CRETE

TRAVEL GUIDES TO CRETE ISLAND

• Heraklion

  Note: Heraklion is not an island but a region of Crete island. The region of Heraklion on Crete island has lively beaches on the northern side and secluded, family places on the southern side. In between, visitors will drive by mountainous villages that keep the traditional paces of life and interesting ancient sites, including the world-famous Minoan palaces of Knossos and Phaestos.
  Why Heraklion: Popular destination, family friendly, luxury hotels, party destination, archaeological sites, nightlife, great gastronomy, nice beaches.
  Highlights: Knossos palace, Phaestos palace, Matala beach, Agiofaraggo beach, Malia beach.
  Tips: Suggested stay: 5 nights. Car is strongly recommended. From Heraklion you can continue your trip to Rethymno and Lassithi.
  Where is Heraklion: Heraklion is a region of Crete and Heraklion town is the capital of the island.
  How to get there: There are frequent Ferries from Athens (Piraeus) everyday. Heraklion has also an International Airport and can be reached by plane. Furthermore, there are connections to other major towns of Crete by bus.

• Chania

  Note: Chania is not an island but a region of Crete island. The westernmost region of Crete island, Chania amazes visitors with the Venetian-style Town, the beautiful beaches, the interesting sightseeing and the lovely nature. Do not miss the Venetian port of Chania Town and the trips to Balos beach and Elafonissi beach, two beaches with exotic crystal water.
  Why Chania: Picturesque town, architecture, family friendly destination, romantic destination, luxury hotels, exotic beaches, amazing landscapes, great gastronomy.
  Highlights: Elafonissi beach, Chania old town, Ballos beach, Falassarna beach, Sfakia village, Fragocastello fortress, Samaria Gorge.
  Tips: Suggested stay: a week, car is strongly recommended. From Chania you can continue your trip or make a visit to Rethymno.
  Where is Chania: Chania is a region of western Crete.
  How to get there: There are frequent Ferries from Athens (Piraeus) everyday. Chania has also an International Airport and can be reached by plane. Furthermore there are connections to other major towns of Crete by bus.

• Rethymno

  Note: Rethymno is not an island but a region of Crete island. Located between the busy regions of Heraklion and Chania, Rethymno on Crete island keeps its calm paces even in high season. Visitors will love the Venetian style of Rethymnon Town, the traditional inland villages, like Anogia and Spili, and the lovely beaches, ideal for long relaxing days under the sun.
  Why Rethymno: Picturesque town, architecture, family friendly destination, romantic destination, beautiful beaches, great gastronomy.
  Highlights: Old town of Rethymno, Preveli beach, Arkadi Monastery, Agia Galini beach, Fortezza fortress.
  Tips: Suggested stay: 5 nights. Car strongly recommended. You can continue your trip to Chania or Heraklion.
  Where is Rethymno: Rethymno is a region of Crete, between Chania and Heraklion.
  How to get there: There are no direct ferries to Rethymno. So, you can travel to Rethymno through the Ports and International Airports of Heraklion and Chania and make a bus/taxi/car connection to Rethymno. Ferries and flights are very frequent to Chania and Heraklion.

• Lassithi

  Note: Lassithi is not an island but a region of Crete island. Outside the busy resort of Elounda, the prefecture of Lassithi on Crete island gives a true and deep sight in the traditional Cretan life. A drive around will bring you to amazing beaches, interesting monasteries and seaside villages. Even in high season, Lassithi remains the secludest region of Crete.
  Why Lassithi: Family friendly, luxury hotels, great gastronomy, nice beaches, remote places, calm atmosphere, beautiful landscapes.
  Highlights: Vai palm beach, Spinalonga islet, Ha gorges, Ierapetra village, Agios Nikolaos town.
  Tips: Suggested stay: 4 nights. Car is recommended. You can continue your trip to Heraklion.
  Where is Lassithi: Lassithi is a region of Crete. It is in the Eastern side of Crete and can be easily reached through Heraklion.
  How to get there: Although Lassithi has two ports (Agios Nikolaos and Sitia), the best way to travel to Lassithi is through the port and International Airport of Heraklion. Heraklion has frequent Ferries from Athens (Piraeus) everyday and receives many flights. There are bus and taxi connections from Heraklion to Lassithi.