Travel ideas, vacation planning

One aspect of the travel industry that may have changed forever for places like Crete is their willingness to promote themselves more widely and more actively. Perhaps in the past they have willing to leave that marketing to the tour operators who booked up the flights, hotels and villas in advance to make up their package offerings, but now the resorts are quite prepared to take some control of their own destiny. Crete, like many other places, has already realised it has great offering and is working hard to bring the island to the attention of as many people as possible.

This summer, events like the Chania Festival, which runs for six weeks during July and August has been widely advertised. The Nea Hora beach is perfect for families with gentle shallow waters fringing a wide white sandy stretch of coast not too far from the city.

If the beaches of Chania itself are a little too crowded or commercial, the beach at Elafonisi in the far south-west corner of Crete, makes a perfect alternative. Here there is almost nothing bar fantastic scenery, clear blue waters, and a long stretch of white sandy beach that runs along one side of a lagoon island. This really is a “get away from it all” location and a lovely place to spend a relaxing day, or evening, watching the sun go down.

Other places not to miss on Crete include the island’s greatest Minoan Palace at Knossos, though by many to be the centre of Minoan civilization which ruled the island 4,500 years ago. As you can imagine the remains of buildings that date back so far are very minimal, but the fact that anything remains is amazing.

Another area to be discovered in the early 1900’s is Gournia, a place that is now though to be the best preserved example of Minoan culture anywhere. Archaeologists are still working at Gournia, which was thought to be home to over 4000 residents at one time and is still revealing many amazing artifacts from its past.

As well as being a great place for beach lovers, Crete is also attractive to those who like to be more active during their holidays and walkers in particular can find plenty of challenges on this varied island. The Samaria Gorge walk ends in a boat trip, due to the location of the arrival point on the coast which cannot be reached by vehicles.

For those who want a more isolated walking experience there are other gorges on Crete, such as Imbros where the crowds are not so likely. There are opportunities to walk in areas unaffected by tourism and be able to experience the more traditional Crete enjoyed by its residents.

Mark has visited many Mediterranean islands and for a varied and interesting holiday he suggests that flights to Crete represent a wise choice at the moment. Author: Mark Bartley