It is almost impossible to find another similar place on Earth. Climate is the Mediterranean, comfortable throughout the year. The tourist season begins in mid-May and lasts until the end of October. Therefore, you have six months of summer temperature, moderately hot, and flourishing. The average temperature in this period varies from +20 to +30 degrees, with a humidity of 50%. Due to the ideal climate, Crete is often chosen for a family vacation: children easily tolerate local summer temperatures.
It is not surprising that under such climatic conditions, the island is very fertile, they say that Greece doesn’t lack anything. The season of fresh and delicious oranges and aromatic strawberries flows smoothly in the apricot harvest period, then the pomegranates ripen, and then the olive trees bring the harvest. Whenever you decide to come, you can try fresh local fruits and vegetables.
First-hand story
Greece is the cradle of all human civilization. It is difficult to imagine that on a small island with an area of just over 8 thousand square kilometers, so many important historical sites can be located!
It was here that, according to the legend, Zeus himself was born, and where the most valuable cultural monuments of the Minoan era are located. Those are the world-famous Palace of Knossos and the Labyrinth of the Minotaur, the sunken city of Olous, and the ancient city of Gortyna, whose walls survived the times of Roman and Byzantine rule.
It is here, in the magical and mysterious Crete, that you can touch the history of humanity and feel its breath!
The best beaches in Europe
Crete’s magnificent beaches are another story. A total of 112 beaches on the island received the Blue Flag in 2017. Greece has a total of almost 500 of these beaches. The Blue Flag is an international symbol of quality that, since 1987, has been assigned to beaches that meet a comprehensive list of requirements for safety, purity, and transparency of water, respect for the environment, etc. The most picturesque beaches marked with a welcome sign are the following: Vulizmeni, Elafonisi, Falasarna, the city beach of Rethymno, Panormo, Fodele, Agia Pelagia, Elounda, Analipsi. Besides, you have to visit the “Golden Beach” of the small uninhabited island of Chrissy. You can go there from the port of Ierapetra. It is a magnificent combination of white sand and blue water that you won’t find anywhere else! But if you come to Crete, you can go on an excursion or take an independent trip to these beaches from dreams. You’ll certainly need a car to see everything this car has to offer. Therefore, we suggest rent-a-car-crete.gr, as it provides excellent customer service.
Samaria – a national park and one of the longest gorges in Europe
What is especially noteworthy, when you get tired of driving your car along winding paths and paths, is a walking tour through the Samaria Gorge. This gorge is one of the longest canyons in Europe. It is 13 km long. It is located on the west side of the island within the national park of the same name. It is named after a church dedicated to Our Lady and situated in a deserted village.
According to legend, the gorge was created when Titan walked the island. He got tired, and he sat down to rest. He leaned against the sword to rest, and from his weight, the ground broke into halves. The landscapes are magical and unreal. The gorge is up to 300m deep, reaching up to 2 – 3 meters in some places.
Samaria National Park preserves the above endemic species of animals and plants. Also, there is a sanctuary for the rare Cree-goat goats (Cretan goat), whose breeding is generally restricted to the gorge and the island.
Walking tours are organized with guides that explain in detail where and what you can see as you pass the ravine. These tours take an average of 5 hours, they are strenuous, but you will not go wrong if you choose them because you will get to know the beautiful wild areas of Crete that you do not have the opportunity to see on the coast in tourist places.
Whether you decide on a bike tour, a car ride, or a hike, you will reach the divine landscapes and enjoy them. In a small region alternate rocky mountain areas and fertile valleys, as sandy beaches crisscross the imposing rocky coastline. So it is not surprising that they call this island “the island of miracles.”
Greek nature
Flora and fauna of Greece are no less rich in diversity than any other component of this country. After traveling through Greece you will encounter snow-capped peaks and tropical beaches, you will see endless forests and steppes stretching to the horizon, and this is only a small part of the natural diversity that this small country can be proud of.
There is no need to talk about the animal world because hundreds of species of birds and animals found exclusively in Greece are officially registered in the country. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with these unique representatives of the Greek fauna in the reserves.
Cretan hospitality: one more reason to visit Crete
The highest level of Greek hospitality has been known ever since ancient times, and today it is no different than in the old days. If you have ever been to Greece, you have definitely felt it yourself; if not, you are undoubtedly familiar with the enthusiastic stories of your friends and acquaintances.
The best beaches in Europe
Crete’s magnificent beaches are another story. A total of 112 beaches on the island received the Blue Flag in 2017. Greece has an almost 500 of such beaches.
The Blue Flag is an international symbol of quality that, since 1987, has been awarded beaches that meet an extensive list of requirements for safety, purity, and transparency of water, respect for the environment, etc.
The following are the most picturesque beaches marked with a welcome sign: Vulizmeni, Elafonisi, Falasarna, the city beach of Rethymno, Panormo, Fodele, Agia Pelagia, Elounda, Analipsi.
Besides, the “Golden Beach” of the small uninhabited island of Chrissy must be considered: you can go to it from the port of Ierapetra. A combination of white sand and blue water that you won’t find anywhere else!
The Final Word
They do not call Crete the crossroads of civilizations for no reason; Unique in its diversity of natural beauties and numerous cultural and historical heritage, Crete is an island that will offer you a different approach to life and a good time.
