Crete is the most large island Greek archipelago. It occupies it southern part, while being surrounded by 3 seas at the same time. After Cyprus, this is the most sunny island, which attracts tourists with an exquisite coastline, picturesque mountain landscapes, fully equipped beaches, in addition, the brightest echoes of the architecture of the Minoan civilization (the oldest in the world). In this article we will find out why holidays in Crete are so popular among tourists.
Climate
Crete is big Island with mountainous relief. In different parts of the island, the climate is completely different. So, in the north, separated by the central mountain range from the south, it is Mediterranean temperate, in fact, as in other resorts in Europe. The south is much hotter, sunnier and drier as it is dominated by the North African climate zone. It is colder in mountainous regions, with snowfalls in winter. On the island as a whole, winters are mild and rainy, which, in fact, the whole of Greece can boast of. Crete, the rest of which is so popular among tourists, seems to freeze at this time. The air humidity level here is determined by the proximity of the sea. For example, for coastal resorts, due to high humidity, it is typical that the heat will be more difficult to endure, and in winter temperatures in the coastal zone are lower.
Tourist season
Crete reminds small country with a huge number of possibilities. This is a space of spectacular valleys, fertile plateaus, golden sands, pleasant smells and stunning views. Holidays in Crete captivate by the fact that it approaches everyone with special care: there are secluded resorts for connoisseurs of silence, lively beaches for lovers of parties, variety for active and athletic individuals. water entertainment... People begin to come here in April, while the massive tourist season ends in mid-autumn.
"High season
Here it lasts all summer, when the air temperature is 28-30 ° C. The thermometer in the hottest parts of the island often jumps to 40 ° C. There is one little secret for fans of midsummer: in Crete, not all beaches are crowded at this time. Yes, they are quite remote from the Cretan cities and do not offer many amenities, while some are ready for the opportunity to relax in seclusion and a lot. At the height of summer, on holidays in Crete, it is usually worth going to northern part islands, on the shores of the Aegean Sea, although the number of tourists is huge.
Low season
All 3 winter months, as well as March, there is a decline in the tourist season in Crete. Then those who are not particularly interested in relaxing on the beach go to the island, but prefer to be in solitude and tranquility. The weather is changeable here, the expected temperature is 16-17 ° C. It can suddenly become warmer or colder. At the same time, for exploring the many attractions better weather and prices cannot be found.
Bathing season
The holiday season starts here in mid-April. Then the beaches of the island are opened. In the Mediterranean Sea, the water becomes comfortable for swimming only at the end of May. In the middle of summer, when the weather is hot, the water temperature in this place reaches 25 ° C. During the daytime, the sun is very dangerous, therefore, try to get to the beach early in the morning or in the evening. In September, rest in Crete becomes the most comfortable, because the intense heat subsides. Due to this, the sea becomes slightly cooler.
The Velvet season
Holidays in Crete in September are ideal. The very end of the month and October here refer to the velvet season. Now it is not as lively here as in summer, but it is just as sunny, while the weather conditions are conducive to swimming and a long stay on the beach. Think for yourself: in September the temperature sea water is 24 ° C, in October - 23 ° C. The only discomfort is that holidays in Crete in October are not suitable for everyone: at night it is already cold (16 ° C), so you can only swim in the middle of the day. A huge advantage velvet season here - these are low prices for food, housing and all kinds of services.
The best beaches
Needless to say, holidays on the island of Crete primarily attracts fans to lie on the beaches, which are actually at the highest level here. But at the same time, there are special beaches that deserve close attention.
Youth rest
Holidays on the island of Crete are often chosen by young people. Companies mainly stop at certain resorts: noisy, with a huge range of entertainment. Among them is Hersonissos, which has the largest number of clubs and a vibrant nightlife. Sandy beaches are no worse than in secluded modest resorts. Nearby there is a water park called Water City.
Another tourist centre the island where young people like to rest - Malia. This place offers a wide variety of activities, not only club life, but also active daytime activities, such as horse riding.
You can also choose Rethymno with a fast-paced modern life. You will not be bored in this place also thanks to the various architectural sights that are located right on the territory of this city.
Vacation with children
For a vacation with your family, you need to choose resorts with a sandy beach and a gentle, convenient entrance to the sea. Elafonisi, mentioned above, works well, although the list of suitable places to stay is not limited to them.
Makrigialos also has shallow waters, therefore, it is safe to swim here even with very young children. This place is located far from the noisy resorts, including Heraklion, and is perfect for a quiet family vacation.
Some hotels in Crete will help to make your vacation with children as comfortable as possible. Thus, Club Marine Palace offers excellent service. Free cots and feeding chairs are provided especially for babies in this place. Also, even the smallest nuances have been taken into account: there is a device for heating milk, an audio baby monitor. If adults need to spend time separately, there is an opportunity to resort to the services of a professional nanny. There is a circle for children. Not far in picturesque bay there is a cozy sandy beach.
It's time for festivals
There is a high probability that, having got to the island of Crete, you will combine your rest with some kind of celebration taking place here. In Crete, Maslenitsa is celebrated in winter, after which Holy Week is celebrated on a grand scale in March, as well as Easter. Next, the Independence Day of Greece is held on March 25, and April 23 is the day of the patron saint of the island (St. George). Residents of Rethymno celebrate the Wine Festival in mid-July, followed by the birth of the Virgin Mary on September 8.
sights
Cradle Minoan civilization bathed in the sun, the whole story oozes. The resort thrives on being a completely controversial island: Malia's thriving parties and the loneliness of wild mountainous areas, dramatic ravines and sugar beaches. A real beach paradise with a rich culture offers you a vacation in Crete, the reviews of which can be found so admiring that, willy-nilly, you want to be there.
Minoan palace
The ancient territory of the castle and the Minoan palace itself are located just south of Heraklion. It got its name from its owner - the famous ancient king Minos, who was the son of Europe and the god Zeus.
In this palace, according to legend, there was a labyrinth where a half bull and half a man - the Minotaur - was imprisoned at one time. Local residents for 9 years sacrificed young girls and boys to him until Theseus killed him. Since that time, the word "labyrinth" has appeared in everyday life.
For 6 euros (entrance ticket cost) you can touch the footprints ancient civilization, walk along the paths of gods and kings: a huge number of halls, galleries, decorated with exquisite frescoes, pink stately colonnades tapering downwards contrary to architectural laws, as well as the Small Palace, the Temple of Tombs and the Royal Villa.
Samaria gorge
This gorge is one of the largest in Europe, it is located in the southwestern region of the island, in the Chania prefecture. This place is a National Park. The gorge is 16 km long. Here you can observe the rarest and magnificent fauna and flora. For example, the kri-kri are mountain wild goats with spiral horns.
The width of the Iron Gate of Sidiroportes, the narrowest section, is 3.5 m, and the widest one is 300 m. All tourists who come here will have to overcome this on foot. Although the feeling that the path is exhausting is deceiving. In fact, it consists of continuous descents. In this gorge there is a whole village where the Church of Mary of Egypt functions.
In general, the walk takes 5-6 hours. It begins at the wooden steps (beyond the Omalos plateau), ending at the coast of the Libyan Sea, where the village of Agia Roumeli is located. The entrance fee to the gorge is 6 euros.
Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
This is one of the largest museums in Greece, it is located in the very center of Heraklion on st. Xanthoudidou. The exposition presented here spans 5,000 years (from the Neolithic period to the Greco-Roman era). It includes the largest and finest collection of works by the Minoan people in the world.
The museum is currently under renovation, but there is a temporary exhibition at the back of the main building. It contains the brightest exhibits from the collection of artifacts, including the Goddess with snakes, the Phaistos disc, golden bees, and a jumping bull. The museum has a total of twenty thematic rooms, each of which is dedicated to its own period and area taken separately.
Best Vacation: Crete Hotels
Those wishing to go here on vacation need to know that the hotels here do not have stars, they are replaced by categories: A, B, C and Delux. The resort houses completely different establishments: from modest small rooms to completely luxurious apartments.
Since the island is one of the most popular among tourists choosing a vacation in Greece, Crete offers accommodation in various formats. Hospitality business it is very well developed here. Tourists want to relax without worrying about where to eat. For these vacationers there are all-inclusive hotels.
Traditional cuisine
Cretan food is not just food, but a way of life. It means healthy eating and a great opportunity to bring family and friends together. Holidays in Greece are becoming more and more popular today. The island of Crete, in addition to all kinds of entertainment, also invites tourists to get acquainted with its unique cuisine.
Traditional Cretan cuisine uses products such as all kinds of cheese, lemons, wild herbs, oranges, lentils, beans, various vegetables, olive oil, barley, seafood and fish, meat and wine in small quantities. Incidentally, most of all organic products in the country are grown here.
Breakfast in Crete
A classic Greek breakfast includes cigarettes and coffee. Of course, this is a joke, although not without a grain of truth. Greeks smoke a lot. And here breakfast as such is not breakfast, it includes a cup of aromatic coffee, a couple of olives and a slice of toast with jam or honey. Sometimes it is complemented by all kinds of pastries, for example, "Tiropito", spinach pies or cheese. They can also serve as snacks during the day.
Coffee
Coffee in Greece used to be called "Turkish". But after relations between these countries deteriorated, it began to be called Greek, which must be remembered when ordering it. There are several types of it:
- "Sketo" - without sugar;
- Varigliko - sweet and strong;
- "Metrio" - semi-sweet.
Cretan cheese
In the mountainous regions of the country, you can accidentally meet shepherds making cheese from their own milk. But there are not many of them left.
Feta cheese is not as popular in Crete as in the rest of the country. The following varieties are most commonly used here:
- Mizithru is a classic whey cheese that has existed in Greece for about 1000 years. There is unsalted fresh "Mizitra", slightly salted or salted and dried, used for further grating. This cheese is obtained from whey that has been fermented from goat, cow or sheep milk.
- "Gravieru" is a hard cheese with a slightly sweet taste, created in several ways. It is made from sheep's milk, which is sometimes mixed with goat's milk. In this case, the ripening period of the cheese is at least five months.
- "Antotirus" is a light soft cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk. It can be fresh, dried or salted. The first is added to various cheese biscuits or simply served to the table.
Holidays in Crete: reviews of travelers
Today many tourists have already visited this resort. Accordingly, you can find a lot of information about holidays in Crete. Reviews about him are mostly positive. Many people here find the resort that suits them: family, youth, secluded. Travelers admire its architecture, national flavor, openness and activity local residents, with nothing comparable to cuisine. But still there are those who speak negatively about Crete. In most cases, they visited here out of season, finding themselves either in the sweltering heat, or on the shore of the already cool sea. Although there are those who prefer more fashionable resorts, against which Crete fades.
If you would like to get to know unique history and the culture of the island of Crete, you can choose almost any resort, since almost everywhere an excursion program is offered with viewing the sights of both the island and the rest of the territories, including mainland Greece.
Crete takes the first place among the Greek islands. It is the largest and most interesting in the list of attractions. There are excellent amenities for families with children, always comfortable and satisfying.
The best beaches
Despite the historical value of the entire island, the beaches are the first thing that attracts tourists here. The cleanliness and service are really at such a high level that not every European resort can compare with them. But even among the best of the best, the first can be distinguished.
- Elafonisi ... This is the southwest of the island. It has pink sand and an impeccably clear sea. The only peculiarity is that the sea is shallow. If you are with children, then this is a plus, because from its smallness it only warms up faster and even in comparison with other Cretan resorts on Elafonisi it is always warmer. Another advantage, although for many it will be just a disadvantage, is that there is no beach infrastructure. You will literally relax in the bosom of nature, without external interference.
- Frangokastello ... We talked about it once, and there they mentioned the Frangokastello fortress. Here we are talking about the sandy beach of the same name. It is very clean and this, not to mention the sea, the water in which is always warm and transparent.
- Matala ... The beach is next to a rock, which has an interesting layered structure that creates many layers, and there are caves in them. You can visit them, because the beach holiday is ideally combined with the study of local natural attractions.
Vacation with children
Above, we have mentioned the beaches that are suitable for any tourist. What if you are purposefully looking only for vacation options with toddlers? In this case, the same Elafonisi will suit you, but we recommend taking a closer look at other options.
- Makialos ... A shallow place, safe for even the smallest. The peculiarity of the beach is its seclusion - there is no noise and crowds in the neighborhood, which is ideal for families. The Grecotel Club Marine Palace hotel is very conveniently located nearby. There are others that are similar, but this one offers cribs, highchairs specifically for breastfeeding, heated milk and even an audio monitor. Conveniently. Everything is provided specifically for couples.
Rest for youth
We offer small young companies to choose the following:
- Hersonissos ... This resort is by and large similar to the rest of the Cretan, but it is in Hersonissos that many nightclubs are concentrated, which guarantees a bright and rich atmosphere until the morning. The beaches are the same, the only difference is the atmosphere.
- Malia ... A favorite tourist destination for young people - horseback riding, great activity, many attractions and night life... All inclusive.
For lovers of sightseeing
If you go to Crete only for sights and it doesn't matter to you when to sleep or that there is a children's club nearby, then choose any resort. In terms of exploring local museums, fortresses, monasteries and gorges, all the tourist centers are good.
To prepare for the study of the ancient world,. There we share tips for choosing places for excursions and renting a car if you want to travel around the island on your own.
Rest by region
There are 4 administrative centers or nomes in Crete. Regions are similar to each other with slight differences, but in relation beach holiday it is better to choose something northern, in the south there is a harsh climate and often storms.
- Chania ... Not the most developed region in tourism, although it has something to show. In particular, you will find yourself in wildlife, away from advanced civilization. Chania is good for this - there is nothing better than real Greek authenticity. It is the greenest nom on the island, with cypresses and plane trees all around. But there is also enough historical architecture - next to gorges and bays there are ancient churches, dilapidated palaces and ruins of fortresses.
- Rethymno ... Here are the longest beaches, one of them stretches for 15.5 km. Near the village with a unique atmosphere frozen since ancient times, and the endless sea. Head here for sights.
- Heraklion ... Of all the resorts, Heraklion is the most visited. Here is the capital of Crete, here is the airport. The most developed tourist infrastructure is also here - water parks, entertainment centers, and the beaches here are the most well-groomed, not wild. By the way, behind the main architectural monuments you don't have to go far - the Palace of Knossos is in this number.
- Lassithi ... It has everything: beautiful landscapes, historical beauty, and ideal beaches. There is nothing unlike other regions, except that it is here that the Mirabello Bay and the city of Agois Nikolaos are located. If they interest you, then you are here.
Now you know where is the best place to relax in Crete. As you can see, the choice is not difficult and, under a number of circumstances, even very definite. If you have any questions, please write to us in the comments.
Everything you need to know about Crete for your first visit and a deeper acquaintance with the island. Airports and transport connection, the largest cities and resorts of Crete, Cretan delicacies, dishes and drinks, as well as unusual souvenirs and gift ideas. A selection of package tours and prices for holidays in Crete 2019.
Against the backdrop of mass tourism, the inhabitants of Crete managed to keep the beauty and pristine nature given by the gods intact. This is not an island, but an ecologist's dream! The sea is clean, there are many beaches. There are huge, many kilometers, and tiny, in cozy coves - a godsend for lovers. Moreover, most of Crete's beaches are marked with a blue flag. The climate on the island also did not disappoint - it is subtropical, one of the mildest and healthiest in Europe. The landscapes are picturesque: rocky headlands and mountain gorges, turbulent rivers and olive groves.
There are a thousand more reasons to travel to Crete right now (including a "lightweight" visa, which allows you to get to the island with a minimum of documents and short time). But all of them will turn out to be superfluous if we look at the annual statistics of tour operators: holidays in Crete already occupy the top lines of sales ratings. Our compatriots are familiar with the island and prefer it, thanks to the excursion program and safety.
Airports and transport links
The main transport hubs of Crete are located in Heraklion - one of the largest ports in Greece and two airports.
Nikos Kazantzakis (Greek. Νίκος Καζαντζάκης ), the larger of the air hubs, accepts international flights, including from Moscow. If you are not a fan of package tours, but greek island is on the list of visits, use the calendar low prices on air tickets to Crete - they are updated in real time. From May to October, the opportunity to purchase a charter ticket sometimes skips.
Ferry lines connect Crete with many islands (Santorini, Rhodes, Corfu, Kos, Zakynthos, Mykonos and others), as well as with Athens. Despite the impressive distance (more than 12 hours of travel), this ferry route is in demand.
Crete cities not to be missed
There are many coastal villages and villages in Crete that are lost in the mountains, but only five more or less major cities... These are Heraklion (aka the capital), Chania, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos and Ierapetra (a little-known port on the southern outskirts of the island).
#one. Heraklion - the capital of the island
Heraklion - the largest city of Crete
Besides, two airports and major port, Heraklion is famous for the largest Old Town on the island and many shops - of course, this is not Athens, but still it is worth going here for fashion news and brands. The city's excursion program will probably outshine even the fashion industry. Only in this city you can walk along the Roman pavement in one day, visit a well-preserved Venetian fortress, go to the Byzantine Church of St. Titus, breathe in the coolness of the Italian fountain and navigate the minarets of Turkish mosques along the way. Heraklion is not a metropolis, but you can even get lost in it!
Distance from the airport to the center of Heraklion: 2.8 to 4.2 km.
# 2. Chania town
The most beautiful cities of Crete - Chania
Chania is the most beautiful city on the island, it will give odds even to Heraklion. Classic chamber Old city, streets covered with ivy and fragrant with flowers make it more cozy and truly Greek. Nevertheless, the resort life here is in full swing, the number of taverns and hotels per square meter is off scale, and there are probably too many tourists. The main attraction of this small town in Crete is the old Venetian port, around which the local life revolves. The embankment goes around the port, "occupied" by restaurants and apartments for a day.
What else to see? Start at the lighthouse in the port and the Maritime Museum, then head to the former monastery of St. Francis - there now Archaeological Museum... Who loves excursions, which means saving time, then in Chania there is a wonderful sightseeing route. In 3.5 hours, the guide Tatiana will be able to fall in love with this place both adults and even children. Try it if you don't believe it.
Distance from airport / Heraklion to Chania: 170-200 km.
# 3. Rethymno city
Streets of Rethymno city (Crete, Greece)
Rethymno is the center of Crete's resort life. The town resembles a glossy postcard that is sold in Crete as souvenirs. The harbor, the sunny yellow stones of a Venetian fortress of the 16th century, the white blocks of houses and the sharp needles of minarets. It is generally accepted that Rethymno has exclusively Italian roots, but there are no less Turkish in it. Walking along its narrow streets with densely packed taverns and shops is interesting. But it is even better to explore the surroundings of the resort by climbing to the very top of the fortress, from where you can enjoy panoramic views.
#4. Agios Nikolaos town
Agios Nikolaos is the most developed resort town on the northeastern outskirts of Crete. A 15-minute drive from it is the fashionable village of Elounda, where the four- and five-star hotels of Crete are concentrated. Agios Nikolaos itself can be positioned as a "family" and "romantic" place at the same time. The noisy nightlife is not pronounced, but there is a choice of beaches with fine sand, ideal for families with children, and secluded places with picturesque views - they will appeal to those who crave romance, silence, and privacy.
Distance from airport / Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos: about 60 km.
#5. Ierapetra - southern point
Ierapetra - southern point Europe (Crete, Greece)
Ierapetra is a wonderful and little-known city. Not only is it the southernmost geographic point Europe, so there is also developed infrastructure, several great beaches and budget hotels. There are few tourists in Ierapetra, which is not typical for the resorts of Crete, when at first you get tired of the hustle and bustle, and by the end of your holiday you get used to it, and this bustle begins to seem to be the norm. You won't have to experience any inconvenience in this place. The city is strictly divided into two parts: Kato Mera - old quarters, where attractions and good mini-hotels are located, and Pano Mera - new quarters that are also interesting to explore.
Crete resorts - where to relax
Since Crete is the largest of the thousands of islands in Greece, there is a wide range of resorts to choose from. Most of them are affordable and suitable for all categories of vacationers. But according to a number of criteria, we took the liberty of assigning such characteristics to the resorts as "youth", "family", "romantic". It's easier to navigate the variety of package tours to Crete, and it's elementary by the map.
- is one of the most luxurious resorts in Crete, nestled in beautiful bay Mirabello. There are expensive hotels and beaches with Blue flag EU.
View of the island of Spinalonga from Elounda / Photobank Lori
- - a democratic resting place in all respects, and therefore we will call it "youth". The atmosphere, beaches and housing prices are consistent. It is chosen by those for whom rest in Agios Nikolaos or Elounda seems too measured and pretentious.
- - a fishing village with 500 inhabitants turned into one of the most beautiful resorts Crete. People come here on day trips just to admire the Gulf of Messara! The place is not only picturesque, but also quiet - romance and peace are guaranteed here.
- (not to be confused with the island of the same name)- the place for family vacation... Hotels with infrastructure and entertainment for children prevail in this town.
- - the advantages of this place: beach, fishing and scenic spots. For nightlife, if you have such a need, you will have to go to other corners, and Georgioupolis is charming in its "wildness" and isolation.
- - an absolutely universal place to relax in Crete, which is preferred by students, pensioners, and noisy families with children.
- Chora Sfakion- one of the coziest and most secluded places in Crete, and therefore gladly awarded it the status of a "romantic" resort. Suitable for two categories of vacationers: couples who don't need anyone else, or those who don't need anyone but silence.
- Malia- a resort in the mid-budget category, with nice beaches, hotels and even nightlife (not too hectic, but a few clubs are available). Option "universal", prices for hotels and food are more than adequate.
Where to stay in Crete 2019
Deciding where to relax in Crete, of course, is not easy - your eyes run up from the variety of villages, beaches and landscapes. But you can go from the other side: choose not a specific resort, but a hotel. In the end hotel, its infrastructure, the presence of animation and entertainment - an important part of the rest.
What to try in Crete from food and drink
Greek cuisine is hearty, simple and at the same time safe for the figure. Especially if you focus on vegetables and fresh seafood. And do not get carried away with local sweets and pies - such as cheese, for example. Delicious, but measure is needed!
Cretan cuisine is not much different from the mainland, but there is a number of dishes, food and drinks (including alcoholic ones), which is characteristic of this particular region. Many of the specialties are produced in Crete - cheeses, olive oil, rakia - it will be difficult to taste them in their original form elsewhere.
Cretan food and local produce facts:
- The consumption of olive oil in Crete reaches 25 liters per person per year. While in or the USA this figure is kept at around 0.5 liters.
- Crete has over 1.5 million olive trees.
- There are also about 500 types of herbs and spices on the island, which are generously used in local hot dishes, salads and pies.
- It is believed that each individual Cretan eats more vegetables and fruits per year than the average European. At the same time, local tomatoes are famous for more antioxidants than tomatoes from the supermarket. They mature naturally without the use of hormonal supplements.
- Sheep and goat cheeses are common in Crete. This is because, due to the terrain, goats and sheep take root on the island, rather than cows.
- Rakia is the most ordinary ouzo (Greek grape vodka). Locals position the drink as “very strong”. But it is much more important to taste local wines - light, predominantly white wines, ideally suited to seafood and fish dishes. Cretan wines differ in that in moderation they can be drunk even in extreme heat without harm to the cardiovascular system.
- Take your time to order dessert in the restaurants of Crete. According to local tradition, after the main courses, you will be served grapes and fruits, as well as a small dessert-compliment. Perhaps this will be enough for happiness!
You can find out more about Cretan cuisine and local specialties in the article.
Excursions in Crete at the best prices
The most interesting excursions in Crete, these are routes from local residents. Many readers are already familiar with, which enables guides and tourists to find each other. For those who hear about the service for the first time, we recommend using its free option: ask any question to the guide before paying.
Back to interesting excursion routes Crete. Since we have already started talking about food, we will immediately remember about, during which you can visit a local winery, and see Cretan villages, and visit a tasting. On the next day, it is worth planning an excursion to Heraklion, Chania and Rethymno, which are not so far from each other.
Gifts and souvenirs - what to bring from Crete
Let's start with gastronomic souvenirs. Natural olive oil will come in handy in any home (in Crete you can find the highest grade at ridiculous prices), large juicy vacuum-packed olives and several types of local cheese - if the shelf life and packaging allow, they can be brought fresh.
In Crete, pottery, amphorae, vessels, figurines of ancient goddesses are sold - much of this variety is of good quality and looks pretty. But whether it will be useful on the farm, decide for yourself. Most importantly, do not bypass the leather Greek sandals / slates, which look stylish at all times. And "taste" dry perfume in painted clay bottles in your free minute - they are ideal for gifts to colleagues / relatives / neighbors.
For those close to you, look out for something more valuable: silver jewelry or Greek icons inlaid with silver. Decent and tasteful!
What other souvenirs to look for in Crete?
The opinion of an expert on Greece, who regularly instructs us on holidays in Crete and sends photos from the scene.
Souvenirs of Crete: ceramics, Phaistos disc and pendants in the form of luminaries
When I travel, I am always looking for some interesting souvenirs. And it so happens that there is nothing to choose, solid Chinese crafts. All these mugs with poor quality photographs that will start to wear off after the first wash, magnets, glasses ... There is nowhere to look. That is why I really love the island of Crete. Not only because there beautiful beaches, many attractions and excellent roads. But also because of the souvenirs. There you can always find something unique for a friend, colleague or relative. And not the last place is occupied by clay crafts, albeit printed at the factory, but they look very, very worthy.
The most popular among these souvenirs is, of course, the Phaistos disc. The original was found in the city of Phaestos and has not yet been deciphered, and copies are sold in Crete at every corner. You can buy a souvenir in the form of a magnet or a life-size disc, proudly standing on metal legs. Pendants in the form of celestial bodies are good, as well as saucers with images of the deeds of ancient Greek heroes. The ceramic ashtray will look great on the smoker's table without offending the eyes of nonsmokers. And do not forget about the coasters for hot dishes: a useful thing in the household.
Come to Greece! Your Capsolo.
The life-size Phaistos disc can be viewed closer. Not in the era of passion for "minimalism" to talk about interior decoration, but those who have not been touched by the trend will be happy - a beautiful thing with a mythological background.
Phaistos disc (Crete island, Greece)
For those who are not indifferent to the system of five planets, three transaturns and two luminaries, such a gift from Fr. Crete is a godsend! The ancient Greeks (first of all, Ptolemy - the founder of the equal system of 12 houses of the horoscope) knew a lot about this.
Pendants in the form of luminaries (Crete, Greece)
Crete island on the map of Greece
For those who are poorly orientated, it is high time to discover Crete. Marked on the map big cities and the route between them (Chania + Rethymno + Heraklion + Agios Nikolaos + Ierapetra). The length is 256 km.
At the resort, resort.
Crete is one of the most famous Greek islands, but few people know that it is also the largest. And this means that choosing it for vacation, you will be faced with another question: where is the best place to relax in Crete? Where to stay to spend your time as comfortable as possible? The answers to these questions depend on what exactly you expect from the trip.
The best beaches in Crete
Needless to say, Crete primarily attracts connoisseurs of beach holidays, which are really at a high level here.
But still there is special beaches which deserve special mention. Elafonisi is located in the southwestern part of the island and attracts with pink sand and clean sea which is quite shallow in the area. Thanks to this, the water in the coastal area of Elafonisi is always several degrees warmer than in other places. The special charm of the beach is that there is practically no tourist infrastructure on it, which means that you can relax, forgetting about civilization.
The beach is located next to the fortress of the same name. Despite the fact that this place is popular with tourists, the sea here is perfectly clear. The beach is sandy and quite large. Snorkeling fans love to swim here.
Attracted by the fact that it is at the foot of the very interesting rocks... Thanks to the layered structure, the rock has long, multi-tiered balconies. At different levels of this rock in different historical periods, people broke through caves. Now they are allowed to visit.
Where can you have a good rest in Crete with children?
For a family vacation, you need to choose resorts with a comfortable, gently sloping entrance to the sea and a sandy bottom. The beach mentioned above is well suited Elafonisi, but the list of places for families with children does not end there.
Makrigialos also characterized by shallow water, so it is safe to swim here even with little ones. In addition, the place is located far from noisy resorts, including Heraklion, so it is perfect for a quiet family vacation.
From hotels, excellent service offers Grecotel Club Marine Palace... Here, cots and high chairs are provided for babies free of charge. Even the smallest nuances have been taken into account: there is an audio monitor, a device for warming milk. If adults need to spend time separately, babysitting services can be used. There is a club for children; nearby there is a cozy sandy beach in a picturesque bay.
Where can young people rest in Crete?
Often chosen for youth recreation... At the same time, young companies usually stay at specific resorts - noisier ones, with a rich range of entertainment. One of them - Hersonissos, which is characterized by the largest number of clubs and a rich nightlife. At the same time, the sandy beaches here are no worse than in the modest secluded resorts. Nearby is the Water City water park.
Another tourist center of Crete, where young people prefer to rest, is Malia... It offers a wide variety of entertainment, not only nightlife, but also daytime leisure in particular horse riding.
You can choose the town of Rethymno with a modern fast-paced life. You will not be bored here also thanks to the numerous architectural sights located in the city.
If you want to get acquainted with the unique culture and history of the island of Crete, then you can choose almost any resort, since almost everywhere a varied excursion program is offered with visits to the sights of not only Crete, but also other territories, in particular, the mainland. We hope that now it has become easier for you to decide for yourself where is the best vacation in Crete.
.Why do many families, choosing a resort for families with children, prefer the Greek island of Crete? If you carefully read the numerous reviews on forums and travel sites, it will become clear what exactly influences the choice of Russians.
Undoubtedly it is:
- the location of Crete, the most convenient for fast flights;
- amazing climate, which makes holidays with children extremely beneficial for health;
- magnificent beaches and clear sea;
- rich cultural heritage, safety and hospitality;
- small villages and towns scattered along the coast, surrounded by mountains and valleys with vineyards and olive groves;
- good .
Resorts and beaches are scattered throughout the island, and in each of its four areas (Heraklion, Lassithi, Chania, Rethymno) you can always find something suitable for families with children. Although most of them are traditionally located on the east and north coast of Crete. The tourist infrastructure is better developed here, more fun, many facilities for a comfortable and varied accommodation.
However, with regard to recreation in Crete - all these divisions of resorts into categories (for young people, family vacations, etc.) are very conditional. Wherever we go, everywhere you can find a resort where we would like to return again and again.
Without diminishing the importance of cognitive and sightseeing rest, nevertheless, most often, with children we go to Crete for a beach wellness rest... All conditions have been created for this. In part, nature itself took care of this, covering kilometers of coastal areas with shallow lagoons, warm water and hot sun with soft sand and comfortable small pebbles.
Even the sand is found here in very unusual colors: in addition to the usual golden and white, there are beaches with pink and even black sand. However, such natural phenomenon and the abundance of varied beaches is easily explained. After all, the island of Crete is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea.
The beaches and resorts of Heraklion - central region of Crete
In this largest area of the island, there are several wonderful resorts that position themselves as family and provide all the necessary services for a comfortable holiday for children.
Beaches small resort Gouves (18 km from Heraklion - the capital of the island) - pebbly and sandy, long and well equipped. Regularly awarded for cleanliness and ecology "Blue Flags". The sea is warm, the coast is shallow, the entrance to the water is shallow. But in windy weather, because of the open coastline, there are strong waves here.
The beaches of Kokkini Hani (from Heraklion - 15 km) are varied: spacious sandy and pebbly, well equipped. But the main thing that attracts families with children here is the nearby Water City water park.
Amoudara (8 km from Heraklion) - these are sandy spacious beaches, stretching in length for 5 kilometers. Excellent infrastructure and proximity to attractions and the capital have made this place extremely popular with vacationers.
The beaches of Agia Pelagia - luxury resort located in a small bay (25 km from Heraklion). The sea, sheltered from the winds by rocky cliffs, is always calm. The beach is sandy. But for children there is a serious inconvenience - the entrance to the water is not shallow, but rather sharp.
The resort village of Stalida with excellent infrastructure and an advantageous location (from here it is convenient to get acquainted with all the sights in eastern Crete), with wide sandy beaches. All buildings here are one or two floors, which organically fit into the mountain landscape. And the hotels of the village offer comfortable and inexpensive accommodation for living. All this makes this resort a family-friendly quiet rest.
Malia resort (next to Stalis resort) is famous for its good sandy beach. There is no embankment as such. A entertainment area is present in a larger volume than in Stalis.
The beach of Hersonissos is quite narrow, with good entry into the sea and a coast with coarse sand. The resort is very noisy, crowded, partying, recommended mainly for youth recreation. Vacationers with children, most likely, will hardly like such a cheerful atmosphere. But if these circumstances do not bother you, here you can find good hotels with its own sandy beaches, comfortable for families.
Resorts and beaches of Lasithi - the most picturesque region of Crete
This is perhaps the sunniest, but also the most expensive region of the island in its eastern part, on the territory of which the stunning Mirabello Bay is located. It is washed from the northern part by the Cretan Sea, from the southern - by the Libyan Sea.
Its main resorts: Agios Nikolaos - the most beautiful picturesque coastal city of Crete (and the capital of the region), which is sometimes called "Cretan Saint-Tropez", luxurious and expensive Elounda and Ierapetra - is considered the southernmost city in Europe.
The beaches of Agios Nikolaos are very different: sandy and sandy-pebble. But they are all calm, quiet and very clean. Most of them are surrounded by hotels.
The resort of Elounda is often preferred by celebrities and rich people. Everything is provided here for the perfect comfortable rest, including the children's one: the endless sea, various landscapes, magnificent hotels with no less luxurious beaches for family vacations, located in a small beautiful bay in an almost closed bay, well protected from the winds.
Voulisma Beach - a charming little lagoon with soft fine golden sand, azure transparent water, surrounded by quaint rocks - is located 12 kilometers from Agios Nikolaos near the village of Kalo Chorio in Mirabello Bay. The entrance is very good, the bottom is clean and flat - ideal for kids.
The beaches of Ierapetra are magnificent and numerous. They stretched a seven-kilometer strip along the coast of this southern city, indented by picturesque secluded bays. The westernmost and most popular is well equipped, sandy, but the bottom is rocky. The Catarades beach is covered with dark coarse sand, the bottom is also rocky. There are beaches covered with fine gray pebbles mixed with sand. All of them have been awarded Blue Flags for their cleanliness and environmental friendliness.
Chrissi island beach - small paradise, located in the Libyan Sea, with soft white sand, clear water, with a good gentle and flat entrance to the sea. There is a desire to compare it with tropical islands. Only unlike the palm trees, century-old Lebanese cedars grow here.
On the east coast of the Lassithi region, there is a series of not very well-known small resort villages with unique sandy beaches.
Vai Beach - gorgeous, soft sand, crystal clean water... Its main feature is that a real tropical forest of wild palms grows next to it. The warm shallow waters and the perfect entry into the water make it very good for young children. And its popularity, especially in the high season, is simply off scale.
Makrigialos beach with fine, pleasant sand and always warm shallow water is good for a beach holiday with children. It is small but well equipped and has everything you need.
Lagoufa Beach is located the same as the previous one, on the coast of Makrigialos, close to large hotels in lagoons sheltered from the winds. The water here is warm and shallow. This attracts tourists with children here. Besides East Coast not so crowded, and you can always find a quiet place here.
Ammoudi Beach - cozy, with golden fine sand, surrounded by white rocks. The bottom is flat. But there is nowhere to hide from the sun, you must definitely take an umbrella.
Sissy – in the past a simple fishing village - today a resort with several sandy beaches: Bufos, Calimera Kriti.
Resorts and beaches of the Chania region - the greenest part of Crete
In this westernmost region of the island, there are a lot of magnificent, many kilometers of Cretan beaches - pink Elafonisi, snow-white Balos, the huge Falasarna beach, and many other, not so famous, but no less charming beaches where you can relax with children.
In Chania, all the conditions for this are - a large number of cozy bays, quiet and windless, sandy beaches with a good entrance to the sea, well-equipped beach areas with playgrounds and simple but funny attractions.
Kilometer-long beaches with amazing pink sand are found only in Chania. And the most famous of them is Elafonisi. This beach is simply adored by children and their parents: shallow, warm clean water, a good gentle slope into the sea. Swimmers can be found here already in April, because the water here is slightly warmer than in other places on the island. Of the minuses - strong winds often happen here and at times it is crowded.
The magnificent beaches of Falasarna with white soft sand with pink interspersed and azure warm water, a smooth entrance to the sea - the best in Crete. There are 5 of them in total and they are located side by side, following the coast one after the other. Their territory is huge and it is partially equipped. Because of the vast territory, there is never crowding here and you can always find a secluded spot.
The wonderful beaches of Georgioupolis with a gentle, safe approach, even for little ones, attract families with children to these places. The local unique flavor of the fishing village and pristine nature make these places even more attractive.
The beaches of Kavros - sandy, wide, clean, with shallow sea - are the best there is for toddlers. Among the disadvantages, there are often waves in the open bay.
The sandy beach of Platanias, 4 kilometers long, is well equipped and has been awarded the Blue Flag several times. The resort is quite lively and popular.
Agia Marina is a small town and resort with a magnificent sandy beach. It is the largest on the island and the most comfortable one with picturesque pine forests.
Kalamaki beach is sandy with a picturesque small bay and a shallow bottom. Located in the village of Galatas.
The sandy beach of Agii Apostoli is located in two coves well sheltered from the wind. The water is clean, around there are beautiful rock formations and a picturesque small park with a pine grove.
Chrissi Akti Beach consists of two bays with a sandy beach separated by a picturesque hill. One of them, located to the west, with an even entrance to the water and shallow water.
Stavros beach with bright yellow sand, located in a beautiful bay almost closed on all sides at the foot of the mountain in the quiet and calm village of Stavros (Akrotiri peninsula), is considered one of the best in Chania for families, even with little ones. It is always quiet and calm here, a convenient entrance to the sea, well-warmed water.
Maronti Beach is ideal for toddlers and those who have not yet learned to swim. These are several beaches with sand in a large bay sheltered from the wind in the village that bears the same name. There is a very good sloping bottom and a picturesque view of the White Mountains.
Loutraki beach, like Maronti and Stavros, is a very suitable place for a beach holiday with children on the warm soft sand. There is amazingly clean and clear water, flat bottom, fine sand, quiet coast.
Families with children love to visit the beaches of Paleochora for several reasons. The beaches, both with soft sand and covered with fine, rolled, not prickly pebbles, stretch for several kilometers. There are always clean and transparent coastal waters, a gentle entrance and a good bottom. One of the beaches of this resort - Pachia Ammos - is well sheltered from the winds.
Kalyves beach - with a calm calm sea, protected from waves and winds from the north by the Akrotiri peninsula. One part of it is covered with golden sand, the other - with small pebbles, regularly awarded the "Blue Flag".
Kissamos - resort town next to the sea away from tourist places(42 kilometers from Chania) to relax in peace and quiet with a child. There are a lot of hotels in Kissamos itself and its surroundings. They are mostly small, homely and cozy, relatively inexpensive.
Not far from Kissamos are the island's famous beaches Elafonisi, Falasarna and the Balos lagoon.
Balos bay - beautiful place Mediterranean, where three seas met: Mediterranean, Cretan and Ionian. The water in the bay is unique in its mineral composition, its color is completely unusual - bright azure with shades of turquoise, blue and green. The sand is pink and white, and the water is warm and crystal clear. According to many, this beautiful beach The Mediterranean is convenient for families with children: shallow water, you can sunbathe lying right in the water on the sand.
Rethymno beaches and resorts
Due to its proximity to the capital and famous attractions, the Rethymno region is considered a good resort destination for tourists. For a beach holiday, there are long sandy clean beaches (16 km) with secluded coves, with a smooth slope of the seabed. There are many calm and quiet villages on the coast where you can spend an unforgettable vacation with your children.
Rethymno city ("Venice in the mountains") - beautiful city Greece, striking with lush greenery, flowers, beauty of landscapes with ecologically clean beaches... It is approximately equally distant from Chania and Heraklion.
Rethymno has a good urban sandy beach near the embankment, quite comfortable and clean, with warm shallow waters, with attractions and opportunities for outdoor activities.
Choosing the city itself for living with children is probably not worth it - it is noisy. But a series of small coastal cozy villages located nearby is quite suitable for young tourists.
Sandy clean and equipped beaches of Adele in resort area located from Rethymno to the east - a good option for a relaxing beach holiday. But there are some downsides - coastline open, strong wind and waves occur. In addition, there are rocky areas at the entrance to the water on some parts of the beach. When choosing a hotel, it is necessary to clarify this circumstance.
Platanias is a quiet small resort village near Rethymno with sandy beaches for a secluded relaxing holiday.
Skaleta Beach - sandy, well-equipped, positioned as a resort for a relaxing family beach holiday. There are only a few hotels in the village.
Panormo is a small resort village (22 kilometers from Rethymno) with a special authentic calm atmosphere and a popular place for families with children. The beaches are located in a bay, sheltered from waves and wind, the bottom is gently sloping, the sea is shallow - what else is needed for safe rest with small children.
The four main sandy beach Bali is a place for contemplative serene relaxation in a relaxed atmosphere among the mountain slopes covered with greenery, in bays with clear and very clear water. There are never waves in the quietest bay of Karavostasi (or Evita), which is protected from the wind by a mountain cape.
For vacationers in this area with children, you need to take into account one feature of the relief - rather steep ascents uphill to the location of the resort and descents back down to the sea.
Preveli beach is covered with small pebbles and is a natural attraction. Here are beautiful sand dunes, amazing palm groves, beautiful sea and strange looking layered rocks.
The state of the beach along with good hotel and a convenient location are perhaps the main factors influencing our choice when we travel to Crete with children. It remains only to choose the right resort and hotel, which will not allow you to be disappointed when traveling to Crete with the whole family.
To find out how safe it is to enter the sea, experts advise you to check this parameter with the descriptions of a particular hotel. Or additionally request this information from the hotel or tour operators. Most often, on private beaches, the entrance to the sea is always sandy (due to bulk sand). And from the descriptions it follows that most of the Cretan beaches in all respects meet the requirements of parents when looking for a beach for children. Have a good rest, everyone!
