Travel supermarket — As the largest of all the Greek islands, it’s safe to say that Crete is a holiday destination that comfortably ticks all the boxes, mixing acres of mountainous countryside and a sandy 650-mile coastline with a rich history stretching way back to the myths and legends of ancient Greece.
Fast-forward 9,000 years and Crete is a popular holiday destination for everyone from history buffs and active explorers to party-hard groups and fun-loving families. Roxanne Wells gives us a run-down of 10 great things to do on a holiday in Crete, with something on the list for every type of tourist.
Those interested in the island’s history will also love the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the Historical Museum of Crete.
Get wet and wild at a waterpark
Watercity and Acqua Plus are the two biggies for those staying in Heraklion, Malia, Hersonissos or Agios Nikolaos, although the Star Beach complex, which offers waterpark, watersports and beachfront activities on a pay-as-you-use basis, is also popular.
For those holidaying in the Chania region, the Limnoupolis water park offers cheaper tickets for entry after 3pm and for swimmers not using the waterslides.
There’s something undeniably eerie about Spinalonga, which was used as a leper colony as recently as 1957. Boat tours run to the island from nearby mainland resorts Elouda, Plaka and Agios Nikolaos, and children and students (with ID) can enter for free.
Visit the underground birthplace of Zeus
Dikteon Cave is a must for fans of Greek mythology, as the legend goes that it was where Rhea hid newborn Zeus to save him being eaten by his father.
Agios Nikolaos is one of the island’s most popular resorts, thanks to its charming harbour and adjoining Lake Voulismeni. It might surprise you, then, to learn to that this bottle-green beauty was once known by the nickname ‘Stinky Lake’ for its stagnant smell – which thankfully is no longer present!
Taste traditional Crete at an olive oil farm
For little over a euro you can enjoy a tour and tasting at the Cretan Olive Oil Farm near Agios Nikolaos – this pretty working farm uses traditional methods to produce not just top quality olive oil, but honey, cheese, wine and raki too.
Pottery and cookery lessons are offered at the bargain price of €12 and €8 respectively.
Combine culture, sunshine and sand at Lychnostatis Museum
This hidden gem of a museum sits right on the beach, epitomising Crete’s distinct mix of culture and coastline in one attraction. You’ll find a variety of artifacts and structures related to Cretan folk tradition and ethnology, culture, nature and the environment.
Hike Samaria Gorge
Samaria Gorge is one of Crete’s most exciting attractions for nature lovers. The vast national park in which it sits is a playground for active types, with the six-hour mountainside hike along the river being the most popular route.
Saddle up at The Stables
The Stables at Finikia, just south of Heraklion, is well-known for its excellent treks into the mountains, through the Cretan countryside and along the coastal paths and beaches, led by friendly guide ‘Crazy Eddie’.
Pick-ups, drop-offs and lunch are included, making it a great value family-friendly day away from the sunloungers.
While Crete’s definitely got its fair share of party resorts and tourist attractions, it also has plenty of places to escape the banana boats and disco bars to experience ‘old Crete’ at its best. Rethymnon Old Town is one such place.
As one of the best preserved towns of the Renaissance, you’ll find its maze of streets lined with examples of Venetian architecture mixed in with influences from its Turkish occupation from the 17th-19th century.
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