7 Reasons to Love Crete

There are infinite reasons to visit this paradise, but we’ll start with these!

Mediterranean Climate
Due to its privileged geographical position in the Mediterranean, Crete is characterized by mild climate, with rainy winters and hot, dry summers. The sunshine lasts almost the whole year while warm weather is enjoyed for nine months of the year from April to November and winter are just December to March. The hottest months are July and August but generally because of the sea breeze and the effect of the etesian winds, the summer is relatively cool and makes your stay at the island really pleasant!

 

Crystal Clear Water
Located between the southern side of Aegean Sea and the northern side of Libyan Sea, with a coastline of 1,046 m, Crete offers an amazing variety of beautiful beaches. Whether you’re into watersports, skinny dipping or good old-fashioned sunbathing, the island almost certainly has a stretch of sand to suit your tastes.

From west to east, here are some of the most beautiful beaches in Crete:

Among the most exotic beaches are Balos, a wonderful place with crystal Caribbean-like water, Elafonissi on the westernmost sport of the island, as well as the sandy beach of Falassarna, all of which are located in Chania. In Rethymno, you will find the 9km long wide sandy beach of Georgioupolis, Plakias beach on the south coast which sits on a beautiful wide bay surrounded by mountains, the hidden tropical paradise of Preveli beach, and more. Do not miss Matala beach in Heraklio region, once known for its cave-dwelling hippy community, which is a very beautiful beach with unusual rock formation and plenty of history and Keratokambos beach, a wild remote beach, where you can escape and find the wind in your hair. If you are a windsurfing lover, Kouremenos beach, in Lassithi, is one of Crete’s top windsurfing spots, long sand-and-pebble beach. Vai Palm beach, a sandy paradise, is one of the most unusual beaches in Europe, home to picturesque and unique palm forest and crystal clear waters.

 

Nature
Apart from the gorgeous beaches, the island offers rocky summits, steep slopes, alpine zones, verdant mountains, dry lands, gurgling rivers, scenic ponds, Mediterranean woods, wetlands, fertile meadows, vineyards and olive groves. It hosts the largest number of gorges in Greece, numerous caves, and natural parks – natural sceneries ready to explore by foot, boat or car.

 

Activities
Crete offers a very wide range of options for experiences that will follow you forever, most of which are related to nature. There are hundreds of villages and other small towns which offer different activities. There are truly individual and unique places – any mood, any pace, any style or setting exists here. There are walks, climbs, drives and rides that take you across stunning plateaux, dramatic mountain and seascapes.

The activities include cycling, trekking  and climbing, off-road explorations, golf, diving, windsurfing, surfing, kayaking and more.

 

History
The Crete history is long and marked by many historical periods. The island has been inhabitted since Neolithic times  but for most people its history begins with the Minoan civilization.The island has many archeological sites of note which include Knossos, Phaistos, and Gortyn, all with significant architectural remains as compelling evidence of Crete’s long and varied history.

 

Culture
Crete has a people noted for and conspicuous in their hospitality and tradition of welcoming visitors. The traditions and culture offered in art, food and crafts play a large part in this picture. It combines European ways with the uniquely local. There is also a long and rich musical tradition with deep roots in antiquity, strongly influenced by the Byzantine music and enriched by the musical culture of the wider eastern Mediterranean.

 

Cretan Cuisine
If you’re a foodie, you will be in heaven in Crete, where ‘locavore’ is not a trend but a way of life. Rural taverns often produce their own meat, cheese, olive oil, raki – strong spirit made from grapes – and wine, and catch their own seafood. Follow a gourmet trail across the landscape and you’ll delight in distinctive herbs and greens gathered from each hillside, cheeses made fresh with unique village- or household-specific recipes, and honey flavored by mountain herbs. The Cretan diet is among the healthiest in the world. Pair your meal with excellent local wine, and cap it off with a fiery shot of raki.

 

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The 10 best beaches in Cyclades islands

Looking for the top destinations for sea, sun and sand in Cyclades islands?

Discover here the best 10 beaches in Cyclades islands:

Soros beach, in Antiparos

Popular beach hotspot!

Popular long sandy beach organized with sunbeds and umbrellas ideal for a group of friends or couples.  A beach bar restaurant is just above the beach for those who wish to spend their day in a chic and cool venue on listening to their favorite music and drinking signature cocktails.  There are also two taverns nearby inviting visitors for delicious local specialities.

Check out our luxury villas in Antiparos here.

 

Kalo Livadi, in Mykonos

Family fun!

One of the longest beaches of Mykonos, Kalo Livadi is a sandy, family –oriented beach, with straw umbrellas and sun-beds. Located between Elia and Kalafatis, Kalo Livadi is well-organized with many umbrellas and sundecks available for your comfort under the hot sun. Around the beach you will also find great tavern options.

Check out our luxury villas in Mykonos here.

 

Tsigrado beach, in Milos

Sandy paradise!

Sandy cove, found on the southern part of the island, is one of the most impressive beaches in Milos. This is a small beach with white soft sand and light blue waters. The sandy bay is surrounded by high rocky cliffs, which form more dramatic scenery.

Check out our luxury villas in Milos here.

 

Red Beach, in Santorini

Red beauty!

At the tail end of the road to Ancient Akrotiri, this beach earned its name from its reddish volcanic sand.  Many sunbeds and umbrellas cover the dark sand and right on the seashore are some nice pebbles. Travelers say the scenery is stunning, so be sure to bring a camera with you. Snorkeling is highly recommended due to the interesting rocks.

Check out our luxury villas in Santorini here.

 

Psarou beach, in Mykonos

Party paradise beach!

Famous throughout the Mediterranean as a favorite escape of VIPs and celebrities, it’s easy to see why. The stunning sandy shore is dotted with umbrellas and beach loungers while the cove hides calm, cool water for swimming.

Check out our luxury villas in Mykonos here.

 

Agios Prokopis, in Naxos

Awarded for its quality waters on both a Greek and international level, Agios Prokopis beach is truly magnificent.  Long beach with light colored  sand and bright turquoise waters, Agios Prokopis is the ideal place for relaxation, swimming and summer sports. The village of Agios Prokopios has many restaurants and local taverns.

Check out our luxury villas in Naxos here.

 

Small Santa Maria, in Paros

For diving lovers!

Crystal beauty!

Small sandy beach, organized with sun beds, umbrellas and a beach bar ideal for cocktails, fruit salads and snacks.  If you are a diving lover this beach is the ideal spot!

Check out our luxury villas in Paros here.

 

Perivolos, in Santorini

Black beauty!

This beautiful beach of Santorini lies on the southern end of the island. The beach distinguishes for its sparkling azure blue waters and tranquil atmosphere. On the beachfront there are numerous taverns, pubs and restaurants serving fresh fish and local delicacies.

Check out our luxury villas in Santorini here.

 

Livadia, in Antiparos

Privacy please!

Livadia is an unorganized beach on the southern side of the island. It doesn’t get busy at all, so this is the perfect place place to enjoy some privacy. Here you can find calmness and peacefulness in this protected bay and you may enjoy a relaxing swim or sunbathe under the sizzling sun away from the crowds. The beach is also one of the best surf spots in Greece.

Visit our luxury villas in Antiparos here.

 

Agios Sostis, in Mykonos

Freedom!

Taking the road beyond Panormos beach and facing east onto the bay, Agios Sostis is one of the more remote beaches on the island. Agios Sostis beach is an unspoiled area without any kind of amenities, a characteristic that creates to visitors a feeling of total freedom.

Check out our luxury villas in Mykonos here.