Cyprus (Carpathian) Sea. Eastern Crete. Heraklion (Crete) The island of Crete is washed by three seas

It is located in the eastern part of its basin. The island divides the expanses of water with a long and narrow strip, forming the Cretan Sea in the northern part, and the Libyan Sea in the southern part. From the west the island is washed by the Ionian Sea. Thus, Crete is washed by three seas.

Sometimes called part of the Aegean, but most geographers separate it. In the north, the sea is limited by the Cyclades islands, in the west by the eastern coast of the Peloponnese and mainland Greece, in the east by Rhodes and the shores of Turkey. And in the south it is separated from the rest of the Mediterranean Sea by a long strip of the island of Crete.

The Cretan Sea is the warmest in Greece. The water temperature off the northern shores of the island reaches 26 degrees in the summer months. The coast of this sea of ​​Crete is flat, mostly sandy, the water is very clean and clear, so tourists prefer to relax in the north of the island. Most of the beaches of the Cretan Sea are proudly decorated with the Blue Flag due to their ideal cleanliness.

The Cretan Sea also has its drawbacks. It is quite unpredictable even in summer: after a long calm, a north wind can suddenly arise, driving up strong waves. But the sea calms down just as quickly as it gets rough. Therefore, it will not spoil your vacation, but will only add variety.

washes the western tip of the island. It is a large, deep sea without many islands. The Ionian Sea is slightly colder than the Cretan Sea - in August it heats up to 25 degrees. Only those tourists who choose Chania as their holiday destination and go to the westernmost point of Crete can swim in its waters. Here is Balos Bay, the confluence of the three seas of Crete: the Cretan, Ionian and Libyan. Water of different shades mixes along the sandy shores of the bay, forming a beautiful picture.

not on modern maps. This is the old name for that part of the Mediterranean basin that lies between Crete and North Africa. However, in the tourism industry this name is often found, and in the list of seas of the island of Crete it is indicated.

The Libyan Sea washes the southern shores of Crete, and it can be assumed that the water there is warmer than that off the northern coast of the island. In fact, the opposite is true - the Libyan Sea is a couple of degrees colder, at least off the coast of Crete. Scientists explain this fact by the fact that cold springs flowing into the sea off the coast of the island, originating in the mountains of Crete.

The Libyan Sea in Crete is a calm sea; there is complete calm here for almost the entire summer: the mountains of Crete protect the southern coast of the island from the northern winds that agitate the waters of the Cretan Sea. The beaches of the Libyan Sea are mostly pebble, but there are also sandy coasts. The shores of the northern part of Crete are more rocky and wild, less populated, making them look more picturesque. They are heavily indented with capes, bays, and ledges, so it is often difficult to get to the desired beach. Several beaches of the Libyan Sea are covered with black sand.

The island of Crete is one of the largest islands in Greece, stretching from west to east, the length of Crete is two hundred and twenty kilometers. The southern shores of Crete are steep and rocky, while the northern shores, on the contrary, are flat and sandy.

The resort is famous for its beaches, as well as picturesque mountains and lush vegetation. The average height of the mountains located on the island of Crete reaches two thousand four hundred meters and has about three thousand diverse caves. According to ancient Greek legend, Zeus was born in one of these caves.

Crete is famous for its gorges and fertile plains. Without exaggeration, the beaches of Crete can be called not only a landmark of Greece, but also of the entire Mediterranean.

Diversity of the sea

The island is washed by the Ionian Sea from the western part. It is the western part of this island that has the most picturesque nature, although there are practically no attractions here. On a sunny day, you can count from twelve to seventeen shades of sea green. Here you can find both shallow beaches, most suitable for families with children, and the azure sea. But most of all, what attracts tourists to the coast are the pink sand beaches.

The Cretan or Aegean Sea washes the island on the north side. There is an opinion among tourists that it is only a couple of degrees warmer than Libya. The northern part of the island is most popular among tourists due to its sandy beaches with convenient access to the water.

Despite all its advantages, from sandy beaches to clear water, the Cretan Sea is very unpredictable. A holiday on the coast may please some with warm and sunny weather, as well as calm throughout the entire holiday, but other tourists may not be so lucky - high waves that arise due to strong northern winds can ruin the whole impression of the trip.

The coast, washed by the waves of the Libyan Sea, is most popular among lovers of a relaxing beach holiday. The fact that the water temperature in it is somewhat lower is explained by the fact that a large number of cold mountain springs flow into it. The coast of the Libyan Sea cannot boast of a large number of long beaches, however, it is all indented with small and cozy coves, which are covered on all sides by steep cliffs.

It is quite difficult to travel by car; often you can only go down along barely noticeable footpaths. It is this part of the island of Crete in Greece that “wild” tourists have chosen for their vacation. In the sea itself you can find natural slabs, so you should be extremely careful when entering the sea.

Another feature is the almost complete absence of sandy beaches. Most often on the Libyan coast there are either pebble or black sand beaches. True, the probability of excitement in the summer season is practically zero. This is due to the fact that the south of the island is reliably protected from the northern winds by a mountain range.

To summarize, we can say that the Libyan Sea is most suitable for a romantic and extreme holiday, the Cretan Sea is ideal for relaxation of all categories of tourists, and the Ionian Sea most suitable for married couples, with small children.

Ideal time to relax

The climate of Crete is very close to the climate of Sochi. Therefore, the best time to relax here is from May to November. Conventionally, the seasons for holidays on the island of Crete are divided:

Beach season– starts from the end of May and lasts until the beginning of September. For those who cannot stand the heat well, but still want to plunge into the gentle waves of the sea, it is best to choose the end of May - beginning of June for a holiday. During this period, the water in the sea warms up to +20-+23°C, and the sun is not too active. Nature at the end of May - beginning of June pleases with the freshness of its colors, and the air is not yet hot. Starting from the middle - end of June, the air temperature rises noticeably, the water in the sea also warms up to +28 - +29°C.

The Velvet season– follows immediately after the beach season. It usually begins in early September and lasts until the end of October - beginning of November. During this period, the air temperature begins to slowly but steadily decrease, and the sea also quietly cools down. It is during this period that the outflow of tourists from the island of Crete begins, the cost of hotel rooms decreases significantly, and there are also not many vacationers on the beach. Gradually, Crete is immersed in an atmosphere of silence and serenity. The only negative aspect of a holiday in Crete during the velvet season is that the weather becomes very capricious. Sunny days may alternate with cloudy or windy days.

Dead Season- these are three winter months, plus March and April, which, due to the low temperature of sea water and air, rainy and gray weather, are completely unsuitable for recreation and travel. Typically, the low season lasts from late November to mid-April.

Accordingly, if you like a measured, relaxing holiday and cannot stand the heat, then the best time for a holiday in Crete for you is May and June, as well as the first two months of autumn. If, on the contrary, you are a lover of hot beaches and very warm seas, the best time for a holiday in Crete for you is July and August.

Enjoying your vacation

A beach holiday on the island of Crete can be organized as you please. The most popular entertainments are:

• Considering that the sea of ​​Crete is famous for its stunning transparency and richness of flora and fauna, diving is especially popular. Scuba diving is not inferior to it in popularity. Diving enthusiasts have the opportunity to get acquainted with the exotic underwater marine world, as well as underwater caves.

• For those who love extreme sports, the organizers offer surfboards and scooters on some beaches of Crete.

• Water skiing will also delight lovers of water activities.

• Party lovers will love the exotic parties organized by the organizers right on the beaches. During such parties, you will have the opportunity to thoroughly enjoy the atmosphere of fun, ease, swim in the sea and try on any image - from Santa Claus to Baba Yaga.

• Those who prefer a relaxed holiday are invited to take boat trips around the island, developed in accordance with special routes. During stops in bays, travelers will have the opportunity to get acquainted with local attractions, enjoy the beauty of nature, and swim. The duration of excursions varies depending on the wishes of clients.

Heraklion is one of the most famous resorts in Greece. It is here that those tourists who strive for active, rich leisure time and dream of seeing numerous significant attractions prefer to relax. The main task of those planning a long-awaited trip is to carefully plan the route taking into account personal wishes.

Basic information about the resort of Heraklion

Heraklion is the capital of the island of Crete, which manages to be located along the northern part of the coast. The resort is washed by the Aegean Sea, so the weather in these parts always pleases tourists. Despite such a gorgeous location, it is impossible to expect to enjoy the picturesque majestic cliffs, small white houses and secluded houses. When exploring Greece, Heraklion occupies an advantageous position on the map. Despite this, you won’t be able to enjoy the calm Greek atmosphere, because the city is actively developing and becoming the embodiment of 21st century culture.

Note! The resort is very noisy and industrial, because it is designed for tourism. Despite the fact that about 120 thousand people live in Heraklion and the Greek language is widespread here, tourists can speak English and sometimes Russian, as the indigenous residents are accustomed to this.

City of Heraklion in Greece

The official currency is the euro. This helps those who actively travel around Europe, because there is no need to exchange money.

Time zone is European (EET +0200, EEST +0300). Time is converted to summer and winter. For this reason, Heraklion time corresponds to European time.

Walking around the city

Port of Heraklion

Tourists often use the local port, and a lot of useful information can be found on the official website. The port plays an important role for Greece, as it is an important cargo and tourist transport hub. Every day it receives hundreds of ships and vessels. In addition, there are snow-white yachts and sailing ships, fishing boats and small boats, and tourist liners.

Important! The seaport is located in the center of Crete and Heraklion, so travelers note its convenient location. However, unlike the local airport, there is no announcement system. The most important thing is to arrive at the right place on time and board the ferry. Initially, you need to know the exact schedule in order to properly plan your trip.

It is often possible to book cruise ship tickets in advance. Carriers offer one-way or two-way tickets, as well as en-route tickets. If you are planning a trip to several islands that are located close to each other, you can save money and have an interesting vacation.

Old harbor

Heraklion Bus Station

There are 2 bus stations in Heraklion (A and B). One of them is the initial stop for intercity and city buses, the other is the final stop. Intercity buses are always green, city buses are blue.

Bus station A is located next to the port, which turns out to be very convenient for tourists. Tourist trips throughout Crete often begin and end here. The presence of a scoreboard allows you to find out the exact schedule.

Bus station B is located on Hanioporta street. In this case, the routes cover different distances, so it is advisable to focus on personal needs.

The cost of the trip is determined by the distance. Tickets are usually purchased at the bus station and on buses from drivers.

Taxi in Heraklion

Heraklion Greece is a resort where it is very convenient to use a taxi. In addition, the car can be ordered online on the website. Taxi stands are also located at bus stations and near popular areas or attractions, which turns out to be a very convenient option for tourists. If you order a car, you can be sure that it will arrive on time and will not keep you waiting.

Note! Car rental is a popular service. To do this, you will need an international driving license. In Heraklion, this will be the most convenient travel option, but it is not suitable for all tourists.

Heraklion Bus Station

Holidays in Heraklion

Heraklion is the capital of Crete. For this reason, traveler tours often take place here. Every tourist can better learn about oriental culture and rich history. Moreover, there are a variety of attractions and entertainment venues.

When planning a vacation, you need to focus on the following main areas:

• active beach holiday;
• visiting the best water park in the suburbs of the capital (there are attractions and swimming pools on the territory of the complex);
• a visit to the aquarium, which will be interesting for adults and children;
• organizing an excursion to a local winery or olive oil farm in Heraklion (you can choose quality local products at affordable prices);
• visiting a music or theater festival.

Note! You need to understand that there are good attractions in Heraklion, so it is important to plan a tourist route correctly. In Heraklion, Greece, you can understand how vibrant Crete is.

• Venetian harbor. This landmark is a symbol of Heraklion, the sea city. The harbor is a tourist and commercial center. It should be noted that the harbor is one of the oldest in the world. There is also the Kules fortress, built in the 16th century and characterized by powerful fortification walls. The Kules fortress, despite repeated attacks by conquerors from Turkey, has survived to this day. In the city of Heraklion, on the territory of an ancient fortress, there is a unique open-air theater that surprises with its atmospheric performance.
• The Palace of Knossos is a kind of Labyrinth of the Minotaur. The landmark is the embodiment of a unique architectural concept. The palace complex has five floors and 1200 rooms. No iron tools were used in its construction. When interested in Heraklion, it is important to know where and what country, because each attraction has a special historical and cultural significance.
• The Styronos winery also attracts many tourists. Here you can taste the best Cypriot wine. The winery is a family business, so it has been operating successfully for a long time. Tourists will learn interesting historical facts, see the peculiarities of product manufacturing, and visit wine cellars. Tastings are also held here. Wines are traditionally served with Cretan dishes, distinguished by their unusual composition and exquisite taste.
• It is advisable to visit the Archaeological Museum. Unique historical exhibits are presented here: frescoes, gold jewelry, sculptures, weapons. The age of some exhibits exceeds 5 thousand years.
• The Historical Museum is a special repository in Heraklion. The exhibition allows you not only to understand the features of Heraklion, where it is located on a large territory of Greece, but also to find the most important answers to questions regarding history and cultural potential. The exhibits are divided into 22 rooms. Each presented object is dedicated to the history of the city.

As you can see: every attraction of Heraklion deserves special attention from travelers.

Coast of Greece

The best beaches and resorts of Heraklion

Heraklion is located on the northern coast of Crete. Holidays in this region can be planned for June - September. The average air temperature in summer is usually about +30 degrees, water - up to +24. In spring, there are favorable weather conditions for hiking and excursions, but the water in the sea has not yet warmed up enough.

Interesting! Heraklion is popular with tourists, although the nearest beach is 4 kilometers away. This is due to the fact that on each beach of Heraklion you can fully enjoy a beach holiday. Tourists are ready to travel regularly by buses, rented cars and taxis, since trips require no more than 20 minutes.

When planning to visit Heraklion, it is important to know where each beach is located.

• Ammudara. This beach is closest to Heraklion. The sand strip differs in length and width, so every tourist can find a free place for himself. Nearby there are cafes and small shops, changing rooms, toilets and showers.
• Karteros. The distance to the beach from the resort is 7 kilometers, but clean sand, sun loungers and umbrellas, cafes, toilets and showers contribute to its popularity. In addition, the shore has a flat shape, so swimming will be safe.
• Arina. The distance to the resort is 15 kilometers. Tourists often relax here, but the beach is equipped at a decent level. The entrance to the water is gentle, but there are waves here and you need to carefully monitor the kids.

Interesting! Tourists from the Western and Eastern world know that near the main resort there are numerous small villages that deserve special attention.

• Analipsi. The distance from Heraklion is 24 kilometers. Here tourism began to develop not so long ago, so you can see the Cretan village, beautiful vegetation along the roads, small houses with gardens, olive groves. Only in the center of Analipsi is there a clear influence of tourism. Most of the beach is sandy, but there is also a rocky part. On the western side there are sandy bays.
• Gouves. It is located at a distance of 18 kilometers from Heraklion. The local beach has a European Blue Flag. The coastline is open, so there are strong waves in windy weather.
• Amoudara is located 8 kilometers west of Heraklion. The main advantages are spacious sandy beaches, minimal distance from the resort, developed tourist infrastructure. The length of the beaches reaches 5 meters. In addition, here you can relax on the volleyball courts, rent umbrellas and sun loungers.

Every tourist can count on high-quality medical care and developed tourism infrastructure. In addition, taking into account the time difference between Moscow and Heraklion, adaptation is practically not required even for young travelers.

Amudara resort place

• Travelers can stay in 3-star hotels, as they are ideal for a normal comfortable stay and delight with their comfort. There are virtually no 5-star hotels in Heraklion, as the requirements for each star are strict.
• In Greece, Crete Heraklion, an all-inclusive system is developed. Family tourists note the favorable offers, and you can count on a well-thought-out diet with Cretan dishes.
• The swimming season begins in June and lasts until mid-October. It is advisable to plan your trip for this time.
• There are Blue Flag beaches available in Heraklion. This indicates the presence of comfort and ideal purity of sea water and sand. In addition, the beach holiday will be safe.
• The ideal option for travelers is to rent a car, because in this case you can create your own routes and combine sightseeing and relaxation on equipped beaches.

Holidays on the coast

Heraklion Crete is a worthy resort, so you need to responsibly organize your vacation, because this will determine how much money you will need for the trip and how much you will like and remember the trip.

The island of Crete is the mysterious homeland of the minotaur. A luxurious resort for the whole family among olive groves.

Beaches and sea of ​​Crete

The shores of Crete are caressed by three seas: in the west they are washed by the Ionian Sea, in the north by the Aegean Sea, and in the south and east by the Mediterranean. Sometimes the northern waters are called the Cretan Sea, and the southern ones - the Libyan Sea (these are parts of the Mediterranean Sea). The water warms up very quickly, so already in mid-April the first tourists swim off the Cretan shores.

They have different surfaces - there are sandy, pebble, and mixed areas. Perhaps the most favorite beach among vacationers is Elafonisi. Couples with children come here, to the south of Crete - the entrance to the water is very smooth, and the sand is soft, light pink. Lovers of snow-white sand, palm trees and silence choose the eastern Vai beach. Divers flock to Balos Bay looking for pirate treasure in a sunken ship. In the island's capital, Heraklion, the sand and pebble beach of Paleokastro is popular. There are two notable beaches in the Chania region: Falasarna and Frangokastello (near the Venetian fortress).

Resorts of Crete

Crete is usually divided into four resort areas: Heraklion, Chania, Rethymnon and Lasithi. At each resort, tourists are guaranteed an azure sea and spacious, clean beaches surrounded by olive groves and vineyards.

Heraklion is a large city, the capital of the island of Crete. Tourists often stay in the areas of Agia Pelagia, Amoudara, Chersonossis, Stalida. From Heraklion it is convenient to go on excursions around the island and on sea cruises.

Lasithi is known for the “reserved” place for tourists, Agios Nikolaos, on the shores of Mirabello Bay. The Lasithi region is home to attractions such as the Cave of Zeus and the Valley of Windmills.

The cozy town of Chania is famous for its long beach. It is pleasant to walk along the local narrow streets, hiding from the heat in hospitable taverns.

Rethymno is a picturesque resort town with several satellite villages. There is a thriving nightlife here, many colorful shops and beautiful long beaches.

Sights of Crete

The main Cretan “brand” is, of course, the Minotaur. It is impossible to do without a visit, where, according to legend, the monster lived. The myth says that the minotaur was the main trump card of the Minoan civilization - they traditionally used it to intimidate their neighbors, so much so that they annually sent seven young men and seven girls to “feed” the horned creature. Theseus put an end to the sacrifices, helped by Princess Ariadne with a ball of thread.

The Palace of Knossos was destroyed by an earthquake caused by the eruption of the Santorini volcano, 130 km from the island. It was not possible to restore it entirely - the territory of the palace is huge, its corridors, rooms and dungeons really resemble a labyrinth. and everyone can admire the ancient frescoes.

The second myth, which is also inextricably linked with Crete, is the birth of Zeus. According to legend, he was born in one of the caves, which is now called Dictey. The cave is truly impressive - it has stalactites, stalagmites, and even a beautiful underground lake.

The third myth is associated with Artemis and Athena. According to legend, the goddess of wisdom and the goddess of hunting loved to swim in the “bottomless” lake Vulizmeni. The lake is relatively small, but its depth is amazing: in the middle it is almost 64 meters! The lake is located in Agios Nikolaos.

Fans of natural attractions will also like it - the longest in Europe, as much as 18 kilometers. It is located in the Chania region and is famous for its unique flora and fauna - only here the Cretan cypress grows and the Kri-Kri goat runs around. If you are going to the gorge, do not forget about comfortable shoes. This place is very picturesque, there is even a palm forest - according to legend, the father of all date palms on the planet.

Cruises to the island, to its blue and white churches and black sand beaches, are popular. We recommend a trip to the island of Spinalonga, where half a century ago there was the largest leprosopria in Greece. Now this secluded place has turned into a find for tourists - there is an ancient fortress, narrow streets and many taverns and restaurants.

Cuisine of Crete

The cuisine of Crete is famous for its seafood and vegetables. Be sure to stop by the restaurant and try fish, octopus, shrimp and snails, which the locals call “khokhlya” or “escargot”.

Goats and sheep are raised in Crete, so the cheese and meat here are always fresh and very tasty. Try ofto - grilled lamb or goat meat; skafiani - lamb with cottage cheese; Delicious Kalitsunya pies fried in oil and filled with white cheese. Of course, you can find both horyatiki salad and moussaka in restaurants. Homemade wine, tsikoudia, and ouzo are served with the meal. You can try all these dishes at the “Cretan evening” - the tables will be laden with dishes, and national dances will delight your eyes.

The northern coast is Cretan, the southern is Libyan (separates Greece from Africa), the western is Ionian. However, local residents often use their own names for these seas, of which there are more than ten in total.

In this article we will take a closer look at one of the most wonderful reservoirs created by nature. This is the Cretan Sea, often called the Aegean Sea. But first we will present general information about the magnificent and numerous seas of Greece.

Seas of Greece

Tourists, going on a trip or vacation to Greece, first of all choose not a specific resort, but the sea. And in this case, tourists have an excellent choice, since Greece is surrounded by many seas.

Most of the maps represent only the above-mentioned 3 seas. Once on the beach, tourists may find that they are either on the Cretan Sea, or on the Balearic or Libyan Sea. The Mediterranean Sea basin includes the following seas:

• Aegean (Cretan Sea);
• Ionic;
• Adriatic;
• Ligurian;
• Alboran;
• Libyan;
• Tyrrhenian;
• Balearic.

The northern part of Greece itself is also washed by the Thracian Sea, and the southwestern zone of the Aegean Sea is the Myrtoan Sea.

While on vacation right here, you can learn in more detail about the modern division of the seas that wash the outskirts of the cities of one of the most ancient and wonderful countries in the world, attracting travelers from all over the world with its amazing nature.

Seas around the island of Crete

1. The Cretan Sea is often called the Aegean Sea. Many people ignorantly argue about names, not suspecting that both are correct. A more detailed description of this amazing natural reservoir will be given below.
2. separates the island from Libya. The coastline of Greece on the side of this sea is steeper and covered with steep cliffs. The beaches here are not very popular. But in summer this sea is calmer than the northern Cretan sea.
3. washing the island on the western side, it is famous for its amazingly beautiful, changing shades of the water surface at different times of the day. For example, Balos Lagoon is distinguished by the fact that here the sea waters reflect more than 15 shades. The sea in this place is warm and rather shallow, making it suitable for families with children.

Local aborigines believe that the eastern side of Crete is washed by the waters of the Carpathian Sea, the name of which comes from the island of Karpathos, located to the east of the island. This definition is rarely used and has no official confirmation.

Thanks to the huge number of sandy beaches on the northern coast of the Cretan Sea, the island is quite famous and popular among numerous visiting tourists. In this regard, the Blue Flag award was received for the local recreational conditions that meet the highest modern requirements.

The Cretan Sea is very popular. The reviews from tourists who have ever vacationed there are the best and most enthusiastic. These places leave unforgettable impressions in the memory of every traveler. Probably the main reason for this is the large number of sandy beaches, smooth entry into the sea and developed infrastructure.

In general, the sea is located between the island of Crete and the beautiful Cyclades archipelago (56 islands and islets around the ancient sacred island of Delos).

But it is the northern coast of the largest island of the Cretan Sea that can boast a considerable number of well-equipped beaches.

The sea is unpredictable in nature. Throughout your vacation, you can find calm and waves that are raised by northern winds. During this period, swimming becomes dangerous.

In any case, this sea remains one of the most popular and beloved by both romantics and extreme recreation lovers.

Hydrography

What is the Cretan Sea like in terms of hydrography? The surface water temperature in winter ranges from 11 to 15 degrees Celsius, and in summer 22-27 °C. At a depth of more than 350 meters, its temperature remains unchanged throughout the year (about 13 °C).

In the western part of the sea the current is directed south, and in the eastern part it is directed north. Its speed is up to 0.5-1 kilometers per hour.

Due to global warming of the water temperature of all seas (the Cretan Sea is no exception), the salinity of the waters is gradually increasing. This sea has a considerable concentration of salt, greater than, for example, the Black Sea, and is approximately 40.0%. For this reason, after swimming in such water, a shower with fresh water is necessary to avoid negative consequences for the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes.

Peculiarities

The Cretan Sea is characterized by semidiurnal tides, the magnitude of which can reach up to 60 centimeters.

It has a wayward and slightly unpredictable character. A calm person can at times suddenly become agitated and then immediately calm down. This is due to the prevailing winds in these places, blowing over the coast of the city of Chania (the former capital of Crete and the second largest city in Greece), capable of raising rather large waves over the Libyan and Cretan seas in the summer.

Conclusion

The Cretan (Aegean) Sea is ideal for absolutely all vacationers with completely different tastes. It is not for nothing that artists, writers, musicians and simply romantics often come to the island of Crete in search of inspiration.