Crete is one of Greece’s most popular holiday destinations and is full of fantastic activities and fun days out for friends and families. Crete has everything you’re looking for in a summer holiday, from world class beaches to historic Minoan relics and wild and wet waterparks. Here are some of our favourite reasons for visiting Crete this summer.
It’s a beach paradise
It’s no secret that Crete has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With wrap-around white and gold sands and promenades full of cafes and restaurants you’ll have everything you need to relax under that Grecian sun.
Elafonsi Beach in Crete is loved by both holiday-goers and locals alike. This small inlet is actually a nature reserve with light pink sands and shallow waters. Another must see coast is Blue Flag, Elounda Beach, which not only has a gorgeous stretch of sand, but also overlooks the Venetian fortress island of Spinalonga, a great day trip for any history buffs.
There’s history around every corner
Crete was once the centre of the ancient Minoan civilisation all the way back in 2700 BCE. So if you’re a major history lover this island needs to be top of your list. Even though most of the buildings here were destroyed by volcanoes and natural disasters many years ago you can still wander through archaeological sites like the Palace of Knossos or the Palace of Malia.
Crete’s history is also drenched in Greek mythology and is said to be the birth place of the Greek god Zeus. You can walk a mythological map by visiting the cave Rhea is said to have stashed Zeus in, and swim in the bay beside Aghios Nikolaos where Athea, the Goddess of Wisdom and War, supposedly bathed in.
Cretan food is out of this world
We all know that half the fun of going on holiday is to try out new foods, and Crete’s traditional dishes are second to none. Many of the restaurants here are family run and serve up a variety of homemade dishes including Greek specialities like moussaka, gyros and mezzes galore. This island is also renowned for its seafood and you’ll be missing out if you don’t try some of their friend calamari and seasoned octopus. If you’re a self proclaimed foodie Crete is where it’s at.
There’s no end to family excursions
For any family holidays, or even if you’re travelling with a group of friends, Crete has several fun day trips out for you to enjoy. One of the best ways to cool down from the Grecian heat is to head to the pool, and Crete is prepared with numerous waterparks situated all around the island.
The city of Chania boasts a 65-acre splash zone at Limnoupolis waterpark, where you can go on thrilling freefall slides or relax on a lazy river. If you’d rather check out some wildlife in Crete then the Aquaworld Aquarium and Reptile Rescue Centre in Hersonissos has all sorts of creatures, including tortoises and boa constrictors.
Are you planning on visiting Crete this summer? Let us know what you’ve organised and what you’re most excited about seeing on your Cretan holiday under the sun.
Facebook
Twitter
Email 
