Find out all about having a holiday in Crete with our blogs!
Organising your holiday
Coming to Crete? First you need to get flights – here are our tips. Then you need to decide where to go, we believe the heart of Crete is in the mountains but the beach has so many attractions for those from the north! How to decide? If you don’t want to spend alot of time waiting hot and sticky at bus stops you should probably hire a car. Then, what accommodation to take. You might try somewhere like Casa Cook – at least its not all inclusive, but maybe not quite what it says in the advertising! For the luxury of a first class hotel, the intimacy of a private villa, and the atmosphere of staying with friends, take a look at Panokosmos. Here’s what guests think.
Things to Do:
If you are overwhelmed by the options of what to do in Crete, start here with our ten things to do. A gorge is a must, and we suggest ones graded by your energy! Climbing to the summit of the highest mountain in the Lefka Ori is something to brag about on your return! But wandering thru a typical Cretan village will give you a flavour of the real rural Crete. The Chania harbour is iconic, but the street markets offer a slice of local life and colour.
Days out:
How about a lovely drive in the Cretan Countryside to Argiroupolis and Lake Kournas, taking in the Carob factory. Alternatively drive to the south coast to Preveli Monastery and the palm beach below. Or take in the ruined Aradhena village on the Anopolis plain. The Chania harbour front is not to be missed, but also take in one of the street markets for local colour.
Walks:
So many glorious places to walk in Crete. Doing a gorge is a must – one of the unique features of the island with more than 50 to choose from! Walking in the foothills of the White Mountains, from a decent hike to 1200m, to a modest round trip to a lovely little white chapel nestling in the hills. And not to be missed, a hike to the summit of the highest mountain in the range, Pachnes, which can be done in a day trip from Panokosmos.
Places:
Stylos is a typical Cretan village in the Apokoronas, with fountains and park and a Minoan site nearby. Or the ruined village of Aradhena. Contrast Argiroupolis which has interesting Roman tombs and mosaic floor, a spectacular site in a lush valley, and a carob factory! Preveli Monastery has WW2 history commemorated with an arresting memorial. There’s a great beach down below too. Chania offers so much, whether the harbourfront, or the street markets, held in different places each day of the week.
Cretan Diet:
The Cretan diet is well recognised for its healthy qualities – olive oil, yoghurt and cheese, and we would add their splendid selection of wines. Not to mention the beers in Crete! When you are having a holiday in Crete you can test these out.
And fruit is so good in Crete! Try our prickly pear jam at Panokosmos – the recipe is here too!
For a very special holiday, come to Panokosmos and experience the luxury of a first class hotel, the intimacy of a private villa, with the atmosphere of staying with friends! It will be a holiday you will never forget!
