For many years we avoided Crete! While reading guidebooks for the largest island of the country, we concluded that it takes several days and very good organization to be able to see as much as possible. However, Crete is inexhaustible and if you don’t dedicate time, you won’t get even a small idea of its unique “treasures”. So, we made the decision: Once is not enough! You will go to Crete again and again and each time you will see something new, something different.
When we started writing this article, we couldn't find the right words to describe the island. What should we start with? The incredible beaches that are perhaps among the best in Europe or even the world? The unique archaeological sites? The traditional settlements? The excellent food? The modern tourist infrastructure? The unparalleled Cretan hospitality?
“Crete truly has something ancient, holy, bitter and proud,” wrote N. Kazantzakis, and he was not wrong. If you let yourself go, you too will feel unprecedented, inexplicable emotions…
In this guide article, we have tried to gather everything we saw and did on the three times we visited Crete. We start, therefore, with the prefecture of Chania.
Where to stay?
The ideal would be to rent a caravan and stop wherever and for as long as you want! However, since this is a bit difficult, we suggest you divide your days in each prefecture. As we like historical buildings, for our stay in Chania we chose an old mansion στη Χαλέπα (ιστορικό προάστιο των Χανίων) σε μικρή απόσταση από το ιστορικό κέντρο. Αν πάλι θέλεις να μείνεις στο κέντρο της πόλης, με θέα το παλιό λιμάνι, το Casa Leone είναι μια εξαιρετική επιλογή.
What to see
– Old town of Chania
You can't get enough of the old city! You will walk through its narrow streets, get lost in the alleys full of listed buildings, Byzantine walls, shops of all kinds and bougainvillea that exudes fragrance day and night. Don't forget to visit the Maritime Museum and Firkas Fortress, the beautiful Venetian harbor, the Yali Mosque (hosts exhibitions and galleries), the Neoria with the Center for Mediterranean Architecture (Great Arsenal) and the Museum of Ancient Shipbuilding, the Egyptian lighthouse, the Sand Gate (Kum Kapi), the Kasteli, the Municipal Market, the Splantzia, the metropolis of the city (Virgin Mary of the Trimartiri) and the Stivanadika on Skrydlof Street.
Outside the old town, it is worth wandering around the historic district of Halepa with its beautiful mansions that remind you of the heyday of the past. In front of the rocky beach are the Tabakaria (old tannery), while in close proximity you will find the house-museum of Venizelos, the French School and the new one Archaeological Museum. At a distance of about 3 km. are the tombs of the Venizelos with perhaps the best view of the city of Chania. In the neighboring cafes you can enjoy the view accompanied by a refreshing coffee or a cocktail.
– Seitan ports
One of the most beautiful beaches within easy reach of Chania. Until a decade ago, it was known only to locals. However, social media has skyrocketed its popularity! You will need to walk down a rough path for about 10 minutes from the parking lot to the beach. However, the view and the crystal blue waters will reward you. In Turkish, the translation of the beach’s name would be “cursed harbors”, which indicates the dangerous currents that exist in the area.
Tip: Bring an umbrella, water and food as the beach is not organized. It is better to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you have time on the way back, stop by the Monastery of the Holy Trinity of Tzagarolon, which is perhaps the most beautiful monastery in Crete.
– Balos
This is perhaps the most photographed beach in Crete (lagoon) with pink sand and turquoise waters. There are two ways to get to it, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. You choose and take: The first way is to drive to the Balos parking lot and take the path to the beach. In against is that you need a 4×4 or SUV as you will drive for about half an hour on a bad dirt road and then walk for about twenty minutes when you get down to the beach and another to get up. In ultra is that you can stay on the beach as long as you want and enjoy the view from above and the sunset. The second way is to drive to Kissamos and take the boat from there to Balos – Gramvousa. In ultra is that you save the transition (especially if you do not have a suitable vehicle), while you will also visit the islet of Gramvousa with the fortress and the shipwreck. In against is the fact that the tour is not pleasant with waves, you will not be able to stay as long as you want on the beach and enjoy it, while you will not be able to see this view from above:
– Falasarna
A beautiful, vast beach ideal for water sports! The northern part has a rocky bottom and is ideal for snorkeling, while the rest of the beach consists of fine sand. Don't miss out on taking surfing lessons as the westerly winds favor the sport, while here you will surely see the best sunset in Crete.
– Elafonisi
A paradise beach with pink sand, Caribbean waters, interspersed with stories about pirates and treasures lost in time! Once you arrive at the parking lot, don't make the mistake everyone makes, which is to sit on the sun loungers in front of you. Take supplies, a towel and an umbrella and explore the island. Find a quiet place to sit and behave responsibly: Do not leave trash, do not take with you as a souvenir not even a grain of sand nor a sand lily nor a branch of sea cedar! All are endangered species and need our protection! Let yourself be captivated by this enchanting palette of colors that you will encounter and keep your memories in many photographic "clicks".
Tip: On your way from Chania to Elafonisi you will cross the wild beauty of the Topoliano Gorge and you will stop at her cave Hagia SophiaAdditionally, just one kilometer from Elafonisi you will find the beach Cedar forestIt is worth dedicating some time to this special area with the protected maritime cedars!
– Paleochora
It is also called the “Bride of the Libyan” and is perhaps the most complete resort in southwestern Crete. It has beautiful beaches (some with pebbles and others with sand), the most famous of which are Pahia Ammos and Gialiskari. From Pliachora you can also take a boat to Gavdos, Sfakia or Elafonisi. During the day, Pliachora may seem indifferent to you. At night, however, the roads are closed to cars and people enjoy walks along the coastal road.
– Frangokastello
At the Frankish castle you will learn stories about the legendary Drosoulites, whose ghosts appear (according to legend) on the walls. After wandering around the remains of the castle, enjoy your swim on the nearby beach with its sand dunes, the exotic Orthi AmmosIf you have a board with you, you can go sand boarding, while if you feel like exploring, you can walk alongside or through the sea to the east and you will come across small exotic beaches with clay (ideal for swimming) and behind them, sheer white cliffs.
Tip: The route to Frangokastelo and Sfakia passes through the eerie Imbros gorge.
– Sfakia
Η Country of Sfakia is one of the most “wild” and heroic parts of the country. The settlement may seem similar to its history, but don’t be fooled… No conqueror set foot here! From here you can take the boat to the Gavdos or for Bath, the so-called “Cycladic village” of Crete which is truly charming! The boat will also take you to the amazing beach Sweet Waters, will stop you for a swim at the beach Marmara, in Domata and the beach Agia Roumeli.
Crete is a hiking paradise and in Sfakia there are three canyons of unparalleled beauty for hiking enthusiasts. The well-known canyon of Samaria (the longest in length in all of Europe), of Aradena (deepest in Crete) and Imbros with their narrow, impressive walls. Crossing them is certainly a difficult test. However, the grandeur of nature compensates the walker. At the Aradena bridge you can also bungee jumping!
Where to eat
So we will give you the best advice ever: Wherever you see locals eating, wherever you hear the Cretan dialect, sit down and eat too! You will not miss out… Generally in Crete, apart from the very touristy places, you will enjoy excellent flavors and delicious dishes with smells taken from the Cretan land. Don't forget to try: dako, staka, sfakian pie, cochlious, antkristo meat, stamnagathi, marathopita, kalistunia, kreatotourta, apaki, scioufichta macarounia, gamopilaf, frozen raki, Chania boureki and xerotigana. We believe that in an area with countless good dining options, it makes no sense to recommend specific places to eat. Listen to the advice we gave you above and you will remember us!
Useful tip
– The road network in Crete may have improved considerably in recent years, but in many cases you will need to travel off-road. For this reason, choose a 4×4 or an SUV for your transportation.
– The northern part of the island (Platanias, Maleme, Agia Marina, Stalos) is very touristy, which does not fit our style and we did not give it much emphasis. We recommend that you do not spend your time there.
– When traveling from the north to the south of the island, notice the impressive relief and the steep drop of the mountain mass towards the sea! The collision of the African and Eurasian plates is evident everywhere!
– Crete means kilometer. Get ready for several hours in the car as if you want to see its most beautiful sights you will have to travel quite a bit. See you this one our article tips for an unforgettable roadtrip!
– In southern Crete, gas stations are extremely rare. So start your day with a full tank.
– Crete is a water sports paradise. Learn to surf in Chania Surf Club on the Gold Coast, in Surfing Crete in Chania and Paleochora and in Surf Island in Falassarna.
– Another notable area in the prefecture of Chania is the villages of Apokoronas and the lake KournaThese are settlements where you feel like time has stopped while the natural environment stands out. You will need at least two days to visit the main places.
