Crete is archaeology, a thousand-year-old culture, turquoise sea, pink beaches, and palm groves: this is what Francesco told us about this island!
East Crete West Crete: which one do you prefer?
The western part of Crete is the most popular and visited, home to the most famous and iconic locations and major attractions. The eastern part is a bit more remote. Locations and beaches are less well-known, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth a visit. Beaches like Xerocampos or Vai (where Europe’s only native palm grove is located) are perhaps less famous than Balos or Elafonissi, but they’re gems!
In the eastern part, the island’s composition is steeper, even near the sea, so getting around takes longer, which is something to keep in mind. However the roads are beautiful, wide, and in excellent condition. The visit of the western part certainly requires more days due to the number of attractions.
Focus on: Knossos Palace
For archaeology lovers is a must-see! The Minoan civilization is ancient and fascinating. You’ll be amazed by the grandeur of the palace, which can be perceived even from the ruins. You’ll also be surprised to discover that the famous labyrinth isn’t actually a labyrinth as we know it today! The term “labyrinth” comes from the Ancient Greek “labyrinthos,” which in turn derives from the Lydian “labrys,” meaning “double-bladed axe”. This axe was a symbol of royal power in Crete, and another name for the Palace of Knossos, with its intricate layout, is the “Palace of the Axe.” “Labyrinth” could mean “place of the axe,” and the suffix “-into” means “place”.
The island’s capital, Heraklion, near the ruins of the palace, is a bustling and somewhat chaotic city, but interesting. It’s worth wandering through the streets of the center and the seafront. You can breathe a mix of the elegance of the banks and numerous government offices and the typical slowness of large seaside cities.
What did you love most about Crete?
Definitely sea and beaches. There are three or four that are literally mind-blowing! With a truly incredible mix of colors, water clarity, and natural surroundings. Even though they’re very popular, especially the most famous ones, they’re characterized by being very large. Sometimes they’re so immense that you can avoid the crowds by exploring them thoroughly. Crete, like all the Greek islands, holds many surprises. It’s never banal or predictable; it fascinates you with its ever-changing panoramas. Furthermore, in Crete, as in all of Greece, the food is divine, especially the fish!
What did you like least about the island?
Perhaps some attractions that were advertised as interesting but turned out not to be. E.g. the plateau of 12,000 windmills…that are no longer there!
The most beautiful beach?
Balos. Looking out onto the steep path that descends almost 300 meters, it’s literally breathtaking. Likewise, the colors and vastness of Elafonissi, with its immense natural pools and endless views.
The highlight for me is located just 3 km from Elafonissi: Kedrodasos. A large, uncrowded beach, with dunes of very pale sand that slope down into the crystalline sea, giving the water a turquoise hue and a blinding brilliance. Among the dunes, a forest of giant junipers provides free shade for everyone near the sea. The green vegetation, the dark, almost black rocks (perhaps lava rock), the shoreline marked by the coral-pink sand that blends with the clear, turquoise sea. A painter’s palette!
Crete by Night
Nightlife in Crete is generally not very lively, the island certainly isn’t known for its nightlife. Heraklion, especially the old Venetian port area, is a very lively place, full of young people from all over the world and boasting countless venues. Some are truly charming and trendy, refined, modern cocktail bars in captivating locations (the ruins of an ancient synagogue and a monastery), with truly enjoyable DJ sets! All other locations are more geared towards the calm and sleepy climate of the Greek seaside.
What will you remember about this island?
What always stays with me when I return from Greece: the desire to return for the beauty of the sea, the warmth of the people (especially in Crete), the delicious cuisine, the times that seem to magically slow down, and the places that never get boring!