Crete Island - “What you need to know for tourists traveling in Crete. Tips and tricks based on my own experience
This incredible island- the largest in Greece - extremely diverse. Whatever type of adventure you are looking for, you will find it in Crete. Below we have compiled a list of 6 things you should know about Crete
6 things you need to know about Crete
1. Crete is great for all ages and all budgets
Crete is a very safe island that suits everyone, especially solo travelers. Solo travelers can enjoy their privacy as much as they want - this is not an island where people will disturb you. But on the other hand, it is a very communicative island and it is easy to make new acquaintances here.
Crete is also a very family island. There's a lot here sandy beach shallow waters like Elafonisi (kids love the pink sand!). There are great hikes for all levels, water sports, and water parks for kids to enjoy. Your kids will also enjoy educational activities here, such as visiting the Cretan Aquarium, and even the Palace of Knossos will ignite their imagination and curiosity. Many affordable and charming apartments are suitable for families, and many delicious, healthy meals are served in family-run taverns.
A group of friends can also enjoy the island of Crete. This is one of the most popular places for outdoor activities with unique trails and remote beaches, which tourists will love. It is also great for celebrations and gatherings. The nightlife is great, making it a great place for stag or hen parties.
Crete is romantic island. From the Venetian beauty of its cities to world-class beaches, to stunning walks, to the best resorts, Crete offers a huge selection for you to spend Honeymoon of your dreams.
Whatever style of relaxation you are looking for - from the indulgence in a five-star hotel to a private cruise on sailboat, to hiking through famous gorges and learning to scuba dive, Crete is the perfect honeymoon destination.
2. You don't need to rob a bank for a holiday in Crete.
Crete has accommodation for every taste and budget.
group of friends, big families, and even small groups or just couples can enjoy the privacy and flexibility offered by a private villa. A traditional villa with local character will give your holiday an unforgettable experience. If, on the other hand, you wish someone to prepare your breakfast and change towels and the rest, then you can choose the resort. There are some great family resorts in Crete.
Perhaps you are looking for a calm and quiet place away from children. In this case, you might be interested in the laid-back sophistication that boutique adults-only rooms offer. There are also many extraordinary luxury hotels in Crete. historical buildings, for a unique and special experience.
Crete is a year-round resort. If you have the opportunity to come outside high season, then you can find yourself any accommodation at more attractive prices.
3. Cancers are the answer to everything, yes it is!
Raki is a wonderful drink. Crystal clear and pure, it is a distilled spirit made from the leftover seeds and skins from wine making. You can feel the taste of grapes in it and it's just delicious.
This is not an after-dinner drink. This is a drink for every occasion. Cretans also drink raki during dinner - it cleanses the taste. Raki is really the answer to everything: you drink it when you celebrate something, and you drink it when you are sad to forget. Raki is at the heart of every good conversation, every festival and every dance. Truly the spirit of Crete.
If distilled drinks are not to your taste, then you can enjoy the fine local wine. Famous Cretan wineries cultivate not only international grape varieties, but also local grape varieties, and they produce outstanding wines that express the land and culture.
As elsewhere in Greece, there is an interest in craft beer. Local breweries produce Cretan beers to quench your thirst and awaken your palate.
4. Crete is a year-round destination
Crete has amazingly beautiful nature and a huge number of landscapes. As the southernmost island of Greece, Crete is blessed with mild winters, early springs and long mild autumns. It is truly a year-round destination. In addition, in the off season, you can explore the island more thoroughly without the crowds.
During the cooler months, enjoy the natural beauty of Crete. At this time, the island is lush with greenery, streams flow in winter, which makes it the best time to hike and explore the famous Samaria Gorge, among many other wonderful routes.
Did you know that Crete is a great place to explore the caves? Speleologists will be delighted to explore the Cretan caves. For archaeologists and history buffs alike, it will be interesting to know that the caves of Crete have been used for thousands of years as a refuge for many generations. These are places of gods and heroes: some sheltered little Zeus, others played a role in later history, as during the revolution against the Ottomans.
Birds love Crete. This is a great place for them to rest during their migration. If birds love the island, then so be the place for ornithologists. There are many great places for birdwatching in Crete.
Of course, many fabulous beaches are the most popular in Crete. There are beaches to suit every taste - rocky and remote, luxurious and fully serviced. aquatic species sports. The island has many exotic beaches. Come during the off-season to enjoy your own paradise.
5. You need a lifetime to discover Crete
This is the most big Island- 260 km long and 56 km wide. But it's not just the scale that takes time. It's the sheer variety of experiences the terrain offers. There are rocky mountains, gorges, lush plains, and long coastal routes. The main cities and the most popular areas offer many opportunities for visitors.
6. Crete is not just one beautiful village, there are hundreds of them.
You will find the real Crete in its villages. Each village has its own character: the lush plains of Crete have picturesque fishing villages, rocky mountain villages and verdant villages.
For example, did you know that the great Spanish Renaissance painter was actually a Cretan? You can visit the village where El Greco was born and the El Greco museum is also located there.
Other villages are famous for their music. You can visit the village of Anoia, a village with a proud history and great musicality, the birthplace of the legendary Lyrans. In order to listen to true Cretan music and see the strong culture of Cretan village life, you can visit the traditional Cretan village festival - panigiri. This is a fantastic way to get an authentic taste of Cretan culture.
Practical information about Crete
How to get to Crete:
By plane:
On Crete 2 international airports, one in , the other in Chania . They operate throughout the year and during the summer there are direct flights from many international destinations. There are several daily flights connecting the Greek capital Athens with Crete and the flight time is approximately 45 minutes.
There is also a small airport in the east of the island, in Sitia.
By sea:
There is an excellent ferry service linking Crete with Piraeus and other destinations. Several sites such as ferriesingreece.com and Go ferry will help you organize your trip.
How to get around the island
Crete is great for driving, the roads are as beautiful and interesting as the destinations! If you are traveling by car, check out our helpful articles on where to park in Heraklion and Chania.
There is also a reliable public bus, which is called KTEL, it will take you from city to city.
The best time of the year to visit Crete
Crete is a fantastic year-round destination. The temperate climate is suitable for magnificent summers and mild winters. Spring comes early and autumn drags on, and residents enjoy swimming for at least six months. There are also many year-round activities in operation, such as hiking, cave exploration, and of course, enjoying the local culture without the crowds.
What to pack for a holiday in Crete
This is an island for outdoor activities, so you will need comfortable shoes. Even in cities, instead of the expected smooth concrete, picturesque cobblestones sometimes await. Even in summer, the wind can be chilly, so you'll need long sleeves and a light jacket or sweater. If you are going to the mountains - and we hope you will, because it's just fantastic (!) - you can even feel the invigorating temperature on a summer night. If you plan to visit churches and monasteries, please note that the outfit should be modest - hands and knees should be covered. A wide scarf can serve as a shawl or a homemade skirt. The sun on the island is bright and magnificent. hat, high quality sunglasses and sunscreen are a must. No matter what time of the year, bring a bathing suit - you never know when a hot day might come in November or February! You can wear something casual or dressy for the evening.
Money
There are ATMs everywhere, but the ones owned by the local bank will probably give you the best rates. POS machines are widely used in Greece as well. Read our post on the most frequently asked questions.
Internet:
Internet connections are good in hotels and cafes, as well as in some municipal points. In some remote mountainous areas you may be without a signal for short periods. The local mobile companies available in Greece are Vodafone, Cosmote and Wind.
Further information:
For more detailed practical information municipalities have useful websites about the places you plan to visit. For Chania look here, for Rethymnon here, for Heraklion here and for Agios Nikolaos here.
For a significant part of the Russians who vacationed in Greece, this country is associated with one name - the island of Crete. A large island, lying far from the continent, has become very close to tourists from all over the world.
This happened thanks to the developed and understandable infrastructure of the island, fascinating history, a huge number of legendary ancient monuments, hotels for every taste and budget, as well as two international airports and several sea harbors.
Of course, everyone has their own Crete, but you can still tell a few general facts about it.
A bit of history
Crete has played a big role in world history, because the first European civilization originated here. About 7 thousand years BC, the first people settled on the island, and after five thousand years four kingdoms were formed here at once, their capitals were in the cities of Knossos, Kato-Zakro, Fest and Malia. These states laid the foundation for the Minoan (Crete-Mycenaean) civilization, while only a few wild tribes lived on mainland Europe.
The Minoan culture lived for a whole thousand years, but then faced two irreparable troubles: a huge tsunami that hit the island as a result of an earthquake near the island of Santorini, and wild northern tribes devastating and burning Cretan cities. As a result, the Minoan civilization perished, the island became empty and for many centuries became a transit point for pirates and robbers.
Then its history coincided with the history of most of the islands of Greece: Crete was conquered by the Romans, then went to Byzantium, thanks to which it was built up with beautiful temples.
In 824, the Saracens captured the island and founded an Arab state there with the center in the city of Handak (now it is the capital of Crete - Heraklion), it lasted almost 150 years.
After that, the island came under the rule of the Venetians for almost 400 years, which contributed to the development of all kinds of arts and crafts here. In 1669, the Turks captured it, although Crete fiercely resisted, the capital was under siege for 21 years. The power of the Ottoman Empire lasted, with a short break, almost until the beginning of the twentieth century. Crete joined Greece only in 1913.
However, the mythical history of the island is even more interesting, because it was here in the cave that the future thunder god Zeus was sheltered as a baby from his father Kron, thanks to which he survived and became the main one on Olympus. He also brought here the stolen virgin Europe, who bore him three sons, Rhadamanthus, Sarpedon and Minos. Here, according to legend, the Labyrinth of the Minotaur was erected, where Theseus killed a terrible monster. In general, there are many significant myths associated with Crete. Ancient Greece why else more interesting vacation in modern Crete.
Where is the island of Crete
We can say that this piece of land is located at the intersection of three civilizations - Europe, Asia and Africa. If you look at the map, it seems that the European continent ends with this island. Crete is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean and the largest island of Hellas: its area is just under 8500 sq. km. The length of Crete is 260 km, the width is from 60 km at the widest point to 12 at the narrowest point on the isthmus of Ierapetra. From the north it is washed by the Cretan Sea, from the south by the Libyan Sea and in the west by the Ionian Sea.
The island is elongated from west to east, and its main resorts are located on the northern coast. Along the same coast runs the New Cretan Highway, which connects the largest cities of the island. There are much fewer tourists in the depths and in the south of Crete, respectively, the settlements are more original and interesting, but getting there is not so easy.
By the way, about the population. There are only about 800 thousand Cretans, but several times more people sail and fly to the island every year as tourists. The local population is, of course, the Greeks, but in fact they are mixed with many bloods of different peoples, whose history is connected with this part of the land between Europe and North Africa.
The nature of Crete is considered beautiful and amazing, but in fact it is a bit monotonous: these are mountains, mostly flat, forests and a couple of small rivers.
But in Crete there are some very beautiful and unusual caves and gorges - both in the depths of the island and in the rocks on popular beaches.
The main thing here is the sun and mild climate. In addition to this, nature has created amazing beaches, some of which are on the list of the best beaches in Greece and even the world.
Crete is divided into 4 administrative districts(nom): Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, Lassithi.
Each of them is famous for its resorts and attractions.
Chania
The most western number of the island and at the same time the greenest. The capital of the district of the same name (150 km from Heraklion) is called the "Greek Venice", as many buildings in the Venetian style have been preserved here. Chania is considered a quiet region, there are fewer tourists here than in other parts of Crete, so it is recommended to spend a quiet family holiday with kids.
Rethymno
In a small region there are several resort villages, here are beautiful beaches. There are a lot of tourists in Rethymnon, because both the capital of the district (Rethymno, 78 km from Heraklion) and its surroundings are one big archaeological attraction, it is called the "soul of Crete". In addition, it is on the territory of this province that the two highest mountains of the island are located - Ida or Psiloritis (2456 m) and Kedros (1777 m), which adds incredible beauty to the landscape.
Heraklion
The central region of Crete, with its capital in the city of Heraklion, is the most densely populated, with a developed urban and hotel infrastructure. Mecca nightlife islands, shopping and other amusements. At the same time, there are a huge number of museums in the region, historical monuments and ancient temples. Near Heraklion are the noisiest youth hotels, whose guests spend evenings in the clubs of the island capital.
Lasithi
The most East End Crete, which boasts the most big amount sunny days per year. The resorts of the region are considered the most respectable; the largest and most luxury hotels islands. The regional capital, Agios Nikolaos, is 69 km away. from Heraklion, however, the fashionable villages of the province - Ierapetra - are even further away, 81 km and 105 km, respectively. There are few mountains here, the main natural attraction is Lake Voulismeni.
How to get there
Airports
In Crete, a lot of air liners from all over the world are received daily, two international and Chania. During the season, these are mainly charters, but there are also regular flights from several European cities, including from the Russian capital. A Moscow-Crete plane ticket costs about 11.5 thousand rubles. (Lassithi County) receives mostly local and private flights. From the Greek capital, you can fly to Crete for an amount of 65 to 100 euros per person.
Ferries
Regular ferry service for Greece is like Russian intercity buses. Ferries are very reliable, comfortable and economical. In Crete, all major cities are ports, but the largest - Heraklion and Chania - receive the largest number of ships. From Athens, high-speed ships go to the island either at lunchtime and arrive at their destination in the evening, or depart at night and moor in Crete in the early morning. Most ferries call at several ports in Crete in one trip. He also has a connection with other Greek islands, so you can come here for a couple of days while on vacation in another island province of Hellas. Here is information on several ferries.
Ferry Athens (Piraeus) - Heraklion: departure at 21.00, arrival at 6 am with a call at the ports of Chania, Agios Nikolaos. Ticket price - from 29 to 36 euros per person. The ship offers its guests comfortable cabins and the possibility of transporting cars.
Ferry Piraeus - Kissamos (Chania area): departure at 17.00, arrival at 5.30 in the morning, ticket - 24 euros per person.
Ferry Santorini - Heraklion A: travel time 2 hours, cost 55-57 euros. Departs mostly in the evening.
Ferry about. Mykonos(all about Mykonos) – Heraklion: travel time 3.5 hours, ticket price - 76-80 euros per person.
You won’t be able to get to Crete from another island of Rhodes, popular with Russians, or, for example, Zakynthos ( island overview), since ferry service in Greece exists only in the waters of one sea. In this case, you can sail to Crete only with a "transfer" in the Athenian port of Piraeus or other mainland ports.
If you have traveled on your own in mainland Greece and decide to visit Crete with your vehicle, then the prices for transporting such equipment by ferry are approximately as follows:
The main road in Crete runs along the northern coast and connects the main resort towns and villages.
This is a good quality multi-lane highway, following which it is easy to get to the main local attractions.
Most of the roads on the south coast or in the interior of the island are narrow, often just country serpentines; in the mountains it can be simply dangerous for an inexperienced driver. Rocky terrain only worsens the condition, so a punctured tire is the most common car breakdown in Crete.
Three facts about transport
A feature of Crete can be called people - cheerful and very responsive, cheerful and carefree, like all southern peoples. Cretans, like all Greeks, are slow and sometimes can be cunning, but the high level of tourism development on the island makes them correspond to the proud title of a world resort, and therefore the level of service in hotels in Crete is noticeably higher than in Greek provinces less popular with tourists.
In the Heraklion region with the capital of the same name, there are many resorts with clubs, discos, restaurants and shops. Hersonissos is the main resort of the region, famous for its rich nightlife. If you want to enjoy peace and clean beaches, then the resort villages of Stalida and Malia are at your service. resort village Agia Pelagia (west of Heraklion) attracts tourists with a cozy bay with clear and calm water.
A 10-minute drive from Heraklion is the Water City water park with dizzying rides and numerous pools, the cost of visiting is 25 € for adults, for children up to 140 cm tall - 17 €, and small visitors below 90 cm have fun for free.
In Hersonissos, a club that meets all international standards is open all year round for golf lovers. The price for visiting starts from 50€.
Get to know better underwater world Mediterranean tourists can in the Thalassocosmos Aquarium, located in Heraklion and having more than 2,500 species of marine fauna and flora in its exposition. An adult ticket costs 8 €, for children under 17 years old - 6 €, children under 5 years old are free. All visitors are provided with audio guides.
Most famous resorts the eastern region of Lassithi - party Agios Nikolaos, "Cretan Monte Carlo", and Elounda with fashionable hotels. Archaeological and ethnographic museums with collections of original exhibits are located in Agios Nikolaos.
The western region of Chania is famous for its clean sandy beaches and its eponymous capital, called the "Greek Venice". The city is home to the Manoussakis winery, one of the largest in the world. You can come here with a tour and try local products.
ChaniaLovers of water activities are waiting for the Limnopolis water park, 6 km from Chania.
The Rethymno region offers vacationers a lot of entertainment and a breathtaking nightlife. For family or solitary recreation it is preferable to stay in the places of Platanias and Adele. In the last week of July, the Wine Festival takes place in Rethymnon - do not miss the opportunity to taste the famous Cretan wines.
For those who want to do underwater research in Crete, there are diving centers - Happy Drivers in Agios Nikolaos (from € 20 per dive), Blue Dolphin in Elounda (from € 62), Paradise near Rethymno (from € 50).
Be sure to visit the show "Cretan Night" - a late dinner with national songs and dances.
If you wish to look into hard-to-reach places Crete and get to know the life of non-tourist settlements better, then you should go on a safari tour.
For lovers of outdoor activities, horse and bicycle excursions are organized, those who wish to participate in them should contact the local tourist office or a hotel guide.
Attractions
Thousands of tourists come to Crete every year to see the remains of the Minoan civilization. The main attraction are the ruins of the Palace of Knossos, built during the reign of King Minos. According to legend, it was here, in the labyrinth, that the terrible bull-man Minotaur was imprisoned. Another notable architectural monument Heraklion is a massive ancient fortress surrounding the city. Be sure to visit the Archaeological and Historical Museums in Heraklion, where you will see unique antique exhibits.
Knossos palace
Lychnostatis MuseumIn the town of Limenas in the region of Heraklion, a museum under open sky Lychnostatis represents the traditional life of the Cretans before the industrial age. All exhibits of the museum can be touched, those who wish can even try to work on a loom, in a pottery workshop or squeeze a little oil from olives. The museum is open from 09.00 to 14.00 daily, except Sunday, entrance fee 5€.
Monastery of ArkadiLocated in Rethymnon monastery Arkadi, the symbol of the struggle between the Cretans and the Turks. The Ottoman quarter of the city is delightful with its labyrinth of narrow streets, minarets and magnificent Venetian fortress. The Byzantine Art Center introduces visitors to the history and art of Byzantium.
In the village of Fodele, the birthplace of the artist El Greco, there is his museum with copies of world-famous paintings.
Dicteian caveOn the Lassithi Plain, it is worth visiting the Diktaean Cave, where, according to myths, the goddess Rhea gave birth to Zeus. The cave with an underground lake and massive stalactites is extraordinarily beautiful and equipped for visiting. For those who find it difficult to climb the mountain, locals mule services are offered for a few euros.
In the Mirabello Bay, in the east of Crete, is the island of Spinalonga, famous for its sea views.
Spinalonga IslandThroughout the island you can find the ruins of ancient Roman cities. The ruins are protected by the state and equipped with video surveillance - resist the temptation to take an inconspicuous stone as a keepsake.
Samaria Gorge - national reserve and natural attraction of Crete. This longest gorge in Europe (18 km) is home to the rarest kri-kri mountain goats.
Matala villageThe southern coast of the island is known for the village of Matala, next to which there is a magnificent bay with numerous caves in the coastal rocks. At one time, the Romans used them for burials, then monks who wanted solitude lived here, and in the 60s of the last century, hippies settled in the caves. You will still meet “flower children” in the vicinity - they drive around on flower-painted wagons, earning a living by trading bracelets made of volcanic rock. To the south of Matala, you can sunbathe on the Red Beach beach with unusual copper-red sand.
The pink beach of ElafonisiRight there, on the south coast, there is Preveli beach with a palm grove and a river flowing from a spring, punched into the rock by Nicholas the Wonderworker himself.
In the east of Crete, 6 km from Palekastro, is the beach of Vai, famous for its largest palm forest in Europe and excellent conditions for diving and windsurfing. In the southern part of the beach, nudists sunbathe.
On the west coast, not far from the town of Elafonisi, there is also a unique beach with pink sand.
Transport
The island has a convenient bus service operating domestic flights. WITH outside world Crete is connected by ferries and flights.
Renting a car is the best way to fully explore the island, you will not be limited to excursions and will be able to look into any corner of the island. Renting a car will cost from 25 to 50 € per day plus gasoline (1.8-1.9 € per liter). A deposit is usually not required. The driver must be over 21 years old, have been driving for more than a year, a Russian driver's license will do. It is more profitable to take a car immediately for a week and a half, then you will be given a significant discount. At the rental office you will be provided with an informative road atlas of Crete with points of interest. Important - insurance called full insurance must be included in the rental price.
Traffic rules are not strictly observed - this applies mainly to the speed limit. Mountain serpentines are equipped and not dangerous, but increased attention will not be superfluous. If the car in front of you turned on the alarm, you blind the driver and you are asked to switch to low beam headlights.
Remember that gas stations here do not work around the clock, but close at 19-20.00. In rural areas, do not park your car close to trees - a couple of goats can use the car as a convenient stepping stone to a tidbit.
Nutrition
The local cuisine is famous for its ecological purity. Cretan vegetables grown in the open field are extraordinarily tasty. Thanks to the aromatic herbs of the island, farmers get excellent milk from goats and sheep, from which excellent cheese is made.
Local vineyards produce excellent wine, consecrated by the god of winemaking, Dionysius, who was born here. 
For a hearty dinner you will give 15-20 €. At the end of the meal, you will definitely be presented with a compliment - a delicious dessert or a glass of incomparable brandy (local vodka). Thank the staff with a tip - 7-10% of the bill.
shopping
Big stores are concentrated in major cities, autumn is the season of sales. Souvenir shops are found at every step and offer natural cosmetics, handmade olive soap, essential oils, magnificent knives made by local craftsmen, exquisite lace products. It is better to buy ceramics and dishes in pottery workshops, their prices are more affordable and the possibility of purchasing Chinese stamping is excluded.
Crete is famous for wool, textiles, embroidered tablecloths and napkins.
Be sure to bring home wonderful honey, olive oil recognized as the best in Europe, cheese, mountain tea.
Lovers of rarities will be interested to visit swap meet Mercato Agora in Chania and the Idolio museum shop in Hersonissos.
It is better not to buy fur coats in Crete - they are expensive here, and their quality has dropped significantly due to the dominance of Chinese goods.
Crete Hotel Deals
Helpful information
The island provides excellent opportunities for great holiday as in luxury hotels and resort complexes, and in private hotels of the middle class, mini-hotels, guest houses. For a large family or company great option- renting a villa, which will cost much cheaper than staying in a hotel.
Shops are open from 08.00 to 13.00 and from 17.00 to 21.00. Many shops are closed on Sundays.
Banks are open on weekdays from 8 am to 2 pm. Museums and excavations are available daily from 8.30 to 15.00, except Mondays. Entrance to museums will cost from 6 to 10 €.
Umbrellas and sun loungers on municipal beaches are paid - 2-3 € per day.
How to get there
Crete is connected with Russia by direct flights from Moscow and major cities, but only in summer. The airport is in Heraklion. At other times of the year, you can fly to Crete with a transfer from the capitals of the EU. From Athens to Crete can be reached by ferry.
The most famous, the biggest, the most popular Greek island- all these epithets refer to Crete, and it is also the birthplace of the great Thunderer Zeus - the father of all gods and the mighty mythical Minotaur, a monster with a human body and a bull's head. It was on Crete that the ancient Minoan civilization was born, and perhaps that is why Greece is called the "cradle of civilization."
Crete - unique place for relaxation, lovers of sun loungers on the beach and fans feel equally comfortable here interesting excursions, those who prefer an active lifestyle and sports, as well as those who are primarily interested in a vibrant nightlife. And all of them are equally attracted by 300 sunny days a year, warm clear sea, great beaches and great hotels. The swimming season on the island lasts from mid-April to mid-November. It is also absolutely safe here, the Greeks are friendly and hospitable, they will never offend a guest and will help if, for example, you are lost.
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Although the island may not seem so big by Russian standards - 269 km long and 60 km wide, so many interesting things are concentrated here that few tourists manage to see all the sights of Crete in one trip. Perhaps it is for this reason that it occupies a leading position among the Mediterranean islands in terms of the number of "repeated" tourists who again and again strive to get here in order to spend another unforgettable vacation on the island. Crete cannot be boring, because it is so different!
From west to east, the island is divided into four regions: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion And Lasithi. Surprisingly, these areas are so different from one another that driving the island from west to east, you may get the impression that you each time found yourself on some other Greek island.
For example, if you decide to summer holidays in the central part of the island, in popular resorts Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Gouves, Agia Pelagia or Amoudara, then you can safely count on a well-developed infrastructure around your hotel. It is here that the resort life is in full swing and in full swing. Hersonissos and Malia are not only the most popular resorts of Crete, but also the centers of the island's nightlife. At the same time, families with children will also feel comfortable at these resorts. Discos in Crete have their own characteristics, these are not stuffy huge nightclubs, but bright small buildings with open windows on the seashore, where you can listen to good music, enjoy a delicious cocktail and dance to your heart's content. By the way, do not forget to learn how to dance sirtaki. Particularly restless party-goers can arrange a real night tour moving from club to club. If you prefer peace and quiet, then in Hersonissos there are great places for a measured family holiday with children, who will especially like to frolic on the sandy beach.
The most popular area of the Western part of the island is Rethymno. Without exaggeration, this is the most favorite area for tourists. In Rethymno, tourists are waiting for beautiful sandy beaches and a huge selection of hotels for every taste. Grecotel Creta Palace 5 *, this hotel is the absolute leader in the "best family vacation" category. The idea is that you can rent a car and drive around the picturesque surroundings of Rethymno in a day, and in the evening look into the tavern on the city embankment to dine with the freshest seafood with homemade wine. Here it is - tourist happiness!
Eastern part of Crete absolutely special. The attention of tourists here is drawn to two towns: Elounda And Agios Nikolaos. Elounda, once a small fishing village, is considered the most beautiful place on the island. The most expensive and luxurious hotels of the island are located near the town, where world celebrities and business elite from all over the world like to relax. It is very quiet, calm and very expensive here. If you suddenly decide to ask the owner of one of local hotels a flirtatious question: “Why are you selling rooms so expensive?”, - in response you will hear: “Because we sell silence here.” But in the neighboring Agios Nikolaos resort life is in full swing. Crowds of tourists stroll along the streets of the picturesque town, buying up popular brands of clothes, souvenirs, Greek cosmetics, olive oil, cheese, olives, etc. Tourists usually end their promenade in a coffee shop with a charming view of the lake, around which this beautiful town is located, enjoying aromatic coffee, sweets and fresh pastries. By the way, there are not many hotels in Agios Nikolaos itself, almost all of them are located in the suburbs of the resort. At the same time, the entire area is very compact - from Elounda to Agios Nikolaos it takes only five minutes by taxi.
must have- when you come to Crete, first of all buy yourself ... sandals, real Greek sandals worn by the gods of Olympus and the ancient sage Aristotle, kings and ordinary inhabitants of the island. Those that every fashionista dreams about in the hot summer and which local craftsmen manually wove from leather straps with love. You can buy them in every resort town, where there is market Street. Comfortable and practical to wear, you will not feel hot in them and at the same time your feet will be reliably protected from stones while walking on historical places islands. Even in Crete you will certainly need your driver license, regular excursions will no doubt give you knowledge about the culture, ancient and modern history of the island, but to fully experience the delight of natural beauties islands, you can experience true Greek hospitality only by traveling around the island by car. During which you will be able to buy authentic Cretan souvenirs, including “delicious” – magnificent goat cheese, of course, you should grab a bottle of excellent Cretan red wine, which experts appreciate for its aroma and the unique combination of local grape varieties Kotsivali and Mandilarya . For those with a sweet tooth, we recommend purchasing a jar of amber honey, which will remind you of the sunny days spent on the island. The list of edible souvenirs would not be complete without Greek olives - pickled or pickled, stuffed or not, in the form of oil, paste or sauces. And don't forget the excellent local beauty products - creams, gels, soaps, scrubs and masks based on olive oil, herbs and seaweed.
must eat- local cuisine, another attraction of Crete. We can say that the island cuisine, as well as in Greece as a whole, rests on the "three pillars" - vegetables, lamb and seafood. Be sure to try the Greek salad and what is called “feel the difference”. Moussaka is also very tasty on the island - a fragrant casserole made from layers of eggplant, lamb with tomatoes and bechamel sauce and do not forget a glass of homemade wine. For a small snack, gyros is suitable - grilled meat with fresh vegetables, wrapped in a Greek flatbread - pita. Gyros are served with french fries and tzatziki sauce. Doesn't it remind you of anything? Well, yes - Turkish shawarma, but we remember where the "cradle of civilization" is actually located.
must see- you won’t be able to come to Crete and spend your entire vacation on the beach, there are so many natural and historical sights that are enough for several trips - fortresses and monasteries, palaces and parks, caves and bays, and even unique beaches. Let's start with the main ones:
- Knossos palace – business card island, was built under King Minos during the heyday of the Minoan civilization. The gigantic rectangular palace included several floors and more than 1000 halls. According to the legend, this is where the famous Labyrinth of the Minotaur was located.
- Monastery of Arkadi- one of the most famous on the island, located 25 km from Rethymno. The monastery has a glorious military past and today it is a symbol of the independence of the Greeks.
- Falasarna- an ancient city, archaeologists managed to find here burials carved into the rocks, the ruins of residential buildings, workshops, the remains of fortress walls.
- Fortress Frangokastello- an architectural monument of the times of Byzantine rule, located 85 km from the city of Chania.
- Mount Dikti- it is here in the east of the island, in a cave, according to legend, Zeus himself was born.
- Archaeological Museum, one of the largest in Greece, is located in the center of the capital of the island - Heraklion.
- Elafonisi beach- a unique pink beach in the north-west of the island, 76 km from the city of Chania, amazes tourists with its enchanting beauty and an amazing combination of azure waters of the sea and unusual pink sand. The sand of the beach is painted in soft pink color by the remains of red shells and ground corals. Despite the remoteness, parents with small children like to visit the beach, the depth here is shallow and the sea warms up quickly.
- Balos beach- this is one of the most inaccessible beaches of the island, but it is here that you can see the "kiss of the three seas". white beach three seas wash at once - the Ionian, Aegean and Libyan, striking the imagination of tourists with dozens of color shades of their waters, and Balos is also covered with pirate legends. The ship that sank in these places and ancient fortress serve as evidence of the pirate past of this very beautiful place. You can get to the beach with organized excursion to the island of Gramvousa.
- Vai beach – luxury beach in the style of "Bounty" framed by a date grove, which were opened in the 70s by hippies. Today, hippies are no longer on the beach, this is one of the most beautiful places on the island, for the purity of the water, which received the Blue Flag.
Most of the island's attractions are connected by bus routes.
City buses are blue, intercity buses are beige or green, as a rule, the interiors of buses are equipped with air conditioning. Buses run between major centers on schedule, flights to the mountainous regions of the island can be operated no more than 2-3 per day. Therefore, if you plan to actively move around the island, it is better to rent a car anyway. There are many rental companies on the island, there are both large international brands and small local rental offices, but before deciding to rent a car, it is worth considering some local features - problems with free parking spaces, which are extremely few on the island, and even on you will have to look for a paid place for your car in the high season, most of the island gas stations do not work at night and close around nine o'clock in the evening. And yet, it will be difficult for you to visit some sights on your own, and sometimes impossible, for such cases we still recommend using organized excursions.
Important! To visit Crete, you must have a valid Schengen visa.
Crete has two international airports:
- Heraklion Airport named after Nikos Kazantzakis;
– Chania airport named after Ioannis Dascologiannis.
Most flights from Russia are accepted by Heraklion Airport.
If you are planning to go on vacation to Greece with children, we highly recommend reading this article:
But the choice of the resort and the selection of the tour will depend on the budget and your preferences. Compare prices from all reliable tour operators and give detailed advice on choosing a hotel - a reliable travel partner, a company Tourism system Mozhaika.ru
If you are looking for last minute tours to Crete and other directions, they can be found.
Crete is a unique island, with a special infrastructure, with varied cuisine, with beaches and hotels for every taste and budget. The one who decided to rest in this beautiful place is sure to have a wonderful vacation. To ensure that this holiday is not overshadowed by anything, it is good to have some basic knowledge of what awaits tourists in Crete. Briefly, about the most important for tourists in Crete, read on.
Shopping and souvenirs in Crete
On Crete, in almost every locality, and even in mountainous areas, there are shops where you can find any product for life and recreation. Shops on the island operate according to a special schedule: usually from 8 to 14 and from 18 to 21 hours, that is, there is a big break at lunchtime. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, some shops close immediately after lunch. The most favorable time for shopping in Crete is the periods of seasonal sales that occur in January, May and October. During these periods, various products can be purchased in shopping centers at discounted prices.
Conventionally, all shops in Crete can be divided into several categories. Firstly, these are shops for tourists, offering, first of all, a wide range of Cretan souvenirs, as well as beach accessories, olive oil, alcoholic drinks and everything that may be of interest to vacationers. Tourist shops and souvenir shops are usually located in resort areas or along major highways.
Secondly, in Crete you can find many shops and boutiques of famous brands, including those familiar to Russian tourists. These stores are located in central regions large cities. For example, in Heraklion, shopping stores are located on Daedalus Street. Here you can buy clothes and shoes of famous brands at a discount. Despite the smaller size of the stores themselves in comparison with Russian ones, the offered assortment pleasantly pleases with its wide variety. During the fall sales period, malls and boutiques can cut clothing prices by up to 50 to 70 percent.
Especially for Russian tourists, excellent fur coats made in factories are brought to stores. northern Greece. Due to the high demand, fur products in Cretan stores are quite widely represented.
The island also has its own supermarkets and mega malls, which are located in the vicinity of cities. The largest supermarkets in Crete are Vassilopoulos, Carrefour and Xalkiadakis. You can buy literally everything in them, with the exception of electronics and computers. This category of goods is sold in specialized stores similar in assortment to Russian ones.
Finally, in Crete you can find good stores for children's goods, for example, the huge Jumbo children's toy stores, where you can find literally everything that any child dreams of. A visit to such a store with children can drag on for the whole day. In addition to traditional shopping centers and shops, there are local markets in Crete that are open until lunch. It is better to go there for fresh seafood, sweets, fruits and vegetables, aromatic spices and the famous Greek olives.
What can you buy in Crete as a reminder of your trip or as a gift to friends and family? Local souvenir products are very diverse. First of all, these are various vases and figurines decorated by local craftsmen in the style of ancient Greek themes. This also includes T-shirts with images of ancient Greek gods and temples. Such a T-shirt with scenes from ancient Greek mythology can cost 30-50 euros.
Fabric products are also sold on the island - these are tablecloths, linens, rugs, curtains. Wool knitted by local women. You can often find artists selling their paintings. Almost all of them are painted on canvas, and the plots are based on local landscapes and scenes of everyday life. The paintings are inexpensive, the price depends on the size of the canvas, and the presence of a frame on it. You can buy quite a decent picture for 30-50 euros.
Jewelry deserves special attention. Here you can buy unique handmade products. These are various earrings, rings, pendants and bracelets. Some local jewelry stores have their own workshops, which are more than a dozen years old. Intricate weaving and amazing Greek ornaments are all that are essential attributes of Cretan jewelry. Prices for jewelry and jewelry do not differ much from the world average. Of the inexpensive souvenirs presented in the tourist shops of Crete, mugs, calendars, photo stands, albums with pictures of the island's attractions can be noted.
It is impossible not to bring home pickled Kalamata olives from the island of Crete, as well as the famous Greek olive oil, which is presented in a wide variety on the island. Cold-pressed oil is considered the best, its cost can reach up to five euros per liter. Sun-soaked olive oil can be purchased as a great gift, or just to bring home and use to dress vegetable salads.
Excellent cosmetics are made from olive oil. As an inexpensive, but very pleasant gift for a woman, you can use olive soap with the scent of chamomile or rose. Soaps and creams in fragrant olive oil perfectly moisturize the skin. In stores on the island of Crete, you can pick up the highest quality creams and lotions made from olive oil.
Many tourists also prefer to bring alcoholic drinks from Crete. For example, a bottle of raki grape vodka in a beautiful package, which is sold in tourist shops. No less popular are the famous Greek cognac Metaxa and the burning anise vodka Ouzo. Cretan wine is also a popular commodity among tourists. You can buy it in every supermarket, as well as in wineries, where they often go on excursions. You can take out alcoholic beverages and olive oil from the island a little, there are strict restrictions: 2 liters of oil per person, and 2 bottles of alcoholic beverages.
Transport and car rental in Crete
The most convenient way to get around is by bus. Crete has organized urban and intercity bus service, buses connect various major island cities. Bus tickets relatively inexpensive, and the buses themselves run between cities on a schedule with an interval of about one hour. In resort areas, buses run even more often. For example, between Malia and Heraklion buses run every 20 minutes. You can get on such a bus right on the highway, where the stops are located. The stops are numbered, so it's easy to navigate. You can buy a ticket directly on the bus, each of them has a conductor. The buses are comfortable, cool and pleasant to ride.
However, you can also rent a car, since there are a huge number of rental shops in Crete, literally at every step. All you need to rent a car is an international driving license with at least one year of driving experience. The rental price starts from 40 euros per day. Plus gasoline. According to local regulations, all passengers in the car are required to wear seat belts, including those who occupy the seats at the back of the car. In cities, the permitted speed is limited to 50 km/h, on highways and highways - up to 80 km/h. You can rent a variety of cars for every taste.
The beaches of Crete
Many Cretan beaches are regularly awarded the "Blue Flag" from the EU, which is the highest assessment of their excellent state in terms of ecology. Local beaches are well-maintained and free to visit. Only for sun loungers and umbrellas you need to pay (from about 3 euros).
The beaches of Crete The beaches on the north side of Crete are distinguished by a gentle relief and a comfortable descent into the sea. These are mostly sandy beaches. At the same time the beaches south coast mostly pebbly, there are many high rocky shores, from where an amazing view of the sea opens. There are fewer tourists on the south side of Crete, which makes a beach holiday here more peaceful and secluded. Beach lovers relax in Crete from May to October, when the water temperature on the coast is the most suitable for swimming. Most Popular beach areas for tourists, these are the resort areas of Rethymno, Chania, Heraklion and Lassithi.
In the area of Chania, the most comfortable sandy beaches are Kalives, Almyrida, Plaka, Marathi and Loutraki. Also among tourists, the beach of Balos with soft pink sand is well known, which is explained by the presence of the remains of shells in it. Balos Beach is located in the western part of the island, where the waters of three seas meet at once - the Aegean, Ionian and Libyan. This is a closed lagoon, where, according to legend, once there was a pirate harbor. Today it is a wild shallow beach with a calm sea. You can get here by ship.
Another interesting beach in the resort area of Chania - Frangokastello. It is ideal for those who want to relax on the coast with small children. Frangokastello beach with a very long coastline, on it a gentle descent into the sea. It is distinguished by the presence a large number trees and plants on the coast that protect vacationers from the scorching sun.
The beaches of CreteEight kilometers from Chania is popular resort Agia Marina with its magnificent beach of pure golden sand. The local beach has a smooth entrance to the sea, and the coast itself is characterized by high environmental cleanliness. The beach of Agia Marina is "overgrown" with modern infrastructure in the form of hotels, cafes and nightclubs. On the four-kilometer beach of Platanias, located ten kilometers from Chania, you can ride a banana or a scooter, as well as master parasailing and other water activities.
In the Rethymnon zone, tourists can relax on a fifteen-kilometer beach stretching from Georgioupoli to the city itself. Numerous restaurants, taverns and disco bars are located along this multi-kilometer strip. The water here is considered not the cleanest, but the developed infrastructure and proximity to the city make this beach very popular. good beaches in this area for holidays with the family - Panormo and Panormo. They are wide and safe, as well as protected from sea waves. Parents will not be afraid to let their children swim.
In the resort area of Heraklion, one can note such popular tourist beaches as Karteros, Florida, Amnissos and Tompruk. The beach near the village of Matala has been awarded more than once " blue flag for the cleanliness of the sea coast. It has its own rescue service, equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas for vacationers. Matala beach is sandy, but in sea waters at the bottom there are large slabs of stone. Those who plan to relax in Heraklion can recommend the wild sand and pebble beach of Paleokastro. Although there is no usual infrastructure here, the beach captivates with its natural landscapes and azure water. Finally, in the Lassithi resort area, tourists will be interested in the wide Long Beach, several kilometers long.
Among the most famous and visited beaches of Crete, a special place belongs to Vai beach with white sand. This beach is located near an amazing palm grove growing right on the seashore. It is believed that it was on Vai Beach that the famous Bounty advertisement was filmed. This beach has all the modern infrastructure and amenities, with the exception of the opportunity to spend the night due to the lack of hotels near the coast.
The southwest also hosts the stunning beach of Elafonisi. It is covered with unusual light pink sand. The beach itself is shallow, so it is recommended to relax on it with small children. The peculiarity of Elafonisi beach is that it is separated from the shore by a narrow strip of water, so the beach looks like a separate small island.
The water is clean and clear everywhere. On the equipped and sandy beach, the entrance to the water is easy and comfortable. The depth of water on different beaches is different. Many beaches are quite suitable for bathing children and for those who cannot swim. It is worth shaving sea urchins. They are an indicator of the purity of water, as they live only in crystal waters, but they are very dangerous.
Cretan cuisine
Cretan cuisine is a Mediterranean cuisine with its own special traditions and unique dishes. It is an excellent example of a healthy, harmonious diet thanks to its ingredients such as olive oil, seafood, vegetables and natural cheese. In Crete, olive oil is used in almost every dish, it is used even for medicinal purposes. Cretan oil is different the highest quality and environmental cleanliness.
Another obligatory component of the Cretan cuisine is fresh vegetables and fruits. A well-known local vegetable dish is Horyatiki salad, which is prepared from fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and hard cheese, we call a similar salad “Greek”. Also, Cretan cuisine cannot be imagined without a variety of seafood. Boiled shrimp are served with tomatoes and fried cheese.
A popular dish in Crete, Kalamari is fried squid. The Cretans are also happy to cook fresh sea fish. In order to enjoy fresh fish and seafood delicacies, it is recommended to go to one of the fishing villages on the island. From meat in Crete, lamb and goat meat are at a special price. Roast lamb is cooked on coals or on a spit, or baked in the oven along with potatoes. Pork is also popular. In Crete, you can try the classic Greek dish - souvlaki. This is pork, which is fried on skewers and served on the table along with potatoes. Also, the Greeks are very skilled in creating a variety of snacks seasoned with lemon juice and garlic.
If we talk about local delicacies, then Crete, first of all, is famous for its dairy products, in particular, soft goat or sheep Feta cheese, which is used in a variety of salads. You can try it exclusively in Greece, because up to 95 percent of the production of this cheese goes to domestic consumption. Also in Crete, Kephalographira cheese, obtained from goat's milk, and white cheese from sheep's milk, Mizitra, are well known, which differs from ordinary yellow cheeses in the presence of less cholesterol.
A very popular specialty in Crete is Pita gyros. These are fried pieces of pork, which are complemented by onions, potatoes, peppers and wrapped in pita bread. Pita gyros is a Greek version of shawarma well known to Russians. It is sold almost everywhere on the island for about two and a half euros. It is good both for a quick snack and for a sedate lunch in a tavern.
If you want something completely exotic, you can try snails, ordinary grape ones. Snails are not served everywhere, but for the islanders they are a very common dish.
Beverages
There are no problems with soft drinks in Crete. Everything is available here, from the well-known Coca-Cola and Pepsi carbonated drinks to fresh, healthy locally produced juices. Mostly in Crete they drink coffee, which the locals know how to cook perfectly. Among the most popular non-alcoholic soft drinks on the island is instant coffee with foam, ice and milk, called Frape. Also on sale is Cretan tea of various varieties grown in mountainous areas.
Of alcoholic beverages, first of all, it is worth mentioning the national Cretan drink raki or tsikudya, which is not very popular on the mainland of Greece. This is a fairly cheap drink made from distilled water and wine production residues. At the same time, the alcohol content in it reaches 45 - 55 percent. Anisette vodka Ouzo is no less popular in local bars and taverns.
Of the wine products, local red wine deserves attention, which is not so expensive. Cretan wines of different varieties are distinguished by pleasant astringency, delicate aroma and rich taste. But, here, as elsewhere, it is important to understand that good wine is not cheap. Locals recommend buying wine from 8 euros per bottle.
Restaurants and cafes
There are a lot of places where you can eat and relax well in Crete. In the resort areas, most restaurants and cafes are oriented towards traditional European fast food, so the dishes that you can taste there only remind you of the Cretan or Greek cuisine. The most popular fast food in Crete is
Pita gyros, which is due to the high speed of cooking this dish, as well as a variety of sauces and seasonings for it.
But to taste real Cretan cuisine, it is better to go to one of the local taverns. They may specialize in seafood or meat dishes. Moreover, the farther from the resort areas the tavern is located, the more interesting and unique dishes local cuisine she is willing to offer. Although, in the resort areas there are many beautiful taverns, decorated in an authentic style, conveniently located on the seashore, and offering a very diverse local cuisine.
Among the branded establishments on the island of Crete, one can note the kafenio, a traditional Greek cafeteria, and the uzeria, which is an analogue of the Russian wine glass only in a more civilized form. In uzeria, they order anise or grape vodka with snacks, and in kafenio people go for classic Cretan coffee.
The average bill in institutions of Crete per person costs about 15 euros for a fairly hearty dinner. Although, of course, a lot depends on the class of the restaurant or cafe and its location. In local restaurants, it is customary to leave tips for waiters. Usually this is 10 percent of the bill, but in small budget cafes you can tip one and a half euros and this will be enough.
As for payment in various catering establishments, then be attentive to bills in cafes and restaurants located in tourist areas. Here, in pursuit of profit, owners often resort to various tricks and tricks. For example, in the menu, the price for meat is indicated for a certain weight.
In addition, in Cretan cafes they often “process” customers already at the entrance, constantly communicating with them and offering various dishes. Under such pressure, some tourists, confused, begin to order the most expensive dishes and drinks, which turns into a bill for a very decent amount. Barkers at taverns in resort areas are a common occurrence, they offer to go to them, and in three languages - English, Russian and German. However, it is worth saying thank you politely, and they are not imposed.
However, all these are rare examples, but, in general, the restaurants and cafes of Crete delight with their friendly, hospitable staff. You can often find a menu in Russian, and waiters who know a few words in Russian.
Island safety
The crime rate in Crete is very low. There are also no risk factors for the health or safety of vacationers. Except perhaps poisonous snakes, which still need to be looked for, and sea urchins on some wild beaches. However, in order to ensure the safety and comfort of vacationers on the island, a tourist police was organized. Its tasks include helping tourists, for example, when a person has lost valuable documents or personal belongings, has become a victim of fraudsters or unscrupulous citizens.
Tourist police officers speak several foreign languages and can provide a wide variety of assistance to vacationers. Starting from the usual information and advisory support and ending with the resolution of disputes with representatives of the tourism business. Therefore, in unforeseen cases, you can always contact the tourist police departments, which are located in all popular tourist areas, including Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Agios Nikolaus.
In the summer months on the island of Crete, real tropical heat is often set with temperatures above thirty-five degrees. In such hot weather in Crete, vacationers are advised to take certain precautions. You should spend a minimum amount of time in the open sun and avoid heavy physical exertion. You need to wear light, well-ventilated clothing and be sure to wear a hat made from natural materials. It is advisable to exclude fatty, hard-to-digest foods from your diet. It is better to drink regular or mineral water without gas. On the beach, it is recommended to use sunglasses and various protective skin creams.
Water parks in Crete
On the island of Crete, in addition to beach holiday and acquaintance with historical sights, there are many entertainments. Among them are wonderful water parks that can be visited with small children. Not far from the resort of Hersonissos is the Aqua Plus water park with water slides, playground, inflatable trampolines and air hockey. This water park is aimed at adults and teenagers, but here you can find entertainment for the little ones.
The largest water park in Crete is the Water City complex, located in the eastern part of the island. It provides a separate area for children with fountains, slides, a children's pool and bridges. On the territory of the complex there is also a cafe where adults can comfortably relax and unwind. Not far from the resort of Chania, there is also an excellent Limnoupolis water park with a children's area and a large swimming pool. A visit to the water park will cost 23 euros for an adult, while a ticket for a child is 17 euros.
Finally, in Hersonissos there is a unique Star Beach water park in Crete. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the park is located right on the sea coast. Entrance is free, you only have to pay for the rental of sunbeds by the pool. StarBeach Water Park is focused on families with children, so it has a variety of entertainment for both adults and children of all ages.