Holidays in Crete: 6+1 reasons to visit the island!
The largest island of Greece is one of the most popular holiday destinations, all year round. Couples, families, students, explorers, athletes, and solo travelers, all find what they are looking for in a holiday and more, by vacationing in Crete. Don't worry if you don't get to see the island in the summer, since it has a lot to offer its visitors all year round. The island is large and you will need your own transportation to explore it, so one of the many services offered is car rental.
Nature on the island generously offers unforgettable images and unique experiences. The roads pass through mountains, villages and coastal roads and the scenic routes create the ideal road trip. Don't worry if you haven't had your car serviced. One of the rental cars from Carwiz will take you safely around Crete and all the attractions it has in store for you.
Minoan Civilization
Crete was the center of the Minoan Civilization and, fortunately enough, many remains have survived to this day so that the younger generations can witness this historical marvel. One of the attractions in Heraklion with the greatest number of visitors nationwide is the Minoan Palace in Knossos. The palace with its amazing frescoes is the best way to discover the most brilliant ancient city in Europe. Samples of the Minoan Culture can be found in other parts of Crete, such as Phaistos, Zakros, and Malia. You will see more about this golden historical era, as well as different periods such as the Neolithic Age, at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
When you rent a car in Heraklion from Carwiz, pick-up and delivery can be carried out at the port or the airport.
Historic Spinalonga
The islet belongs to the municipality of Agios Nikolaos and was a colony of those suffering from Hansen's disease until 1957. Today it is an abandoned and barren island, which welcomes many visitors, mainly in the summer. Spinalonga is not home to permanent residents, while the imposing Fortress with its 35 cannons stands out as one of the most important fortresses in the Mediterranean. Boats to reach the island can be found in Agios Nikolaos, Plaka and Elounda. Many tourists choose to rent a car from the airport of Heraklion or from the port, since the distance is only 65 kilometers.
Carwiz offers you options to explore every corner of the island, like renting a car from the airport of Chania or from the port.
Atmospheric Chania
It is a city with influences from great civilizations such as the Arab and the Venetians. One of the most romantic places in Chania is the Venetian harbor with the imposing lighthouse, which began to be built in 1320 and was completed in the 16th century. Even more impressive is the Old Town of Chania with its cobblestone alleys and the characteristic Splantzia Square. On your walk you will see remnants of Byzantine walls and a slice of Minoan Civilization, in the Minoan Palace Center of Kydonia. If you are traveling by boat, choose Souda to rent a car.
Exotic beaches
In Chania, you will find some of the best beaches in Crete. Balos is located on the peninsula of Gramvousa and it is a lagoon with blue-green waters that, during the summer season is filled with people. Going down a bit further south, you will find Falasarna, which due to its rich flora and fauna and its natural beauty, has been included in the Natura 2000 network. Elafonisi has also been included in the same network, since it is a true paradise with shallow, crystal-clear waters and fine sand, at the southwest end of Crete. In Hersonissos, near the Cretan capital, "The garden of Alekos" steals the show with its small caves formed by rocks. If you don't like crowds, you will love "Potamos", a golden sandy beach in Malia. From there Carwiz has offers for rental cars to and from Rethymnon. In just 90 minutes, you will find yourself on the North Coast of Rethymnon, an 18 km organized long beach, ideal for family holidays. Close to Ierapetra is the islet of Chrysi, a refuge for those looking for pure landscapes. Blue waters, golden sand and multi-colored shells create the most idyllic setting!
The Samaria Gorge
It is the longest in Europe (16 kilometers), starting from the White Mountains and ending in the Libyan Sea. It is part of the National Park and of the European hiking trail E4. UNESCO protects the gorge as a unique Biosphere Reserve. Every explorer ends the route in ecstasy, since while traversing the canyon it is very likely to encounter cute kri-kri running around, some of the 22 springs of the gorge with drinking water, and some of the 450 species of flora and fauna. The entrance is from the village of Xyloskalo and the most flexible way to get there is to rent a car from Chania.
The marvel of Heraklion
The destinations in Crete hide little gems that offer generous lessons in history and culture. Heraklion, as the capital, gives the pulse and makes sure to maintain the balance between past, present and future. The Venetian Walls of Heraklion, built around the 13th century, surround the city, while at the Koules Fortress, also known as the Rocca al Mare Fortress, you will see an unforgettable sunset. At the same time, in recent years, the Aquarium of Crete, the Cretaquarium, has been an attraction for tourists from all over the world. It houses over 2000 species of marine life in 60 tanks and the guided tour is in 8 foreign languages. Keep in mind that you will be traveling by car in order to visit all of these attractions. Public transport on the island will be difficult if you do not prepare in advance.
Cretan cuisine
The +1 reason to visit Crete is its world-famous cuisine. From raki, rusks, graviera and staka, to hochlioi snails and Sfakian pie, in Crete, you will live a completely authentic culinary experience. If you find yourself at a festival, you should know that the evening will end with a gamopilafo, a unique rice recipe, as well as the antichristo, also known as ofto, which elevates the lamb roasting to a ritual. In the towns and villages of Crete, the locals have traditional recipes to share and open houses to treat the guests with mezes. Rental cars bring you closer to the secrets of Cretan cuisine since you will enjoy comfortable and safe driving.
After every visit to Crete, you will find more reasons to return to the island. Getting here is easy, whether you arrive by boat or plane. Carwiz offers you options to explore every corner of the island, like renting a car from the airport of Chania or from the port. Organize the holiday of your dreams and spend an unforgettable time on one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean.