“I wonder if Socrates and Plato took a house on Crete during the summer.”
Woody Allan
Even if those two philosophers didn’t spend their summers in Crete, you should certainly do. The most prominent Greek island and the birthplace of the father of all gods, Zeus, was the place of love affairs, incest, child sacrifice, fights, and so much more.
The legend says that Queen Europe brought her 3 sons here after a love affair with Zeus (somehow his wife Hera knew nothing about that!). One of the sons, Minos, founded one of the oldest European civilizations, the Minoan civilization. During his rule, Crete became a naval superpower where art,
knowledge, and education flourished.
Although the empire disappeared in only one day (1375 BC), the stories about Minos and Minotaur lived through the centuries until Knossos was discovered. Today, Crete is the world’s top destination.
DON’T MISS
- CHANIA OLD TOWN
The Venetian lighthouse, Ottoman Mosque, and Orthodox Church silently witness the town’s turbulent history. When in Old Town, take some time to wander the narrow cobblestone streets, enjoy elegant gardens, and take photos of old doors, windows, and hanging laundry. - VILLAGES close to Chania: Almirida. Kalives, Paleochora
If you want to feel like a local, hit the mountains and small villages. You won’t make mistakes with fresh oktopodaki (octopus), mousaka, pasticcio (meat dish), Greek salad, and house wine. On Sundays, you will meet a few generations of one family having lunch: from a 3-month-old baby to a 95-year grandpa. There is no better way to understand Cretan culture than watching these families and their interactions.
Proud of their land, friendly and loud Cretans will warmly welcome you wherever you go. - GEORGE SAMARIA
George Samaria is a part of the National Park of Samaria. The hike is 16 km (13+3) long and will take 7 hours to finish (stops for photos and take your breath away are included). - BEACHES:
Balos Lagoon
The lagoon’s white sand beach and turquoise waters were good enough for Prince Charles and Prince Diana to anchor their yacht many years ago. The lagoon is 56 km from Chania, and it can be reached:
- By boat from Kissamos.
- 3 hours hike from Kalyvianni village
- By car. The road condition is not good, which may prove a severe problem for some vehicles.
Elafonissi
This white-sand beach is 75 km from Chania and has a tiny island across and a lagoon in between. A turbulent history is hidden behind the Agean blue water and white pearl beach.
In ancient times, Greeks built the temple dedicated to Mousagetis Apollo (lord of the Muses), believing their music would please the God of the Sea and calm the rocky sea.
Occupied by pirates who kept their treasure here (Elafonissi means Treasure Island), the island went through a turbulent time during the Ottoman Empire. Close to the parking, you will find the monument that honors a tragic story that took place in Elafonissi in the Easter of 1824 when Turks massacred 600 women and children and 40 combatants.
You can reach the beach:
- By bus from Chania. The bus schedule is subject to change.
- By car (the ride is 1.5 hours). The road to Elafonissi is narrow and full of turns, but the landscape’s
beauty is worth the trip.
- KNOSSOS
Knossos was the seat of the legendary King Minos and the main center of power in Crete. The legend says that the famous architect Daedalus built the palace and was commissioned by King Minos.
After the palace was completed, Minos locked Dedalos, ensuring that no one got the secret plan of the palace. Daedalus and his son Ikaros made two wings and flew off the island. Even though the father warned his son not to fly too close to the Sun as the wings were waxed, a fast and adventurous young boy flew too high. Sun rays melted the wings, and Ikaros tragically ended up in the Aegean Sea.
Today, Knossos is one of the most important archeological sites. Walk around the palace, switch on your imagination, and enjoy the remains of beautiful frescoes, pottery, and jewelry.
