Geographically Crete is divided into 4 tourist regions. The western coast, as well as Chania, have wild nature, small and cozy resorts, compact beaches in azure bays. The regions of Rethymno and Heraklio fully reflect the Hellenic flavor of Crete, and are also located in the center of the island.
In the ranking of the Mediterranean islands, Crete is the fifth largest. The area of the Greek island is more than 8 thousand km². The length of the coastline is 1066 km. The tourist infrastructure is much better developed here than on other islands in Greece. There are over 30 operating resorts in Crete, which are able to offer guests a variety of activities. The shores of the island are washed by three seas: Libyan, Ionian and Cretan. The city of Heraklion is considered the capital.
The most popular resorts of Crete
Rethymnon
Rethymnon resort is located on the coast of the Cretan Sea. Population - 32 thousand inhabitants. This port was built by the Venetians, later it turned into a tourist center with many cafes, hotels and attractions. During the summer, Rethymnon hosts many themed festivals. It is noteworthy that it is in this place that the University of Crete is located. Arkadi and Preveli monasteries are considered the main historical monuments of the resort. The extensive beach area is replete with wild beaches and recreational areas.
Chania
Another port on the shores of the Cretan Sea. Population - 53 thousand inhabitants. The resort is divided into two areas: Old and New. Fragments of Venetian fortifications are located on the banks of the Old Harbor. This area is considered one of the most beautiful in Crete. Chania has many beaches, shops, hostels. The Technical University of the island is open here. The tourist infrastructure is developed at the highest level.
Heraklion
The city on the coast of the Cretan Sea is the main administrative center of the island. Population - 140 thousand people. The city has an airport, a port harbor, many attractions, and places for entertainment. The old part of the city looks like a labyrinth of narrow streets, which are always full of tourists. Near the coast there is the Kules fortress, which today can be visited with a guided tour.
Limin-Khersonis
The northern resort of Crete is based on the place where the ancient Chersonesos used to be. Population - 3 thousand people. Limin-Khersonisu is focused on tourism. The entire coastline is lined with bars and hotels. An attraction from Roman times is the old fountain in the center. The small port city lives off the tourism industry. There you can rent a villa or a hotel room. An entertainment program is provided for every taste and budget.
Malia
A small resort located on the Cretan Sea side. Population - 3 thousand inhabitants. There is a Minoan necropolis in the town. The city beach is endowed with convenient infrastructure. Water sports are popular on the coast. Tourists from different parts of the globe come to this cozy corner every year during the season. Many guests from the UK come here.
Agios Nikolaos
The city is named after an old church. Population - 11 thousand people. The coast of the resort is located at the Mirabelon Bay. Olive plantations are grown in the area. In the center of the city is the Voulismeni Lagoon. The resort also has a large park with pine trees. Sailing races are regularly held in the resort harbor. As Ayios is built on a hill, the streets in the center of the town are interspersed with many staircases.
Platanias
There is another resort on the coast of the Gulf of Chania, Platanias. Population - 970 inhabitants. The resort is completely tourist-oriented. There are hotels and restaurants there, near the coast are the islands of Agii Theodori, where you can book a boat tour. One of the football teams of Crete is named after this town.
Elounda
Elounda resort and community includes 7 settlements. This also includes the island of Kalydon. The population is almost 3 thousand people. Elounda is located in the east of Crete. Not far from the community is Mirabilon Bay. Elounda has a lot of entertainment for tourists. There are museums there, you can see the ruins of ancient fortresses and houses.
Almyrida
The resort town of Almyrida is located at the Souda Bay on the western coast of the island. The city is famous for the nature around. Parks, forests, rivers and meadows surround this area from all sides. Taverns, diving centers, surfer rentals, hotels, cafes and shopping centers all make up the tourist infrastructure of Almyrida. At a distance of 4 km from the city, there is an open-air ethnographic museum representing the village of Gavalohori. Population - 170 inhabitants. Not far from the resort, the famous "Elephant Cave" with the remains of these mighty animals is open to tourists.
Agia Marina
The village near Chania has a long coastline with white beaches, along which hotels, nightclubs and other tourist establishments are built. There are many water activities in the western Cretan resort. Souvenir shops, rentals, bank branches make Agia Marina a comfortable place to relax. Population - 150 people.
Kissamos
Built by the Venetians, Kissamos is located on the shores of the Cretan Sea. The ruins of the Kasteli fortress still attract the attention of the resort's guests. Population - 4 thousand inhabitants. The resort village has good ferry and transport links. It is the end point of the E65 highway. Tourism is not as developed here as in the surrounding towns. The locals are engaged in fishing. In the center of Kissamos there is a museum in the former residence of the governor. It presents all the archaeological finds that have been found in the area by archaeologists.
Stalis
On the island, the town of Stalis is considered an excellent resort for families. The measured atmosphere of Stalis attracts tourists with children, as well as elderly people. A main street has been built in Stalis, stretching across the entire town. The main attractions are located on it. The city beach has a developed infrastructure. For nightlife, guests of the resort travel to neighboring villages. A bonus for vacationers is the Palace of Knossos, located near Stalis. The population is about a thousand people.
Georgioupolis
The former fishing village has become a holiday village thanks to the longest beach on the east coast. The coast of the town is washed by the Gulf of Almiros. This place has an excellent ecological situation, developed transport links, and there is a tourist infrastructure. The white stone church of St. Nicholas is considered one of the main attractions.
Agia Galini
Population - about 500 inhabitants. The resort is washed by the waters of the Libyan Sea. The beaches in Agie Galina are covered with small pebbles and sand. In the village itself there are hotels, taverns and small souvenir shops for tourists. There are no special attractions here. But there is beautiful nature, clear water, calm and measured atmosphere.
Plakias
The resort village of Plakias has one long beach. Population - 140 people. The resort is considered a family destination. It is aimed at families with children, as well as at the measured rest of retirees. There is no nightlife in Plakias. The serene atmosphere of Cretan tranquility permeates the few streets of the town from dawn to dusk. The coastline of the resort is washed by the Libyan Sea.
Paleochora
A small town on the shores of the Libyan Sea is the administrative center of the region. Population - 1600 people. Paleochora occupies a peninsula between two picturesque bays. The resort is so cozy and clean that locals also choose it for a weekend getaway.Every guest of the village will find something interesting in it: a night bar, water activities on the beach, luxury apartments or a tour of the ruins of the fortress.
Gouves
The town was built for tourist purposes. Divided into two conventional parts. On the side of the mountain is a Cretan village where locals live. There are hotels on the coast and a beach area. There is also a nightlife in the resort, but the main direction of Gouves is family vacations. The main beach of the village was awarded with the Blue Flag award. Near the town is the cave of St. Paraskeva, there is also a temple.
Ierapetra
Commercial and industrial center, the southernmost town - all of this is perfect to describe the resort of Ierapetra. Population - 12 thousand inhabitants. The resort's beach is washed by the Libyan Sea. The area around Ierapetra is also known as an agricultural center. From there, the products are sent to Greece and Europe. The resort is suitable for a variety of leisure activities.
Bali
The resort village is protected from the wind by mountains. It is located in a beautiful bay, where there is always a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. About 200 people live in Cretan Bali. During the tourist season, this number increases, but not much. Since you can get around Bali in 40 minutes, there is only one main street in the village. Both sides are occupied by taverns, shops, hotels, bars. Family type of rest prevails here.
Panormos
This seaside village has one beach that is famous for its cleanliness and convenience. Population - 900 people. Olive oil is produced in this area. The cobbled streets of the resort look so cute, as if they just transported to reality from the picture. There are many local restaurants in the town. Also in Panormos there is a market with fresh vegetables and seafood. Local transport can be reached anywhere in Crete. Caves, wineries and temples are the main attractions of Panormos.
Sitia
The eastern resort town is located in the east of Crete. The beaches of Sitia are washed by the Cretan Sea. Population - 9 thousand people. The main industries that support the urban economy are in the areas of agriculture and tourism. The resort is recognized as the end point of the E75 highway. Sitia's infrastructure includes an airport, many bus routes, restaurants, shops and hotels. There are several museums on the territory of the city; in the vicinity, ruins of ancient cities and gorges are open for visiting.
Makri-Gialos
The resort is divided into two communities: Makri Gialos and Analipsis. Today they are united into one tourist center. The mountains and sandy beaches are considered the main attractions of this place. The longest beach is in the area of the village of Analipsis. The coast of the resort is washed by the Libyan Sea. The population consists of a couple of hundred people. The hilly relief of the territory protects the bay of the resort from strong winds. The beaches in the town are pebbly, although there are also small sandy areas.
Kolymbari
The resort near the Gulf of Chania lives off tourism, fishing and trade. There are only pebble beaches in Kolymbari, so during the season there is no mass influx of tourists. Population - one thousand inhabitants. Near the resort is the Gonya Monastery, which has been perfectly preserved to this day. Despite its small size, the village is a major producer of olive oil.
Kalyves
The city of West Crete is washed by the Cretan Sea. Population - 1400 inhabitants. The nature around is represented by olive groves. The village itself stretches along the bay. Kalyves is divided into 2 parts: Medieval and New. The town has churches, mosques and old ruins. The beaches of the bay are completely sandy. Endowed with the necessary infrastructure, located close to local shops and taverns.
Agii Apostoli
Located in the western part of Crete, half an hour drive from Chania, the second largest city on the island. There are no special attractions, only a few temples. Developed tourist infrastructure. There are four well-groomed and equipped beaches in the village. Two large supermarkets. Numerous small shops and cafes. There is an entertainment center Golgen Fun Park. Family apartments and hotels with pools are available for accommodation.
Maleme
The resort of northwest Crete is known not only for its beauty. There is an airfield near Maleme, there is a military cemetery with the graves of German soldiers. Population - about 700 inhabitants. Pharmacies, car rentals, restaurants and hotels are part of the town's infrastructure, along with beaches and archaeological sites. The resort has many memorable sites associated with the Second World War. The type of beaches in Maleme is predominantly pebbly.
Stavros
Washed by the Cretan Sea, Stavros is famous for its beaches. The central and western beaches of the resort have a gentle entrance to the sea, velvety sand and high-quality infrastructure. An ancient Venetian quarry gives the town a touch of antiquity. The special surroundings of the resort are created with the help of mountains, groves and clear water. Several hundred people live in the village. During the season, the number of residents increases due to the large number of tourists.
Amoudara
The beautiful resort of Amoudara is located not far from the capital of Crete. This place is suitable for both families and individuals. The suburb of Heraklion has its own cinema and shopping center. There are cafes, hotels and nightclubs. The resort's beach stretches for 5 km. It belongs to the sand type, equipped with a volleyball court, a recreation area and places for children's entertainment.
Matala
The southern resort by the waters of the Libyan Sea is surrounded by rocky caves, where there are grottoes with primitive rock paintings. The population is about 70 people. The tiny village is suitable for a measured and family holiday. The main theme of the resort is hippies. A film was even made about hippies on the Matala beach.
Sisi
The village harbor of Sisi looks very clean and well maintained. Population - no more than 100 people. The village has one main street lined with taverns, cafes and hotels. There is no active entertainment in Sisi, but there are all conditions for a relaxing holiday with children.
