Crete

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See. Falasarna Beach Catch the sunset at this west-facing beach. Samaria Gorge Hike this 18km gorge for dramatic scenery. Knossos Visit for Minoan frescoes and ancient ruins. Spinalonga Island Explore this historic island near Elounda.

Eat. Karnagio Enjoy Cretan classics in Agios Nikolaos's harbor town.

Stay. Kissamos Experience the laidback Cretan lifestyle on Chania's northwest coast. The Sand Suites Adults-only retreat with private pools and Almyros beach access.

Condé Nast TravelerSep 1, 2026

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 storyRead the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

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 storyRead 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 storyRead 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 storyRead 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 storyRead 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 →
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