Crete, A Land of Mythical Legends and Natural Wonders: A Travel Guide
17 September 2018 Chania, Greece
Crete, the grandest island of Greece and the greatest of the Mediterranean - an island of legendary kings, mythical legends, and natural gems. It holds glorious history and civilizations, mouth-watering gastronomy, distinctive culture and heritage. Located at the southernmost part of Europe, this island is more than just a page turned in a book.
Here's my travel guide on Mysterious Crete
To get to the lovely island of Crete and to its key cities, tourists are advised to fly down to the Athens International Airport then to the Nikos Kazantzakis in Heraklion through airlines such as Olympic Air, Aegean Airlines, and Athens Airways, taking a maximum of 45 minutes. Chartered flights from other European airports going to Heraklion and Chania are also available from the months of April until mid-November.
Bus: Explore the island by using Crete's bus system which run across the north to south and vice versa of the island. One of the best thing is the buses are reliable and stick to their timetables, and if lucky, the drivers serve as tour guides - straying from the marked routes to enter little villages if asked. The buses have A/C, comfortable seats, and they also have luggage compartments to store your bags. You may visit the KTEL website for routes and timetables. Tickets can be bought at the bus stations as well as on board.
Car rental: Car rentals and driving around Crete gives you pretty much convenience as long as you have your driver's license. There are available car hire in Chania. If you are good at driving manual, then get one instead of the automatic. Manual cars are half cheaper. Whilst the bus system works well, renting a car does allow much more flexibility.
Taxi: Taxi services are also available in Crete. It comes in a steep costs, albeit it is also a good way to travel since drivers may be directed to go to some off-beaten destinations.
Ferries: Ferries are a thing here too, as the island is filled with many harbors.
Scooter: For short distances, you may want to opt a scooter. Scooters are commonly rented in and around the towns of Crete.
Knossos Palace was the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan Civilization during the Bronze Age. This ancient capital and the ruins are some of the oldest in Greece. The archaeological site is about 20,000 square meter and has over 1,500 rooms, as well as old village ruins around the palace complex. So be prepared to walk a lot. The site is magnificently preserved and some of the original colors are still visible on the walls.
Crete is home to Europe's longest canyon, Samaria Gorge National Park. The 10 miles long National park is a trek down the Samaria Gorge from the Omalos plateu to Agia Roumeli is very tough but it is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. The hike can take anywere betweet 4 to 8 hours, of course depending on your pace. Be sure to bring water and some gears with you.
Perched on the south coast of Crete another village offers beautiful and sweepings views of a clean, white sand beach. Loutro is a tiny little fishing village which feels like a hidden gem. This laidback Loutro is inaccessible by land so you'll have to get there by boat.
The cave of Melidoni, also known as Gerontospilios, is in itself a natural wonder worthy of admiration. Apart from its natural beauty, however, it is also of significant archaeological and historical interest.
This quaint harbour town of Crete is the most poetic city of Crete and encompasses exotic sceneries. This outstanding old fishing village offers views with a gorgeous Venetian harbour, dash of IG-worthy architecture which is definitely worth taking the time to explore.
Crete is vast and as large as it seems it offers plenty of accommodation options, so you'll never run out. There are luxury villas to budget hostels for you too choose from in Crete's hottest locations. If you want to experience living like a local, then Airbnb is for you.
Crete is one of the most stunning places to visit in Greece and among all of the Greek islands, it is perhaps the only one that offers such diversity. Not only is the island filled with rich history, but stunning landscapes and unique culture.
Here's my travel guide on Mysterious Crete
How to get there
To get to the lovely island of Crete and to its key cities, tourists are advised to fly down to the Athens International Airport then to the Nikos Kazantzakis in Heraklion through airlines such as Olympic Air, Aegean Airlines, and Athens Airways, taking a maximum of 45 minutes. Chartered flights from other European airports going to Heraklion and Chania are also available from the months of April until mid-November.
Getting around
Bus: Explore the island by using Crete's bus system which run across the north to south and vice versa of the island. One of the best thing is the buses are reliable and stick to their timetables, and if lucky, the drivers serve as tour guides - straying from the marked routes to enter little villages if asked. The buses have A/C, comfortable seats, and they also have luggage compartments to store your bags. You may visit the KTEL website for routes and timetables. Tickets can be bought at the bus stations as well as on board.
Car rental: Car rentals and driving around Crete gives you pretty much convenience as long as you have your driver's license. There are available car hire in Chania. If you are good at driving manual, then get one instead of the automatic. Manual cars are half cheaper. Whilst the bus system works well, renting a car does allow much more flexibility.
Taxi: Taxi services are also available in Crete. It comes in a steep costs, albeit it is also a good way to travel since drivers may be directed to go to some off-beaten destinations.
Ferries: Ferries are a thing here too, as the island is filled with many harbors.
Scooter: For short distances, you may want to opt a scooter. Scooters are commonly rented in and around the towns of Crete.
Things to do
1. Discover Minoan Culture at Knossos
Knossos Palace was the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan Civilization during the Bronze Age. This ancient capital and the ruins are some of the oldest in Greece. The archaeological site is about 20,000 square meter and has over 1,500 rooms, as well as old village ruins around the palace complex. So be prepared to walk a lot. The site is magnificently preserved and some of the original colors are still visible on the walls.
2. Explore Samaria Gorge
Crete is home to Europe's longest canyon, Samaria Gorge National Park. The 10 miles long National park is a trek down the Samaria Gorge from the Omalos plateu to Agia Roumeli is very tough but it is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. The hike can take anywere betweet 4 to 8 hours, of course depending on your pace. Be sure to bring water and some gears with you.
3. Be smitten by splash white Loutro
Perched on the south coast of Crete another village offers beautiful and sweepings views of a clean, white sand beach. Loutro is a tiny little fishing village which feels like a hidden gem. This laidback Loutro is inaccessible by land so you'll have to get there by boat.
4. Explore Gerontospilios Cave
The cave of Melidoni, also known as Gerontospilios, is in itself a natural wonder worthy of admiration. Apart from its natural beauty, however, it is also of significant archaeological and historical interest.
5. Fall in love with Chania
This quaint harbour town of Crete is the most poetic city of Crete and encompasses exotic sceneries. This outstanding old fishing village offers views with a gorgeous Venetian harbour, dash of IG-worthy architecture which is definitely worth taking the time to explore.
Where to stay
Crete is vast and as large as it seems it offers plenty of accommodation options, so you'll never run out. There are luxury villas to budget hostels for you too choose from in Crete's hottest locations. If you want to experience living like a local, then Airbnb is for you.
The verdict
Crete is one of the most stunning places to visit in Greece and among all of the Greek islands, it is perhaps the only one that offers such diversity. Not only is the island filled with rich history, but stunning landscapes and unique culture.
Exploring the world is exciting, but it can be hard to find new places to see after you’ve traveled for a long time. Once you’ve seen all the major countries and capitals of the world, you might feel as if you’ve exhausted all the best destinations out there. Luckily, however, there are too many sights in the world for any one person to see. You just need to look a little harder when trying to choose your next travel destination. If you need some inspiration then here are 5 stunning countries to see on your travels. Remember, there are always more exciting places out there for you to see. That’s the fun of traveling.
The first country you have to see, at some point, is Singapore. This beautiful island promises some absolutely incredible sights. As you can see in the picture above, it promises a tantalizing skyline unlike any other in the world. Simply wandering the city to take in the sights is an experience in itself. But you have to make sure you stop off at the Marina Bay Sands resort whilst you’re there. This casino is the most expensive in the world and the most unique in the world. It comprises of a ship built atop 3 skyscrapers, and that really summarises the unique nature of this great city.
Of course, Singapore is such a beautiful place with so much to explore that you might want more than a short visit there. Perhaps you could look into a studio apartment for rent in Singapore if you want longer to experience all the fantastic things to see on this intriguing island. It’s more than a city; pictures of its soaring skyline only scratch the surface of what this wonderful place has to offer. Make sure you try out some of the delicious cuisine whilst you’re there. The blend of cultures from all over Asia (and other parts of the world) has led to restaurants offering delicious dishes that combine wonderful food from all over the world. Given that it’s an island, the seafood is succulent and fresh.
If you’re heading to Europe then you need to visit France. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful countries in that part of the world. You should head to Paris, first. It might be the most popular city in the country, but there’s a reason for so many tourists visiting the capital every year. It’s a stunning place. The Eiffel Tower is a landmark that looks even more spectacular in person. Make sure you head up it so that you can admire the entirety of the city from a greater height. You should also see the Arc de Triomphe; it might not be as tall as the Eiffel Tower, but it’s an architectural masterpiece with deep historical significance.
The third country on this list is Canada, and it’s definitely one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Famous for its lush woodland, it’s the perfect place to explore if you’re a fan of hiking through stunning landscapes. You should start by seeing Toronto. It’s the most famous Canadian city for a reason. It may not be the capital, but it’s certainly the largest and most exciting city that Canada has to offer. The skyscrapers are breathtaking; especially the CN Tower, which was one of the world’s tallest tower.
You also need to see Niagara Falls. When it comes to natural monuments, this is possibly one of the most impressive in the world. It’s close to Toronto, so you could certainly head there once you’ve had enough of all the excitement in the big city. It’s a sight like no other. The Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls make up this natural landmark. Once you’ve had your fill of the falls (which are absolutely beautiful), you need to visit the nearby town that serves a theme park for tourists. It’s an exciting and beautiful place, simultaneously.
Iceland is another beautiful country that you need to see on your travels. It’s an utterly unique destination that promises breathtaking landscapes, quaint towns, and friendly people. It’s the perfect location for an explorer looking for adventure or a tourist looking for a relaxed trip. It’s a country that offers the best of both worlds. You should definitely start by visiting the Myvatn Nature Bath. Iceland is known for its soothing geothermal spas, and this is certainly one of the most luxurious out there. Obviously, the Blue Lagoon outside Reykjavik is much more famous, but Myvatn is better. It’s less popular, and that means you get to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere in peace. If you want to rest your weary feet then the hot springs will help to soothe you; they have natural healing properties.
You also need to see the Northern Lights. As you can see in the picture above, they’re absolutely stunning, but no picture can do them justice. When it comes to natural spectacles, this is certainly one of the most mesmerizing ones you can imagine. Whether you travel alone or with a group of friends, soaking in that fantastic kaleidoscope of colors. The best nights to observe the lights are the darkest ones. The further you are from light pollution, the better. Head to a remote part of the country (assuming you know where you’re going - there are tours available), wait patiently, and then admire the lights in all their glory.
The final country you need to visit is Japan. This is a nation like no other, and it offers absolutely beautiful landscapes. Mount Fuji, in particular, is a natural landmark that draws visitors from all over the world. You need to hike up the mountain to get an incredible view of the scenery for miles in all directions. It’s truly an experience like no other. There’s cultural beauty to Japan too. You need to see Kinkakuji, the Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto. Historically, it was a shogun’s retirement villa, and it’s awe-inspiringly stunning.
Singapore
The first country you have to see, at some point, is Singapore. This beautiful island promises some absolutely incredible sights. As you can see in the picture above, it promises a tantalizing skyline unlike any other in the world. Simply wandering the city to take in the sights is an experience in itself. But you have to make sure you stop off at the Marina Bay Sands resort whilst you’re there. This casino is the most expensive in the world and the most unique in the world. It comprises of a ship built atop 3 skyscrapers, and that really summarises the unique nature of this great city.
Of course, Singapore is such a beautiful place with so much to explore that you might want more than a short visit there. Perhaps you could look into a studio apartment for rent in Singapore if you want longer to experience all the fantastic things to see on this intriguing island. It’s more than a city; pictures of its soaring skyline only scratch the surface of what this wonderful place has to offer. Make sure you try out some of the delicious cuisine whilst you’re there. The blend of cultures from all over Asia (and other parts of the world) has led to restaurants offering delicious dishes that combine wonderful food from all over the world. Given that it’s an island, the seafood is succulent and fresh.
France
If you’re heading to Europe then you need to visit France. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful countries in that part of the world. You should head to Paris, first. It might be the most popular city in the country, but there’s a reason for so many tourists visiting the capital every year. It’s a stunning place. The Eiffel Tower is a landmark that looks even more spectacular in person. Make sure you head up it so that you can admire the entirety of the city from a greater height. You should also see the Arc de Triomphe; it might not be as tall as the Eiffel Tower, but it’s an architectural masterpiece with deep historical significance.
Canada
The third country on this list is Canada, and it’s definitely one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Famous for its lush woodland, it’s the perfect place to explore if you’re a fan of hiking through stunning landscapes. You should start by seeing Toronto. It’s the most famous Canadian city for a reason. It may not be the capital, but it’s certainly the largest and most exciting city that Canada has to offer. The skyscrapers are breathtaking; especially the CN Tower, which was one of the world’s tallest tower.
You also need to see Niagara Falls. When it comes to natural monuments, this is possibly one of the most impressive in the world. It’s close to Toronto, so you could certainly head there once you’ve had enough of all the excitement in the big city. It’s a sight like no other. The Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls make up this natural landmark. Once you’ve had your fill of the falls (which are absolutely beautiful), you need to visit the nearby town that serves a theme park for tourists. It’s an exciting and beautiful place, simultaneously.
Iceland
Iceland is another beautiful country that you need to see on your travels. It’s an utterly unique destination that promises breathtaking landscapes, quaint towns, and friendly people. It’s the perfect location for an explorer looking for adventure or a tourist looking for a relaxed trip. It’s a country that offers the best of both worlds. You should definitely start by visiting the Myvatn Nature Bath. Iceland is known for its soothing geothermal spas, and this is certainly one of the most luxurious out there. Obviously, the Blue Lagoon outside Reykjavik is much more famous, but Myvatn is better. It’s less popular, and that means you get to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere in peace. If you want to rest your weary feet then the hot springs will help to soothe you; they have natural healing properties.
You also need to see the Northern Lights. As you can see in the picture above, they’re absolutely stunning, but no picture can do them justice. When it comes to natural spectacles, this is certainly one of the most mesmerizing ones you can imagine. Whether you travel alone or with a group of friends, soaking in that fantastic kaleidoscope of colors. The best nights to observe the lights are the darkest ones. The further you are from light pollution, the better. Head to a remote part of the country (assuming you know where you’re going - there are tours available), wait patiently, and then admire the lights in all their glory.
Japan
The final country you need to visit is Japan. This is a nation like no other, and it offers absolutely beautiful landscapes. Mount Fuji, in particular, is a natural landmark that draws visitors from all over the world. You need to hike up the mountain to get an incredible view of the scenery for miles in all directions. It’s truly an experience like no other. There’s cultural beauty to Japan too. You need to see Kinkakuji, the Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto. Historically, it was a shogun’s retirement villa, and it’s awe-inspiringly stunning.
This beautiful planet will never run out of wonderful sights to see and places to be. But make sure you are protected by travel insurance from unforeseen circumstances, so you can totally leave all your worries behind and enjoy your holiday to the fullest. So, where are you off to next?
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