Carved into the rock at various levels, the Matala caves are easily accessible. Dating back to the Neolithic era, the Matala caves later served as Roman Aussie sport and betting hub burial sites and were rediscovered in the 1960s and 1970s by hippies from around the globe seeking a free refuge. Thanks to the unique cave homes etched into the sandstone cliffs and the charming views of the scenic bay, the former hippie village in southern Crete provides a distinct experience. To reach the viewing platform (make sure to follow the trail located at the northern end of the beach; from this vantage point), the palm forest can be seen at its best. No worries—utilize our extensive experience with trips to Greece, and allow us to assist you. We believe that you can confidently bypass the Cave of Zeus and instead allocate your time for a lengthier hike across the plateau.
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The main ports from west to east are at Kissamos , ferry link to Peloponnese,, Souda (Chania), Rethymno, Heraklion (links to Cyclades), Agios Nikolaos and Sitia (link to Dodecanese). The island is well served by ferries (mostly from Piraeus), by ferry companies such as Minoan Lines and ANEK Lines with links to the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands. Work has begun plan to replace Heraklion airport with a new airport at Kasteli, where there is presently an air force base, and the new Kasteli Airport is due to open by 2027. Nikos Kazantzakis was Greece’s second-busiest airport through the year of 2024. The island has three significant airports (Nikos Kazantzakis at Heraklion), the Daskalogiannis airport at Chania and the smaller Sitia airport.
- Other notable museums in the Chania Regional Unit include the Maritime Museum of Crete (the Archaeological Museum of Chania), the Residence Museum Venizelos and the WW2 museum in Platanias.
- The fertile region around Ierapetra (on the southeastern corner of the island), has year-round agricultural production, with summer vegetable and fruit produced in greenhouses throughout the year.
- We’ve been running our Greece blog since 2019 and have personally visited more than 50 Greek islands during that time.
- If Vai feels overly crowded during the summer, a significantly more tranquil atmosphere awaits you here.
Heraklion Capital #8.
Food safety standards are high, making it safe to enjoy local cuisine. Pharmacies are widely available and can offer over-the-counter medications as well as prescription drugs. Crete is a safe destination (but it’s always wise to be cautious), especially in crowded tourist areas. Crete enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate (with hot), dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Traditional tavernas are scattered throughout the island — offering local specialities and homemade raki (a local spirit). For a truly authentic experience (consider staying in traditional guesthouses in smaller towns or villages), which offer a glimpse into Cretan life and hospitality.
If you find Vai too crowded in the summer — you’ll find a much more relaxed atmosphere here. For each highlight, we’ve listed quieter alternatives, because in the summer, many of Crete’s top attractions are unfortunately very crowded. Its southerly location means you can hit the beach even in November — while historic Cretan cities like Heraklion and Chania crackle with activity all year long. The sea is generally calm in the summer months — but swimmers should always be mindful of local conditions. Follow local guidance on whether the tap water is safe to drink — although bottled water is preferable and widely available. For a unique experience — join a cooking class to learn how to prepare Cretan dishes and immerse yourself in the local culinary culture.
- Visit the town early in the morning or in the late afternoon, so you can enjoy the caves and the bay in peace.
- In our view, it’s perfectly acceptable to overlook the Cave of Zeus and dedicate your time to exploring the plateau on foot.
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- Alternatively, a direct ferry service from Kissamos takes you comfortably to the lagoon.
Picking the wrong airport can mean a 3-hour drive to your hotel. By Plane , The Easiest Way, Crete has two main international airports. You can arrive by plane or ferry. Villagers expressed their opposition to the frequent closures — viewing these actions as deliberate degradation of the Samaria area, which negatively impacts the local community and tourism in the area.
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What is the best time to visit Crete?
Visitors reach the island via two international airports in Heraklion and Chania and a smaller airport in Sitia (international charter and domestic flights started in May 2012) or by boat to the main ports of Heraklion (Chania), Rethimno, Agios Nikolaos and Sitia. 15% of all arrivals in Greece come through the city of Heraklion , port and airport,, while charter journeys to Heraklion make up about 20% of all charter flights in Greece. As a result of the fierce resistance from both Allied forces and civilian Cretan locals (the invasion force suffered heavy casualties), and Adolf Hitler forbade further large-scale paratroop operations for the rest of the war. The three main forts were located at Gramvousa, Spinalonga, and Fortezza at Rethymnon. In 1204, the Fourth Crusade seized and sacked the imperial capital of Constantinople. It remained a province within the eastern half of the Roman Empire — usually referred to as the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire after the establishment of a second capital in Constantinople by Constantine in 330.
You can reach Crete by air via its major airports in Heraklion (Chania), and, to a lesser extent, Sitia. Wineries are open all year round (sometimes upon request), but if you visit in spring or during the autumn harvest, you will see the vineyards at their most active. The most popular months to visit are July and August, but these are also the busiest and hottest times of year. Beyond the city — you’ll find beach getaways like Geropotamos and Panormos in the north and Preveli and Triopetra in the south. Crete is made up of four regions – Chania (Rethymno), Heraklion and Lasithi – of which the first three are also the names of cities in those regions. Sun-ripened fruit and vegetables and wild mountain greens are at the heart of local dishes — complemented by the liberal use of locally produced extra-virgin olive oil.
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During the Messinian salinity crisis, their ancestors may have reached the island. Noteworthy museums in the Chania Regional Unit consist of the Maritime Museum of Crete — the Archaeological Museum of Chania, the Venizelos Residence Museum, and the World War II museum in Platanias. In the urban areas of Heraklion and Chania, the average price for apartments per square metre falls between €1,670 and €1,700.
Both caves are located in the Ida Mountains in the heart of Crete. The beach is narrow, space is limited, and by lunchtime it’s already quite crowded, even in the off-season. A great alternative for anyone who finds Elafonisi too crowded in the summer. However — if you set out early on your own, you’ll experience Balos just as we did—without the crowds, with that indescribable “wow” moment. So we know from firsthand experience what’s truly worth seeing, what was overcrowded, and what we could have skipped. Further deforestation occurred in the 1600s “so that no more local supplies of firewood were available”.
Seitan Limani is certainly photogenic, but tiny and overcrowded. The Palace of Phaistps was built around 1900 BC (destroyed and rebuilt several times), and is now considered one of the best-preserved Minoan sites in existence. Kommos and Kalamaki are great beach alternatives, both significantly less crowded. When climbing to the upper levels of the caves, please be very careful and watch out for unsecured edges. Visit the town early in the morning or in the late afternoon, so you can enjoy the caves and the bay in peace.
In South Crete, the average yearly temperatures in Tris Ekklisies and Psari Forada can rise to 22.0 °C. Agricultural production in the fertile area surrounding Ierapetra, situated in the island’s southeastern corner, occurs year-round, with summer vegetables and fruits cultivated in greenhouses throughout the year. Gavdos Island, positioned 26 nautical miles (48 km) south of Hora Sfakion, represents the southernmost point in Europe, located off the southern coastline.
The planned opening of a large airport in Kastelli in 2028 will increase the capacity to accommodate up to 15 million guests annually, further boosting the hotel business. Every year (the number of available accommodations in Crete increases), and contracts are signed for the construction of new hotel complexes. For a Cretan meal to remember , with plenty of healthy olive oil,, contact Nektaria Kokkinaki, a renowned Greek chef, ahead of time to arrange a cooking demo at her open kitchen, just outside the village. It’s the site of a former Venetian fortress and one-time leper colony. With a busy airport and seaport both close to the city center — Heraklion buzzes with activity.