Handsome Crete, reveal your secrets to us
A compact guide for those who are going to relax on a Greek island
Experienced "walkers" in foreign countries have already had the opportunity to make sure that the colorful pictures of the catalog in a travel agency do not always coincide with the realities on the ground. Today, the subject of our "dissection" is the largest Greek island of Crete, washed by the azure, turquoise, aquamarine and emerald waters of the trio of seas: the Libyan, Ionian and Aegean. The territory, undoubtedly, a picturesque piece of land, peacefully swaying on the waters of the Mediterranean Seas, is administratively divided into 4 nomes (as the districts are called here): Heraklion, Lassithi, Chania and Rethymnon.
Which one to choose for a vacation is a matter of wishes and expectations from a vacation
Mr. Heraklion - he is the head of everything. Transport accessibility is excellent: here you have the international airport Nikas Kazandakis, and the seaport, where ferries from Athens regularly arrive, and all the benefits of the capital's infrastructure, and a galaxy of attractions from the heritage of the Minoan civilization to Venetian pomposity. From the sea harbor of Heraklion you can go on a delightful voyage to the mysterious volcanic island of Santorini, and in the bins of the KTEL bus station there are routes to anywhere on the island. The most popular resorts nearby are reckless Malia, dizzying Hersonissos, quiet and unhurried "kids" Analipsi, Anissaras, Kokkini Hani, Stalida, and even the famous hippie haven of the village of Matala. The range of prices for accommodation has swung in a wide range, fashionable 5 * hotel complexes will cost a lot, democratic 2-3 *, if they do not boast of gloss, then they will definitely offer shelter, bed and table.
Somewhat remote from the center and in some places reminiscent of the Italian Venice of Chania. This nome has its own international airport in Chania and its own small seaport. Leading resorts: Platanias, Kissamos, Stavros, the villages of Sougia and Kolymbari. The region is famous for such natural curiosities as the charming uninhabited island of Gramvousa, the fortress of Agioi Theodori, Balos Bay.
You can admire the architectural creations of stone architecture in the ancient city of Lissos or in the ancient settlement of Polyrinia. In general, holidays on the western coast of Crete can be described as secluded, measured and unhurried.
The romantic, slightly sentimental and timid soul of the island is the resort of Rethymnon. This corner of the subtropical paradise has long been firmly chosen by the bohemian audience. There are no key transport hubs in the village; you will have to get from Heraklion or Chania. In a town with narrow, intricate streets, you can always find a cozy place to drink a glass of cold frappe coffee with thick creamy foam and admire the surrounding landscapes.
In the collection of attractions, you should not pass by the Fortezza fortress, the Rimondi fountain, the mosque of Sultan Ibrahim. Among the resort settlements in high esteem among tourists: the villages of Bali and Skaleta, the villages of Agia Galini and Plakias.
A host of ancient ruins, the infamous island of Spinalonga, the luxurious luxury resort of Elounda, the breathtakingly beautiful city of Agios Nikolaos - all these are touches to the porter of the Lassisti nome.
Geolocation - a duet of the territories of the northern and eastern coasts of Crete. The village of Sitia has a ferry pier, a marina and even a small civilian airport, Vitsendzos Kornaros. In addition to Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and Sitia, travelers like to stay in the settlements of Yerapetra, Myrtos, Sissi, Plaka and Kroustas.
Near the northern tip of the island is the dream of all beach gourmets - the Bali reserve with a huge plantation of sprawling palm trees, turquoise blue sea and a coast with rich yellow velvety sand.
An honest verdict about Crete can be summed up in a few lines of advice:
- there are not many beaches on the island with a normal entrance to the sea, stone boulders of all stripes and calibers are hidden under water here and there, you still have to look for a suitable beach area for a vacation with kids;
- there is nothing to do in Crete if tourists are not going to rent a car, the bottom line will be lazy “lying seals” on the shore, and this corner of the planet must be studied, surprised and taken home with a sea of bright impressions;
- there are no problems with food on the island, in any tavern they will feed you at home and will not charge fabulous money for it, a nice bonus is a compliment from the owners in the form of a fruit basket, dessert, a glass of homemade wine or a glass of raki;
- before the trip, you must definitely study the information about the resort of stay: transport, infrastructure, excursions, beaches, opportunities, so as not to face disappointments;
- shopping in Crete is pleasant, many-sided and affordable, fur products and fine jewelry, clothes and shoes from famous brands and olive oil, spicy strong drink "Metaxa" and wonderful cosmetics, no one leaves home without gifts;
- trying to achieve something from the Greeks during the siesta of the hot season is useless and tactless by local standards, they will rest, sleep in the cool and return to their duties;
- the islanders, like all Greeks, take care of religion, keep temples and monasteries clean and do not tolerate barbarism on the part of travelers in relation to holy monasteries.
Holidays in Crete can be safely called good luck in the tourist destiny, if travelers are ready to accept the rules of the natives and follow them with respect.