When talking about Crete, the first thing that comes to mind is the cultural wonders that this island has to offer: from the Labyrinth of Knossos to the archaeological site of Phaestos, nicknamed "the bridge to Egypt", not to mention the beautiful capital Heraklion.
Today, however, we want to change the perspective, we want to shift the focus from the immense artistic and cultural heritage to the natural and landscape heritage.
In addition to the “Brocchetta di Guarnià” and the paintings with their bright colours and sharp outlines, Crete offers another type of artwork. Flowing brushstrokes, warm colours dipping into shades of turquoise blue, in stark contrast to the sharpness of burnt brown, and again flowing lines intertwining with each other to create bristling, sharp-edged areas.
Which work of art are we talking about? The island of Crete itself.
Close your eyes and imagine breathtaking panoramas, long stretches of golden sand, colours that mingle to the point of seeming surreal, tongues of white sand connecting beaches with uninhabited islands. If you book one of our houses you will no longer have to dream about it, you can live it.
Now all you have to do is put a pair of shoes in your suitcase and read on!
Voulisma beach
This beautiful beach is located in the south-east of the island in the beautiful region of Lassithi.
Thanks to the deep turquoise sea that washes the sandy beach, Voulisma beach is reminiscent of the tropics. Behind it, a high rocky cliff covered with Mediterranean vegetation gives it the unique touch and the rightful reputation it has so far earned.
The waters of Voulisma beach are clean and transparent with a gently sloping seabed, perfect for children. This paradise is seven hundred meters long and for the most part is well equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas.
The bay is ideal for those who love long swims and for those who adore snorkelling: plunge your head under the crystal clear waters and you will find a real playground of marine flora and fauna.
If you like to keep your feet on the ground, our advice is to venture to the top of the promontory, where you'll find a snack bar and a breathtaking view. Trust us, the long flight of steps will be well worth it.
Elafonisi beach
Located on the southwest coast of Crete Island, Elafonissi (or Elafonisi) is also called the 'Caribbean of the Mediterranean' for its white beach with pink hues and warm turquoise waters. The main beach is well-equipped with facilities for renting umbrellas, sunbeds and several bars.
The jewel in the crown?
The small island of Elafonissi in front of the beach of the same name, which, depending on the tides, is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand on some days, while on others it is a real island that can be reached by walking through knee-deep waters.
On the small island, you can relax on the free beach and feel as if you are in the Caribbean, when in fact you are in Europe.
If you want to get away from civilisation, venture to the back of the island: the most rural and characterised by small bays where peace and tranquillity reign. At the far end of the island is a promontory where you can find a lighthouse and the small chapel of Agia Irini .
Be sure to stay on this beach until sunset - here you can admire the best sunsets in Crete.
Preveli beach
Preveli beach takes its name from the monastery located at the top of this part of the south coast of Crete. Together with the monastery, it is one of the most visited places on the island. Since the late 1960s, the beach and its surroundings have been inhabited by hippies from all over the world for a long time. The beauty of the landscape and the atmosphere were perfect for their ideals of peace and freedom.
The curiosity of this beach lies in the river Megas Potamos: the freshwater stream ends in the sea and the beach of sand mixed with tiny light-coloured pebbles acts as a watershed.
It is not every day that one can swim in both the fresh water of the river and the salt water of the sea. In addition, behind the beach is a dense palm grove that lines the river bed creating an exotic atmosphere; hence the name Palm Beach.
To get to Palm Beach you have to leave your car in the car park (for a fee) and then walk up almost 500 steps.
What are you waiting for? Hurry up and book one of our villas .
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© Rebecca Taizzani
