Top 5 family excursions
Posted on August 7th, 2019 by Despina Sivaropoulou
There is so much to do and see in western Crete. There are gorges to be walked, ancient sites to be visited, time trodden villages to be discovered, and further afield stunning sandy beaches to be lazed upon. Why not hire a car and get out and about?
Below some of our 5 excursions for family days out:
Balos-Gramvoussa
Worth a visit for the spectacular lagoon, fascinating geological aspects, the flora, the archaeology (Venetian castle) – and of course the fun of a boat trip! Sailing, exploring, and swimming in the emerald lagoon – all in one trip!
Elafonissi
Worth a visit as you pass through beautiful mountainous scenery en route to get there, visit the Monastery of Chrysoskalitsa with its ‘golden’ steps, and wade out to the small island from the amazing white sandy beach of Elafonissi. Call in at the eco village of Milia on the way, an authentic 17th century mountain settlement which has been transformed into and eco-friendly tourist complex.
Worth a visit as you pass through beautiful mountainous scenery en route to get there, visit the Monastery of Chrysoskalitsa with its ‘golden’ steps, and wade out to the small island from the amazing white sandy beach of Elafonissi. Call in at the eco village of Milia on the way, an authentic 17th century mountain settlement which has been transformed into and eco-friendly tourist complex.
The Samaria Gorge
Europe’s longest, deepest, and arguably most dramatic gorge! If you are adventurous and feel you are fit enough to hike the 18km of the gorge.
Europe’s longest, deepest, and arguably most dramatic gorge! If you are adventurous and feel you are fit enough to hike the 18km of the gorge.
The Botanical Gardens of Crete
Spend two or three hours at this educational and recreational 150 acre park. Set in the foothills of the White Mountains, this park is unique and was lovingly created out of the ashes of a great fire which destroyed the area in 2003. The microclimate is a paradise for hundreds of plants, trees, and shrubs from all over the world. Try the restaurant where everything is produced locally – even the beer!
Spend two or three hours at this educational and recreational 150 acre park. Set in the foothills of the White Mountains, this park is unique and was lovingly created out of the ashes of a great fire which destroyed the area in 2003. The microclimate is a paradise for hundreds of plants, trees, and shrubs from all over the world. Try the restaurant where everything is produced locally – even the beer!
Rethymnon
The third largest town on Crete which combines the rarely united features of old town charm and history together with the proximity to a long, sandy beach. The Venetian harbour is very atmospheric, especially for evening dining or even a just day time coffee stop. Behind the harbour and the fortress are many small, narrow streets with shops, bars and places to eat.
Source: https://www.kidslovegreece.com/
The third largest town on Crete which combines the rarely united features of old town charm and history together with the proximity to a long, sandy beach. The Venetian harbour is very atmospheric, especially for evening dining or even a just day time coffee stop. Behind the harbour and the fortress are many small, narrow streets with shops, bars and places to eat.
Source: https://www.kidslovegreece.com/
