Time for some of the best shares from Crete in August via Instagram. As the month and the summer draws to a close, Crete Instagram memories of travelers and locals remind us what paradise is all about.
Hersonissos is one of Crete’s most popular touristic towns. Located 28 kilometers west of the capital of Heraklion, this is Greece’s version of Ft. Lauderdale. In the daytime, there’s unlimited sun and fun attractions and activities. By night Hersonissos is party and entertainment-central with a score of chic nightclubs to choose from. The share below from The Crete Experience gives you an idea of the beauty of this vacation spot.
Crete has tons of hidden wonders to discover. The Crete Instagram love below from Crete Secrets shows you the natural beauty of amazing Triopetra Beach in Rethymno Prefecture. Located 52 kilometers south of Rethymno town, this stunning beach sits at the foot of Siderotas Mountain. Triopetra is really two beaches separated by the peninsula you see in the share. At the edge of the peninsula, in the sea, three majestic rocks rise. This is where the name comes from, for Triopetra means “Three Rocks”.
If you go to Balos Lagoon your chances of spotting a beautiful girl in a bikini are 1000%. Balos, one of Greece’s most photographed beaches, is beyond words. The share below kind of expresses this. Located west of Chania, Balos was immortalized when Prince Charles and Princess Diana visited the lagoon on their private yacht.
Sometimes Crete makes you want to throw caution to the wind. A friend once told me “Crete takes care of you,” and I am sure he was right. This diver at Seitan Limania near Chania takes flight like a bird. Located at the east side of Akrotiri Cape, Seitan Limania is surrounded by marvelous and rugged seascapes. The steep cliffs and the strong sea streams of this cover are amazing, but dangerous too.
What if you envisioned a horseback vacation high up in a place where nobody could find you? Thalori Retreat is just such a place. The retreat is a complex of traditionally built houses in the scenic village of Kapetaniana on the Asterousia Mountain range created by a man named Markos Skordalakis, a visionary if ever there were one. To say Thalori is an experience is an understatement.
What Crete visit could be complete without a trip to the far east and Vai Beach. The site of the biggest palm forest in Europe, Vai is a marvel, that’s for sure. Situated 24 kilometers east of picturesque Sitia, this is where hundreds of hippies came to let it all hang out in the late ’60s and throughout the 70s.
If you come to Crete and miss Phaistos Palace, you’ll have passed up an ethereal treat. Once you climb up to view the panorama the Minoans enjoyed those thousands of years ago, you’ll never forget the experience. And, if you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of the super rare Minotaur Monkey share below. These monkies roamed ancient Crete for thousands of years until banana farmers hunted them almost to extinction.
Okay, I am kidding. It is a cute share from Phil Monkey though.
The quaint little village of Fodele is one of our favorite destinations just outside Heraklion. In the village proper, perfect tavernas line the river which runs down to the Cretan Sea. At the beach, one of Greece’s best resorts sits overlooking the great aquamarine. Here’s a nice share that captures a lot of what’s great about Fodele Beach Resort.
When I saw this next share I was reminded of my last visit to Sougia in the southwest of Crete. If you want to see God, a starlit night here may be your best chance in this life. Located at the edge of legendary Sfakia, Sougia sits at the exit of the beautiful Gorge of Agia Irini. A popular spot for music events these days, the tiny seaside village was another famous hippy pilgrimage in the 70s’. Bottom line, you must go here.
Crete is about a lot more than suntan lotion and sand between your toes. The culture and tradition of this island stretch back to the dawn of human existence. One of the best places to experience the Cretan lifestyle at Daebelos Estate and other agrotourism retreats. Village life is melded into laid back vacation time at such places. Vassilis and Maria show guests the best of Crete island.
For those who search for the edge of the world, Agios Isidoros Beach is located at the northeasternmost tip of Crete. This secluded beach is like a pretty twin sister to Balos Lagoon to the far west. The amazing beach sits just below the church and the lighthouse of Saint Isidore. I want to live in a tent here.
I leave you with a secret Crete Instagram wonder you’ll have to rent a boat to experience. For the adventurer who wants to break on through to the other side. Come to Crete and stay 3 weeks, you’ll never leave.
