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Iraklion (Heraklion) and Knossos |
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Lasithi Plateau (Lassithi Plateau) – The Lasithi plateau is the spot to see windmills, traditionally
used for irrigation. Keep your eyes peeled for windmills (they look like
big pinwheels) on the passes into the plateau, as well as the windmills
dotting the valley. |
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Neapoli (Neapolis) – This is just a cute little town, a place to get out and walk around, have
a bite to eat, escape the crowds on the coast. Stop into the Folklore
Museum of Neapoli to see what a traditional schoolroom, grocery, family
kitchen, cafe looked like, plus lots of farm tools. |
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Diktean Cave (Psychro) – In myth, the Diktean Cave (Diktean Andro) is where Rhea, goddess of the
earth, hid Zeus after his birth, to protect him from Cronus. The cave
was used by the Minoans, where many offerings were found. The largest
chamber of the cave has spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, in the
smallest room there's a little pool and the "cloak of Zeus"
rock formation – you can just imagine the baby Zeus splashing away. |
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Beaches – In eastern Crete, you'll find plenty of good family beaches with sparkling
blue waters. At Agios Nikolaos, there are resorts and public access
to the beach. Vai is a famous beach with palm trees (crowded but
the beach is beautiful). Xerokambos is a great uncrowded beach, with
clear water, rocks and sand. Matala has a nice beach and the added
attraction of artificial caves. |
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Gorge of Samaria – For older kids and teens, the Gorge of Samaria is well worth the trip. It's
a longish hike, about 13km from the entrance of the national park to the
beach, but it's all downhill and the scenery is spectacular – the trail drops down into the gorge, flanked with dramatic cliffs (especially
at the narrowest point, the "Gates"), winds along a river, ending
up at the beach. Rather than hiking back up, take a boat to new Agia Roumeli,
or other towns on the coast. |
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The Gorge of Samaria is open for hiking from May to October,
and is crowded in summer. Get an early start (the trail opens at 6:00am),
or leave later in the day, and plan to spend the night at the new Agia Roumeli.
The trails are good, but wear closed shoes (no flip flops). Along the way
are springs, but you should also bring bottled water and snacks. |
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If you have little kids and may not want to hike the whole
length of the gorge, take a boat to Agia Roumeli, and hike from Agia Roumeli
up the gorge to the sheer-walled cliffs, the "Gates." |
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Tip: Ask at your hotel for a guide to make your arrangements,
getting to Samaria National Park, boat ride and return. |
