comforts of home. It was not easy to visit Crete on a budget and has many people asking the question: Is Crete expensive?
Kaminaki Beach: All You Need to Know by Locals
Kaminaki Beach is a small, secluded pebbled beach in southern Crete, located 58 kilometers (36 miles) south of Heraklion, in the southeastern slopes of the Asterousia Mountains. The beach remains naturally sheltered by steep cliffs and rugged terrain, protecting it from strong winds while preserving its untouched landscape.
Crete or Cyprus: Which One to Choose for summer vacation?
Travellers who plan to travel to the two islands, Crete and Cyprus, definitely choose either of the two because both provide unique and varied locations for special events. Some people have questions in mind about Cyprus or Crete. Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and is recognised for its amazing location, making it a popular wedding and honeymoon destination. There are historic sites to visit, lovely beaches to relax on, and traditional cuisine to sample. Cyprus is a beautiful Mediterranean island and a popular destination for weddings because of its charming landscapes and dynamic culture.
Listis Beach (Bandit’s beach): All You Need To Know By Locals
Listis Beach is a seaside destination in Crete, located 64.3 kilometers (39.9 miles) southeast of Heraklion. Listis is cherished for its golden sand, turquoise waters, and striking rock formations, offering a remote escape from Crete’s busier destinations. The beach is accessible via a short dirt road, with nearby parking available.
Crete or Karpathos: Which One is Best for You?
Crete combines diverse landscapes, historical sites, and lively cities, attracting visitors interested in culture, nightlife, and activities. Karpathos offers untouched nature, traditional villages, and quiet beaches, appealing to those seeking relaxation and authenticity. Crete caters to adventure and exploration, while Karpathos provides a peaceful retreat.
Crete or Lesvos: Which One is Best for You?
Crete and Lesvos (also called Mytilene), two Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, offer different experiences for visitors. Crete is better for special occasions due to its larger size, diverse landscapes, historical sites, and well-developed tourism infrastructure. The island provides various settings for weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries, catering to different preferences.
Crete or Corfu: Which Greek Island to Choose?
Choosing between Crete and Corfu (also known as Kerkyra) presents a challenge for holiday destinations. Crete, Greece's largest island, features varied scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture. Crete is ideal for travelers seeking a broader range of activities, including visiting historical monuments or trekking the Samaria Gorge.Corfu, part of the Ionian Islands, is located in the Ionian Sea. Corfu offers impressive beaches, charming villages, and notable buildings for exploration, ideal for relaxation. The cuisine and architecture of Corfu feature a fusion of Greek and Italian elements.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chania Nightlife Tips: What to do in Chania at night?
Chania offers a diverse nightlife scene catering to various preferences, from peaceful evening strolls to energetic dance clubs. The historic Old Venetian Harbor serves as a central nightlife hub where visitors can dine at waterfront tavernas, enjoy street performances, walk to the Egyptian Lighthouse, and admire illuminated historic buildings.
12 Small Islands to Visit Around Crete
Crete acts as an ideal hub for exploring nearby islands and destinations. Several islands near Crete boast unspoiled beaches, rocky coastlines, and biodiversity, making them perfect for nature lovers. These islands provide opportunities for snorkeling, hiking, and peaceful relaxation in pristine settings. Many of these areas are protected under Natura 2000 programs, preserving their ecological importance and ensuring a unique experience for visitors seeking natural beauty.
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.
Oldest and Best Taverns in Crete
Crete hosts some of the oldest taverns, offering authentic Cretan cuisine and modern culinary techniques. The best tavernas in Crete emphasize traditional flavors, exceptional hospitality, and accessibility to diverse dietary needs. Avli Restaurant blends architecture, innovative dishes, and an extensive wine selection. Tavern of Dounias in Drakona specializes in slow food and wood-fired traditional meals with mountain views. Kritamon Restaurant in Archanes highlights traditional recipes, while Kapsaliana Village Hotel Restaurant offers refined dining in olive groves. Many of these tavernas accommodate vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets. Reservations are often essential due to their popularity.
