Boutari is one of the Crete’s better-known wineries and it’s worth coming here if you’re looking for dubai-mistral.neocities.org the full winery experience. It’s best to reserve in advance as they take pride in giving attention to all their visitors and it’s possible to also have a meal here. The wine from Boutari is really lovely, but so is all the Cretan wine that we tried in both white and red varieties. You’ll need to pay some money for the tasting, but it’s perfectly possible to come here without a tour. Rethymno is a charming Cretan city with a stunning Old Town full of picturesque alleyways. For shopping (particularly for souvenirs/leather goods), I found the prices here some of the best that I saw for similar goods elsewhere on Crete and far better than Athens or Santorini.
Next, move along the caldera to Imerovigli, where you’ll find some of the most over-the-top and romantic hotels, including Andronis Concept Wellness Resort and Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection. Finally, stay a night in the old town of Pyrgos at Santorini Sky. Big thanks to Shannon for joining me again for half of this summer’s trip.
Crete looks its best and has smaller crowds in June and September. Discover 5+1 reasons why September is the best time to visit Crete. Have a look at the latest ferry schedules for Greece to plan your holidays in Crete. Moreover, there are impressive gorges, where you can go hiking and explore the flora and fauna of the island, as well as awe-inspiring forts of grand architecture from the Venetian era. Some of the most secluded beaches might be challenging to reach, but most beaches in Crete are easily accessible by car.
It was once home to the ancient Minoan civilization, a Bronze Age civilization that predated even the Greeks. Growing up, I was fascinated by the Minoans – I even did a special history report on them in 9th grade! The imposing fortress of Koules guards the entrance to the Venetian harbor in Heraklion, boasting outer walls that are almost 9 meters thick. Koules was the site of the 21-year-long siege of Candia, where locals and Venetian held off the Ottomans for decades. These days, Koules plays host to indoor art exhibits and outdoor summer concerts. Gortyn was a flourishing Cretan city during the Hellenistic and Roman eras, and now features well-preserved archeological ruins that include the Gortyn Code.