11 Famous Food and Drinks to Try in Crete
Crete, the largest and most populous Greek island, is known for its beaches, ancient ruins, and vibrant cities. Crete offers diverse adventures and Cretan foods, allowing visitors to explore its renowned culinary tradition. Cretan cuisine, one of the world’s oldest, combines simplicity with rich flavor, making it both nutritious and delicious. While it shares some similarities with Greek cuisine, Cretan cooking has unique characteristics that set it apart. Cretan cuisine emphasizes fresh, local ingredients, including fish, mountain herbs, greens, bulbs, distinctive cheeses, and the famous Cretan olive oil. Cretan Drinks Crete’s mountainous landscape and strong traditional culture further distinguish it from mainland Greece. Crete’s drink culture centers around three main drinks: raki (tsikoudia), a strong grape-based spirit, local wines, craft beers from the island’s expanding microbrewery scene, greek coffee and Cretan Mountain Tea.
Is Driving in Crete Easy? Road Safety, Tips, Etiquette and Car Rentals
Driving in Crete provides visitors with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the island's diverse landscapes, charming villages and ancient ruins at their own tempo. It is essential for travellers to be knowledgeable about road safety, driving etiquette and the car-rental procedure to ensure a pleasant and trouble-free trip.
15 Ways to Choose the Right Car to Rent in Crete
As a tourist making preparations for a vacation to Crete in Greece, deciding on the right Crete car rental has a significant impact on the quality of their time there. It is necessary to choose a car that is not only comfortable but fuel efficient given the multitude of twisting roads and steep hills on Crete. Consider the requirements, the number of people who are travelling with, the amount of money available, and the terrain that one is going to be driving on when selecting the vehicle to hire on Crete. SUVs such as the Volkswagen T-Roc and Nissan Qashqai are good for travelling on more difficult terrain, whilst compact vehicles such as the Fiat Panda and the Hyundai i10 are perfect for driving in the city and on roads that are narrower. Consider renting a minivan if someone is going on a trip with a large group of people or if they have a lot of luggage. Therefore, it is crucial to rent a car that is durable, meets one’s needs, and does not surpass their budgetary limits.
National Holidays in Crete (& Greece): Christmas, Easter, Epiphany, Clean Monday, Ochi Day, Independence Day and more!
National holiday, also called public holiday, in Crete and Greece is a legally recognised non-working day during the year. Greece, including Crete, observes public holidays rooted in its cultural, religious and historical traditions.National holidays in Crete and Greece include Greek Independence Day, Orthodox Easter Monday, New Year's Day, Epiphany, Labour Day and Christmas. The Orthodox Christian faith plays a central role, especially in holidays like the Dormition of the Holy Virgin on August 15.
10 Most Stunning Monasteries in Crete
Crete is often known for its gorgeous beaches, crazy nightlife and amazing food. But, although these things are all true, you'll be surprised to know that the most astonishing thing about the island is its impressive monasteries. A wide range of monasteries is spread throughout Crete, each one more beautiful than the other.
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.
Crete Historical Sites, Landmarks, Fortresses and Points of Interest
The island of Crete is not just a beautiful holiday destination. It is one of the richest cultures and landmarks. There are many archaeological sites on the island of Crete. Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece. The island of Crete is mostly mountainous, and its character is defined by a high mountain range crossing from west to east. It is located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea, separating the Aegean from the Libyan Sea.
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.
12 Archaeological Sites of Crete
Crete is an island in Greece that has a long and illustrious history that dates back thousands of years. It is home to a large number of famous archaeological sites, and ancient Greek ruins, each of which provides a unique perspective on the history of the island. Some of the well-known archaeological sites of Crete include the Knossos archaeological site, Phaistos archaeological site, Spinalonga archaeological site, Gortyna, Aptera, Malia palace, Petras, Kommos, Falassarna, Gournia, and the Armeni archaeological site. The history of Crete dates back to the Neolithic period, around 7000 BCE, when the first settlements were established on the island. In the Bronze Age, Crete was home to the Minoan civilization, which flourished from around 2600 to 1100 BCE and was one of the most advanced civilizations of its time. The Minoans developed a sophisticated culture, which included impressive architecture, art, and a writing system that is still not fully deciphered.
Icarus and Daedalus: The Story of the popular Greek myth!
Daedalus and Icarus were father and son in Greek mythology. Daedalus was a skillful architect and craftsman, while Icarus was his only child. King Minos of Crete imprisoned Daedalus and Icarus in the Labyrinth, a maze-like structure that housed the Minotaur, a monstrous creature with the head of a bull and the body of a man. Daedalus made wings of feathers and wax to escape from the island for himself and his son. Daedalus warn Icarus not to fly too close to the sun or too low to the sea, but Icarus was overcome by excitement and flew higher and higher until the wax melted and his wings fell apart. Icarus fell into the sea and drowned. In his honour, the sea near Icaria, where his body was washed ashore, was called the Icarian Sea.
18 Best Crete Gorges You Need to Visit
Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece. It is ranked 88th largest island in the world. Crete hosts the largest number of gorges in Greece. For years, hiking has been a tourist attraction in Crete. More and more tourists, mostly from German-speaking countries, come for hiking. Most Crete Gorges hikes start in the mountains and end at sea. Some gorges will require mountaineering equipment to climb. Other gorges can be accessed by walking on easy trails for just a few hours. The Samaria Gorge National Park is one of the most prominent gorges in Crete. It has been Greece’s National Park since 1962. Most hikers will love the Samaria Gorge National Park because it offers many hiking trails with majestic views. The Samaria Gorge National Park can be considered a Crete budget-friendly gorge. The Topolia Gorge, in the inland area of Kissamos, offers an impressive landscape. Topolia Gorge is known to locals as the “Gorge of Caves”, due to the many caves found along its route. According to local traditions, Topolia Gorges hosted fairies and the magical Minoan Goddess Vritomartis. The Ha Gorge is located on the west side of the Thrypti mountains near Vasiliki and the small village of Monastiraki. The gorge is very narrow, and the walls rise hundreds of metres. The area inside Ha Gorge is an important wildlife habitat. Crete has the best gorges every tourist needs to visit.
Christmas in Crete: Explore Crete During the Festive Season
Christmas in Crete is an exciting event that combines the island's rich cultural heritage with a festive mood. Crete, located in southern Greece, offers a unique blend of traditions, landscapes and festivals, making it a perfect place for an amazing Christmas vacation.The Christmas season in Crete is marked by a series of colourful festivals that highlight the island's long-standing traditions. Local markets come alive with displays of seasonal vegetables, traditional delicacies and handcrafted crafts, providing an excellent opportunity to participate in local culture and obtain unique presents. The towns and villages are decked out in seasonal decorations, such as dazzling lights and elaborately crafted nativity scenes, adding a magical touch to the atmosphere.
14 Ancient Cities in Crete
Crete is the biggest island in Greece that contains plenty of stunning archaeological ruins and historical cities. It has plenty of ancient cities with different historical stories that will amaze tourists in their city. The first civilizations that lived in Crete were the civilizations Minoan. Crete also became the primary location for the Aegean’s Bronze Age culture. The culture of Minoan arose in the 15th century, where Crete was renowned for its largest cities and buildings. In modern day, the ancient cities of Crete became popular with tourists for its incredible attractions. Each of the cities can offer both historical sites and nature adventures.
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.
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.
Istro Beach: Location, Map, Travel Tips and Car Rental
Istro Beach on Crete's eastern coast, 12 km (7.5 miles) southeast of Agios Nikolaos, has turquoise waters, golden sand and calm sea, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Istro Beach holds Blue Flag status, ensuring excellent water quality, safety and amenities like sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, changing rooms and beachside cafes. Visitors can enjoy jet skiing, paddleboarding, and banana boat rides. Istro Beach is accessible by rental car, with nearby parking, as well as buses and taxis from towns like Agios Nikolaos.
Pachia Ammos Beach: A small sandy beach near Ierapetra Crete!
Pachia Ammos Beach, a sandy stretch on Crete's southern coast, lies near Mirthios village, 10 kilometers (6.21 miles) east of Ierapetra, 95 kilometers (59 miles) from Heraklion, and 17 kilometers (10.6 miles) east of Agios Nikolaos. This secluded beach, bordered by steep cliffs and the Libyan Sea, features soft beige sand that blends into calm blue waters. The name "Pachia Ammos" aptly refers to the beach's dense sands.
Vathi Beach Kritsa: A gem beach near Agios Nikolaos Crete!
Vathi Beach is a man-made beach 10 kilometers south of Agios Nikolaos in the Kritsa area of eastern Crete. Created in 2010 alongside the Daios Cove hotel, Vathi Beach is in a narrow, circular bay, well-protected from wind, resulting in calm, waveless waters ideal for swimming and families. Vathi Beach is popular for a beach experience and serves as a base for exploring Mirabello Bay's cultural and natural attractions. Vathi Beach sits in a narrow, wind-protected bay, facing east on Mirabello Bay. Vathi Beach is an artificial beach, created during the construction of the Daios Cove hotel in 2010. Vathi beach is lesser-known due to its recent creation.
Kavros Beach: A Long Sandy Beach near Georgioupolis Crete!
Kavros Beach is a 10 kilometres (6.21 miles) long, sandy shoreline on Crete's northern coast, situated between Rethymno and Chania. The beach is known for its fine golden sand and calm seas, making it an ideal spot for swimming and watersports. The nearby village of Kavros offers a range of accommodation, dining, and shopping options, catering to various visitor needs.
Filaki Beach: A Naturist-friendly beach near Sfakia Crete!
Filaki Beach is one of the nudist-friendly beaches managed by Vritomartis Naturist Resort. It is located 3 km (1.86 miles) east of Chora Sfakia and 75 km (46.6 miles) south of Chania. Filaki Beach derives its name from the Greek word "filaki", which means "prison", reflecting its remote location.
