Island of Crete - “What tourists traveling to Crete need to know. Tips and recommendations based on your own experience. Crete begins when you leave the hotel! You need a lifetime to discover Crete
Greek resorts known all over the world, especially in the island part of the country. But Greece has made Crete its main tourism brand. A large island located in the “heart” of the Mediterranean, with dozens of attractions and hundreds of beaches, has become a real tourist Klondike for the country. Millions of travelers come here every year, and Crete impresses each of them in its own way. And leave opportunities vivid impression The island has more than enough! In today’s article we will tell you everything about Crete that you need to know before traveling to this unique Greek region.
Crete Island – geography and general information
Let's start our review of the main resort of Greece with encyclopedic information that will form a complete picture of what the island of Crete is like.
Territory and major cities of Crete
Much later than this catastrophe, at the beginning of the 1st millennium BC, the Dorians arrived in Crete and began the rapid construction of new policies. The ancient Greek tribe owned the island until the collapse of the state, after which Crete experienced a long period of foreign protectorate.
First, the Byzantines settled on the island ( 767), then the Muslims took possession of the territory ( 824) and founded an emirate here. Even later, the Byzantines landed on the shores of Crete ( 1210), who ruled for several centuries. Then control of Crete again passed to the Arabs ( 1669) and held out until the Cretan uprising broke out ( 1898) After a successful revolution, the island became an autonomous state, and later united with the revived Greece ( 1913), of which it is still a part.
Mythology
The significant role of Crete is also expressed in mythological stories. According to legend, the island became a refuge for Rhea, who gave birth here to the thunder god Zeus. His father was Kronos, who killed his children in fear of losing power, so running away from her husband was the only way for Rhea to save her son.
Later, the island appears in myths as a refuge for Zeus and his wife Europa, kidnapped from the Phoenicians. She bore God three sons, one of whom became the famous ruler of Crete - Minos. In turn, Minos already appears in myths as the instigator of the construction of the famous Knossos Palace, in which the king built the Labyrinth of the Minotaur. The myth of Theseus and Ariadne is associated with the bull-monster, and together with them King Aegeus, Dionysus and other famous heroes of Ancient Hellas appear indirectly.
Greece Crete - main attractions
There are countless natural, historical, religious and cultural monuments on the island, and the Heraklion region is especially rich in them. For example, this is where the famous Knossos is located - a palace of the Minoan period, which is considered the famous Labyrinth of the Minotaur. The ruins of the structure, which once contained 1,000 chambers, were discovered at the beginning of the 20th century. Since then, the complex has been reconstructed, the frescoes have been partially restored and an entire museum dedicated to local archaeological finds has been assembled.
Also not far from the capital are ancient palace in Malia, the Koules Fortress, the Cretan Aquarium and the village of Fodele - the small homeland of the artist El Greco. In addition, there are many caves and gorges in the surrounding area, and many towns and villages boast ancient temples and churches.
Of course, other areas of the island have their own attractions. Rethymni is famous for the Fortezza fortress, the Zaminthos palace, the monasteries of Preveli and Arkadi, as well as the highest mountain on the island of Crete - Ida (Psiloriti). Western Chania will show tourists the Omalos plateau, Lake Kournas and the Frangokastello fortress. Here is a test of strength for amateurs active tourism– Samaria Gorge, stretching for 13 km.
The east of the island is also rich in unique places. Thus, in the Lasithi room there are:
- Minoan Palace of Zakros;
- Archaeological Park of Vasiliki;
- Cave of Zeus;
- Ancient polis Driros;
- Spinalonga islet and much more.
Thus, attractions can be found in any area of Crete; it is not without reason that car rental is so popular on the island. Many tourists on vacation get a car and travel throughout Crete, visiting various beaches and remarkable corners of the island.
Holidays on the island of Crete and entertainment for tourists
Like the rest of Greece, the island of Crete is focused on developing tourist attractiveness, for which the appropriate infrastructure has been built here. Guests of the island have access to accommodation in hotels of various comfort classes, visits to equipped beaches and entertainment centers, as well as excursions even to hard-to-reach attractions. The Greeks really care about the local level of service and try to maintain a high class in all areas: transport, food, accommodation and leisure activities. Let's look at some striking examples of Cretan hospitality.
This incredible island - the largest in Greece - is extremely diverse. Whatever type of adventure you are looking for, you will find it on Crete. Below we have compiled a list of 6 things you should know about Crete
6 things you need to know about Crete
1. Crete is great for all ages and all budgets
Crete is a very safe island that suits everyone, especially solo travelers. Single travelers can enjoy their privacy as much as they want - this is not an island where people will bother you. But on the other hand, it is a very sociable island and it is easy to make new friends here.
Crete is also very family island. There's a lot here sandy beach it has shallow waters such as Elafonisi (kids love the pink sand!). There are great hikes for every level, water sports, as well as water parks for the children's enjoyment. Your children will also enjoy educational activities here, such as a visit to the Cretan Aquarium, and even the Palace of Knossos will spark their imagination and curiosity. The many affordable and charming accommodations are suitable for families, and many delicious, healthy dishes are served in family-run taverns.
A group of friends can also enjoy the island of Crete. It is one of the most popular destinations for active rest with unique trails and remote beaches that tourists will love. It is also great for celebrations and various gatherings. It has excellent nightlife, making it a great destination for stag or hen parties.
Crete is a romantic island. From the Venetian beauty of its cities to world class beaches, to mind blowing walks, to... best resorts, Crete offers a huge choice so that you can spend Honeymoon of your dreams.
Whatever style of holiday you're looking for - from pampering in a five-star hotel to a private sailboat excursion, to hiking through famous gorges and learning to scuba dive, Crete is perfect for your honeymoon.
2. You don't need to break the bank for a holiday in Crete.
Crete has accommodation to suit every taste and budget.
Groups of friends, large families, and even small groups or just couples can enjoy the privacy and flexible offerings that a private villa offers. A traditional villa with local character will give your holiday an unforgettable experience. If, on the other hand, you want someone to cook you have breakfast and changed towels and everything else, then you can choose a resort. There are some wonderful family resorts on Crete.
Perhaps you are looking for peace and quiet quiet place, away from children. In that case, you may be interested in the casual sophistication that boutique - adults-only rooms offer. There are also many extraordinary luxury hotels in Crete. You can find stylish rooms to suit every taste at these hotels, many in historical buildings, for a unique and special experience.
Crete is a year-round resort. If you have the opportunity to come outside the high season, then you can find any accommodation at more attractive prices.
3. Cancers are the answer to everything, yes it is!
Raki is a wonderful drink. Crystalline and pure, this distilled spirit is made from the leftover seeds and skins from wine making. You can taste the grapes in it and it's just delicious.
This is not an after-dinner drink. This is a drink for any occasion. Cretans also drink raki during lunch - it cleanses the palate. Raki is really the answer to everything: you drink it if you're celebrating something, and you drink it when you're sad, to forget. Raki is at the heart of every good conversation, every festival and dance. Truly the spirit of Crete.
If distilled drinks are not your taste, then you can enjoy excellent local wine. Renowned Cretan wineries cultivate not only international grape varieties, but also local grape varieties, producing outstanding wines that express the land and culture.
As elsewhere in Greece, there is interest in craft beer. Local breweries produce Cretan beers to quench your thirst and awaken your palate.
4. Crete is a year-round destination
Crete has amazing beautiful nature and a huge number of landscapes. As the most south island Greece, Crete is blessed with mild winters, in early spring and long, mild autumn. This is truly a year-round destination. In addition, during the off-season you can explore the island more thoroughly, without crowds of people.
During the cooler months, enjoy the natural beauty of Crete. At this time, the island is lush with greenery, streams flow in winter, making it the best time to hike and explore the famous Samaria Gorge, among many other wonderful routes.
Did you know that Crete is a great place for cave exploration? Speleologists will love exploring Cretan caves. For both archeology and history buffs, you will be interested to know that the caves of Crete have been used for thousands of years as shelter for many generations. These are the places of Gods and heroes: some sheltered little Zeus, others played a role in later history, as during the revolution against the Ottomans.
Birds love Crete.It beautiful place for their rest during migration. If birds love the island, then there is a place for ornithologists too. Crete has many great places for bird watching.
Of course, the many fabulous beaches are the biggest draw on Crete. There are beaches to suit every taste - rocky and remote, luxurious and fully serviced. Quiet and sandy, or windy, which are great for water sports. The island has plenty of exotic beaches. Come to off-season to enjoy your own paradise.
5. You need a lifetime to discover Crete
This is the most big Island- 260 km long and 56 km wide. But it's not just the scale that takes time. It's the sheer variety of experiences the area offers. There are rocky mountains, gorges, lush plains and long coastal routes. The main cities and most popular areas offer many options for visitors.
6. Crete is not just one beautiful village, there are hundreds of them.
You will find the real Crete in its villages. Each village has its own character: on the lush plains of Crete there are picturesque fishing villages, rocky mountain villages and green villages.
For example, did you know that the great artist of the Spanish Renaissance was actually Cretan? You can visit the village where El Greco was born and the El Greco Museum is also located there.
Other villages are famous for music. You can visit the village of Anoia, a village with a proud history and excellent musicianship, the birthplace of the legendary Lyre players. To listen to true Cretan music and see the strong culture of Cretan village life, you can visit the traditional Cretan village festival - Panigiri. This is a fantastic way to get an authentic taste of Cretan culture.
Practical information about Crete
How to get to Crete:
By plane:
There are 2 international airports in Crete, one in and the other in Chania. They operate throughout the year, and in summer there are direct flights from many international destinations. There are several daily flights connecting the Greek capital Athens with Crete, and flight times are approximately 45 minutes.
There is also a small airport in the east of the island, in Sitia.
By sea:
There is an excellent ferry service linking Crete with Piraeus and other destinations. Several websites, such as ferriesingreece.com and Go ferry, can help you organize your trip.
How to get around the island
Crete is great for traveling by car, the roads are as beautiful and interesting as the destinations! If you're traveling by car, check out our helpful articles on where to park in Heraklion and Chania.
There is also a reliable public bus, which is called KTEL, it will take you from city to city.
Best time of year to visit Crete
Crete is a fantastic year-round destination. The temperate climate is suitable for magnificent summers and mild winters. Spring arrives early and fall lingers, and residents enjoy sailing for at least six months. There are also plenty of year-round activities in progress, such as hiking, cave exploration, and of course, it's nice to enjoy the local culture without the crowds.
What to take with you on holiday in Crete
This is an outdoor island so you will need comfortable shoes. Even in cities, instead of the expected smooth concrete, picturesque cobblestones sometimes await. Even in summer, the wind can be chilly, so you'll need long sleeves and a light jacket or sweater. If you're heading to the mountains - and we hope you do, because it's just fantastic(!) - you might even experience the crisp temperatures on a summer night. If you're planning on visiting churches and monasteries, please note that attire should be modest - hands and knees should be covered. A wide scarf can serve as a shawl or a homemade skirt. The sun on the island is bright and magnificent. A hat, high quality sunglasses and sunscreen are a must. No matter what time of year, take your swimsuit - you never know when it might be a hot day in November or February! You can wear something casual or elegant for an evening out.
Money
There are ATMs everywhere, but the ones operated by your local bank will likely give you the best rates. POS machines are also widely used in Greece. Read our post on the most frequently asked questions.
Internet:
There is a good Internet connection in hotels and cafes, as well as in some municipal points. In some remote mountainous areas you may be without signal for short periods. Local mobile companies available in Greece are Vodafone, Cosmote and Wind.
Further information:
For more details practical information The municipalities have useful websites about the places you plan to visit. For Chania, look here, for Rethymnon here, for Heraklion here and for Agios Nikolaos here.
Crete – unique island, with a special infrastructure, with a varied cuisine, with beaches and hotels for every taste and budget. The one who decided to rest in this beautiful place, undoubtedly a wonderful vacation awaits you. So that this vacation is not overshadowed by anything, it’s a good idea to have some basic knowledge about what awaits tourists in Crete. Briefly, about the most important things for tourists in Crete, read on.
Shopping and souvenirs in Crete
In almost every place on Crete locality, even in mountainous areas, there are shops where you can find any product for life and recreation. Shops on the island operate according to a special schedule: usually from 8 to 14 and from 18 to 21, that is, there is a long break at lunchtime. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, some stores close immediately after lunch. The most favorable time for shopping in Crete is the periods of seasonal sales, which occur in January, May and October. During these periods, you can purchase various products at discounted prices in shopping centers.
Conventionally, all stores in Crete can be divided into several categories. Firstly, these are shops for tourists, offering, first of all, a wide range of Cretan souvenirs, as well as beach accessories, olive oil, alcoholic drinks and everything that may be of interest to vacationers. Tourist shops and souvenir shops are usually located in resort areas or along main highways.
Secondly, in Crete you can find many shops and boutiques of famous brands, including those familiar to Russian tourists. These stores are located in central regions major cities. For example, in Heraklion, shopping stores are located on Daedalus Street. Here you can buy clothes and shoes from famous brands at a discount. Despite the smaller size of the stores themselves in comparison with Russian ones, the offered assortment pleasantly pleases with its wide variety. In the fall, during the sales period, shopping centers and boutiques can reduce prices on clothing items by up to 50 - 70 percent.
Especially for Russian tourists, excellent fur coats made in factories in northern Greece are brought into stores. Due to the great demand, fur products are widely represented in Cretan stores.
The island also has its own supermarkets and mega-malls, which are located in the vicinity of the cities. The largest supermarkets in Crete are Vassilopoulos, Carrefour and Xalkiadakis. You can buy literally everything there, with the possible exception of electronics and computers. This category of goods is sold in specialized stores, similar in assortment to Russian ones.
Finally, in Crete you can find good children's goods stores, for example, the huge Jumbo children's toy stores, where you can find literally everything that any child dreams of. A visit to such a store with children can last the whole day. In addition to traditional shopping centers and shops, there are local markets in Crete that are open until lunch. It is better to go there for fresh seafood, sweets, fruits and vegetables, aromatic seasonings and the famous Greek olives.
What can you buy on the island of Crete as a reminder of your trip or as a gift for friends and family? Local souvenir products are very diverse. First of all, these are various vases and figurines decorated by local craftsmen in the style of ancient Greek themes. This also includes T-shirts with images of ancient Greek gods and temples. Such a T-shirt with scenes from ancient Greek mythology can cost 30 - 50 euros.
Fabric products are also sold on the island - tablecloths, linens, rugs, curtains. Wool products knitted by local women. You can often find artists selling their paintings. Almost all of them are painted on canvas, and the plots are based on local landscapes and everyday life. Paintings are inexpensive, the price depends on the size of the canvas and the presence of a frame on it. You can buy a pretty decent painting for 30-50 euros.
Jewelry products deserve special attention. Here you can buy unique handmade products. These are a variety of earrings, rings, pendants and bracelets. Some local jewelry stores have their own workshops, which are no longer a dozen years old. Intricate weaving and amazing Greek ornaments are all integral attributes of Cretan jewelry. Prices for jewelry and jewelry are not much different from the world average. Inexpensive souvenir products presented in tourist shops in Crete include mugs, calendars, photo stands, and albums with photographs of the island’s attractions.
From the island of Crete you can’t help but bring home marinated Kalamata olives, as well as the famous Greek olive oil, which is available in a wide variety on the island. Cold-pressed oil is considered the best; its cost can reach up to five euros per liter. Sun-soaked olive oil can be purchased as a wonderful gift, or simply to bring home and use for dressing vegetable salads.
Excellent cosmetics are made from olive oil. As an inexpensive but very pleasant gift for a woman, you can use olive soap with the scent of chamomile or rose. Soaps and creams made with aromatic olive oil perfectly moisturize the skin. In stores on the island of Crete you can find the highest quality creams and lotions made from olive oil.
Many tourists also prefer to bring alcoholic drinks from Crete. For example, a bottle of raki grape vodka in beautiful packaging, which is sold in shops for tourists. Equally popular are the famous Greek cognac Metaxa and the scorching anise vodka Ouzo. Cretan wine is also a popular product among tourists. It can be bought in every supermarket, as well as at wineries, where people often go on excursions. You can only take a small amount of alcoholic beverages and olive oil from the island; there are strict restrictions: 2 liters of oil per person, and 2 bottles of alcoholic beverages.
Transport and car rental in Crete
The most convenient transportation option is to travel by bus. Crete has city and intercity bus services, with buses connecting various major island cities. Bus tickets are relatively inexpensive, and the buses themselves run between cities on a schedule with intervals of approximately one hour. In resort areas, buses run even more often. For example, between Malia and Heraklion buses run every 20 minutes. You can board this bus right on the highway where the stops are located. The stops are numbered, so it's easy to navigate. You can buy a ticket directly on the bus, each of them has a conductor. The buses are comfortable, cool and pleasant to travel in.
However, you can also rent a car, thanks to the rental shops in Crete great amount, literally at every step. All you need to rent a car is an international license with at least one year of driving experience. Rental prices start from 40 euros per day. Plus gasoline. According to local regulations, all passengers in the vehicle must wear seat belts, including those occupying seats in the rear of the vehicle. In cities, the permitted speed is limited to 50 kph, on highways and highways - up to 80 kph. You can rent a wide variety of cars to suit every taste.
Beaches of Crete
Many Cretan beaches are regularly awarded the Blue Flag by the EU, which is the highest assessment of their excellent environmental condition. Local beaches are well maintained and free to visit. You only need to pay for sun loungers and umbrellas (from about 3 euros).
Beaches of Crete The beaches on the northern side of Crete are characterized by gentle terrain and a comfortable descent into the sea. These are mostly sandy beaches. At the same time, the beaches of the southern coast are predominantly pebbly; there are many high rocky shores, which offer amazing views of the sea. On south side There are fewer tourists in Crete, which makes a beach holiday here more relaxing and secluded. Lovers beach activities vacation on Crete from May to October, when the water temperature on the coast is most suitable for swimming. The most popular beach areas among tourists are the resort areas of Rethymno, Chania, Heraklion and Lasithi.
In the Chania area, the most comfortable sandy beaches are Kalyves, Almyrida, Plaka, Marathi and Loutraki. Also well known among tourists is Balos Beach with its soft pink sand, which is explained by the presence of shell remains in it. Balos Beach is located in the western part of the island, where the waters of three seas meet at once - the Aegean, Ionian and Libyan. This is a closed lagoon where, according to legend, there was once a pirate harbor. Today it is a wild shallow beach with calm sea. You can get here by ship.
Another interesting beach in the resort area of Chania is Frangokastello. It is ideal for those who want to relax on the coast with small children. Frangokastello beach with a very long coastline, it has a gentle slope into the sea. It is distinguished by the presence of a large number of trees and plants on the coast, which protect vacationers from the scorching sun.
Beaches of CreteEight kilometers from Chania is the popular resort of Agia Marina with its magnificent beach of pure golden sand. The local beach has a smooth entrance to the sea, and the coast itself is characterized by high environmental cleanliness. Agia Marina beach has been overgrown with modern infrastructure in the form of hotels, cafes and nightclubs. On the four-kilometer Platanias beach, located ten kilometers from Chania, you can ride a banana or scooter, as well as try parasailing and other water activities.
In the Rethymno area, tourists can relax on a fifteen-kilometer beach stretching from Georgioupoli to the city itself. Along this multi-kilometer strip there are numerous restaurants, taverns and disco bars. The water here is not considered the cleanest, but developed infrastructure and proximity to the city make this beach very popular. Nice beaches in this area for family holidays - Panormo and Panormo. They are wide and safe, and also protected from sea waves. Parents will not be afraid to let their children swim.
In the resort area of Heraklion, one can note such popular beaches among tourists as Karteros, Florida, Amnissos and Tompruk. The beach near the village of Matala has been awarded the Blue Flag more than once for the cleanliness of the sea coast. It has its own rescue service and is equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas for vacationers. Matala Beach is sandy, but in the sea waters there are large slabs of stone at the bottom. For those planning to relax in Heraklion, we can recommend the wild sand and pebble beach of Paleokastro. Although there is no usual infrastructure here, the beach is captivating with its natural landscapes and azure-colored water. Finally, in the Lassithi resort area, tourists will be interested in the wide Long Beach, several kilometers long.
Among the most famous and visited beaches of the island of Crete, a special place belongs to Vai beach with snow-white sand. This beach is located near an amazing palm grove growing right on the seashore. It is believed that the famous Bounty advertisement was filmed on Vai Beach. This beach has all the modern infrastructure and amenities, with the exception of the possibility of spending the night due to the lack of hotels near the coast.
The southwest is also home to the stunning Elafonisi Beach. It is covered with unusual light pink sand. The beach itself is shallow, so it is recommended to relax on it with small children. The peculiarity of Elafonisi beach is that it is separated from the shore by a narrow strip of water, so the beach looks like a separate small island.
The water is clean and transparent everywhere. On equipped and sandy beaches, entry into the water is easy and comfortable. The depth of water varies from beach to beach. Many beaches are quite suitable for children and non-swimmers. Sea urchins should be cut off. They are an indicator of the purity of water, since they live only in crystal waters, but are very dangerous.
Cretan cuisine
Cretan cuisine is a Mediterranean cuisine with its own special traditions and unique dishes. It is an excellent example of a healthy, harmonious diet thanks to its ingredients such as olive oil, seafood, vegetables and natural cheese. In Crete, olive oil is used in almost every dish, it is even used for medicinal purposes. Cretan oil is different highest quality and environmental cleanliness.
Another essential component of Cretan cuisine is fresh vegetables and fruits. A famous local vegetable dish is Khoryatiki salad, which is prepared from fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and hard cheese; we call a similar salad “Greek”. It is also impossible to imagine Cretan cuisine without a variety of seafood. Boiled shrimp are served with tomatoes and fried cheese.
Kalamari, a popular dish in Crete, is fried squid. Cretans also enjoy preparing fresh sea fish. In order to enjoy fresh fish and seafood delicacies, it is recommended to go to one of the fishing villages on the island. In terms of meat in Crete, lamb and goat meat are at a special price. Roasted lamb is cooked over coals or on a spit, or baked in the oven along with potatoes. Pork is no less popular. In Crete you can try a classic dish of Greek cuisine - souvlaki. This is pork that is fried on skewers and served along with potatoes. The Greeks are also very skilled in creating a variety of snacks flavored with lemon juice and garlic.
If we talk about local delicacies, Crete is primarily famous for its dairy products, in particular soft goat or sheep Feta cheese, which is used in a variety of salads. You can try it exclusively in Greece, because up to 95 percent of the production of this cheese goes for domestic consumption. Also well known in Crete is the Kefalografira cheese, made from goat's milk, and the white sheep's milk cheese, Myzithra, which differs from ordinary yellow cheeses by the presence of less cholesterol.
A very popular specialty in Crete is Pita Gyros. These are fried pieces of pork, which are complemented with onions, potatoes, peppers and wrapped in pita bread. Pita gyros is a Greek version of shawarma, well known to Russians. It is sold almost everywhere on the island for about two and a half euros. It is good both for a quick snack and for a sedate lunch in a tavern.
If you want something completely exotic, you can try snails, ordinary grape snails. Snails are not served everywhere, but for the islanders they are a very common dish.
Beverages
There are no problems with soft drinks in Crete. Everything is available here, from the well-known carbonated drinks Coca-Cola and Pepsi to fresh, healthy, locally produced juices. People mainly drink coffee in Crete, which the locals know how to cook very well. Among the most popular non-alcoholic soft drinks on the island is instant coffee with froth, ice and milk, called Frape. Also on sale is Cretan tea of different varieties, grown in mountainous areas.
Among alcoholic drinks, first of all, it is worth mentioning the national Cretan drink raki or tsikoudia, which is not very popular on the Greek mainland. This is a fairly cheap drink made from distilled water and residues from wine production. At the same time, the alcohol content in it reaches 45 - 55 percent. Ouzo aniseed vodka is no less popular in local bars and taverns.
Among the wine products, local red wine, which is not so expensive, deserves attention. Cretan wines of different varieties are distinguished by their pleasant astringency, delicate aroma and rich taste. But here, as elsewhere, it is important to understand that good wine is not cheap. Locals recommend buying wine from 8 euros per bottle.
Restaurants and cafes
There are a great many establishments where you can eat well and relax in Crete. In resort areas, most restaurants and cafes focus on traditional European fast food, so the dishes that can be tasted there are reminiscent of Cretan or Greek cuisine only by their name. The most popular fast food in Crete is
Pita gyros, which is due to the high speed of preparation of this dish, as well as the variety of sauces and seasonings for it.
But to taste real Cretan cuisine, it is better to go to one of the local taverns. They may specialize in seafood or cooking meat dishes. Moreover, the farther from the resort areas the tavern is located, the more interesting and unique dishes of local cuisine it is ready to offer. Although, in the resort areas there are many beautiful taverns, decorated in an authentic style, conveniently located on the seashore, and offering a very diverse local cuisine.
Among the signature establishments on the island of Crete we can note kafenio, a traditional Greek cafeteria, and ouzeria, which is an analogue of the Russian wine glass only in a more civilized form. In ouzeria they order aniseed or grape vodka with snacks, and in kafenio people go for classic Cretan coffee.
The average bill in establishments in Crete per person costs about 15 euros for a fairly hearty dinner. Although, of course, a lot depends on the class of the restaurant or cafe and its location. In local restaurants it is customary to tip waiters. Usually this is 10 percent of the bill, but in small budget cafes you can tip one and a half euros and that will be enough.
As for payments in various catering establishments, be attentive to bills in cafes and restaurants located in tourist areas. Here, owners, in pursuit of profit, often resort to various tricks and tricks. For example, on the menu the price for meat is indicated for a certain weight.
In addition, Cretan cafes often “treat” customers at the entrance, constantly communicating with them and offering various dishes. Under such pressure, some tourists, confused, begin to order the most expensive dishes and drinks, which turns into a bill for a very decent amount. Barkers at taverns in resort areas are a common occurrence; they offer to visit them, and in three languages - English, Russian and German. However, it is worth politely saying thank you, and they are not intrusive.
However, all these are rare examples, and, in general, restaurants and cafes in Crete delight with their friendly, hospitable staff. You can often find menus in Russian, and waiters who know a few words of Russian.
Safety on the island
The crime rate on the island of Crete is very low. There are also no risk factors for the health or safety of vacationers. Perhaps poisonous snakes, which still need to be looked for, and sea urchins on some wild beaches. However, for security purposes and to ensure greater comfort for vacationers, a tourist police was organized on the island. Its tasks include providing assistance to tourists, for example, when a person has lost valuable documents or personal belongings, became a victim of scammers or unscrupulous citizens.
Tourist police officers speak several foreign languages and can provide vacationers with a wide variety of assistance. Starting from regular information and advisory support to resolving disputes with representatives tourism business. Therefore, in unexpected cases, you can always contact the tourist police departments, which are located in all popular tourist areas, including Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos.
During the summer months, the island of Crete often experiences real tropical heat with temperatures above thirty-five degrees. In such hot weather in Crete, vacationers are advised to take certain precautions. You should spend a minimum amount of time in the open sun and avoid heavy physical activity. You need to wear light, well-ventilated clothing and be sure to wear a hat made of natural materials. It is advisable to exclude fatty, hard-to-digest foods from your diet. It’s better to drink regular or mineral water without gas. On the beach, it is recommended to use sunglasses and various protective skin creams.
Water parks on the island of Crete
On the island of Crete, in addition to beach holiday and exploring historical sites, there is plenty of entertainment. Among them are wonderful water parks that you can visit with small children. Not far from the resort of Hersonissos there is the Aqua Plus water park with water slides, a children's playground, inflatable trampolines and air hockey. This water park is aimed at adults and teenagers, but there is also entertainment for the little ones.
The largest water park on Crete is the Water City complex, located in the eastern part of the island. It has a separate area for children with fountains, slides, a children's pool and bridges. There is also a cafe on site where adults can comfortably rest and relax. Not far from the resort of Chania there is also an excellent Limnoupolis water park with a children's area and a large swimming pool. A visit to the water park costs 23 euros for an adult, while a ticket for a child costs 17 euros.
Finally, Hersonissos is home to the Star Beach water park, unique to Crete. Its peculiarity is that the park is located directly on the sea coast. Entrance here is free, you only have to pay for renting sun loungers by the pool. StarBeach water park is aimed at family holiday with children, therefore it has a variety of entertainment for both adults and children of all ages.
For a significant part of Russians who vacationed in Greece, this country is associated with one name - the island of Crete. The large island, located far from the continent, has become very close to tourists all over the world.
This happened thanks to the developed and understandable infrastructure of the island, a fascinating history, a huge number of legendary ancient monuments, hotels for every taste and budget, as well as two international airports and several sea harbors.
Of course, everyone has their own Crete, but a few general facts You can still talk about it.
A little history
Crete played a big role in world history, because the first European civilization arose here. About 7 thousand years BC, the first people settled on the island, and five thousand years later four kingdoms were formed here, their capitals were in the cities of Knossos, Kato Zakro, Festus and Malia. These states marked the beginning of the Minoan (Creto-Mycenaean) civilization, while only isolated wild tribes lived on mainland Europe.
The Minoan culture lived for a thousand years, but then faced two irreparable disasters: a huge tsunami that hit the island as a result of an earthquake in the Santorini area, and wild northern tribes ravaging and burning Cretan cities. As a result, the Minoan civilization perished, the island was deserted and for many centuries became a transit point for pirates and robbers.
Then its history coincided with the history of most of the islands of Greece: Crete was conquered by the Romans, then ceded to Byzantium, thanks to which it was built up with beautiful temples.
In 824, the Saracens captured the island and founded an Arab state there, centered in the city of Khandak (now the capital of Crete - Heraklion); it existed for almost 150 years.
After this, the island came under the rule of the Venetians for almost 400 years, which contributed to the development of all types of arts and crafts here. In 1669, it was captured by the Turks, although Crete fiercely resisted and the capital was kept under siege for 21 years. Power Ottoman Empire lasted, with a short break, almost until the beginning of the twentieth century. Crete joined Greece only in 1913.
However, the mythical history of the island is even more interesting, because it was here in a cave that the future thunder god Zeus was hidden as a baby from his father Kron, thanks to which he survived and became the main one on Olympus. Here he also brought the stolen maiden Europa, who bore him three sons Rhadamanthus, Sarpedon and Minos. Here, according to legend, the Labyrinth of the Minotaur was erected, where Theseus killed the terrible monster. In general, many significant myths are associated with Crete Ancient Greece, why else more interesting vacation in modern Crete.
Where is the island of Crete?
We can say that this piece of land is at the intersection of three civilizations - Europe, Asia and Africa. If you look at the map, it seems that this is the island that ends European continent. Crete is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and the largest island of Hellas: its area is just under 8,500 square meters. km. The length of Crete is 260 km, the width ranges from 60 km at the widest point to 12 at the narrowest point on the isthmus of Ierapetra. From the north it is washed by the Cretan Sea, from the south by the Libyan Sea and in the west by the Ionian Sea.
The island stretches in length from west to east, and its main resorts are located on the northern coast. Along the same coast lies the New Cretan Highway, which connects the largest cities of the island. In the depths and in the south of Crete there are much fewer tourists, therefore the settlements are more original and interesting, but getting there is not so easy.
By the way, about the population. There are only about 800 thousand Cretans, but several times more people sail and fly to the island every year as tourists. The local population is, of course, Greeks, but in fact they have a lot of blood mixed in them different nations, whose history is connected with this part of the land between Europe and North Africa.
The nature of Crete is considered beautiful and amazing, but in fact it is a little monotonous: it is mountains, mostly flat, forests and a couple of small rivers.
But in Crete there are several very beautiful and unusual caves and gorges - both in the depths of the island and in the rocks on popular beaches.
The main thing here is the sun and mild climate. In addition to this, nature has created amazing beaches, some of which are included in the list best beaches Greece and even the world.
Crete is divided into 4 administrative districts(nome): Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, Lasithi.
Each of them is famous for its resorts and attractions.
Chania
The westernmost nome of the island and at the same time the greenest. The capital of the district of the same name (150 km from Heraklion) is called “Greek Venice”, as many buildings in the Venetian style have been preserved here. Chania is considered a quiet region; there are fewer tourists here than in other parts of Crete, so it is recommended to have a quiet family holiday here with children.
Rethymno
The small region is home to several resort villages and beautiful beaches. There are a lot of tourists in Rethymno, because both the capital of the district (Rethymno, 78 km from Heraklion) and its surroundings are one large archaeological attraction, it is called the “soul of Crete”. In addition, it is on the territory of this province that there are two highest mountains the islands are Ida or Psiloritis (2456 m) and Kedros (1777 m), which adds incredible beauty to the landscape.
Heraklion
The central region of Crete, with its capital in the city of Heraklion, is the most densely populated, with developed urban and hotel infrastructure. Mecca nightlife islands, shopping and other entertainment. At the same time, the region is home to a huge number of museums, historical monuments and ancient temples. Near Heraklion there are the noisiest youth hotels, whose guests spend their evenings in the clubs of the island capital.
Lassithi
The easternmost part of Crete, which boasts the largest number sunny days per year. The region's resorts are considered the most respectable; the largest and most expensive hotels on the island are located here. The regional capital, Agios Nikolas, is 69 km away. from Heraklion, however, the fashionable villages of the province - Ierapetra - are even further away, 81 km and 105 km respectively. There are few mountains here; the main natural attraction is Lake Vulismeni.
How to get there
Airports
Crete receives many airliners from all over the world every day, two international and Chania. During the season these are mainly charters, but there are also regular flights from several European cities, including the Russian capital. A Moscow-Crete plane ticket costs about 11.5 thousand rubles. (Lassithi District) receives mainly local and private flights. From the Greek capital you can fly to Crete for an amount from 65 to 100 euros per person.
Ferries
Regular ferry services for Greece are the same as Russian ones intercity buses. Ferries are very reliable, convenient and economical. Everything in Crete big cities are ports, but the largest - Heraklion and Chania - receive the largest number of ships. From Athens to the island, high-speed ships sail either at lunchtime and arrive at their destination in the evening, or depart at night and dock in Crete in the early morning. Most ferries call at several ports on Crete in one trip. He also has a message with others. Greek islands, so you can come here for a couple of days while on vacation in another island province of Hellas. Here is information on several ferries.
Ferry Athens (Piraeus) – Heraklion: departure at 21.00, arrival at 6 am with a call at the ports of Chania, Agios Nikolas. Ticket prices range from 29 to 36 euros per person. The ship offers its guests comfortable cabins and the ability to transport cars.
Ferry Piraeus – Kissamos (Chania region): departure at 17.00, arrival at 5.30 am, ticket – 24 euros per person.
Ferry Santorini – Heraklion: travel time 2 hours, cost 55-57 euros. Departs mainly in the evening.
Ferry o. Mykonos(all about Mykonos) – Heraklion: travel time 3.5 hours, ticket price – 76-80 euros per person.
It will not be possible to get to Crete from another popular island among Russians, Rhodes or, for example, Zakynthos (overview of the island), since ferry service in Greece exists only in the waters of one sea. In this case, you can only sail to Crete with a “transfer” in the Athens port of Piraeus or other mainland ports.
If you have traveled independently through mainland Greece and decided to visit Crete with your vehicle, then the prices for transporting such equipment by ferry are approximately as follows:
The main road in Crete runs along north coast and connects the main resort towns and villages.
This is a good quality multi-lane highway, following which you can easily reach the main local attractions.
Most of the roads on the southern coast or in the interior of the island are narrow, often just serpentine country roads; in the mountains it can be downright dangerous for an inexperienced driver. Rocky terrain only makes the condition worse, so a flat tire is the most common car breakdown in Crete.
Three facts about transport
The peculiarity of Crete can be called the people - cheerful and very responsive, cheerful and carefree, like all southern peoples. Cretans, like all Greeks, are leisurely and can sometimes be cunning, but high level The development of tourism on the island forces them to live up to the proud title of a world resort, and therefore the level of service in hotels in Crete is noticeably higher than in the Greek provinces that are less popular with tourists.
Hi all. I want to tell you about Crete the way my husband and I saw it. We rested there at the end of October 2019. For hotels that I was able to visit, see reviews here. And find out how I managed, against my own will, to stay in two hotels during one vacation.
In this review I will tell you about the sights, prices, traditions, people, customs and way of life of the island. And also what needs to be brought from Greece.
We were very lucky that on the second day of our stay we went to the small souvenir shop “Oi-DA” in the city of Stalida (Stalis). The store itself is located next to hotel I-Resort Beach Hotel& Spa. If you leave the hotel and immediately turn right, then after 50 meters on the opposite side of the street he lives. We were attracted by the sign “We speak Russian”. It is owned by two sisters Lyuba and Raisa, who came to Crete from Georgia in 1991. Both speak excellent Russian. They told us about the main places on the island that you should definitely see, about souvenirs that you need to buy, and about the best and most convenient way to get somewhere.
But we are a little lazy people, and I don’t like being in a place that is unfamiliar to me and without knowing the language. Therefore, having found out where we could hire a guide who spoke Russian and owned a car, we turned to him. To keep this man out of trouble, I won't name him or say where we found him. (In general, you can contact any street office. The most important thing is to read the reviews about this company. The Greeks are very protective of their reputation, realizing that one bad review can ruin their entire “raspberry”.) If you need information, you can ask the sisters. In total, we rode around the island for two days and were shown the main tourist spots. But we talked more about life and everyday life in Greece. Finding a lot of similarities with our country. Although in some ways we are diametrically opposed.
Tourist places. Crete begins when you leave the hotel.
Of course, we didn’t see very much, but the nature of Crete is so beautiful that even just being in a car and moving from point to point, you can see a lot of amazing things. Speaking of cars. On every corner of all the cities we visited you can rent a car, scooter, motorcycle, or ATV. Small cars will cost approximately 2,000 rubles per day. You need a license, a passport and money.
City of Stalida.
Our hotel is located there. Ordinary resort town with many bars, restaurants, shops. Almost no Greeks live here, mostly in hotels and apartments. If you want to buy, for example, delicious local cheese, then do not go to the supermarket, but ask the locals and they will show you the points where you need to buy it and where they buy it themselves. We took the famous olive oil from Oi-DA. They sell a variety that is sold in only three stores in Greece. Very delicious. We took two types. We paid 8.20 euros for a liter bottle. Small half-liter - 5.20. You can also purchase local cosmetics. The Greeks are very proud that everything they do is natural. And so are cosmetics. I didn’t buy it, I took samples, used them at home and regretted not buying them. Prices: face cream with a lifting effect costs 20.50, hand cream about 15.00. I also bought wonderful leather sandals in Stalida self made for 20.00 euros. It is clear that there were some small things: such as an ashtray (2.00), a Pythagorean mug (5.00), an embroidered blouse (18.00).
City of Malia.
Stalida smoothly transitions into the city of Malia and only local residents and Google know exactly where one city ends and another begins. If you are in Malia, you should definitely go a little further than the center. There are a lot of beautiful picturesque narrow streets that evoke thoughts of Italy. A very bright city. Be careful when ordering food from local restaurants. Be sure to ask for serving size. We ordered 2 dishes like our crumble fries (6 euros each) and one burger (6.20). They brought us each two potatoes the size of two of my fists, generously sprinkled with cheese and with the addition of stewed beans. And as a garnish, half a head of iceberg lettuce. And the huge burger came with fries, which we didn’t even look at anymore. One dish would be enough for two of us.
Village of Mojos.
From the story told to us by the guide, we learned that it was the inhabitants of Mohos who at one time descended from the mountain and founded Stalida, which used to be a pasture. (By the way, the richest profession in Crete is a shepherd. There is even a saying: when a girl doesn’t get married for a long time and goes through suitors, they say to her: “What? Are you waiting for a shepherd?” Like we say about a prince on a white horse.) This is amazing the village where we saw traditional Crete. It is surrounded by the Cretan mountains and olive groves. Picturesque streets, small taverns, smiling Greeks - everything creates a unique atmosphere of some other world, far from the hardships of civilization, from the bustle and problems. Here you want to sit on the street in a wicker chair and slowly, sipping coffee, talk about philosophical topics, without rushing anywhere. You can see the small cozy church of St. Praskeva, where icons of the 16th - 18th centuries hang. By the way, we were surprised that such ancient icons hang so simply, even without protective glass. And they simply told us: “They don’t steal from us.”
Town of Agios Nikolas.
Our guide brought us to this wonderful port city. It is famous for its lake where the salt waters of the Gulf of Mirabello and fresh waters Vulismeni, where Artemis and Athena loved to wash their beautiful bodies. And, of course, the island of the living dead Spinalonga. This island was essentially a leper colony from 1903 to 1957, where leprosy patients were brought not only from Greece, but also from all over Europe. Now it is just a tourist place that can be reached by boat or boat. For about 15 euros.
Krasi village. Located on the road to the Lasithi plateau (Cave of Zeus). It is famous for its plane tree. This is a huge tree with a trunk diameter of more than 20 meters and an age of more than 2000 years.
City of Heraklion. This is the capital of Crete. We visited there on our second excursion day. The city itself did not make any particular impression on us. Many people, many cars. Everything is the same as in Moscow, adjusted for the weather and the smell of the sea. But there are places there that need to be visited.
Of course, first of all this Knossos palace , built by King Minos in the second millennium BC.
Entry at the end of the season costs 6 euros per person. You can wander there as long as you need. We were very impressed not by the frescoes and ruins, but by the pieces of marble, riddled with grooves left by water and wind.
That’s when you realize that these stones are many hundreds of years old and you feel the power that comes from them. There is a souvenir shop near the entrance, but everything there is very expensive and there is a very small selection.
But if you leave the palace and cross the road, then right opposite there are wonderful shops where you can buy a lot of very necessary things. T-shirts (from 15 euros), handmade silver bracelets (from 5 euros), figurines and figurines of various shapes and sizes (from 2 euros).
Cathedral of St. Minos. Built at the end of the 19th century. Impressive and majestic building
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Large market in the center of Heraklion . Prices for goods are purely for tourists. Everything is very expensive. I wanted to buy high woven sandals. They cost 80 euros there!!! I can buy winter boots in Moscow for that kind of money.
Archaeological Museum . Ticket 6 euros (this is the end of the season) The largest museum in Greece dedicated to the Minoan civilization. Exhibits from 6000 BC. until the 20th century AD You will see many famous things: the fresco from the Palace of Knossos "prince with lilies", the bees of Malia, the goddess with snakes, the rhyton in the form of a bull's head, gold jewelry, seals on stones, sarcophagi, pottery, of course, the Phaistos disk, the inscriptions on which are up to have not yet been deciphered and much more. You can wander there for hours.
Cave of Zeus or Dictaean Cave. I will not describe the cave itself - you need to see all this power of time with your own eyes. I'll give you just a few tips:
- The road to the cave is a steep climb uphill along stone ledges, very vaguely reminiscent of stairs, so choose very comfortable shoes so as not to slip
- The climb is long and difficult. My husband and I decided that this was, of course, due to the thin air, and not due to poor physical shape
- Be sure to bring water with you. There is a shop upstairs, but it is VERY expensive. A 200ml can of cola costs 3 euros.
- Take yourself some kind of jacket/windbreaker, it's cold down there
- Don't believe it if they tell you that you definitely need a guide. At the entrance to the cave, buy a ticket and enter
- Go down and up into the cave, following the signs on the stairs so as not to create traffic jams; hold on to the railing
- You can use the services of donkeys, but this is a paid service
- You can go back along another road lined with smooth stone slabs.
- Many people write that Greeks are very lazy people. After talking with local residents, we realized that this was true, but partly. On the one hand, they work hard throughout the entire tourist season almost around the clock. And many do not have one job, but three or four. On the other hand, walking around the city you see many men who sit all day on the verandas of cafes, drink coffee, watch sports broadcasts and chat with each other.
- Rain season. We vacationed at the end of October - beginning of November. There is a lot written on the Internet about the fact that in Greece October is the rainy season. We asked our guide, she said that she didn’t even have an umbrella at home. It rains on the coast, but very rarely. It rains more often in the mountains. Out of 9 days of rest, there was a thunderstorm once in the evening. And it rained for a couple of hours. We were told that this was the first time in several months.
- Smoking. The law on smoking stipulates that smoking will only be done in strictly designated areas. In fact, you can smoke anywhere there are ashtrays. There are pots of sand on the beaches and ashtrays on the streets. Taverns have smoking areas.
- Greece is Orthodox. But there are slight differences in rules of behavior in the temple. There are boxes with candles at the entrance. Place the money in the hole on the box. Give as much as you don't mind. Maybe 1 euro, maybe 1 cent. No one is standing over you and pointing you out.
- You can enter the church freely unless there are any instructions. Some have an entrance fee.
- Women in the temple You can be without a scarf, in trousers, you can sit on chairs/benches. In Greece, temples are created so that you are comfortable and bodily discomfort does not distract from spirituality.
- If you buy in season ticket to Knossos Palace, then the entrance fee is 15 euros, and for 16 euros you can buy a ticket to both the palace and the museum.
- Take water with you everywhere. It can be bought in supermarkets or shops. But you can take it from the hotel, where they will give it to you for free.
- Cash (Euro) take it with you. Yes, cards are accepted almost everywhere. But... Greeks don't like to pay taxes, so they prefer cash. We were at the end of the season and many stores had already closed contracts with banks and did not accept our cards. I had to change the rubles I brought with me. But this is already a problem. The bank didn't change it for us. Since they do not accept Russian currency. At ATMs there are terrible interest rates for withdrawals. They changed it at the exchange office for 79 rubles (in Moscow at Sberbank I bought for 73 rubles).
- Try to learn a few words in Greek (good morning/evening, hello, thank you, goodbye). Believe me, you will immediately smile more sincerely. And during the bargaining for this or that item, they will give a discount.
- Don't be embarrassed to ask locals, where you can eat deliciously and inexpensively, and where to buy what.
- You can get everywhere by bus, taxis are privately owned and are expensive. To the same place, a bus will cost 6 euros, and a taxi – 40.
- Medicines take it with you. There are a lot of recipes only.
- Prices in supermarkets for products is higher than in small private stores
- Cigarettes in some stores cash only
- If you are persistently invited to a tavern, you can simply politely refuse. No one will pester or insist.
- Greeks do not tolerate rudeness even from clients, the door may well be closed in front of you if you start to “squirm”.
- Crete is a very popular tourist destination, but if you don't want to see crowds of tourists, come like we did - in October. Empty beaches, empty streets. It’s true that many shops are closed. But we had enough shopping in Heraklion.
Total: Crete is not only hospitable Greeks, wonderful, sandy beaches, warm transparent sea, picturesque nature, but also the opportunity to plunge into the past, the opportunity to touch a thousand-year history. Be sure to come.
Monastery of Selinari (St. George). This is a very beautiful temple, built in the Byzantine style. It is located in the picturesque Selinari gorge. The place is very popular not only among pilgrims and tourists, but also among local residents. There is a tradition that when driving past, the driver must stop and light a candle. In Crete, St. George is considered the patron saint of travelers and drivers. White-headed vultures live on the slope of the gorge.
Now a little about the features of modern Greece.
We read a lot about the traditions and laws of Greece before the trip. I really didn't want to get into unpleasant situation simply due to ignorance. Although there are several points that diverge from reality. Plus I’ll write some tips here.