5 Reasons Crete Should Be First On Your Travel List

The sheer size of the world is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, you’ll never see everything there is to see. On the other hand, well, you’ll never see everything there is to see! You’re never going to get bored traveling, but there are inevitably going to be places you won’t have a chance to explore. Think about it. In a country like Greece, there are multiple islands that you can spend months exploring. To truly see everything in Europe alone will take you more time than anyone has on Earth.

Which is why we all prioritise certain countries and cities. Ultimately, however, you end up knowing that certain places will keep bringing you back. Other countries can wait, because you’ve fallen in love with a particular city.

For me, that place is Crete. I can never get enough of it and, while I know everything is a matter of personal preference in the end, I believe that Crete can be that place for almost everyone. It has everything you want in a travel destination: culture, history, luxury, natural beauty, and a vibrancy that makes me never want to leave.

I’m going to share with you exactly what draws me back to Crete over and over again, and I hope I can convince you to give it a chance sooner rather than later. There are plenty of Crete rentals available for all types of travelers, including those who like to live in luxury no matter where they are.

Living History

Greece as a whole is shaped by its history. You cannot visit without being reminded over and over again that it is the birthplace of democracy, home to some of the most important philosophers of historic times, along with the genesis of modern science. The sheer weight of its history can be enough to make it a bit of a bore sometimes, especially if you’re with someone intent on going to every museum and learning about all the mythology and everything that’s happened in the past few millennia.

But Crete is anything but boring, even if you do get caught up in the history. This is because the history is still there, both in its landscapes, its ruins, and its towns and villages. The Palace of Knossos is one of the most famous landmarks, considering it has been around for thousands of years. And it is incredibly striking and will leave a lasting impression.

However, my favorite piece of living history is the Old Town in Rethymnon. Rethymnon’s Old Town is a seaside village that dates back to the 11th century. Quaint does not begin to describe it. Renaissance architecture with Turkish influences, endless alleys to explore, and excellent food in little stores throughout. I could spend weeks there, just wandering around, and I guarantee you’ll find something there to love.

Endless Natural Beauty

While you may associate ancient history with dust and ruins, Crete’s landscape is a vibrant beauty to behold. It has a nice variety of natural wonders, which you can experience however you like.

If you just want to relax in an unimaginable paradise, Elafonisi Beach is ideal. Its pink-tinted sands make it unlike any beach you’ve lounged on before. The crystal clear water rivals any island fantasy you may have concocted. Feeling a bit adventurous? Simply cross the shallow lagoon to a small island with a lighthouse, chapel, and hundreds of interesting plant species.

Those who like getting a bit of exercise on their travels will treasure the Samaria Gorge National Park. The gorge itself is one of the longest canyons in Europe. It is a natural wonder and a sight to behold. You can spend a few hours hiking the area. It is a walk that most people will manage, but sunscreen and lots of water is recommended. It is open from May through October.

There are, of course, plenty more beaches and spots to hike. Vai Palm Beach is a particular favorite among tourists for its Caribbean-like beauty. Hiking around Balos Lagoon is a great way to get stunning pictures that will break your friends’ Instagram feeds.

Towns To Visit and Things To Do

Crete is not all about appreciating the aesthetics of ancient history and natural beauty. There is also plenty to do there. Every town on the island has its own special charm. Loutro, for example, is a tiny fishing village that is relatively cut off from the rest of the island. It is not flooded with tourists and you will feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem. You can’t even get there by land, after all, but will have to take a boat or attempt a mountainous climb.

Then there’s the city of Chania, which is gorgeous to look at while having a heck of a lot of activities to do. It is one of the biggest cities throughout the Greek Islands, after all. The Venetian Harbour, the old lighthouse, and the Agora Marketplace are the perfect start. It has its fair share of historical attractions as well, including the 16th century Firka Fortress and the Archaeological Museum which will give you an insight into how the ancient Minoans once lived.

Some other unmissable activities include a visit to the Cretaquarium which is home to over 2,000 sea animals. The shark tank is a particular favorite with travelers, especially if you love getting close to majestic animals without giving them the chance to cause you permanent damage!

Crete is a wondrous place that will never fail to keep me coming back. In an ideal world, I would get the chance to live there for a few years. As is, I’m happy to settle with frequent returns.

P.S.: Images do not belong to me