Why Should You Put Crete on Your Travel List

Dear Traveler,

Would you like to experience an authentic Greek culture without the tourist crowds and vacation where the locals go? Consider Crete!

Arguably, most travelers outside of Europe start planning the first-time vacation to the Greek islands with Santorini and Mykonos in mind. Unfortunately, in the last decade, they have become so popular, that you can rarely enjoy them without the crowds and the high price point of meals and accommodations. It doesn't have to be this way! There are still over 220 inhabited Greek islands to choose from and maybe this blog will help you to consider different options.
The Basics
Crete is the southernmost island in the Greek Archipelago and the fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. The best way to explore the island is either to rent a car or rely on the well-developed Public Bus Services Ktel. In general, renting a car will cost less than using the Crete bus system. However, using the local buses will save you the stress of navigating unfamiliar island roads. The local currency is Euro, No visa requirements for US Citizens.


Why Crete? 
A cradle of the Ancient Minoan Civilization, the island offers the unique combination of romantic, beach, and cultural/history focused vacation. Furthermore, the hotel rates and dining out/shopping are way more affordable than the neighboring Santorini which makes it a favorite choice to vacation by the locals from mainland Greece. Crete has a Mediterranean climate, with a long summer season until October and milder winter in the 50s. 

                                                                                           Chania's harbor

                                                                                          Chania's charming streets
Where to stay in Crete?
My family stayed in the magical Chania. The small port town was built on the top of the ancient Minoan town of Kydonia and is known for its well-preserved old Venetian Harbor, dating back to the Venetian (13-17 Century) and the Turkish rule (17-19 Century). Chania is located about two hours northwest of Heraklion, the capital of Crete but fortunately, it has its own international airport with daily direct flights from Athens via Ryan Air, Aegean & Olympic Air. A number of boutique hotels offer memorable experiences such as Querini & Porto Del Colombo. ( As an alternative, Rethymno is a smaller town, an hour east of Chania, with intense Medieval architecture and lovely Venetian Port. With its busy industrial vibe, I found the capital Heraklion not suitable for a longer vacation. 
Travel Tip: A quick trip to Santorini can be easily arranged if you have the time, there are convenient and fast ferries (less than two hours ride) on a daily basis departing from Heraklion.

What to see in Crete?
If you decide to stay in Chania, Start from the Old Venetian Harbor and explore the Venetian Lighthouse, the Turkish Mosque, or get lost in the small romantic streets. Have a memorable dinner in Mesostrato restaurant, situated in 16 Century Venetian building, or get a cocktail at the waterfront cafes. If time permits, visit Archaeological Museum of Chania or the Maritime Museum of Crete.

Knossos Palace

                                                                     The "Prince of the Lilies" fresco in Knossos Palace

                                                                                   The stunning Balos Lagoon 
Explore remote beaches and archaeological sites                                                                        
Your vacation in Crete won't be completed unless you visit the Knossos Palace, the capital of Minoan Crete combined with a stop in the recently renovated Archaeological Museum in Heraklion, where the original finds from the Palace are on display. For beach lovers, Crete has one of the best beaches in Greece, with a good portion located in the Chania region. One of the island highlights is taking a day cruise to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Fortress dating back to Venetian times. We used Cretan Daily Cruises and had a fantastic time!!! Other alternatives not to be missed are Falassarna and Elafonissi beach, known for its pink sand.

Ready to start planning your Mediterranean vacation?












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