Contrasting landscapes, worlds of adventure

It’s not often you can visit one place twice and have two drastically different experiences. However, what you encounter at this iconic destination varies depending on the time of the year you visit it. Apparently used as a salt mine up until the 1960s, Alatsolimni (Salt lake) is a befitting name for this unique Cretan beach. If you visit during the summer, you’ll be met with striking salt deposits; visit in spring and winter and you’ll see the same area flooded with water, forming a crystal blue lagoon contrasting its sandy shores. This colourful habitat is a hub for birds of prey and has a stretch of colourful blossoms carpeting the surrounding area.

A ride on a long winding road east from Sitia city eventually gives way to rows of dense palm trees, revealing one of Crete’s hidden gems. The isolated Vaï beach feels like a private piece a paradise. This seclusion is precisely, and ironically, why it became so popular. The story goes that in the 70s, people were looking for a secluded, quiet location to relax away from the tourist hotspots. When they stumbled across Vaï they found a picturesque haven: Lush tropical forest, sandy beaches and shimmering turquoise waters. Vaï beach is undoubtedly worthy of its Blue Flag status.

Lefka Ori has an otherworldly lunar landscape, known in local dialect as Madares (which roughly translates to “bald” or “without coverage”). This mountain range is inaccessible for the most part, yet part of its allure lies in the difficultly to reach its peaks. The main entry points are from the west (Omalos) and the east (Askifou). Historically, the massif formed a natural defence along Crete’s southwestern coast against invaders such as the Ottoman Turks to the German army during the Second World War.

Samaria Gorge is acknowledged as an ark for life and a symbol of freedom for the Cretan people. An understated beauty, it’s one of Europe’s longest gorges. It begins about 4,000 feet above sea level and ends near sea level. If you choose to journey on its trail, about a third of the way into your trek you'll encounter the deserted village of Samaria. Visit and relish in traditional Cretan architecture, where hikers can recuperate in a pocket of history frozen in time. Adrenaline junkies can also embark on the annual Samaria Mountain Run, a trail race covering nearly 11 miles that passes through the first half of the Samaria Gorge.

The Lefka Ori mountain range in Crete is an outstanding icon that a traveller can explore— The mountains are home to the second highest peak on the island, Pachnes at over 8,000 feet. As winter gives way to spring, snow retreats from Lefka Ori’s caps to reveal stunning limestone peaks—more than 50 of which are over 6,000 feet high. These seem to stretch endlessly across the landscape and can be seen from nearly anywhere on the north coast. Samaria Gorge and Omalos Plateau break up the mountain range and despite appearing inhospitable, several refuges have been built on its surface.

In March, Psiloritis becomes the home for Europe’s southernmost mountaineering ski event. During the biannual event, the visitors gather in Anogia to prepare for the race. The ski race consists of two routes, one for top athletes and the other with a lower, more manageable altitude. The skiing reflects the coolness of Crete, and entices people to unlock their freedom, creativity, and passion—unleashing it all on the slopes. Anyone from 16 years and up is invited to participate in the event.

Depending on your vantage point, Mount Kofinas may appear barren, but the reality is quite the opposite. Microclimates have created ecological cradles for a range of wildlife—the Asterousia Mountain Range hosts 55 percent of Crete’s plant and animal species. If you journey to Kofinas peak, you’ll be met by the sanctuary and chapel of Timios Stavros. This site is often visited by those celebrating the annual Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, on September 14th.

The gorge of Elygia sits in the wild Asterousia range, collecting water from the west and north sides of Kofinas peak that it empties into Elygia beach. One of the most impressive gorges in Crete, the passage starts from the village of Agios Ioannis and ends on this piny sand beach of the Libyan sea. It starts at an altitude of over 2,000 feet and requires rappelling skills to reach various points.

While Crete is known for its remarkable gorges, at times some go under the radar, and Lamnoni Gorge is one you might miss without research. The Gorge is climbable throughout the year, although summer hikes are not recommended due to the high temperatures and the lack of shade and water. Despite the hostile environment though, it’s exactly this topographical trait that gives the gorge a distinct, wild beauty. It’s a straightforward walk of about 2 hours, and hikers are advised to journey up from the small plateau of Lamnoni in order to experience the full breadth of the sweeping view.

Melidoni is a beautiful, stalagmite-coated cave dating back to the neolithic period. Steeped in history, its walls harbour many stories from tales of worship, to revolution. The cave’s name derives from a family of the byzantine era, the Melidonis and served as an important stage for religious ceremonies. During the Minoan Civilization, it was a place of worship for Talos, the island’s giant bronze protector.

The road to Ziros snakes through a landscape resplendent with vineyards and dense stands of olive trees—the fruit from which form a key part of Crete’s economy. Ziros is a small town with a population of around 700. The beautiful white vernacular architecture its nestled within the undulating landscape and is the perfect pit stop for an authentic Cretan meal and a sip of raki.

From one massif to another, once you reach the summit of Pachnes at Lefka Ori, you can indulge in an unparalleled view of Psiloritis. Literally translating to “the tall one,” Psiloritis has developed a character that commands awe and respect from visitors and locals alike.
In fact, the area in and around Psiloritis has been inhabited by humans at least since the time of the Minoans, with permanent settlement believed to stretch back to around 2,000 years ago. The revered Idaion Andro cave can be found here, where, according to Greek mythology, Zeus grew up.

Immerse yourself in Crete’s culture and history here​.

The island of Crete in Greece is the home of four UNESCO designated sites: the Gorge of Samaria Biosphere Reserve, the Psiloritis Global Geopark, the Asterousia Mountain Range Biosphere Reserve and the Sitia Global Geopark.