Crete attracts tourists with its rich history and stunning nature. This island is the largest among the Greek islands, it is considered the birthplace of Zeus and the oldest Minoan civilization, as well as one of the largest tourist centers. Beach lovers will also find an occupation here, and those who wish to expand their horizons through excursions.
How to get to Crete
You can fly to Crete at one of three local airports. The main of them is recognized as the airport. Nikos Kazantzakis in Heraklion. Charters from the largest cities of Russia arrive here. The second largest airport is in the city of Chania, it also takes numerous tourist flights from Russia.
An alternative could be a road with a transfer to the ferry. From Athens airport, a huge ferry will take tourists to Heraklion by sea. You can also use one of the ships that regularly sail to Crete from the port of Piraeus.
Crete division into districts
The island is conventionally divided into 4 parts:
- Chania;
- Lassithi;
- Iralio;
- Rethymnon.
In the center is Heraklion, which is considered the most diverse area of Crete. The Second World War caused irreparable damage to the nature and architecture of the place, but many magnificent sights have survived to this day. Here you can see three magnificent Minoan palaces, as well as the famous labyrinth of the Minotaur at Knossos. In the Great Archaeological Museum you can see numerous valuable finds dating back to the Minoan era.
Another area called Rethymnon is called the "soul of the island." The terrain in this part has retained its originality. The view of the tourist overlooks the cobbled streets, ancient religious buildings, houses with tiles on the roofs. All this attracts countless tourists. In addition to man-made beauties, you can see the picturesque gorges and caves, white beaches with clear water and picturesque valleys.
In the east of the island lies the Lassithi area. It separates the two seas: the Cretan and Libyan. Here, tourists will be pleased with the sunny weather, but high prices will upset. The best resorts on the island and luxury hotels are located in this part of the island. The main attraction of the region is the Voulismeni saltwater lake. Once long before the end of the 19th century, the water here was fresh, but the Turks decided to connect the lake with the sea by an artificial canal. Another noticeable place for tourists was the picturesque beach "Vai", on which they shot advertising "Bounty" against the backdrop of paradise landscapes.
The greenest part of the island is Chania. It will appeal to those who love a calm measured rest in the midst of nature. The ancient architecture has been preserved here since the Venetian reign. The ancient streets, natural landscapes and incredible landscapes will be a delight to your eyes. To entertain tourists will hurry quite active cultural life of the town.
Local attractions include the White Mountains, the largest Samaria canyon in Europe, 12 picturesque gorges, wild desert beaches to the south of the mountains, ancient temples on the Kantanos plain, an ancient fortress and dozens of other interesting places.
Separately, it is worth highlighting the now popular resort of Bali with an unusual name for Greece, which was once only a small fishing village. Now there are many hotels, taverns, cafes and high-level restaurants. Tourists are attracted by fascinating sea views, fabulous coves and beaches. The sea here is almost always calm and clean. The beach season stretches to the end of October.
Inland transport
A set of transport on Crete is quite standard:
- buses;
- Taxi;
- cars (rent);
- motorcycles;
- bicycles;
- sea transport.
Buses here bear the brunt. It is possible to distinguish city buses from intercity buses by color: the first ones are blue, the second ones are beige and green. Each of them is quite comfortable, equipped with air conditioning and tinted windows. A special display on the windshield, where the destination point is indicated, helps to navigate. 2-3 intercity flights ply per day. The ticket can be paid at the conductor or at the box office at the bus stop. The price of the trip depends on the distance: from 2 to 7 euros. Children under 5 travel for free.
Taxi in Crete is convenient and comfortable. It can be stopped on the street, called by phone or online. Trip price varies depending on the cost of gasoline. On average, per kilometer will need to pay about 2-2.5 euros. If the road is long or one car takes you in several directions, then you can safely ask for a discount.
The ferry is used to cruise between the island and the mainland. Catamaran will help to swim faster. A ticket for 1 person will cost about € 35. Those who suffer from seasickness, it is better to be limited to large modes of water transport. To transport a car, scooter or motorcycle on a ferry, the place for them must be paid separately.
Renting a car is beneficial to those who wish to independently explore as many local attractions as possible. Here there are several world famous companies offering rental cars on good terms.At the same time, many experienced tourists recommend stopping at local small companies, since their conditions are much more loyal. The same goes for motorcycles, mopeds and scooters.
Parking problems in Crete are not uncommon. In large cities, there is almost no free parking, but there may not be places available for a fee. For leaving the wrong car you can get a fine. The price of paid parking varies from 1 euro to 5 per day.
Communication on the island
In any city there are local mobile operators where you can issue a SIM card. To purchase a number, you must present a passport. You need to choose a tariff plan with an advance payment, otherwise you can overpay then for talking on credit. A prepaid card is purchased in each minimarket at a price of 5 to 20 euros.
You can also use a payphone. State operators suggest using fixed-line communications in stores where cards are also sold. Their cost varies between 5 and 25 euros. Wireless Internet can be caught in most cafes, restaurants, parking lots and hotels.
Beach holidays in Crete
Even the locals will not be able to accurately answer how many beaches in Crete really are. There are several hundreds of them of different sizes and equipment levels. Among them are secluded bays and endless beaches, known throughout the world. It is customary to say about Crete that the whole island is one endless beach.
Among the most famous are:
- Pink Sand Elafonsi;
- “Balos” - former pirate harbor;
- luxurious "Wai" with date grove.
There are changing cabins, sun beds, umbrellas, and parking. Only “Balos” has a more wild look. There are fewer people here, which makes it attractive for certain categories of tourists. In the beach area you can see the sunken ship and an unusual fortress.
Accommodation on the island
The most luxurious hotels are located in the northern part of the island. More budget options are better to look in the west and in the southern part of Crete. The average hotel room will cost 50-60 euros per day. Cheaper is a small house in a mountain village.
The concept of "all inclusive" is not known everywhere. Local hotels often offer a choice of only 3 rooms, and breakfast is prepared personally by its owners. If desired, you can get two meals, but this will have to pay an additional fee. According to reviews, it is better to have dinner outside the hotels. Crete is one of the centers of gastronomic tourism and modest hotel meals are best left for breakfast.
Cafe, restaurants, shopping
Shopping in Crete can bring a lot of pleasure to lovers of this occupation. Someone goes here for fur products, others may please themselves with magnificent hand-made laces, leather shoes, sheepskin products and other specific goods.
Also on the island you can buy excellent natural cosmetics, gold products of the author's work. And, of course, every tourist is simply obliged to grab home a little bit of olives and olive oil, local honey, tea and alcohol.
Of the gastronomic delights worth trying Greek salad and yogurt. At any local market, you can buy the freshest vegetables and seafood. Also noteworthy is local coffee on the sand, mezdes microcaps, sweets and pastries.
The most common places in Kip are family cafes, decorated with colorful shutters and offering homemade food. The food is idle, but very tasty and satisfying. Such institutions work until the last client. Live music plays here and you can even dance. Dinner in such a tavern will cost about 60 euros for two. Also on the island are a large number of English pubs and fast foods of world famous networks.
Sights and excursions
Trips to the sights of Crete are worth the money and time spent on them. A guided tour of the main places will cost about 50-300 euros, depending on the chosen route. On the island of Chrissi you can go for just 50 euros. And for 80 you can try a jeep safari tour.
Separate children's entertainment on the island is small.Babies can be reduced to numerous aquariums: CRETAquarium, Aquaworld and others. Most of all, children will enjoy the time spent at Water City, Star Beach Water Park, Acqua Plus, Petra Mare water parks.
The underwater world of Crete is no less beautiful. That is why diving enthusiasts come here from all over the world. Local schools offer their services to everyone. Among them:
- Evergreen;
- Paradise Diving Center;
- Blue Dolphin.
Under the water you can see the sunken ships, sea canyons near Skinaria, the “anchor cemetery”, the foot of the underwater volcano and other places. Equipment hire varies by time. 1-2 dives - 15-20 euros; snorkeling with training 50 euros; DSD 1 day 80 euros; O.W.D (4 days from 10 years) 400 euros. This is only a small part of the servants offered by firms.
As for the reviews of tourists, most of them are extremely enthusiastic. Some guests pay attention to the low level of hotels. Unfortunately, it is difficult to buy vouchers to high-level five-star hotels through Russian tour operators. Also, in reviews, it is not recommended to transport cars on the ferry, since the price is unreasonably high and it is cheaper to rent another car on the shore.
In any case, most of the guests of the island have either been there before and returned again, or are planning to repeat the journey, which speaks for itself.
