When Greece announced the removal of travel restrictions in early May 2022, I immediately checked for flights. I found a return ticket for June 4-7 for 48 €, which I booked right away. I know it’s very little time for Crete, but I thought Heraklion and Chania, as well as the beaches of Balos and Elafonisi, could just fit in.

Chania

My Wizz Air flight departed from Budapest on June 4th, Saturday noon, and landed in Heraklion at around half past three local time.

From the airport, I took a bus to the center, the ticket cost 1.10 euros (opposite the departure side of the airport, there’s a sign saying Heraklion Bus Centre). The bus stops at the central bus station, where I bought a ticket to Chania. You can buy it from a machine too, for 13.80 euros.

The journey to Chania takes more than 2.5 hours, passing through several small towns. I arrived around 7 pm, found my accommodation which I had booked on Airbnb in the old town. It was very simple, but clean, in a great location, and importantly, very quiet. I was maybe 150 meters away from one of the pedestrian streets with several bars.

Chania’s downtown is very beautiful. Along a bay, there’s a walking area with lots of restaurants. It’s worth walking to the lighthouse, from where there’s a wonderful view of this bay. Especially at night, it shows its prettier side.

Balos

On Sunday, I enjoyed Balos, one of the two famous beaches on the western side.

From Chania, I took a bus to the port of Kissamos, from where the boat named Gramvousa departed. I bought a ticket online for 27 euros, and they scan the QR code from the email at boarding. You have to pay an extra 1 euro in cash. (You can book here.)

There’s a buffet on the boat offering cold water, beer, snacks, and some basic food at reasonable prices (0.75 liter water for 0.90 euros, a long coffee for 2 euros).

The journey itself is beautiful, but when the boat turns into Balos, oh, it’s something else! I’ve been to several beaches, but such colors are rare. And the mountainside behind the beach makes it all even more beautiful.

You can walk to the shore in ankle-deep water. I immediately started up the mountain path. This is where those arriving by car come down, the parking lot is at the top of the mountain. As you go up, the view gets more and more beautiful. You can see white, blue, turquoise colors, the whole thing is amazing.

We had 2 hours 45 minutes on the beach, and then the boat left for the nearby island of Gramvousa. There’s a fortress ruin at the top of the mountain, reachable by a zigzagging and not so short staircase. The view is great, but coming here after Balos is not as exciting. The other way around would be best.

I returned to Chania by bus. Importantly, the scheduled bus service waits for the boat’s arrival, so you don’t have to worry about missing the bus.

In the evening, I had dinner at a restaurant, where at the end the owner brought me a dessert and a small bottle of about one and a half deciliters of liquor (similar to brandy). I later saw this hospitality at several places. So expect some delicacy at the end. 😊

Elafonisi

On Monday, the bus to Elafonisi, considered one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches, left at 9 am.

The bus journey takes about 2 hours and is quite an experience (bus ticket 10 euros/way). The road goes through a gorge in the rock walls, often barely fitting the bus. If you like serpentine roads, you’ll enjoy it.

The bus reached the beach around 11 am, which was wonderful from afar. Along a lagoon, there are sunbeds and umbrellas. Two beds and an umbrella cost 15 euros. There are no trees or bushes providing shade in this area, so if you don’t want to be in the sun for hours, you’ll have to pay. There’s a restroom and a snack bar on the beach.

However, on the other side of the lagoon, there’s an island with white sand like in the tropics. It’s an experience to walk barefoot in the warm sand and enjoy the beautiful beach.

At the end of this island, there are a few trees providing shade, where I set up camp. The view from here is especially beautiful.

The bus leaves back at 4 pm on the same route. It’s a good idea to use the restroom beforehand (0.50 euros), as the bus doesn’t stop anywhere.

In the evening, I ate gyros at one of the restaurants along the bay in Chania, almost similar in taste to what we’re accustomed to at home.

Heraklion

On Tuesday, my flight back was at 16:05, leaving the capital for this day. I took the bus at 7:30 am, arriving in Heraklion at 10 am.

From there, I explored the old town and the port area, visiting the sights. It can be walked through in a few hours.

On the western side of the old town, you can walk on the wall of the former fortress, offering a great view of the city and the sea. Definitely walk along it!

I took a bus to the airport and returned home safely with the Wizz Air flight.

A A few days in Crete – Two wonderful beaches and cities bejegyzés először Tips for journey-én jelent meg.

Crete, Greece’s largest island, lies close to the coasts of Africa. It stretches 260 kilometers in an east-west direction, with its widest point being 60 kilometers and its narrowest 12 kilometers. Its capital is Heraklion (Iraklio).

The center of the Minoan civilization (circa 2600-1400 BC), the oldest known European civilization, has greatly influenced the historical and architectural treasures that Crete offers today, along with the Venetian rule from the 13th century that lasted for four centuries.

I spent a few days in Crete, where I visited some of the most beautiful beaches.

Attractions in Crete

Heraklion

The largest city of Crete, it is also the capital and main port. Situated around the center of the island, it’s an ideal starting point for exploring Crete.

The Archaeological Museum displays in chronological and thematic order from the early Bronze Age to Roman times highlight the island’s archaeological heritage, particularly the Minoan civilization. Famous exhibits include frescoes from the Knossos palace. More information is available here!

Venetian City Walls are 3 km long with seven angular bastions and two gates (Porta Hánion and Kenuria Porta). A prominent feature is the Pili Iszu, or Jesus Gate.

Rocca a Mare Fortress is two-tiered fortress in the port, though not extensive, is worth the modest entrance fee for the views and ambiance.

The CretAquarium mainly showcases the Greek and Mediterranean marine life with about 60 aquariums. The shark species are among the most visited. The area is not large and can be explored in a few hours. More information is available here!

Several fountains can be found in Heraklion. The most beautiful is Morosini Fountain in Venizelu Square, adorned with bas-reliefs of mythological figures. The island’s oldest fountain is Bembo, over 450 years old.

Knossos

Located 7 km south of Heraklion, it is one of Europe’s oldest city ruins.

Likely the religious and political center of the Minoan civilization, the current ruins are from the third palace built around 1700 – 1400 BC. Originally 5-6 stories high, the palace had a spacious courtyard surrounded by a labyrinth of smaller rooms, totaling nearly 1500.

Excavated by Sir Arthur Evans of the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, he controversially reconstructed the site based on his interpretations.

More information are available on the official website!

Waterpark

Located about 15 km east of Heraklion, this waterpark is universally praised for its wave pool, slides, and pools. Try the slides that require the park’s own inflatable rings!

More information is available here!

Rethymno

Situated between Heraklion and Chania, this charming city features a 16th-century Fortezza fortress built against the Turks, who later captured it.

Visible inside are the old armory, commandant’s office, and mosque. The fortress offers great views of the harbor and city.

The Venetian Old Town, owned by the Venetians since the early 13th century, features houses in their style, many of which remain in their original form.

Stone carvings, gateways, arches, windows, and balconies can be seen on houses along the narrow streets and alleys.

East of the port, the city’s coastal area stretches along the beach. The golden sandy beach with shallow waters is perfect for holidays as the city center is just minutes away.

Lake Kournas

Located not far from the Rethymno-Chania main road, it is the island’s largest freshwater lake.

Set in a beautiful environment, it’s an ideal place for a hike and picnic.

Chania

The most significant city in West Crete and a starting point for exploring the wonderful beaches on the western coast.

Like other cities, the old town encompasses the harbor area, bordered by remnants of a 16th-century city wall. This area hides old, eye-catching Venetian buildings, quaint cafes, and restaurants.

The Old Chania Market, a large covered market, offers a variety of delicious foods and goods.

Chania also hosts several renowned museums: Military, Ethnographic, Archaeological, Greek National Football Museum.

Samaria Gorge

Europe’s longest gorge at 16 km, a must-visit for hiking enthusiasts and one of Europe’s most beautiful hiking routes!

It’s a north-south oriented gorge. The northern starting point is near Omalos plateau at Xyloskalo, 1230 meters high. There are drinking water and restroom facilities along the way. The southern end is at Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea coast, from where you need to take a boat to Sougia.

Surrounded by fantastic flora and fauna within a national park, the gorge’s cliffs sometimes exceed 500 meters, and at one point, it narrows to just 3 meters wide!

Hiking is allowed from May 1 to October 31.

Organized trips from Chania are available for those who prefer not to deal with logistics. It’s a full-day activity.

Gramvousa Island and Balos Beach

It’s advisable to take a boat as Balos can be reached by car but the route is rough and parking can be challenging during busy times.

Like Elafonissi, it attracts tourists with its pink-blue waters and scenery. Ideal for children as the water in most of the bay is only ankle-deep.

Accessible by boat from Kissamos. Boat information can be found here!

Falassarna

A nearly 1 km long sandy beach, but it deepens quickly. More developed than other seaside beaches.

Easily accessible by car, located 15 km from Kissamos.

Elafonissi

Often cited as one of the world’s most unique beaches. Its pink hue is due to crushed coral and shell fragments.

Like Balos, the water is shallow in many places, making it ideal for families with small children.

The name refers to a small island you can walk to through a lagoon. If you seek tranquility, it’s worth walking over. It’s a top sight among Crete’s attractions.

Also reachable by a paved road.

Paleochora

Not overcrowded even in peak season, Paleochora is a south-Cretan town not focused on mass tourism. Its surrounding mountains offer great hiking opportunities.

Its most visited beach is the sandy Pahia Ammos, located on the town’s western side.

Loutro

If you’re looking for a quiet, serene Cretan village, Loutro is the answer, accessible only by foot or boat.

It offers a few apartments, but there’s a good selection of restaurants and cafes.

Matala Beach

The town’s sandy-pebbly beach is unique for its large rock wall with various caves.

Ierapetra

An important hub in the south of the island, divided into the alley-filled old town and the modern, newly built city area. The waterfront promenade houses numerous shops, bars, and taverns.

Ierapetra is Greece’s sunniest city, with weather similar to North Africa. Prepare for warm temperatures if vacationing here!

From its port, you can reach Chrissi Island.

Chrissi Island and its beaches

Accessible by boat from Ierapetra, this island offers beautiful beaches. Chrissi is also home to Europe’s largest cedar forest, adding to its uniqueness.

Arriving on the south, a 400-meter walk leads to the popular Belegrina Beach on the north coast.

Information available on the official website.

Dikteon Cave

Located on the Lassithi Plateau, this cave is where Zeus was born according to mythology. A must-visit during a trip to Crete!

The cave descends about 60 meters, where you can see extraordinary stalactites, stalagmites, and a lake.

Sitia

The most significant, tourism-reliant city in the northeast.

Perfect for a tranquil getaway, it’s not overcrowded and offers a choice of bars and taverns.

Vai Palm Beach

East Crete’s most beautiful beach, backed by Europe’s largest natural palm forest.

A well-developed beach, easily accessible with options for water sports like jet-skiing and wakeboarding.

Agios Nikolaos

Located about 60 km east of Heraklion, this beautiful Cretan coastal city is a popular resort due to its excellent location.

Its center is almost a closed bay, known as Voulismeni Lake, surrounded by numerous taverns and bars, offering beautiful views, especially in the evening. According to legend, Pallas Athena bathed in it.

Recommended for those seeking peaceful relaxation.

Hersonissos

About 28 km east of Heraklion, combined with Sarantaris, Chersonisou, it forms a popular resort area, even featuring a dedicated party district.

Aquaworld Aquarium, smaller than CretAquarium, is praised for its family-friendly environment.

You can see a variety of aquatic creatures, not just fish, and interact with free-roaming reptiles in the yard. You can even handle several types of snakes. All information can be found here!

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A Crete attractions, beaches bejegyzés először Tips for journey-én jelent meg.