In the popular imagination, Crete has been inexorably linked with sea, sun and fun – but it is much more than that. Greece’s largest island is a kaleidoscope of scents, colours and experiences; with beach and mountain delights, world-famous historical attractions, rich cultural offerings, emblematic museums, scenic towns and quaint traditional villages.
Photo by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay
It is almost impossible not to fall in love with Chania on the island of Crete — whether you are travelling solo, with a partner, with your friends or with your family.
Just stroll around the Old Town to take in the remarkable architecture — a majestic lighthouse in the port, Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques and Venetian houses lining the waterfront and the quaint alleyways; all pointing to the city’s multicultural identity and past. Witnessing layers of history unravelling at every nook and cranny might make you think that you are in a time capsule. Until the next turn — Chania’s cluster of elegant restaurants, buzzing bars and gorgeous jewellers and boutiques will land you back to today, in a vibrant, modern city with a thriving drinking, dining, shopping, cultural and entertainment scene.
Social distancing and self-isolation have been the operative words throughout 2020. Υet all this stress that we are currently experiencing has taken its toll. We are all in need of some sort of a break. After all, staying healthy presupposes staying sane too; and for this to happen, just getting away from it all, is nothing short of imperative! The trick then is to embark on a (much needed) holiday but still keep away from the maddening crowds. So how does one go about it? Crete is a hospitable paradise with more than 300 days of sunshine in a year. And though (no wonder) it is one of the most touristic destinations in the world, its sheer size and uniquely diversified morphology afford ample opportunities for privacy and seclusion. Take the glorious Cretan beaches for example: From cosmopolitan stretches of sand or world-famous, exotic lagoons to deserted bays and secluded coves, there is something for every taste and disposition. Even in these difficult COVID- 19 times. Here we’ll be taking a look into the best secluded Cretan beaches: Unbeknown to most, little slices of heaven on earth with crystalline waters in technicolour blue; with no organised facilities or a selfie stick in sight; just perfect for keeping your social distances safely in the company of your -handpicked- nearest and dearest.
Why do you travel? To see the world and its marvels. To meet new people, sample their food, customs and culture. And, perhaps most importantly, to relax and unwind, as you go about it.
In view of our super busy, stressful lives, we all need -and deserve- a break from the pressures of everyday routine. A pure wonderland with all the holiday essentials –striking scenery, fascinating monuments, excellent climate, laid back aura and famed gastronomy- Crete is your best bet, if tension relief is what you’re craving for.
Do you love water? Would you like to swim in cerulean, crystal clear waters? Sunbathe in interminable beaches with fine golden sand? Go surfing, diving, parasailing or kitesurfing? Maybe you are more into the mountain kind of sports: How about cave-exploration, rock or mountain climbing, then? Perhaps you’d like to examine the remains of a civilization that laid the foundation of the world as we know it. Or explore medieval monasteries and cities resembling open air museums of Venetian and Ottoman architecture. Would you be interested in hiking in some of Europe’s most fascinating ravines and gorges? Walking in some seriously scenic routes? Embarking on a jeep safari; discovering the secrets of the planet’s healthiest diet; going on a wine-or olive oil- tasting tour; feasting in traditional panigiria; or attending open air concerts? Maybe even, just hanging out with the locals in a “kafeneio”, drinking raki and nibbling on black olives and matured gruyere?