Crete is the first largest Greek island in the Mediterranean. There are several large resorts here, many places for secluded recreation. Tourists and independent travelers are advised to explore the areas of Crete – their location, attractions, base of hotels and inns. This way you can make the most of your vacation.
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How to choose a holiday area
The total area of the island is 8261 km². Most of its large territory is occupied by mountains and gorges. But there are flat areas in Crete. Agriculture, production of wine and cheese are developed here. These regions of the island are not touristic, although fact-finding tours are held from time to time. The main tourist areas of Crete are located on the coast. Therefore, the island is unofficially divided into 3 regions – Western (Lefka Ori), Central (Knoss) and Eastern (Agios Nikolaos).
Officially, the island is divided into 4 regions, the capitals of which are the cities of Chania, Heraklion, Lassithi, Rethymnon. They are subordinate to Heraklion. Next to it is the central international airport. There is an additional one in the suburbs of Chania, which also accepts regular and charter flights with tourists.
About the tourist areas of Crete, description of the main areas:
- West. Here are the highest mountains of the island – Lefka Ori. There are many forests and trees in this part, many nature reserves and lakes. Tourists can visit the deepest gorge – Samaria. Excursion routes are often organized in this area.
- Central. The administrative center is the capital of the island of Heraklion. The tourist infrastructure is average, there are many economic, agricultural and industrial facilities. You can visit historical and natural attractions – the Dikti and Ida mountains, the Messara plain.
- Oriental. The main tourist sites, hotels and hotels are located on the coast. Inland, the area is arid, with few towns and cities. On the map of Crete, you can see that there is a large mountain range called Tripti. Tourists prefer to go to Agios Nikolaos.
An additional factor in choosing areas of Crete is the study of reviews of vacationers, photos. The infrastructure of the island is developing relatively quickly; in a few years, several large hotels and amusement parks can be built in a certain area.
[su_ note]Important : when choosing areas of Crete, you need to calculate the distance and travel time from the international airport terminal. Sometimes the travel time to the hotel can take 2-3 hours.[/su_note]Chania
This is the most remote region of the island. Most of the infrastructure is located on the coast. Feature – beautiful and comfortable beaches, relatively many attractions. The distance from Chania to Heraklion Airport is 143 km. it will be difficult to get by bus, it is recommended to order a taxi or a transfer. For recreation choose hotels on the first line. Due to the remoteness, the cost of booking a room here is 3-5% lower compared to other areas of Crete.
You can order an apartment or a villa in the city of Chania. This is a small resort village where Italian architecture is harmoniously combined with classic Greek houses. For evening walks, you can go to the local promenade. There is also a city beach.
Description of Chania:
- Many small and quiet family resorts. An example is Stavros, Agi Marina. For outdoor activities, tourists go to Platanias. There are nightclubs and discos here. You can go diving, water sports, underwater fishing.
- The beaches are sandy, the entry into the water is gentle. This is convenient for family vacationers who come to Greece with children. Beach with developed infrastructure – Elafonisi. On its territory there are changing cabins, showers, rent of umbrellas and sunbeds – from 5 Euros.
- A local attraction is the Balos lagoon. Three seas meet here – the Ionian, the Libyan and the Aegean. The sand on the beach is white, there are no stones.
Local attractions are the Samaria Gorge, the Venetian fortress of Frangokastello, the remains of an old fortress on the island of Gramvousa. You can visit them during excursions. However, this area of Crete has a drawback – trains to other historical and natural attractions of the island will take a long time.
[su_ note]Interesting : winemaking is developed in the Chania region. There are many private and large distilleries, vineyards are growing. Here you can sign up for a tasting of local wines.[/su_note]Heraklion
It is the official and business capital of Crete. This is the only region on the island where many city hotels are located. It is also convenient to plan shopping, business trips. But a convenient infrastructure has been created for tourists, there are historical and modern sights. The disadvantage is that there are few convenient beaches in the city. For a beach holiday, it is recommended to drive to the bays of this area of Crete, which are located at a distance of 5-25 km.
In Heraklion, they prefer to plan active holidays. There are many nightclubs in the capital, concerts, competitions and festivals are held periodically. For a more relaxing holiday, you can book a hotel room in the Amoudara area. In the reviews of tourists they write that it is relatively calm here, convenient bus service to the city center. The distance to the center is 8 km.
Description of Heraklion, the capital of Crete:
- Beaches. Most of it is located outside the city limits. For a beach holiday, you can go to the resort of Amoudara, Kokkini, Gouves or Hersonissos. You can get there by bus, ordering a taxi or renting a car.
- Beaches. Reinforced concrete slabs are installed on the city, which is not convenient for everyone. In the suburbs, in small bays and bays, there are several sandy beaches. For a family holiday, it is recommended to go to Malata. There is an equipped beach, you can rent umbrellas, sun loungers.
- Near the airport are the small resorts of Gouves and Kokkini. A large water park is built 5 km from them. A convenient area of Crete for a relaxing, family holiday.
- Hersonissos is a center of active entertainment, there are many bars, restaurants, nightclubs. The streets are noisy at night. Advantage – for outdoor enthusiasts there is a diving center, you can go karting. The disadvantage of the resort is that there are few beaches. They are full during the season.
Family hotels and hotels have been built in the Stalis area of Crete, which is 15 km from Heraklion. The peculiarity of this area is comfortable sandy beaches. In the reviews of tourists there are many photos taken against the backdrop of sunset. There is a large archaeological center here. You can book a tour or visit it on your own. The village of El Greco has many souvenir shops. Most of the souvenirs are locally produced.
[su_ note]Important : strong winds often blow in this area of the island in summer. This can create uncomfortable conditions for a beach holiday in open areas. An alternative is a trip to Lake Zaros.[/su_note]Rethymno
This area of Crete is located between Chania and Heraklion. It is the second largest resort on the island. Feature – a large city beach. This makes it possible to combine a beach holiday with active entertainment. The infrastructure of the resort is large, there are many nightclubs in the city center, but further to the suburbs there are calm regions. Additionally, tourists can visit local attractions – Lake Kournas, an ancient fortress, Bali resort.
For evening walks, you can go to the large city embankment. The city has a network of water channels, you can order a boat tour. Accommodation options – booking a room in a city hotel or a hotel on the first beach line, renting an apartment or villa. However, the cost of living in the center of this area of Crete is higher than in other areas.
Useful information about Rethymno for tourists:
- Resort Bali. Popular place for families. Located in the highlands of the island, the beaches are located in four bays that adjoin the city. The coating is sandy, there are sunbeds, umbrellas, cabanas. Good transport interchange. A network of amusement parks has been created for children. Reviews of tourists are good, a lot of beautiful photos from the beach and the city.
- Resort Panormo. There are not as many tourists here as in Bali. But the beaches are not inferior in terms of arrangement. Feature – there is a network of taverns where you can try dishes of the national Cretan cuisine. Including seafood.
- The areas of Platanas and Adele. These are quiet, family resorts with good sandy beaches. But on some, the entry into the sea is relatively deep. In the beach area there are taverns, cafes serving Greek cuisine.
- A truly Greek resort is located in the village of Agia Galini. There are few tourists here, but all conditions for a beach holiday are created. The locals are friendly, friendly to the guests of the resort, tourists and independent travelers.
Vacationers in this area of Crete are recommended to visit Georgioupolis beach. It is located between Rethymno and Panormo. Its peculiarity is golden sand, calm sea, few tourists. On its territory there are equipped areas and wild beaches. Cafes and restaurants are located next to the first ones.
[su_ note]Tip : by signing up for an excursion, you can visit local attractions – the monasteries of Arcadia, Monis Preveli. You can go to the Argioupoli waterfall.[/su_note]Malia
Resort Malia is a center of active, youth recreation. The area of Crete is located 35 km from the capital of the island of Heraklion. The central part is very noisy. There are many nightclubs, entertainment centers, discos. The fun continues until morning. Therefore, before booking a hotel or hotel, you need to know the exact location. Otherwise, the night noise in this area of Crete will interfere with your rest.
However, there are also quiet areas in the resort of Malia. They are located in the suburbs with convenient transport links. You can get to Heraklion by bus, routes to popular beach areas have been created. There is a local taxi service. You can order a car by phone or through the application.
Description of the Cretan resort of Malia:
- The cost of living in hotels on the first beach line is from 50 euros for a double room.
- You can rent a villa or rent an apartment. Some have a small kitchen.
- Nearby are the tourist village of Stalida. It is convenient for a relaxing, family vacation.
- A popular beach is located in the village of Stalida. It is always clean, there are umbrellas, sunbeds. The beach area has been awarded the Blue Flag and is the cleanest on the island.
- You can go to Potamos beach. It is located in a convenient area of Crete, close to Malia. A road leads from it to the ruins of the castle. Entrance to this area is free.
Tourists and travelers can visit the ruins of Mali. They are located on the beach, next to the suburbs of the resort. It is recommended to book a tour. Russian-speaking guide will tell the history of this attraction, tell you where to get better photos.
[su_ note]Important : in this part of the island the weather changes quickly. The summer is dry, but due to the proximity of the mountains, it can rain quickly.[/su_note]Elounda
This small coastal village was a fishing village 15 years ago. But after the reconstruction, it became an elite area of Crete, in which many five-star hotels and hotels were built. Located in the Lassithi region, you can get here from Heraklion or Chania. The village is located next to a small bay with a convenient beach. It is protected from the wind by rocks. There is almost no wind here, there are many sunny days a year.
Features of the Elounda resort in Crete:
- The high cost of renting villas and apartments. Booking rooms in hotels – from 150 Euro and more.
- The beach is located near the village, the distance from the center to the beach area is 200 meters.
- There are two small water parks for children and adults, there are golf courses.
- A visit to the island of Spinalonga is recommended, where there are few vacationers on the beaches.
There are many entertainments in this area of Crete. You can order an excursion, boat trip, diving. The reviews write about hiking around the resort. The routes run through olive groves and vineyards.
The advantage of the areas of Crete is the relatively close location. you can always change your holiday destination or go for 2-3 days to another resort on the island. To do this, you need to study the bus schedule or order a transfer. The alternative is car rental.