Chania to Heraklion Travel Guide: Car rental, Bus, Taxi, Airplane
Heraklion and Chania are both magnificent, scenic, and must-visit cities in Crete. Each city has a lot of each side to offer. From restaurants, hotels, tourist attractions, and people. Surely a stay in Chania and Heraklion will give you peace, and appreciate how beautiful the island of Crete is only in the eyes of Chania and Heraklion. Chania is famous around Crete and Greece for its incredible architecture. On the other hand, Heraklion is the capital of Crete. When deciding to travel from Chania to Heraklion, worry no more because travelling 102 km (64 miles) away from Chania to Heraklion has been so easy and convenient with a lot of modes of transportation options available. Getting to Heraklion from Chania has been so easy and simple.
Travelling Guide from Heraklion to Chania: Car rental, Bus, Taxi, Airplane
Heraklion and Chania are both magnificent, scenic, and must-visit cities in Crete. Each city has a lot of each side to offer. From restaurants, hotels, tourist attractions, and people. Surely a stay in Heraklion and Chania will give you peace, and appreciate how beautiful the island of Crete is only in the eyes of Heraklion and Crete. Heraklion is the capital of Crete. As such, it is a much bigger city compared to Chania. However, Chania is famous around Crete and Greece for its incredible architecture. Nonetheless, Heraklion is also authentic. When deciding to travel from Heraklion to Chania, worry no more because travelling 102 kilometres (64 miles) away from Heraklion to Chania has been so easy and convenient with a lot of modes of transportation options available.
Moving to Crete: Right Time to Move to Crete
Crete is the most populated and largest among the islands of Greece. It has an area of 21,590 sq kilometres (8,336 sq miles) . It is located about 160 km south of the Greek mainland. And about 100 km southwest of Anatolia. Crete’s capital and largest city is Heraklion. The island of Crete consists of several mountains, and its character is defined by a high mountain range from west to east. The mountains have been the key features of the island’s distinctiveness. Crete has numerous gorges that most tourists and hikers are fascinated about. The island consists of rivers and lakes. The climate of Crete varies between temperate and subtropical. It has hot dry summers, and winter temperatures are mild. Tourism is very prominent on the island of Crete. In 2021, overall, inbound air arrivals on Crete totalled roughly 2.8 million. There are many things to do and explore on the beautiful island of Crete. There are three available airports on the island. The bus system has regular service. There are various taxi and car rental companies in the area. Travelling and exploring the island is easy. The island caters to all its visitors' needs ranging from better quality living, gastronomic healthy dishes, rich history and culture, archaeological sites, lovely beaches, various gorges for hiking, charming villages, and a lot of numerous ways. Visiting the island of Crete is very safe, especially for tourists. Visitors are free to explore the island without fear for their safety.
The Palace of Phaistos: History, Artefacts, and Car Rental
The Palace of Phaistos is an archaeological monument located on the island of Crete that provides an intriguing look into the life of the ancient Minoan people. The ancient palace, which dates back to the Bronze Age, is rich in history and culture. Phaistos, a once-thriving Minoan city, now lies in ruins amid the lush Messara plain, providing tourists with a rare opportunity to learn about its interesting past.
Knossos Palace: History, Artefacts, and Car Rental
The biggest and most populated of the Greek islands, Crete, is where Knossos Palace is situated. It is perched atop Kephala Hill, which provides a commanding vantage point for taking in the surrounding scenery. The Mediterranean environment, which is characteristic of Knossos Palace's location, allowed the Minoan civilisation to engage in maritime trade and cultivate crops. The extensive rebuilding work that began at Knossos during the Middle Minoan period about 1900 BCE led to the construction of the palace complex.
Vai Beach: A One-of-a-kind Beach with a Lush Palm Forest
Vai Beach is a stunning destination on the eastern coast of Crete, Greece. It stands out with its lush palm forest, creating a beautiful backdrop against the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Vai Beach, also known as Vai Palm Beach, attracts tourists with its golden sand, blue waters, and over 5,000 palm trees. The beach stretches for about 200 metres, providing a picturesque setting for relaxation and recreation. It offers facilities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, and water sports activities.
Best 10 Parks and Nature Attractions in Crete
Parks are community places that are open for the public for them to enjoy and relax. They provide people with different kinds of entertainment for them and their family and friends to enjoy. Most of the time, adults bring their children along with them to this kind of place to bond with them. Typically, parks feature amenities like playgrounds, restaurants, cafés, animals, and plants that cater to different types of visitors. This makes parks a valuable green space where plants can freely grow and where animals can be nurtured. It makes the park a safe place for these plants and wildlife to enjoy. Almost every park in the world not only houses nature, but it can hold a specific historical background or value as well.
Souda Beach: Breathtaking Beach in Crete
The stunning Souda Beach is located on the northern shore of the Greek island of Crete. It is renowned for its pristine waters and breathtaking surroundings. Souda Beach has a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Temperatures reach 30°C (86°F) in the summer or higher, while in the winter, they dip to approximately 15°C (59°F). The region receives minimal precipitation throughout the summer, although storms are possible during the winter. Souda Beach is geographically situated in the vicinity of Souda Bay, one of the greatest natural harbours in the Mediterranean. Hills and mountains surround the bay, creating a magnificent setting for the beach. The beach is a vast expanse of sand that is ideal for swimming and sunbathing, and there are other services nearby, such as restaurants, bars, and water sports facilities.
Chrissi Island: Tours, Activities and Car Rental Guide
The Chrissi Island, which is translated to “golden”, refers to the gorgeous sand on the beach of the island. The island of Chrissi is located 15 kilometres south of Ierapetraon on the island of Crete. The tiny, secluded island is approximately 7 kilometres by 2 kilometres in size. The highest point is barely 30 metres above sea level. There are numerous beaches on the rocky island that are visited from spring to fall by tour boats and watercraft. Chrissi Island almost resembles paradise and is a tourist destination that must be on an itinerary. The white sand beaches and African Cedar-woods are ideal for snorkelling, not to mention the crystal clear turquoise sea. The island offers good facilities and has exceptional reviews from tourists. Accommodations are available nearby the island, which offers great amenities and services. The best hotels such as The Enorme Santanna Beach and Tylissos Beach Hotel. The Enorme Santanna Beach is one of the luxury hotels, while the Tylissos Beach Hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool and poolside.
Preveli Beach: A One-of-a-kind Beach with a Lush Palm Forest
Preveli Beach is located 35 kilometres (21.7 miles) south of Rethymno and 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) east of Plakias. Preveli Beach is one of Crete's most gorgeous beaches and one of the hardest to reach. Preveli beach, commonly known as Palm Beach, is situated on the south side of Crete. The Preveli beach is a lovely crescent of sand with turquoise blue clear water. Crete, in general, offers plenty of tourist attractions. Including its beautiful beaches that are accessible to their tourists. Tourism is very prominent on Preveli Beach. There are many things to explore in the one-of-a-kind Beach of Preveli, with a lush palm forest. According to the exceptional reviews of the tourists at Preveli beach, it has incredible crystal-clear water with a clean area that feels relaxing. Tourists stay in nearby hotels such as Villa Palm River, Plakias Cretan Resorts, and Ammoudi Hotel. The best time for tourists to visit Preveli beach is from July to September. However, the peak of tourists is from July to August.
Damnoni Beach: All you need to know by Locals!
Damnoni beach in an idyllic bay just a few kilometres from the more famous resort of Plakias. It is about 35 km south of the city of Rethymno, on the southern coast of the island, on the southern coast of the island. Damnoni Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Crete. The beach of Damnoni is backed by mountains and closed in by splendid rock formations, with white sand and turquoise waters. The location of Damnoni beach has several smaller beaches that are found nearby that are truly astonishing. Another advantage of visiting Damnoni is that it is relatively uncrowded for most of the year. It has a lot of tourist services and activities available. Additionally, Damnoni beach is certainly a marvellous area of Crete to spend the entire holiday. The island of Crete in general offers plenty of tourist attractions. The beautiful beaches of Crete are accessible to its tourists. Tourism is very prominent on Damnoni beach. There are many things to explore on the breathtaking beach of Damnoni. The tourists of Damnoni beach rate their stay as exceptional because of the incredible white sand and turquoise waters. Tourists find the Damnoni beach relaxing. Tourists stay in nearby hotels such as Hapimag Resort, Anna Angeliki Hotel, and Plakias Bay Hotel. The best time for tourists to visit Damnoni beach is in April and October. However, the peak of tourists is from July to August.
Rodakino Beach: A stunning, long, narrow beach in South Crete
Rodakino Beach is a stunning, long, narrow beach rich in sand. Rodakino is found in the south of Rethymnon prefecture. Culture, history, environment, and adventure all abound in the interesting region of Crete known as Rethymnon. Located on the Libyan Sea, the south coast of Crete is well-known for its beautiful scenery and pristine beaches. Rodakino Beach is surrounded by high cliffs and crystal-clear waters, which are good indications that the place is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach-related activities. The beach has adequate tavernas and coffee shops nearby that are good for satisfying the visitors’ appetites and cravings. It is referred to as a quiet beach since it belongs to a secluded village. However, it becomes busy and crowded on Saturday and Sunday. Rodakino, Creta, is a beautiful beach located in one of Creta's wildest and most untouched locations. Nature enthusiasts find a variety of surrounding diversions and activities, both by the sea and in the region's rugged terrain.
7 Best Restaurants in Chania
Chania is a city on the northern coast of Crete, Greece. It is known for its Venetian harbour, narrow streets, and delicious food. The city has a rich history and culture, and its culinary scene reflects this. From traditional Cretan dishes to international flavours, Chania has something to offer everyone. With a myriad of dining options to choose from, we have curated a list of the 7 best restaurants in Chania that are sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving for more. So whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious traveller, Chania offers an array of dining experiences that can satisfy every palate. From bustling tavernas serving traditional meze to chic eateries offering contemporary Greek cuisine, each restaurant tells a unique story through its food. In this guide, we'll explore the 7 best restaurants in Chania: Barraki, To Monastiri Tou Karolou, Well of the Turk, Chalkina, Prassein Aloga, 63 Mezedoscholeion, and Xilouris (Ta Neoria).
Balos Beach Guide: Turquoise Waters in Crete
Balos Beach is one of the most gorgeous beaches in Crete. Famous for its turquoise waters, Balos beach is considered one of the most iconic sights in Greece. Balos Beach is actually a lagoon located on the northwestern side of Chania on the island of Crete, in the region of Kissamos. One of the most photographed beaches in all of Crete, Balos Beach really exudes a unique beauty. Besides its scenic view, Balos beach and its surrounding area are home to several plants and flowers. Many of these natural wonders are endemic to the area. There are plenty of interesting birds to watch for in the area, such as the Eleonora falcons and bearded vultures. The whole region is a protected Natura 2000 area. Balos beach has shallow waters ideal for small children. The sand is mostly soft and the bottom part of the beach is quite muddy, which sometimes produces an unpleasant smell, especially at low tide. The beach sits at the bottom of the Platiskinos Mountains. Balos beach is protected on the far side by a rocky reef, which is why the water is always calm. Despite its remoteness, visitors cannot resist the charm of Balos Beach. Balos beach has a mild,mid with dry, hot summer. Its warmest month has an average temperature of more than 22 degrees Celsius. During those months, Balos beach water temperature does not drop below 20 °C, and is suitable for nice swimming.
Plakias Beach: Breathtaking Beach in Crete
Plakias beach is 32 kilometres (22 miles) from the south of Rethymno town. Hotels are found near the beach. The beach is a known peaceful holiday spot that has a lovely town. The beach is perfect for swimming and snorkelling because of its clear waters. There are different tours including Plakias beach. There are scenic mountains that are available for a full day, including historical highlights. Stop points are St. Anthony Gorge (Gorge of Patsos), Kourtaliotiko Gorge, Spili botanical garden, and the gorgeous Plakias Beach. It is the least visited region of Crete, it is a great place to have quiet and peace after travel. There is an option to take a tour for a private escape to the south of Rethymno. There are 2 hours of hiking in the region of Plakias perfect for adventurous individuals that are game to walk under the Cretan sun to explore the not-so-crowded part of the island. Pass through the Libyan sea and choose the beach to dive in the blue waters.
Falassarna Beach: An Amazing Exotic Beach in Crete!
Falassarna Beach is a beautiful coastline in Crete's northwestern shore, 59 kilometres (36.6 miles) west of Chania city and 17 kilometers 17 kilometres (10.5 miles) west of Kissamos town. It is widely recognized as one of Crete’s best beaches and consistently ranks among the top 10 in Europe.
Elafonissi Beach: All you need to know by Locals!
Elafonissi Beach is a stunning beach located on the Southwest coast of Crete, in the region of Chania prefecture. It is about 75 km (47 miles) from Chania. Elafonissi Beach is a sandy white beach with immaculate clear waters. It has been voted several times as one of the best beaches in the world. What makes Elafonissi stand out among the beaches of Crete is its gorgeous pink sand. Most parts are pinkish, but in other areas the sand is white. The area surrounding Elafonissi beach is among the Natura 2000 protected areas. Elafonissi beach is home to numerous endemic plants and endangered animals, including the loggerhead sea turtles. The loggerhead sea turtles would visit the beach to lay their eggs every year. Elafonissi Beach has a charm that tourists cannot resist. Like the rest of Crete, the climate in Elafonissi is always warm and ideal for a day spent at the beach. There are basic amenities on the beach, perfect enough to have a comfortable stay. There are bars that sell refreshments and a single taverna that serves snacks. Tall buildings will be nowhere in sight near Elafonissi Beach. There are several villas and hotels to stay in near Elafonissi Beach. However, there are no luxurious hotels or resorts available in the area. Only the basics are available, like mini-markets and restaurants.
Krios Beach: A fine golden sand Beach in South-West Crete!
Krios Beach is located on the island of Crete, Greece, 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) west of Paleochora and 90 kilometers (55.9 miles) south of Chania. Krios Beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like snorkeling and scuba diving. Crete's Mediterranean climate features mild winters and warm summers, making it ideal for beach activities. The island's geography is marked by rugged peaks, a rocky coastline, and golden beaches, providing a beautiful and varied landscape for visitors to enjoy.
Tympaki Beach: Breathtaking Beach in Crete
Tympaki Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Crete, Greece. Tympaki Beach is known for its clear water matched with its golden sand. The area is described to be well-maintained and very clean, mainly because of its preservation rules imposed by the government. The beach has received a Blue Flag Certification due to how clean the area that is commended by both tourists and experts. The climate in Tympaki Beach is Mediterranean, which means it has a warm temperature and sufficient sunshine throughout the whole 12 months. The temperature from June to September is around 30 degrees Celsius and the place encounters a small amount of rainfall. On the other hand, the temperature becomes 10 to 15 degrees Celsius during the spring and fall. The geography of Tympaki Beach is known for its natural beauty, with dense greenery and cliffs encircling the beach.
Karoumes Beach: Breathtaking Beach in Crete
Karoumes Beach ranks 207th out of 477 beaches in the island of Crete. The beach of Karoumes is established at the exit of the majestic gorge of Chochlakies, which is part of the E4 trail. Karoumes Beach is approximately 100 km east of Agios Nikolaos, 30 km east of Sitia, and some 10 km south of Palekastro. It is only accessible via private boat or through hiking at the Chochlakies gorge. The trail to the canyon starts about 1 km east of the Chochlakies village. The lovely gorge is 3.5 km long and crossing it takes about an hour and a half. The beach is entirely unorganised. There are no amenities available at the beach, only nature at its finest. The beach is not frequented by many people because it is in a secluded area. Karoumes beach has a sandy grey and pebble cover. However, the site is clean and peaceful. The entrance to its clear water is gentle, the bottom is comfortable. There are usually no strong waves during the season. However, the beach does not have a wave-protected swimming area.
