With the unique advantage of offering dazzling landscapes all in one place, the island provides experiences, images, and memories that stay etched in visitors’ minds, making it a must-visit destination of global acclaim.
Crete features landscapes that blend rocky mountainous terrain with beaches, vast expanses of blue and lush green coastlines with golden sandy coves, wild tropical palm groves with lakes and rivers flowing into nearby pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters in canyon crevices that take your breath away.
Seitan Limania in Chania, the beach of Kalypso in Plakias, and the beach of Preveli in Rethymno perfectly match these descriptions and are destinations that make the island proud each year. However, Crete boasts a wealth of enchanting landscapes beyond these well-known spots. Balos, Elafonissi, Chrissi, Elounda, Plaka, Gramvousa, Loutró in Sfakia, Vai palm forest, the Samaria Gorge, the stunning beaches in traditional villages of southern Heraklion, Agia Pelagia, Psaromoura, Omalos, and other breathtaking locations could take days to list, offering visitors unforgettable memories. Locals often forget how lucky they are to enjoy this natural blessing every day…
Preveli: The Enchantment of the Palm Grove, River, and Lake
Preveli Beach, named after the nearby monastery, with its riverside palm grove—part of which unfortunately burned in the summer of 2010—is one of the most exotic beaches in the Rethymno region. Despite the destruction, most of the large palm trees have survived, and many plants are regenerating quickly, giving hope that the forest will fully recover in a few years, as the palm tree is known to rise from its ashes.
Access to the beach is on foot, descending the mountain via large stones resembling steps. The path is long and the descent isn’t particularly comfortable, so sturdy closed shoes and light luggage are recommended. As you descend the mountain, you’re enchanted by the view of the vast blue sea and the exotic atmosphere created by the palm grove combined with the lush green lake and the freshwater river that flows into the sea, pebbles, and sand.
Upon reaching the beach, you can easily find shade due to the abundance of trees, and a small café provides access to water and food. A specially designed path along the river allows safe exploration of the palm grove and full exploration of the lake. The sea waters are crystal clear, but due to some cloudiness in certain areas, it might seem like wastewater. Locals confirm that this is due to the mixing of freshwater from the lake and seawater, and a little deeper, you can confirm the clarity.
The landscape is magical, combining mountain, sea, lake, river, and exotic greenery, and despite the tiring climb, it’s worth it.
Seitan Limania: The Beach with… Wild Goats
A beach that seems “forgotten by the gods,” located at the end of a gorge, is one of the gems of Chania. Access is possible by car up to a certain point, with particular caution due to steep turns, or via a specially adapted bus from KTEL Chania, which can handle these roads.
Afterward, visitors must choose among three particularly challenging paths. The left path is longer but less difficult, the middle one is considered inaccessible, and the right path is the most preferred. It’s known for its steep descent, narrowness, obstacles of rocks, and the danger of slips.
Visitors should carry minimal items, wear closed shoes, and use both hands and feet for the descent and the very tiring ascent. Upon reaching the beach, you are captivated by the deep blue waters, which, in the sunlight, resemble a swimming pool, and the landscape perfectly blending wild mountainous nature with a summery feel. Many people use the protruding rocks of the gorge for daring dives or special equipment like masks and snorkels to explore the underwater rocks.
The beach is unorganized, lacking sunbeds and umbrellas, and the unique aspect is that local wild goats descend and add liveliness to the beach, making the experience adventurous and without regard for privacy. The natural beauty of this place is irresistible and far outweighs the minor difficulties of access.
Kalypso Beach: When the Sea Enters the… Hotel
In southern Rethymno, about twenty minutes from Plakias, you find Kalypso Beach. Access to the beach is through the Kalypso Cretan Village hotel. Arriving at the beach, you are enchanted by the serenity of the landscape and the variety of colors.
The waters—sometimes emerald, sometimes turquoise, and sometimes dark blue depending on the depth—are crystal clear, allowing visibility in various spots. The beach is enclosed by a gorge and a mountain, forming a small cove and creating a very friendly environment. The waters are particularly deep, though you can stand only in a small area where the waters are emerald green. Access to the water is via a pool ladder or a designated diving spot.
The beach is a haven for exploration. Swimmers with masks and divers with specialized equipment and oxygen tanks explore the rich underwater life. Small fish in schools, as well as rare shells and mollusks on deep rocks, attract visitors for exploration. It’s the ultimate nature experience in the ultimate setting.