Crete — Travelrags

National GeographicOct 6, 2026

These European Islands Are Open for Winter

Europe’s islands offer plenty of reasons to travel beyond summer, with year-round direct flights allowing travellers to experience vibrant carnivals, dark-sky stargazing and wildlife spotting. From ...

25 things in this story

Þingvellir National ParkSightIcelandPart of Golden Circle, features dramatic rift valley.
Sky LagoonSightIcelandGeothermal pool with views of Snæfellsjökull Glacier.
GullfossNature reserveIcelandTwo-tier waterfall on the Golden Circle route.
Valletta Baroque FestivalFestivalValletta, MaltaSoloists and ensembles perform in historic venues in January.
St John's Co-CathedralPlace of worshipValletta, MaltaIt was built by the Order of St.
Roque de los Muchachos ObservatorySightLa Palma, SpainAt 2,400m, home to the world's largest optical-infrared telescope.
St Paul’s CatacombsSightMaltaMalta’s largest Roman cemetery complex, earliest Christian evidence.
Palazzo ParisioSightValletta, MaltaDiscover the extraordinary world of wildlife through the lens of acclaimed photographer Johan Siggesson at Luna.
Il-Karnival ta’ MaltaFestivalValletta, MaltaMalta Carnival fills Valletta with floats, dances, and bands.
Golden CircleTrailIcelandSightseeing route with waterfalls, rift valley, and geysers.
Geysir Geothermal AreaSightIcelandPart of Golden Circle, features geysers.
Larnaca Salt LakeSightLarnaca, CyprusWildlife-spotting area for migrating flamingos and waterbirds.
Kato Paphos Archaeological ParkSightPaphos, CyprusThe Archaeological Park of Kato Pafos is one of the most important archaeological sites of Cyprus and has been included…
Krasochoria of Lemesos Wine RouteTrailLemesos, CyprusRoute through Troodos foothills with winery stops.
Laurisilva forestsSightMadeira, PortugalUnesco-protected forests on Madeira, part of levada walks.
Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Mountain trailTrailMadeira, PortugalSix-mile trail connecting two of the island’s highest peaks.
Jardim do MarSightMadeira, PortugalSouthwest coast location known for point and reef breaks.
German Occupation MuseumMuseumGuernseyOffers insight into life under German rule.
Fermain Bay to Havelet Bay clifftop trailTrailGuernsey1.5-mile clifftop walk ending at La Vallette Bathing Pools.
La Vallette Bathing PoolsSightGuernseyThe home of Guernsey sea swimming.
Hot HausRestaurantGuernseySauna near La Vallette Bathing Pools.
St Peter Port’s Market SquareNeighborhoodGuernseyComes alive in December with choirs and Christmas lights.
Silk MuseumMuseumSanta Cruz, SpainDiscover the city’s trading heritage.
Seltjarnarnes PeninsulaSightReykjavík, Iceland
Vatnajökull ice capSightIceland

Read the full piece at National Geographic →

nytimes.com

The New York TimesSep 25

Where to Eat, Sleep and Shop in the Greek Island of Crete

The Mediterranean destination offers remote beaches, charming tavernas and mountain retreats. Here, four locals share their favorite spots.

Lonely PlanetSep 19

10 Best Places to Visit in Greece

Greece lures travelers to its dynamic shores, like a mythical siren luring sailors. Let these 10 sights shape your dream Greece itinerary.

19 things in this story

AcropolisAttractionAthens, Greecejewel in the crown is the 5th-century BCE Parthenon
ParthenonAttractionAthens, Greecejewel in the crown of the Acropolis
MonastirakiNeighborhoodAthens, Greeceflea market-famous neighborhood
GaziNeighborhoodAthens, Greecegritty neighborhood to catch a live band
Acropolis MuseumMuseumAthens, Greecea must-see
PlakaQuarterAthens, Greeceold-town neighborhood for strolls
OiaNeighborhoodSantorini, Greecepostcard-perfect village with blue-domed churches
PangratiNeighborhoodAthens, Greecehip neighborhood for strolls
ThissionNeighborhoodAthens, Greeceoutdoor cinema location
ErmouNeighborhoodAthens, Greecemain commercial street for barhopping
Odeon of Herodes AtticusTheatreAthens, Greeceamphitheater for Greek tragedy or dance
Epidaurus FestivalFestivalAthens, Greecetakes place each summer
SarakinikoSightMilos, Greecelunar landscape with jade-colored sea
Gerondas beachSightMilos, Greecebeach with generous shade from caves
PrassaSightKimolos, Greecebeach with white sand and aquamarine waters
Street of the KnightsSightRhodes, Greececobblestone street in the old town
Palace of the Grand MasterMuseumRhodes, Greecefeatures Roman and Christian floor mosaics
Church of Our Lady of the CastleSightRhodes, Greecechurch in the old town
AkrotiriSightSantorini, Greeceprehistoric settlement with advanced drainage

Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Condé Nast TravelerSep 10

Off-Season Greece: To Avoid the Crowds on Crete, Hike and Ski in Early Spring

Nikos Tsepetis gives the inside track on the season that he calls Crete's best for food, hiking, and even skiing.

16 things in this story

Pierra CretaFestivalannual ski mountaineering race
Elsewhere
AmmosHotelChania, Greeceseaside boutique hotel in Chania
Red Jane BakeryBakeryChania, Greecehotel owner's bakery
Lefka OriHotelChania, GreeceWhite Mountains, still have snow in spring
Evgonia TavernRestaurantChania, Greecesimple tavern with fish and meat
Periplous RestaurantRestaurantChania, Greeceat the Tanneries Hotel
Tanneries HotelHotelChania, Greeceold building by the water
NtouniasRestaurantDrakona, Greecerural taverna, cultivates own ingredients
NyketeridaRestaurantChania, Greecefamous for magiritsa soup
Costas CafeneionRestaurantMaza, Greecefamily-run cafe serving dakos
Kafeneio FixCaféChania, Greecehumble taverna in the old Turkish neighborhood
TamamRestaurantChania, Greecetaverna inside a Turkish hammam
AttikonSightChania, Greecefavorite open-air theater
KiposParkChania, Greeceopen-air theater showing Hitchcock films
FagottoPubChania, Greecejazz bar
Sweetwater BeachSightChora Sfakion, Greecetiny cove with sweet water from mountains

Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Condé Nast TravelerSep 1

Asanas at Sea? The Best Places for Yoga Around the World Are Also the Most Unconventional

From a rocky mountainside to the middle of the ocean, explore these singular places to practice your suryanamaskars.

9 things in this story

Acro SuitesHotelRestorative retreat with studios overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Elsewhere
Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort by AnantaraHotelAbu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesWellness center opens to panorama of the golden Liwa Desert.
Lux* South Ari AtollHotelSouth Ari Atoll, MaldivesPractice asanas while sailing on a traditional wooden dhow.
The KyagarHotelNubra Valley, IndiaBoutique hotel on the ancient Silk Route in Ladakh.
Haritha Villas and SpaRestaurantHikkaduwa, Sri LankaOpen-air jungle yoga pavilion overlooking forest canopy.
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar ResortHotelAl Jabal Al Akhdar, OmanSpectacular deck for yoga with breathtaking canyon view.
Keemala Resort and SpaHotelPhuket, ThailandTwo outdoor yoga spaces, one amid lush foliage.
Aro Hā Wellness RetreatHotelQueenstown, New ZealandYoga classes in the Aro Hā Room with lake views.
Jumeirah Olhahali IslandHotelOlhahali Island, MaldivesOceanic Balance Retreat on a private sandbank.

Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

The New York TimesAug 19

For a Family Vacation on Crete, the Goal Was Simple: Chill Out

The plan was to go light on history and museums, heavy on beaches, food and whatever felt right. In other words, the perfect break.

Lonely PlanetAug 15

15 of the best things to do in Crete

Experience the best of Crete with this guide to the island’s top beaches, historic sites, hikes and more.

15 things in this story

KnossosAttractionHeraklion, GreeceVisit for Minoan frescoes, see dolphins frolicking.
Lerapetra MuseumMuseumIerapetra, GreeceSee the striking statue of the goddess Persephone.
Samaria GorgeTrailAgia Roumeli, GreeceHike 18km through sheer rock faces, spot rare goats.
Falasarna BeachSightKissamos, GreeceCatch the sunset at this west-facing beach.
Spinalonga IslandSightElounda, GreeceDay trip to see former quarantine facilities and fort.
Archaeological Museum in IerapetraMuseumIerapetra, GreeceSee the impressive statue of the goddess Persephone.
Koutsounari BeachSightIerapetra, GreeceEnjoy a swim in its warm waters.
Mosque of Kioutsouk HasanSightHania, GreeceDominates the Venetian harbor.
Lasithi PlateauSightAgios Nikolaos, GreeceTour by bicycle among windmills and orchards.
FortezzaAttractionRethymno, GreeceVast fortress built in the 16th century to protect the port.
KouremenosSightPalekastro, GreeceThrill-seekers flock here for windsurfing.
PalekstroSightPalekastro, GreeceWander through evocative ruined houses and roads.
Zakros GorgeTrailAno Zakros, GreeceMeandering green river, towering rock walls, Minoan burial sites.
Kato Zakros beachSightKato Zakros, GreeceEnd point of Zakros Gorge, has small tavernas.
Koraï QuarterNeighborhoodIraklio, GreeceFind the best of the action in nightlife.

Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetAug 7

Europe's 20 Best Beaches

Along the tens of thousands of miles of coastline in Europe, these are the 20 best beaches you can find.

24 things in this story

Île de PorquerollesSightHyères, FranceCar-free islet with crescent-shaped beach of pearl-white sand.
NavagioSightZakynthos, GreeceIt is one of the most famous and photographed beaches in the world.
Haukland BeachSightLeknes, NorwayCreamy sands, spiky granite peaks, chilly water never over 15°C.
RauðasandurSightLátrabjarg, IcelandVast, empty, bronze sands buttressed by dark cliffs, azure lagoon.
Cala GoloritzèSightBaunei, ItalySnow-white pebbles give way to aquamarine blue sea.
Spiaggia dei ConigliSightLampedusa, ItalyBleached sands and shallow aquamarine water near Tunisia.
Barafundle BaySightStackpole, United KingdomArc of butterscotch sand rimmed by dunes to clear turquoise water.
Pembrokeshire Coast PathTrailStackpole, United KingdomWalk over gorse-cloaked clifftops to Barafundle Bay.
West BeachSightBerneray, United Kingdom5km expanse of white sand slides into turquoise sea.
Plage de PalombaggiaSightPorto-Vecchio, FrancePale sand shelving into cerulean-blue waters, backed by pines.
Platja IlletesSightFormentera, SpainBleach-blonde sand and translucent azure waters.
Trucador PeninsulaSightFormentera, SpainBeach forms the western section of this slender peninsula.
Praia da ArrifanaSightAljezur, PortugalGolden crescent with a ruined fortress and beachside restaurant.
Praia da BordeiraSightAljezur, PortugalDunes fizz away into the brilliant blue sea.
Cala MacarellaSightCiutadella de Menorca, SpainFlour-white sand and startlingly turquoise waters.
Shipwreck BeachSightZakynthos, GreeceRusted hulk of a cargo ship on shores.
Platja des Coll BaixSightAlcúdia, SpainPale pebbles and crystal-clear sea rimmed by crumbling cliffs.
Cap des PinarSightAlcúdia, SpainRemote peninsula with a beach accessed by walking trail.
Praia as CatedraisSightRibadeo, SpainSpectacular rock arches, towers, and chambers exposed at low tide.
Sveti StefanSightBudva, MontenegroFortified island village with pink sands and limpid waters.
Lara BeachSightPaphos, CyprusUnspoiled sands and pristine waters, a hatchery for turtles.
Zlatni RatSightBol, CroatiaSand-and-pebble beach dipping into the Adriatic.
Îles CerbicaleSightPorto-Vecchio, France
Aman ResortHotelBudva, Montenegro

Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetAug 4

The 13 best beaches in Greece

From pink-sand bays to dramatic coves.

12 things in this story

ElafonisiSightMix of pink-white sand and turquoise water.
FalasarnaSightGlows at sunset with pink-cream sand.
Elsewhere
PaleokastritsaSightCorfu, GreeceSaid to be where Odysseus washed ashore.
Seychelles BeachSightIkaria, GreeceMarble-like pebbles, emerald water, giant rocks.
Apella BeachSightKarpathos, GreeceBacked by cascading hillside of wildflowers.
NavagioSightZakynthos, GreeceShipwreck beach framed by towering vertical cliffs.
KoukounariesSightSkiathos, GreeceSilky sweep of bleach-blond sand framed by pines.
Myrtos BeachSightKefalonia, GreeceElectric-blue waters contrast with white pebbles.
AlexandrosRestaurantDivarata, GreeceTaverna in Divarata near Myrtos Beach.
PotamiSightSamos, GreeceLong, tranquil beach at a mountain river mouth.
Possidi CapeSightHalkidiki, GreeceMiles of sand backed by lighthouse and pine forest.
Prasonisi BeachSightRhodes, GreeceSandy isthmus connecting to Cape Prasonisi.

Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetJul 30

The 12 Best Greek Islands

From Santorini to Crete, discover the best of the Greek islands.

15 things in this story

Kourtaliotiko GorgeTrailrugged gorge at Preveli beach mouth
VaïSightgolden sand beach fringed by date palms
ElafonisiSightrose-hued sand, low dunes, turquoise water
Dikteon CaveSightstalactite-encrusted cave where Zeus was born
Samaria GorgeTraildramatic path through sheer rock walls
Palace of KnossosMuseumgrand capital of Minoan Crete
Elsewhere
OktoberfestFestivalMunich, Germanyserving beer
National Marine ParkSightAlonissos, Greecehome to turtles, dolphins, monk seals
Peristera Underwater MuseumMuseumAlonissos, Greecedive down to a Classical-era shipwreck
Rhodes TownFerry terminalRhodes, Greecerewards history lovers
Bath of AphroditeSightKythira, Greecenatural pool on east coast of Kythira
Seychelles BeachSightIkaria, Greecefrost-white, boulder-speckled with azure waters
Afianes WineryRestaurantIkaria, Greecefamily-run, high in vine-strewn hills
ThermaSightIkaria, Greecesulfur-rich hot springs
HoraNeighborhoodAlonissos, Greecewhitewashed alleys and pavement cafés

Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Condé Nast TravelerJul 14

The Best Islands to Visit for Turquoise Coves, Cliffside Villages, and World-Class Snorkeling

Welcome to paradise.

20 things in this story

Tella TheraHotelFor a homey, hillside suite.
Minos Beach Art HotelHotelFor an artsy bungalow off the beaten path.
Kapsaliana VillageHotelFor an inland stay.
Elsewhere
KissamosNeighborhoodChania, GreeceConsider staying here for laidback Cretan lifestyle.
Balos LagoonSightChania, GreeceTake a ferry to wade in its shallow waters.
FalassarnaSightChania, GreeceKnown for its pink-flecked sands.
Cabot TrailTrailCape Breton, CanadaAn 185-mile loop through Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Cape Breton Highlands National ParkPlaceCape Breton, CanadaA third of the world-famous Cabot Trail winds through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, renowned for stunning ocean…
Skyline TrailTrailCape Breton, CanadaFour-mile trail ending with cliffside views.
Cabot Cape BretonParkCape Breton, CanadaFor golfing with ocean views.
Finch Bay Galapagos HotelHotelGalápagos Islands, EcuadorFor a breezy eco-lodge.
Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection Hotel by HiltonHotelGalápagos Islands, EcuadorFor a tucked-away jungle retreat.
Sea Pines Nature PreservePlaceHilton Head Island, United States600-acre preserve with wetland boardwalks.
Pinckney Island National Wildlife RefugePlaceHilton Head Island, United StatesFor biking and bird-watching.
Coligny Beach ParkParkHilton Head Island, United StatesBustling beach park on the island's coastline.
Alder Lane BeachTrailHilton Head Island, United StatesQuieter beach, ideal for lounging.
The Inn & Club at Harbour TownHotelHilton Head Island, United StatesFor a country club classic with golfing.
Disney's Hilton Head Island ResortHotelHilton Head Island, United StatesFor an amusement park without the crowds.
Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront ResortHotelHilton Head Island, United StatesFor a sweeping beachside resort.
IsabelaPlaceGalápagos Islands, Ecuador

Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

National GeographicJul 14

5 alternative European islands to explore this summer

Europe's islands have long lured travellers, from Homer's Odyssey across Mediterranean isles to the remote Scottish outcrop said to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson's 19th-century classicTreasure ...

20 things in this story

PantelleriaSightVolcanic island nicknamed 'Black Pearl of the Mediterranean'.
Donnafugata wineryRestaurantScenic winery in Khamma with vines on volcanic terraces.
BarraSightGaelic-speaking isle in the Outer Hebrides.
Outer Hebrides Birds of Prey TrailTrailTrail with golden and white-tailed eagles.
Hebridean Sea ToursPlaceOperator for sea safaris around southern shores.
SerifosSightWestern Cycladic island with sand-pebble beaches.
GaidarosRestaurantRooftop bar in Chora with Aegean views.
El HierroSightSecond smallest Canary Island with wild shores.
El LajialSightLunar-like lava field terrain.
Mar de las Calmas Marine ReserveSightSubmerged world with underwater mountains.
Buceo el BajónPlaceLicensed outfitter for diving in the marine reserve.
Åland archipelagoSightGranite islands with conifer forests and villages.
Ekströms StugorHotelResort with a traditional Finnish smoke sauna.
SaunaxPlaceRents sauna rafts in Mariehamn.
PaddelbodenPlaceKayak rentals in Mariehamn.
Degersand BeachSightSweep of soft sand on Eckerö island.
La Llanía pathwayTrailPathway through laurel forests.
SviskärHotelElectricity-free log cabin with wood-fired sauna.
El SabinarSight
EriskaySight

Read the full piece at National Geographic →

The GuardianJul 6

Crete treats: a chef’s tour of her favourite Greek island

The island has a culinary tradition as old as its ancient olive trees. Our writer savours its family-run tavernas, village bakeries and local produce As someone with Cypriot roots and distant Greek heritage, I’m often asked the question: which is the best island? People lean in, expecting a secret – some tiny, untouched haven, known only to locals. My answer is always the same: Crete. With its…

16 things in this story

SitiaPlaceThe town has 11,166 inhabitants and the municipality has 20,438 (2021).
LassithiNeighborhoodEastern corner of Crete, known for produce
Almyros beachSightWide, sandy beach with clear shallow waters
Agios NikolaosNeighborhoodPretty harbour town
KarnagioRestaurantWaterfront taverna in Agios Nikolaos
EvotryNeighborhoodRoadside bakery with day's best bakes
MochlosNeighborhoodPeaceful fishing village steeped in Minoan history
Ta KochiliaRestaurantWaterfront taverna in Mochlos
MinoanPlaceKnown for its monumental architecture and energetic art, it is often regarded as the first civilization in Europe.
Nektaria’s KitchenPlaceOpen-air cookery school in the hills
KritsaNeighborhoodQuaint village with shops and cafes
MourelloPlaceFamily-owned olive oil tasting experience
XatheriRestaurantDestination restaurant in Kroustas village
KroustasNeighborhoodVillage at 520m above sea level
Sand SuitesHotel
DimitriPlace

Read the full piece at The Guardian →

National GeographicJul 6

Go beyond the restaurant with these food experiences in Europe

Whether you’re cracking crayfish at a Swedish summer party, foraging in Alpine meadows or plucking grapes in a Portuguese grove, immersive food tours offer a fascinating insight into local culinary ...

10 things in this story

Eleonas Country VillagePlaceOffers olive harvest experiences.
Elsewhere
Fjord ExpeditionPlaceStavanger, NorwayTakes guests out to fish for pollock, mackerel, crab, shrimp.
Hummeren HotelHotelStavanger, NorwayHarbourside hotel with its own pier.
Grape EscapesPlaceDouro Valley, PortugalOffers trips to wine estates for grape harvesting.
Quinta da PachecaHotelDouro Valley, PortugalHotel with views over the Douro Valley.
River CottagePlaceDevon, United KingdomLearn to make ferments and pickles.
Alba’s White Truffle FairFestivalAlba, ItalyTown filled with markets selling white truffles.
Myssjö GårdPlaceStockholm County, SwedenFarm for crayfish parties and accommodation.
Finnebrogue WoodsPlaceCounty Down, United KingdomEstate for outdoor cooking experiences.
Undiscovered MountainsPlaceHautes-Alpes, FranceOffers foraging introduction in the Alps.

Read the full piece at National Geographic →

The GuardianJul 3

‘The clearest seas I’ve ever swum in’: readers’ favourite holidays to Greece

Beach-hopping, gorge hikes and awesome archaeological sites feature in your best memories of Greece • Tell us about a family day out in the UK – the best tip wins a £200 holiday voucher We first noticed Milos as we travelled home from Crete, flying directly above it and deciding that was where we must go next. It didn’t disappoint. The island was calm, peaceful and strikingly beautiful. Milos i…

24 things in this story

SarakinikoSightPerfect stop for photographs with its white rock.
DamouchariNeighborhoodTiny town on the Pelion peninsula.
Kastro StudiosHotelOverlooks the harbour in Damouchari.
Fakistra beachSightBeach reached by a hot walk along the coast.
SymiNeighborhoodHidden island in the Dodecanese.
Marathounda BaySightBeach with free-ranging goats.
SyrosNeighborhoodAdministrative capital of the Cyclades.
ErmoupoliNeighborhoodSince the 2011 local government reform, it is part of the municipality Syros-Ermoupoli, of which it is the seat and a…
Galissas beachSightBeach on the other side of Syros.
Agios StefanosSightChapel in a cave almost in the sea.
HydraNeighborhoodCar-free island in the Saronic Gulf.
HydroussaHotelKindly family hotel on Hydra.
Ambracian GulfSightAbout 40 km (25 mi) long and 15 km (9 mi) wide, it is one of the largest enclosed gulfs in Greece, and due to its…
AntiparosNeighborhoodIsland with modest beauty and peaceful aura.
PelionSightPeninsula in east, central Greece.
RhodesSightHectic island, departure point for Symi.
ancient KassopiSightLittle-known archaeological site.
PrevezaSightCharming little port on the west coast.
ParosSightIt lies 8 kilometers west of Naxos, separated by a narrow channel and about 150 km south-east of Piraeus.
Panagia beachSightBeach on Antiparos with turquoise waters.
Sifneiko baySightBay on Antiparos.
PiraeusSightPort for ferries to Hydra.
Statheros GardenHotel
LouvreMuseum

Read the full piece at The Guardian →