Dear travelers, I’m thrilled to share my incredible adventure in Crete with you. Crete travel guide. This Greek island, a true Mediterranean gem, is filled with treasures waiting to be explored. I’d like to take you on an unforgettable journey through its breathtaking landscapes, idyllic beaches, delicious cuisine, and the numerous exciting activities that await you here. So, follow me and let me offer you some tips to make the most of this exceptional destination. 😊🌴
Crete travel guide – Must-see places
Crete boasts an exceptional cultural and natural heritage. Here are some must-visit places during your stay on this Greek island.
Chania, the jewel of Crete
Crete travel guide
Chania, located on the northwest coast of Crete, is a gem not to be missed during your trip to Greece. As a traveler, I was captivated by the beauty of this bustling port city, with its winding narrow streets and colorful Venetian buildings. The old town’s alleys are filled with artisan shops, taverns, and cafes, offering an authentic and friendly atmosphere. Visit the historic Venetian harbor, stroll along the waterfront, and explore the iconic Venetian fortress. Chania is an ideal destination for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Knossos palace, witness to minoan civilization
Knossos Palace is a must-visit site in Crete. This archaeological site that bears witness to the island’s history is fascinating. As I wandered through the palace’s corridors, I could imagine the lives of kings and queens who lived there thousands of years ago. The entrance fees are very affordable, only 15 euros for adults and 8 euros for students. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious, I highly recommend visiting Knossos Palace during your stay in Crete.
Samaria gorge, a natural wonder
Crete travel guide
Join me in discovering the sublime Samaria Gorge, a must-do hike for nature lovers. With its 18 kilometers in length, it’s the longest gorge in Europe, located in the Samaria National Park in Crete. During this unique experience, you’ll encounter breathtaking landscapes, impressive gorges, crystal-clear rivers, and steep cliffs. The entrance to the gorge is approximately 5€, but it’s well worth it. Plan for a full day of hiking, wear comfortable hiking shoes, and bring a water bottle. Join me for this exceptional adventure!
The best things to do in Crete
Crete offers a multitude of activities for every taste. Here are some suggestions to fully enjoy your stay on the Cretan island.
Crete travel guide
Crete beaches – Where to swim?
The island of Crete is famous for its paradise-like beaches. Here are some of the most beautiful beaches not to be missed during your stay.
Elafonissi beach, a pink and turquoise paradise
This pink sandy beach with turquoise waters is one of the most beautiful in Crete. I was amazed; you’ll feel like you’re in the Caribbean; it’s just magnificent. The pictures speak for themselves.
Located on the west side of the island, this beach is a true gem with its fine pink sand, crystal-clear waters, and peaceful ambiance. To reach it, you can take a bus from Chania or Loutraki, or rent a car to explore the region at your own pace.
Practical information:
- The entrance fee to the beach is €2.5 per person, and parking costs around €5 for the day. Opting for the bus? The one-way fare is approximately €6, but it may vary depending on the season and crowd. The bus ride takes about 1.5 hours from Chania and 2 hours from Loutraki.
Balos beach, a natural gem to discover
Crete travel guide
Balos Beach is another natural wonder not to be missed during your trip to Crete. Located at the extreme west of the Cretan island, Balos Beach is a true natural gem. Accessible only by boat, it offers an idyllic setting for a day of relaxation.
Practical information:
- There are boat excursions departing from Kissamos, a small port about 15 km from Balos Beach. These boat excursions offer breathtaking views of the west coast of Crete and allow you to discover hidden coves and secluded beaches. Prices range from €25 to €30.
Vai beach, between fine sand and palm grove
If you’re looking for a paradisiacal beach in Crete, don’t miss Vai Beach. Surrounded by an impressive palm grove, Vai Beach is a true haven of peace. Enjoy its fine sand and crystal-clear waters for a rejuvenating experience.
Visiting Crete practical information:
- To get there by bus, you can take it from the Sitia bus station. The bus makes several stops before reaching Vai, but the journey is worth it. It takes about an hour and a half. Expect to pay €5 to €8 for a one-way ticket.
Falassarna beach
Crete travel guide
I was completely charmed by this place!
To get there, I took the road to Kissamos, then followed the signs to Falassarna. And what a view upon arrival! The beach is beautiful with its crystal-clear waters, golden sand, and cliffs in the background.
I spent a relaxing day on the sun loungers, but I also tried snorkeling and windsurfing. The underwater landscapes are incredible! To top it off, I watched the sunset from the ruins of the ancient city of Falassarna.
Visiting Crete practical information:
- You can reach the beach by bus from Chania. Buses depart from Chania’s bus station and make several stops before reaching Falassarna. The journey takes about an hour and a half.
The price is approximately €7 to €10 for a one-way ticket. It’s best to check the schedules and fares with the Chania bus station before departing.
Enjoying cretan cuisine and the best restaurants
Crete travel guide
Crete’s gastronomy is a delight for the taste buds. Here are some culinary specialties to absolutely taste and some restaurants where you can savor them.
Where to stay in Crete
Visit Crete
Are you looking for a place to stay in Crete and wondering which cities are the most interesting? I’m delighted to share my top five favorites for a successful stay!
Heraklion
A lively port city with shopping streets, fascinating museums, and a vibrant nightlife. It’s the ideal place if you want to discover Cretan history and culture. Personally, I always settle in Heraklion.
Rethymnon
A picturesque coastal town with cobbled streets, Venetian buildings, and restaurants serving delicious dishes. You can also enjoy beautiful nearby beaches.
Chania
A port city that combines Venetian and Ottoman architecture with a unique Mediterranean atmosphere. Chania’s old town is a true gem with narrow paved streets and colorful buildings.
Agios Nikolaos
A popular seaside town located on the east coast of Crete. This charming town has a relaxed atmosphere and offers fine sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning sea views.
Elounda
A small port town located in the Gulf of Mirabello. This region is famous for its turquoise waters and panoramic sea views, as well as its luxury hotels and private villa complexes.
Among the most popular hotels, we can mention “Domes Noruz Chania” in Chania and “Blue Palace” in Elounda.
Getting around in Crete?
Getting around in Crete: explore your transportation options
- Car rental: Explore Crete at your own pace by opting for car rental. You’ll find numerous rental agencies in the island’s major cities and airports.
- Public transportation: Travel across the island by bus using the Cretan KTEL network, which serves most tourist destinations. Buses are comfortable, and fares are affordable.
- Bicycles: If you prefer a more eco-friendly approach, cycling is also an option to explore Crete at your own pace.
- 4×4 and motorcycle: For adventure enthusiasts, renting a 4×4 or motorcycle provides the opportunity to discover off-the-beaten-path locations.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available and convenient for quick and comfortable transportation on the island.
Crete is an ideal destination for travelers seeking breathtaking landscapes, idyllic beaches, cultural riches, and delectable cuisine. Whatever your desires, whether it’s sports, relaxation, or exploration, this Greek island will fulfill them. To learn more about Crete and other destinations, visit my website at montatanetour.com.
So, don’t hesitate to be captivated by the beauty and charm of Crete! 🌞🌴
Homosexuality in Crete
Crete, a welcoming LGBTQ+ destination
Crete is a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. Here is some useful information regarding homosexuality on the Cretan island.
Tolerance and legislation in Crete
Crete is a tolerant island where LGBTQ+ travelers can enjoy their vacations without fear of discrimination. Homosexuality is legal in Greece, and civil unions between same-sex individuals have been recognized since 2015.
LGBTQ + Establishments and events on the island
While Crete may not have as developed a gay scene as some other destinations, you can still find LGBTQ+ establishments and events in the major cities of the island, such as Heraklion and Chania.
Heraklion:
Q-Café Bar: I’ve had the chance to discover many welcoming and friendly places for the LGBT+ community. If you’re looking for a festive, friendly, and tolerant atmosphere, you’ll love these establishments!
A lively and animated bar, where the music is always good, and the atmosphere is electric.
Aroma Cafe Bar: A perfect place to relax and have a drink with friends, with a quieter and cozier atmosphere.
Marias Rooms & Cafe Bar: Located on the beach in Amoudara, this bar-restaurant is the perfect place to watch the sunset while enjoying a cocktail.
Minima Cafe Bar: A small, intimate bar with thoughtful decoration and friendly staff. The cocktails are delicious, and the atmosphere is always pleasant.
Chania:
La Doze Bar: An iconic spot in the local LGBT+ nightlife, where you can dance to lively tunes all night.
Sinialo Bar: A bar located by the sea, with a terrace offering magnificent views of the bay of Chania. The cocktails are excellent, and the atmosphere is festive.
Orange Blue Bar: An original and colorful cocktail bar with a diverse menu and reasonable prices.
Kariatis Garden Cafe Bar: Located in a picturesque alley in the old town, this bar offers a romantic and intimate atmosphere, with regular acoustic concerts.
MTT impression
Crete is an ideal destination for travelers and cruise enthusiasts in search of breathtaking landscapes, heavenly beaches, cultural treasures, and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re looking for sports, relaxation, or discovery, the Greek island will satisfy all your desires. Feel free to visit my website at montatanetour.com to discover Crete and other destinations.
So, don’t wait any longer and let yourself be charmed by the beauty and charm of Crete! 🌞🌴
