Crete

Turquoise blue sea? Soft white sandy beaches? If that's what you're longing for, Crete is the place for you. The island has a lot to offer beach vacationers in summer. For example, discover the pink sand on the world-famous Elafonisi beach.

But the island's varied landscape and mild temperatures in spring, fall and winter ensure that active outdoor fans also feel right at home on the island. When it's not so hot, it's also the time for culture lovers. For them, a visit to the many historical sites and museums as well as a stroll through the towns of Heraklion, Chania or Agios Nikolaos is well worthwhile.

We particularly recommend a trip to one of the popular gorges on Crete. The most famous is probably the Samaria Gorge in the Chania region. After all, it is the third longest in Europe after the French Verdon Gorge and the Tara Gorge in Montenegro. With sturdy footwear, sure-footedness and a good level of fitness, the fantastic landscape around the Samaria Gorge is ideal for exploring. The Aradena Gorge and the Richtis Gorge are also well worth a visit.

As beautiful as the landscape on Crete is, there is also a rich history to explore on the island in addition to the stunning stretches of coastline, gorges and mountains. It is therefore worth planning time on your hikes to visit historical buildings. For example, a hike to Arkadi Monastery or an exploration of the capital Heraklion are particularly worthwhile.

In general, the following applies to outdoor activities on Crete: you can explore wonderful, almost deserted hiking trails not only in summer, but also in winter when the temperatures are pleasantly mild. However, you should make sure that all attractions are open. For example, some impressive gorges are closed in the winter months.

A visit to Knossos, not far from the city of Heraklion, is an absolute must. The ancient site is particularly famous for the Minoan palace of Knossos, whose ruins are up to 3,000 years old. Archaeologists believe that the palace was once five storeys high and housed around 1,000 rooms. When visiting, it is best to set off early, especially in summer - before it gets too hot, as there is hardly any shade on the grounds. Nearby, the Iraklio Archaeological Museum, which is considered the most important collection of antiquities in Greece alongside the National Museum in Athens, is also worth a visit.

The ruins of Gortyn are also a must-see when visiting Crete. Located around 40 kilometers south of Heraklion, the Great Inscription is the oldest code of law in Europe. The monasteries of Arkadi and Agios Nikolaos are also well worth a visit on Crete. From the enchanting town of Agios Nikolaos, it is also worth taking the ferry to the island of Spinalonga.