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.
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, 32 km south of Rethymno in Crete, is a peaceful destination known for its crescent-shaped bay, clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere. It offers swimming, snorkeling, mountain tours, and cultural exploration. Visitors can enjoy hiking, diving in the Libyan Sea, and authentic Cretan meals by the seaside.
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.
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.
Car Rental Insurance Coverage in Crete: Things You Should Know Before You Get There
Insurance for a rented vehicle safeguards against financial loss in case of an accident or theft. Car rental companies usually offer a number of insurance alternatives from which to choose in the event that a renter is involved in a mishap, their leased vehicle is stolen, or it sustains damage. Personal accident insurance, collision damage waiver (CDW), full damage waiver, third-party insurance (TPI), theft waiver, fire protection (FPI), and tyre insurance are just some of the many insurance options that are made available to anyone who rents a car on the island of Crete. It is possible for coverage specifics and restrictions to shift over time due to the fact that every rental company and insurance policy is unique.
Venetian Fortezza Castle: History, Tour and Car Rental Guide
The Venetian Fortezza Castle is one of the wonderful tourist destinations in Greece. It is a Venetian stronghold, known as “Castrum Rethemi'' which means “old castle”, located on the hill of Paleokastro in the town of Rethymnon in Crete. The popular tourist destination, the Venetian Fortezza Castle, has undergone partial restoration and preservation as a cultural heritage monument. The walls, bastions, and structures of the castle are capable of being explored by guests. The castle holds cultural events including musical performances and theatrical productions along with exhibitions and art fairs. The Fortezza Castle is a remarkable historical artefact and a tribute to the Venetians' military prowess and architectural prowess.
Top 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Crete
Crete, the largest island in Greece, is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites that showcase the island's rich history and cultural heritage. Palace of Knossos, Palace of Phaistos, Palace of Malia, Palace of Kydonia, and Palace of Zakros are all Bronze Age Minoan palace complexes that offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives and cultures of the ancient Minoan civilization. These palaces feature stunning architectural design, intricate frescoes, and other artefacts that attest to the advanced nature of the Minoans. The gorge of Samaria, and the Spinalonga Fortress are included in the list of sites in Crete that are full of history. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Crete provide visitors with a unique opportunity to explore one of the world's earliest civilizations and to appreciate the contributions that such a remarkable culture made to human history. These top Unesco sites in Crete are witnesses to the impressive Minoan civilizations that left a tremendous impact on the life and culture of Crete.
Mount IDA (Psiloritis) Crete: History, Hiking, Tour and Car Rental Guide
Mount Ida, also known by many as Psiloritis, is the tallest mountain in Crete. It has a height of 2,456 meters or 8,058 feet in elevation. The mountain is situated in Greece’s Rethymno region. The mountains were considered divine in the early days of Minoans and Greek mythology. It was the home of the Goddess, where she hid her son from his monstrous husband. Nymphs and good demons were also situated in the mountain. They were entrusted by the Goddess to protect and care for her son. Moreover, in the modern-day, Mount Ida has become the most hiking place in Crete. Tourists love to conquer the height of the mountain and to see places with mythical stories. Also, the best vehicle to ride around the attractions of Mount Ida, while listening to the mythical stories and legends, is a car. It allows tourists to reach and explore all the attractions in Mount Ida.
Samaria Gorge: History, Tour and Car Rental Guide
Samaria Gorge is located in Southwest Crete in the regional unit of Chania. It was created by a tiny river running between the White Mountains and Mt. Volakias. The name Samaria was derived from the small church of Ossia Maria, built in 1379. The name “Samaria” is a contraction of Ossia and Maria. The village of Samaria was a centre of Cretan resistance during the Turkish Occupation and during the German Occupation. Samaria Gorge is the most famous gorge in Crete and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Samaria Gorge is home to over 450 species of plants and animals, thus making it a World Biosphere Reserve. It is 16 km long and its width is 150 m. Samaria National Park has been a Greek National Park since 1962. It has become a major tourist attraction since then. The 16 km walk along Samaria Gorge provides a majestic scenery which is claimed to be incomparable anywhere else on the island of Crete. The Samaria Gorge usually operates from the 1st of May until the 15th of October, depending on the weather. One can visit the Samaria Gorge on an organised tour or by public transportation. Hiking is also one popular activity in Samaria gorge. It is one of the interesting things to do while visiting the beautiful gorge.
Kotsifou Gorge: History, Trekking, Tour, and Car Rental guide
Kotsifou Gorge is a gorge on the southern side of the western part of the island of Crete. It is noted for the high number of Cretan endemic plant species that grow in the area. The road in Kotsifou Gorge runs through a narrow slit in the mountains. It is located west of the mountain of Kouroupa, north of the town of Plakias. It is on the road between Sellia and Angouseliana.
A Guide to Topolia Gorge: Hiking, Tour and Car Rental Guide
Topolia Gorge is located at the westernmost point of the Chania prefecture in the inland region of Kissamos. Topolia Gorge starts in the town of Topolia and ends up adjacent to the village of Koutsomatados, in a lush valley, after travelling around 1.5 metres. It takes roughly an hour to stroll the relatively easy distance down the gorge. Topolia Gorge is stunning and has a natural landscape, despite its short length. The canyon, which can be visited on the way to other nearby sights like the monastery of Panagia Chrysoskalitissa and the Elafonisi lagoon, is a great place for a quick adventure and is 45 kilometres from Chania city. Many visitors to western Crete remember the Topolia canyon not from hiking it, but rather from driving along the winding road that cuts through it. It is a lovely surprise to walk or drive through (and part of a mountain where a tunnel was dug to allow the road to continue). The Topolia Gorge has two points of entry. The first was in front of the bakery in the centre of the community. The second one is located just after the settlement at the main road’s bend. For a complete Crete experience, there are also adjacent tourist destinations to Topolia Gorge that are worth visiting.
A Guide to Sarakina Gorge: History, Map, Hiking, and Car Rental
The Sarakina Gorge has a length of 1.5 kilometres, and its width ranges from 3 to 10 metres. The borders of Sarakina Gorge reach a height of 150 kilometres. The narrow wall of the gorge makes the visit impressive. Krypotamis river flows all year in the gorge. The name Sarakina comes from the locals' faith. The locals believed that Saracenes used to hide there. The locals named the gorge Saranyapihos. Sarakina Meskla is a gorge in the village of Meskla, in Chania. The majestic rock formations are highly impressive and worth the time to visit. Tourists and visitors love the landscape that changes after the first 10-minute hike to boulders of limestones. It is an incredible sight and a true miracle of nature. The beautiful scenery of the gorge receives high ratings from tourists. The tourists enjoy its well-maintained trail with a perfect viewpoint at the top. The Sarakina Gorge is popular with its amazing rock formations and tranquil silence. It takes an average of 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete the trail with a moderate level of difficulty.
A Guide to Patsos Gorge: History, Map, Hiking, and Car Rental
In the region of Sivritos, the Patsos Gorge, which is commonly referred to as the St. Antonios Gorge, is found to the north of the settlement of Patsos. Patsos Gorge is located in the Rethymno region of Crete, about 37 kilometres southwest of the city of Rethymno. The gorge is located in the foothills of the White Mountains, and is part of the Patsos Natural Park. There are several trails that run through the gorge, ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous. The length of the gorge is around 5 kilometres, and it takes approximately two and a half hours to travel through it. It becomes a little challenging at some points in the process. Patsos gorge has a very lush and shaded ravine, and there is a tiny river that flows through it continually throughout the year. There are some breathtaking rocks, and right at the beginning is where visitors get to see the cave church of St. Antonio. Hiking is one of the main activities in Patsos Gorge, and there are several trails to choose from. The most popular trail is the one that leads to the Cave of Agios Antonios, which is located at the top of the gorge. The trail is about 3 kilometres long and takes about an hour to hike. Hikers are able to see stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and lush vegetation along the way. Patsos Gorge is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Crete. One way to reach the gorgeous gorge is by renting a private car through several car rental companies in Crete. The drive from Rethymno to Patsos Gorge takes about 45 minutes, and the roads are well-maintained.
