Local Secrets

A ROAD TRIP TO EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF CRETE

If you are looking for a holiday destination that blends good food with quality time in the sand, sea and sun, while throwing in a mix of historical and cultural treasures, then Crete is the place for you. With an exquisite Mediterranean cuisine, unique beautiful beaches, picturesque and traditional villages, Crete, has a vast range of experiences to offer to its visitors. From Zaros Village and Vai Beach to Chania Old town and Venetian port discover a natural paradise full of amazing spots.

Crete lies just short of 100 miles south of the Greek mainland. And while the island is big enough to get to know in a week, renting a car is probably the best way to do that.

Here are the best places to visit on a road trip in Crete. Enjoy incredible beaches, stunning scenery, and ancient sites during a road trip in Crete.

Zaros village
Approximately at the centre of the island, on the foothills of Psiloritis Mountain, is located the Zaros village. Famous for the high-quality mineral water produced in the area, you can find here numerous natural springs and a unique landscape to explore. Just 1.5 km alongside there is the homonymous lake, known and as Votomos Lake with the magnificent blue and green waters. A range of restaurants and cafes are offered around to sit and enjoy the magnificent and peaceful views.

Palm forest of Vai and Vai beach
Driving 2 hours and 30 minutes away from Heraklion you will find a truly tropical paradise. Known for its palm forest and the beautiful sandy beach awarded with Blue Flag, Vai attracts thousands of visitors every year. One of the most popular sights in Crete and the largest palm tree forest in Europe, it covers approximately 250,000 sq.m with palm trees.

Chania old town and Venetian port
The Old Town is where the heart of Chania beats. Take a walk on the traditional and picturesque alleys and discover remnants of Chania’s multicultural history. The Venetian port is the most active place of the town and the ideal one to take a romantic seaside walk, at the end of which you will come across with the imposing Lighthouse.

Known as “the most picturesque city”, Chania has a magnificent Venetian harbour, with a charming lighthouse and old town.

Balos beach
Approximately 56km northwest of Chania, driving through Kaliviani and the Cape Gramvousa you will arrive at a unique idyllic location. Just walk down a 1 km path and you will come across a breathtaking natural beauty, Balos Beach. A very shallow sea with magnificent turquoise waters intermediate with white sand, ideal for young children and snorkeling loves, at its deeper points.

Elafonisi beach
Voted as one of the most majestic beaches in the world and placed on TripAdvisor’s 25 best beaches, Elafonisi beach is ideal for family holidays. A well-organized beach with clean green-blue and shallow waters separated Elafonisi Island from the southwestern side of Crete. An exotic natural beauty on the island of Crete, famous also for its pink sand, created by thousands crushed shells.

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