Vacation for gods

As the largest Greek island, Crete has been in high demand since the time of Zeus

Crete has countless beautiful bays and beaches ranging from coarse gravel to fine sand. The most beautiful ones are of course also the most popular and therefore well frequented, especially in the high season in July and August. We therefore recommend a visit to Elafonisi on the west coast, which has an almost Caribbean feel, especially in the low season or in the late afternoon. The beach of Kedrodasos is still almost an insider tip, although it is located directly in the neighboring bay to the south. "The reason for this is its difficult accessibility - a ten-minute walk is required. The path to Bàlos in the far north-west of the island is even more difficult. But the trip over a nine-kilometre gravel road and the subsequent descent down rocky steps is worth it - the beach is simply gorgeous. If you want, you can also get here more comfortably by bathing boat from Kissamos.

Vai lies to the far east. It is the only palm-lined beach in Crete. Also far to the east and hidden behind high mountains is the beautiful bay of Xerokampos. Here, Crete seems almost undiscovered and as simple as it did in the 1980s. The sea glistens turquoise, small bays with fine sandy beaches are lined up one after the other, there are a few typical tavernas and only a few studios and apartments. Beautiful and uncrowded beaches can also often be found on the south coast. Good tips include Agios Pavlos, Triapetra and the secluded bay of Sougia. The long beach of Georgioupolis on the north coast is particularly popular with families.

Crete's cities

Heraklion may be the island's capital and largest city at the same time, but Crete certainly has more beautiful cities, even if there are nice, charming corners in Heraklion. Chania and Rethymnon compete for the honor of the most beautiful city. But Chania, the second largest city on the island, probably has the most flair. Around the Venetian harbor, the picturesque old town with its narrow streets, Venetian and Turkish buildings, restaurants, tavernas and stores invites you to stroll around. Much of the old building fabric has been beautifully restored in recent years. But Rethymnon's picturesque harbor, the winding old town and the long promenade, which is perfect for a stroll, are also well worth a visit.

Crete culinary

Olive oil and wine are two of the island's outstanding products. So it's no coincidence that the winemakers from the Manousakis winery - which can be visited and tasted - also run one of the island's best restaurants. Salis is located directly behind the old port of Chania. It serves a modern interpretation of Cretan cuisine made from the best regional produce.



The Diamantakis winery, whose white wines from the indigenous Assyrtiko and Vidiano grape varieties are currently winning numerous awards, has also come to the fore in recent years. Both white and red - a tip is the red Kotsifali - can be bought almost sight unseen from Michalakis, whose wines are often on special offer in local supermarkets. The Lyrarakis winery is still one of our favorites. It's also easy to reach from Heraklion and has a lovely tasting room.
tasting room.

The standard wines from this winery are also often served in tavernas with high standards and ambitions, such as Psaropoula in Koutsounari on Long Beach on the south coast. The neighboring Pelagos Seaside Restaurant also has excellent cuisine. One of the most beautiful beach tavernas is also located on Long Beach: Alatsi is right on the beach.

Some very good restaurants can be found in Elounda and in neighboring Plaka. No wonder, as Elounda has the highest density of luxury hotels on Crete. The Ferryman, where chef Giannis Baxevanis serves traditional dishes with a twist, is a great place to dine right by the sea. More classic Cretan cuisine of a high standard can be enjoyed at Taverna Onisimos in Heraklion. A good tip for fish and seafood in Rethymnon is the Avli in a 17th century manor house. Herbs are also a culinary theme on Crete. A large selection can be found in Iannis Iannoutsos' "Botano" store in Kouses, a sleepy village in the south between Matala and Mires.

Island excursions

Just a few kilometers from Ierapetra, the southernmost city in Europe, lies Chrissi Island off the south coast. The protected island boasts crystal-clear water, Caribbean-style beaches and the only cedar forest in Europe.
Ferries cross over daily from Ierapetra during the season or you can book an island excursion with one of the small providers such as Bateau Crete. The paradisiacal island of Gavdos also lies off the south coast of Crete and Cape Tripiti is the southernmost point in Europe. The island is located further to the west, opposite Chora Sfakion, from where you can also make the crossing. Other boats leave from Paleochora. With only 152 inhabitants, Gavdos has a very special atmosphere - as well as beautiful beaches, where some visitors still spend the night in their sleeping bags.



Boats depart from Agios Nikolaos and Plaka to the island of Spinalonga in the Gulf of Spinalonga. The Venetians once built a mighty fortress on the small, uninhabited island. Its massive walls still rise up from the rocks today. The Ottomans later took over the castle and after Greek independence, Europe's last leper colony was located here until 1957. A visit to the island can easily be combined with a meal in one of the tavernas in Plaka, located right on the waterfront.