The island of Crete is one of the most popular places in Greece. It is the largest Greek island and one of the most beautiful places to visit all year round. Outstanding natural beauty, delicious local cuisine (the famous Cretan cuisine), colorful cities and dreamy beaches make it a unique destination. But, you should be aware that it fills in the summer with masses of tourists almost everywhere. Therefore, we advise you to book everything in advance. However, if you are short on time, the best way to enjoy as many places and beaches as possible is to take day trips ! In this article, you will find the 6 places you should not miss during on trip to Crete.
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6 Amazing places to visit on the island of Crete
1-Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos is the capital of the Lasithi Region located in the northeastern Crete. This town is one of the most colorful and vibrant places with amazing beaches. For this reason, it is one of the must-visit places in Crete. It is easy to get to Agios Nikolaos either by car or by public bus. In the heart of the city center, you will find Lake Voulismeni (left photo). We couldn’t believe that we would find a lake in the middle of the center. It is a beautiful spot and creates a wonderful ambiance. Another thing you should not miss is to take the boat and visit the island of Spinalonga. It is worth watching where the lepers lived.
2-Voulisma Beach
The best beach you can visit near Agios Nikolaos is the famous Voulisma beach. It is located just 15 km outside the city. Due to its crystal clear waters and incredible surrounding mountains, it is considered one of the best beaches of Crete. However, you should visit early in the morning or late at evening in high season (July-August), as it gets crowded during the day. So, if you don’t have or rent a car to enjoy ultimate flexibility, we suggest you rent a boat from Agios Nikolaos to easily reach this amazing beach. You will be able to swim in its turquoise waters and enjoy it to the fullest.
3-Heraklion
Heraklion is the capital of the island of Crete. It is home to the island’s largest airport and is a great starting point for your trip. Just outside the city, are the Palace of Knossos and the Palace of Phaistos. They are some of the most important archeological sites in Greece. Really worth a visit if you are interested in history and want to know more about the Minoan civilization. In addition to these archeological sites, Heraklion is a vibrant port city with charming architecture, stunning beaches and a wide variety of cafés, restaurants and night clubs. That’s why it is a popular destination with many tourists all year round. As we are photography lovers, our favorite time was early morning. With the port almost empty, we fully enjoyed the peaceful view of the ocean in the morning light.
4-Chania
Chania is one of the most charming cities in Greece. It is located in the northwest part of the island and about 100 kilometres from Heraklion. There are local buses for transportation from one place to another. This Venetian city is full of colors, amazing views and beautiful vibes. As you can see below, the most beautiful part of Chania is the Venetian harbor which offers with a wonderful view. The old town of Chania is another must-visit. It is pleasant to stroll around the narrow streets admiring the special architecture. You will find many cafés and restaurants to enjoy delicious Cretan meals and desserts. Lastly, Chania is the closest city to some of the best beaches in Crete such as Balos Beach and Elafonisi Beach. If you are short on time, the most convenient way to reach these beaches and fully experience their unique beauty is definitely organized day trips !
5-Seitan Limania Beach
Seitan Limania beach is one of the best beaches in Crete. It is located 24 km from Chania and is one the most dreamy beaches we have ever been to. Not only the turquoise color of the water, but also the huge rock formations and the mouth of the gorge make this beach so amazing. Almost everywhere you will find breathtaking panoramic views. Take time to explore the surrounding area as well. However, no words and pictures do justice to its true beauty.
6-Chora Sfakion
We could not leave out of this list the Chora Sfakion or simply Sfakia. It is located in the southwestern part of the island. Due to its location and rich history, it is considered one the most beautiful, interesting and authentic places to visit in Crete. Although it is a quite a tourist destination especially in the summer, it is a small town of about 300 habitants. Near Sfakia, there are 2 gorges, the famous Samaria Gorge and Agia Eirini Gorge. Both are a magnet for adventure enthusiasts. But, in Chora Sfakion, you will find other activities such as hiking, renting a boat, kayaking or snorkeling on the amazing beaches of the village.
2 Best things to do in Crete
1-Road-trip through Crete
We couldn’t think of a better and funnier way to enjoy the beauty of this island than to take a road there. However, using a car is also the easiest way to get around. Since there are many secluded beaches and hidden gems, the only access is by car. So, rent a car, fasten your seatbelt and enjoy some of the best rides. Crete offers mind-blowing views almost everywhere. Do your research to find the right car rental company, as prices can be very high in peak season. Please note that you must be an experienced driver to drive yourself in Crete ! Driving conditions are not good as drivers are quite careless.
2-Chase magical sunsets
During our travels, our favorite thing to do together is simply watch as many sunsets as possible. It is that time of the day when everything seems more romantic. We cannot describe how beautiful the sunsets are in Crete. The pastel colors of the sky that reflected in the ocean make this moment magical. It is obvious that the most popular places will be overcrowded at sunset. If you still want to capture them, we strongly recommend that you skip the sunsets and go with sunrise. You will find the same colors and beauty with empty spaces to create amazing memories and photos. However, as the Cretan mountains are some of the best in Greece, we highly recommend taking a sunset safari there for a unique experience !
Final Thoughts
Crete is a wonderful island that everyone should visit at least once in their life. Fascninating views, friendly locals, delicious food and a lively ambiance make it a unique destination. Plus, there are many charming towns that offer various things to do and see ! So, since it is the largest Greek island, you should leave at least a week to 10 days for the must-sees.
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