Crete is a small universe teeming with beauties and treasure that you will probably need a lifetime to uncover! Chania is a beautiful city, the most evocative city, with its pretty Venetian quarter, criss-crossed by narrow lanes, culminating at a magnificent Venetian harbour. It has a natural, privileged, well-protected beauty. Admire the remnants of brilliant civilizations, explore glorious beaches, impressive mountains capes, fertile valleys and steep gorges and become part of the islands’ rich gastronomic culture. Rethymno prefecture lies on the western side of Crete, between the prefectures of Chania and Heraklion. Full of beautiful beaches, archaeological sites, Byzantine churches, quaint villages, and cosmopolitan resorts, Rethymno is one of the most beautiful places in Crete.
Chania Town
With its magnificent Venetian harbour and exotic charm, Chania is definitely one of Crete’s most beautiful cities. From the Minoan settlements, to the Venetian churches and Monasteries, to the Turkish Mosques, to the cobblestoned winding streets, to the candlelit tables of the many restaurants and bistros, to the boats bobbing up and down to the moonlit bay, this city located on the crossroads of several civilizations will enchant and delight you till the very end.
Rethymno Town & surroundings
This area is of great historical importance and natural beauty, with many sightseeing worth to visit. Visitors should not miss a stroll to the Old Town of Rethymno with the Venetian style and the picturesque old port, as well as to the Fortezza above the town. Apart from the sandy beaches, very beautiful are the seaside villages of Rethymno, such as Bali, Agia Galini, and Plakias. The historical Monasteries of Preveli and Arkadi are also very important places to visit in Rethymno.
Beaches
Of course, when visiting Crete, enjoying its famous beaches is a must. On many magazines and sites, the region of Crete, is showcased with the beautiful photo of the Balos Lagoon , this place is a definite must visit! The best way to visit is by boat, where you have also the possibility to visit the tiny uninhabited island Gramvousa. Or else you can travel by car, but from the parking lot you have a 30 minute hike on a footpath, mostly built on stairs. Either way you chose to travel a visit to the place is definitely a must. The beach of Balos has also a stunning color, the sand is pinkish, due to the countless broken shells. Exactly like Elafonisi, the next most beautiful beach. Elafonisi is the most exotic beach of Crete. It is an isolated area, ideal for swimming. The islet near the coast, gives the impression of a lagoon. It has been included in the protected areas Natura, as it is full of dunes with sand lilies and cedars. Also, Elafonisi is visited by the endangered turtles careta careta and many species of rare animals.