CRETE TRAVEL ARTICLES

Plan your trip to Crete the smart way

Where Is Crete?

This is one of the most frequent questions of people who think about visiting a Greek island for the first time in their life. They start researching all islands and end up by figuring out that Crete is different. In fact, Crete is the cradle of the Minoan civilization, and home to the archaeological site of Knossos.

Although Greeks, the locals like to call themselves Cretans. They are neutral to foreigners, but welcoming enough for you to have a great time on the island. Don’t expect them to bargain with you, as they are rather firm once they tell you a price for whatever you want to buy from them. Did I tell you that their olive oil, their honey and their orange jam are worth every Euro cent?

Crete is the biggest of all islands in Greece. It is so big that it requires at least three of four visits to cover all these lovely cities, beaches and mountain villages. It is also the most southern island of Greece (if we don’t count the tiny Gavdos island)

Crete has everything in terms of landscape: there are marvelous beaches with white (and even pink sand), charming fishermen villages, lovely harbors, steep gorges and rocky mountains. It even features a small but scenic lake, Kournas. Here you can taste an amazing Dacos (traditional Cretan dish made with double-baked bread, tomatoes and garlic).

The Four Regions of Crete

Crete has four regions, which also count as administrative prefectures: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion (Iraklio) and Lasithi (Lassithi). Heraklion (the city) has the biggest airport on the island.

You can get from Athens to Crete by plane or by ferryboat. The flight is short, but the ferry trip is more exciting. You can hop on the ferry in Piraeus in the evening and travel all night to get to Heraklion early in the morning. The first thing you’ll see after landing will be the old citadel.

 

Georgioupolis: Crete’s Hidden Gem

Georgioupolis: Crete’s Hidden Gem

Georgioupolis, also spelled Georgioupoli, is a small fishing village that features a main village square, a marina, two sandy beaches separated by a river, resorts, hotels, shops and welcoming tavernas. The village of Georgioupolis belongs to the Apokoronas...

read more
Rethymno Travel Guide

Rethymno Travel Guide

Rethymno (alternative spelling Rethymnon) is one of the four prefectures of Crete, the largest Greek island. Rethymno Town is the capital of this regional unit. Rethymno Town is located on the North coast of Crete, between the towns of Chania and Heraklion. Founded by...

read more
Cretaquarium Thalassokosmos – Visiting Guide for 2024

Cretaquarium Thalassokosmos – Visiting Guide for 2024

Family Excursion: From Sea Wonders to Mythical Realms Adventure ☑ You'll visit CretΑquarium, Dinosauria Park, the Greek Mythology Thematic Park, the mythological Cave of Zeus on the Lassithi Plateau, the Lasinthos Eco Park, and a traditional Cretan village...

read more
Crete Travel Guide for 2024

Crete Travel Guide for 2024

Full Day Trip to Knossos Cave of Zeus and Olive Oil Factory ☑ Transport by luxury air conditioned minivan (maximum capacity 7 people) with wi-fi on board ☑ Pickup and drop-off from your hotel harbor or designated meeting points ☑ Bottled water,...

read more
Menies Beach & The Dusty Roads of West Crete

Menies Beach & The Dusty Roads of West Crete

Menies Beach is one of the most beautiful wild beaches of Chania. Located on Rodopos Peninsula, Menies beach is accessible only by car or boat. Here are photos and travel tips to help you plan your trip to Menies Beach

read more
How To Visit Lake Kournas in Crete

How To Visit Lake Kournas in Crete

If someone told you that you could go on a Greek island and you had to visit a fresh water lake, would you believe it? Lake Kournas is at 45 km from Chania Town and it is the only freshwater natural lake on Crete. You can reach it by car, via VOAK, the road that...

read more

About Me

Ferry Timetables