Where to avoid in Crete?
Where should I not stay in Crete? While Crete is a beautiful and charming destination with plenty of incredible places to stay, there are certain areas that you should avoid. Unless you’re looking for a party atmosphere, staying away from Malia and perhaps Hersonissos is advisable, as they are quite busy and noisy. Here are some of the best villages on Crete island: Towns of Chania and Rethymno, Anogia in Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos in Lassithi, and more.While it may require a bit more effort to reach, Crete offers a more peaceful and uncrowded vacation experience. Both islands have much to offer and are worth visiting, depending on what type of trip you are looking for.Heavily Touristy Areas That Lack Authentic Cretan Charm For instance, areas near Hersonissos or Malia are known for large resorts and party scenes. While they are great for those looking for nightlife, they may not offer much in terms of local culture, history, or the peaceful beauty that Crete is known for.Firstly, Crete is known for being a calm, community-focused island with a strong sense of local culture and hospitality. Violent crime is extremely rare, and tourist areas are generally very secure. The island’s police, healthcare, and emergency services are reliable and responsive.
What is the nicest beach town in Crete?
Best Places in Crete for the Beach: Elafonisi, Hersonissos, Bali, Matala, Elounda, and Kolymvari. Elafonisi Beach is considered the best beach in Crete, renowned for its rosy pink sand, sparkling blue water, and nearly waveless sea. The beach itself spreads from the mainland across a causeway to Elafonisi Island. Located in the Chania region, on the island’s stunning southwest coast, Elafonisi is easily one of the best beaches in Greece—and possibly in Europe.Activities at Elafonisi include swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and hiking along nearby trails. Nature lovers can explore the lagoon’s unique ecosystem, while photography enthusiasts can capture stunning shots of the pink sands and turquoise waters.Located in the Chania region, on the island’s stunning southwest coast, Elafonisi is easily one of the best beaches in Greece—and possibly in Europe.Activities at Elafonisi include swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and hiking along nearby trails. Nature lovers can explore the lagoon’s unique ecosystem, while photography enthusiasts can capture stunning shots of the pink sands and turquoise waters.The most famous pink sand beach in Crete is Elafonissi Beach, in the remote south-west corner of the island. Elafonissi – also spelt Elafonisi – is a series of beaches, with one on the shore of a lagoon, the main Elafonisi beach and a series of smaller beaches on Elafonissi Island, a short walk away across the lagoon.
What is the prettiest place in Crete?
One of the best places to see in Crete, Samaria Gorge Would you ever believe that this dramatic landscape is floating on a Greek Island? Located south of Chania, Samaria Gorge is filled with large pine covered rock formations jutting out in unusual shapes. Chania feels like the obvious choice. It has the international airport, quicker access to Crete’s western must-visit places like Balos, Elafonisi, and the Samaria Gorge, and even puts Rethymno within easy day-tripping distance. If you’re picking a hub, pick Chania. You won’t regret it.Chania, Crete Chania is one of Greece’s most well-liked cities among US expats and the second-largest city in Western Crete. Over the past 30 years, the American expat community in Crete has grown. Here, there is a far stronger sense of community and support from other expats than on the mainland.There is no direct ferry connection between Chania and Santorini, however it is possible to travel to the Cycladic island from the ports of Rethymno, Heraklion and Sitia. The nearest port to Chania, where you can catch a ferry to Santorini, is in Rethymno, which is about 66 km away.
Where is the pink beach in Crete?
In the south-west of the island, you’ll spy the candy floss-pinks of Elafonisi Lagoon. The sand here has been almost dip-dyed this colour by shells that have washed up on the shore over countless years. The impressive pink color of the sand in Elafonisi originates from the so-called Foraminifera shellfishes, which, when they complete their life cycle, leave behind their reddish shells which are crushed in the white sand and mix with it to produce this unique pink color.
How much is the ferry from Crete to Santorini?
The fastest ferry departing from Heraklion, Crete, takes 1h 30min, while on average the ferry trip lasts about 3h 45min. Ticket prices range from €15. Book your tickets online to Santorini with Ferryscanner for an easy booking experience and the best price guarantee. The Crete – Santorini ferry route is mainly operated by high-speed ferries lasting from about 1 hr 30 min to 2 hr 15 min.Yes, ferries connect Crete (All Ports) and Milos, with Minoan Lines, Seajets companies operating the route. The ferry trip lasts 3h 51min on average. Ferries depart from the Heraklion, Crete – Rethymno, Crete ports and are available weekly.Crete is moderately expensive compared to other Greek islands, like Mykonos and Santorini. Prices for food, accommodation, and transport vary by season and location, with costs peaking in July and August.The average ticket from Athens to Crete (Island) will cost around $73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $44. Of the 8 ferries that leave Athens for Crete (Island) on Sun, Sep 07, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.