Get up close and personal with colorful sea creatures, witness an underwater shipwreck with your very own eyes, and let the soft momentum of the waves glide you along the surface all possible thanks to Cretes crystal-clear waters. We would also like to send you exclusive promotions, competitions and content from The Times and Sunday Times and selected partners. Located approximately 9 miles east of Heraklion, the Cretaquarium is home to 2,000 sea animals and 200 different Mediterranean species. Here, you'll find prime examples of Venetian Renaissance architecture along with splashes of Turkish influence spread throughout the city. Two paintings by El Greco are major highlights of the museum:The Baptism of ChristandView of Mt. All the staff are friendly, welcoming, and took excellent care of us when we had to wait a little while for our taxi back. It was far too small and lacking in enrichment for such an intelligent creature. Despite hundreds of noteworthy restaurants available, the most authentic gastronomy experience is learning to cook the traditional meals yourself. Some 2,000 sea creatures from all across the Mediterranean, including stingrays, sea turtles and sand tiger sharks, abide in the Cretaquarium Thalassokosmos in Gouves, east of Heraklion on Cretes north coast. You'll find plenty to keep you busy in Crete. We are returning each year to this beautiful family run business and cannot fault it in any way. You dont need to be Tour de France fit to cycle this 58km downhill guided tour around the most authentic slices of Crete. Map. Best of all, a delicious, locally-made lunch is almost always included! In a country where food forms an important part of its culture, there are other foodie tours to enjoy while youre in Crete. Located in the southwest corner of Crete, Elafonisi beach sparkles with pink-tinted sand and crystal-clear Mediterranean waters. By clicking below, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms. With Protea reef on our doorstep, dive into a selection of water sorts and activities such as shark diving, scuba diving, big game fishing, shark fishing and bottom fishing. But all that labor was for naught the Ottomans captured the Fortezza less than 100 years after its completionand went on to rule Crete for more than two centuries. Trot through the scenic landscapes of the Finikia Mountains on horseback, or, if you prefer, sitting in comfort on a horse-drawn carriage either way, its a wonderful experience for visitors of all ages. (Some travelers felt the placards didn't offer up enough information about the attraction.) Botanical Park & Gardens Of Crete. Wander the vineyards with Walk About Tuscany Why go: Walking tours and children aren't always a match made in heaven, but they can be. Explore the islands third city, Rethymnon, with its Venetian port, citadel, archaeology museum and centre for contemporary art, before heading 23km southeast to Arkadi Monastery. History buffs will enjoy a visit to the Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, while those seeking the sun can soak up the rays along the island's sandy coasts. Tasting the oils was good but most of all m Joana welcomed us and toured us through the history of olive. The best farm with very friendly owners ! Heraklion: Full-Day Catamaran Cruise With Meal and Drinks. and wine tasting, beautiful setting as well. Go with a guide to make sense of it all. The history of the winery and its owner are compelling. I will go to Crete in August 2018 and I want to go somewhere where I can SURF. Sea kayaking day trips depart from Chora Skakions Ilingas beach and take in Marmara and Sweetwater beaches, the mouths of tremendous gorges and spectacular sea caves. Definitely worth visiting! The owner is so lovely and it's great to see that the majority of animals are rescues. Sinai and the Monastery of St. Catherine. Children are welcome to cultivate their creativity with art, design and painting sessions, free play with all our toys and games as well as take part in arts and crafts, and more. Now the Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete, its an oasis of orchards, flowers, vines and herbs, and theres a great restaurant if you want to make a day of it. Its no surprise, then, that the Heraklion Archaeology Museum is a treasure house of Minoan art and its bigger and more fabulous than ever after a seven-year restoration. If you're in Rethymno, then you shouldn't miss the opportunity to wander the narrow alleys of Old Town, a seaside neighborhood that dates back to the 11th century. It was in Vathypetro, south of Heraklion, that a Minoan wine press from 1500 BC the oldest ever found in Greece was unearthed. Well worth a visit for any sports fan , Nikos was very welcoming and a fantastic host. Filters 1 Attractions Traveller favourites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Shopping Transportation Types of Attractions Museums Nightlife Spas & Wellness Sights & Landmarks Classes & Workshops Boat Tours & Water Sports Traveller rating & up Good for Map. By timdylan56. Fasten your seatbelt for the Land Rover day trip south of Rethymnonto to visit Prasses Gorge and sleepy, lesser-known villages before arriving on the south coast and the Palm Beach at Preveli a lush oasis where you can soak in enchanting river pools. Loved the pictures of family generations. Outdoorsy types can hike their hearts out at Samaria Gorgein Chania and shopaholics will love the boutique-lined boulevards of Agios Nikolaos. Tickets last for 24 hours or buy a 48-hour pass instead, and there are two designated line routes that the hop-on hop-off bus tours to. 3. There is also a physics floor where you can do some hands on experiments which is fun for Kids or playful adults. Filters 1. The staff were friendly and welcoming, the displays were spacious and well presented, and the food was nice. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Cruising around Heraklion on a double-decker bus, jump on and off the tourist coach at your own pace from one of the outlined bus stops around town, hopping back onto the bus when youre ready. Spend your daytime hours beach-hopping, and when the stars come out, the streets are extra vibrant. For an awesome multi-activity experience, choose a tour that includes jet skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, or a boat cruise! Fittingly, the same area of rolling Tuscan-like foothills, with subzones named after the main towns, Peza, Dafnes and Archanes, still produces 80 per cent of Cretes white and red PDO wines from indigenous grapes (Kotsifali, Mandalaria, Liatiko and Vilana). Highly rated activities for a rainy day in Crete: The top indoor things to do in Crete. Choose from sailboats, pirate ships, high-speed motorboats, and plenty more! Read the reviews of your fellow travelers. See more ideas about crete, greece, crete greece. Stretching 8km, dramatic Imbros is Cretes second longest gorge. We also feature properties and itineraries from a specially selected list of trusted operators. The aquarium has beautiful sea life and and even more amazing reptiles that you can interact with. Hiking, canyoning, climbing, scuba diving, horse riding, caving, trekking, skiing, mountain climbing, parasailing, windsurfing, and kitesurf are some of the activities that Crete offers. One of the islands most visually stunning hikes on the continent, the main trail in Samaria Gorge National Park is a must for adventure and outdoor enthusiasts. 3. Once a small fishing port, its become a popular resort destination home to cute tavernas, boutique shops, a strew of beaches and oceanic activities. Case in point, Old Town Rethymnois simply beautiful. The rest of the exhibit was also pretty oke and gave a nice impression of the animals of Crete and the surrounding region. Today, the Fortezza plays host to a range of cultural events, including the Rethymnon Renaissance Festival. Comprising tiny streets overflowing with amazing restaurants and unique stores, and yet, usually not as busy as the historic areas of Chania, Rethymnons Old Town is a regular crowd favorite. Children 0-4& 4-12 At Kiani Beach Hotel, we understand that a family vacation may be Hotel with Kids Club in Crete Download our fun PDF here with all the general Sign up for our newsletter, and well keep you updated for all events and offers. During a dedicated walking tour to Knossos, uncover ancient artifacts and ruins from prehistoric times, and the palace is a prime example for investigating the Minoan civilization. WOW an INCREDIBLE place , with a great owner , packed to the rafters with amazing memorabilia football Heaven .. 2023. The food and shopping options in Old Town are seemingly endless, but the maze-like streets can be perplexing. History buffs will enjoy a visit to the Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, while those seeking the sun. Make it a day trip from Chania. Dont, youll find Byzantine frescoes, portraits of great mustachio-ed captains (and the islands only painting by native son El Greco), intricate embroideries and items belonging to Cretes greatest writer, Nikos Kazantzakis. The owner is very passionate about his animals and most animals are rescued which is amazing. Plenty of single- and multi-day trails and tours are available, with something for every level of difficulty. We did a tour, wine tasting and had dinner. See Tripadvisor's 1,682,013 traveller reviews and photos of Crete rainy day attractions A really wonderful tour around this family business. 275. The sea is never deeper than a metre and you can wade there; if the main beach is too busy, smaller, quiet beaches wait on the south side of the island. Make sure to check out the Venetian Harbour and the Fortezza Castle! The winery has a great gift shopnot to be missed. Dives and dive courses are available for newbies and experts alike, with adventures exploring the surrounds of places like Chania (check out the Elephants Cave), Heraklion, and Karpathos (perfect for shipwrecks). where Joanna does a great little tour as well. Knossos Palace and Arch. The Amalfi coast is best explored on foot and this trip is your chance to take in spectacular views, quaint towns and the ancient ruins of Pompeii on a small group walking tour. 10. The sandy beach feels remarkable remote, however, in reality, its just a stones throw from Chania International Airport, making it an easy addition to any Crete itinerary. Highlights include the mighty Xyloskalo the hair-pinning descent a chance to spot eagles and kri kri (Cretes shy, native ibexes) and the towering Iron Gates a 3m-wide passage through sheer 300m walls. where Joanna does a great little tour as well. Its an immersive indoor activity suitable for the whole family. Crete's mountains are full of thrills. If you're feeling adventurous, you can wade across Elafonisi's shallow lagoon to a small, uninhabited island, home only to a historic lighthouse, a chapel and more than 100 native plant species. Age Restrictions: Other than this, it was a fantastic day out and thank you to all of the team there. If you click and buy a product, we may earn revenue. Traveller favourites . An amazing range of sealife and reptiles, very interactive and informative, and a lovely team of people. Transfers are available from Heraklion, Ierapetra, and a number of other Crete ports; even the journey itself is beautiful. Kazantzakis himself is buried on the mighty Venetian walls that enclose Heraklion and defended it from the Ottomans in the worlds second longest siege (1648-69). You'll find plenty to keep you busy in Crete. All equipment is provided, just bring yourself! At first glance, visitors quickly realize why Preveli has developed the reputation as the islands most famous southern beach. The staff were kind and very accommodating. The indoor kids club is for children of the ages 0-4 years old and 4-8 years old. I hope they will consider moving it to a larger space. A bit pricey but nice, probably best with kids. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. Clock in your daily exercise amidst an epic bike tour around Crete and the surrounding areas, or for those that are keen on biking but arent the biggest cyclists, there are E-bike tour options too. Fast or slow, you're going to want to get an early start to beat the heat and the crowds (about 1,000 people make the hike every day during high season). The Fortezza's perimeter still houses the partially restored Ibrahim Han Mosque from the Ottoman era. Its a hike up from the car park, followed by 200 steps down into its bowels, with formations that resemble a baby god, and his cradle. In a Cretan cooking class youll be eating dakos and loukoumades all night long and yes, wine is included, of course. It was wonderful seeing the history of the Greek teams over the years! Come with U.S. News on a tour of the Four Seasons Hotel Boston. Loved the pictures of family generations. The best way to explore the historic site is with an expert historian theyre always delighted to share the real-life and mythical stories associated with this 22,000-square-meter ruin complex. Make sure to observe the greenery, as there are hundreds of different plant species that populate the park. Otherwise known as Stefanou Beach, this glorious cove is as picturesque as they come. According to Cretan law, all finds on the island stay on the island. Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades and is a haven for travelers who love the outdoors. I could have done without the live reptiles though as the are all in small boxes. 853. Best Activities for a Rainy Day in Crete. Step back in time at Rhodes island or Kos is a great family destination. For more information about our privacy practices please visit our website. So without further do, let's explore our favourite things to do in Crete with kids: Outdoor activities in Crete: find your next adventure in Crete. We booked whilst enjoying a visit to Crete and it has been one of our highlights! Attractions. If a child younger than 4 wishes to attend in the indoor kids club or take part in indoor activities they are required to be accompanied by one or both parents. It then winds its way 10 miles between some 1,600-foot vertical walls to Agia Roumeli, a small seaside village. Was very impressed with this aquarium and the variety of fish to be seen. Another surefire way to beat the crowds is to visit in the off-season. Main photo: The Old Venetian Harbour, Rethymnon (Alamy). Highly rated activities for a rainy day in Crete: The top indoor things to do in Crete. Something a little different to see and do whilst visiting Hersonissos. /winery and learned many things about Crete and the rich history of wine making on this A small museum and shop within the grounds and a large shop with, Just keen to overide the headline to this museum IT IS OPEN. Along Beach Road, bars and clubs (most of which are free) run rampant, with paint parties and 24-hour bars always welcoming tourists from near and far. The artifacts are amazing. Not sure where to start? Did not expect a lot from this place, but actually it was the best farm that we ve ever visited. Crete often seems more like a continent than one of the Greek islands. Catch the top stories of the day on ANC's 'Top Story' (26 June 2023) No, Discover the best things to see and do in Crete, from exploring its beaches and the Palace of Knossos to kayaking and distilling raki, The choice and variety of Greek islands is staggering. for any sports fan , Nikos was very welcoming and a fantastic host. Villages and beaches here are tucked amid cliffs that can only be accessed by sea or along the E4 trail so to see them youll need to pick up a paddle. We drank the Roussanne in a restaurant in Chania and decided to visite the winery that makes this. To all the traveling couples, a Santorini sunset is the pinnacle of romance. Traveller favourites . , interesting history relating to Crete, only takes 20 mins, 4 euros to enter, g up the hill to see this world war 2 shelter and read about its history. There are lots of things to do, here are just a few of our favorite ideas. Very cozy armosphere and friendly owner. Katie Hearsum|Timothy J. ForsterJune 28, 2023, Natural Wonders, Parks and Gardens, Hiking. The main beach, while beautiful, is shallow and clear, making it a safe, family-friendly swimming destination. The wine and food were excellent!!! Great tour and learning experience with a wonderful. Museum of Heraklion Tour, Skip-the-Line Ticket to Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Skip the Line: Knossos Palace and Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the XV Beacon Hotel in Boston. Your information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy. The theater uses high-tech special effects, moving chairs, wind, and more to stimulate your senses for 25 minutes of amazement. The only thing I would change was the octopus enclosure. The infamous location where the most famous of all Greek gods was born, Zeus Cave (AKA Psychro Cave or Diktaion Andron) is a stunning portrayal of stalagmites and stalactites, kept cool even on those scorching summer days. However, Elafonisi's beauty comes with a few drawbacks. Please let us know all the topics you would like to hear from us: You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at [email protected] / [email protected] . Standing since the 14 th century, the town was once under the control of the Republic of Venice, and reminders of its history can be found everywhere you look. History buffs will enjoy a visit to the Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. 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Speaking of, this waterbody is famed for the dozens of palm trees that line the banks and you can swim here too. Design & Development by Mozaik Hospitality, Maisonette Loft Limited Sea View Open Plan. Best Activities for a Rainy Day in Crete. Close by tons of bars, restaurants and shopping options, Ionas Boutique Hotel is favored for its convenient address, or spend the night on the Old Venetian harborfront at the Porto Veneziano Hotel. Go on a guided tasting tour of the wineries with a sommelier, and soak it up with lunch overlooking the hills. This is dedicated to Saint Minas and the Presentation of Christ to the Temple(known as small Saint Minas) On the north We were just walking around the old historic area and decided to wander into the church. Courtesy of Mustang_79/Getty Images/iStockphoto. marvelling at the displays and then when youve seen enough you can relax in the peaceful roof there and the genuine beauty paired with amazing wine made the night magical. There is a taverna stop at the village of Loutro. See Tripadvisor's 1,711,993 traveller reviews and photos of Crete rainy day attractions . 1. E-biking excursions travel to the countryside or opt for designated trails through either Rethymno or Heraklion. For those days where you want nothing more than to perfect the tan, cocktail in hand, and relax, theres no better spot than the sands of Vai. Thanks to Victor Hugo, it became a cause celebre across Europe, rallying public opinion to Cretes cause. An excellent alternative to surfing, SUPing is an awesome outdoor activity to try out and stand-up paddleboarding in Chania is popular thanks to the magnificent color of the waters in this part of the island. Note that I have never surfed before so I would like to know if there's a place or a beach where there's a surf club where they can teach you the basics. We would absolutely recommend a visit and would happily visit again. Its also where youll find the worlds oldest law code, from c.500 BC inscribed on blocks. This is a wonderful pace for the kids to soak up some culture and sunshine at the same time. The eye-catching aparthotels at Manili Boutique Suites & Villas are done up with your typical cladded greek interiors with a mix of modern designs. Some are smaller (the track in Madison Square . A standard indoor track is 200 meters around, or exactly half the size of a standard outdoor track, but unlike outdoor tracks, indoor tracks vary in length depending on the floor space available. You'll want to send a bottle to all your friends and colleagues: DO IT. The site was restored extensively by the famous archaeologist Arthur Evans in the early 1900s. Veer to Cretes far northwest tip to find the islands pin-up beach: a huge sweep of white sand formed between the coast and Gramvousa islet, where a Venetian fort held out against the Turks until the 18th century. 4 tastings together equals 1 glass of wine, so it's doable if you're driving. It was far too small and lacking in enrichment for such an intelligent creature. See Tripadvisor's 1,707,291 traveler reviews and photos of Crete rainy day attractions The overall experience is continuously reaching new heights with Michalis creating true culinary 'jewels'. A short walk east or west and you will hit smaller yet more secluded shorelines bordered by a juniper forest. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. She told us a lot about snails and her farm. Search for free among 1,500,000 tours in every destination around the world! 10:30 to 13:00 Afternoon: 15:30 to 17:30 (6 Days a week). Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews. Our baby play room is situated in the south wing of Kiani Beach Resort, behind the indoor swimming pool. In Malia and Stalis, two adjacent villages on the islands northeast, the energy is electric and the party never stops. while more leisurely paced walkers can spend up to eight hours in the gorge. Recent visitors appreciated the aquarium's organization and cleanliness on top of the variety of sea life on display. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Starting off on land, undergo a short lesson, suit up with all the necessary gear and safety equipment, and then attached in front of your pilot, prepare for lift-off in a glider. Very few roads penetrate Cretes savage, precipitous Libyan Sea coast, much of which is protected within Samaria National Park. Yes, youll find ouzo in Crete, but the locals prefer raki without the aniseed flavour, and similar to Italian grappa. Also known as Palm Beach, Vai Beach is mainly known for its stunning landscape. Some of the pieces have such incredible detail that you simply have to marvel at the capabilities of people so many thousands of years ago. Copyright 2023 TourScanner | All rights reserved. I could have done without the live reptiles though as the are all in small boxes. Feel like a bird soaring high in the sky during a helicopter tour over Cretes magnificent coastline. While the three-dimensional, 1300-square-meter Labyrinth is the undisputed focal point, the enormous park also boasts a high-tech laser maze, horse riding, archery, mini-golf, a pottery workshop, eco-garden, and most impressively a towering Trojan horse.
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