Hidden places of Crete that you have to discover!

Not even the residents of Crete themselves can say that they know their island inside out. The mountains, the beaches, the gorges, and nature’s wonders are countless and unexplored by tourists, who spend a few days on the island and looking for the best attractions in Crete. Upon departure, guests feel their mind and spirit have traveled and can't wait to return and discover more secret spots in Crete.

The best way to discover hidden gems without wasting time on public transport is to drive around Crete. Whether you arrive by plane or by boat, rent a car from Heraklion, the capital of Crete, or Chania through Let's Drive.

Chania: Natural beauty, urban glamour and Cretan hospitality

The Agia Irini Gorge is located near Sougia and got its name from the nearby village. It is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Chania with an amazing sea view. It is the second most popular Cretan gorge after Samaria and a part of it, is protected as a Wildlife Sanctuary by the NATURA 2000 program.

Arkoudospelios Cave, also known as the Cave of the Virgin Mary of Arkoudiotissa is located near the village of Katholiko and Souda. It took its name from a stalactite that has the shape of a bear. There is also a small church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the area.

The surrounding region is full of exciting sights to explore, starting from Souda with a rental car. Among them is the Holy Monastery of Our Lady of the Angels of Gouvernetou and the Catholic Monastery.

It is worth taking some time to discover the most beautiful villages of Chania. Loutro is a quiet village near Sfakia, about 70 km from Chania. It has impressive blue waters, a few hotels and some restaurants. There is a boat with frequent routes to Agia Roumeli, where Samaria Gorge is located. Of course, renting a car from Chania to explore the place, is the ideal solution.

Lake Almyrou is located in Georgioupoli, 40 km east of Chania. There is also a river of the same name and together they form a rare wetland, one of the most important ones in Crete. There you can find moorhens and mallards.

Rethymno: Perfect for traveling all year round

The most beautiful beaches of Rethymno are located in the southern and northern parts of the prefecture. Plakias is one of them, which is never overcrowded even in August. It is located in the southern part of the island, 40 kilometers outside Rethymno and has a coastline of 1.5 kilometers.

If you have booked one of the available rental cars from Rethymno, you can drive west to make a stop at Karavos, a long, fjord-like bay. The next stop is at the Monastery and the beach of Preveli, one of the most famous attractions of the island.

If you want to avoid the crowds in Preveli, two untouched destinations are Mikri and Megali Triopetra. First, you come across Mikri (Small), a sandy beach surrounded by rocks. Next to it, is the Megali (Great) Triopetra with coarse sand and a long length, so that it never looks full.

If you are looking for activity in nature, then you should organize a hike in the Kollita Gorges, the Velonado Gorge and the Kato Poros Gorge. It is an easy path that will take you about 2 hours to cross. To make your experience more enjoyable, make sure you have water, comfortable shoes and sunscreen. If you arrive by plane, Let's Drive car rentals from the airport in Chania is the best and most reliable idea.

Heraklion: Unique history and incomparable landscapes

Vathi beach is located near Akrotiri Lithino, the southernmost point of the island. It is unorganized and has some trees for natural shade. It is one of the most romantic places in Heraklion, which the locals enjoy all year long.

You might be interested: 7+1 reasons to travel to Heraklion!

You will encounter twenty waterfalls while crossing the Arvi Gorge in Heraklion. It stands out for its natural beauty and the descent is only possible for experienced hikers with the right equipment. The gorge leads to the fertile plain of Arvi where dozens of banana trees grow.

The village of Archanes has been awarded by the European Union for the development of its settlement. Colorful houses, small museums with local exhibits from the Minoan and Byzantine eras and small churches make the place special. It is located near the archaeological site of Knossos. You can take a walk to the main square and taste authentic Cretan delicacies.

Far from the bustling Matala, through a path that takes about 2.5 hours, is Gournia. This is an enchanting place that draws visitors like a magnet, even though it is an inaccessible area. You can reach it through Matala, as well as by boat or by crossing a path from Vathi. 5 enchanting fjords formed by the rocks will reward you once you arrive. At Let's Drive you will find car rentals from Heraklion to the airport or port.

The inexhaustible Crete is a magnet for all kinds of tourists. The morphology of the island is such, that it is ideal both for those who want beaches and sand and for those who arrive at the island in their sports shoes, ready to take over its canyons and caves. Make your trip an unforgettable experience by renting a car through Let's Drive.