The sun has got his hat on, hip, hip, hooray. The sun has got it’s hat on and we’re heading for Crete today! Ah, you can almost sniff it! Summer is just around the corner with the thoughts of sunshine and sunny beaches. A cheeky cocktail during a Monday lunchtime? All that hard work of the past year is for these kinds of moments, and you are going to make the most of it!
Where will it be this year? The Spanish Costa? Perhaps Portugal? Maybe even the Tuscan coastline? Or could it be a trip to one of the Greek islands? Want a suggestion? Well, Crete sounds the place to be. From glorious sandy beaches to fertile valleys leading to steep gorges.Sounds like the perfect place in the sun.
What does the Greece’s largest island offer the sun seeker, the explorer, the adventurer? We present you 5 reasons to book your next holiday to this charming island in the Mediterranean sun.
Photo by Matthieu Oger on Unsplash
Reason 1: The towns and villages
Are you are one of those that loves to wander and explore old towns with narrow streets and alleys? Find pretty squares where alfresco dining and coffee drinking in a perfect little café rocks your travel boat? Well, Crete is for you. Head to places like Chania or Rethymno with their mix of Venetian and Ottoman architecture.
Or there are the villages to explore, especially those that hug the mountain sides. Here is where you’ll see the old traditions and customs. Places to capture your soul include Zaros, Asites, Vamos, and Axos. Make no mistake, traditional Crete is waiting for you here.
Heraklion is the largest town on the island and with its many structures from across the ages, it makes for a great place to explore. Adding to the blend of cultural and historical details that make Crete such a fascinating place to visit.
Reason 2: The Beaches and resorts
From the self-catering to the luxurious, you have plenty of choice when you come here. You’ll no doubt be basing yourself at one of the many resorts dotted around the coastline. The larger resort areas like Heraklion and Chania (the capital of the island), attract millions each year, so it’ll just depend on if you prefer the vibrancy of a popular resort or somewhere a little quieter. At least you’ll get the choice.
Reason 3: The Food
You cannot come here and not try the local cuisine. The land is used here to produce a rich variety of fruits and vegetables that are waiting for you, or should that be tempting you to taste? Local cheeses, greens, and tasty goat and lamb! Indulge at the taverna and immerse yourself.
Photo by Evangelos Mpikakis on Unsplash
Reason 4: Nature
The chief reason people come here is for the beaches and summer sun, but Crete also has plenty of natural diversity to explore and enjoy. You have the mountains and their rugged peaks. There are caves and the fertile valleys that cultivate the produce you’ll be eating. There are a couple of natural parks, Mt Psiloritis and Siteia Natural Park to visit. Taking a hike will open up these landscapes and the beauty that can be found beyond the sandy beach.
Reason 5: It’s Crete, it’s a Greek Island! What more do you want?
Well, what else is there to say? With its mix of Greek culture, its own unique rhythm and traditions. Crete is an island that will offer a great deal. It’s whether or not you want to discover it.
So, with summer here, you’ll do well to book yourself a trip to one of Europe’s top islands in the Med sun. They say that Crete simply has it all. It’s hard not to agree.
