Crete, amazing and versatile, is definitely not a one-trip destination. In addition to beach holidays, there are a lot of famous places that are "must see". And so, when you get a tan, go for a swim, visit palaces, fortresses, monasteries and islets, start making plans for your next trip. And you understand that you want to do it differently. Slow down, feel the calm rhythm of the island and see unusual places without the crowds of tourists. Let's take a look at the famous island from a different angle.
Lagoon Balos
It is located in the bay of the same name on the western coast of the Gramvousa Peninsula. Driving along a dirt road, then descending 2300 steps down the mountain is a pleasure for the fans. You can use water transport. If you just want to admire the primeval nature. If you want to take panoramic photos of the lagoon, you still have to go up and then go down.
Definitely the most beautiful beach in Crete: extraordinary white and pink sand and sea, playing with all shades of azure. Balos Bay is the confluence of the Ionian, Libyan and Aegean Seas. Of course, such a natural phenomenon attracts tourists. But difficulties with the road, nevertheless, significantly thin out the tourist flow. For those who have made it, all the disadvantages of the difficult journey are worth the unique views of nature and the fantastic beach.
Patsos gorge
An undisturbed, incredibly picturesque gorge near the Rethymno resort. There are many caves and gorges on the island that are worth seeing. Patsos attracts with lush vegetation, invigorating coolness and unusually clean air.
The river flowing through the gorge is fed by many springs. Therefore, the vegetation here is simply lush. Combined with small waterfalls, rifts and backwaters, it creates a simple haven of coolness among rocks and stones. Well, the rocks soaring into the sky make it possible to take excellent photos.
At the entrance to the gorge in the cave is the Church of St. Anthony. He is considered the patron saint of children, and all the walls of the cave are touchingly studded with notes about their recovery. There is a holy spring nearby, helping to solve health problems for all pilgrims. There are few tourists, mostly Greeks visit this place.
The walk along the gorge will take about 3 hours, taking photographs into account. Despite the fact that the trail has bridges, railings, wooden stairs, it is still worth considering comfortable shoes. Near the gorge there is a tavern decorated with elements of folkloric antiquity. Traditional local cuisine is especially delicious there. Apparently, in the mountains the taste of food is better, and it is more pleasant to dine under the murmur of a mountain stream.
Milona waterfall
On a mountain island, you will not surprise anyone with waterfalls. There are so many of them that even the locals do not know about some of them. But in the summer they dry out. However, there is a waterfall, the jets of which can be enjoyed until mid-July, guaranteed. Located in the gorge of the same name, covered with many plane trees and pines.
There are several waterfalls in the gorge, quite picturesque. You can swim in the lakes around them. But the most important attraction is the Milona waterfall. The drop height of the jets is about 40 meters. In early spring, the flow of water is powerful, and this is an amazing sight. But even in summer, when the waterfall is not so deep, it is still beautiful.
Only children can swim in Milona Lake in summer. Adults will be knee-deep. But no one bothers to stand on a hot day under the streams of the waterfall. It is difficult to get to it, even if you are a trekking enthusiast. As always, the beauty of the surrounding landscape turns out to be worth it.
Potters' village Margarites
There are many villages on the island whose inhabitants keep the traditions of their ancestors. The village of Margarites has always been the center of ceramics, and these skills have been preserved for generations. Local clay was discovered even before our era, in the Minoan period. When fired, it turns from black to red. Well, the products, for so many centuries of production, have reached perfection.
The choice of crafts is great:
- jugs of different shapes and purposes;
- dishes - cups, plates, dishes;
- basins of different sizes and functions;
- antique and ordinary bottles;
- buckets.
There are also enough tourists here. But it's worth a visit. To get acquainted with the original life of the Cretan village, see all the wonders of ceramic production, and buy a dish as a gift, which will definitely not have an analogue. The village is half an hour drive from Rethymno.
