Why you should come to Crete
Choosing a place to rest is not easy. I want to get to the beach with white sand and palm trees, so that my feet were washed by transparent blue-green waves, and my eyes rested on high mountains …Why you should come to Crete. And I also want to relax among the friendly and hospitable locals who are trying to feed the guests to the dump. To get into such a fairy tale is quite realistic, but first things first …
Why come to Crete
Crete is the southernmost point on the map of Greece. Its shores are washed by the waters of three warm seas: the Aegean, Ionian and Libyan. The island stands out from the archipelago by:
First, it is considered the tourist center of the Mediterranean. To this day, excavations are carried out on the ruins of the most ancient – Minoan – civilization. Tourists can explore the legendary places, sung in ancient Greek myths: the maze in which the Minotaur lived.
Secondly, it is a multicultural region. Christian churches and Muslim mosques, Turkish fortresses and monasteries of different eras are peacefully coexisting here.
Thirdly, a small island can be bypassed for a day or two up and down. So what is next? Boredom! The area of Crete is more than 8 thousand square km, it stretches for 250 km from the West to the East. There is no time to get bored here: excursions, hiking in the mountains and caves, developed infrastructure (discos, night clubs, attractions for children).
And, most importantly, if you compare prices with other islands, they are somewhat lower in Crete. At the end of the season it becomes cheaper to stay, eat, rent a car.
How to get from Russia
To get to Crete from Russia in two ways: directly and with transfers. During the season, the Greek company Aegean operates direct flights Moscow-Heraklion, rarely Moscow-Chania, Russian tour operators offer charters. This method has advantages: the road takes less time and is cheaper.
The second option: flight to Athens or Thessaloniki, and from there by ferry to Heraklion. When choosing this route, a tourist should take into account that ferries plying between the coasts are not cruise liners. Yes, and time to get to the place, it takes a lot. But if the vacationer decided to take the opportunity to visit the sights of Athens, and then enjoy the sea romance, then the way with transfers will not be depressing.
Areas of Crete, popular resorts
Crete consists of four parts – nomov: Lasithi, Heraklion, Retimio and Chania.
Heraklion is the central part of the island, in which there are resorts popular among Russians: Malia, Stalida, Chersonissos, Gouves, Kokkini Hani, Amoudara, Agia Pelagia. There is an international airport in the capital of the nome Heraklion, convenient traffic intersections for traveling around the island.
Rethymno – another area, loved by Russian tourists. Medieval architecture as if keeps the ancient soul of the island. The main resort complexes are located in Panormo, Bali.
Lasithi is the eastern part of the island, the most sunny and, perhaps, expensive. Luxury hotels and the best resorts are located in Agios Nicholas and Elounda.
Chania is the western part of Crete. There is very lush vegetation here, and the views of the White Mountains, the Samaria Canyon will not leave indifferent the most jaded traveler. Popular resorts of the region: Georgioupolis, Aghia Marina, Platanias, Paleochora, Bali.
Tourists prefer the North Coast for recreation. Fans of archeological monuments strive to the East. West attracts colorful landscapes: mountain gorges, picturesque valleys. In the South, the most peaceful atmosphere, in remote parts of the island infrastructure is poorly developed, which is compensated by the cordiality of the Cretan inhabitants.
Beaches
The northern part of Crete is often called one endless beach. Numerous hotels have their own access to the sea, carefully equip places for swimming. There are enough umbrellas, deck chairs, changing cabins here.
Among the variety of beaches can be identified places of worship known throughout the world. Elafonisi (Elafonisi) fascinates with pink-colored sand and azure-tinged surf.
Palm beach “Wai” (Vai is surrounded by date grove, this place is considered heavenly. They say that this was where the Bounty commercial was filmed. But what is for sure: the beach was and remains a favorite hippie resting place.
Palm Beach “Wai”
Balos beach (Balos is located in the harbor, according to legend, first of all – pirate. Romantics are attracted by white sand, aquamarine waves, an ancient fortress – a refuge of corsairs, stories of a ship sunk in these waters.
Balos Beach – one of the most inaccessible beaches of Crete
All the beaches operate diving clubs. After passing a short course of study, those who wish can descend into the depths of the sea. The North Shore remains a popular diving destination. Places of attraction: “anchors’ cemetery” next to Paromno, an underwater volcano near Santorini, the Elephant Cave with stalactites around Chania, giant sea turtles and cuttlefish near the village of Plakias.
The traveler himself can choose: stop on a crowded fashionable beach or find a quiet place in a quiet lagoon.
