From wine tasting in vineyards to dining on sailboats, Outlook Recommends the best things to do in Crete.
Eat:
FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE VISTA…
Lyrarakis Winery and Tasting Room offers a beautiful lunch setting, nestled among the Psarades vineyard and the Lassithi Plateau. Guests can embrace the spirit of Dionysus, the god of wine and pleasure. The winery features rare indigenous grapes that produce three ancient Cretan wine varieties, which visitors can enjoy in a peaceful area under the shade of olive trees, complemented by a picnic basket filled with premium Cretan cheeses and other traditional delicacies.
FOR UNADULTERATED ELEGANCE…
Prima Plora uses raw ingredients to explore Cretan cuisine free from pesticides and fertilisers, utilising animals fed by nature. Indulge in sushi, salads, steak, seafood dishes, fresh bread, and olive oil while enjoying a relaxing, luxurious oceanfront atmosphere.
Do:
FOR A SERENE SAILING EXPERIENCE…
Set Sails invites visitors to board its sumptuous sailing boat and enjoy the spellbinding cityscape of Heraklion, the administrative capital of Crete.
Set Sails’ fresh Mediterranean lunch of flavoursome Greek salad, renowned seafood pasta (alternative options are available), and fruits are included in the package along with beverages including wine, beer, water, and soft drinks.
The professional captain and crew can accommodate up to eight people per boat on a six-hour sailing trip, sailing to Dia, a small, uninhabited island known for its natural beauty and abundant marine life where guests will have the opportunity to use snorkelling equipment and explore its thrilling depths. If going underwater isn’t for you, paddle boarding is also an increasingly popular option.
Filled with mystery, mythology, and history, there are various ways to experience the beauty of Dia. Take a morning trip as the Cretan sun gathers its strength, the crystal-clear waters shimmer, the sweet smell of the Mediterranean breeze gently tickles the senses, and the panoramic coastline gives way to dolphins playfully surfacing along the way; the soothing sound of the ocean will both relax and restore as the boat sways. At the same time, sunset sailing creates lasting memories as the return journey unfolds under a twinkling celestial canopy.
Whether relaxing or exploring at sunrise or sunset, Set Sails’ dedicated team can organise minivan transfers to the landscapes of Agia Pelagia, lively coastal resorts, quaint villages, bustling hubs, and historic towns.
FOR FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT…
Music and dancing are synonymous with Greek culture, so it is highly recommended for visitors to immerse themselves in Cretan rhythms. The Pyrrhic is the most famous dance in Crete, although each region has its own traditions, most of which retain the iconic circular pattern, whilst Cretan costumes are vivid and create a stunning display. Other dances include the Pentozali, Sousta, and Pidichtos, performed energetically by couples.
With a lute or violin as guidance, dancers exhibit skill through complex steps, accompanied by the lute and rarer instruments. Cretan music is regarded as the most vibrant in Greece as the melodies are not limited and improvisation is encouraged. The island is steeped in antiquity, strongly influenced by Byzantine music and enriched by the musical culture of the wider Eastern Mediterranean.
Sleep:
FOR A BLISSFUL BREAK…
Aoria Estate has a boutique villa, apartments, and suites in the picturesque Venetian town of Chania near the harbour. Experience Cretan hospitality amongst beautiful scenery and all the amenities for a peaceful and stress-free stay.
FOR A PRIVATE RETREAT…
Elani’s Stately Home is an exceptional villa in the picturesque location of Episkopi village in Rethymno with mountain views, a swimming pool, and 24/7 concierge service. The stone-built beamed house features a mesmerising terrace that glows at night, filled with fragrant florals and flanked by leafy trees that create a sanctuary in the midday sun.
