Balmy temperatures, fewer crowds and lower prices: Now is the perfect time to take a trip to Greece.
21.08.2023 - 19:11 / cntraveler.com
Greece’s largest island, Crete is the do-it-all destination of the Aegean. You come for the obvious: beaches, and the resorts that sit on them. But much more than that, Crete ticks many other boxes that make it an immersive European island getaway. For one, there’s incredible history here thanks to the millenia of civilizations—from the ancient Minoans to the Venetians, Ottomans, and everything in between.
And the island is also reviving its wine scene; like much of the Mediterranean, winemaking has existed in Crete for thousands of years. But a phylloxera outbreak in the 1970s all but wiped out the island’s vineyards. Many farmers abandoned winemaking altogether in favor of other agricultural pursuits, but thankfully the last decade has seen a revival of Cretan viticulture.
So if you like interspersing sugar-white beaches with archaeological sites and wine tastings, very few islands in the world will rival what Crete has to offer. Here’s our guide to its four major regions, and the hotels to know about in each.
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Chania is the best place to start a Cretan exploration.
The best place to start a Cretan exploration is in the west: Chania. Not only does it have one of the island’s two major airports, it’s also chock full of cultural and outdoor delights. While it might be known for its 14th-century Venetian harbor, Chania actually sits on the Minoan city of Kydonia, so you know that history runs deep here. What makes Chania the perfect launchpad is the variety of experiences: There are beaches within quick reach of the Old Town, and wilder hikes and lush vineyards that make easy, fuss-free day trips. In the city itself are some of the island’s most stylish restaurants and historic museums.
The pinks of Elafonisi Beach are a mere 90-minute drive from Old Town.
What to do: The commute to Elafonisi Beach’s pink sands is no joke: It’s a 90-minute drive southwest of the Old Town, but the powdery beach and the crystal clear waters justify the excursion. Equally pristine Balos Beach is another bucket-list destination in the Chania region, but you may need to ferry there from Kissamos port. If you’re the active type and have a full day to spare, strap on your hiking boots and take on the Samaria Gorge. It’s a challenging trek, but you’ll walk past Venetian castles, charming villages, farmlands, and fabulous views.
In Chania, you’ll want to get familiarized with husband-and-wife team Afshin Molavi and Alexandra Manousakis; they’ve got a handful of must-visit venues in Chania, including the organic vineyards of Manousakis Winery, located 30 minutes
Balmy temperatures, fewer crowds and lower prices: Now is the perfect time to take a trip to Greece.
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Greece is home to over 6,000 islands, of which more than 200 are inhabited. Formed into six main island clusters, the Cyclades, Ionian, Saronic Gulf, Sporades, Northeast Aegean, and Dodecanese Islands, each has its own distinctive character and culture. There’s also one significant stand-alone: Crete. Traveling within each island group is generally more accessible than inter-archipelago trips, but that is possible if you have time and money to spend. The beauty of the country — its white-walled cliffside villages, ancient ruins, and stunning blue water — is no secret. Come summer the beaches of Mykonos and the sunset bars at Santorini are jam-packed. However, there are ways around jostling for a spot on the sand. Traveling to one of the lesser knowns islands, visiting during a shoulder season, or booking one of the epic stays suggested here, will greatly enhance your experience. From whitewashed villas adorned with vibrant bougainvillea, suites with private pools looking over Santorini, to cave Airbnbs with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, here’s some of the best places to stay in Greece.
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