Crete

Chasing the Donkey

Visit for striking scenery and clear, shallow water.

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An idyllic lagoon and beach for relaxing after sightseeing. It remains highly recommended despite the peak-season crowds.

Chasing the Donkey

Offers plenty of nightlife options for visitors seeking lively evenings on Crete.

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Stop in the historic harbour for lunch while exploring Crete.

Chasing the Donkey

Recommended as one of Crete's outstanding beaches, ideal for including in an island exploration.

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The author calls this island stunning and recommends visiting on an excursion from Chania.

Chasing the Donkey

Highlighted as a good base for nightlife as well as exploring Crete's history.

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A convenient city to explore over a few hours around lunch, offering historic sights and a taste of urban Cretan life.

Chasing the Donkey

Crete's best-known Minoan archaeological site is a major historical highlight, with mythological ties to Theseus and the Minotaur.

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Book tickets to explore this impressive palace during a visit to Crete.

Chasing the Donkey

This waterfront fortress, also known as Rocca al Mare, was built by the Venetians in the early 16th century.

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Visit this seafront fortress as part of a short sightseeing trip around Heraklion.

Chasing the Donkey

Listed among Crete's notable historic sights and recommended as part of the island's varied sightseeing opportunities.

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A worthwhile detour when driving between Heraklion and Chania. Explore the grounds, learn the monastery's history and visit its bell tower.

Chasing the Donkey

Recommended for its history, including a Venetian fortress dating to the 16th century.

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Spend a few hours exploring the historic town’s narrow cobbled streets, with a stop for a frappe along the way.

Chasing the Donkey

Described as a must-do hike with spectacular scenery through one of Europe's longest gorges.

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Explore this dramatic gorge for a different side of Crete’s landscape. Don’t miss the exceptionally narrow passage known as the gates.

Chasing the Donkey

The former leper colony offers another compelling layer of Crete's history to explore.

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Take a small boat to explore the ruins of this former leper colony and learn about its Ottoman history. The author recommends it for a historically focused outing.

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The author suggests stopping in this waterfront town for a bite to eat while exploring Mirambello Bay.

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Stop at the market while exploring Chania and pick up some freshly harvested figs.

Chasing the Donkey

Highlighted as a darker-sand alternative among Crete's varied beaches.

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Follow this walking trail for some of the best views over Balos Lagoon, stopping at its numerous viewpoints.

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Make time for this cathedral while exploring Heraklion, which the author praises for its beauty.

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Stop here for cocktails at sunset after exploring Georgioupoli.

Chasing the Donkey

This museum explores the history of olive oil on Crete and how it is produced.

Chasing the Donkey

Noted for its distinctive pink-tinged sand, created by crushed shells and microorganisms.

Chasing the Donkey

This long sandy beach is recommended for its clear water and beautiful sunsets.

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This seaside town is recommended for its remarkable offshore church, reached by a stone walkway. Wear sturdy shoes, as the path is uneven and can be slippery.

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The old inland town offers a change from the coast, with authentic little restaurants and small art galleries to explore.

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Take a break from the beaches to admire the monastery’s richly gilded interiors. Cat lovers will also appreciate its many resident cats.

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Suggested for a meal after visiting Balos, with food the author rates among the tastiest in western Crete.

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Explore the ruins of this ancient palace, including its throne areas and the restoration work undertaken by Evans. The site's long history and theories about its abandonment make it a compelling visit.

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This little fishing village feels like an older, less developed Greece. Arrive by boat or on foot and unwind beside the waterfront.

Chasing the Donkey

Recommended for energetic nightlife, with a central strip of bars and clubs that stays lively until sunrise.

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Drive around this expansive bay, stopping for a swim and a meal in Agios Nikolaos.

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Recommended for lunch a short walk from Venizelou Square. Order freshly caught local seafood with Cretan salads and other local dishes.

Chasing the Donkey

Recommended for hiking as part of Crete's wealth of mountain and outdoor experiences.

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Explore this sunken ancient city as part of the recommended boat excursion to Spinalonga.

Chasing the Donkey

Recommended as one of Crete's key historical sites to visit.

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Recommended for some of the author's favourite Cretan dishes in Heraklion.

Chasing the Donkey

Recommended among the important historic sites that make Crete particularly rewarding for history lovers.

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The author highlights this cave as an additional attraction on the recommended boat trip from Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga.

Chasing the Donkey

Highlighted as an excellent beach stop among Crete's varied coastal attractions.

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The author considers this one of Crete's finest beaches and coves.

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Visit this charming fishing village for its relaxed atmosphere. Bring swimming gear for a dip after exploring.

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A family-owned favourite for Greek cooking after exploring town. The author particularly enjoyed the Greek salad, moussaka and Arni Skordo.

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Head here for good meze after a day exploring Crete.

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A coastal hotel with a wide choice of restaurants and suites offering private pool access. The author loved it both as a relaxing retreat and a base for exploring Crete.

Chasing the Donkey

One of the standout beaches the author recommends exploring during a longer stay on Crete.

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Explore Chania's historic waterfront and the little boat-shops lining its bay.

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The author singles out this historic landmark as a must-see while exploring Heraklion.