15 Best Things to Do in Crete (That Most Tourists Miss) Crete is Greece’s largest island — and one of the most diverse destinations in Europe. Most visitors stick to the well-worn path: Knossos, Elafonisi, Chania Old Town. But the island has layers that take years to discover. This guide — written with the expertise […]
Category Archives: Travel Guides
Expert guides and tips for travelling in Crete and Greece
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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Knossos Palace in 2025/2026 Knossos Palace is one of Europe’s most remarkable archaeological sites — the legendary capital of the Minoan civilization and the mythical home of King Minos and the Minotaur. Located just 5 km south of Heraklion, Crete, it draws over one million visitors each year. This guide […]
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Crete is one of the best family holiday destinations in the Mediterranean. The combination of warm, shallow seas, fascinating history, and a culture that genuinely welcomes children makes it an excellent choice for families with children of all ages. Here’s what works best — and some honest advice on what to watch out for. Best […]
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Heraklion is Crete’s capital and largest city — also the gateway to the island’s greatest archaeological treasures. It’s often overlooked by visitors who rush through to resort areas, which is a mistake. Heraklion rewards those who slow down and explore it properly. Getting Oriented Heraklion spreads along the north coast, centred on the old Venetian […]
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Crete is the birthplace of Europe’s first advanced civilisation. The Minoans flourished for over a thousand years before collapsing mysteriously around 1450 BC, leaving behind palaces, art, and artefacts of astonishing sophistication. This guide introduces their world and tells you where to find it. Who Were the Minoans? The Minoans were a Bronze Age civilisation […]
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Crete has some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches — pink sand lagoons, turquoise bays beneath white cliffs, remote pebble coves only reachable by boat. Here are the 10 best beaches in Crete, with honest advice on how to visit each one. 1. Balos Lagoon, West Crete Balos is Crete’s most photographed beach — a shallow […]
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The Samaria Gorge hike is one of Europe’s great walking experiences — 16 km through a dramatic canyon carved over millennia, ending at a remote beach on Crete’s southern coast. This guide covers everything you need to plan a successful trek. Essential Facts Distance: 16 km (top to bottom; there is no easy return by […]
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Crete is a large island — 260 km long, with mountains, gorges, and dozens of villages spread across its width. Getting around efficiently shapes the entire quality of your trip. Here is an honest, practical guide to every transport option on the island. Renting a Car in Crete (Recommended) For most visitors, renting a car […]
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Chania’s Old Town is one of the most atmospheric places in all of Greece. Narrow lanes, Venetian mansions, Ottoman mosques, a crescent-shaped harbour — this is the Crete that stays with you long after you’ve gone home. This self-guided walking tour covers every highlight while steering you away from the tourist traps. Getting to Chania […]
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Cretan Food: 20 Local Dishes You Must Try Cretan food is among the healthiest and most celebrated in the world. The Cretan diet — a cornerstone of the broader Mediterranean diet — has been linked to longevity, low rates of heart disease, and exceptional quality of life. UNESCO recognized the Mediterranean diet as Intangible Cultural […]