Breathtaking Beach with clear blue waters and pink sand

Elafonisi

Elafonisi is one of the most breathtaking beaches on Crete Island. Its clear blue waters, pink sand, and its unique landscape attract thousands of visitors every year.
It has been ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Along with the surrounding shores, it belongs to the Natura network because of its unique natural beauty.
A few years ago, Elafonisi beach was not that popular. Only a few people knew about its existence. One could enjoy the sea, the sweet breeze, and the singing of cicadas.
Nowadays, it has become popular, and it is a must-see for all visitors to Crete.

Three giant rocks and crystal waters at the Libyan Sea

Balos

Balos lagoon in west coast of Crete is an amazing spot to visit. It’s a must and it’s totally worth its reputation.
The area forms a lagoon with very shallow waters, suitable for all ages. You can arrive at Balos lagoon either by car or by boat.
Well-known, famous, photographed, dreamy, heavenly, unique, are only some of the characteristics of the lagoon of Balos. You just have to visit it and see on your own that it is one of the most beautiful Greek regions.
Balos lagoon has shallow, warm waters with a bright turquoise color.The beach of Balos has also a stunning color, as in many places on the beach, the sand is pinkish, due to the countless broken shells.

Crystal waters and a river hanging the Libyan Sea

Preveli is a famous beach on the south side of Crete Island. Crete is the biggest island in Greece, and it attracts visitors because it is a place where you can find everything, from modern cities and exotic beaches to gorges and big mountains.
The local legend says that the mythological king Odysseus stopped in Preveli on the way to his homeland, Ithaka.
What makes Preveli beach so famous is the palm forest surrounding the river, which comes from a gorge and ends up in the sea. The exotic beauty of nature attracted in the 60s and 70s hippies from around the globe who used to live here and make huts under the palm trees.
Due to the sensitivity of nature around Preveli Beach, the area is protected by the Natura 2000, and it is a natural reserve.

Three giant rocks and crystal waters at the Libyan Sea

Triopetra Beach has two beaches, and they are divided by a small peninsula.
Triopetra Beach means Three Rocks, and it comes from the stunning rock formations that rise at the edge of the Peninsula.
The beach has a quiet, peaceful environment and is family-friendly.
The cove has shallow waters suitable for kids and a perfect place to relax.

The Longest and most impressive Gorge in Europe

The gorge of Samaria is situated in the National park of Samaria, in the White Mountains in West Crete.
This majestuous gorge is considered one of the great attractions of Crete and many tourists want to visit it.
But you must realise that it is a long (5 to 7 hours) walk on rough terrain so you will need to have a certain degree of fitness and walking experience in order to enjoy it.

Hippie atmosphere and stories to tell

Matala is a popular destination on the rather solitary southern coast of Crete, in the region of Heraklion.
The place shelters a unique hippie atmosphere, and even just one day spent in Matala is enough to feel its vibe and connect with the bohemian side of Crete.

Center of Minoan Civilisation

Knossos Palace is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Crete. It is located about 5 km south of Heraklion, and can easily be reached by car or bus.
The palace was first built during the Neolithic period, but it saw its greatest expansion during the Minoan period.
Knossos was the largest and most important palace of the Minoan civilization.

Island used for Leper colony

Spinalonga, a small island in the Gulf of Elounda in north-eastern Crete, was used to isolate people affected by leprosy from 1903 to 1957.
In 1901, the Cretan government passed a decree for the isolation of people affected by leprosy and established Spinalonga as the location for the colony.