Crete in two days- Heraklion & Matala (Hippie Caves Beach)
A week in Greece- Heraklion & Rethymnon & Chania & Elafonisi (Pink Beach) & Matala
Bear in mind Crete is the fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, you'll even notice the weather changes in different places on the island. So to entirely visit the whole island a week isn’t enough to choose your favorite parts or spend two weeks. Which is why I selected the itineraries above, depending on how much time you spend on the island.
The northern coast of Crete is well-developed and more touristic. A National Road crosses the island from Chania to the easternmost point in the Lasithi region.
The southern coast of Crete, on the other hand, is untouched and quite inaccessible, it also encompasses the Libyan sea.
Heraklion - The archaeological site of Knossos
In Heraklion the only thing worth doing is to visit the palace of knossos, the city itself is nothing out of the ordinary, but there are amazing beaches close by.
Fresco of The Minotaur:
-Heraklion Archaeological Museum-This museum is one of the top places in the world to view Minoan art. Built in the 1930s, it holds many archaeological treasures discovered in Crete. -Koules Fortress-Situated near Crete’s old port and is known for being a former Venetian fortress when Venetians once ruled the island. It was designed to help soldiers keep a close eye on the island and protect it from possible invaders. You can take a tour of this fortress and see some former military weapons used, like cannons. -Archaeological Site of Phaistos- Phaistos was one of the most important palatial centers of Minoan civilization. Matala Beach I drive from Heraklion to Matala Beach which was a very beautiful drive, you could tell how different each part of Crete is from the other. You could see clouds afar and mountains. The Matala caves are man made from the Neolithic age, suggested that the caves were once used as tombs, but it is more likely that they were used as living spaces, given their volume. In the 1960s, the caves were occupied by Hippies such as Joni Mitchell in the summer of 69 (which might explain here missing Woodstock).
- On the entrance to the Beach I found the most amazing tree, by Spyros Stefanakis, a Cretan artist. The main themes are 4 Gods of Olympus. Dionysus is the god of joy. Next is Zeus, the center of the world, what was then to me Matala, Poseidon by the sea and Hermes to spread the culture to the world.
Chania
It is a very lively city full of nightlife. Crete's crystal blue waters will entice you, try Falasarna Beach and Stavros Beach which is surrounded by a red mountain and the filming location of Zorba the Greek. If you are looking to add some culture to your trip, visit Rethymno and Arkadi Monastery.
Elafonis
Pink sand and crystal clear waters, It is almost the bahamas.
Agia Triada Tzagarolon Monastery, Seitan Limania
Rethymno
-Arkadi Monastery
-Preveli Monastery and Preveli Beach, this beach is bordered by a forest and features large boulders scattered around on the shore. There’s also a small stream that runs through the center of the beach and out to sea.
-Melidoni Cave
Greek Tips!
Regarding traditional alcohol, you can’t leave Greece without tasting Raki (mainly in Crete island), ouzo and tsipouro! Yamas!! It means “to our health”. These drinks are quite strong and normally are mixed with water (especially ouzo).
Have some froyo, greek salads, feta, gryros.. Did you know iced coffee is from Greece? You won´t find it as foamy as starbucks though!
Kosmos taxi. You call at 18300 and the minimum charge is 5 euros. Highly recommended for quick pickups. Cheaper than Uber.
* “Giasou” – Hello,
* “Ti Kanis?” – How are you?
* “Kalimera” – Good morning,
* “Kalinixta” – Good night,
* “Efxaristo” – Thank you,
* “Mou aresi i Ellada” – I like Greece
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