Crete has not only top touristic amenities, but also spectacular nature with great variety, which allows you to do various activities during your summer vacation. Hiking and climbing on gorges and mountains or doing water sports and scuba diving on the exotic beaches are only some of the best activities on the island. If you rent a car in Crete, you can do all of these amazing things by exploring everything that this interesting island has to offer to you!
Hiking
Hiking is a very good way to see the island, its nature and its authentic side. Crete is a mountainous island, and the personality of the locals was greatly affected by these mountains. In the west region of Crete, are located the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) with the famous peak Psiloritis. On the eastern side, is located Mt. Dikti. In addition to mountain routes, you can also hike on coastal paths and gorges. Samaria Gorge and Rouvas Gorge are the best-known of them, while Ha Gorge is very demanding and requires climbing skills. There are also in Crete many caves, such as Ideon Andron, which is considered to be the birthplace of Zeus.
Water sports
As Crete is a highly-developed Greek island with great touristic facilities, most beaches are organised and have water-sports facilities. You can sail a boat, do water ski, canoeing, windsurf, kitesurf or trampoline. There are also many schools for such water sports, if you want to start a new activity during your vacation. Golden Beach near Chania, Gouves, Ammoudara and Stalis Beach near Heraklion, Elounda Beach and Makrigialos in Lassithi are some of the best beaches to visit if you are fan of water sports.
Snorkelling
Crete is ideal for snorkelling because visibility in the sea is excellent, while the water is warm even during fall and spring. There is also great variety of fishes, sea plants and other species and the seabed is rocky and breathtaking. Plus, snorkelling in Crete is safe as there are no currents and dangerous sea life. The best beaches for snorkelling are those away from the crowds with rocky seabed. We recommend you to avoid sandy beaches with many tourists. Many boat-tours are also organised in Crete. Dia and Chrissi are two islets that are considered perfect for snorkelling and attract many divers.
Climbing
Climbing in the Ha Gorge, in a close distance to Ierapetra in Lassithi, is an experience you will never forget. With its vertical, higher than 300 m rocks and its 10 m width, Ha Gorge is certainly one of the most impressive sights in the area around Agios Nikolaos and attracts many climbers from all over the world. Every day are organised tours that start from Ierapetra, Agios Nikolaos and Heraklion with climbing teachers and experienced climbers that can help you live your dream with safety.
