Family holidays with children on the Greek island of Crete. Holidays in Crete: where, when and why Which coast of Crete is best in June

Crete is the largest island of Greece. There are many different stories, myths and legends associated with it. Fiction and reality are so closely intertwined here that it is impossible to separate them. Crete is considered the birthplace of the father of all gods - Zeus. It was here that King Minos created his empire, and the bloody monster Minotaur was killed by Theseus. This is the most unforgettable place on Earth, where tourists from all over the world flock. Here they are waiting - bright sun, gentle alluring sea, unique natural landscapes and hospitable residents.

General information

Crete (Κρήτη) is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Located 111 km from the European coastline. Asia is located 176 km from it, and Africa is 310 km away. Its unique shores are washed by the waters of three seas: from the north – the Cretan, from the south – the Libyan and from the west – the Ionian. The city of Heraklion is the territorial center of the island.

Features of holidays in Crete

The island of Crete attracts tourists with its unusual landscapes and mild and healthy climate. There is no suffocating heat here, even in the hottest months. The air is heady and clean. There are practically no cloudy days. The sun pleases vacationers throughout the year - 345 days.
For a complete holiday, you should choose a place that matches the nature of the planned. Picturesque beaches are available in all areas of Crete - pebble and sandy, deep and shallow, noisy and quiet. There are beaches that can only be reached by swimming. The entire island is divided into four nomes (administrative centers):

Chania - west coast;
Rethymnon - northwestern part;
Heraklion - northeastern;
Lasithi - east coast.

All zones are different. Each has its own characteristics. It should be noted that on the southern shores of Crete the weather conditions are not conducive to the development of tourism. The climate there is harsher, and storms often occur.

Holidays in Chania

Despite the small size of the region, there is a lot to see. Tourism in Chania is somewhat less developed than in other parts of Crete. Therefore, you can relax in the lap of untouched nature, feeling the authentic Greek flavor. The area is considered the greenest on the island. Sycamore forests occupy a significant part of the space, and a stunning smell of pine needles emanates from the cypress thickets.
In the region, in addition to huge, well-maintained beaches, you can find deep caves, picturesque bays and mysterious gorges. The city is surrounded by limestone mountains. Chania has many ancient churches, palaces, fortresses, museums, which creates an unforgettable atmosphere.

Holidays in Rethymno

The region attracts tourists with sun-drenched meadows and hills, winding paths and endless beaches with developed infrastructure. The longest of them stretches from Georgioupoli to Rethymnon 15.5 km. The view reveals toy villages located on the slopes; ruins of buildings and crystal sea. And tired of beach holidays and travel, you can relax in a local tavern, which serves excellent Greek dishes and local wines.
Tourists who prefer cultural holidays will not be dissatisfied either. There are many museums, archaeological sites, galleries, as well as the Monastery of Arcadia, the Rimondi Fountain and buildings from the time of the Venetians.

Holidays in Heraklion

The Heraklion region is the most visited resort area. It houses the capital of Crete with the same name. Nearby is the airport where all guests of the island arrive. There are a variety of resorts, a lot of entertainment facilities, and water parks. Many of Heraklion's beaches are "blue flag", which increases their attractiveness. In addition to well-kept beaches and impeccable service, Heraklion is the largest entertainment center on the entire island, with many shopping centers and shops.
In the center of the region are the palaces of Gortyna and Knossos, the museum of archeology and other cultural institutions. The entire region is literally permeated with ancient myths and fascinating ancient epics.

Holidays in Lasithi

The region is located on a kind of plateau with the same name. A variety of vegetation grows in amazingly beautiful landscapes. And also here is the most charming bay of Mirabello on the entire island. It is on the shores of the bay that the center of the region, the city of Agois Nikolaos, was built. The surrounding mountain ranges are covered with coniferous trees and gardens. Everywhere you can see Greek villages and windmills surrounded by flowers. And the coast is indented with many coves and bays. Early fruits and vegetables appear first in this part of the island.

April 28, 2015 9:20 am Crete, Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Kissamos, Bali + 1 city - Greece August 2014

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands. Its length from west to east is 250 km and from 14 to 37 kilometers from north to south. The huge size of the island allows any traveler to find here exactly the place that will be especially to their liking, because Crete is famous for both popular tourist areas and calm, secluded mountain villages.

On the eve of the holiday season, it suddenly occurred to me that this year, as usual, many will decide to spend their holidays on the Greek island of Crete. And I wanted to make travel a little easier for those who plan to actively travel and see the whole island, as we once did, and make a brief announcement of Cretan attractions and places that are definitely worth visiting.

The first place in this ranking undoubtedly goes to city of Chania. You can get to Chania by regular buses and car. You can also fly directly to Chania airport.

Chania is mainly famous for the fact that the Venitians had a hand in its construction. And there is a well-preserved embankment, similar to Venice. But past the embankment, the whole city consists of narrow quaint streets with beautiful houses and a lot of bright, impressive details. The city itself is not suitable as a place for a beach holiday, but next to it there are small cozy villages with good beaches. Accommodation in Chania is quite expensive and finding a place to stay during the season will be difficult, but it is quite possible.

For example, we went to almost every house and ended up renting a very nice room with all the amenities and a stone’s throw from the embankment.

Chania. Houses.

2. I rightfully give second place Balos Bay. According to the stories of the Greeks, this is the confluence of three seas. The place is very beautiful. Balos Beach is a breathtakingly beautiful and unusual beach in Crete! Former pirate harbor with ancient fortress Gramvousa on top of the mountain and with white sand on the beach. It is located in the north-west of Crete, at the very edge of the Gramvousa peninsula. There are two ways to get there yourself. By land by car (the closer to the bay, the worse the road). Or by sea on a boat from the city of Kissamos. The ship also sails to the Gramvousa fortress. Time is given to climb the fortress. The fortress offers incredibly beautiful views. So I'm for the boat. Moreover, it is still dangerous to puncture, for example, the wheels on a rented car.

Personally, I stayed overnight in Kissamom, bought a boat ticket in the evening and sailed from there to Balos in the morning. This trip will take a whole day. The ship returns back around 6 pm. You can get to Kissamos by car or by regular bus from Rethymno or Chania.

Balos Bay.

3. I will give third place to the fresh mountain Lake Kournas. You can only get to the lake by car or on a guided tour. The lake is located among the mountains and has clear water of a beautiful turquoise color. Ducks wander along the shore, and turtles live in the water.

On the shore there are several cafes, free sun loungers and umbrellas. You can also rent a catamaran and sail around the lake in search of turtles that are hiding on the other side of the lake. A wonderful place where you can spend the whole day enjoying nature.

Freshwater lake Kournas.

4. Pink Elafonisi Beach- an amazing natural phenomenon. There are two versions of its origin. The first, rational: this color on the beach appeared due to the content of a large number of impurities in the sand, as well as small fragments of shells, seashells and corals. The second, historical: in 1824 Elafonisi was attacked by the Turks; More than seven hundred local residents were killed in the massacre. In memory of the bloody massacre of the Greeks, a memorial was erected at the highest point of the island. And the pink color of the coast of Elafonisi to this day is a reminder of those tragic days. This island is separated from Crete by a small narrow strait, about 100 meters. At any time of the year, the depth in this strait does not exceed 20 centimeters, and therefore there will be no problems fording this strait. People come to this island to relax with children for a quiet holiday. Due to the fact that the sea depth near Elafonisi is shallow, it is possible to swim safely even during a storm. The island of Elafonisi is located in the southwest of Crete, 42 km from Kastelion and 76 km from the city of Chania. From Heraklion to Elafonisi you can drive by car along the E75 highway, which turns into E65 closer to the west coast. Before the town of Castellion, you need to turn left, deeper into the island, and continue moving. Be careful: when approaching Elafonisi, a mountain serpentine will begin, with sharp ascents and descents; the road winds its way to the southwestern coast of Crete. Since this is a mountainous section of the route, the journey will usually take longer than planned. For example, the road from Chania to Elafonisi may take an hour, but the colorful views of Crete that open from the steep descents are worth it. During the summer season, a bus runs from Chania to Elefonisi. From other cities you can get there with a change in Kissamos, from where regular buses depart several times a day. Also, from May to October, you can visit the pink beaches of Elafonisi by purchasing a 1-day excursion tour.

Elafonisi.

5.Matala- a very interesting, original place. And it is not the beach itself that is original, but the rock into which it rests. The rock has a layered structure, thanks to which nature has created multi-tiered long balconies. And at different levels, people dug caves - rooms that were used for burial in the Byzantine era. However, in the 1960s, the caves were occupied by hippies from different parts of the world and American young people hiding from the army. Even such famous personalities as Bob Dillan and Joni Mitchell lived there. But one bad day a man fell to death in one of the caves, and the hippies were kicked out of the caves. Now no one lives there, but the caves can be visited. You can get to Matala on your own by car or bus, or with a guided tour. Along the way there will be beautiful views of the central mountainous part of the island of Crete, small villages where locals live, as well as the zero kilometer of Crete - its central point.

Matala. Aegean Sea.

6. The town of Rethymno. The sweetest Cretan town. Located in the west of the island of Crete between Heraklion and Chania. The northern part of the city has an endless beach with hotels and cafes. Rethymno is a very convenient place to live while traveling around the island. From there you can take buses to any part of Crete, and you can also fully enjoy the sea and walks around the old town.

7. Spinalonga Island. Leper Island, which can be reached by boat from the village of Agios Nikolaos.

The island offers very beautiful views. Be sure to take hats with you; there is absolutely no place on the island to escape the scorching Greek sun.

8. The volcano island of Santorini. There are speed boats to Santorini from the Heraklion pier. They can be purchased either independently or with a tour. Santorini is a wonderful place. But during the season there is a big drawback - a huge number of people. It is also hotter in Santorini than in Crete. My advice to you is that when sailing to the island, take a quad bike and a map, that’s all you need to feel a surge of happiness on this island. Drive around the island. Let the warm sea wind blow on you. Visit all the different beaches of the island: with red sand, with black volcanic sand... Get up early and walk along the streets of the island empty of tourists, among the white houses of its cities. In the evening, take a seat in a restaurant with a view of the sunset in advance. In the evening, it will be very difficult to find a free seat, not only in a restaurant, but also just on the street. The sunset in Santorini is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. And the island itself is one of the most romantic places.

Crete is divided into four main resort areas: Chania, Lasithi, Heraklion and Rethymno, and we will now talk about each of them.

Chania

One of the main tourist centers of Crete, rich in natural wonders, unique ancient architecture, a beautiful and clean coastline marked with the Blue Flag, with a rich cultural life. Chania is the White Mountains and the Samaria Canyon, the pink sands of the island of Elafonisi and a sea of interesting events.

1 /1

Agia Marina is a small resort town that is gaining more and more popularity among vacationers every year. It attracts with its cleanest beach with clear water and golden sand, which has a Blue Flag. In addition to the beaches, Agia Marina delights guests with a cozy center with small churches and chapels, the Neurospilia cave, an orange garden and the nearby island reserve of St. Fedor.

Platanias- a noisier resort with a rich cultural and nightlife. During the day, its guests enjoy relaxing on the beautiful city beach, which, in addition to the Blue Flag, also has everything necessary for a great holiday: showers, sun loungers, entertainment (paragliding, boat trips, etc.). In the evening, everyone moves to the clubs, restaurants and taverns of the city, where the music and dancing do not subside even after midnight.

Palaiochora is a combination of excellent tourist infrastructure, local color and many attractions. The city has two excellent beach areas, and also has ferry connections to neighboring resorts and islands. The quiet town will be an excellent option for a family holiday. In the evenings, on the streets and taverns of Paleochora, you can see locals playing board games and even join them. In the vicinity of Paleochora there are the ruins of the Selino fortress, the ruins of the ancient city of Kalamidi, the famous Samaria Gorge and the island of Gavdos.

The following deserve special attention in Chania:

Elafonisi- a unique island, famous for its pink sands, clear turquoise water, and charming landscapes.

1 /1

Chania city- the capital of the entire region, as well as the second largest city on the island. It captivates with its amazing architecture, combining Venetian and Turkish heritage, narrow and very cozy streets, the Old Port and the Old Center, beautiful embankments, ancient cathedrals and many museums.

: 3* - from €40, 5* - from €185.

Rethymno

An excellent option for those who want to combine a beach and cultural holiday: the area is conveniently located between many of the island's iconic attractions and wonderful beaches. Rethymno is the lakes of Kournas, the Balos lagoon, the springs of Agriroupoli and the unique capital of the same name with incredible history and architecture.

Bali- one of the most picturesque places in Crete. A resort surrounded by mountains and delighting guests with quiet, cozy bays and incredibly beautiful nature. All Bali beaches are located in different bays, and there are 4 of them in total: one large, more open and windy, and 3 smaller and calmer ones. Bali was previously a fishing village, and to this day local fishermen do not abandon their craft, so get ready to enjoy excellent local dishes made from freshly caught fish.

Bali is located between Rethymno and Heraklion, which means that by staying here, you will be able to conveniently get acquainted with major cultural centers and at the same time enjoy a quiet, relaxing holiday by the sea.

Agia Galini- a picturesque village in the very south of Crete, off the coast of the Libyan Sea. Small, but very cozy: small streets with white houses and bright flowers, paved paths and winding stairs, flowering trees, palm trees, a small Old Port. And all this is surrounded by mountains and rocks. In the western part of Agia Galini there are rocks and caves, and in the eastern part there is a wide beach strip.

1 /1

Rethymno- the capital of the region of the same name, a large city with a rich history, many ancient attractions, good beaches and a picturesque center. The old center and the Old Port, the Fortezza fortress and the Arcadi Monastery, Venetian portals and the picturesque embankment - your holiday will be eventful and interesting.

Rethymno is a noisy resort. Clubs, bars, restaurants, the city has a cultural life, various concerts and festivals are regularly held. At the same time, by the sea you can find many quiet places for solitude and walks with children.

: 3* - from €45, 5* - from €142.

Heraklion

The central part of Crete with the capital of the entire island of the same name. The main resort recreation area, where all the popular resorts and attractions of Crete are located: the Knossos Palace and the Minotaur Labyrinth, Minoan palaces, the Venetian Loggia and much more.

Mallya- the most party and exciting resort in Crete, attracting young people. Nightclubs, discos, bars, wild parties - and all this on the seashore. By the way, the coast in Malia is considered one of the best: clean sandy beaches with a safe coastline and all the necessary infrastructure. But still, the resort is hardly suitable for a family holiday, since the atmosphere here is very noisy and cheeky. But prices in establishments that cater to young people are more affordable. And in the surrounding area there are the ruins of the Malian Minoan Palace.

1 /1

Hersonissos- another noisy place in Heraklion with a busy nightlife, but at the same time it is calmer, which allows thousands of tourists to stay here, including those with children. The resort’s city beaches may not be the best, but they certainly can’t complain about the lack of vacationers. And this is one of the main “disadvantages”, but on the outskirts of the resort there are many clean and calm lagoons and coves where you can have a great day or even several. Hersonissos cannot boast of an abundance of attractions, but there are 2 large water parks here: Star Beach Waterpark and Aqua Splash.

Must visit:

Heraklion- the capital of the island of Crete, a city where the rich past and vibrant present of Greece meet. It is located in the very center of the region, and therefore can be reached from various resort towns within an hour, and it is definitely worth doing. After all, it is here that one of the largest and most significant museums in Greece is located - the Museum of Minoan Culture, where you will learn a lot about the history of the island and the whole country. The city is also decorated with the Koules Fortress, the Cathedral of St. Mina, the Cathedral of St. Titus, the Church of St. Catherine, the Loggia and the Old Port.

: 3* - from €54, 5* - from €113.

Lassithi

It is located in the eastern part of the island, washed by the Libyan and Cretan seas, and is considered the most expensive region of Crete, thanks to its fashionable hotels, luxurious beaches and excellent service.

Agios Nikolaos- the capital of Lassithi, a unique city that inspires all guests with its beauty, who often become celebrities. A city with unique nature and architecture, inside of which there is a large lake Vulizmeni, and “outside” it is washed by the warm sea. The old city center, the port, the embankment - all these are incredible places where, after an active holiday on the beach, it is so pleasant to spend an evening.

Tatiana Solomatina

Which resort is better to choose in Crete for a holiday with children?

Hello, dear readers! Are you planning a holiday in Crete with a child and don’t know which resort to choose? The island is large, but it cannot be said that it is ideally suited for children. There is not much entertainment here, and it can be windy, but excellent hotels with an interesting animation program will not let young travelers get bored.

I’ll say right away that the article does not contain tricky “appearances and passwords”; where in Crete it is better for you to vacation with children, you will decide for yourself, because where it is good for a teenager, it will not necessarily be comfortable for a child of two years. I will just tell you a little about each part of the island, offer some interesting hotels and give recommendations. Of course, there will be information about the island itself, and what you can do to entertain the children.

Crete is surrounded by three seas: Ionian, Libyan, Aegean (Cretan). In my opinion, the Cretan Sea is the warmest. From the reviews I know that many agree with me. Therefore, if you are going on vacation with children at the beginning of summer, it is better to choose a resort on its coast.

The flight to Crete lasts just over three hours; you won’t get tired with kids. Then transfer by comfortable bus or taxi. On the way to the hotel you will be amazed by the beauty of nature: palm trees, picturesque trees, shrubs. A sea of flowers, many of them I don’t even know the names of. There are many fruit and olive trees. Children will be interested in looking at pomegranates, oranges, lemons hanging on the branches. Add to this the gentle sun, pleasant sea breeze, gorges, mountains, clean air. Voila, you are in heaven!

Crete charges you with its energy, everyone feels comfortable here. An ideal place for a family holiday. And the locals are incredibly friendly, don’t doubt that in every cafe you will be fed to your heart’s content. By the way, it’s worth learning from them regularity and calmness, which we all sorely lack.

Resorts of Crete

Crete has four main parts: Chania, Heraklion, Lasithi, Rethymno. Features of the resorts:

Heraklion is the most famous area. There are many fortresses, temples and the same, well-known Knossos with the labyrinth of the Minotaur. Older children will definitely enjoy such exciting excursions. The beaches here are sandy and clean. The only negative is the deep sea, literally from the first steps. But you can find shallow coves and lagoons.
Rethymnon is the “soul of Crete”, which has preserved its ancient appearance with tiled roofs, cobbled streets, ancient mosques and churches. This part of the island has the best beaches, stunning valleys and open views.
Lissiti is located in the eastern part of the island. It is washed by the Libyan and Cretan seas. The sunniest part, and therefore the warmest. But it is also the most expensive. It is here that there are fashionable resorts and hotels, excellent beaches, including the paradise beach “Vai” (we all know it from the Bounty advertisement). If funds allow, choose a resort here for families with children.
Chania is the greenest part with ancient streets, natural attractions, ancient temples and the popular Greek resort of Bali. The sea is calm, the water is crystal clear. It is interesting to relax here for both adult children and children.

When is the best time to go on vacation?

In Crete the weather is never changeable. Nothing will interfere with your beach holiday. From April the rains stop and summer warmth begins. But the sea is still cool, it warms up by mid-May.
July-August is characterized by African heat. But from the end of August a pleasant coolness begins, while the sea remains warm.

Conclusion: it is better to travel to Crete with children from mid-May to July or from mid-August to October.

What about entertainment?

Crete has an abundance of attractions, that's a fact. But children need entertainment, otherwise they will get bored. And, unfortunately, there are not many of them here.

For example, you can visit one of the marine aquariums. The CRETAquarium is especially impressive. The aquarium is located near Heraklion. You and your kids will get acquainted with a variety of marine life; there are more than 2,500 species of fish here! The glass tanks of the aquarium closely replicate sea reliefs. It feels like you are in the depths of the sea. And it’s so interesting to watch how the inhabitants of the sea dart back and forth. Even a skeptic can't help but smile. What can we say about kids!
Or visit the Aquaworld aquarium-terrarium, where they pick up all the abandoned turtles and aquatic animals. They will give you a most interesting excursion, telling you with great love about their pets.
Water parks will not leave any child indifferent. Between Hersonissos and Heraklion is the largest water park, Water City, with ponds, playgrounds, entertainment for children of all ages and thirteen swimming pools.
Family park "Labyrinth" with an area of 1300 sq. m will delight you not only with a labyrinth, but also with a cinema, a themed cafe in the shape of an ancient Greek city, and attractions. The park is located in the vicinity of Hersonissos.

Hotels for families with children

Several good hotels for families with children in Crete:

Sirens Beach 4* (Hersonissos-Malia). Family hotel on the first line with a high rating. Magnificent sandy beach, clear sea with a smooth sunset. Decent animation, children's club, playgrounds, good swimming pools.
Grecotel Club Marine Palace Suites 4*(Panormo). There are excellent conditions for kids here. A children's pool filled with sea water is specially equipped. There is a playground. Teens will love the Grecoland Club, which offers plenty of entertainment. If you have an infant, a stroller is available for rent. Do you want to relax? Qualified nannies are at your service.
Plakias Suites (Plakias). Advantages: self-catering apartments. There is a wonderful green lawn in the yard for little visitors. Located near the beach. True, there are no reviews from Russian tourists, but Europeans are very happy.
Nana Beach Resort Hersonissos 4*(Hersonissos). The hotel has a good location, within walking distance from Stalida (shops, pharmacies, etc.). Several beaches, a lagoon fenced off from the waves (in the photo below, clearly visible). Children's animation Family Club. Entertainment for teenagers.

What to look for when choosing?

Holidays with children will cause less trouble if, when choosing a resort and hotel, you try to take into account certain criteria:

Short transfer from the airport.
The hotel's proximity to the sea.
Sandy beach without waves with a gentle entry into the sea.
Availability of shops and pharmacies within walking distance from the hotel.
All-inclusive food system at the hotel.
Children's table at the hotel.
Availability of Russian animation in the hotel.

Any important points should be clarified when booking. Some hotels charge extra for children's meals, others may not have a children's table, but many adult dishes are quite suitable for children. Find out in advance whether the menu includes porridge, boiled vegetables, and dairy products. Read reviews, ask questions on forums, you can always find the latest information there.

For children under one year old, take baby food with you. In Greek stores it is often impossible to find mixtures of the required brands.

Holidays with children in Crete will give you real pleasure if you plan everything correctly. The island has all the conditions, but you need to be careful when choosing a beach and a hotel.

Have you already vacationed in Crete? Write about your experience, share your tips with others, simply describe what you liked about the resort, hotel, beach. Your review will definitely be posted in the “Readers' Travels” section. Read more about this.

If you want to know more about travel, subscribe to blog updates and get the latest information written by real people. I'm always glad to see you as a guest. See you soon!

Tatiana Solomatina

Crete is the largest island of the Greek archipelago. It occupies its southern part, while being surrounded by 3 seas at the same time. After Cyprus, this is the sunniest island that attracts tourists with its exquisite coastline, picturesque mountain landscapes, fully equipped beaches, and, in addition, the brightest echoes of the architecture of the Minoan civilization (the oldest in the world). In this article we will find out why holidays in Crete are so popular among tourists.

Climate

Crete is a large island with mountainous terrain. The climate is completely different in different parts of the island. So, in the north, separated by the central mountain range from the south, it is Mediterranean temperate, in fact, like in other resorts in Europe. The south is much hotter, sunnier and drier as it falls under the North African climate zone. It is colder in mountainous regions, and there is even snowfall in winter. On the island as a whole, winter is mild and rainy, which, in fact, the whole of Greece can boast of. Crete, where holidays are so popular among tourists, seems to freeze at this time. The level of air humidity here is determined by the proximity of the sea. For example, for coastal resorts, due to high humidity, it is typical that the heat will be more difficult to bear, and in winter the temperatures in the coastal zone will be lower.

Tourist season

Crete feels like a small country with a lot of possibilities. It is an expanse of spectacular valleys, fertile plateaus, golden sands, pleasant smells and stunning views. Holidays in Crete are captivating because they approach everyone with special care: for lovers of silence there are secluded resorts, for party lovers - lively beaches, for active and sporty individuals - a variety of water activities. People begin to come here in April, while the mass tourist season ends in mid-autumn.

"High season

Here it lasts all summer, when the air temperature is 28-30°C. The thermometer in the hottest parts of the island often jumps to 40°C. There is one little secret for fans of the height of summer: in Crete, not all beaches are crowded at this time. Yes, they are quite remote from the Cretan cities and do not offer many amenities, while some are willing to give a lot for the opportunity to relax in solitude. At the height of summer, on holiday in Crete it is usually worth going to the northern part of the island, on the shores of the Aegean Sea, although the number of tourists here is huge.

"Low" season

During all 3 winter months, as well as in March, there is a decline in the tourist season in Crete. Then those who are not particularly interested in relaxing on the beach go to the island, but prefer to be in solitude and tranquility. The weather here is changeable, the expected temperature is 16-17°C. It may suddenly become warmer or colder. At the same time, you won’t find better weather and prices for exploring numerous attractions.

Swimming season

The holiday season here begins in mid-April. Then the island's beaches open. In the Mediterranean Sea, the water becomes comfortable for swimming only at the end of May. In mid-summer, when the weather is hot, the water temperature in this place reaches 25°C. During the daytime, the sun is very dangerous, therefore, try to go to the beach early in the morning or in the evening. In September, holidays in Crete become the most comfortable, as the intense heat subsides. Due to this, the sea becomes a little cooler.

The Velvet season

Holidays in Crete in September can be called ideal. The very end of the month and October are the velvet season here. Now it’s not as busy here as in the summer, but it’s just as sunny, and the weather conditions are conducive to swimming and spending a long time on the beach. Think for yourself: in September the sea water temperature is 24°C, in October - 23°C. The only discomfort can be that a holiday in Crete in October is not suitable for everyone: it is already cold at night (16°C), so you can only swim in the middle of the day. A huge advantage of the velvet season here is the low prices for food, housing and all kinds of services.

Best beaches

There is no need to even say that holidays on the island of Crete primarily attract those who like to lie on the beaches, which here are actually at the highest level. But there are special beaches that deserve close attention.

Youth recreation

Holidays on the island of Crete are often chosen by young people. Companies mainly stay at certain resorts: noisy, with a huge range of entertainment. Among them is Hersonissos, characterized by the largest number of clubs and vibrant nightlife. The sandy beaches are no worse than those in secluded, modest resorts. There is a water park nearby called Water City.

Another tourist center of the island where young people like to relax is Malia. This place offers a variety of entertainment, not only club life, but also active daytime recreation, such as horseback riding.

You can also choose Rethymno with its fast-paced modern life. You won’t be bored in this place either, thanks to the various architectural attractions that are located right on the territory of this city.

Vacation with children

For a family holiday, you need to choose resorts with a sandy beach and a gently sloping, convenient entrance to the sea. Elafonisi, mentioned above, is a good choice, although the list of suitable holiday destinations is not limited to it.

Makriyalos also has shallow water, therefore, it is safe to swim here even with very young children. This place is located far from noisy resorts, including Heraklion, and is perfect for a quiet family holiday.

Some hotels in Crete will help make your holiday with children as comfortable as possible. Thus, Club Marine Palace offers excellent service. Especially for infants, this place provides free cribs and high chairs. Even the smallest nuances are also taken into account: there is a device for heating milk, an audio baby monitor. If adults need to spend time separately, it is possible to resort to the services of a professional nanny. There is a club for children. Nearby in a picturesque bay there is a cozy sandy beach.

It's time for festivals

There is a high probability that, once on the island of Crete, you will combine your vacation with some kind of celebration taking place here. In Crete, Maslenitsa is celebrated in winter, followed by Holy Week and Easter in March. Next, March 25 is the Independence Day of Greece, April 23 is the day of the island's patron saint (St. George). Residents of Rethymnon celebrate the Wine Festival in mid-July, followed by the birth of the Virgin Mary on September 8th.

Attractions

The cradle of the Minoan civilization, bathed in sunshine, oozes history. The resort thrives on being a completely contradictory island: the rowdy parties of Malia and the solitude of the wild mountain regions, dramatic ravines and sugar-coated beaches. A real beach paradise with a rich culture is offered to you by a holiday in Crete, the reviews of which can be found so admiring that you willy-nilly want to be there.

Minoan Palace

The ancient grounds of the castle and the Minoan palace itself are located just south of Heraklion. It got its name from its owner - the famous ancient king Minos, who was the son of Europa and the god Zeus.

In this palace, according to legend, there was a labyrinth where a half-bull and half-man Minotaur was imprisoned at one time. Local residents sacrificed young girls and boys to him for 9 years until Theseus killed him. Since that time, the word “labyrinth” has come into use.

For 6 euros (the cost of an entrance ticket) you can touch the traces of ancient civilization, walk along the paths of gods and kings: a huge number of halls, galleries decorated with exquisite frescoes, pink stately colonnades tapering downwards in defiance of architectural laws, as well as the Small Palace, the Temple of the Tombs and the Royal Villa.

Samaria Gorge

This gorge is one of the largest in Europe, it is located in the southwestern region of the island, in the prefecture of Chania. This place is a National Park. The gorge extends 16 km in length. Here you can observe the rarest magnificent fauna and flora. For example, kri-kri are mountain wild goats with spiral-shaped horns.

The width of the Iron Gate of Sidiroportes, the narrowest section, is 3.5 m, and the widest is 300 m. All tourists who arrive here will have to overcome this on foot. Although the feeling that the path is grueling is deceptive. In fact, it consists of continuous descents. In this gorge there is a whole village where the Church of Mary of Egypt functions.

In general, the walk takes 5-6 hours. It begins at the steps made of wood (behind the Omalos plateau), ending at the shore of the Libyan Sea, where the village of Agia Roumeli is located. The cost of entry to the gorge is 6 euros.

Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

This is one of the largest museums in Greece, it is located in the very center of Heraklion on the street. Xanthoudidou. The exhibition presented here covers 5000 years (from the Neolithic period to the Greco-Roman era). It includes the world's largest and finest collection of works by the Minoan people.

The museum is currently under renovation, but there is a temporary exhibition at the back of the main building. It contains the most striking exhibits from the collection of artifacts, including the Goddess with snakes, the Phaistos disc, golden bees, and a leaping bull. The museum has a total of twenty thematic rooms, each of which is dedicated to its own period and area.

Best vacation: Crete, hotels

Those who want to go here on vacation need to know that the hotels here do not have stars, they are replaced by categories: A, B, C and Delux. The resort has completely different establishments: from modest small rooms to completely luxurious apartments.

Since the island is one of the most popular among tourists choosing a holiday in Greece, Crete hotels offer accommodation in various formats. The hotel business here is very well developed. Tourists want to relax without worrying about where to eat. For these vacationers there are hotels with all-inclusive service.

Traditional cuisine

Cretan food is not just food, but a way of life. It involves healthy eating and a great excuse for family and friends to get together. Today holidays in Greece are becoming more and more popular. The island of Crete, in addition to all kinds of entertainment, also offers tourists to get acquainted with its unique cuisine.

Cretan traditional cuisine uses products such as all kinds of cheese, lemons, wild herbs, oranges, lentils, beans, various vegetables, olive oil, barley, seafood and fish, meat, and wine in small quantities. By the way, most organic products are grown here in the country.

Breakfast in Crete

A classic Greek breakfast includes cigarettes and coffee. Of course, this is a joke, although not without some truth. Greeks smoke a lot. And here breakfast is not breakfast as such; it includes a cup of aromatic coffee, a couple of olives and a piece of toast with jam or honey. Sometimes it is complemented by all kinds of pastries, for example, “Tiropita”, pies with spinach or cheese. They can also act as snacks throughout the day.

Coffee

Coffee in Greece used to be called “Turkish”. But after relations between these countries deteriorated, it began to be called Greek, which must be remembered when ordering it. There are several types of it:

“sketo” - without sugar;
"varigliko" - sweet and strong;
"metrio" - semi-sweet.

Cretan cheese

In the mountainous regions of the country, you can accidentally meet shepherds making cheese from the milk they produce themselves. But there are not many of them left anymore.

In Crete, Feta cheese is not as popular as in the rest of the country. The most commonly used varieties here are:

"Mizithru" is a classic whey cheese that has been around in Greece for about 1000 years. There is unsalted fresh “Mizithra”, slightly salted or salted and dried, used for further grating. This cheese is made from whey that has been fermented from goat, cow or sheep milk.
Gravieru is a hard cheese with a slightly sweet taste, created in several ways. It is made from sheep's milk, which is sometimes mixed with goat's milk. The ripening period for the cheese is at least five months.
"Antotyrus" is a light soft cheese made from sheep or goat milk. It can be fresh, dried or salted. The first is added to various cheese cookies or simply served.

Holidays on Crete: traveler reviews

Today many tourists have already visited this resort. Accordingly, you can find a lot of information about holidays in Crete. Reviews about it are mostly positive. Many here find the resort that suits them: family, youth, secluded. Travelers admire its architecture, national color, openness and activity of local residents, and incomparable cuisine. But there are still those who speak negatively about Crete. In most cases, they visited here out of season, finding themselves either in sweltering heat or on the shores of an already cool sea. Although there are those who prefer more fashionable resorts, compared to which Crete pales.

If you want to get acquainted with the unique history and culture of the island of Crete, you can choose almost any resort, since almost everywhere offers an excursion program with sightseeing of both the island and other territories, including mainland Greece.