When planning a Crete vacation, knowing where to go and what to do is essential. You must decide how long you want to spend on the island. For example, you can spend more than just one day at the beach in Chania. Instead, you should consider other highlights such as the Lasithi Plateau, the Samaria Gorge, and Matala’s coast.
Chania
The city of Chania is a popular tourist destination. The city is home to many hotels, from camping to luxury hotels. It has an airport serviced by most low-cost carriers from all over Europe. Most flights are seasonal and cost less outside of the tourist season. You can also take a ferry to Chania from mainland Greece, which takes 9 to 12 hours.
Top Chania is a picturesque town with imposing Venetian buildings and narrow alleys. It is an excellent place for romantic walks. The main square is shaded by an ancient sycamore tree. The Agios Nikolaos church is one of the most important churches in the town and has a minaret and bell tower.
The town also boasts a gorgeous pink beach, the Elafonissi. This beach is a conservation area that is perfect for families with children. You can take an organized tour of Elafonissi from Chania. Some of the excursions include a stop at a village and caves.
Lasithi Plateau
The Lasithi Plateau is located just outside the city of Heraklion. Situated at an altitude of 800-850 meters, the plateau is one of the few residential insular areas in the Mediterranean. Because of its large size, it experiences heavy snowfall every year, which remains on the mountain tops until spring. This area is an ideal vacation destination for all ages, especially families.
Lasithi Plateau is one of the most beautiful places on Crete. Its beautiful waters, steep mountains, and secluded villages make it an incredible place to visit. As it is located in a more remote location than the other prefectures of Crete, it is less populated and offers a quieter atmosphere away from the crowds of tourists.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities on the Lasithi plateau. There are also several excellent tavernas in this area. Visitors will also have the chance to visit the Diktis cave, which is home to one of Crete’s most famous canyons.
Matala’s beach
If you’re looking for a unique destination on your Crete vacation, Matala’s beach may be precisely what you’re looking for. This picturesque beach is also known where the Greek god Zeus, disguised as a bull, carried the princess Europa. Its location also has a lot to do with its unique story.
While the weather at Matala’s beach is perfect for year-round fun, you should know that it can get busy during the peak summer season. It used to be a small beach with few visitors, but it has become increasingly popular in recent years. As a result, prices have gone up and can get crowded. To avoid crowds, visit Matala in the early morning or late evening.
Matala is also a hippie’s paradise. The town is home to some of the best beaches in Crete, so a day trip to Matala will allow you to enjoy the stunning coastline while soaking up the sun. This small town is just 134 km from Chania and will take about two and a half hours to reach.
Triopetra
Triopetra is a stunning seaside resort in southern Crete. It is located near the Amari Valley and is about 50 km south of Rethymnon Town. It is a peaceful and unspoiled place with sandy beaches and shallow water. The beach has a tavern and umbrellas and is ideal for families.
Triopetra is located south of Crete, around 50 km south of Rethymno, and 13 km southwest of Akoumia. The area is home to many ancient churches, including a 14th-century Byzantine church, the Sotiras Christos Church, which still preserves its stunning frescoes. You can also visit the old monastery of Saint Onoufrios, which offers magnificent coastline views.
The ancient Minoan civilization flourished on Crete for thousands of years. Their legacy can be seen at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. The area’s rich history can also be seen in the many Roman, Venetian, and Ottoman ruins.
Spinalonga
Spinalonga is a village in Crete that is full of ancient ruins. This beautiful village was built around a small, ruined city that once protected the sunken city of Olous. The town has two churches. The first is dedicated to Saint Panteleimon, which dates back to 1709.
It is an important pilgrimage place for those killed on the island. Other churches in the village are located near the cemetery and hospital. There is also a fourth church that is opposite the cemetery. You can take in the colorful buildings and permanent exhibitions during your visit.
If you’re planning to visit Spinalonga, plan a day trip! A ten-minute boat ride will take you there. The ferry service runs daily from 10am to 4:40pm.
You’ll need to purchase a ticket for around 8 Euros to get to the island. Once you arrive, you’ll walk through narrow lanes lined with colorful houses. Some of the places contain information about the people who once lived there.
Sacred Monastery of Arkadi
Suppose you are looking for an Eastern Orthodox religious experience. In that case, you should visit the Arkadi Monastery, located on a fertile plateau 23 km southeast of Rethymnon on the island of Crete in Greece. The site has a rich history and is a beautiful place to visit.
Located in the northwestern area of Crete, the Sacred Monastery of Arkadi is of immense historical significance. In November 1866, Ottoman armies laid siege to the monastery, and 700 men, women, children, and 260 Cretan warriors refused to surrender.
As a result, the sanctuary was declared a European Freedom Monument. The Arkadi Monastery is a large fortified complex built at the end of Venetian rule. The architectural style of the monastery is stunning.
The Arkadi Monastery was founded in the thirteenth century and is home to a 16th-century church with a Renaissance facade. It once held 100 monks, but now only three live here. The monastery is surrounded by a thick wall, which makes it impregnable to enemies. The Arkadi monastery also played an essential role in providing national and educational support for local Cretans.
Budget hotels in Crete
You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a holiday in Crete. This beautiful island has stunning beaches, excellent food, and friendly locals. Budget hotels in Crete are available in most cities. These hotels are located close to the island’s most popular attractions.
To stay in a budget hotel in Crete, you must be prepared to spend some extra cash, but you can still find great value options. Many hotels range from EUR60 a night to EUR150 a night. While this might sound like a lot, you can get a great room with good quality facilities for an excellent price. You can also find last-minute deals on Crete hotels.
The island’s northwest coast is dotted with beautiful towns and cities. Chania is a perfect base for exploring Polyrinia, one of the most well-fortified towns in ancient Greece. There’s an excellent harbor, a historic market, and a stunning Archaeological Museum. Chania was also the site of great cities built by the Venetians and Turks. You can explore its ancient history in a museum or visit the olive press.
