Crete island of Greece - history, geography, recreation and entertainment. Crete Island Where is Crete Island

For many people who are going to visit this beautiful island, this question is not at all worth it. And what difference does it make - they may ask, and they will be absolutely right. In the event that you spend all or almost all of your vacation in a hotel, then the difference really ...

Crete - East or West?

Instruction to the tourist, Autotourism, Active rest in Greece, Crete o .; Greece

For many people who are going to visit this beautiful island, this question is not at all worth it. And what difference does it make - they may ask, and they will be absolutely right. In the event that you spend all or most of your vacation in a hotel, then there really is no difference. But, if you are going to leave your home hotel to see something new and interesting, then this question will certainly arise for you. Even for those who do not rent a car, but want to visit organized excursions, or go somewhere by local bus.
And it will arise because the island is not as small as it might seem when looking at its map. Some time ago, like many other travelers before me, I looked at the map of Crete for the first time. And immediately the thought flashed: "He's not that big, although bigger than Rhodes!" And almost all of Rhodes, we traveled by car in two weeks. "If you push a little - then Crete, the whole, can be seen in two weeks!" - an almost standard thought that arises in the head of a person who is traveling to this island for the first time and is going to have time to see as much as possible. At least, visit all the places that are now called "must see". How do I know about thoughts - I read a lot of reviews on the forum dedicated to Crete. A lot of people started by wanting to do everything in 14 days :) But usually no one can do it ...
There are two mistakes in the statements from the previous paragraph. First, that it is "not that big." The distance (along the highway) from the easternmost town in the north of the island - Sitia - to the westernmost village of the northern coast - Kissamos - is about 300 km. I'll clarify - on the high-speed highway. This is at least 4 hours drive (this is how long the plane flies from Moscow to Heraklion). And this is only one way! Ships depart from Kissamos, delivering tourists to one of the most striking sights of the island - Balos Bay. Will they take you on a bus tour to Balos from Sitia? I doubt it ... Because there will be few people willing to spend 8 hours in one day on the bus. Will you go yourself? To leave in time for the departure of the ship, you need to hours at 5 in the morning. Rest, yes :) Secondly, the word "push up" somehow does not harmonize well with the word "vacation" :) This is clear even at home, and when you get to Crete, in a completely different environment, in the rhythm of life, which is very far from everyday hustle and bustle - you don't want to strain at all to get there, there and still there, although, according to the schedule, everything seems to be smooth ... According to the schedule, it may be beautiful, on the spot it almost always turns out that you want stay here, but there - not enough hours, let's two or three, and even on the way stopped 10 times to take pictures of the surrounding beauty - and, in the end, you will visit half of the many planned places. Well, three quarters. Slender routes, compiled and calculated at home, will first change places, then some of the planned "points" will fly off from them, and then, perhaps, nothing will remain of the original plan ... One name :)
Therefore, in order not to rush headlong across the island, trying to accomplish the impossible, I came up with my own way - to divide the island into East and West. It turned out that he had invented the bicycle - many had already done this to me :) Great, the distances are not so terrible anymore, there is only one thing left - to choose exactly where to go for the first time. Yes, there is also North and South, but here it is already easier - the VOAC expressway runs along the entire northern coast, and if you are going to actively move around the island, then it will be much more convenient to do this from its northern part. In the south, there is no such road, and the roads are much slower (serpentines).
We are faced with a difficult choice ... What to prefer? Searching the web for an answer is almost useless. Because there are fans of both the East and the West. And everyone has their own concrete arguments ... In fact, the choice comes down to purely subjective things - who likes what. In general, "Everyone has their own taste: one loves watermelon and the other loves pork cartilage," as one character put it. This means that we will divide all the "components" of the rest into parts, so it should be easier to decide.
The first component is sights, everything except religious ones. There are quite a few of them, both in the West and in the East. Both in the eastern regions (Heraklion and Lassithi), and in the western regions (Chania and Rethymno), there are a great many places that are interesting for the traveler. Those who are interested in castles (fortifications) will probably be more interested in the west. Rethymno, Frangokastello, Aptera, Gramvousa are the best preserved of these structures. Moreover, all this splendor is relatively easily accessible. In the East, there are also fortresses, how not to be - in Heraklion, Ierapetra, on the island of Spinalonga (from the easily accessible ones), as well as others, which are no longer very easy to reach. But they are either smaller in size, or not so spectacular, or generally lie in ruins. But in the East there are more places that are interesting for children - there are three water parks (in the west - only one), as well as several different park-museums such as an aquarium, Amazonas Park (zoo), Dinosaur Park, Homo sapiens Museum (in this museum-park there will be interesting for adults). There are museums, of course, both in the West and in the East. But, it is quite logical that one of the largest in Greece and the world's best museum dedicated to Minoan art is located in the capital of Crete - Heraklion, that is, in the East.
The most prominent and famous must-see sights of Crete, where are they? The palace of Knossos, the Lassithi plateau, the palm beach of Vai, the "paradise island" of Chrissi (Gaiduronisi) is the East. Balos Bay ("confluence of the three seas"), the pink sand beach of Elafonisi, the handsome town (or beauty) of Chania, the Rethymno fortress is the West. The most beautiful cities are Chania (West), Agios Nikolaos (East).
Religious sights are a separate conversation. There are a great many churches and monasteries in Crete. From very old to modern. Various degrees of preservation. The most famous and "promoted" are the "western" monasteries of Arkadi and Agia Triada (on the Aktotiri peninsula), and the "eastern" monasteries of Toplu and Kera Kardiotissa. As you can see, a certain parity is observed here :) From the experience of visiting Cretan monasteries, I can say that in "simple" monasteries, not flooded with crowds of tourists, there is a much calmer and more soulful atmosphere, which contributes to relaxation from the endless vanity that surrounds us in everyday life. including sometimes even on vacation. But of course, you need to get to such places by rented car.
The second component is nature. Mountains, gorges, caves, hiking trails, plateaus, waterfalls (though in summer they are almost waterless) - there are both there and there. But there is also a difference. The nature of western Crete is richer in vegetation, as the climate in the west is more humid. It turns out that here too it is a matter of taste for everyone - to choose in some places the "semi-Martian" landscapes of the harsh East, or the greener West. Lakes. To the west is the most famous and largest lake of Crete - Kournas. There are also lakes in the East, for example - Votomos, but it is much smaller and not nearly as popular as Kournas. Besides Votomos, it is worth mentioning, of course, the picturesque Lake Voulizmeni, located in the town of Agios Nikolaos. In the East, you can walk through the forest of thousand-year-old Rouvas trees (difficult to access, you will have to go along a dirt road, or walk along a difficult path), or through the Krustas forest. The West can offer a walk (trip) among the orange orchards (near Chania), or a visit to the Cretan Botanical Garden. I attribute it to nature, although it is a "garden", not a "forest". This garden is one of the many places in Crete where you plan to go "for an hour" - and then you cannot leave this beauty for a long time :)
The third component is beaches. There are beautiful and famous beaches both in the East and in the West. I have already mentioned them. As for "ordinary" beaches, the West wins in terms of both quantity and quality. There are more beaches. When planning my trips to the west, I have never encountered the problem that the nearest good beach is far away, and that sometimes I have to repeat myself and go to the same beach (we like to go to different beaches, we only "repeat" if these are such places like Elafonisi, Kedrodassos or Falasarna - the pearls of western Crete). But in the East, it is much more difficult to choose a beach ... In some places (on the northern coast) there are simply no beaches at all. But, in the East there is a delightful Mirabello Bay (the name speaks for itself, the Venetians called this place "a bay with a beautiful view"), and in the southeast you can visit the beautiful beach of Xorokampos. Of course, if you are not too lazy to drive about 160 km to it (from Heraklion, one way). As a reward for a long trip, you can get fantastically beautiful views and an almost deserted coast.
As for the "logistics" component, the main airport of Crete is located in Heraklion, that is, in the East. Most planes fly there (from us). And the main port is also there. If you are going on an excursion, for example, to Santorini by ferry, then this is Heraklion again. Although, in the Chania region there is also an airport, perhaps someone will find convenient flights there ... Travel North - South - "bottlenecks" on the island, that is, the shortest distances from north to south, there are both in the west, in the region of Rethymno and in the East. in the area of ​​Agios Nikolaos.
What can I say in conclusion? Of course, only that the choice is yours :) The whole island is beautiful and interesting - both the "tourist", lively North, and the traditional, calm South, and the greener West, and the "harsh" East. Everywhere you can find wonderful places, which you want to return to ... And not always for this you need to wave a hundred kilometers, sometimes, the amazing and unexpected beauty of Crete awaits us literally around the next turn, you just need to take your time, turn, stop, see and feel.
Good luck to you :)

In the region of Heraklion 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. The resort village of 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 attractions and numerous swimming pools, the cost of admission is 25 € for adults, for children up to 140 cm tall - 17 €, and little visitors below 90 cm are free to entertain themselves.

In Hersonissos, for golf lovers, a club that meets all world standards is open all year round. The price per visit starts from 50 €.

Tourists can get acquainted with the underwater world of the Mediterranean in the Thalassokosmos aquarium, located in Heraklion, which has more than 2500 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 admitted free. All visitors are provided with audio guides.

The most famous resorts in the eastern region of Lassithi are the party town Agios Nikolaos, the "Cretan Monte Carlo", and Elounda with its luxury hotels. In Agios Nikolaos, there are archaeological and ethnographic museums with collections of original exhibits.

The western region of Chania is famous for its pristine sandy beaches and its eponymous capital, called "Greek Venice". The city is home to the Manoussakis winery, one of the largest in the world. You can come here with a guided tour and taste local products.

For lovers of water activities, the Limnopolis water park is located 6 km from Chania.

The Rethymno region offers holidaymakers a variety of activities and a breathtaking nightlife. For family or secluded holidays, it is preferable to stay in the towns of Platanias and Adele. During the last week of July, the Wine Festival takes place in Rethymno, so don't miss the opportunity to taste the famous Cretan wines.

For those wishing to do underwater exploration 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 "Cretan Night" show - a late dinner with national songs and dances.

If you want to look into the hard-to-reach places of Crete and get to know more about the life of non-tourist settlements, 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 the hotel guide.

sights

Thousands of tourists come to Crete every year to see the remains of the Minoan civilization. The main attraction is 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 Minotaur bull-man was imprisoned. Another notable architectural monument of Heraklion is the massive ancient fortress that surrounds the city. Be sure to visit the Archaeological and Historical Museums in Heraklion, where you will see unique artifacts from antiquity.

In Limenas in the Heraklion region, the Lychnostatis open-air museum presents the traditional life of the Cretans before the industrial era. All the exhibits of the museum can be touched by hands, 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 Sundays, entrance 5 €.

In Rethymno, there is the Arkadi monastery, a 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 a 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, his museum is located with copies of world famous paintings.

On the Lassithi plain, it is worth visiting the Diktei 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 offer mule services for a few euros.

In the Bay of Mirabello, in the east of Crete, is the island of Spinalonga, famous for its sea views.

The ruins of ancient Roman cities can be found all over the island. The ruins are protected by the state and equipped with video surveillance, so do not be tempted to take an inconspicuous stone as a souvenir.

Samaria Gorge is a national reserve and natural landmark of Crete. This gorge, the longest in Europe (18 km), serves as a refuge for the rarest Kri-Kri ibex.

The 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 cliffs. 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 caves. Even now you will meet “Flower Children” in the vicinity - they drive around in vans painted with flowers, making a living by trading in volcanic rock bracelets. South of Matala, you can sunbathe on the Red Coast Beach with its unusual copper-red sand.

Right there, on the southern coast, there is the Preveli beach with a palm grove and a river flowing from a spring, punched into the rock by Nikolai the Wonderworker himself.

In the east of Crete, 6 km from Palekastro, lies Vai Beach, famous for its largest palm forest in Europe and excellent conditions for diving and windsurfing. In the southern part of the beach nudists are sunbathing.

On the west coast, near the town of Elafonisi, there is also a unique beach with pink sand.

Transport

The island has a convenient bus service and domestic flights. Crete is connected with the outside world by ferry and air links.

Renting a car is the best way to fully explore the island, you will not be limited by excursions and can 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). No deposit is usually required. The driver must be over 21 years old, have been driving for more than a year, the license is Russian. 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 showing the points of interest. Important - the rental price must include insurance called full insurance.

Traffic rules are not strictly followed - 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 has turned on the hazard warning lights, you blind the driver and are asked to switch to low beam headlights.

Remember that petrol 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 step to a tasty twig.

Nutrition

The local cuisine is famous for its ecological cleanliness. Outdoor-grown Cretan vegetables are delicious. 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 very god of winemaking Dionysius, who was born here.

For a hearty dinner, you will pay 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 invoice amount.

Shopping

Large shops are concentrated in large cities, and in autumn there is a sales season. Souvenir shops are found at every turn and offer natural cosmetics, handmade olive soap, essential oils, magnificent knives made by local craftsmen, and exquisite lace products. It is better to buy ceramics and utensils in pottery workshops, the prices are more affordable and the possibility of purchasing Chinese stamping is excluded.

Crete is famous for its woolen products, textiles, embroidered tablecloths and napkins.

Be sure to bring home wonderful honey, olive oil, recognized as the best in Europe, cheese, alpine tea.

Lovers of rarities will be interested in visiting the Mercato Agora flea market 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.

Special offers for hotels in Crete

Useful information

The island provides excellent opportunities for a splendid vacation both in luxury hotels and resort complexes, as well as in private middle-class hotels, mini-hotels, guest houses. For a large family or company, a great option is renting a villa, which will be much cheaper than staying at a hotel.

The 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 am to 3 pm, 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 located in Heraklion. At other times of the year, you can fly to Crete with a transfer from the EU capitals. From Athens to Crete can be reached by ferry.

Crete is a unique island with a special infrastructure, varied cuisine, beaches and hotels for every taste and budget. Those who decide to relax in this beautiful place will undoubtedly have a wonderful vacation. To ensure that this vacation is not overshadowed by anything, it is a good idea to have some basic knowledge of what awaits tourists in Crete. Briefly about the most important things for tourists in Crete, read on.

Shopping and souvenirs in Crete

In Crete, in almost every village, even in the mountainous regions, there are shops where you can find any product for life and relaxation. Shops on the island work according to a special schedule: usually from 8 to 14 and from 18 to 21 hours, that is, there is a long break at lunchtime. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, some shops close immediately after lunch. The most favorable times for shopping in Crete are during the seasonal sales in January, May and October. During these periods, various products can be purchased in shopping centers at reduced prices.

All shops in Crete can be conventionally divided into several categories. Firstly, there 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. Such shops are located in the central districts of large cities. For example, in Heraklion, shops 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 the Russian ones, the offered assortment pleases with its wide variety. In the fall, during sales, shopping malls and boutiques can reduce prices for clothing items by up to 50 - 70 percent.

Especially for Russian tourists, excellent fur coats made in factories in northern Greece are brought to the shops. Due to the high demand, fur products in Cretan shops 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 that are similar in assortment to Russian ones.

Finally, in Crete you can find good shops for children's goods, for example, the huge Jumbo children's toy stores, where you can find literally everything that every child dreams of. A visit to such a store with children can take the whole day. In addition to traditional shopping malls and shops, Crete has local markets open until lunchtime. 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 a gift to friends and family? Local souvenirs 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.

The island also sells fabric products - these are tablecloths, linens, rugs, curtains. Wool products knitted by local women. You can often find artists selling their paintings. Almost all of them are painted on canvases, and the plots are based on local landscapes and plots of everyday life. Paintings are inexpensive, the price depends on the size of the canvas, and the presence of a frame on it. You can buy a pretty decent painting for 30-50 euros.

Jewelry products deserve special attention. Here you can buy unique handmade products. These are a variety of earrings, rings, pendants and bracelets. Some local jewelry salons have their own workshops, which are already more than a dozen years old. Intricate weaves and amazing Greek ornaments are all that are essential attributes of Cretan jewelry. Jewelry and jewelry prices do not differ much from the world average. Among the inexpensive souvenirs presented in the tourist shops of Crete, one can mention mugs, calendars, photo stands, albums with pictures of the island's attractions.

From the island of Crete, one cannot but bring home the pickled olives of Kalamata, 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 go up to five euros per liter. Sun-soaked olive oil can be purchased as a wonderful gift or simply to bring home and use for dressing 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 chamomile or rose scent. Aromatic olive oil soaps and creams perfectly moisturize the skin. The shops in Crete offer 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 shops for tourists. The famous Greek brandy Metaxa and the burning anise vodka Ouzo are equally popular. Cretan wine is also a popular commodity among tourists. You can buy it in every supermarket, as well as at wineries, which are often visited on excursions. It is not possible to export alcoholic drinks and olive oil from the island, 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 urban and intercity bus services, buses linking various major island cities. Bus tickets are relatively inexpensive, and the buses themselves run between cities on a schedule with an interval of about one hour. Buses run even more frequently in resort areas. For example, buses run between Malia and Heraklion 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 right on the bus, each of them has a conductor. The buses are comfortable, cool and pleasant to travel on.

However, you can also rent a car, since there are a huge number of rental salons in Crete, literally at every step. All you need to rent a car is an international 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, including those in the rear of the vehicle, must fasten their seat belts in the passenger compartment. In cities, the permitted speed is limited to 50 kph, on highways and highways - up to 80 kph. You can rent a wide variety of cars for every taste.

Crete beaches

Many Cretan beaches are regularly awarded the Blue Flag by the EU, which is the highest rating for their excellent environmental condition. 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 on the north side of Crete are characterized by gentle relief and comfortable descent into the sea. These are mostly sandy beaches. At the same time, the beaches of the southern coast are 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, making the beach holiday more peaceful and secluded. Beach lovers spend their holidays in Crete from May to October, when the water temperature on the coast is the most suitable for swimming. The most popular beach areas for tourists are the resort areas of Rethymno, Chania, Heraklion and Lassithi.

In the Chania area, the most comfortable sandy beaches are Kalyves, Almyrida, Plaka, Marati and Loutraki. Also among tourists, the Balos beach 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, a pirate harbor was once located. 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 is Frangokastello. It is ideal for those who want to relax on the coast with young children. Frangokastello beach with a very long coastline, it has a gentle slope into the sea. It is distinguished by the presence of a large number of trees and plants along the coast, which protect vacationers from the scorching sun.

Eight kilometers from Chania is the popular resort of Agia Marina with its magnificent beach of the purest golden sand. The local beach has a smooth entrance to the sea, and the coast itself is characterized by high ecological purity. Agia Marina beach is "overgrown" with modern infrastructure in the form of hotels, cafes and nightclubs. On the four-kilometer-long Platanias beach, ten kilometers from Chania, you can ride a banana or scooter, as well as learn parasailing and other water activities.

In the Rethymno area, tourists can relax on a fifteen-kilometer beach stretching from Georgioupoli to the city itself. There are numerous restaurants, taverns and disco bars 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 highly popular. Good beaches in this area for family holidays are Panormo and Panormo. They are wide and safe, as well as sheltered from sea waves. Parents will not be afraid to let their children go swimming.

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 repeatedly been awarded the Blue Flag for the cleanliness of the sea coast. It has its own rescue service, is equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas for vacationers. Matala beach is sandy, but in the sea waters there are large slabs of stone at the bottom. Those who are planning to relax in Heraklion can recommend the wild sandy and pebble beach of Paleokastro. Although there is no usual infrastructure, the beach captivates with its natural landscapes and azure water. Finally, in the resort area of ​​Lassithi, 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 the white sand beach of Vai. This beach is located near an amazing palm grove that grows right on the seashore. It is believed that the famous Bounty ad was filmed on Vai Beach. This beach has all the modern infrastructure and amenities, with the exception of the possibility of spending the night due to the lack of hotels near the coast.

The stunning Elafonisi Beach is also located in the southwest. 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 coast by a narrow strip of water, so the beach looks like a separate small island.

The water is clean and clear everywhere. On a well-equipped and sandy beach, entry into the water is easy and comfortable. The depth of water on different beaches is different. Many beaches are suitable for swimming for children and for those who cannot swim. It is worth shaving sea urchins. They are an indicator of the purity of the water, as they live only in crystal waters, but they are very dangerous.

Cretan cuisine

Cretan cuisine is 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, even for medicinal purposes. Cretan oil is of the highest quality and environmentally friendly.

Another must-have in Cretan cuisine is fresh vegetables and fruits. A well-known local vegetable dish is the Khoryatiki salad, which is made 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 prawns are served with tomatoes and grilled cheese.

A popular Calamari dish in Crete is fried squid. Cretans also enjoy preparing 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 at a special price lamb and goat meat. Roast lamb is cooked on charcoal or on a spit, or baked in the oven with potatoes. Pork is also popular. In Crete, you can taste the classic Greek dish - souvlaki. This is pork that is fried on skewers and served on the table along with potatoes. Also, the Greeks are very adept at making a variety of appetizers flavored with lemon juice and garlic.

When it comes to local delicacies, Crete is primarily famous for its dairy products, in particular the soft goat or sheep feta cheese, which is used in a variety of salads. You can try it only in Greece, because up to 95 percent of the production of this cheese goes to domestic consumption. Also in Crete, Kefalografira cheese, obtained from goat's milk, and white cheese from Mizithra sheep's milk, are well-known, which differs from ordinary yellow cheeses in the presence of lower cholesterol.

A very popular specialty in Crete is Pita gyros. These are fried pieces of pork, which are complemented with onions, potatoes, peppers and wrapped in pita bread. Pita gyros is a Greek version of the shawarma well-known to Russians.It is sold almost everywhere on the island at a price of about two and a half euros. It's good for both a quick bite to eat and a sedate lunch at 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 carbonated drinks Coca-Cola and Pepsi to fresh, healthy juices of local production. Mostly in Crete, they drink coffee, which the locals know how to make excellently. Among the most popular non-alcoholic soft drinks on the island is an instant coffee with froth, ice and milk, called Frape. Also on sale there are various types of Cretan tea grown in the mountainous regions.

Among alcoholic drinks, first of all, it is worth mentioning the national Cretan drink raki or tsikoudia, which is not very popular on the mainland of Greece. This is a fairly cheap drink made from distilled water and leftovers from wine production. At the same time, the alcohol content in it reaches 45 - 55 percent. Ouzo Anise Vodka is equally 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 in Crete. In the resort areas, most restaurants and cafes are guided by traditional European fast food, so the dishes that you can taste there only remind you of Cretan or Greek cuisine by their name. The most popular fast food in Crete is

Pita gyros, which is due to the high speed of preparation of this dish, as well as the variety of sauces and seasonings to it.

But to taste the real Cretan cuisine, it is better to go to one of the local taverns. They may specialize in seafood or meat dishes. Moreover, the further from the resort areas the tavern is located, the more interesting and unique local cuisine it is ready to offer. Although, in the resort areas there are many beautiful taverns, decorated in an authentic style, conveniently located on the seaside, and offering a very varied local cuisine.

Among the branded establishments on the island of Crete can be noted kafenio, a traditional Greek cafeteria, and uzeria, which is an analogue of the Russian wine glass only in a more civilized form. In the uzeria, they order aniseed or grape vodka with snacks, and in the cafe, people go for the classic Cretan coffee.

The average bill for one person in Crete 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 tip the waiters. Usually this is 10 percent of the bill, but in small budget cafes you can tip one and a half euros and that will be enough.

As for payment in various catering establishments, be careful about the bills in cafes and restaurants located in tourist areas. Here the owners, in pursuit of profit, often go for various tricks and tricks. For example, in the menu, the price for meat is indicated for a certain weight.

In addition, Cretan cafes often "treat" customers at the entrance, constantly communicating with them and offering various dishes. Under such pressure, some tourists, at a loss, 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 visit 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, and, 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. Perhaps poisonous snakes, which still have to look, and sea urchins on some wild beaches. However, a tourist police has been organized on the island for safety and comfort. Its tasks include providing assistance to 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 tourists. 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.

During the summer months, Crete is often characterized by a real tropical heat with temperatures above thirty-five degrees. In such hot weather in Crete, vacationers are advised to take certain precautions. You should be in the open sun for a minimum amount of time and avoid strenuous physical activity. You need to wear light, well-ventilated clothes and be sure to wear a hat made of natural materials. It is advisable to exclude fatty, hard-to-digest foods from your diet. It is better to drink plain or mineral water without gas. It is recommended to use sunglasses and a variety of skin protection creams on the beach.

Water parks in Crete

On the island of Crete, in addition to a beach holiday and exploring historical sights, there is a lot of entertainment. Among them are wonderful water parks that can be visited with small children. Not far from the resort of Hersonissos, there is the Aqua Plus water park with water slides, a 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 too.

The largest water park in Crete is the Water City complex, located in the eastern part of the island. It has a separate area for children with fountains, slides, a children's pool and bridges. There is also a cafe on the territory of the complex, where adults can rest and relax comfortably. Not far from the Chania resort, there is also the excellent Limnoupolis water park with a children's area and a large swimming pool. A visit to the water park will cost an adult 23 euros, while a ticket for a child is 17 euros.

Finally, in Hersonissos there is a Star Beach water park, unique for Crete. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the park is located right on the sea coast. The entrance here is free, you will have to pay only for the rent of sun loungers by the pool. StarBeach Waterpark is focused on family vacations with children, therefore it has a variety of entertainment for both adults and children of all ages.

A journey to the center of Crete will lead you to the “soul of the island” - the cave where, according to myths, the Thunderer himself was born. On the beautiful Lassithi plateau, you will get acquainted with the traditions and life of mountain villages, ride in a sled with donkeys, visit a family oil mill and a pottery workshop. You will also meet a mighty plane tree, visit a nunnery and listen to myths about the Greek goddess of love on the shore of the lake, where, according to legend, she bathed.

Duration

It is possible with children

€ 365 for 1-4 people or €89 per person if there are more of you

What awaits you

Life of a mountain village, an ancient plane tree and an ancient monastery
We will make our first stop in a small picturesque village high in the mountains. Here you will see an ancient and mighty plane tree - it is more than 2000 years old, and the circumference of the trunk reaches 20 girths! Get to know the centuries-old way of life and visit an old Venetian laundry. After that, we will head towards central Crete, and on the way we will make a stop at the monastery of Our Lady of the Heart. The monastery is run by nuns and is widely known among the pilgrims who come here to pray in the hope of absolution.

Landscapes and atmosphere of the Lassithi plateau
Moving further into the interior of the island, through the mountains, we arrive at a picturesque plateau, presumably the crater of an ancient volcano. This unusual place in the middle of the Dikti mountain range is like a patchwork of green and yellow fields, each of which is irrigated by its own windmill. The Lassithi plateau is one of the most fertile places in Crete, it fascinates with its salutary coolness, vegetation, picturesque villages and the hospitality of the locals. We will stop at a mountain village for lunch, orange break and souvenir shopping. And then you will examine the stalactites and stalagmites in the cave of Dikteon Andron, where, according to legend, Zeus himself was born. If you wish, nearby you can ride a donkey in a traditional harness.

The art of working with clay and tasting traditional products
Getting to know Crete will be incomplete if you leave aside such ancient traditions as pottery, winemaking and olive oil production. The workshop will tell you about the intricacies of working with clay and techniques rooted in the distant past. You will taste Cretan wines and taste natural olive oil produced by one of the local family farms.

The city of St. Nicholas and the lake of Aphrodite
Leaving the Lassithi plateau, you will see an opening panorama of the province of Pediada. Passing the mountain ranges, through traditional villages, we will go to one of the most beautiful cities of Crete - Agios Nikolaos, which will become the final point of the route. Here you will have time to go shopping, drink coffee, and also admire the bottomless lake, where, according to the myth, Aphrodite bathed. Located on the hills, the city is interesting for the abundance of stairs that have become its characteristic feature, impressive landscapes and a wonderful pine park in which you can walk.

Who is the excursion for?

• For guests with children, foodies and wine lovers, nature lovers, adventure seekers and those who simply want to get to know the life of authentic Crete.
• In my excursions, I put more emphasis on the modern life of Crete, but the historical and cultural component is always present in my story.

Organizational details

• The tour usually starts in the early morning and ends in the evening.
• The tour is accompanied by a driver and guide. The tour is conducted in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan manufactured in 2019. We provide child seats free of charge if required.
• Transportation and driver services are included in the tour price.
• Transportation costs are included in the tour price. We will pick you up at your hotel if you live in the following locations: Hersonissos, Analipsi, Anissaras, Gouves, Kokkini Hani, Malia, Stalida, Heraklion, Karteros, Amoudara, Agia Pelagia, Lassiti area, Agios Nikolaos.
• By agreement - Ierapetra, Elounda, Sitia, Bali, Rethymno, Chania
• Carrying out excursions on luxury transport for an additional fee by agreement.
• Not included in the price: lunch in a tavern - 10-20 euros / person; entrance tickets to museums, archaeological and historical monuments, wine tasting - 5 euros / person, entrance to the cave, donkey riding.
• What to take with you: comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a charged camera with free memory, light sweaters or jackets for visiting the cave.
• I myself compose the routes for walking in Crete and carefully choose only the most interesting, exclusively those places that I love myself.

+6

Book an excursion on any of the available days in the calendar

• This is an individual excursion in Russian, the guide will conduct it for you and your company.
• On the site you pay 23% of the cost, and the rest of the money - to the guide on the spot. You can ask the guide any questions before payment.

Day is free

The day is busy

Discount 32%

My name is Anya and for almost a decade I have been living on the fabulous island of Crete. My passion is, first of all, unexplored corners that reveal the local flavor. Excursions to mountain villages, vineyards, olive groves, deserted beaches are waiting for you with me. You will see gorges, rock churches, waterfalls, traditional workshops and more. During friendly walks, I show Crete from the inside, give it a taste, look into a traditional house and be a resident of it! And we spend full-day family excursions in a comfortable car together with my husband: we show his native places and talk about the life of the locals.

More details

10 camper reviews

I would like to thank Anna and her husband for a wonderful excursion! :) The day passed in one breath, the whole family was delighted! A lot of interesting information regarding not only historical aspects, but also life in Crete at the present time.
We will definitely return to Crete and will only contact Anna :)
Special thanks for the fact that Anna organizes not only sightseeing tours, but also helps in solving everyday issues. She is very nice and helpful.
Thank you thank you thank you!

Good day! We were in Crete for the first time. We are a married couple and two children, 6 and 18 years old.
Anna and her wonderful, silent husband did everything to make our small company interesting and very comfortable. The route was laid in such a way that I wanted to go further and further get to know this wonderful island. So you have next year.
And also, tell Rosa that her recipe works like clockwork !!!
Thanks for the recommendation with the cheese, everything is delicious.

We were on excursions with a child of 9 years old. I liked it very much, a lot of interesting things, Crete opens up from a new side. Informative, dynamically rich and soulful. Recommend. We got a lot of positive emotions, and Anna is a wonderful guide and person!

In July 2019, I was with my son and husband in Crete. Literally three days before the trip, we chose 4 excursions on the island. Very easy to understand information on the site, quickly answered the guide Anna. Exactly at the indicated time, Anna was waiting for us at the entrance to the hotel. And then there was a sea of ​​delight! Anna is an unusually light and tactful person, a great storyteller. The whole trip was imbued with boundless love for Crete. Thanks to Anna, we fell in love with this island, she showed the most wonderful places, monasteries of extraordinary beauty, the life of the Cretan villages. We moved in a brand new minivan. Driving is Anna's spouse. Cool driver! Very neat on the road. It was calm with him even on the mountain serpentine. And I was especially pleased that our excursions were very comfortable, there was no rush and fuss. We stayed in atmospheric taverns with stunning views, drank coffee or dined, went to our favorite shops, but at the same time managed to see everything planned. Anna puts her soul into her work, we felt like long-awaited friends, whom we are very glad to. Many thanks! I will definitely recommend Anna to my friends.

I liked the excursion very much. There were 2 adults and children 4 and 9 years old.
It was nice to ride in a new and comfortable car. Anna is very pleasant to talk to and disposes of herself as a person. It was very convenient that we ourselves could decide whether we want to visit this or that place. Since we were with the children, we tried not to make the children very tired, so we limited ourselves to visiting the village of Krasi with its centuries-old plane tree, the Homo-sapiens museum, a pottery workshop, then an excellent lunch and Zeus's cave. The children rode to the cave on a donkey, which they were very happy about. The cave itself made a huge impression on them. It was also interesting for them in the pottery workshop to make products themselves on the potter's wheel. My daughter liked that Anna told, besides the history of Crete and myths, also just about the life of people in Crete, their customs, how they celebrate the wedding, etc.
In general, we all really liked everything, everyone was satisfied. On the way back, the son fell asleep under Anna's stories in a comfortable child seat.
Thanks to Anna and her husband Sterio for a great tour.

Vsjo bilo zamechateljno! Otziv popodrobnee napishu pozze.

We came to Crete with such a company: two mothers and two children (a small electric broom 3.5 years old, and a princess 7 years old). Our main task was to take a break from a tough schedule, where all the time you need to run, keep up, fit into the framework and fit our uncomfortable children into them (we and children do not particularly like this). But a completely "cutlet" rest quickly tires us and begins to depress us.
We wanted to see Crete. Lively, authentic, not postcard tourist.
It is clear that with such requests, the format of the bus tour, where "they got out, lined up, took a picture, listened to a lecture, reviewed, retold, plunged, go further" did not suit us from the word "at all."
Of course, we read a lot in advance on the Internet. But Wikipedia will not tell those living stories that the island is saturated with and which only those who live by them can tell. Will not take you to a tiny cafe built in the crown of a huge plane tree over a cliff. He will not collect a bunch of fragrant sage from the mountain slope for you along the way.
Our meeting with Anna and Steries was a special success.
On the go, we could change the route, depending on our desire and our preferences. Anna honestly told where it is really interesting, and there is something to see, and where is just a publicized tourist place, which they visit only in order to put another tick in the travel report.
If something did not go exactly as planned, Anna was very worried that we might get upset, but that's all we need! We are passionate lovers of improvisation, and in the company of friendly and empathetic guys who know the island, its history and geography as their home, which they love and are proud of, we had an excellent trip.
We have already managed to visit somewhere, and we were amazed by the beautiful view, there were many questions. And Steries (they say he does not understand Russian, but then we began to doubt))) directs the car exactly there so that we could get a better look at what struck us so much. And Anna, meanwhile, satisfies our curiosity, tells everything that we, of course, did not google, returning home after the first, independent visit.
When all the adventures planned for that day ended, we found ourselves on a stone veranda above the Lassithi plateau. I cannot explain what exactly captured us there (there are many more picturesque views in Crete). The long-awaited coolness descended, all the tourists left. We sat in the alpine silence on the veranda, dangling our legs over the cliff, drinking coffee and eating ice cream. We, like our children, had to digest a huge amount of impressions, emotions, information received during the day. And the guys perfectly understood that there was no better place for this.
In general, thanks is not the right word! We got not just a vacation and a tick - "we have been here". We got a fascinating story, a story about CRETE and ABOUT US, a story to which we would like to return. Anna, THANK YOU! From the heart!

For the first time in Crete. We ordered an excursion from Anna. Impressions:
You could order at a travel agency and get the standard "look to the right, look to the left, and in this store I have a percentage of your purchases, oh, here are the best goods at the best prices, a step to the right, a step to the left is an attempt to escape, because we are group".
Ordered from Anna. We got a family vacation with friends in their car, with a nice bonus - friends know all aspects of Cretan life and are ready to share their knowledge, adjusting to the interests of us and our children. What have you learned:
- about mythology and not only ...
- about the geology of Crete and not only ...
- about the traditions of the Cretans and not only ...
- about the kitchen and not only ...
- about monasteries, religion and not only ...
- about modern life in tourist areas, beyond and beyond ..
- about oil mills, the creation of ceramics and more.
We walked, admired the views of the Mirabello Bay, went to Spinalonga, visited monasteries, examined the Lasithi plateau, ate in a real tavern, not attacked by tourists, and talked, talked, talked. We are happy, the children are delighted.
A day with Anna and Sterio is the best day in Crete. We recommend to everyone!

I would like to sincerely thank the wonderful Anna and her husband for the wonderful excursion, which was remembered by Anna's good knowledge of Crete, how could it be without legends and local tales! And most importantly, we changed the route on the spot, having gone to those places where tourists from large companies definitely do not reach, where there is no that crowd and everything is told with feeling, sensibly, with an arrangement! The whole trip was very interesting to listen to, ask questions, it became clear a lot about the inhabitants of Crete))) Super comfortable minibus with child seats, delicious Cretan food, warm company, any whim - all this will be if you go with Anna! Recommended!

63 reviews for other excursions guide

Wonderful Crete !!! Wonderful excursion !!! Excellent Anechka !!! We are completely delighted with communication with this wonderful couple. Everything is easy and simple, as if they were visiting relatives, but at the same time they examined the whole of West Crete and even more!. Happiness, love and prosperity, convey to them all our best words of gratitude! Best regards, Nina and Igor Chaplygin

Anna had a great excursion, interestingly told about Crete and its peculiarities, hysterical and cultural parts, had dinner in a tavern with good food and a beautiful view. My husband drove the car neatly and comfortably, so everyone is happy, we will definitely recommend it to our friends who are going to Crete.

Thanks to Anna for a wonderful day :) An interesting route, we have wanted to see the southern coast for a long time - I really liked Matala. I would like to go to Crete again!