The island of Crete is the mysterious home of the minotaur. A luxurious resort for a family vacation amidst olive groves.
Climate and weather of Crete
The climate of Crete is Mediterranean. The bathing season starts in mid-April and ends in mid-November. The best time for a vacation in Crete is from June to September.
Beaches and sea of Crete
Crete’s shores are lined by three seas: the Ionian Sea to the west, the Aegean Sea to the north, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south and east. Sometimes the northern waters are called the Sea of Crete and the southern waters are called the Libyan Sea (these are parts of the Mediterranean Sea). The water warms up very quickly, so already in mid-April the first tourists organize a swim off the Cretan shores.
The beaches in Crete have different coverings – there are sandy, pebble and mixed sections. Elafonisi is probably the most favorite beach for vacationers. Here, in the south of Crete, couples with children come here – the entrance to the water is very smooth, and the sand is soft, light pink in color. Fans of snow-white sand, palm trees and silence choose the eastern beach of Vai. Divers looking for pirate treasures in the sunken ship come to Balos Bay. In Heraklion, the capital of the island, the sandy-pebble beach of Paleokastro is popular. Two beaches in the Chania region are notable: Falasarna and Frangokastello (near the Venetian fortress).
Resorts in Crete
Crete is divided into four resort areas: Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno and Lasithi. In each resort a tourist is guaranteed azure sea and spacious clean beaches surrounded by olive groves and vineyards.
Heraklion is a large city, the capital of Crete. Tourists are more often accommodated in the districts of Ayia Pelagia, Amoudara, Hersonossis, Stalida. From Heraklion it is convenient to go on excursions around the island and on sea cruises.
Lassithi is known for the tourist hotspot of Agios Nikolaos on the shores of Mirabello Bay. The Lassithi region is home to attractions such as the Cave of Zeus and the Valley of Windmills.
The cozy town of Chania is famous for its long beach. The local narrow streets are pleasant to stroll through, while hiding from the heat in the hospitable taverns.
Rethymno is a picturesque resort town with several satellite villages. It has a vibrant nightlife, lots of colorful stores and beautiful long beaches.
Crete Attractions
The main Cretan “brand” is, of course, the Minotaur. A visit to the Palace of Knossos, where, according to legend, the monster dwelled, is a must. The myth says that the Minotaur was the main trump card of the Minoan civilization – they traditionally intimidated the neighbors – so much so that they annually sent seven young men and seven girls “to feed” the horned creature. These sacrifices were ended by Theseus, who was helped by Princess Ariadne with a ball of thread.
The Palace of Knossos was destroyed by an earthquake caused by the eruption of the volcano Santorin, 130 km from the island. It could not be rebuilt in its entirety – the territory of the palace is huge, its corridors, rooms and dungeons really resemble a labyrinth. Everyone can wander around the ruins and admire the ancient frescoes.
The second myth, which is also inextricably linked to Crete, is the birth of Zeus. According to the legend, he was born in one of the caves, which is now called Diktea Cave. The cave is really impressive – it has both stalactites and stalagmites, and even a beautiful underground lake.
The third myth is connected with Artemis and Athena. According to legend, the goddess of wisdom and the goddess of hunting liked to g. The lake is relatively small, but its depth is huge: in the middle it is almost 64 meters! The lake is located in Ayios Nikolaos.
Lovers of natural attractions will also enjoy the Samaria Gorge – the longest in Europe, 18 kilometers long. It is located in the Chania region and is famous for its unique flora and fauna – only here the Cretan cypress grows and the Kri-Kri goat runs. If you are going to the gorge, don’t forget about comfortable shoes. The place is very picturesque, there is even a palm forest – according to legend, the father of all date palms on the planet.
Cruises to the island of Santorini, to the blue and white churches and black sand beaches, are popular. We recommend a trip to the island of Spinalonga, where half a century ago there was the largest leprosoprium in Greece. Now this secluded place has become a tourist attraction, with an ancient fortress, narrow streets and many taverns and restaurants.
Cuisine of Crete
The cuisine of Crete is famous for seafood and vegetables. Be sure to stop by a restaurant and try the fish, octopus, shrimp and snails, which the locals call “hohlii” or “escargot”.
Crete is home to goats and sheep, so the cheese and meat are always fresh and delicious. Try ofto – grilled lamb or goat meat; skafiani – lamb with cottage cheese; delicious oil-fried kalitsunya patties filled with white cheese. Of course, there are also choriatiki salads and moussaka in the restaurants. Home wine, cicudia, ouzo are served with the meal. You can try all these viands at the “Cretan Evening” – the tables will be bursting with dishes and the eyes will be delighted by national dances.
