Crete is a multicolored puzzle of mythology, history, proud people, mountains, gorges and the sea. These puzzle pieces form a unique and magical picture of this large Greek island. You will get to know the "unknown" Crete, which is hidden in its gorges, remote mountain summits, steep slopes, and in the deep sea which surrounds it. Rock Climbing in Crete mountains.

In Greek, the word for "human being" is "anthropos". It derives from the word "ano" which means "upwards" and the word "throsko" - to look. The tendency of humans is to look forward. In all of the mountain ranges of Crete, you will feel the strength which hides in the rocks of Crete island.

Paragliding or Parapente or Parachute in Crete
Paragliding, or else Parapente comes from its French name (para- parachute and pente= slope) and it’s a sport with many funs. In Crete exist many schools where you can exercise and learn the secrets of it as well as practicing. Additionally there are many tracks for beginners or advanced users in order to the high view of Cretan nature.

Feel free in the Cretan sky. Encircle and soar with the large eagles of Crete. Play energetically, but hold on tight the intensity of the air above the Cretan slopes will lift you high. No matter what the direction of the wind is, there is always a place in Crete where the wind is blowing the right way.

Mountain Shelters of Crete
The mountain shelters of Crete, warm and hospitable, are intended for the weary hiker or traveller. They are perched in eagles' nests above the rough and stony mountains of the island. To get to them, it's necessary to get in touch with the local hiking organization. The Kallergi shelter is an exception. You will find it open from April to October. Visit the shelters in Crete and get to know a way of life which is vigorous and wild. Feel the sensations they offer.

The long-running E4 Euopean hiking trail, starts in the Perinnes mountains, crosses all the boundries of the Alpines, continues through Yugoslavia and arrives in northern Greece. It crosses all through Greece and arrives in the southern Peloponesse. From there it perceivably jumps to northern western Crete. The E4 hiking trails in Crete begin in the western town of Kastelli and reach to Zakro, on the eastern side of the island. The paths give hikers the possibility to get to know the unknown Crete nature, to pass through ancient paths, settlements, monasteries, and of course, to experience the tall mountains of Crete.

The mapping and the trail signs of the E4 trails couldn't have happened without the initiative of the people of Crete, the communities of the area which cross the trails and all of the hiking organizations of Crete. Responsible for all of this work as well as for the cartography of the E4 trails in Crete is the architect-writer and mountaineer, George Petrakis.

Climbing - Walking in Crete
In Crete, except the sea and all the facilities that are offered by hotels, it really worths to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the mountains. In a scene with many alternations from rough wild and deserted to green serene and passable, one can meet our gorges and mountains, track our history and civilization of the areas through archeological ruins, historic monasteries, churches and settlements. The High Mountain, the White Mountains and the rest of the mountains hide countless paths of all difficulty rates, while the gorges that are shaped between them are a unique experience as well as a challenge for every walking or climbing person. In Crete there is also a part of the Å4 path which crosses a long area of the island and has very good signaling. And finally, for the lovers of climbing there is a well organized climbing field in the village of Kapetaniana, in the Asterousia Mountains of Heraklion.

Mountain Bike in Crete
The wonderful country roads, full of green and scents of flowers and herbs, are ideal not only for sight seeing but can also offer amazing experiences to the funs of mountain bikes. Bikers can participate in teams for organized tours following specific tracks or solely by renting a bike and following their instinct to meet tha Cretan countryside.

Diving in Crete
If you enjoy the sea sports, then during your stay on the island you can experience diving in the wonderful undersea world of Crete. Even if you are beginners, diving centers operate all over Crete in order to guide you through the process of safe diving and accompany you to wonderful under sea world, providing you with the appropriate equipment.

Sailing around Crete
Forget your hotel room and far from all crowdie beaches, cut from the tourist groups, enjoy sailing alone or with your friends. In Crete are many ports and anchorages for those who wish to visit the island by shore. For the rest of you, there are schools of sailing that can teach you, provide you with the appropriate equipment and accompany you to wonderful sea trips. You can also rent a boat or join a cruise starting from the island to wherever you dream.

Agrotourism
If you wish to relax with the sounds of nature, meet the traditional way of live of the people in villages by participating in agricultural or stockbreeding activities, meet the authentic Cretan cuisine by helping in preparations or ride in the mountains and the valleys of Crete, then the agrotourism hotels are the most appropriate way. The number of traditional hotels in Crete is constantly rising. In many areas of the island you can find hotels and other accommodation units with special features adjusted to their natural environment and in the Cretan country architecture. Staying in such traditional environment of stone and wood during your vacation is something that will surely fill you with enthusiasm and will give another dimension to your holidays. Additionally you will have the opportunity to find out yourself about the famous Cretan hospitality that only the Cretan know how to offer. Visit our relevant section for more information on the activities available in agrotourism facilities.

Other Activities
Except of all the above activities, the visitor of the island has many more choices so his stay in Crete remain unforgettable. The exploring of caves, horse riding, the participation in local feasts, cart driving and bowling as well as water parks are some of the many activities offered. For more information you should contact the travel agencies of the island.

Aquaworld Aquarium
The aquarium at Hersonissos is an ideal excursion for families travelling with slightly older children, showcasing local sea life and a menagerie of reptiles including a Burmese snake and a Nile crocodile.

Beaches and Water Sports
Crete's coastal circumference is peppered with calm bays and sandy beaches that offer perfect opportunities for family fun. Many of the beaches are equipped with a wide range of water sports equipment such as banana boats, snorkelling gear, tubes and kayaks, which provide opportunities for endless summer entertainment.

Caves at Matala
Matala's sheer cliffs are riddled with natural and manmade caves waiting to be explored and this attraction will keep kids and adults amused for hours. The beach below is also very pleasant, offering great swimming and sunbathing opportunities. Visit this website for photographs and further information about the Caves at Matala in Crete.

Museum of Sea Life
As fun as it is educational, this fantastic museum is certain to be a hit with the little ones. Housed in a former abbey located in Rethymno, the museum's collection includes displays of molluscs, sponges, fish and fossils.

Aghia Trias
Just west of Phaistos is the Aghia Trias site, where visitors can view the remnants of a royal villa, which most likely served as the summer residence of the Minoan rulers of Phaistos. Some of the more significant pieces unearthed at this site are now on display at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum including the larnax and the Harvester Vase.

Arkadiou Monastery
This impressive monastery is noteworthy for its beautiful architecture as well as its significance in Cretan history - it became a symbol of Cretan resistance in 1866 when a group of revolutionaries blew themselves to pieces here rather than surrender to the Turkish forces.

Historical Archives of Crete
Chania's Historical Archives are among the largest collections of folklore and historical material in Greece and are open for public viewing on weekdays; this is a must-see for history buffs. Phone: +30 081 0821.

Koules Venetian Fortress
Originally known as the Rocca del Mare Fortress, this 16th century stronghold features 26 renovated rooms and excellent views from the top. It is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday.

Dining and Shopping
Crete is the largest of Greece's island, with several major centres providing plentiful shops, restaurants and nightlife. Visitors are spoilt for choice with respect to shopping and dining opportunities in the capital city of Heraklion and the developed towns of Chania, Rethymno and Aghios Nikolaos, while the coastal resort towns offer more limited options.

Unsurprisingly, Heraklion is home to a vast variety of entertainment and refreshment venues, with trendy cafes and fine dining spots scattered all over town. Nearby Aghios Nikolaos is one of the busiest tourist centres, with a wide selection of eateries dotted around the harbour area. Chania's harbour side also comes to life by night, with chic cafes, restaurants and discos dotted along the waterfront and low-key local eateries nestled along the back streets. The wining and dining scene at Rethymno is equally enticing; with plentiful restaurants and nightlife venues located along the road that backs the beach. For fresh, fabulous seafood, head to the many picturesque tavernas situated at Kato Zakras and beyond, or to the small port of Matala, known for its superb fish restaurants. Malia presents countless options for dining, drinking and dancing, while Sitia has a less heaving social scene but features a unique array of charming cafes.

Crete is a shopper's paradise, with designer clothing retailers, boutiques, jewellers, stores selling leather goods, antique dealers and specialty food shops found all over the island. Heraklion is the island's commercial nucleus, with a wide assortment of shops in the central area, a host of designer label stores on Daedalou Street and a colourful market on 1866 street. Rethymno, Chania and Aghios Nikolaos are also major retail centres, offering a glut of tourist, clothing and accessory stores as well as hosting other traders. Local Cretan specialties include delicious honey, Cretan wine and local olive oils and cheeses, sold at outlets all over the island, particularly in the bigger towns. Carved wooden handicrafts and intricate embroideries can be found in the villages of Zaro, Anogia, Kritsa and Zoniana, while beautiful pottery is available at Margaritas and several other mountain towns.

Snorkelling
Crete's crystal clear, tranquil ocean is ideal for snorkelling, affording excellent visibility and comfortable temperatures in which to skin-dive. The island's coastal waters are a sanctuary for abundant plant and fish life, particularly along the rocky southern coast, where the snorkelling is best.

Walking Samaria Gorge
This breathtaking gorge is Europe's longest and Crete's only national park, reaching altitudes of 1227 metres high and extending for 18kms. It takes approximately three to six hours on foot from the park's entrance to the village of Agia Roumeli, on the island's southern coast. Featuring stunning views and a rich variety of flora and fauna, Samaria Gorge is one of Crete's loveliest natural phenomena.

Water Sports
Crete caters well to the tourist crowds that descend on its beaches each summer, with most popular beaches equipped with a variety of water sports equipment. Sports and activities on offer include parasailing, waterskiing, kayaking, windsurfing, banana boating and more.