The Samaria Gorge is 16 km long, drops 1,250 metres in altitude, and passes through some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Europe. It is the longest gorge in Greece and one of the longest in Europe. The walk is almost entirely downhill, begins at 1,230 metres altitude on the Omalos plateau and ends […]
Category Archives: Travel Guides
Expert guides and tips for travelling in Crete and Greece
Cretan food is not the same as Greek food. The island has its own olive varieties, its own cheese traditions, its own way of cooking meat, and a diet that scientists have been studying since the 1960s as one of the healthiest in the world. The traditional Cretan diet — olive oil, pulses, wild greens, […]
While Samaria Gorge dominates Crete’s hiking reputation, the island offers dozens of equally stunning trails with far fewer crowds. Private guided hikes through Imbros Gorge, Kourtaliotiko Ravine, and the White Mountains deliver dramatic landscapes, authentic villages, and personalized pacing—all hallmarks of genuine Cretan exploration beyond the tourist circuit. Why Hiking in Crete Beyond Samaria Is […]
Crete has over 650 km of coastline. Some of its beaches are famous globally; others are accessible only by boat or an unmarked path. This guide covers the best beaches across the island — from the instantly recognisable to the genuinely secret — organised by region so you can plan around your base. Best Beaches […]
Crete offers world-class luxury accommodations ranging from five-star beachfront hotels to private villas with infinity pools, complemented by bespoke concierge services that handle everything from helicopter transfers to private chef dinners. The island’s luxury travel market balances authentic Mediterranean charm with modern sophistication, making it ideal for discerning travelers seeking both comfort and cultural immersion. […]
Rethymno sits between Heraklion and Chania on Crete's north coast, and it is the city that people recommend when they want to describe a Crete that the package tourism industry hasn't yet flattened. The Old Town — a 16th-century Venetian and Ottoman city largely intact, with a fortress above and a working harbour below — […]
Crete island hopping combines yacht cruising, secluded beach swimming, and authentic village exploration into 3–7 day private itineraries. The best multi-day tours depart from Chania or Heraklion, visit lesser-known islands like Spinalonga and Chrysi, and cost €3,500–€8,500 for four guests, including crew and meals. Why Crete Island Hopping Works Better Than Land-Based Tourism Island hopping […]
Balos Lagoon is the most photographed location in Crete and one of the most visually dramatic beaches in Europe. A shallow turquoise lagoon enclosed by a white sand spit, with the Venetian fortress of Gramvousa rising above on an island beyond. The colours — the turquoise of the lagoon, the white-pink of the sand, the […]
Crete offers the ideal balance of adventure, culture, and relaxation for families with children of all ages. Private tours eliminate the hassle of large groups, allow flexible pacing, and let kids explore at their own rhythm—from Minoan ruins to hidden beaches to traditional villages where life moves at a Mediterranean pace. Why Private Tours Transform […]
Spinalonga Island sits in the northern corner of Mirabello Bay in eastern Crete, 800 metres offshore from the resort village of Elounda. It is reached by a 10-minute boat ride that costs €10–15 per person from Elounda or Plaka. The island is one of the most visited sites in Crete — and one of the […]









