What is the best secret beach in Crete?
Elafonisi Beach Nestled between the southern side of the Aegean Sea and to the north of the Libyan Sea, Crete is blessed with an array of stunning and secluded beaches, hence its enduring popularity with tourists. And perhaps the best of them all is Elafonisi Beach. 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.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.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.
Are beaches in Crete free?
The best free things to do in Crete: from beaches to historical landmarks. Crete’s evocative towns and cities, myriad beaches and geological wonders are all free to explore. Some of the most important historic sites and museums charge a pittance for admission, and many of the treasure-filled churches are free to visit. 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.Crete is the largest Greek island, so as you can imagine, there are a lot of places to visit! But with that comes a wide range of budget accommodation options, as well as affordable car rentals, restaurants, and tours. Crete is by far one of my favorite cheap Greek islands to visit!The food here is not only mouth-watering but also affordable too! You can easily enjoy an incredible meal for 2 including wine for under €30! And chances are high that you’ll probably get dessert and a shot of raki or ouzo on the house. The cost of eating out in Crete does depend on the town you’re visiting though.
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. 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. Likewise, you won’t believe the number and quality of the restaurants that dot the city.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.Crete, especially the city of Chania, and Athens are often seen as top choices. Crete offers a relaxed lifestyle, beautiful beaches, and a welcoming expat community. Athens, the capital, provides a lively city life with rich history, culture, and modern amenities.
What is the pink beach in Crete?
Surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and rich coral reefs, Pink Beach is a paradise for snorkeling, swimming, and photography. The vibrant marine life includes colorful fish, corals, and sometimes even sea turtles.The Fascinating Nature of Komodo Dragons and Pink Beach These reptiles are typically not found at Pink Beach because it’s not their natural habitat. However, their swimming ability allows them to move between islands in Komodo National Park, so it’s possible for them to visit the beach under the right conditions.
Can you free camp in Crete?
Camping outdoors is forbidden by Greek laws, but there are camping sites all over the island where you can stay overnight. It’s worth noting that wild camping in Greece has been officially banned since 1976. For decades, however, the authorities showed tolerance, especially toward camper travelers who followed the rules and respected nature and local communities.
Can you swim with dolphins in Crete?
In Paleochora, a small fishing village in Southwest Crete, it is possible to organise a to swim with dolphins. Once the boat is stopped in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, your children and you can approach these sublime marine mammals. In Cretan waters and also in the sea marine park in Sporades (northern Greece) we can see with a little bit of luck (easier to see in Sporades) the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis). The common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) is unfortunately anything but common in the Greek seas, being threatened with extinction.