Date of publication 26/09/2018
Holidays in Greece 10 plans that show that Crete is unique
More than an island, a parallel universe
Be amazed by the pink sand of Elafonisi
Crete has been at the heart of the Mediterranean for so long that even Greek mythology placed the birth of Zeus here. Its undeniable beauty and privileged location made it for years an object of desire, thanks to places like Elafonisi, a beach of pink sand whose curious color comes from the accumulation of pigmented microorganisms brought in by the tides. And to make everything perfect, there’s nothing better than staying at the hotels in Crete by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts.
Travel back to Minoan times
When you arrive at the ruins of the Palace of Knossos, your first thought might be, what fascinating Greek remains! However, these columns and bases actually belonged to the home of King Minos, the great ruler of the Minoan civilization. In fact, his power was such that this complex is said to have had up to 1,000 rooms and, according to mythology, even a labyrinth where the Minotaur lived. When you visit, you won’t find any hybrid creatures—nor the layout of that ancient stone maze. What you will find are small traces of a culture rich in creativity, one that in many ways became the seed of powerful Greece.
Be amazed by a historic capital
Not far from Knossos lies the island’s capital, Heraklion, a city that captures the essence of Crete with fortified remains from the Venetian era such as the Koules Fortress and the old arsenal. Its charm lies in the blend of history and modern life, especially when strolling through its old harbor or visiting the recently renovated Archaeological Museum, where the most remarkable pieces of the Mycenaean and Minoan cultures are on display.
Cross Samaria from end to end
Crete amazes with its past, its magnificent hotels, and the charm of its inland landscapes. The most impressive of all is the Samaria Gorge, the longest canyon in Europe, stretching over 16 kilometers.
Balos Beach
There must be something about this place to make it appear on so many magazine covers. Perhaps it’s the beauty of the whole setting, recreating an immaculate sandy bay, or the impossible shimmer of that Aegean Sea that we see as turquoise, but which another hero of Antiquity, the poet Homer, imagined in his blindness as the dark color of wine. Located within a Natural Park in the northwest of the island, the so-called Balos Lagoon, still as glass and warm as broth, is rightfully one of the most coveted postcards of Crete.
Let yourself be captivated by Chania
During the early Modern Age, the Venetian Republic dominated much of the Mediterranean. Its finest legacy in Crete is Chania (or La Canea), a port town that will enchant you with its abundance of historic buildings, colorful facades, and the meticulous beauty of every corner. Don’t miss its aristocratic Topanas district or the iconic Mosque of the Janissaries.
Discover the magic of its monasteries
Because of its rugged terrain, many monastic communities chose to settle in these lands to establish monasteries that will amaze you with their delicate stone architecture and untouched surroundings. Wherever you go, you’ll find one near your hotel in Crete. Which ones shouldn’t you miss? Arkadi, Agia Triada, Chrisoskalitisa, and Toplou.
Join the hippie vibe of Matala
As happened with other paradises like Ibiza, Crete was also home in the 1970s to a hippie community that settled in the caves of Matala, in the south of the island. Nearly half a century later, its lifestyle and aesthetic have been embraced by the locals, giving the streets, markets, and restaurants that same laid-back spirit that will inevitably rub off on you.
Fall in love with Elounda Bay
If this island had to be summed up in a single landscape, it would be this bay. Here you’ll find the crystal-clear waves of the Mediterranean, pristine white and sunny beaches, and a touch of history. On the islet of Spinalonga stands a 16th-century fortress that once protected and sheltered the villages of the bay, its walls now a photogenic reminder of that storied past.
Discover the place where Zeus was born
Greek mythology places the birth of the father of all gods on this island, and popular legends narrow it down to two places: Mount Ida and the Cave of Dicte. The latter, beyond its archaeological significance, will literally captivate you with its karst formations and its labyrinth of stalactites and stalagmites, adding an adventurous touch to your holidays. It’s clear: Crete is one of those unique and special destinations capable of charming every kind of traveler. Are you ready to explore it?
