United Airlines' long-haul network is growing once again.
05.01.2024 - 14:47 / lonelyplanet.com
It would take weeks – maybe months – to experience everything Crete has to offer.
But to start you off, here are some of our favorite things to do on this stunning Greek island. From lounging on the beaches to hiking in the stark, dramatic mountains and gorges, from dining in delicious tavernas to partying all night long, there's something for every mood.
At the Palace of Knossos, you can feel the playful passion of the artists who painted its many frescoes 4000 years ago, such as the one in the queen's megaron (bedroom) showing dolphins frolicking. Check out the charging bulls on the famous work near the North Entrance. Or ponder the plumbers and engineers who designed the water system – it may work better than yours does at home. Finally, appreciate the architects who cleverly placed rooms and windows to catch seasonal changes in the light.
Yes, you can drive to many of the fine beaches along the southwest coast – Crete's best bunch of beaches – but why fight curves, traffic and even nausea on the treacherous mountain roads when you can hop from one magnificent beach to the next by ferry?
Planning tip: From May to September, local fishers run small boats that stop at beaches, including unmissable ones at Hora Sfakion, Agia Roumeli, Paleohora and Elafonisi. Relax and enjoy the sublime views of the sheer cliffs plunging into the water.
Located in a 19th-century school built by the Ottomans, the Archaeological Museum in Ierapetra may initially seem like just another dusty repository for carved rocks and clay shards. That is until you see the grandeur of an intact statue (no missing parts, take that Venus de Milo!) of the goddess Persephone that dates back to the 2nd century CE. And that's just the start of the surprises at this compact gem. Don't miss the big larnax (clay coffin) from 1300 BCE, which is decorated with hunting scenes, a chariot race and, yes, an octopus.
Sheer rock faces only 3m (9ft) apart are one of the many splendid sights on the 18km (11-mile) hike down to the sea through one of Greece's most popular natural attractions, Samaria Gorge. If you're really lucky, you'll spot a kri-kri, the ever-more-rare goat species native to Crete. But if nothing else, you'll be doing your own goat act as you navigate the trail past geologic wonders, abandoned churches and vast carpets of wildflowers.
Hania has some of the best chefs cooking some of the best food using some of the best ingredients in Greece. This is the city Cretans mention when asked “where do you like to eat?”
Planning tip: Note that quality is directly related to the distance from the water, the further you go down the old stone lanes away from the ho-hum tourist tavernas on the port, the better it gets. Look for cafes and bistros with
United Airlines' long-haul network is growing once again.
Although we've made it past the most depressing day of the year, it's still grey and miserable across much of Europe.
Holland America is taking inspiration from the 1920s again for its latest over-the-top Mediterranean cruise.
Seychelles, IkariaOne of Lonely Planet’s best-value destinations for 2024, the Blue Zone island of Ikaria is renowned for the longevity of its inhabitants. On an island dotted with spectacular coves, Seychelles beach, 15 miles west of the capital, Agios Kirikos, is still a major lure. It’s a steep scramble to reach the sand, which is indicated by a roughly painted arrow in the middle of the road near the remote port of Magganitis (itself famed for a taverna where they serve seafood fresh from the boat).
Luxury cruise expert Mundy Cruising has launched an extraordinary programme, The Ultimate Luxury Cruise, which combines iconic destinations, amazing travel experiences and superlative accommodations to create a 105-day journey, departing Tokyo on 14th April 2025 and finishing in Dubrovnik on 26th July 2025. Customer research at the top end of the market by Mundy Cruising has revealed a range of travel trends and priorities for its discerning client base, including longer trips, slow travel, iconic experiences, bucket list destinations and a desire to return to gentler (and arguably Pre-Covid) times.
As the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily has long had a magnetic pull for both settlers and sightseers.
Ask a traveler where they’ve visited in Greece, and chances are good they’ll point to Santorini. The photogenic island has fueled social media feeds for years with its whitewashed buildings, black sand beaches, and luxe accommodations.
It’s a new year, but when it comes to world-class food and drink, it’s still the same ol’ London. Meaning there's no Shoreditch—err...shortage of options across this perennially dynamic cityscape. With literally thousands of restaurants and bars worth exploring, there’s obviously no way we can include everything on one measly list. So the task here is to highlight some places that are doing something especially awesome this winter season. Whether you’re in town for a short stay, or a longtime local, check out what’s on below and you’re certain to be satisfied.
The Mediterranean has long been a region of ancient history, incredible cultures and delicious cuisines. The countries surrounding the sea from which the region gets its name offers diverse opportunities for exploration, for every type of travel style.
Last week Lufthansa made history. Weeks ahead of its major European rivals, the airline resumed scheduled services to Israel. As of last Monday, the German carrier is offering four weekly flights between Frankfurt and Tel Aviv and three from Munich. The routes mark the first time the company has operated to the country since the start of the Israel-Gaza war in early October.
With a pedigree rooted in classical Greece and a fair claim to the mantle of France's second city, Marseille is an intense, high-octane place that never stops moving. In the last decade, this noisy, once-notoriously unglamorous port has morphed into a quietly cool influencer. With its eclectic choice of museums, churches and coastal parks in a sprawling metropolis famously stitched from 111 wildly diverse “villages,” Provence’s all-consuming capital deserves far more time than a quick weekend.
From the heart of Italy's truffle-rich landscapes to the olive trees of Greece, the globe offers a culinary tapestry that transforms gifting into a refined experience. Elevate your senses with the delicate sweetness of French macarons from Ladurée or indulge in the rare pleasure of Spanish acorn-fed ham, Jamón Ibérico. Here are ten gourmet food gift suggestions for Valentine’s Day 2024.