Cretan Dreams: Sunlit Trails and Salty Breezes

 Two Weeks on Crete: Sun, Beaches, Gorges, and Goats 🏖️🐐

Crete has officially stolen our hearts 💙 After two separate trips—one in the quiet winter and one in the lush spring—we’ve explored its beaches, hiked its gorges, and tasted our way through countless tavernas. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just in it for the fried cheese (no shame!), Crete’s got you covered.

Our first trip was a couple of years ago in December near Heraklion—a quieter time to visit, but it gave us the freedom to explore some truly stunning stretches of sand without the summer crowds.

Winter Beach Favorites:

  • Matala Beach – This one’s a Spicoli vibe. Not just for the surf and scenery, but also for the Matala Caves, aka the Hippie Holes—once home to 60s and 70s free spirits.

  • Afrathias Beach – Quiet, rugged, and a great spot for a peaceful stroll.

  • Kommos Beach – Long, sandy, and right next to the Kommos archaeological site. History and beach time? Yes, please.

This spring, we leveled up with a trip to Chania on the west side of the island—and wow. 🌼 We mixed beach lounging with some epic hikes and saw some incredible places.

🥾 Hikes & Gorges

Imbros Gorge
A gorgeous 8km hike downhill toward the sea. We parked at the top, and were greeted by the cheerful sound of goat bells—yep, a whole crew of goats trotting through! Beware that there are signs for parking in town but you have to pay. Go to the "official" entrance - see pic below and park for free there. 🐐 Not a tough hike, and for just €5 you can take a van back to your car. Worth every cent.

"Official" entrance

Boriano (Karanou) Gorge
A hidden gem! Starting in the Boriana neighborhood of Karanou, this lush green canyon was bursting with vegetation. 🌿 We even stumbled upon a morel mushroom 🍄 on our hike. Along the way, don’t miss the Neramia Cave—it adds a bit of mystery and magic to the route.



Sarakina Gorge
This gorgeous hike can be accessed from either the bottom trailhead or the top near the mountain village of Zourva. We started at the top, where the trail winds down into the gorge. Part of the upper portion follows a road, but the views are still stunning, with dramatic rock walls and pockets of greenery 🌿.

If you begin at the bottom, just know that parking is along the roadside, so you’ll need to be a bit flexible. Whether you go up or down, it’s an in-and-out trail that’s peaceful and not overly strenuous—perfect for a slower-paced day in nature.


🏖️ Beaches We Loved

Falasarna Beach
Driving from Galatas, we passed the beautiful Ionnis Prodromos Church, built into a rocky cave. The beach? Absolutely massive, with soft pink-tinted sand on the west end and plenty of space to spread out.


Elafonissi Beach
While it wasn’t our favorite due to the crowds, the Topeli Gorge along the way was incredible. Bonus: the taverna in Topeli served up a meal that hit the spot 🍽️


Stavros Beach
A small beach with intriguing rock formations that hint at an ancient port—bring your imagination and your sandals.

Seitan Limania Beach
Brace yourself for a wild drive with sharp switchbacks 🌀, then a steep hike down to a narrow turquoise inlet. The water was gorgeous, and this one made our top beach list!

Sougia Beach
The drive to Sougia is half the fun. Just before you arrive, keep an eye out for the Syia Roman aqueduct, an ancient marvel tucked into the landscape. The beach itself is lined with small pebbles (bring water shoes!), and the town has a cool, laid-back hippie vibe 🌈

🏛️ A Stroll Through Chania

Don’t leave without exploring Chania’s Old Venetian Harbour. It’s postcard-perfect: cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and endless waterfront tavernas. We recommend grabbing a bite to eat, watching the boats, and soaking up the incredible atmosphere. 🥂🍽️

Greek Eats We Can’t Stop Dreaming About:

  • Pastitsio – Greek lasagna. Think layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy béchamel. 😍
  • Souvlaki – Skewered, grilled meat. Simple. Delicious. Repeat.
  • Saganaki – Fried cheese goodness. Basically a classy cheese curd patty.
  • And of course, no meal is complete without a mini dessert and a shot of raki to seal the deal! 🥃

Crete has a way of sticking with you. Whether it's the food, the hikes, the hidden beaches, or the ever-entertaining goat sightings, we’re already dreaming of trip #3. 🧳💙

Have a favorite Cretan spot we missed? Let us know—we’re always up for adding to our adventure list!


#CreteAdventures #DiscoverCrete #VisitCrete #CreteVibes #CreteTravel #HikeCrete #CreteGorges #CretanBeaches #BeachVibesCrete





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