Crete for tourists - useful information. Agios nikolaos and east crete

Crete is a unique island with special infrastructure, varied cuisine, beaches and hotels for every taste and budget. Those who decide to relax in this beautiful place will surely have a wonderful vacation. To ensure that this vacation is not overshadowed by anything, it is a good idea to have some basic knowledge of what awaits tourists in Crete. Briefly about the most important things for tourists in Crete, read on.

Shopping and souvenirs in Crete

In Crete, in almost every village, even in mountainous areas, there are shops where you can find any product for life and relaxation. Shops on the island work according to a special schedule: usually from 8 to 14 and from 18 to 21 hours, that is, there is a long break at lunchtime. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, some shops close immediately after lunch. The most favorable times for shopping in Crete are during the seasonal sales, which are in January, May and October. During these periods, various products can be purchased in shopping centers at discounted prices.

All shops in Crete can be conventionally divided into several categories. Firstly, these are tourist shops offering, first of all, a wide range of Cretan souvenirs, as well as beach accessories, olive oil , alcoholic drinks and everything that may be of interest to vacationers. Tourist shops and souvenir shops are usually located in resort areas or along major highways.

Secondly, in Crete you can find many shops and boutiques of famous brands, including those familiar to Russian tourists. Such shops are located in the central areas of large cities. For example, in Heraklion, shops are located on Daedalus Street. Here you can buy clothes and shoes from famous brands at a discount. Despite the smaller size of the stores themselves in comparison with the Russian ones, the offered assortment pleases with its wide variety. In the fall, during sales, malls and boutiques can reduce prices for clothing items by up to 50 - 70 percent.

Especially for Russian tourists, excellent fur coats made in factories in northern Greece are brought to shops. Due to the high demand, fur products in Cretan shops are widely represented.

The island also has its own supermarkets and mega-malls, which are located in the vicinity of cities. The largest supermarkets in Crete are Vassilopoulos, Carrefour and Xalkiadakis. You can buy literally everything in them, with the exception of electronics and computers. This category of goods is sold in specialized stores, similar in assortment to the Russian ones.

Finally, in Crete you can find good shops for children's goods, for example, the huge Jumbo children's toy stores, where you can find literally everything that every child dreams of. A visit to such a store with children can take the whole day. In addition to traditional shopping centers and shops, Crete has local markets open until lunchtime. It is better to go there for fresh seafood, sweets, fruits and vegetables, aromatic spices and the famous Greek olives.

What can you buy in Crete as a reminder of your trip or as a gift to friends and family? Local souvenirs are very diverse. First of all, these are various vases and figurines, decorated by local craftsmen in the style of ancient Greek themes. This also includes T-shirts with images of ancient Greek gods and temples. Such a T-shirt with scenes from ancient Greek mythology can cost 30-50 euros.

The island also sells fabric products - these are tablecloths, linens, rugs, curtains. Wool products knitted by local women. You can often find artists selling their paintings. Almost all of them are painted on canvases, and the plots are based on local landscapes and life stories. Paintings are inexpensive, the price depends on the size of the canvas and the presence of a frame on it. You can buy a pretty decent painting for 30-50 euros.

Jewelry products deserve special attention. Here you can buy unique handmade products. These are a variety of earrings, rings, pendants and bracelets. Some local jewelry salons have their own workshops, which are more than a dozen years old. Intricate weaving and amazing Greek ornaments are all that are essential attributes of Cretan jewelry. Jewelry and jewelry prices do not differ much from the world average. Among the inexpensive souvenirs presented in the tourist shops of Crete, one can mention mugs, calendars, photo stands, albums with pictures of the island's attractions.

From Crete, one cannot but bring home the pickled olives of Kalamata, as well as the famous Greek olive oil, which is represented on the island in a wide variety. Cold-pressed oil is considered the best; its cost can go up to five euros per liter. Sun-soaked olive oil can be purchased as a wonderful gift or simply to bring home and use in vegetable salads.

Excellent cosmetics are made from olive oil. As an inexpensive but very pleasant gift for a woman, you can use olive soap with chamomile or rose scent. Soaps and creams in aromatic olive oil perfectly moisturize the skin. The shops in Crete offer the finest quality creams and lotions made from olive oil.

Many tourists also prefer to bring alcoholic drinks from Crete. For example, a bottle of raka grape vodka in a beautiful package, which is sold in shops for tourists. The famous Greek brandy Metaxa and the burning anise vodka Ouzo are equally popular. Cretan wine is also a popular commodity among tourists. You can buy it in every supermarket, as well as wineries, which are often visited on excursions. It is not possible to export alcoholic drinks and olive oil from the island, there are strict restrictions: 2 liters of oil per person, and 2 bottles of alcoholic beverages.

Transport and car rental in Crete

The most convenient way to travel is by bus. Crete has a city and intercity bus service, buses link various major island cities. Bus tickets are relatively inexpensive, and the buses themselves run between cities on a schedule with an interval of about one hour. Buses run even more frequently in resort areas. For example, buses run between Malia and Heraklion every 20 minutes. You can get on such a bus right on the highway where the stops are located. The stops are numbered, so it's easy to navigate. You can buy a ticket right on the bus, each of them has a conductor. The buses are comfortable, cool and pleasant to ride on.

However, you can also rent a car, since there are a huge number of rental shops in Crete, literally at every step. All you need to rent a car is an international driving license with at least one year of driving experience. The rental price starts from 40 euros per day. Plus gasoline. According to local regulations, all passengers, including those in the rear of the vehicle, must fasten their seat belts in the passenger compartment. In cities, the permitted speed is limited to 50 kph, on highways and highways - up to 80 kph. You can rent a wide variety of cars for every taste.

Crete beaches

Many Cretan beaches are regularly awarded the Blue Flag by the EU, which is the highest rating for their excellent environmental condition. Local beaches are well maintained and free to visit. Only for sun loungers and umbrellas you need to pay (from about 3 euros).

Crete beaches

The beaches on the north side of Crete are characterized by gentle relief and comfortable descent into the sea. These are mostly sandy beaches. At the same time, the beaches of the southern coast are mostly pebbly, there are many high rocky shores, from where an amazing view of the sea opens. There are fewer tourists on the south side of Crete, which makes the beach holiday more peaceful and secluded. Beach lovers spend their holidays in Crete from May to October, when the water temperature on the coast is the most suitable for swimming. The most popular beach areas for tourists are the resort areas of Rethymno, Chania, Heraklion and Lassithi.

In the Chania area, the most comfortable sandy beaches are Kalyves, Almyrida, Plaka, Marati and Loutraki. Also among tourists, the Balos beach with soft pink sand is well known, which is explained by the presence of the remains of shells in it. Balos beach is located in the western part of the island, where the waters of three seas meet at once - the Aegean, Ionian and Libyan. This is a closed lagoon, where, according to legend, a pirate harbor was once located. Today it is a wild, shallow beach with a calm sea. You can get here by ship.

Another interesting beach in the resort area of \u200b\u200bChania is Frangokastello. It is ideal for those who want to relax on the coast with young children. Frangokastello beach with a very long coastline, it has a gentle slope into the sea. It is distinguished by the presence of a large number of trees and plants along the coast, which protect vacationers from the scorching sun.

Crete beaches

Eight kilometers from Chania is the popular resort of Agia Marina with its magnificent beach of the purest golden sand. The local beach has a smooth entrance to the sea, and the coast itself is characterized by high ecological purity. Agia Marina beach is "overgrown" with modern infrastructure in the form of hotels, cafes and nightclubs. On the four-kilometer-long Platanias beach, ten kilometers from Chania, you can ride a banana or scooter, as well as learn parasailing and other water activities.

In the Rethymno area, tourists can relax on a fifteen-kilometer beach that stretches from Georgioupoli to the city itself. There are numerous restaurants, taverns and disco bars along this multi-kilometer strip. The water here is not considered to be the cleanest, but the developed infrastructure and proximity to the city make this beach highly popular. Good beaches in this area for family holidays are Panormo and Panormo. They are wide and safe, and also sheltered from sea waves. Parents will not be afraid to let their children go swimming.

In the resort area of \u200b\u200bHeraklion, one can note such popular tourist beaches as Karteros, Florida, Amnissos and Tompruk. The beach near the village of Matala has already been awarded the Blue Flag for the cleanliness of the sea coast. It has its own rescue service and is equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas for guests. Matala beach is sandy, but in the sea waters there are large slabs of stone at the bottom. Those who are planning to relax in Heraklion can recommend the wild sandy and pebble beach of Paleokastro. Although there is no usual infrastructure, the beach captivates with its natural landscapes and azure water. Finally, in the resort area of \u200b\u200bLassithi, tourists will be interested in the wide Long Beach, several kilometers long.

Among the most famous and visited beaches of Crete, a special place belongs to the white sand beach of Vai. This beach is located near an amazing palm grove that grows right on the seashore. It is believed that the famous Bounty ad was filmed on Vai Beach. This beach has all the modern infrastructure and amenities, except perhaps the possibility of spending the night due to the lack of hotels near the coast.

The stunning Elafonisi Beach is also located in the southwest. It is covered with unusual light pink sand. The beach itself is shallow, so it is recommended to relax on it with small children. The peculiarity of Elafonisi beach is that it is separated from the coast by a narrow strip of water, so the beach looks like a separate small island.

The water is clean and clear everywhere. On the equipped and sandy beach, entry into the water is easy and comfortable. The water depth on different beaches is different. Many beaches are suitable for swimming for children and for those who cannot swim. It is worth shaving sea urchins. They are an indicator of the purity of the water, as they live only in crystal waters, but they are very dangerous.

Cretan cuisine

Cretan cuisine is Mediterranean cuisine with its own special traditions and unique dishes. It is an excellent example of a healthy, harmonious diet thanks to its ingredients such as olive oil, seafood, vegetables and natural cheese. In Crete, olive oil is used in almost every dish, it is even used for medicinal purposes. Cretan oil is of the highest quality and environmentally friendly.

Another must-have in Cretan cuisine is fresh vegetables and fruits. A well-known local vegetable dish is the Khoryatiki salad, which is made from fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and hard cheese, we call a similar salad "Greek". Also, Cretan cuisine cannot be imagined without a variety of seafood. Boiled shrimps are served with tomatoes and grilled cheese.

A popular Calamari dish in Crete is fried squid. Cretans also enjoy preparing fresh sea fish. In order to enjoy fresh fish and seafood delicacies, it is recommended to go to one of the fishing villages on the island. From meat in Crete at a special price lamb and goat meat. Roast lamb is cooked over charcoal or spit, or baked in the oven with potatoes. Pork is no less popular. In Crete, you can taste the classic Greek dish - souvlaki. This is pork that is fried on skewers and served on the table along with potatoes. Also, the Greeks are very adept at creating a variety of appetizers flavored with lemon juice and garlic.

When it comes to local delicacies, Crete is primarily famous for its dairy products, in particular the soft goat or sheep feta cheese, which is used in a variety of salads. You can try it only in Greece, because up to 95 percent of the production of this cheese goes for domestic consumption. Also in Crete, Kefalografira cheese, obtained from goat's milk, and white cheese from Mizitra sheep's milk, are well known, which differs from ordinary yellow cheeses by the presence of lower cholesterol.

A very popular specialty in Crete is Pita gyros. These are fried pieces of pork that are complemented by onions, potatoes, peppers and wrapped in pita bread. Pita gyros is a Greek version of the shawarma well known to Russians.It is sold almost everywhere on the island at a price of about two and a half euros. It's good for both a quick bite to eat and a sedate lunch at a tavern.

If you want something completely exotic, you can try snails, ordinary grape ones. Snails are not served everywhere, but for the islanders they are a very common dish.

The drinks

There are no problems with soft drinks in Crete. Everything is available here, from the well-known carbonated drinks Coca-Cola and Pepsi to fresh, healthy juices of local production. Mostly in Crete, they drink coffee, which the locals know how to prepare perfectly. Among the most popular non-alcoholic soft drinks on the island is an instant coffee with froth, ice and milk, called Frape. Also on sale there is a variety of Cretan tea grown in mountainous areas.

Among alcoholic drinks, first of all, it is worth mentioning the national Cretan drink raki or tsikoudia, which is not very popular in the mainland of Greece. This is a fairly cheap drink made from distilled water and leftover wine. Moreover, the alcohol content in it reaches 45 - 55 percent. Ouzo anise vodka is equally popular in local bars and taverns.

Of the wine products, local red wine deserves attention, which is not so expensive. Cretan wines of different varieties are distinguished by pleasant astringency, delicate aroma and rich taste. But, here, as elsewhere, it is important to understand that good wine is not cheap. Locals recommend buying wine from 8 euros per bottle.

Restaurants and cafes

There are a lot of places in Crete where you can eat well and relax. In the resort areas, most restaurants and cafes are guided by traditional European fast food, so the dishes that you can try there only remind you of Cretan or Greek cuisine by their name. The most popular fast food in Crete is

Pita gyros, which is due to the high speed of preparation of this dish, as well as the variety of sauces and seasonings to it.

But to taste the real Cretan cuisine, it is better to go to one of the local taverns. They may specialize in seafood or meat dishes. Moreover, the further from the resort areas the tavern is located, the more interesting and unique local cuisine it is ready to offer. Although, in the resort areas there are many beautiful taverns, decorated in an authentic style, conveniently located on the seashore, and offering a very varied local cuisine.

Among the branded establishments on the island of Crete, one can note kafenio, a traditional Greek cafeteria, and uzeria, which is an analogue of the Russian wine-glass house only in a more civilized form. In the uzeria, they order aniseed or grape vodka with snacks, and in kafenio people go for classic Cretan coffee.

The average bill for one person in Crete costs about 15 euros for a fairly hearty dinner. Although, of course, much depends on the class of the restaurant or cafe and its location. In local restaurants, it is customary to tip the waiters. Usually this is 10 percent of the bill, but in small budget cafes you can tip one and a half euros and that will be enough.

As for payment in various catering establishments, be careful about bills in cafes and restaurants located in tourist areas. Here the owners, in pursuit of profit, often go to various tricks and tricks. For example, in the menu, the price for meat is indicated for a certain weight.

In addition, Cretan cafes often “treat” customers at the entrance, constantly communicating with them and offering various dishes. Under such pressure, some tourists, at a loss, begin to order the most expensive dishes and drinks, which turns into a very decent amount of money. Barkers at taverns in resort areas are a common occurrence, they offer to visit them, and in three languages \u200b\u200b- English, Russian and German. However, thank you politely and they are not imposed.

However, all these are rare examples, and, in general, the restaurants and cafes of Crete delight with their friendly, hospitable staff. You can often find a menu in Russian, and waiters who know a few words in Russian.

Island safety

The crime rate in Crete is very low. There are also no risk factors for the health or safety of vacationers. Perhaps poisonous snakes, which still have to look, and sea urchins on some wild beaches. However, a tourist police has been organized on the island for safety and comfort. Its tasks include helping tourists, for example, when a person has lost valuable documents or personal belongings, has become a victim of scammers or unscrupulous citizens.

Tourist police officers speak several foreign languages \u200b\u200band can provide a wide variety of assistance to tourists. Starting from the usual information and advisory support and ending with the resolution of disputes with representatives of the tourism business. Therefore, in unforeseen cases, you can always contact the tourist police stations, which are located in all popular tourist areas, including Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Agios Nikolaus.

During the summer months, Crete often has a real tropical heat with temperatures above thirty-five degrees. In such hot weather in Crete, vacationers are advised to take certain precautions. You should spend a minimum amount of time in the open sun and avoid strenuous physical activity. You need to wear light, well-ventilated clothes and be sure to wear a hat made of natural materials. It is advisable to exclude fatty, hard-to-digest foods from your diet. It is better to drink plain or still mineral water. It is recommended to use sunglasses and various skin protection creams on the beach.

Water parks in Crete

On the island of Crete, in addition to beach holidays and exploring historical sights, there are many activities. Among them are wonderful water parks that can be visited with small children. Not far from the resort of Hersonissos there is the Aqua Plus water park with water slides, a playground, inflatable trampolines and air hockey. This water park is aimed at adults and teenagers, but there is also entertainment for the little ones.

The largest water park in Crete is the Water City complex, located in the eastern part of the island. It has a separate area for children with fountains, slides, a children's pool and bridges. There is also a cafe on the territory of the complex, where adults can comfortably rest and relax. Not far from the Chania resort there is also an excellent Limnoupolis water park with a children's area and a large swimming pool. A visit to the water park will cost an adult 23 euros, while a ticket for a child is 17 euros.

Finally, in Hersonissos, there is a Star Beach water park, unique for Crete. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the park is located right on the sea coast. The entrance is free, you only have to pay for the rent of sun loungers by the pool. StarBeach Aquapark is family-oriented with children, therefore it has a variety of activities for both adults and children of all ages.

Crete is the mysterious homeland of the Minotaur. A luxurious resort for the whole family among 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. 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 noteworthy: 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 often accommodated in the areas of Ayia Pelagia, Amoudara, Chersonossis, 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 were traditionally intimidated by 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 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.

Popular cruises to the island, white and blue churches and black sand beaches. 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.

In the area of \u200b\u200bHeraklion 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 there is the Water City water park with dizzying attractions and numerous swimming pools, the cost of admission is 25 € for adults, for children up to 140 cm tall - 17 €, and little visitors below 90 cm have free fun.

In Hersonissos, for golf lovers, a club is open all year round that meets all international standards. 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. An adult ticket costs 8 €, for children under 17 years old - 6 €, children under 5 years old are free. All visitors are provided with audio guides.

The most famous resorts in the eastern region of Lassithi are the party town Agios Nikolaos, the "Cretan Monte Carlo", and Elounda with its luxury 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 exploration 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 outdoor enthusiasts, horseback riding and cycling excursions are organized; those wishing 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, 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 a little 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 to visit. For those who find it difficult to climb the mountain, locals offer mule services for a few euros.

In Mirabello Bay, 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. To the 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 spring, 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 west coast, near 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 connections.

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, have been driving for more than a year, the license is Russian. 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 low beam 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 purity. 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 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 step and offer natural cosmetics, handmade olive soap, essential oils, magnificent knives made by local craftsmen, 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 products, textiles, embroidered tablecloths and napkins.

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

Lovers 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, and in private middle-class hotels, mini-hotels, guest houses. For a large family or company, a great option is to rent 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 available 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.

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 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 of 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 area, 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, exclusively those places that I love myself.

+6

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 walks, 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 concerning 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 Rosa 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. The driver is Anna's spouse. 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 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 Zeus's 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, how they celebrate the wedding, etc.
In general, we all really liked everything, everyone was satisfied. On the way back, the son fell asleep under 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 have to run, keep up, fit into the framework and fit our uncomfortable children into them (we and children do not particularly like this). But a completely "cutlet" rest quickly tires us and begins to depress us.
We wanted to see Crete. Lively, authentic, not postcard tourist.
It is clear that with such requests, the format of the bus tour, where “they got 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 above the 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 exactly as planned, Anna was very worried that we might be upset, but we just need it! 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, returning 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, needed 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 to which we would like to return. Anna, THANK YOU! From the heart!

For the first time in Crete. We ordered an excursion from Anna. Impressions:
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 have you learned:
- 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, the creation of ceramics and not only.
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 an 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 have long wanted to see the southern coast - I really liked Matala. I would like to go to Crete again!

Greek resorts are known all over the world, especially in the insular part of the country. But Greece has made Crete its main tourist brand. A large island located in the "heart" of the Mediterranean, with dozens of attractions and hundreds of beaches, has become a real tourist klondike for the country. Millions of travelers come here every year, and each of them is impressed by Crete in its own way. And there are more than enough opportunities to leave a vivid impression on the island! In today's article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Crete before traveling to this unique Greek region.

Crete island - geography and general information

Let's start our review of the main Greek resort with encyclopedic information that will form a complete picture of what the island of Crete is.

Territory and major cities of Crete

Much later than this catastrophe, at the beginning of the 1st millennium BC, the Dorians arrived in Crete and began the rapid construction of new policies. An ancient Greek tribe owned the island until the collapse of the state, after which Crete experienced a long period of foreign protectorate.

First, the Byzantines settled on the island ( 767 BC), then the Muslims took possession of the territory ( 824 BC) and founded an emirate here. Even later, the Byzantines moored to the shores of Crete ( 1210 BC), who ruled for several centuries. Then again control over Crete passed to the Arabs ( 1669 g.) and held out until the Cretan uprising broke out ( 1898 g.) After a successful revolution, the island became an autonomous state, and later merged with the revived Greece ( 1913 g.), of which it is still.

Mythology

Crete's significant role is also expressed in mythological subjects. According to legend, the island became a refuge for Rhea, who gave birth to the god of thunder Zeus. His father was Kronos, who killed his children in fear of losing power, so running away from her husband was the only way for Rhea to save her son.

Later, the island appears in myths as a haven for Zeus and his wife Europa, who was kidnapped from the Phoenicians. She gave birth to three sons to God, one of whom became the famous ruler of Crete - Minos. In turn, Minos already appears in myths as the instigator of the construction of the famous Palace of Knossos, in which the king arranged the Labyrinth of the Minotaur. The myth of Theseus and Ariadne is associated with the bull-monster, and together with them, King Aegeus, Dionysus and other famous heroes of Ancient Greece are already indirectly involved.

Greece Crete - top attractions

There are countless monuments of nature, history, religion and culture on the island, and the region of Heraklion is especially rich in them. For example, it is here that the famous Knossos is located - a palace of the Minoan period, which is considered the famous Labyrinth of the Minotaur. The ruins of the building, once numbering 1,000 chambers, were discovered at the beginning of the 20th century. Since then, the complex has been reconstructed, the frescoes have been partially restored and a whole museum dedicated to local archaeological finds has been assembled.

Also not far from the capital are the ancient palace in Malia, the Koules Fortress, the Cretan Aquarium and the village of Fodele - the small birthplace of the artist El Greco. In addition, there are many caves and gorges in the surrounding area, and many towns and villages boast ancient temples and churches.

Of course, the rest of the island has its own attractions. Rethymni is famous for the Fortezza fortress, the Zamintos palace, the monasteries of Preveli and Arkadi, as well as the highest mountain on the island of Crete - Ida (Psiloriti). Western Chania will show tourists the Omalos plateau, Lake Kurna and the Frangokastello fortress. There is also a test of strength for lovers of active tourism - the Samaria Gorge, which stretches for 13 km.

The east of the island is also rich in unique places. So, in the Lassithi nome are:

• Minoan Palace Zakros;
• Archaeological Park of Vasiliki;
• Zeus cave;
• Antique Polis Dryros;
• Spinalonga Island and much more.

Thus, sights can be found in any area of \u200b\u200bCrete, it is not without reason that car rental is so popular on the island. Many tourists on vacation get a car and travel all over Crete, visiting various beaches and notable corners of the island.

Holidays in Crete and entertainment for tourists

Like the rest of Greece, Crete is focused on the development of tourist attraction, for which the appropriate infrastructure has been built here. Guests of the island are offered accommodation in hotels and inns of various comfort classes, visits to equipped beaches and entertainment centers, as well as trips on excursions even to hard-to-reach attractions. The Greeks really care about the local level of service and try to keep a high class in all its areas: transport, food, accommodation and leisure. Let's look at some of the prime examples of Cretan hospitality.