Holidays in Crete: How to enjoy the island like a local!

No matter which area of Crete you visit, there are certain things you must see and do to have the ultimate experience as a local. Escape from the cosmopolitan beaches, the bustling alleys, and discover magical routes, virgin places, and secret spots in Crete.

For Greek coffee in a traditional cafe

Enjoy your coffee in a traditional village
Enjoy your coffee in a traditional village

In every Cretan village, you will find at least one traditional cafe. Those old ones that serve only Greek coffee and handmade spoon sweets. Those located in the central square under huge plane trees. Those where as soon as you sit down and take a deep breath, you feel calm and tranquility. Enjoy the environment and start a conversation with the patrons to learn the place's secrets. Because holidays in Crete are moments filled with images and stories.

Mountain villages you must visit::

  • The village of Margarites, known for its pottery
  • Anogeia, where Nikos Xylouris and Psarantonis were born
  • Kritsa, to enjoy the view of the Mirabello Bay
  • Houdetsi with its plane trees and mulberries
  • The village of Zaros at the foothills of Psiloritis

For dives in hidden beaches with amazing waters

Balos beach
The crystal clear waters in Balos beach

Crete is famous for its beaches, golden sands, and turquoise waters. Many Greeks and foreign tourists visit Matala, Elafonisi, and Balos every year to enjoy their swims and the warm sun. However, if you want to avoid the crowds and see something different drive to Galini beach in Achlia, Kaminaki beach, or Vathi beach. Choose a car rental in Chania and swim in the beautiful, hidden corners of Crete.

For authentic Cretan food

Dakos salad
Dakos salad

Did you know that the Cretan diet is considered the healthiest in the world? It makes sense when you think that it consists of pure products such as olive oil, wine, honey, wild greens, and natural fruits and vegetables. Complete a car rental from the port of Heraklion and reach Anogeia, Archanes, or the villages of Apokoronas to taste incredible delicacies firsthand. The nicest places for a trip in Crete are those you need to search a little to find. In Crete, your holidays must harmonize with the locals

We suggest you try:

  • Dakos as only Cretans know how to make
  • Fresh skioufichta pasta
  • Dreamy antikristo that melts in the mouth
  • Snails in tomato sauce or fried
  • Kalitsounia with mizithra cheese and honey

You might be interested: Crete: Visit the most beautiful places for an unforgettable trip!

For dancing and songing at a Cretan festival

Traditional costumes and music
Traditional costumes and music

If something should not be missing from your holidays in Crete, it is the festivals. No celebration in Crete does not come with dance, song, and food. Although August is the month of festivals, this does not mean that locals do not take every opportunity for dance and mantinades throughout the year. To dance to the rhythm of the maleviziotis, proceed with a car rental from Heraklion airport. Join the dance and have fun until morning.

For wine tasting and a tour of a vineyard

Vineyards and wineries
Vineyards and wineries

Wine in Crete is considered a family affair. With a long tradition and methods that remain unchanged over time, Cretans hold the lead in winemaking. After all, wherever you find yourself, you will notice that wine plays a leading role in every gathering, celebration, and sacrament. With car rentals from Rethymno, you will comfortably and quickly reach your destination. Visit some of the many wineries that exist all over Crete and try unique labels and award-winning varieties.

Varieties we suggest you try:

  • Liatiko
  • Vilana
  • Vidiano
  • Malvasia

For a visit to an old monastery

Monastery of Arkadi in Rethymno
Monastery of Arkadi in Rethymno

According to the traditional architecture of the place, monasteries form the core of each settlement. Built of stone, usually dressed in white, with large courtyards and colorful flowers, the Cretan monasteries exude austerity. If you choose car rental in Souda from Let’s Drive, you can approach the Gouverneto Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Crete. Don't forget that renting a car when going to an island is made easy and quick with the help of Let’s Drive.

Also check: The ultimate guide for renting a car on the Greek islands!

For hiking in impressive gorges

Samaria Gorge in Chania
Samaria Gorge in Chania

After so much food, wine, and dancing, some exercise is mandatory. If you're wondering where to go hiking on your holidays in Crete, then the gorges are for you. Walk through breathtaking rocky landscapes. Admire the running waters and explore the largest network of gorges in Europe. In most gorges, you can reach a certain point with your vehicle and then start walking. Trust Let’s Drive for car rental from Chania airport. Take your vehicle and load it with the essentials to start your hike.

Gorges for a unique experience:

  • The gorge of Arvi with its natural spring
  • The gorge of Kourtaliotis with its impressive waterfall
  • The gorge of Rouvas with its rich flora and fauna
  • The gorge of Agia Irini, which is part of the Natura 2000 network

Check on Let’s Drive all the available service stations for car rental at Piraeus port, Thessaloniki airport, or Rhodes airport. Reduce distances and see all that you can imagine.

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