Crete is a big island with many beautiful places to visit, rich history to explore and plenty of unique beaches where it worth’s swimming.
Here are some ideas for day trips you might find helpful to follow during your holidays in Crete (starting from Rethymno). All the recommended day trips can also be organized by us with a private Mini Van. Just ask us and we will be happy to help you!
- Spili – Phestos Palace- Matala
We suggest making your first stop in Spili, a picturesque village about half an hour away from Rethymno. The central square of the village with the famous lion-head fountain and the eternal plane trees is the ideal place to have your coffee. If you are keen on flowers, plants and herbs then you should not miss Maravel Botanical Garden.
Continuing your day trip and heading to the south part of Crete you will arrive at the archeological sight of Phestos after about an hour of driving. Phestos was the second bigger Minoan city in Crete after Knossos. Its famous palace was built in about 2000BC according to the legend by Minos, the king of Knossos. The king of Phestos was Rhadamathys, Minos’ brother, son of Zeus and Europe. Rhadamnthys was well known for his fairness. The palace was destroyed twice by earthquakes and it was rebuilt both times. Phestos was declined during the 1st century BC.
The last recommended stop of this trip is the seaside village of Matala where you can swim at the bay and enjoy your meal. Matala are well known for their artificial caves which were created during the Neolithic Age. Matala used to be the port of Phestos back in the Minoan Era and the caves are believed to be used as tombs back then. During the 60s and the 70s the village became very popular to the hippies who started gathering to Matala and live in the caves.
- Chania Town – Georgioupolis – Kournas Lake
Start your day with a visit to the old town of Chania. Take your time to wander around the narrow streets and admire the old buildings with the distinctive remaining architectonical elements of the Venetian and the Turkish era. Stroll around the Venetian Harbor and walk until you reach the lively neighborhood of Koum Kapi that is full of cafes, bars and restaurants.
After your walk visit the seaside village of Georgioupolis where you can lay back at the golden sand beach of the village, relax and have a refreshing swim. At Georgioupolis you will find many restaurants and taverns to enjoy a nice meal.
In the afternoon you can head to Kournas Lake. This is the only natural, fresh water lake in Crete and it lies in a beautiful valley surrounded by hills. By the lake you can find many restaurants with amazing Cretan food where you can also have a drink. Alternatively you can swim in the lake or ride a pedalo.
- Archeologial museum of Ancient Eleftherna, Melidoni Cave, Apithano Honey, Olive Oil Factory
Spend your day discovering the rich history of Rethymno. Start by visiting the archeological museum of Ancient Eleftherna, a city-state in Crete which thrived from the Greek Dark Ages until Byzantine times. The exhibits of the museum include objects of art and everyday life from a period of three and a half millennia (3000BC to 1300 AD).
Continue your exploration with the Melidoni Cave. In the cave which is also called “Gerondospilos” you can admire impressive formations of stalactites and stalagmites. According to the legend Talos, the prehistoric robot that Zeus gifted to King Minos to protect the island of Crete from enemies used to live in the cave. During the Minoan Era, the cave was a place of worship for Talos and religious ceremonies were taking place there.
After a shocking exploration in the cave you can continue your excursion at the Apithano Honey Museum in Melidoni. In this museum you can see the production and packaging of honey. You can also take a guided tour to learn incredible information about bees and honey production. The tour is completed with tasting and treats, while guests can buy honey, if they wish from the museum’s store.
At the end of your excursion you can tack on a visit to the olive oil factory in Melidoni for a lowdown on the production progress. Its welcoming American-Greek owner, Joanna, will guide you through the evolution of olive oil pressing, from donkey-driven methods to current-day machinery. The factory is part of a local co-op used by farmers to convert their yearly harvest into liquid gold.