"Crete island" Crete Island by kat-m

Crete Island Travel Guide: 1,424 reviews and 3,706 photos

SPECTACULAR VIEWS ON THE ROAD TO SITIA - Crete Island
SPECTACULAR VIEWS ON THE ROAD TO SITIA
Crete September 2011

BACK TO CRETE, another fabulous holiday on my favourite island, stayed in Stalis which was okay for a base, the apartment was in a quiet part of the town and we only had a short walk to the beach, shops, tavernas etc. Fullfilled an ambition to visit Sitia, which was stunning and then on to Vai the palm tree forest and beach, also stunning.

Matala Quite a" hip" little place
inside a cave in Matala - Crete Island

inside a cave in Matala

The hippys were here. This I suspect is what put matala on the map. If you care to remember if old enough or indeed if young and interested. Joni Mitchels number one hit Carey was written here and the song makes one or two references to matala. Its a lovely village which for me holds a certain "cretan charm", the sea front tavernas and buildings are very ramshackle but seem to give the place its charm. The caves which were man made were first inhabited in prehistoric times, greco-roman and early Christians also settled in them, remains have been found relating to these periods, and finally the hippies. Now it is not allowed to go without a guide as they are now an archaeological site.

Balos beach, Gramvousa island
Balos beach, Gramvousa island - Crete Island

A difficult place to get to by road ,but worth the effort

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:A wonderful island, with always something `extra`
  • Cons:I am afraid to say, tourism is now taken for granted by the cretans
  • Last visit to Crete Island: Sep 2011
  • Intro Updated Oct 3, 2011
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Reviews (43)

"pirate ship", visiting Sissi - Crete Island Sissi Favorites (1)

While staying in Stalis although the beach there is not bad I prefer sissi , sissi is a very picturesque village and a... more travel advice

view from up top - Crete Island Lasithi Plateau Off The Beaten Path (14)

A lovely drive up through the mountains , the scenery is spectacular. Almost at the highest point a visitor centre and... more travel advice

wall paintings in the entrance - Crete Island Toplou Monastery Off The Beaten Path (14)

Leaving Sitia after about 12 km you come to a crossroads do not turn right to palekastro or you will miss the monastery.... more travel advice

beautiful Vai beach and palms - Crete Island Vai, the palm fringed beach Off The Beaten Path (14)

Leaving Sitia we headed off to the east for Vai the beach with the palm forest. The road to Vai was pretty new and... more travel advice

Comments (9)

  • Reply
    giampiero6's Profile Photo
    Aug 5, 2011 at 3:23 AM

    I am sorry to hear your news...

  • Reply
    adema29's Profile Photo
    May 25, 2011 at 4:40 AM

    Beautiful photos! Your Crete page is realy great!

  • Reply
    JessH's Profile Photo
    May 23, 2011 at 4:05 AM

    Hello there! Thanks for visiting my pages! Oh yes, I'm absolutely smitten with Scotland, and my Scottish husband :-) We're heading back for another visit this September. I very much enjoyed your Greek pages! Greetings from Dubai / Jess

  • Reply
    nickandchris's Profile Photo
    Oct 13, 2008 at 7:46 AM

    Great new tips. So you made it back!!!!

  • Reply
    ranger49's Profile Photo
    Oct 9, 2008 at 11:40 AM

    Lovely pages about an island I last visited with my daughter over 20 years ago. I think Hope Cafe (saw your Tip on VT Home Page) was one we visited. Hope you get there to enjoy the party!

  • Reply
    Balam's Profile Photo
    Feb 6, 2008 at 8:36 AM

    Great Crete pages, I have saved many of your tips. Thanks for sharing them.

  • Reply
    JLBG's Profile Photo
    Aug 30, 2007 at 8:54 PM

    Fascinating page on this superb island that I have never visited yet ! If Heraklion reminds of Edinburgh, then, I should like it !

  • Reply
    roamer61's Profile Photo
    Sep 21, 2006 at 4:57 AM

    Welcome to VT. Nice little page on Crete. I am looking forward to my planned visit there.

  • Reply
    steventilly's Profile Photo
    Mar 26, 2006 at 1:40 PM

    Thanks for the info about kolokithy

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