Travel

Why Is Crete Still One of the Top Destinations for European Beach Holidays?

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When you hear people talking about beach holidays in Europe, you’ll often hear them talking about Crete and all it has to offer. 

From fabulous hotels, villas with companies like Villa Plus, great food, stunning beaches and everything in between, there’s a reason Crete is on many a holidaymaker’s map.

We explore why below: 

There’s Plenty of History

Chania oozes tradition and history, being one of the most beautiful cities on the island. The jaw-dropping architecture has you feeling like you’ve taken a step back in time, especially as you explore the Venetian Port, the Old Town and the vast array of Turkish- and Venetian-style mansions. 

Plus, no trip there would be complete without sampling the local tipple, ‘tsikoudia’. This 45% alcohol beverage is a favorite among the locals. 

The Beaches Are Sensational 

What beach holiday would be complete without a fantastic, well, beach? 

Crete’s beaches may be a little further away from the hustle and bustle of its towns but this makes them even more tranquil and exciting. 

Which beaches should you try?

Balos beach which looks like a lagoon (hence why it’s one of Crete’s most photographed beaches) and boasts beautiful natural beauty, Elafonisi beach which is accessible by a small walkable reef and even features pink sand in some places, and Falassarna beach with its crystal blue water and incredible sunsets. 

The Gorges Are Breathtaking 

Natural beauty is something Crete has got in bucket loads and one of its most iconic features are its gorges. 

Not only do these make for great sightseeing but they’re also the perfect place to take a walk. Many are accessible and allow you to explore the local nature and meet the famous island goats. 

Some of the best gorges to visit are the Gorge of Samaria, the Gorge of Agia Irini, and the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. 

It’s Incredibly Accessible 

Another huge draw for Crete is that it’s so easy to access from multiple areas, including its three airports. You can also take a ferry from the port of Athens (these ferries tend to cross 2 or 3 times a day) or if you’re island hopping there are ferries from Santorini, Rhodes, Karpathos, Mykonos, Gythio and Gavdos (some of these only run during the high season, though). 

It’s Great for Island Hopping 

It is this island-hopping capability that’s also hugely appealing for many tourists as it gives them the chance to explore a number of islands (and cultures) on the vacation of a lifetime. Crete is often the starting point for these adventures (thanks, in part, to its own airports) and there are a number of tours available. Or, if you fancy doing it yourself, there are the aforementioned ferries that’ll easily get you from place to place. 

Now, if these five top reasons for visiting Crete haven’t got you searching for flights already, we don’t know what will!

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