home Perch Crete: what is it, where to relax, how to get there and what to see. Everything you need to know when traveling to Crete

Crete: what is it, where to relax, how to get there and what to see. Everything you need to know when traveling to Crete

Crete is the mysterious birthplace of the Minotaur. A luxurious resort for the whole family amidst olive groves.

Crete beaches and sea

The shores of Crete are favored by three seas: in the west they are washed by the Ionian Sea, in the north by the Aegean, and in the south and east by the Mediterranean. Sometimes the northern waters are called the Cretan Sea, and the southern waters are called the Libyan Sea (these are parts of the Mediterranean Sea). The water warms up very quickly, so in mid-April the first tourists arrange a swim off the Cretan coast.

They have a different coverage - there are sandy, pebble, and mixed areas. Perhaps the most favorite beach among vacationers is Elafonisi. Couples with children come here, to the south of Crete - the entrance to the water is very smooth, and the sand is soft, light pink in color. Lovers of white sand, palm trees and silence choose the eastern Wai Beach. Divers come to Balos Bay looking for pirate treasures in a sunken ship. In the capital of the island - in Heraklion - the sand and pebble beach of Paleokastro is popular. In the Chania region, two beaches are notable: Falasarna and Frangokastello (near the Venetian fortress).

Resorts of Crete

Crete is usually divided into four resort areas: Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno and Lasithi. At each resort, the tourist is guaranteed an azure sea and spacious clean beaches, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards.

Heraklion is a large city, the capital of Crete. Tourists are more likely to be accommodated in the areas of Ayia Pelagia, Amoudara, Hersonossis, Stalida. From Heraklion it is convenient to go on excursions around the island and on sea cruises.

Lassithi is known for the "protected" place for tourists in Agios Nikolaos, which is on the shores of the Mirabello Bay. Attractions in the Lassithi region include the Zeus Cave and the Valley of the Windmills.

The cozy town of Chania is famous for its long beach. It is pleasant to walk along the local narrow streets, hiding from the heat in hospitable taverns.

Rethymno is a picturesque resort town with several satellite villages. The vibrant nightlife, colorful shops and beautiful long beaches are in full bloom here.

Crete landmarks

The main Cretan brand is, of course, the Minotaur. You cannot do without visiting, where, according to legend, the monster lived. The myth says that the Minotaur was the main trump card of the Minoan civilization - they traditionally intimidated their neighbors - so much so that they annually sent seven young men and seven girls "to feed" the horned creature. The end of the sacrifices was put by Theseus, who was helped by the princess Ariadne with a ball of thread.

The palace of Knossos was destroyed by an earthquake caused by the eruption of the Santorini volcano, 130 km from the island. It was not possible to restore it entirely - the territory of the palace is huge, its corridors, rooms and dungeons really resemble a labyrinth. and everyone can admire the ancient frescoes.

The second myth, which is also inextricably linked with Crete, is the birth of Zeus. According to legend, he was born in one of the caves, which is now called Dikteyskaya. The cave is really impressive - it contains stalactites, stalagmites, and even a beautiful underground lake.

The third myth is associated with Artemis and Athena. According to legend, the goddess of wisdom and the goddess of the hunt loved to swim in the "bottomless" lake Vulizmeni. The lake is relatively small, but its depth is wow: in the middle it is almost 64 meters! The lake is located in Agios Nikolaos.

Lovers of natural attractions will also like it - the longest in Europe, as much as 18 kilometers. It is located in the Chania region and is famous for its unique flora and fauna - only here the Cretan cypress grows and the kri-kri goat runs. If you are going to the gorge, do not forget about comfortable shoes. The place is very picturesque, there is even a palm forest - according to legend, the father of all date palms on the planet.

Cruises to the island, blue and white churches and black sand beaches are popular. We recommend a trip to the island of Spinalonga, where half a century ago was the largest leprosoprium in Greece. Now this secluded place has turned into a find for tourists - there is an ancient fortress, narrow streets and many taverns and restaurants.

Cretan cuisine

Cretan cuisine is famous for its seafood and vegetables. Be sure to stop by the restaurant and try the fish, octopus, shrimp and snails, which the locals call "khokhlyi" or "escargot".

Goats and sheep are raised in Crete, so the cheese and meat are always fresh and delicious. Try ofto - grilled lamb or goat meat; skafiani - lamb with cottage cheese; delicious fried kalitsunya pies with white cheese filling. Of course, you can find in restaurants and horyatiki salad and moussaka. Homemade wine, tsikoudia, ouzo are served for the meal. You can try all these dishes at the "Cretan evening" - the tables will burst with dishes, and the eyes will delight in national dances.

Crete - East or West?

Instruction to the tourist, Autotourism, Active rest in Greece, Crete o .; Greece

For many people who are going to visit this beautiful island, this question is not at all worth it. What difference does it make - they may ask, and they will be absolutely right. In the event that you spend all or most of your vacation in a hotel, then there really is no difference. But, if you are going to leave your home hotel to see something new and interesting, then this question will definitely arise for you. Even for those who do not rent a car, but want to visit organized excursions, or go somewhere by local bus.
And it will arise because the island is not as small as it might seem looking at its map. Some time ago I, like many other travelers before me, looked at the map of Crete for the first time. And immediately the thought flashed: "He's not that big, although bigger than Rhodes!" And almost all of Rhodes, we traveled by car in two weeks. "If you push a little - then Crete, the whole, can be seen in two weeks!" is an almost standard thought that arises in the head of a person who is traveling to this island for the first time and is going to have time to see as much as possible. At least, visit all the places that are now called "must see". How do I know about thoughts - I read a lot of reviews on the forum dedicated to Crete. A lot of people started by saying that they wanted to do everything in 14 days :) But usually no one can do it ...
There are two mistakes in the statements from the previous paragraph. First, that it is "not that big." The distance (along the highway) from the easternmost town in the north of the island - Sitia - to the westernmost village of the northern coast - Kissamos - is about 300 km. I'll clarify - on the high-speed highway. This is at least 4 hours drive (this is how long the plane flies from Moscow to Heraklion). And this is only one way! Ships leave Kissamos, delivering tourists to one of the most striking sights of the island - Balos Bay. Will they take you on a bus tour to Balos from Sitia? I doubt it ... Because there will be few people willing to spend 8 hours in one day on the bus. Will you go yourself? To leave in time for the departure of the ship, you need to hours at 5 am. Rest, yes :) Secondly, the word "push up" somehow does not harmonize well with the word "vacation" :) It is clear even at home, and when you get to Crete, in a completely different environment, in the rhythm of life, which is very far from everyday hustle and bustle - you don't want to strain at all to get there, there, and even there, although, according to the schedule, everything seems to be smooth ... According to the schedule, it may be beautiful, on the spot it almost always turns out that you want stay here, but there - not enough hours, let's two or three, and even on the way stopped 10 times to take pictures of the surrounding beauty - and, in the end, you will visit half of the many planned places. Well, three quarters. Slender routes, compiled and calculated at home, will first change places, then some of the planned "points" will fly off from them, and then, perhaps, nothing at all will remain of the original plan ... One name :)
Therefore, in order not to rush headlong throughout the island, trying to accomplish the impossible, I came up with my own way - to divide the island into East and West. It turned out that he had invented the bicycle - many had already done this before me :) Great, the distances are not so terrible, there is only one thing left - to choose exactly where to go for the first time. Yes, there is also North and South, but here it is already easier - the VOAC expressway runs along the entire northern coast, and if you are going to actively move around the island, then it will be much more convenient to do this from its northern part. In the south, there is no such road, and the roads are much slower (serpentines).
We are faced with a difficult choice ... What to prefer? Searching the web for an answer is almost useless. Because there are fans of both the East and the West. And everyone has their own concrete arguments ... In fact, the choice comes down to purely subjective things - who likes what. In general, "Everyone has their own taste: one loves watermelon and the other loves pork cartilage," as one character put it. This means that we will divide all the "components" of the rest into parts, so it should be easier to decide.
The first component is sights, everything except religious ones. There are quite a few of them, both in the West and in the East. Both in the eastern regions (Heraklion and Lassithi) and in the western regions (Chania and Rethymno), there are a great many places that are interesting for the traveler. Those who are interested in castles (fortifications) will probably be more interested in the west. Rethymno, Frangokastello, Aptera, Gramvousa are the best preserved of these structures. Moreover, all this splendor is relatively easily accessible. There are also fortresses in the East, how not to be - in Heraklion, Ierapetra, on the island of Spinalonga (from easily accessible ones), as well as others, which are no longer very easy to reach. But they are either smaller in size, or not so spectacular, or generally lie in ruins. But in the East there are more places that are interesting for children - there are three water parks (in the west - only one), as well as several different park-museums such as an aquarium, Amazonas Park (zoo), Dinosaur Park, Homo sapiens Museum (in this museum-park there will be interesting for adults). There are museums, of course, both in the West and in the East. But it is quite logical that one of the largest in Greece and the world's best museum dedicated to Minoan art is located in the capital of Crete - Heraklion, that is, in the East.
The most prominent and famous must-see sights of Crete, where are they? Palace of Knossos, Lassithi plateau, Vai palm beach, "paradise island" Chrissi (Gaiduronisi) - this is the East. Balos Bay ("confluence of the three seas"), the pink sand beach of Elafonisi, the handsome town (or beauty) of Chania, the Rethymno fortress is the West. The most beautiful cities are Chania (West), Agios Nikolaos (East).
Religious sights are a separate conversation. There are a great many churches and monasteries in Crete. From very old to modern. Various degrees of preservation. The most famous and "promoted" are the "western" monasteries of Arkadi and Agia Triada (on the Aktotiri peninsula), and the "eastern" monasteries of Toplu and Kera Kardiotissa. As you can see, a certain parity is observed here :) From the experience of visiting Cretan monasteries, I can say that in "simple" monasteries, not flooded with crowds of tourists, there is a much calmer and more soulful atmosphere, which contributes to relaxation from the endless bustle that surrounds us in everyday life. including, sometimes even on vacation. But of course, you need to get to such places by rented car.
The second component is nature. Mountains, gorges, caves, hiking trails, plateaus, waterfalls (although in summer they are almost waterless) - there are both there and there. But there is also a difference. The nature of western Crete is richer in vegetation, as the climate in the west is more humid. It turns out that here too it is a matter of taste for everyone - to choose in some places the "semi-Martian" landscapes of the harsh East, or the greener West. Lakes. To the west is the most famous and largest lake of Crete - Kournas. There are also lakes in the East, for example - Votomos, but it is much smaller and not nearly as popular as Kournas. In addition to Votomos, it is worth mentioning, of course, the picturesque Lake Voulizmeni located in the town of Agios Nikolaos. In the East, you can walk through the forest of thousand-year-old Rouvas trees (difficult to access, you will have to go along a dirt road, or walk along a difficult path), or through the Krustas forest. The West can offer a walk (trip) among the orange orchards (near Chania), or a visit to the Cretan Botanical Garden. I refer it to nature, although it is a "garden", not a "forest". This garden is one of the many places in Crete where you plan to go "for an hour" - and then you cannot leave this beauty for a long time :)
The third component is beaches. There are beautiful and famous beaches both in the East and in the West. I have already mentioned them. As for "ordinary" beaches, the West wins in terms of both quantity and quality. There are more beaches. When planning my trips to the west, I have never encountered a problem that the nearest good beach is far away, and that sometimes I have to repeat myself and go to the same beach (we like to go to different beaches, we only "repeat" if these are such places like Elafonisi, Kedrodassos or Falasarna - the pearls of western Crete). But in the East, it is much more difficult to choose a beach ... In some places (on the northern coast) there are simply no beaches at all. But, in the East there is a delightful Mirabello Bay (the name speaks for itself, the Venetians called this place "a bay with a beautiful view"), and in the southeast you can visit the beautiful beach of Xorokampos. Of course, if you are not too lazy to drive about 160 km to it (from Heraklion, one way). As a reward for a long trip, you can get fantastically beautiful views and an almost deserted coast.
As for the "logistics" component, the main airport of Crete is located in Heraklion, that is, in the East. Most aircraft fly there (from us). And the main port is also there. If you are going on an excursion, for example, to Santorini by ferry, then this is Heraklion again. Although, in the Chania area there is also an airport, perhaps someone will find convenient flights there ... Travel North - South - "bottlenecks" on the island, that is, the shortest distances from north to south, there are both in the west, in the region of Rethymno and in the East. in the area of \u200b\u200bAgios Nikolaos.
What can I say in conclusion? Of course, only that the choice is yours :) The whole island is beautiful and interesting - both the "tourist", lively North, and the traditional, calm South, and the greener West, and the "harsh" East. Everywhere you can find wonderful places to which you want to return so much ... And not always for this you need to wave a hundred kilometers, sometimes, the amazing and unexpected beauty of Crete awaits us literally around the next turn, you just need to take your time, turn, stop, see and feel.
Happy choice :)

A journey to the center of Crete will lead you to the “soul of the island” - the cave where, according to myths, the Thunderer himself was born. On the beautiful Lassithi plateau, you will get acquainted with the traditions and life of mountain villages, ride in a sled with donkeys, visit a family oil mill and a pottery workshop. You will also meet a mighty plane tree, visit a nunnery and listen to myths about the Greek goddess of love on the shore of the lake, where, according to legend, she bathed.

Duration

It is possible with children

€ 365 for 1-4 people or €89 per person if you are more

What awaits you

Life of a mountain village, an ancient plane tree and an ancient monastery
We will make our first stop in a small picturesque village high in the mountains. Here you will see an ancient and mighty plane tree - it is more than 2000 years old, and the circumference of the trunk reaches 20 girths! Get to know the centuries-old way of life and visit an old Venetian laundry. After that, we will head towards central Crete, and on the way we will stop at the monastery of Our Lady of the Heart. The monastery is run by nuns and is widely known among pilgrims who come here to pray in the hope of absolution.

Landscapes and atmosphere of the Lassithi plateau
Moving further into the interior of the island, through the mountains, we arrive at a picturesque plateau, presumably the crater of an ancient volcano. This unusual place in the middle of the Dikti mountain range is like a patchwork of green and yellow fields, each of which is irrigated by its own windmill. The Lassithi plateau is one of the most fertile places in Crete, it fascinates with its salutary coolness, vegetation, picturesque villages and the hospitality of the locals. We will stop at a mountain village for lunch, orange break and souvenir shopping. And then you will see the stalactites and stalagmites in the cave of Dikteon Andron, where, according to legend, Zeus himself was born. If you wish, you can ride a donkey in a traditional sledding nearby.

The art of working with clay and tasting traditional products
Getting to know Crete is incomplete if you leave aside such ancient traditions as pottery, winemaking and olive oil production. The workshop will tell you about the intricacies of working with clay and techniques rooted in the distant past. You will taste Cretan wines and taste natural olive oil produced by one of the local family farms.

The city of St. Nicholas and the lake of Aphrodite
Leaving the Lassithi plateau, you will see an opening panorama of the province of Pediada. Passing the mountain ranges, through traditional villages, we will go to one of the most beautiful cities in Crete - Agios Nikolaos, which will become the final point of the route. Here you will have time to go shopping, drink coffee and admire the bottomless lake, where, according to the myth, Aphrodite bathed. Located on the hills, the city is interesting for the abundance of stairs that have become its characteristic feature, impressive landscapes and a wonderful pine park where you can walk.

Who is the excursion for?

For guests with children, foodies and wine lovers, nature lovers, adventure seekers and those who simply want to get to know the life of authentic Crete.
In my excursions, I put more emphasis on the modern life of Crete, but the historical and cultural component is always present in my story.

Organizational details

The tour usually starts in the early morning and ends in the evening.
The tour is accompanied by a driver and guide. The tour is conducted in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan manufactured in 2019. We provide child seats free of charge if required.
Transportation and driver services are included in the tour price.
Transportation costs are included in the tour price. We will pick you up at your hotel if you live in the following locations: Hersonissos, Analipsi, Anissaras, Gouves, Kokkini Hani, Malia, Stalida, Heraklion, Karteros, Amoudara, Agia Pelagia, Lassiti region, Agios Nikolaos.
By agreement - Ierapetra, Elounda, Sitia, Bali, Rethymno, Chania
Carrying out excursions on luxury transport for an additional fee by agreement.
Not included in the price: lunch in a tavern - 10-20 euros / person; entrance tickets to museums, archaeological and historical sites, wine tasting - 5 euros / person, entrance to the cave, donkey riding.
What to take with you: comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a charged camera with free memory, light sweaters or jackets for visiting the cave.
I myself draw up the routes for walking in Crete and carefully choose only the most interesting, only those places that I love myself.

Book an excursion on any of the available days in the calendar

This is a private tour in Russian, the guide will conduct it for you and your company.
On the site you pay 23% of the cost, and the rest of the money - to the guide on the spot. You can ask the guide any questions before payment.

Day is free

The day is busy

Discount 32%

My name is Anya and for almost a decade I have been living on the fabulous island of Crete. My passion is, first of all, unexplored corners that reveal the local flavor. Excursions to mountain villages, vineyards, olive groves, deserted beaches are waiting for you with me. You will see gorges, rock churches, waterfalls, traditional workshops and more. During friendly hiking trips, I show Crete from the inside, give it a taste, look into a traditional house and be a resident of it! And we spend full day family excursions in a comfortable car together with my husband: we show his native places and talk about the life of the locals.

More details

10 camper reviews

I would like to thank Anna and her husband for a wonderful excursion! :) The day passed in one breath, the whole family was delighted! A lot of interesting information regarding not only historical aspects, but also life in Crete at the present time.
We will definitely return to Crete and will only contact Anna :)
Special thanks for the fact that Anna organizes not only sightseeing tours, but also helps in solving everyday issues. She is very nice and helpful.
Thank you thank you thank you!

Good day! We were the first time in Crete. We are a married couple and two children, 6 and 18 years old.
Anna and her wonderful, silent husband did everything to make our small company interesting and very comfortable. The route was laid in such a way that I wanted to go further and further get to know this wonderful island. So next year you have it.
And also, tell Rose that her recipe works like clockwork !!!
Thanks for the recommendation with the cheese, everything is delicious.

We were on excursions with a child of 9 years old. I liked it very much, a lot of interesting things, Crete opens from a new side. Informative, dynamically rich and soulful. Recommend. We got a lot of positive emotions, and Anna is a wonderful guide and person!

In July 2019, I was with my son and husband in Crete. Literally three days before the trip, we chose 4 excursions on the island. Very intelligible information on the site, the guide Anna quickly answered. Exactly at the indicated time, Anna was waiting for us at the hotel entrance. And then there was a sea of \u200b\u200bdelight! Anna is an unusually light and tactful person, an excellent storyteller. The whole trip was imbued with boundless love for Crete. Thanks to Anna, we fell in love with this island, she showed the most wonderful places, monasteries of extraordinary beauty, the life of the Cretan villages. We moved in a brand new minivan. Anna's wife is driving. Cool driver! Very neat on the road. It was calm with him even on the mountain serpentine. And I was especially pleased that our excursions were very comfortable, there was no rush and fuss. We stayed in atmospheric taverns with stunning views, drank coffee or dined, went to our favorite shops, but at the same time managed to see everything planned. Anna puts her soul into her work, we felt like long-awaited friends, whom we are very glad to. Thank you very much! I will definitely recommend Anna to my friends.

I liked the excursion very much. There were 2 adults and children 4 and 9 years old.
It was nice to ride in a new and comfortable car. Anna is very pleasant to talk to and disposes of herself as a person. It was very convenient that we ourselves could decide whether we want to visit a particular place. Since we were with children, we tried not to make the children very tired, so we limited ourselves to visiting the village of Krasi with its centuries-old plane tree, the Homo-sapiens museum, a pottery workshop, then an excellent lunch and the Zeus' cave. The children rode a donkey to the cave, which they were very happy about. The cave itself made a huge impression on them. It was also interesting for them to make products on a potter's wheel in the pottery workshop. My daughter liked that Anna told, besides the history of Crete and myths, also just about the life of people in Crete, their customs, about how they celebrate the wedding, etc.
In general, we all really liked everything, everyone was satisfied. On the way back, the son fell asleep listening to Anna's stories in a comfortable child seat.
Thanks to Anna and her husband Sterio for a great tour.

Vsjo bilo zamechateljno! Otziv popodrobnee napishu pozze.

We came to Crete with such a company: two mothers and two children (a small electric broom 3.5 years old, and a princess 7 years old). Our main task was to take a break from a tough schedule, where all the time you need to run, keep up, fit into the framework and fit our uncomfortable children into them (we and children don't particularly like this). But a completely "cutlet" rest quickly tires us and begins to depress us.
We wanted to see Crete. Lively, authentic, not a postcard tourist.
It is clear that with such requests, the format of the bus tour, where “they went out, lined up, took a picture, listened to a lecture, reviewed, retold, plunged, and went further” did not suit us from the word “at all”.
Of course, we read a lot in advance on the Internet. But Wikipedia will not tell those living stories that the island is saturated with and which only those who live by them can tell. Will not take you to a tiny cafe built in the crown of a huge plane tree over a cliff. He will not collect a bunch of fragrant sage from the mountain slope for you along the way.
Our meeting with Anna and Steries was a special success.
On the way, we could change the route, depending on our desire and our preferences. Anna honestly told where it is really interesting, and there is something to see, and where is just a publicized tourist place, which they visit only in order to put another tick in the travel report.
If something did not go quite as planned, Anna was very worried that we might get upset, but that's all we need! We are passionate lovers of improvisation, and in the company of friendly and empathetic guys who know the island, its history and geography as their home, which they love and are proud of, we had an excellent trip.
We have already managed to visit somewhere, and we were amazed by the beautiful view, there were many questions. And Steries (they say he does not understand Russian, but then we began to doubt))) directs the car exactly there, so that we can get a better look at what struck us so much. And Anna, meanwhile, satisfies our curiosity, tells everything that we, of course, did not google, having returned home after the first, independent visit.
When all the adventures planned for that day were over, we found ourselves on a stone veranda above the Lassithi plateau. I can't explain what exactly captured us there (there are many more picturesque views in Crete). The long-awaited coolness descended, all the tourists left. We sat in the alpine silence on the veranda, dangling our legs over the cliff, drinking coffee and eating ice cream. We, like our children, had to digest a huge amount of impressions, emotions, information received during the day. And the guys perfectly understood that there was no better place for this.
In general, thanks is not the right word! We got not just a vacation and a tick - "we have been here". We got a fascinating story, a story about CRETE and ABOUT US, a story we want to return to. Anna, THANK YOU! From the heart!

For the first time in Crete. We ordered an excursion from Anna. Impression:
You could order at a travel agency and get the standard "look to the right, look to the left, and in this store I have a percentage of your purchases, oh, here are the best goods at the best prices, a step to the right, a step to the left is an attempt to escape, because we are Group".
Ordered from Anna. We got a family vacation with friends in their car, with a nice bonus - friends know all aspects of Cretan life and are ready to share their knowledge, adjusting to the interests of us and our children. What did you learn:
- about mythology and not only ...
- about the geology of Crete and not only ...
- about the traditions of the Cretans and not only ...
- about the kitchen and not only ...
- about monasteries, religion and not only ...
- about modern life in tourist areas, beyond and beyond ..
- about oil mills, making ceramics and more.
We walked, admired the views of the Mirabello Bay, went to Spinalonga, visited monasteries, examined the Lasithi plateau, ate in a real tavern, not attacked by tourists and talked, talked, talked. We are happy, the children are delighted.
A day with Anna and Sterio is the best day in Crete. We recommend to everyone!

I would like to sincerely thank the wonderful Anna and her husband for the wonderful excursion, which was remembered by Anna's good knowledge of Crete, how could it be without legends and local tales! And most importantly, we changed the route on the spot, having gone to those places where tourists from large companies definitely do not reach, where there is no that crowd and everything is told with feeling, sensibly, with arrangement! The whole trip was very interesting to listen to, ask questions, it became clear a lot about the inhabitants of Crete))) Super comfortable minibus with child seats, delicious Cretan food, warm company, any whim - all this will be if you go with Anna! Recommended!

63 reviews for other excursions guide

Wonderful Crete !!! A wonderful excursion !!! Excellent Anya !!! We are completely delighted with communication with this wonderful couple. Everything is easy and simple, as if they were visiting relatives, but at the same time they examined the whole of West Crete and even more! Happiness, love and prosperity, convey to them all our best words of gratitude! Best regards, Nina and Igor Chaplygin

Anna had a great excursion, interestingly told about Crete and its peculiarities, hysterical and cultural parts, dined in a tavern with good food and a beautiful view. My husband drove the car neatly and comfortably, so everyone is happy, we will definitely recommend it to our friends who are going to Crete.

Thanks to Anna for a wonderful day :) An interesting route, we wanted to see the southern coast for a long time - I really liked Matala. I would like to go to Crete again!

In the region of Heraklion with the capital of the same name, there are many resorts with clubs, discos, restaurants and shops. Hersonissos is the main resort of the region, famous for its rich nightlife. If you want to enjoy peace and clean beaches, then the resort villages of Stalida and Malia are at your service. The resort village of Agia Pelagia (west of Heraklion) beckons tourists with a cozy bay with clear and calm water.

A 10-minute drive from Heraklion is the Water City water park with dizzying attractions and numerous pools, the cost of admission is 25 € for adults, for children up to 140 cm tall - 17 €, and young visitors below 90 cm have free fun.

In Hersonissos, for golf lovers, a club that meets all world standards is open all year round. The price per visit starts from 50 €.

Tourists can get acquainted with the underwater world of the Mediterranean in the Thalassokosmos aquarium, located in Heraklion, which has more than 2500 species of marine fauna and flora in its exposition. An adult ticket costs 8 €, for children under 17 - 6 €, children under 5 are admitted free. All visitors are provided with audio guides.

The most famous resorts of the eastern region of Lassithi are the party-like Agios Nikolaos, the "Cretan Monte Carlo", and Elounda with fashionable hotels. Agios Nikolaos is home to archaeological and ethnographic museums with collections of distinctive exhibits.

The western region of Chania is famous for its pristine sandy beaches and its eponymous capital, called "Greek Venice". The city is home to the Manoussakis winery, one of the largest in the world. You can come here with a guided tour and taste local products.

Chania

For lovers of water activities, the Limnopolis water park is located 6 km from Chania.

The Rethymno region offers holidaymakers plenty of entertainment and a breathtaking nightlife. For family or secluded holidays, it is preferable to stay in Platanias and Adele. During the last week of July, the Wine Festival takes place in Rethymno, so don't miss the opportunity to taste the famous Cretan wines.

For those wishing to do underwater research in Crete there are diving centers - Happy Drivers in Agios Nikolaos (from 20 € per dive), Blue Dolphin in Elounda (from 62 €), Paradise near Rethymno (from 50 €).

Be sure to visit the "Cretan Night" show - a late dinner with national songs and dances.

If you want to look into the hard-to-reach places of Crete and get to know more about the life of non-tourist settlements, then you should go on a safari tour.

For lovers of outdoor activities, horseback riding and cycling excursions are organized, those who wish to participate in them should contact the local tourist office or the hotel guide.

sights

Thousands of tourists come to Crete every year to see the remains of the Minoan civilization. The main attraction is the ruins of the Knossos Palace, built during the reign of King Minos. According to legend, it was here, in the labyrinth, that the terrible Minotaur-man was imprisoned. Another notable architectural monument of Heraklion is the massive ancient fortress that surrounds the city. Be sure to visit the Archaeological and Historical Museums in Heraklion, where you will see unique antique exhibits.

Knossos palace

Lychnostatis Museum

In Limenas in Heraklion, the Lychnostatis open-air museum presents the traditional life of the Cretans before the industrial era. All exhibits of the museum can be touched by hands, those who wish can even try to work on a loom, in a pottery workshop, or squeeze some oil from olives. The museum is open from 09.00 to 14.00 daily, except Sundays, entrance 5 €.

Arkadi monastery

In Rethymno, there is the Arkadi monastery, a symbol of the struggle between the Cretans and the Turks. The Ottoman quarter of the city is delightful with its labyrinth of narrow streets, minarets and a magnificent Venetian fortress. The Byzantine Art Center introduces visitors to the history and art of Byzantium.

In the village of Fodele, the birthplace of the artist El Greco, his museum is located with copies of world famous paintings.

Dikteyskaya cave

On the Lassithi Plain, it is worth visiting the Diktei Cave, where, according to myths, the goddess Rhea gave birth to Zeus. The cave with an underground lake and massive stalactites is extraordinarily beautiful and equipped for visiting. For those who find it difficult to climb the mountain, locals offer mule services for a few euros.

In the Bay of Mirabello, in the east of Crete, is the island of Spinalonga, famous for its sea views.

Spinalonga island

The ruins of ancient Roman cities can be found all over the island. The ruins are protected by the state and equipped with video surveillance, so do not be tempted to take an inconspicuous stone as a keepsake.

The Samaria Gorge is a national reserve and natural landmark of Crete. This gorge, the longest in Europe (18 km), serves as a refuge for the rarest Kri-Kri ibex.

Matala village

The southern coast of the island is known for the village of Matala, next to which there is a magnificent bay with numerous caves in the coastal cliffs. At one time, the Romans used them for burials, then monks who wanted solitude lived here, and in the 60s of the last century hippies settled in caves. Even now you will meet “Flower Children” in the vicinity - they drive around in vans painted with flowers, making a living by trading in volcanic rock bracelets. South of Matala, you can sunbathe on the Red Coast Beach with its unusual copper-red sand.

Elafonisi Pink Beach

Right there, on the southern coast, there is the Preveli beach with a palm grove and a river flowing from a source, punched into the rock by Nikolai the Wonderworker himself.

In the east of Crete, 6 km from Palekastro, lies Vai Beach, famous for its largest palm forest in Europe and excellent conditions for diving and windsurfing. In the southern part of the beach nudists are sunbathing.

On the western coast, not far from the town of Elafonisi, there is also a unique beach with pink sand.

Transport

The island has a convenient bus service, and there are domestic flights. Crete is connected to the outside world by ferry and air links.

Renting a car is the best way to fully explore the island, you will not be limited by excursions and can look into any corner of the island. Car rental will cost from 25 to 50 € per day plus gasoline (1.8-1.9 € per liter). No deposit is usually required. The driver must be over 21 years old, spend more than a year behind the wheel, Russian license will do. It is more profitable to take a car immediately for a week and a half, then you will be given a significant discount. At the rental office you will be provided with an informative road atlas of Crete showing the points of interest. Important - the rental price must include insurance called full insurance.

Traffic rules are not strictly followed - this applies mainly to the speed limit. Mountain serpentines are well equipped and not dangerous, but increased attention will not be superfluous. If the car in front of you has turned on the hazard warning lights, you blind the driver and are asked to switch to dipped headlights.

Remember that petrol stations here do not work around the clock, but close at 19-20.00. In rural areas, do not park your car close to trees - a couple of goats can use the car as a convenient step to a tasty twig.

Food

The local cuisine is famous for its ecological cleanliness. Outdoor-grown Cretan vegetables are delicious. Thanks to the aromatic herbs of the island, farmers get excellent milk from goats and sheep, from which excellent cheese is made.

Local vineyards produce excellent wine, consecrated by the very god of winemaking Dionysius, who was born here.

For a hearty dinner you will pay 15-20 €. At the end of the meal, you will definitely be presented with a compliment - a delicious dessert or a glass of incomparable brandy (local vodka). Thank the staff with a tip - 7-10% of the invoice amount.

Shopping

Large shops are concentrated in large cities, and in autumn there is a sales season. Souvenir shops are found at every turn and offer natural cosmetics, handmade olive soap, essential oils, magnificent knives made by local craftsmen, and exquisite lace products. It is better to buy ceramics and utensils in pottery workshops, the prices are more affordable and the possibility of purchasing Chinese stamping is excluded.

Crete is famous for its woolen goods, textiles, embroidered tablecloths and napkins.

Be sure to bring home wonderful honey, olive oil, recognized as the best in Europe, cheese, alpine tea.

Fans of rarities will be interested in visiting the Mercato Agora flea market in Chania and the Idolio museum shop in Hersonissos.

It is better not to buy fur coats in Crete - they are expensive here, and their quality has dropped significantly due to the dominance of Chinese goods.

Special offers for hotels in Crete

Helpful information

The island provides excellent opportunities for a splendid vacation both in luxury hotels and resort complexes, as well as in private middle-class hotels, mini-hotels and guest houses. For a large family or company, a great option is renting a villa, which will be much cheaper than staying at a hotel.

The shops are open from 08.00 to 13.00 and from 17.00 to 21.00. Many shops are closed on Sundays.

Banks are open on weekdays from 8 am to 2 pm. The museums and excavations are open daily from 8.30 am to 3 pm, except Mondays. Entrance to museums will cost from 6 to 10 €.

Umbrellas and sun loungers on municipal beaches are paid - 2-3 € per day.

How to get there

Crete is connected with Russia by direct flights from Moscow and major cities, but only in summer. The airport is located in Heraklion. At other times of the year, you can fly to Crete with a transfer from the EU capitals. From Athens to Crete can be reached by ferry.