The largest in Greece and the fifth largest among all the Mediterranean islands, Crete is increasingly flickering at the top of the list of beach resorts preferred by Russian tourists. The reasons for this popularity are the perfectly well-oiled tourist infrastructure, which makes it possible to find their own option for spending a vacation for a wide variety of categories of travelers, and the perfect weather, and many attractions in close proximity to the beaches, and of course, the sea. In Crete, geographers distinguish three seas belonging to the Mediterranean basin. The north of the island is washed by the Cretan coast, the southern coast - by the Libyan one, and from the west, the island's beaches are located on the Ionian coast.
You can have a rest on the Greek island from the middle of spring. At this time, the water warms up to + 18 ° С - + 20 ° С. In the height of summer, the intense heat is softened by sea breezes, but on the northern coast it is somewhat cooler, while the south of the island belongs to the North African climatic zone, and hot winds from the Sahara are not uncommon here. The swimming season lasts until mid-November, but even at the height of winter, the sea in Crete only cools down to + 15 ° C.
Choosing a beach in Crete
They say that neither the indigenous people, nor the travel agencies that send travelers to rest in cozy and comfortable Greek hotels, could not count the number of Cretan beaches. The island has long, wide sandy beaches, secluded rocky coves, tiny pieces of paradise, which can only be reached by boat, and spacious resort recreation areas, where life is in full swing under the sun during the day, and trendy dance clubs open in the evenings.
The uniqueness of the island is that any tourist can find a suitable resort on Crete:
- Elafonissi is called the most famous Cretan beach. Its peculiarity is pink sand. Scientists believe that the reason for this color is the high content of coral and sea shell particles on the surface of the island where Elafonissi is located. Ideal for families with children! The water warms up quickly due to the shallow water, there are no waves even with wind.
- Date Grove Wai has in its arsenal the prestigious Blue Flag award, testifying to the extraordinary cleanliness of the beach and the surrounding area. The beach is surrounded by a grove of date trees. It is not very convenient to get here, as the nearest hotels are located 10 km away. But the beach is well worth the time.
- Anissaras, on the other hand, is convenient because it is a short drive from the airport. The family resort lives up to its position in the ranking of Cretan beaches for children and parents. The menu in the cafe here is adapted to children's needs, playgrounds are built right by the sea, and there is no need to pay for the entrance.
- Once a hippie haven, Matala Beach is more suitable for surfers and other active tourists. The sea here is a couple of degrees cooler than on the north coast of Crete, and the waves can reach the ideal height for boarding.
Most of the public beaches in Crete are equipped for a comfortable stay. You will find changing rooms, fresh showers, toilets, sports equipment rental offices on the seashore. You can rent an umbrella or sun lounger at any public beach, and the seaside cafes offer healthy and delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
Sea for divers
Crete is loved by novice divers, although there are interesting activities for professionals in its waters. On the north coast, diving sites near Hersonissos and Gouves are popular. Not far from Crete, in the waters of Santorini, you can dive to an underwater volcano. Chania and Plakias are famous for their diverse marine fauna, and huge sea turtles and octopuses are found near these resorts. The underwater cave of the Elephant near Sanya is unique for its formations and outgrowths - the stalactites in it are painted in unusually bright colors.
If you have just heard of scuba diving and diving, professional instructors can teach you how to dive in Crete. Schools are open on both coasts, but the northern ones are better known and it will be easier for you to find Russian-speaking teachers in them. Diving centers in Crete issue certificates of international standard, and students who successfully pass the exam receive the right to dive anywhere in the world.
