Crete is the biggest among the Greek Islands. It even has its own notable history and heritage that are separate from that of the country. With so many fascinating sights to see, mysteries to solve, and secrets to uncover, it's safe to say that relaxing on the beach won't be the only thing you'll do here. After all, as beautiful as the island's coasts are, they're only part of what makes Crete such a desirable destination. and you'd be surprised at how much you can do here. Just take a look at some of these activities and see which ones you're excited to do!
Explore Chania
As one of the biggest
cities in Crete, as well as in all of the Greek islands in general, Chania is definitely a place worth exploring. You can spend an entire day here and you won't be bored at all. Not once! Stroll through the colorful cobblestone streets and see which shops and boutiques tickle your fancy. Head on over to the Agora Marketplace and taste the various
delicacies of the island. Walk along the seaside promenade and watch the contrast between the bustling town and the calm waters. See, there's a lot to look forward to in Chania!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Venture Inside A Cave
If you're a Greek mythology buff, you shouldn't miss going to Psychro Cave! This sinister-looking natural wonder is said to be the spot where the goddess Rhea gave birth to Zeus. Who wouldn't want to visit the (alleged) birthplace of the Greek god of thunder? In any case, even if you're not into Greek mythology, you'll still find this place fascinating. With its sinister spikes and gloomy lighting, it almost looks like the perfect model for hell. And if you charged your phone beforehand—a
pro-tip worth following!—you'll score a lot of likes if you post about Psychro Cave on Instagram!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/Jerzy Strzelecki
Learn About The Minoan Civilization
When it comes to Greece, it's almost always about the ancient ruins. Of course, you can't blame the history buffs for that! The country did have one of the most ancient civilizations in human history. It's only natural that you ought to learn more about them while you're here. And speaking of which, don't forget the Minoans! That often-forgotten civilization flourished from about 3000 BCE to about 1100 BCE, which came to be known as the 'Bronze Age.' And their seat of power was the island of Crete. Here, countless ruins and relics can be found all throughout. But the most famous is definitely the Knossos Minoan Palace, said to be the oldest of its kind in all of Europe.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
See The Historic Structures
Although ancient ruins are all well and good, they're not the only worthwhile historic sites to see in Crete. There are actually a lot of other structures that have been well-preserved, mostly because they were constructed nearer to modern times. There's the Koules Fortress, for instance, which is a Venetian structure built in the 16th century. Its astounding symmetry highlights the architectural influence from that time. A more riveting spot is the island of Spinalonga, also known as the 'Island of Lepers.' Though it also features ancient and medieval relics, it's more known for its use as a leper colony from the 18th to the early 20th century.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Go Island-Hopping
The only way to get to Spinalonga, or
to get to other parts of Crete for that matter, is to take a ferry. And this should inspire what you ought to do next: go island-hopping! Although Crete itself is already the biggest among the Greek islands, it's actually home to other smaller islands as well. You already know about Spinalonga, but what about Gavdos, home to some of the most remote beaches in the world? Or Elafonissi, beloved for its pretty pink shoreline? And don't forget Koufonisi! This island features stunning high cliffs worth capturing and posting about online.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Enjoy A Beach Day in Balos Lagoon
Of course, when you do go island-hopping, going to the beach is likely at the top of your agenda. You can't go to Crete without enjoying a day at the beach! It's like going to Paris without having
a cup of coffee in a cafe. Or going to London without seeing Big Ben or Buckingham Palace. You simply must have a beach day in your itinerary to Crete. And if you want to go to the best beach, that's arguably the one on Balos Lagoon. One of the most scenic places on the island, it's best known for its sand bridge that connects the Chania area to the smaller island of Gramvousa. This coastline is undoubtedly second to none!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hike Through The Many Gorges in Crete
If you fancy yourself as one that goes off the beaten path, you can always go on a hike in Crete instead. Sure, Crete has a lot of beautiful beaches and spending a day in one is par for the course. But the island also features some exciting gorges that you can hike through too! There's the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, for instance, which really is a beaten path that leads you to stunning waterfalls amidst rocky mountains. The more famous Samaria Gorge, on the other hand, features a more organized trail with pleasant views of beautiful woodlands and the Cretan mountains.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Don't underestimate the Greek island of Crete. You'd be surprised at how many fun things you can do here, even for just a day! From relaxing on a beach to exploring its most charming towns, there's a lot to get excited about in Crete!
At the end of a busy day in Crete, won't it feel like heaven to kick back, put your feet up, and relax in your own
luxury home here?
