Discover the pearls of Crete
Enjoy the Greek sun and the Greek Gyros that are available on almost every street corner? Then a trip to the Greek island of Crete is highly recommended. Crete is about a 3,5 to 4 hour flight away and is extremely popular among families with young children, but also for party-loving young people during the summer months (think Malia and also Cherso for those folks).
Of course, Crete has much more to offer than just that and there are plenty of beautiful places where you don't have to encounter the hustling crowds at all. You can also avoid them a lot easier by renting a car; then you can go wherever you want. Therefore, here are a number of places that will make you want to get off your beach bed and drive to in the car.
Time for rest? Then Matala is highly recommended! If we compare this place with the hustle and bustle of Chersonissos and Malia, it is an oasis of peace. This beautiful place is wedged between gigantic chalk cliffs and a real must see for nature lovers. Matala is also known as a hippie village, which is one of the few places in Europe that has survived since the 60s and 70s. If you have just booked your hotel on the other side of the island, a rental car is a solution. Easyterra is a great party with its offering, but also with its customer service. By car you can go wherever you want and you are not dependent on anyone. If we may give you a tip, it is advisable to book an overnight stay in Matala. Towards the evening this town is completely immersed in the real hippie atmosphere and a drink is essential.
You say Kret, you say fish. It is therefore logical that you will find all kinds of fishing villages there, which are certainly worth a visit. Therefore, just absolutely go for one rent a car in Crete and looking for the hidden gem of the island. One of the villages that we can call a pearl is the fishing village of Mochlos. This village is located in the north and can be found between Agios Nikolaos and Sitia. The special thing about this village is that opposite it you will find a small island of the same name, which you can reach by fishing boat. This is a great place, especially for real historians. You will find all kinds of archaeological excavations from the period when Mochlos was an important port for import and export. There is more than just excavations: this small island has all kinds of nice terraces, where you can just like the locals, order a portion of Keftedes and then enjoy the peace and the view.
A visit to the island of Spinalonga should also be on your list somewhere. The peninsula that you can find in the bay of Elounda is perhaps the most special place on the island. With its striking appearance it may not be a hidden gem, but that does not make it any less a must see. The original purpose of this island was to serve as a fortress against the Turks and was built by the Venetians. This did not last long, by the way; the Turks took over from the Venetians quite quickly. What you may also know about Spinalonga is that it served as a place where people with leprosy were sent (and actually left to fend for themselves...). Fortunately, a cure was developed in 1957 and they were able to leave the island. To this day, the island is still an impressive experience, where history has left deep marks on many families.
