If there is paradise in Europe, it has to be in the Greek islands, because these fishing corners bathed by the Aegean Sea are a combination of natural beauty, exquisite food and charming towns that guarantee idyllic summers. If you haven't gone on vacation yet and you are one of those who starts the good stuff in September, take note: Crete is the most beautiful of all.
What to see and do on the island of Crete, Greece
Crete is not too big, but it has so many things to see that the ideal is to rent a car and explore every corner of this beautiful island. We begin with its traditional Greek fishing villages, all of them with whitewashed facades, flowering bougainvilleas and impressive views of the turquoise sea.
Heraklion Port
Heraklion is the main city, a 3,000-year-old city that houses the best Archaeological Museum of the Minoan civilization in the world, a Venetian port and St. Mark's Basilica, a 13th century baroque temple in perfect condition.
Agia Pelagia
20 kilometers from Heraklion is Agia Pelagia, an old fishing village with a more relaxed and peaceful lifestyle. Its waters are full of traditional boats, its streets smell like the sea and its beaches are protected from the wind. Another option is Rethymno, with a very eclectic historic center, the result of its Greek and Venetian past.
Canea
Finally, be sure to visit Chania. It is the second most important city on the island and has impressive architecture, which mixes Venetian, Greek and Ottoman styles. Its little Venetian port, its cobbled alleys, its charming terraces…it is, without a doubt, the most beautiful of all.
Knossos Palace
As a good Greek destination, ruins and archaeological remains are also part of the experience and in Crete we will not lack them. The Palace of Knossos is very close to Heraklion and you can enter for 20 euros. This is the palace of King Minos, with immense rooms, columns and colorful frescoes in impeccable condition.
Arkady Monastery
In Crete there is also the Arkadi Monastery, protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and witness to one of the most historic battles of the Ottoman invasion. Admission costs 4 euros. From here we go to the Palace of Festo, another very famous Minoan palace that we can visit for 15 euros.
Elafonisi Beach
The nature of Crete well deserves a separate mention. Any beach, cove and coast are magical, but we are going to highlight the most impressive of all. Elafonisi beach has pink sand and turquoise water of different shades, making it the most beautiful on the entire island. Something similar happens with Balos Lagoon, with a white sand atoll full of little fish that can only be accessed by boat.
Agiofarago Gorge
In addition to beaches, in Crete there is Lake Kournas, with fresh water and a mirror effect, full of turtles and colorful fish. Swimming is allowed and it is a very nice excursion. Although, for beauty, the Agiofarago gorge, a rocky landscape full of caves, rock chapels and remote beaches. Or the Samaria National Park, a mountainous area with epic views and landscapes.
Where to eat cheap and delicious on the island of Crete, Greece
All of Crete is quite cheap in terms of prices and Greek gastronomy means that you can eat healthy and exquisite almost anywhere. If you need ideas, go to Maxim Restaurant for its fresh fish and feta salad and Pleasure Beach Club Restaurant for its sea views eating Souvlaki, moussaka and gyros. None exceeds 20 euros per person.
What to do around the island of Crete, Greece
Around Crete there are several unspoiled islands and islets that are well worth a boat trip to discover. The two most famous are the island of Dia, an uninhabited paradise of cliffs, trails and totally wild rock; and Chrissi Island, which looks like a Caribbean corner with its white sand beaches. It is a Nature Reserve, so boats cannot reach its shore and you have to swim closer. Precisely for this reason, the visit is much more unique and special.
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