Region of Crete

The Minoan fleet, the strongest of its era, as evidenced by several findings in the Mediterranean, brought wealth to Crete from the trade of the famous Cretan cypress and agricultural products.

Women were equal to men and took part in all religious ceremonies, in sports, hunting, theater, dance, etc. Even today, the Disc of Phaestus is one of the most famous mysteries of archeology and deciphering of its symbols remains a riddle.

Kouremenos bay, next to Palekastro, is definitely the king of windsurfing resorts in Crete and one of the most famous spots in Greece. Here, lovers of surfing and kite-surf will find all they need; strong winds and equipment to rent. A little northern, at the base of Cape Sidero, you will find the most talented athletes of the sport at the secluded beach of Tenta.

Under the sea level there are gorges, rocks, vertical walls, plains, caves and ship wrecks, hidden under the quiet surface. Numerous shipwrecks and airplane carcasses are scattered around Crete, a reminder of the island’s history. However, apart from these sunken cities, the ordinary swimmer can easily discover the beauty of the seabed and the rich marine life in most of the beaches of Crete.

There are daily boat services to many of the most famous remote beaches, such as Balos, Preveli and Agia Roumeli. Visitors can also take trips to the islands of Chrissi, Gavdos, Dia and Koufonisi. Those looking for more options or seclusion could rent a motor or sailing vessel from the marinas of Lasithi, Heraklion, Rethymnon and Chania and at almost all smaller harbors of the island. Indeed, there are many people combining vacation in Crete with a trip to the magical island of Santorini.

The best way to explore Crete is to walk beyond the places reached by car, follow ancient paths, discover the exquisite scents of herbs in the canyons, climb on the tops of the highest mountains and enjoy the view of the deep blue Cretan and Libyan Sea on the horizon.