ATTRACTIONS IN CRETE

ATTRACTIONS IN CRETE

Long sandy beaches make tourists fall in love with Crete.

ATTRACTIONS IN CRETE

Sunny Chania with its neighboring villages

When we talk about Chania as a destination in Crete, it may mean not only the city of Chania, but equally well its entire surroundings with its numerous holiday villages. With a population of about 100,000, the city is the second largest on the island right after the capital, Heraklion.

The heart of Chania is the Venetian harbor, which is also the center of nightlife with its restaurants and cupboards. Spend a memorable moment in the cozy tavern, sipping full-bodied, local wine and enjoying mouth-watering baklava. In the city of Chania you will also find small boutiques and, among other things, an interesting market hall where you can buy, for example, some Cretan olive oil to take home. Other popular gifts include bags, shoes and other leather goods, local wines, silver, pottery, Cretan handicrafts, music recordings and herbs.

Chania Holiday Villages are located on the west side of the city, by the crystal clear sea. Next to Vieri are places familiar to Finns, including Agia Marina, Kalamaki, Kato Stalos and Platanias.

The capital of Heraklion

The capital of the island of Crete, Heraklion, with its second spelling, Heraklion, offers the tourist a lot to see. Heraklion also has an international airport. The city’s most famous places to visit are the Venetian harbor and the 16th-century Rocco al Mare fortress.

Heraklion can also be made interesting excursions to the surrounding areas. Six kilometers from Heraklion is Knossos, a maze palace about 3,700 years old. This Minoan palace has been restored to an appearance reminiscent of its former splendor. The objects found in the excavations at Knossos have been stored in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, which has a lot of artefacts from many other excavations on the island.

Idyllic Paleohora

Unlike many of Crete’s busiest destinations, the village of Paleohora is located on the less populated south coast of the island. This small village is especially popular with families with children, as everything is conveniently within walking distance. Hikers also like to consider the village as their base, as it provides easy access not only for short day hikes, but also for the long E4 route.

The two beaches of Paleohora are completely different: one is a traditional, fine sandy beach, and the other is a pebble stone beach. Of these, sun worshipers choose either according to their own preferences or according to the prevailing winds of each day. The beaches are located on opposite sides of a small peninsula, so when one beach is windy, the other is usually calm.

Agios Nikolaos – always things to do

Agios Nikolaos is an authentic Cretan town, well suited for independent tourism. The environment is diverse and offers, in addition to good shopping, a lively nightlife and clear diving waters. Agios Nikolaos is located in the eastern part of the island, where it is also interesting to take a day trip by car in the beautiful scenery if you stay on the west side.

Cozy Rethymnon

Rethymnon is a good example of a Cretan city. With around 50,000 inhabitants, Rethymnon is a mix of modern urban surroundings and fascinating old town alleys.

Rethymnon also has a many kilometers long sandy beach with promenades. There are many restaurants along the promenade. The atmosphere in the port area is small-town relaxed. There are plenty of shopping opportunities and restaurants, and those tourists who are looking for more than just a beach lounger will enjoy it here. The most famous sights of Rethymnon are the Old Town, the Fortezza Fortress with its fine scenery and the Archaeological Museum.

Peaceful Kissamos

Kissamos, Crete is ideal for the leisurely and peaceful holidaymaker who wants to stay away from the busiest tourist destinations. Located in the northwestern part of the island, Kissamos, also known as Kastelli, is only less than 40 kilometers from the larger Chania, so it is easy to visit the city even on a day trip.

The well-known Balos beach is a great excursion destination from Kissamos. On the paradise-like hidden beach, you can either hike along a rocky path while watching the scenery or walk by water on a boat. Another beautiful beach in the same area is Elafonniss Beach.

Beach life Without

Vai is a sandy beach in the northeast corner of Crete and at the same time one of the most popular excursion destinations on the island. The only native palm trees in all of Europe grow without it. A palm forest borders the beach up to a kilometer wide all the way to the beach sand.

For example, the beach can only be reached by rental car and there is both paid and free parking near the beach. Sun loungers can be rented from Vailta, and there is also a restaurant on the beach.

THE BEST OF CRETE

THE BEST OF CRETE

Crete has several interesting historical sites to visit.

The best beaches in Crete

  1. Or
  2. Malia
  3. Low
  4. Balos
  5. Plakias

The most interesting ruined cities in Crete

  1. Knossos
  2. The Minoan city of Malia
  3. Faistos
  4. Gournia
  5. Hagia Triada

Taste these in Crete

  1. Cretan salad
  2. Tsikoudia or Cretan raki – suitable for all situations before and after a meal
  3. Various Seafood
  4. Baklava
  5. Oranges – the island is full of orange groves and always fresh fruit tastes heavenly
  6. Olives in all their forms – there are plenty of options