Top 12 Experiences
- Hiking through the Samaria Gorge — 16 kilometers, rock walls up to 600 meters deep, wild Kri-Kri goats, and the sea at the end: Europe's longest walkable gorge is a must for every hiking enthusiast. → Chap. West Crete
- Seeing the Balos Lagoon from above — The moment you reach the viewpoint and the turquoise-white lagoon lies below you is one of the most breathtaking in all of Greece. → Chap. West Crete
- Strolling through the old town of Chania — The Venetian harbor, the Egyptian lighthouse, narrow streets with bougainvillea, craft shops, and taverns: Chania is Crete's most romantic city. → Chap. West Crete
- Traveling back to the Bronze Age at the Palace of Knossos — The ruins of the Minoan high culture, reconstructed by Arthur Evans, tell of a civilization that was far ahead of its time 4,000 years ago. → Chap. Central Crete
- Admiring the pink sand at Elafonisi Beach — Crushed seashells color the sand a delicate pink, the water is knee-deep and Caribbean warm: one of Europe's most unforgettable beaches. → Chap. West Crete
- Relaxing in the fishing village of Loutro — Only accessible by boat or on foot, no car traffic, white-blue houses by the sea: Loutro is the epitome of Cretan deceleration. → Chap. South Coast
- Exploring Spinalonga — The former leper island off Elounda is historically touching and atmospherically unique: Venetian fortress, Ottoman ruins, and the poignant history of its last inhabitants. → Chap. East Crete
- Enjoying Cretan meze in a mountain village tavern — Dakos, snails (Chochlioi), grilled lamb chops, wild vegetable salad with Crete's golden-green olive oil, and Raki until the host sings along. → Chap. Culture & Cuisine
- Discovering the Preveli Palm Beach — A river flows through a palm forest into the sea, with cliffs behind: Preveli feels like an oasis accidentally placed in Europe. → Chap. South Coast
- Experiencing the sunset at the lighthouse of Rethymno — The Venetian Fortezza, the minaret, the fishing boats, and the sun sinking into the sea: Rethymno offers one of Crete's most beautiful sunsets. → Chap. West Crete
- Lying under date palms at Vai Palm Beach — Europe's only natural palm beach with thousands of Cretan date palms, creating a Caribbean-meets-North Africa feel. → Chap. East Crete
- Climbing to 2,000 meters in the White Mountains — The Lefka Ori are wild, rugged, and breathtaking. A hike to the Omalos Plateau or the Gingilos peak shows the alpine face of Crete. → Chap. West Crete
