Top destinations

Nothing is repeated in Crete. Enormous geological contradictions and special weather conditions have formed unique landscapes, surprising the visitors and keeping senses constantly alert. The most popular sights are a good start for your short stay in Crete, as it is possible to want to return back soon.

Top Destinations in West Crete

West Crete has all one can wait to see in Crete: Deep and wild gorges, steep mountains, green valleys and woods, amazing beaches, very important archaeological sites and historical venues and amazing towns, such as Chania. If you decide to stay in the area of Chania, consider visiting the following must-see attractions around. Of course, spending several hours in the amazing town of Chania is absolutely required.

Top Destinations in East Crete

East Crete is the most quiet part of the island, retaining most of its genuine character and style. Although it is generally the driest land in Crete, you will be amazed by the lush green oases formed mainly around the low mountain ranges of the prefecture. Here we present you several, but a few, places to visit when staying at Agios Nikolaos, Sitia or Ierapetra cities.

Top Destinations in Central Crete

The central part of Crete hosts the most fertile planes on the island, with vast olive groves and vineyards, watered by the massifs of Psiloritis and Dikti. This fertile land was the main growth driver for the development of the greatest cities since the ancient times and still feeds the main population of the island. If you stay in Heraklion or Rethymnon area, consider visiting the following places.

Preveli palmbeach

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It is certainly the most famous beach in southern Crete, accepting thousands of visitors every summer. During the 60s and 70s, it was a favorite destination for hippies. On the banks of the Grand River, there is a large colony of Theophrastus palm trees, which give the region a sense of an African landscape.

Vai palmgrove

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Vai was totally unknown until the early 1970s, when a popular commercial for the Bounty chocolate with coconut was filmed here, using the magical background of palm trees. In the advert, coconuts were falling from trees, however Vai palms produce dates. Consequently coconuts had to be falsely hung to create the right impression. The ad made this unknown earthly paradise renowned throughout the world.

Samaria Gorge

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Samaria Gorge is one of the longest and most famous hiking gorges in Europe. Thousands of visitors walk the route from Xyloskalo on the Omalos Plateau to Agia Roumeli every year. The complete hiking route is approximately 14.5 km long and usually takes 5-7 hours, depending on pace and stops.

Elafonissi beach

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Elafonisi is located 76km west of Chania and 5km south of Chrysoskalitisa Monastery, in the southwesternmost point of Crete. Elafonisi is an oblong, which often "breaks" in two parts by water giving the impression of being a separate island.

Falassarna Beach

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The exotic beach of Falassarna is located 59km west of Chania and 17km west of Kissamos. It’s located in the western part of Cape Gramvousa. At the northern end of the beach are the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Falassarna.

Matala beach

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Matala is famous for the carved caves in the rocks and the hippies of the ‘70s. It is located close to Phaestus, the second-largest palace of the Minoan civilization. Matala was the port of Phaestus, and in the Roman Times, it became a port of Gortys.

Lassithi Plateau

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The wonderful Lassithi Plateau is located about 25km south of Malia and 70km west of Heraklion city. Located in a peaceful and fertile region, it is surrounded by the wild mountains of Dikti and several smaller plateaus. The views of the surrounding mountains of Selena and Afendis Hristos are majestic.

Golden beach (Belegrina) at Chrissi

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Thousands of visitors arrive daily by boat from Ierapetra to Chrissi and spend most of their time swimming at Belegrina, also known as Golden Beach. Its brilliant blue water, white sand with pink shades created by thousands of broken shells, and the junipers that hold the sand together with their enormous roots form an unforgettable tropical landscape.

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Top destinations

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