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Why you should definitely visit Crete in 2023 – 7 reasons for a holiday in Crete

by Get Le 16. December 2022

Are you looking for a new and exciting holiday destination for 2023? Look no further than the beautiful island of Crete! Located in the Mediterranean Sea, Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, and it has something to offer for every type of traveler. Here are seven reasons why you should definitely visit Crete in 2023:

  1. Breathtaking landscapes: From its rugged coastline to its rolling hills and olive groves, Crete is a feast for the eyes. The island is home to a number of national parks, including the Samaria Gorge National Park and the Elafonisi Beach, both of which offer stunning views and hiking trails.
  2. Rich cultural history: Crete has a long and storied history that dates back to Ancient Greece. The island is home to a number of ancient ruins and cultural sites, including the palace of Knossos, the birthplace of the mythological figure of King Minos.
  3. Delicious local cuisine: Crete is known for its delicious local cuisine, which is based on fresh, locally grown ingredients. From fresh seafood and grilled meats to locally made cheeses and olive oil, there is something for every palate.
  4. Beautiful beaches: With its crystal-clear waters and golden sands, Crete is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Whether you prefer a secluded cove or a bustling beachfront, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from.
  5. Excellent diving and snorkeling: With its rich marine ecosystem and clear waters, Crete is a paradise for divers and snorkelers. The island is home to a variety of dive sites, including shipwrecks, coral reefs, and caves, and you can spot a range of marine life, including colorful fish, octopuses, and eels.
  6. Friendly locals: The people of Crete are known for their warm and welcoming nature, and you’ll often be greeted with a friendly smile and a helping hand.
  7. Affordable prices: Despite its many attractions, Crete is an affordable destination for travelers, with reasonable prices for accommodation, food, and activities.

With its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural history, delicious local cuisine, beautiful beaches, excellent diving and snorkeling, friendly locals, and affordable prices, there are more than enough reasons to visit Crete in 2023. Don’t miss out on this amazing holiday destination!

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Is Crete a holiday destination for diving?

by Get Le 16. December 2022

Yes, Crete is a popular holiday destination for diving. The island of Crete has a rich marine ecosystem and offers a variety of dive sites for both beginner and experienced divers. The clear, warm waters around Crete are home to a diverse array of marine life, including colorful fish, octopuses, eels, and various species of coral. There are also shipwrecks in the area that are popular for diving.

One of the most famous diving sites is the Messerschmitt 109 wreck, a German World War II fighter, lying 800 m offshore, at a depth of 24 m. https://www.diversclub-crete.gr/sites-wreck/

There are many dive centers on Crete that offer guided diving tours, as well as rental equipment and certification courses.

When is the best time of year to dive in Crete?

The best time to dive in Crete depends on your personal preferences and the type of diving experience you are looking for.

Generally, the summer months of June to September offer the warmest and most comfortable diving conditions, with water temperatures ranging from 24 to 28 degrees Celsius (75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit). The visibility is also typically good during this time of year, although it can vary depending on the specific dive site and the weather conditions.

The spring and fall months of April to May and October to November offer cooler water temperatures (around 20 to 22 degrees Celsius or 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit) and may be more suitable for experienced divers who are comfortable in colder water. The visibility is usually excellent during these months, as the waters are less crowded and there is less sediment stirred up from boats and swimmers.

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How do I get from Heraklion Airport in Crete to Rethymno?

by Get Le 15. December 2022

There are several ways to get from Heraklion Airport to Rethymno, depending on your personal preferences and budget. Here are a few options you might consider:

Rent a car:

You can rent a car at the airport and drive to Rethymno on your own. This is a convenient option if you want to explore the island at your own pace and have the freedom to go wherever you want.

Take a taxi:

You can find taxis outside the airport terminal and hire one to take you to Rethymno. This can be a convenient option, but it may be more expensive than other forms of transportation.

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Mountains in Crete

by Get Le 1. December 2022

Crete is home to several mountain ranges. The most prominent of these is the White Mountains, also known as the Lefka Ori. The highest peak in this range is Mount Psiloritis, which stands at an elevation of 2,456 meters (8,058 feet) above sea level. Other notable mountains on Crete include Mount Ida, also known as Psiloritis, which has an elevation of 2,456 meters (8,058 feet), and Mount Dikti, which stands at an elevation of 2,148 meters (7,045 feet).

Can you hike the mountains in Crete?

Yes, you can hike the mountains in Crete. The island is home to several mountain ranges, including the White Mountains, which offer a variety of hiking trails for people of all skill levels. Hiking in Crete is a great way to explore the island’s beautiful natural scenery and discover some of its hidden gems. Whether you’re looking for an easy, leisurely walk or a challenging trek, there’s a trail in Crete that’s right for you.

https://hiking-crete.com/en/

And what about mountain climbing?

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Why the food in Crete is healthy and delicious. 7 delicious and healthy specialities of Cretan cuisine

by Get Le 22. November 2022

Crete is known for its delicious and healthy cuisine, which is based on fresh, locally grown ingredients. The island’s long history of agriculture and livestock farming has resulted in a rich culinary tradition that is both flavorful and nutritious. Here are seven delicious and healthy specialities of Cretan cuisine:

  1. Dakos: Dakos is a traditional Cretan dish made with barley rusks, chopped tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives. The ingredients are topped with a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, and oregano, and the dish is often served as an appetizer or light meal.
  2. Stuffed vegetables: Stuffed vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and peppers, are a staple of Cretan cuisine. They are typically filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and vegetables, and baked until tender.
  3. Grilled meats: Grilled meats, such as lamb and pork, are a popular choice in Crete, and they are often served with a variety of vegetables and herbs. The island’s long tradition of livestock farming means that the meat is of high quality and free from additives.
  4. Fresh seafood: Crete is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, and fresh seafood is a staple of the local diet. Fish, octopus, and shellfish are often grilled or served in salads and are a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
  5. Local cheeses: Crete is home to a variety of local cheeses, including feta, myzithra, and kefalotyri. These cheeses are made from sheep’s or goat’s milk and are high in protein and calcium.
  6. Olive oil: Olive oil is a staple of the Cretan diet, and the island is home to a number of small-scale olive oil producers. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease.
  7. Fresh fruit and vegetables: Crete is home to a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and eggplant. These ingredients are often used in salads and other dishes, and they are a great source of vitamins and minerals.

Overall, the food in Crete is healthy and delicious, with a strong focus on fresh, locally grown ingredients. From grilled meats and seafood to fresh fruit and vegetables, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

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How tourism in Crete has changed since the 1960s

by Get Le 3. November 2022

Tourism in Crete has undergone significant changes since the 1960s, as the island has evolved from a relatively unknown destination to a popular holiday spot for travelers from around the world. Here are some of the key ways in which tourism in Crete has changed over the past several decades:

  1. Increased accessibility: In the 1960s, Crete was not as easily accessible as it is today. There were fewer flights to the island, and the only way to get there was by boat or ferry. Today, Crete is served by several international airports, making it much easier for travelers to get there.
  2. Development of the tourism industry: In the 1960s, tourism in Crete was still in its early stages, and the island did not have the infrastructure to accommodate large numbers of tourists. Today, Crete has a well-developed tourism industry, with a range of accommodation options, including hotels, apartments, and villas, as well as restaurants, bars, and other amenities.
  3. Expansion of the tourist season: In the 1960s, the tourist season in Crete was relatively short, lasting from June to September. Today, the tourist season is much longer, with travelers visiting the island from April to October, and even beyond.
  4. Diversification of the tourism market: In the 1960s, the majority of tourists visiting Crete were from Europe, with a smaller number from the United States and other countries. Today, the tourism market in Crete is much more diverse, with visitors from all over the world.
  5. Growth of the cruise industry: In the 1960s, the cruise industry in Crete was still in its early stages, and the island was not a major cruise destination. Today, Crete is a popular stop for cruise ships, with many travelers visiting the island as part of a Mediterranean cruise.

Overall, tourism in Crete has changed significantly since the 1960s, with increased accessibility, the development of the tourism industry, the expansion of the tourist season, the diversification of the tourism market, and the growth of the cruise industry all contributing to the island’s popularity as a holiday destination.

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