Do you want to develop your sense of traveling and enliven your spirit of adventure? The wonderful Crete Island, lying in the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, is waiting for you with its astonishing gorges and spectacular caves, clean beaches and green forests and more. It’s steeped in legend, soaked in sunshine and littered with tiny villages, romantic venues and perfect places to party. From exploring the picturesque tropical island of Chrissi to taking a boat trip to Spinalonga to indulging in vibrant shopping to delving into the history of the majestic Knosos Palace and Museum, your Crete holidays will turn into colorful memories full of unforgettable moments and emotions.
Crete is a little bit like a mini Greece with all the same criteria just on a smaller scale. With a total area of about 8,300 square kilometers Crete is the largest island of Greece and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean. The most mountainous of Greek islands, Crete is divided into the prefectures of Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Lasithi, each with its own charm and points of interest. The island enjoys hot, dry summers and mild winters with almost non-existent rainfall in summer and showers expected between October and April. The highest season for Crete holidays is between July and August when, the weather is hot, the sea is wonderfully warm and the beaches are always crowded.
The legend goes that Crete was the birthplace of Zeus and the natural resting place for gods. Today the island retains much of its character, offering breathtaking architectural sites and medieval harbor town sure to delight even the most demanding travelers. But if you are looking for active pursuits, Crete has it all – noisy nightlife, majestic shopping, gorgeous golden beaches and a horde of land and water sports to keep you entertained all day long.
Kids will have a blast at Limnoupolis Water Park, near Chania, where lazy rapids weave their way around big outdoor flumes. As for family-friendly stretches, Rethymnon is the one to check. The capital of the Rethymnon Prefecture, this is where visitors will find one of the largest sand beaches of Crete, lined with miles of palm trees, as well as such beautiful sights, as the large, beautifully preserved Venetian fortress of Fortetza; the Rimondi Fountain, built to provide citizens with drinking water in the 17th century; and the Neratzes Mosque used today as a music conservatory.
Another fascinating getaway that is a must for any traveler to Crete is the fabulous Botanical Park of Crete, nestled in the foothills of the beautiful White Mountains, offering visitors a fantastic day out away from the beach. The place is noted for its exclusive tropical and subtropical plants, fruit trees from all over the world, all scattered around an area with a surface of 200 square kilometers. The park is also perfect for trekking. After you have discovered the magic of this green piece of paradise, you can enjoy a delicious meal at the fine restaurant, located in the park itself.
As for accommodation, the lively Crete offers a wide array of options, ranging from budget hotels to luxury villas and resorts and everything in between. Modern Cretan hospitality leaves nothing to be desired with designs, furnishings and facilities of world standards. One of the best choices is the boutique Halepa Hotel, ideal for those looking for an intimate elegant experience. Elounda Gulf Villas and Suites is the unique, award winning, family-owned and run hotel in the exclusive cosmopolitan region of Elounda, offering unforgettable comfort and top notch service. For those in search of beauty on a budget, Crete comes with Calypso Hotel, found in Matala – the place of spectacular sunsets, a bustling and popular seaside village that springs to life for its visitors.
