Crete (all ports)

Crete, a mosaic of landscapes, tastes and traditions

Finding the heartbeat of Crete
When you hear about the island of Crete, your mind goes straight to the local raki distillate, golden beaches and impressive gorges, which have made the island famous all over the world. Most visitors start by exploring the big cities such as Heraklion and Rethymnon, only to continue with the exotic beaches of Balos and Elafonissi and taste some adventure in Vai and the Samaria Gorge. The historical treasures of the island such as the Palace of Knossos and the Minoan Palace of Phaistos are here to seal the deal. Truth is, Crete has so much more to offer around the year, such as magical routes in valleys and rivers, waterfalls, traditional settlements with blooming trees and wildflowers shaping up a unique canvas.

Balos beach in Chania

Here’s only a few must-sees from every region.
The exotic Balos beach in Chania with its breathtaking turquoise waters and golden sand.
Knossos Royal Palace and other Minoan settlements scattered in Festos, Gortina, Malia and the Heraklion Archaeological museum with the most notable collection of Minoan art.

Knossos Royal Palace

Rethymnon Old Town. A stroll to its Renaissance-style alleys ending to the Venetian harbour is like travelling back in time.
The impressive Dikteon Andron (Dikteon Cave), in Psihros village in Lassithi region. Zeus, the God of hospitality was born here. What else you need to know?

So, plan your visit on time, check all ferry routes and book a low-cost ferry ticket online.

Old port of Chania

Action lovers should try
Canyoning in Samaria gorge and the less famous Tripiti and Ha.
Off-road tours with 4X4 to so many unexplored coastal areas
Trekking in Agia Roumeli, Loutro, and the Preveli canyon.
Mountain biking in the Asterousia Mountain range and diving in Gramvousa peninsula. Elounda Bay is ideal for hiring a Stand Up Paddleboard.

Palm forest and Vai beach in Crete

Tips: Find out the secret to longevity in every Cretan dish. This, after all, is the land of the original Mediterranean diet so you have to try the famous boureki, an amazing courgette, Sfakiani (pie from Sfakia), and a slice of synglino or apaki (cured pork) together with a glass of local raki.
Just the memory of the smells and experiences will make you want to head straight back and book another ferry ticket to live them all over again!