If you're fascinated by the country of Greece, one of the famous tourist destinations you can explore is the South of Crete. With sandy beaches and turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, it's no wonder why this island is on many people's travel bucket lists. Booking this Greek island for your next destination getaway is one of the best choices you will make.
Before you go shopping for the best beach outfit and prepare your travel essentials, gathering some pointers on what to do on this beautiful Southern Greek Island is wise. It would help you know the must-visit attractions and activities, and you should try to learn more about their local culture. Whether you're a foodie, an adventure-seeker, or an explorer, there are many fresh and unique experiences waiting for you in Crete.
If you're open to some ideas, consider these tips to make the most of your visit to Southern Crete.
1. Swim On The Southern Coast Of Crete
One crucial point to consider when travelling is where you'll be staying. Choose a hotel like Sfakia Xenia Hotel or other nearby hotels that allow you to access the main places you want to explore on Crete island. These hotels should be near the port and sea so you can enjoy and make the most of your trip by swimming on the southern coast of Crete.
There are so many beautiful beaches in the south of Crete. While some are bustling with tourists, some beaches are more hidden and peaceful. The key is to plan your beach itinerary and choose which beaches you'd like to visit. Whether you're staying for a few days or weeks, make sure to explore the different beaches on the island. Some of the most popular beaches include many of those found in the Chania region. Try to take a dip at the beautiful beaches such as Sougia, Matala, Elafonsi, Xerocampos, and Plakias. The key is knowing their locations early and seeing which transportation methods suit you. You should never miss an experience at Crete's beaches.
2. Try Out Cretan Dishes
When traveling to Crete, you should never leave the island without trying out some of their famous dishes. While you may have tried making classic Greek dishes in your home country, nothing gets better than trying local cuisines in their place of origin. It's a great idea to have a food trip in Southern Crete. Make the most of your travel journey by strolling down their local alleys and streets, where you can find Cretan foods and offerings.
Some Cretan dishes to try are Dakos, Kalitsounia, and their local cheeses. If you're worried about gaining weight because of overeating, don't fret; Greek food comes with many healthy dishes. Gyros, local bread, homemade yogurt, and fresh produce are healthier than gorging on fast foods in your home city. If you're a certified foodie, explore Greek dishes to make the most of your trip.
3. Take A Hike At Samaria Gorge
Samaria Gorge is another must-visit in your travel to Crete. It is a scenic national park in Sfakia, and many people go there for hiking. You should include this activity in your to-do list if you're adventurous and outdoorsy. Samaria Gorge is the World's Biosphere reserve, and witnessing nature and the beautiful elements in this place is worth the memories of a lifetime.
You'll be amazed by the towering walls of rock that tower almost 300 meters above you on this 16-kilometer hike, starting at a wooden platform near the bottom of a circuitous path. Along the way, you'll see the "Iron Gates" and be able to look at some of their local flora and fauna. While exploring this area, you're likely to encounter other people as this is a popular birding and hiking spot.
4. Try And Drink Cretan Raki
If you're curious about the local spirit offerings of the island, you should take a sip of their famous drink, Cretan Raki. You should try this drink, especially if it's your first time visiting the island. Raki is also referred to as Tsikoudia, and local Greeks usually make this drink at home.
Locals love to consume them before or after meals. If you want to learn more about local customs, this alcoholic drink is a must-try. It's also a welcoming drink for tourists visiting Crete, so don't be surprised if your hotel offers this as a complimentary welcome drink.
Conclusion
Traveling to Crete can pique your wanderlust and incite your imagination from the beginning of your vacation-planning process. There are so many exciting things and places to do and explore on this beautiful island. It would be best to book a few more days to make the most of your trip. Hopefully, you can follow the pointers above to maximize your Southern Crete experience. If you're feeling it, you can even learn Greek and be able to communicate a little when you visit the island.
