Car Rental Crete - Exploring Crete

The village of Zakros in eastern Crete is a lively place where cafes are always animated and busy with locals, relatively free of tourists. Kato Zakros - an intriguing archaeological site - is worth visiting, especially via the spectacular Zakros Gorge. There is also a long stretch of under-populated beach nearby.

Paleohora is a small town, on the southwest coast which was a quiet fishing village until hippies began arriving 30 years ago. The atmosphere is relaxed however and it retains its charm. A day trip to Elafonisi is worth it for this island’s lovely beaches.

Samaria Gorge is popular for hiking, and has some of Crete’s most remarkable scenery. At the Iron Gates, the gorge measures only 3.5m wide. Further along the south coast, which is too precipitous to support large settlements, are the villages of Loutro and Hora Sfakion, linked by boat to Agia Roumeli.

Lasithi Plateau is a vast expanse of pear and apple orchards, almond trees and fields of crops dotted by some 7000 windmills, and has some stunning scenery. The highlight is the Dikteon Cave, which holds status in ancient Greek mythology.

Most visitors however come for the sea and sun which can be found at the many resorts and little villages along the north coast.