Crete is the largest island in Greece located in the southern Aegean Sea neighboring three continents Europe, Asia and Africa. Crete is a land of great history that can be traced back to the first myths and legends. According to Greek mythology, Crete was the birthplace of Zeus "The Father of Gods and Humans" who later abducted the beautiful nymph from Phoenicia Europa and moved her to Crete. Through marital bliss she then gave birth to Minos, who then became the "King of the Minoans" and King to the first European civilization named after his mother Europa who gave her name to the continent known as Europe. Throughout the centuries Crete has attracted the attention of many conquerors for its strategic position in the Mediterranean Sea, bordering three continents. Surprisingly enough it has maintained its natural beauty, history, culture and traditional values while acquiring the beneficial attributes from its various predecessors.The gorgeous island of Crete is now one of the most popular destinations in all of Greece that attracts millions of people from around the world each year. It has anything and everything one would ask for from a Greek island including amazing beaches, breathtaking views, picturesque villages, delicious Cretan gastronomy and exceptional hospitality. An ideal destination to enjoy sun, sea and sand along with crowded areas to party as well as isolated areas to relax.

Top Beaches Of Crete

Elafonissi beach

Elafonisi is located 76km west of Chania and 5km south of Chrysoskalitisa Monastery, in the southwesternmost tip of Crete. Elafonisi is an oblong peninsula, which often breaks in two parts by water giving the impression of being a separate island. Elafonisi is a Natura 2000 protected area. The island is full of sand dunes with sea daffodils and jupiners. The endangered loggerhead sea turtle and several more rare animals and plants find shelter on the island; it is strictly forbidden to remove any plants, animals, shells and sand from the area.

Agia Pelagia beach

Agia Pelagia (Santa Pelagia) is located 21km west of Heraklion, on the south side of the small Cape Souda, surrounded by several coves with beautiful beaches. Agia Pelagia, was initially a small and picturesque settlement used by the residents of Achlada village for growing their crops; today it has transformed into a bustling tourist resort with many hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, internet cafés, ATMs, taxi, etc. and is connected with regular bus services to Heraklion.

Agia Marina beach

The seaside village of Agia Marina is located just 9km west of Chania city and is one of the most popular resorts in Chania, with thousands of hotels and all types of touristic infrastructure one can ask for. The village is named after the local church of Agia Marina celebrating on July 17.The shore of Agia Marina is fantastic with lovely consecutive sandy beaches. At the west side, near the port of Platania, we meet many small artificial piers where one can swim. In the east part the beach, there is a long sandy beach extending to Stalos. Along the shore, you will find all the services offered in a well organized beach.

Activities

Paragliding in Crete
An experienced pilot and instructor will give you some simple instructions and after a few fast steps forward you will experience the incredible feeling of flying like a bird! Sit back and enjoy your smooth flight with amazing panoramic views in locations in Western and Central Crete!If you are an adrenaline lover, don't hesitate to ask your pilot for some adventure in the air! He will be more than happy to please you!

Scuba Diving in Western CreteThe tour begins with a transfer to the diving center for a 20minutes theory lesson and full equipment. Then a transfer to the beach where we start from follows, and after some easy exercises in shallow water in order for you to be familiarized with the equipment our undersea adventure begins! The dive itself lasts 20 – 30 minutes in really calm and crystal clear waters and it is up to 12 meters. An experience for all family that will accompany you back home.
Mountains CyclingA trip for cyclists who love the mountainous off-road hills! A route along the ridges and foothills of the White Mountains in a 980m altitude, with amazing panoramic views of the north west part of Crete. A 3000 years old olive tree, spring waterfalls, wild goats and birds of pray are some of the highlights of this tour.

Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island Day CruiseDeparture from Kissamos port and after about an hour on boat with amazing views of the Kissamos golf, we reach Gramvousa, the pirates' island. There, you shall stay for about 2 hours and you can either walk to the Venetian castle or stay at the beach or on boat to enjoy the views and swim in the cool crystal clear water of the island. Gramvousa is also ideal for snorkeling, especially around the old shipwreck. Then we get on boat again and after 20 min we reach Balos lagoon where you spend about 3 hours swimming in the lukewarm, shallow, turquoise blue waters, relax in the pink sandy beach, which is filled with shells, and admire the natural beauty, the rocks and the cliffs rising above you!

If you are a history lover be sure to visit the following 4 Museums:

1.The Archaeological Museum of Chania: The Archaeological Museum of Chania is located in the old city center, in Halidon Street. It is housed in the Venetian church, dedicated to St. Francis, the Saint of the Franciscan monks, a very important monument of the city.

2.The Archaeological Museum of Rethymno: The Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is located in the pentagon building, which stands in front of the main gate of the Fortezza. The exhibits come from many parts of the region, covering the prehistoric and historic times. Artifacts were discovered in Melidoni Cave. Artifacts from the Neolithic (3500-2900 BC) and Early Minoan (2800-2100 BC) era. These items are mainly ceramics and sculptures.

3.Natural History Museum of Heraklion: The Natural History Museum of Crete operates within the Faculty of Science at the University of Crete and presents not only the natural wealth of the island, but also the rest of Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean.

4.Maritime Museum of Crete in Chania: The Maritime Museum of Crete is located at the entrance of the historic Fortress of Firkas, in the Old Town of Chania. It was founded in 1973 and awarded by the Historical and Ethnological Society.