Kourtaliotiko Gorge slices through the limestone mountains of southern Crete, carving a dramatic passage between the Rethymno highlands and the Libyan Sea. Sheer cliffs rise hundreds of metres on either side of the narrow road that threads this ravine, while the Megalopotamos river rushes far below. Griffon vultures circle overhead, nesting on the towering rock … Read more
Gramvousa rises dramatically from the turquoise waters off Crete’s north-west coast, a pair of rocky islets crowned by a crumbling Venetian fortress that once sheltered pirates. The larger island, Imeri or Wild Gramvousa, draws visitors to its steep summit for sweeping views and to the sandy beach below, where a rusting shipwreck lies half-submerged in … Read more
Five days on Crete strike the ideal balance between a rushed long weekend and a full week, giving you time to explore both the western beaches and the central archaeological treasures without exhausting yourself. This itinerary uses two bases—Chania in the west and the Heraklion area in the centre—to minimise packing and unpacking while covering … Read more
Makrigialos stretches along the south-east coast of Crete in the Lasithi region, east of Ierapetra, where one of the longest shallow sandy beaches in the area meets warm, gentle water. This low-key resort keeps a relaxed pace through the season, well off the mass-tourism track. Families with young children appreciate the safe swimming, while the … Read more
Spili sits high in the mountains of central Crete, a green oasis of plane trees, spring water and whitewashed charm on the road south from Rethymno toward the coast. The village is famous for its Venetian fountain, where nineteen carved lion heads spout cold mountain water into a long stone trough beneath the shade of … Read more
Bali sits tucked into the north coast of Crete, midway between Rethymno and Heraklion in the Rethymno region. This small resort spreads across hillsides above a working fishing harbour, built around sheltered coves and sandy beaches that include Livadi, Varkotopos, Karavostasi and Evita. The calm, shallow water and low-rise development create a relaxed atmosphere that … Read more
Seitan Limania stands among the most photographed locations on Crete, a slender turquoise inlet slicing through bare rock cliffs on the Akrotiri peninsula. The dramatic cove, also known as Stefanou beach, rewards visitors with vivid blue-green water framed by towering stone walls that create a fjord-like atmosphere rare in the Mediterranean. Reaching this natural wonder … Read more
Chrissi Island, also known as Gaidouronisi, floats in the Libyan Sea just south of Ierapetra as one of Crete’s most pristine natural sanctuaries. This small uninhabited island captivates visitors with its rare Lebanon cedar forest, golden sand beaches, and shallow turquoise waters that glow under the Mediterranean sun. Protected as a nature reserve, Chrissi offers … Read more
Ierapetra holds the distinction of being the southernmost city in Europe, sprawling across the narrow waist of Crete in the Lasithi region. This working town on the island’s sun-drenched south coast offers an authentic Cretan experience far removed from the polished resort atmosphere found elsewhere. The Venetian fortress Kales stands guard over the old harbour, … Read more
Crete stands out among Greek islands for its exceptional network of hiking trails that wind through dramatic gorges, climb to mountain summits and trace the coastline between remote villages. Walkers discover landscapes ranging from the towering rock walls of the White Mountains to green ravines sheltering waterfalls in the east. The island’s long-distance paths connect … Read more