A LOVE-LIST OF 7 MAGIC THINGS TO DO IN CRETE
When it comes to top attractions in Crete, you probably already know about the beaches. The exotic blue water and soft white sand of Chania’s Balos lagoon and Elafonisi regularly feature in the Top 10 lists of breathtaking beaches. But on an island with 1,000km of coastline, there are beaches to discover all over Crete. If you’re based in Rethymno or Heraklion, it’s just a short journey to the four beaches of Bali, perfect for a family splash or romantic getaway. But you could also head south to the twin beaches of Triopetra or secluded Agios Pavlos and intimate Lentas, a little further along the south coast. Likewise, Malia and Sitia, to the northeast, have rightly gained their popularity on the back of their sandy, organised beaches that tick every holiday box. Also if you feel like venturing out, there’s wonderful Falasarna or Kedrodasos that will leave you speechless with their crystal blue waters and golden sands.
The extraordinary cultural legacy of Crete
Crete’s long and very proud history of invasion, rebellion and trading on an island that is at the crossroads of all ancient Mediterranean civilisations has left an extraordinary legacy. We start with the Minoan civilization, which flourished here from 3000-1200 BC – with the world-renowned Knossos Palace often referred to as Europe’s oldest city. But there are other Minoan settlements on Crete such as Phaistos, Gortyna and the Palaces of Malia and Zakros. There are also plenty of examples of Classical civilization, such as the archaeological site of Aptera, in northern Chania. Just make sure you don’t miss the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, to put everything into context. Last but not least there’s Spinalonga, the tiny island in the Gulf of Elounda that merges Venetian, Ottoman and Greek history uniquely, from playing a role in the Cretan revolt against the Turks to being used as a leper colony.
Of all the things to do in Crete, if you want to understand the traditions, food and lifestyle of the people, head to its villages. There are villages in the mountains and along the coast and many are seemingly untouched by time. A little more than 30km outside Chania, the collection of Apokoronas villages – one of our favourite places to visit in Crete – offers just that. Semi-mountainous Vamos is the largest and you should visit beautifully preserved Gavalochori, a settlement of 400 people complete with a 14th-century olive oil press and folklore museum. Or how about heading to the south coast town of Hora Sfakion, from where you can catch a boat to the neighbouring village of Loutro.
The vineyards and wineries
Crete produces excellent wines, made with local grape varieties and European blends at modern family-run vineyards. So our next recommendation is to hit the road… or, more specifically, one of Crete’s wine roads for wine-tasting and a vineyard tour. Around two-thirds of Crete’s wineries are found near Heraklion, with the vineyards of Archanes and Peza, or Dafnes on the lower slopes of the Psiloritis Mountain, standing out. To the west, Chania is the second-largest wine area, with the foothills of the White Mountains offering excellent vine-growing terrain. Many wineries are found around the village of Kissamos, which has gained PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status, although numerous wineries can be visited in northeastern and central Chania.
Wine-making was more recently introduced to Rethymno, with wineries well worth visiting in the areas of Geropotamos and Finikas. And to the east, the vineyards of Lassithi are located around the town of Sitia and the Ziros plateau.
The Cretan countryside
There are mountain ranges across the island, with cloud-piercing tips sending water cutting through the limestone terrain to leave a legacy of more than 400 canyons and gorges that have rightly gained cult status amongst hikers. If you know one gorge already, it will likely be the Samaria Gorge, in Chania’s Sfakia province, starting at the White Mountain’s Omalos Plateau and descending through a magical landscape of pine and cypress trees. You’ll hike through a narrow path with vertical walls before emerging at the seaside village of Agia Roumeli.
The outdoor activities and adventures
It should be pretty clear by now… if you love the outdoors, you won’t be short of things to do in Crete. Take the sea, there are many excellent scuba dive sites but if you want one tip head to Chania’s Gramvousa Peninsula or Kalyves (on the edge of Souda Bay). The underwater coastline to Georgioupoli is well worth exploring, including the Cave of Elephants, so-called because of the elephant bones found on the seafloor. With all those gorges, can we tempt you to try something new? You’ll need the help of a specialist company and the appropriate equipment, but how about canyoning? The gorges of Ha, Tsoutsouras, Kalami and Arvi, which turns into a dark underground river after an 80m waterfall, are all recommendations. Next, we’re sending you mountain biking in the Asterousia Mountain range, south of Heraklion, between the plain of Messara and the Libyan Sea. Rising to 1,230m, you get a pure mountain thrill without the extreme altitude. Finally, you can’t leave Crete without having a little fun on the water. The popular family beaches in Sitia and Elounda Bay are ideal for hiring a Stand-Up-Paddleboard or for other water sports, as Kouremenos beach is for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
The atmosphere of Crete by night
And lastly, for your list of things to do Crete, it’s the nightlife. This is, after all, when the island comes to life. You’ll be spoilt for choice, so here are a few pointers. The charm of both Chania and Rethymno is set by the atmosphere of Old Town districts in both locations, so that’s where you should head for a leisurely moonlit stroll by the sea. Both the settings have inspired a new generation of restaurant and bar owners, with inventive menus and cocktails. And you’re sure to spend far too long in a “rakadiko”, a traditional little Cretan eatery serving Cretan raki and meze. In Heraklion, the city feel takes nights out to another level, with a vibrant clubbing scene to go along with the seaside restaurants and bars that also cater to a softer vibe.
And if you’re in Agios Nikolaos, you should head to Lake Voulismeni, the small inland body of water connected to the sea, in the centre of town. Known simply as “The Lake”, it hosts some of the best nightlife in town and one of the most notable attractions in Crete.