What is a must do in Crete?
Nestled within the White Mountains of Crete, the Samaria Gorge is a hiker’s paradise, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and the exhilarating experience it offers to outdoor enthusiasts. The gorge stretches over 10 miles, making it one of the longest in Europe and a haven for flora and fauna. One of the best places to see in Crete, Samaria Gorge Walks through this beautiful landscape take in streams, unusual wildlife (such as the Kri-Kri) and some much needed shaded spots. Vertical walls soar up to 500m high all carved by the river that flows between Mount Avlimaniko and Volakias.
What is the nicest part of Crete to stay in?
Starting in the north, where I spent most of my time, is the Chania region. The best part of Crete to stay in is Chanina Old Town, with its picturesque Venetian harbor, narrow streets, and colorful architecture reflecting the island’s past influences. Chania is also known to have some of the best restaurants in Crete. That said, if you have to choose between Heraklion or Chania, we strongly recommend Chania. Nothing compares to Chania. The mix between Ottoman, Greek, and Venetian architecture will blow your mind away.So, yes, we made the right decision by choosing Chania over Heraklion. It’s Crete’s most beautiful town and some of the island’s best beaches are an easy day trip away.Crete is considered to have some of the most beautiful beaches in the country and someone can swim almost everywhere. The part of Crete with the best beaches is definitely Chania.Chania Town is probably the most beautiful town in Crete. The Old Town of Chania, with the evident Medieval style, is a wonderful place to walk around, lined up with elegant Venetian mansions.Chania is famous around Greece for its incredible architecture. Though Heraklion has several impressive buildings, it pales in comparison to Chania. On the other hand, Heraklion is more authentic, for lack of a better word. Both have a lively local population, but Chania is more touristy.
How many days in Crete is enough?
It’s also possible to explore both east and west Crete in 10 days. But your itinerary in Crete will be rushed and it would be best to rent a car to maximize sightseeing. The minimum days we’d recommend you spend in Crete is 7 days. A week in Crete will allow you to explore either the west or east part of the island. Unfortunately, there is no Uber in Crete, including the major cities of Heraklion, Chania, and Rethymno. There are also no alternative ridesharing apps available in Crete, so you’ll have to find another way to get around. Luckily, there are a few other options for exploring the island.Crete is one of the cheapest Greek islands to visit. As the largest island in the archipelago, it has a fantastic variety of budget-friendly accommodations, restaurants and activities on offer.Best Place To Base Yourself in Central and South Crete Without a Car. The best location to stay in if you’re planning to explore central and south Crete without a car is in Rethymno or Heraklion. These are the two best towns to base yourself in Crete.This means that unlike many of the smaller Greek islands, like Koufonisia or Antiparos, Crete is not walkable and it’s impossible to explore the entire island without a car or some form of motor transport. Luckily, there are many ways to get around Crete.With no Uber in Crete or alternative ridesharing services available on the island (like Lyft or Bolt), travelers are often forced to rely on public taxis, buses, or car rentals to get around. Here are six alternative ways to get around Crete.
What is Crete best known for?
Crete’s food is famous. Greeks consider its olive oil, honey, cheese, and produce some of the country’s best. In fact, the island is considered not only Greece’s breadbasket but its culinary legacy is often dubbed the quintessential Mediterranean diet. Breakfast in Crete may be rooted in simple ingredients, but the flavors are anything but basic. Honey harvested from Cretan bees, aromatic wild herbs growing in the mountains, and Cretan cheese varieties from local sheep’s or goat’s milk. It’s a reflection of the island’s deep connection to the land.
What’s the best month to visit Crete?
The best time to visit Crete, Greece is between May and October, when temperatures are comfortable, rainfall is low, and conditions are ideal for exploring. Alternatively, April offers a mild climate for those seeking less heat. It is between 9 ° C and 15 ° C depending on the year and regions of Crete. So you can enjoy this Greek island even in the off season! Beware however, the rainiest months are December and January.Crete became part of Greece in December 1913. Crete is predominantly mountainous, characterized by a range that crosses the island from west to east.
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. Get a step closer to island life on our walking tour of Crete. Discover isolated beaches, secluded coves, and impressive canyons as you walk and hike through the island’s most-icon landscapes.Do I need a car in Crete? You definitely need a rental car to explore Crete (in my opinion), unless you plan to just park yourself at a resort for your entire stay (which is a waste! Crete is huge, and there’s limited public transportation. To really explore, you need a car.