Crete
The largest Greek island and 5th largest in the Mediterranean. You can spend 3 weeks on Crete and not see it all!
You’re going to love Crete! We recommend visiting for at least a week or longer if you can. Collected here are tips and tricks for an unforgettable stay on the island. Huge thank you to Mike Haralambakis for sharing his travel guide with us.
Hands down! Crete boasts the most incredible people, extraordinary history, the best combination of food, beaches, hospitality and affordability we’ve experienced in the world.
We recommend getting a rental car so you can explore the island.
Samaria Gorge
An amazing but fierce, 6-8 hour hike ending at the beach. A full day commitment, but absolutely worth it.
Where To Stay
You have many options nearby, but we do recommned you book earlier than later.
If you are flying, Chania International Airport “Daskalogiannis” will be your closest option. If you are traveling a far distance, there are many hub cities throughout Europe that serve Chania directly.
You have many options close to the wedding in Kolymvari. We have rented a house that we hope will become our home base while everyone is in town. Below are options that are really close by to our place.
Villa Dimokratia
This will be our home base from July 5th to the 19th. If you would like to get a place close by here’s the location.
DATES
July 5th-19th, 2024
LOCATION
Eparchiaki Odos Kalimvariou-Panethimnos, Chania, Crete 730 06, Greece
Air BnB
If you are looking for a house Air BnB is an easy way to book.
Aphea Village
A collection of apartments that is centrally located.
Avra Imperial Hotel
A great option for those looking for a little bit of luxury.
Beaches
- Kedrodasos Beach (2km from Elafonisi), some say best beach in Crete
- Elafonisi Beach (pink sand, 1.5-2 hours from Chania), top 5 beach in the world when it’s not windy
- Marathi Beach (local beach near Chania, chill vibe, great fish taverna restaurant)
- Falassarna Beach (close to Chania)
- Balos Beach – can be reached through a mini-cruise; you get the boat about 30 minutes from Chania; incredible experience when it’s not windy
- Setian Limania Beach (20km from Chania, intense hike down to get to beach)
- Marathi Beach (Patrelantonis Fish Taverna). 20 minutes from Chania, total perfection. Easy, great food right there and super close to Chania.
- Loutron Beach
- There are great kayaking tours in coves et al. Not familiar with details, but I can ask if you’re interested.
- Green Oasis Argiropoulis Springs
Restaurants
- Tamam (restaurant in Chania)
- Salis (Chania) Incredible wine. Get the deconstructed pastischio with freshly shaved truffle.
- Oinopeio (Chania)
- Pork-Beef-Wild (Chania)
- Agora Food Market (Chania)
- Daliani Street for great bar (Kibar, former monastery)
- Dounias (20 km away)
- Sto Plai (restaurant near Falassarna Beach)
- Gramvousa (restaurant near Falassarna Beach)
- Glykeria (restaurant near Elafonosi Beach)
- Cooking With Love (in the city of Heraklion)
- To Fagito Tiz Zois (great takeaway place in Xania)
- Athivoles Restaurant (in Argiropoulis Springs)