Rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, Crete offers a wide variety of once-in-a-lifetime adventures. This mountainous island, interspersed with rivers, breathtaking gorges, palm tree forests, azure coves, and picturesque valleys, is a wondrous backdrop for trekking, cycling, and diving trips. Additionally, its delightfully lively cities and historically significant archeological sites allow visitors to revel in Crete's rich past and present.
Start with a trip to Knossos, the ancient capital of the Minoans. Located just outside the island's modern day capital, Heraklion, Knossos was where Europe's first great civilization blossomed. With its colorfully reconstructed palace, visitors get a chance to experience Minoan grandeur in a way no other archeological site offers.
Next, the town of Rethymno, with its charming harbor and varied architecture, is always worth a visit. Spend an afternoon wandering through its narrow cobblestone streets, admiring its remarkably well-preserved old city featuring Venetian, Byzantine, and even Ottoman styled buildings. Explore the city's Venetian citadel, Fortezza, with its maze of ruins and amazing views of the city and sea. Located shortly outside Rethymno, Amari Valley, with its pictorial fields, luscious fruit orchards, and quaint villages, presents a side of Crete most travelers never get to see. Spend the afternoon wandering country roads past Byzantine churches, lingering over refreshing mountain streams, and sampling local treats such as olives and cherry glyko.
Continue along the west side of the island to the city of Chania, considered the most beautiful in Crete with its gorgeous old city center. After wandering through the alluring Venetian quarter and feasting at one of Chania's excellent restaurants, be sure to try one of the many activities on offer here. Located on the sea, Chania offers a myriad of diving opportunities including adventures through coastal caves and fun snorkeling outings, perfect for beginners as well as children. For horse lovers, there are plenty of horseback rides featuring jaunts for all ages along secluded beaches and past coastal cliffs. Beyond these, there is always the option of cycling through the region. Take leisurely routes through valleys filled with fig, grape, and lemon orchards, appropriate for families with kids of every age. More challenging rides take you past Byzantine ruins, under snow-topped mountains, and through sub-tropical rainforests.
Chania is also the gateway to the Lefk "ri, the White Mountains park, which is renowned for its many gorges, the most famous of which, the Samaria Gorge, is the second-longest in Europe. Walk along the canyon's 16 kilometer trail, crossing various crystal- clear springs, steep steps, rich pine forests, and beautiful streams. The park is also home to a great diversity of wildlife including the kri-kri, an endangered goat endemic to the region.
If you'd rather avoid the crowd of hikers trekking along the Samaria Gorge, the Lefk "ri offers a many other great adventures. If you don't want to miss out on the gorge experience, explore Samaria's lesser known sister, the Imbros Gorge. For the adrenaline seekers, bungy jumping off the nearby Vardinogiannis Bridge into the Aradena Gorge is another spine-tingling option.
Convenient flights to Heraklion make Crete one of the best Greek family adventure holiday destinations. With archeological gems galore and adventure opportunities for all ages, Crete has a little something for everyone. Whether it's lounging under a cherry tree in a hidden valley or diving through underwater caves, your Cretan experience is a not-to-be-missed family adventure for old and young alike.