Crete, an island full of beautiful places to discover
Crete is one of the most visited Greek islands. The Greek Crete is a stronghold of lovely places, hidden beaches, large tourist resorts, remote villages, and picturesque harbours. If you are looking for a holiday in the sun that involves more than just lying on the water, the island is the ideal destination. With an area of 8300 km², Crete is the largest of the Greek islands. It is located in the Aegean Sea, about 100 kilometres from the Greek mainland. It is clear that you are experiencing a holiday by the sea in Crete. With a coastline of over 1000 km, the beach is never far away. Holiday homes in Crete can be found in each of the four provinces. Whether you rent a holiday home in Lassithi, Heraklion, Rethymnon or Chania, you are always sure of an overwhelming nature, picturesque villages, a cultural wealth and a sunny climate in the summer months. A holiday home in Crete with private pool is the perfect starting point if you are travelling with children. Excursions can be alternated with relaxing days in the comfort of your own villa.
A full holiday in Crete, the most beautiful places
The fishing village of Agia Galini with its typical white houses on the mountainside is one of the most pleasant places in the south of Crete. Are you looking for a destination with a pleasant beach, cosy restaurants, and cute taverns? Then you should definitely consider this village.
In Anogia, handmade carpets steal the show. The village was visited during the Second World War by the German occupier, who rounded up all the men. As a result, the remaining women began to weave to provide for themselves. Today, the population of Anogia is mixed again, but the weaving mill has never disappeared. If you are looking for an authentic souvenir of your holiday in Crete to take home, a carpet from this village is a must.
The capital of Crete is Heraklion. A holiday home in Crete in this lively city is ideal, thanks to its central location and large airport. In Heraklion itself, you can find everything that is also present in other large cities, and even more. Shopping streets, terraces and squares, eateries and a market, but old Venetian ramparts and beautiful historic churches too. You will find Gouves 18 kilometres east of Heraklion. Gouves has many shops, where you can buy souvenirs and clothing. In addition, there are many restaurants and a number of bars and entertainment venues. Gouves also has a number of sandy beaches where you can sunbathe as well as practise various water sports, such as jet skiing and canoeing.
Another town in Crete worth a visit, is Rethymnon. Rethymnon has a long sandy beach, old town and cosy boulevard. From the typical Venetian harbour, you can make boat trips to Santorini and the Akrotiri peninsula.
If you are going to Crete to capture everything on camera, then you probably known Preveli. This beautiful region has a unique palm beach, offering a magnificent setting for every photographer who loves nature photos and landscapes. For a honeymoon, Preveli is a destination of which the memories will last for a long time to come.
Looking for a holiday home in Crete, travelling with friends? Hersonissos is the place to be for young people who want to go out, sunbathe and shop. In the summer, it is very busy here, but that contributes to the friendly atmosphere and the nightlife. After a wonderful party at night, you can relax during the day on the popular Star beach. In Hersonissos, you can undertake many activities and excursions. So you can visit an acqua park and enjoy a boat trip. Belvilla offers enough holiday homes for groups of friends. In addition to the usual holiday homes for 4 or 6 people, you can also rent a holiday home for 8, 10 or more people. For a group holiday, a holiday home with private pool is also highly recommended!
The seaside resort of Agia Pelagia is also one of the attractions of Crete. Agia Pelagia is built against a mountain wall 20 kilometres from Heraklion, and is located in a fairytale bay. In addition to beautiful beaches and cosy shopping streets, you can also go there for a bite to eat and a beautiful sunset.
The friendly village of Mirtos is a good alternative if you want to escape the crowded mass tourism. The inhabitants of Mirtos are very hospitable, and it has a positive influence on the good atmosphere in the village. In Mirtos, you will find several restaurants with cosy terraces. There are also some nice shops in the village.
The picturesque Chania is one of the oldest cities in Crete. You will find both remnants of Venetian and Turkish influences throughout the city in the form of houses and monuments. Narrow streets and small shops make the city a very pleasant destination. In the evening, dining along the harbor provides pure romance. Chania is a city in Crete that couples will certainly appreciate. 76 kilometres south-west of Chania, lies the beach Elafonisi. This beach is one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Crete and Greece. Elafonisi has azure blue seawater, beautiful white sand and several islands.
The most famous city of Crete is Knossos. This old town flourished during the Minoan era, and there are still silent witnesses to this today. There are several remains of the great palace of King Minos, and the villas, the large jars, the tombs and the theatre that you can visit in Knossos. If you want to taste Greek culture, you should definitely visit this unique city.