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Summer in Crete - not the usual stuff
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items I recently spent 10 days in Crete and if you are like me, you probably want to find the real heart of a place and stay away from the over-touristy areas. As I am of Greek origin and my friends are from Crete, we had a wonderful experience with lots o...
Map
Sections
4
Must Visit Places
Places to Eat
Places to Stay
Local delights
Must Visit Places
We spent a lot of our time exploring the little villages in the mountains with the occasional dip in the sea. If you are sun workshippers, you won't find too many beach recommendations here - but if you want to find some very cool places, then check ...
Spend a few days wandering the tiny streets of Chania, exploring the area, buying local gifts, walking along the old fort and just admiring the Venetian architecture. This city is a delight, full of delicious food and corners to explore. It is full o...
Chania Greece - Venetian City
A very tranquil village not far from Heraklion, with picturesque streets, views of the local olive groves, amazing walks, delicious restaurants. This village is easy to get to but worlds away. Not as packed with tourists as some other places and stil...
Archanes Village
Spectacular gorge and walk to the waterfalls. This was closed due to the recent earthquake, but is a must visit on our next trip to Crete.
Kourtaliotiko Gorge and Falls
This was a one of a kind place - take the walk along the palm fringed river, swim in the chilly fresh water pools, admire the stone cliffs overhead. It's a 400 step walk down to the beach, but well worth the experience. The beach itself was not my fa...
Preveli Palm Forest
A quaint Greek village where time stands still. Take the walk along the steep cliffs from Sfakia to Loutro - make sure you take a lot of water and leave early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Stop for a refreshing dip along the way at Glyka N...
Loutro
Cute little village very close to Chania town, this is a pretty little village to visit. Drive through a beautiful gorge on route to the tiny town. Sample honey from the honey seller near the carpark. Enjoy roasted lamb for lunch in one of the tavern...
Theriso Village - Chania
Forget the crowds on the tourist trail to Samaria Gorge and enjoy the Imbros Gorge instead. It's a much easier walk, easily accessible from Sfakia. It's around 8km and takes around 2 hours. It has some very pretty sections especially where the toweri...
Imbros Gorge
Everyone flocks to Elefonisi beach but if you prefer something a less busy with pristine water, why not try Falasarna instead? It's a little easier to get to, less crowded and equally spectacular landscape. Spend a day or a few on this rugged Western...
Falassarna Beach
Places to Eat
All of these restaurants were recommended by locals - where local Cretans eat and where you can get exceptional traditional food. We ate at most of them. Why not give them a try?
Perhaps the best food in Heraklion, it was recommended by many people. Modern Greek food, cooked to a high standard, in a beautiful restaurant. This place is popular so make sure you book.
Peskesi - Heraklion
You won't find many tourists here - this place is loved by locals. It is known for it's meats cooked on the open fire. Try the antichristo, the lamb pie or the pilafi (also a specialty which is hard to find in Crete unless it is a special occasion). ...
ERGANOS - Heraklion
Sfakia seems geared mostly to tourists. Along the waterfront you can eat in many of the waterfront restaurants serving the standard classics. But if you want something truly local, handmade, delicious, walk up the hill to Mesohori. Maybe the best foo...
Mesohori Taverna - Sfakia
Wow! What an experience! This place up a crazy mountain road is well worth the effort. The food is delicious - organic, local produce from the area or the garden. The food is delicious, made with love. The artichokes were delicious, the goat was very...
Milia Restaurant
A cute little village and a gem of a restaurant. With sweeping views over Plakias - this place is the real deal. Visit the kitchen and look in the pots for the specials of the day. Lamb with eggplants, moussaka, stuffed vegetables (yemista). It was v...
TAVERNA DIONYSSOS - Myrthios
We were on the hunt for antichristo - a specialty of Crete. It is meat cooked on an open fire. It is hard to find as it is usually reserved for special occasions or Sunday long lunches. But this place by the ocean in Heraklion serves it every day. Al...
PARADOSIAKÍ TAVERNA- Heraklion
While I didn't eat at this restaurant, it came recommended by 2 people from Heraklion as a great experience and delicious food. It was on my list but we didn't get there.
Restaurant Thigaterra - Heraklion
Walk west along the water to Neo Chora and watch the sunset as you dine on delicious, locally caught seafood. If you want to eat like a local, choose this place - or any of the seafood restaurants along the waterfront. We ate the fried sardines (mayb...
KAIKI SEAFOOD RESTAURANT - Chania Neo Chora
Places to Stay
What a truly amazing experience, one of the highlights of our trip. This little stone village retreat, perched up in the hills outside of Chania is a total experience. From the road winding up into the mountains, the beautiful rustic rooms, the natur...
Milia Mountain Retreat
Tucked away in a beautiful Greek village nestled in the hills just outside of Heraklion is this beautiful boutique hotel. The lovely owner Athena is the most gracious host. The rooms are old world delights, with traditional antique furnishings, clean...
Troullos Traditional Houses
Amazing location in the centre of the old town, this beautiful, modern boutique hotel is a must stay. Wonderful stuff, beautiful furnishings featuring local artisans, a delicious breakfast and small pool to cool off or read your book.
Home - Mansio Boutique Hotel Rethymno
Located in the heart of the Venetian quarter in the old town, this is the perfect location to enjoy your trip to Chania. This is luxury at an affordable price. Modern design without losing the nostalgia of this area, with a beautiful roof terrace, am...
Monastery Estate Venetian Harbor
Boutique apartment in the heart of Heraklion. Everything is walkable from this location. Well appointed, comfortable, lovely staff and amenities. This is a beautiful oasis in an otherwise busy city.
Kipos Suites – Boutique Suites in Heraklion Crete
This is a very unique farmstay in the hills in central Crete far away from cities and luxuries. This renovated farmhouse has double rooms or tents with outdoor baths, sun-loungers and outdoor dining. The delicious home cooked meals with locally grown...
Kamihis Farm House Experience
Local delights
All over Crete you will find local produce - and you must try it all! Most of the farms offer free tastings, and are very generous with their time. You can try honey, olive oil (everywhere), wines, local fruits, tasty pastries, cakes and biscuits. Yo...
So bougatsa is a cheesy pastry thing, it is supposed to be sweet. Everyone claims theirs is the best and really the only way to judge is to try as many as your stomach allows. But this place, has been in the bougatsa business for 100 years and it is ...
BOUGATSA CHANIA, Chania Town - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone ...
There are plenty of places to try Olive Oil around Crete but this little boutique olive oil farm was a delight. The friendly staff took time to show us around the farm, we saw how they produce the olive oil and learned a lot. The tasting was deliciou...
Biolea Olive Farm
When in Crete you must try the local honey. The bees are thriving in Crete as there is a lot of organic farming and no pesticides. The wild thyme, sage and oregano growing all over the island permeates the honey and creates a unique flavour. Learn al...
Apithano Honey Museum & Tasting
If you are into natural skincare like me, you will enjoy exploring the local products in Crete. There are so many places to buy natural creams, many of them organic, locally made, small batch, using locally sourced botanicals. I tried A LOT, but this...
Authentics