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Metro
5 days ago
- Metro
This mythical destination is a perfect Mallorca alternative — without the crowds
Every summer, millions of UK travellers descend on the sun-drenched shores of Mallorca to lay their towels on the sands of popular hotspots like Palma and Alcudia. But overtourism in the Balearics has sparked fierce backlash. Locals and environmental groups have called for a reduction in visitor numbers, and Palma city council recently slapped curbs on tour group sizes. In one protest, Mallorcans occupied the Calo des Moro beach; on the streets, activists have chanted 'tourists go home' and 'foreigners out'. Earlier this week, hundreds of holidaymakers were stranded at Palma airport after flights were cancelled due to air traffic restrictions. It's not exactly giving 'rest and relaxation', and the chaotic situation in Spain's top tourist destinations has led many to look elsewhere. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. And, according to experts, Lassithi, a mythical region on Crete's eastern coast, is the perfect switch for anyone who loves Mallorca. This Greek island is, of course, iconic. But this part is unlikely to be be on your radar just yet. Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital and engagement at eurochange, says your money will go further here, too. 'If you're looking to escape the crowds this summer, Lassithi is a fantastic holiday spot,' she tells Metro. ' It's a peaceful, authentic Greek experience, with very reasonable prices. Laura says Lassithi's coastline is less developed and more secluded than Mallorca, so you won't need to scramble for a sunbed or fight your way to the bar. 'This region is a must visit for foodies; some of the best Greek produce is made here including olive oil and honey,' she adds. Sound tempting? Here's everything you need to know. Stretching along Crete's eastern shore, Lassithi – or Lasithi, in Greek – is steeped in history and natural beauty. Home to the only palm tree forest in Europe, the region boasts spectacular white sand beaches and an attractive climate, with temperatures reaching 23.5°C right through to October. Perched 800m above sea level, the Lassithi Plateau has 18 villages embroidered across verdant hills. Folklore museums devoted to Greek myths can be found here, as well as a cave said to be the birthplace of Zeus himself. A day trip to Lassithi offers not only jaw-dropping landscapes, but a rare peek into rural Cretan life. The capital, Agios Nikolaos, and areas such as Elounda, Chrissi, and Myrtos serve as the main bases for tourists. Some five million tourists landed on Crete in 2024, but typically, only a fraction go as far as Lassithi. Lassithi is home to Minoan ruins, from the ancient city of Lato to the Palace of Zakros. Both are worth a visit, as is the former Venetian fortress and leper colony of Spinalonga, which was catapulted into popular culture by Victoria Hislop's 2005 bestselling novel, The Island. Take a boat trip from the nightlife hub of Lerapetra to the idyllic island of Chrissi, or spend the day exploring the charming Kato Zakros village. See how settlers in 1,000 BC lived with a tour of Praisos, or go to one of Lassithi's many olive oil farms to really immerse yourself in some authentic Greek culture. In terms of nature, the Dikti Mountain Range is popular with hikers, while there are a range of caves around the coast to explore. Just make sure to ask a local guide before you go to ensure you stay safe. As of 2024, the average price of a pint is €3, or £2.33. This is around €1.50 less than you'd pay in Palma (according to Numbeo), and a whopping three times cheaper than in London. For a meal out, you're looking at €21 (£16.32). And, depending on when you travel, three-star hotels can be booked for as little as £43 a night. Metro found Airbnbs available in July, starting from £74 per night. However plummet if you push your visit back to shoulder season, from the end of September on. On Tripadvisor, reviewer Erez called the Glika Nera Beach,' a paradise for peace and quiet,' while Soner203 said of Lake Voulismeni in Agios Nikolaos: 'Lovely setting, natural beauty, serene and peaceful yet full of life.' Another, Dave S, described Lassithi's Vai Beach as 'gorgeous,' adding: 'What a place this is. Well worth the visit.' Greeka reviewer agelikoni echoed his sentiments, writing: 'Vai beach is exactly how I was told. So beautiful and so exotic! For the time being there, you almost forget you are in Greece, seems more like a beach in the Caribbean, I guess. Must see!' More Trending On the same site, georgia22 commented: 'Lassithi is the most quiet and relaxing area of Crete. While the rest of the prefectures are too crowded for me, Lassithi has exactly those features to make my holidays special.' Direct return flights to Heraklion in Crete are available from airports around the UK, starting from £232 in July. From Heraklion Airport, it's roughly a 50-minute drive to Agios Nikolaos, or just over an hour to Elounda. This article was originally published on 13 August 2024 and has been updated. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Italy's 'village of villages' contest has revealed its 5 must-visit hidden gems MORE: Your favourite places to eat in Europe that aren't the usual tourist traps MORE: Gorgeous town in Portugal is a foodie paradise with flights from £27
The Star
17-05-2025
- The Star
Strong winds damage replica of iconic Dolphin Mural at Knossos Palace
ATHENS, May 17 (Xinhua) -- A replica of the famous Dolphin Mural at the Knossos archaeological site on Greece's Crete island was damaged on Friday due to strong winds in the area, the Greek Culture Ministry said on Saturday. Two sections of the plaster replica have collapsed and been damaged. The site, a popular tourist destination, had been closed to the public a few hours earlier as a precautionary measure due to the adverse weather conditions. Archaeologists have already collected fragments of the replica, which was created in 1960, according to the ministry's statement. The original Dolphin Mural, which dates back to the Bronze Age, approximately 1600-1500 B.C., is on display at the Archaeological Museum in the nearby port city of Heraklion. One of the palace's most iconic artworks, the Dolphin Mural depicts dolphins and fish in a lively marine scene. Knossos was a major center of the Minoan civilization, which flourished on Crete during the Bronze Age.
Otago Daily Times
17-05-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Art from the ashes
This painted scene from Akrotiri reveals life in a Minoan trading port 3500 years ago. Photo: supplied A few years ago while cruising the Aegean, we sailed into the massive crater, now an arm of the sea, that formed when Santorini erupted. It was a disaster that had a serious impact on Europe's earliest civilisation, which was centred at Knossos on the southern coast of Crete. Santorini prospered as a trading port, dealing, among other commodities, in the then vital supplies of copper from Cyprus and exporting obsidian, a volcanic glass with a cutting edge like a razor. But about 3500 years ago, there were ominous rumblings and tremors that warned of impending disaster. The eruption must have been accompanied by an almighty bang, for the crater is 10km wide and the remnants of the island were covered in thick volcanic ash. As we saw last week at Herculaneum, such eruptions are a godsend for archaeologists, but unlike Vesuvius, Santorini gave sufficient warning for the residents to get out. The town they abandoned has been revealed through excavations, and no skeletons have been found. Visitors today to this town, known as Aktrotiri, can walk down the narrow streets past stone-built houses that still stand two stories high. They can view the basement cellars where great ceramic jars that would once have been filled to the brim with olive oil and wine still stand. Impressive traders' houses remain virtually intact, and one of the outstanding features of the wealthy and sophisticated inhabitants was their love of art. They decorated their walls with magnificent painted scenes of their vibrant island home. One of my earliest digs in the Aegean was at the Palace of Minos, at Knossos, where Sir Arthur Evans had revealed Minoan art at its best, featuring scenes of dancing dolphins and acrobats vaulting over wild bulls. But I find the Akrotiri frescoes even more impressive for their depictions of daily life. One of these shows ocean-going trading vessels sailing past a pod of dolphins. Another brings to life the mute stones. We can admire the houses and their occupants at the windows and on their patios looking out over the harbour. Four men are there, heaving on the oars as the tillerman chooses his course. On the hills above, a leopard is ready to grapple with two fleeing deer. Flowers bloom in the wheatfields.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Yahoo
7 must-try outdoors adventures on mainland Greece
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). One of the best ways to explore mainland Greece is under your own steam, through the myriad activities on offer here. There are opportunities to don a mask and flippers and snorkel over an ancient submerged city; to climb Mount Olympus, the fabled home of Zeus, king of the gods; to leap into a boat and whitewater-raft down a 7.5-mile-long gorge; and to ski through the quiet backcountry of its Peloponnese mountain range. Created during a 1960s hydroelectric project to dam four rivers, Greece's biggest artificial lake is a fjord-like, island-speckled beauty that twists and turns over 50sq miles. While you can admire the alpine loveliness of the Agrafa Mountains from its pine-fringed shores, there's nothing like kayaking in quiet exhilaration across its glass-calm, cerulean-blue waters in summer, pausing every so often for a refreshing dip. Choose a quiet time of day, such as early morning or evening, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife including golden eagles, otters and wolves. Finix Adventures runs three-hour guided kayaking tours on the lake year-round. Ruled by Zeus, Greece's highest mountain is a living legend. The topmost of its peaks is cloud-wreathed 9,573ft Mytikas, a holy grail to hikers. Scaling its gnarly heights is a two-day challenge: you'll hike up to seven hours a day on exposed terrain, with rocky scrambles and steep slopes to negotiate. It's best to join a guided walk, such as those arranged by Trekking Hellas. Helmets, harnesses and ropes are provided for the final climb, where you'll be rewarded with views over peaks and valleys to the Aegean. A night at a mountain refuge on the Muses Plateau is special, too, as you'll awake to a fiery sunrise befitting the gods. Imagine the burbling streams, glassy rivers, moss-cloaked forests and towering peaks that poet Virgil so eloquently captured 2,000 years ago when evoking the idyll of Arcadia in Eclogue 10, then lace up your boots for this five-day hike through the Central Peloponnese. Carving an enchanting path through the real-life Arcadia, the Menalon Trail is a glimpse of pre-dawn of tourism Greece. Leading from Stemnitsa to Lagkadia, the well-signposted 47-mile, eight-stage trail tiptoes through wild and remote landscapes, taking in silent pine woods, wooden bridges and old mule paths from stone-built village to stone-built village. You're bound to be smitten by the deep, sheer-walled Lousios Gorge, where nymphs bathed an infant Zeus in the fast-flowing river, and by fresco-adorned Prodromos Monastery, which clings to a cliff. It's best to hike the trail from April to November, staying overnight in family-run guesthouses. Pop on a snorkel ordinarily and you might expect to see fish — or perhaps the odd wreck — but Pavlopetri, off the coast of southern Laconia in the Peloponnese, is unique. Twelve feet down, these crystal-clear waters hide a real-life Atlantis — a sunken Minoan city 5,000 years old yet still extraordinarily intact. Flipper past Bronze Age streets, mansions, courtyards and rock-carved tombs. No experience is needed — simply follow the underwater signs detailing three swimming routes and providing background on the ruins. Epos Travel organises tours to the area, or grab a snorkel and go it alone. Picture Greece and you're likely thinking sun-kissed islands not snowy ski slopes. But the country has the latter, too. The mythical home of the Muses, Mount Parnassos near Athens gets all the fuss for its downhill, but for quieter days and tons of fresh, downy powder, make for the mountain resort of Kalavryta in the northern Peloponnese, where the slopes spread between 5,575ft and 7,675ft high. From December to April, the real joy here is skiing into the crowd-free backcountry, with phenomenal views of the Gulf of Corinth. It's wise to hook up with a guide, such as Orias's experts, to explore the undiscovered slopes of the Helmos mountain range. Who needs the Grand Canyon for drama? Mother nature pulled out just as many stops to create the Vikos Gorge in Greece's mountain-rippled Vikos-Aoös National Park. One of the world's deepest gorges, the 7.5mile-long, 2,953ft-deep ravine is spectacular enough from the hiking trails threading deep into it, especially in the rose-gold glow of sunrise or sunset. But it's even more so when you take a white-water raft along the river's glassy green waters and gentle rapids, shaded by centuries-old plane trees. Trekking Hellas organises three-hour excursions for beginners. Bring swimming togs and a towel. Snowcapped during the cooler months, the thickly forested, canyon-riven Pindus Mountains rise sheer and rugged above the wilds of Epirus in northwestern Greece. This is a terrific region to jump into a bike saddle for a two-wheel, go-slow adventure. Perhaps the prettiest stretch of all is Zagori, where you can tick off 46 traditional, grey-stone-built, slate-roofed villages like rosary beads. Here the largely car-free routes send you rattling over old stone paths and humpback bridges to historic chapels and monasteries, mountainside and riverbank villages, and wineries. Zagori Outdoor Activities suggests routes and rents bikes. Published in the April 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
The Independent
14-03-2025
- The Independent
Best hotels in Crete, from family-friendly resorts to mountain retreats
Proper mountains, miles of beach, historic towns and a distinctive culture: you'll find it all in captivating Crete. The Minoan civilisation put the island on the map in the Bronze Age, leaving behind ancient palaces, temples and exquisite artworks (don't miss Heraklion's archaeological museum). Much later, colonising Venetians added fortresses and interesting architecture, which means the island is packed with things to see. Better still, as Greece 's southernmost isle, Crete has the longest tourist season and is pretty much the sunniest place in the country. What's not to like? From a natural perspective too, there are heaps of attractions. Massive gorges carve into the mountains at the heart of the island, and there are some truly impressive beaches - both built-up and beautifully wild. The north and east coasts are busiest, the south is much more sleepy; and whatever vibe you're seeking, these are the Crete hotels to know about. The best hotels in Crete for 2025 At a glance 1. Creta Maris hotel, Hersonissos There's no shortage of family-friendly all-inclusive resorts in Crete, but this Hersonissos behemoth is a long-standing favourite. By spreading its 680 rooms between a main block and village-style clusters of bungalows, the atmosphere here is way less crowded than you might imagine. Families will appreciate the abundance of activities (including an on-site water park) and the convenience of being just 20 minutes from Heraklion airport. For a more relaxed experience, the adults-only section has its own beach bar, pools and dedicated dining. Need more comforts still? Choose a sea-front room or pool villa for perks such as VIP lounge access and late checkout. 2. Cook's Club hotel, Hersonissos Hersonissos's waterfront is lined with touristy Irish pubs, making this a jarring choice for a credible brand such as Cook's Club. But don't be perturbed by its busy main-road location: once you step through the shipping container at the entrance to the property, you enter a secret world complete with spa, tattoo parlour and barber shop. As with other Cook's Club resorts, the central pool has a party atmosphere that appeals to a youthful audience. Plan ahead if you want to catch one of the occasional (and very popular) Cook's Club Sessions: DJ sets from established and up-and-coming musical talents. 3. The Tanneries Hotel & Spa, Chania Named for the four 19th-century tanneries from which it was transformed, this boutique beauty sits to the east of central Chania, directly on the rocky waterfront. The heritage buildings were painstakingly restored to retain their stone façades, tiled roofs, arched doorways and industrial history. The result - as befits a member of Design Hotels - is supremely stylish. There's a spa, a seaside restaurant specialising in Cretan cuisine and ingredients, and just 20 luxurious and spacious suites, all with King beds, a natural-tones colour scheme and marble bathrooms with walk-in showers, plus lovely views across the water to Chania's Venetian fortress. Address: Vivilaki 19, Chania, Crete 731 33 4. Tella Thera hotel, Kissamos Concerned about your carbon footprint? You'll love this super-sustainable hotel in Kissamos, 45 minutes from Chania. As well as a zero-waste kitchen, this nature-inspired boutique retreat is built from local stone, natural wood and other renewable materials. Buildings (including all 20 suites) are planted with green roofs to minimise heat absorption; and the resort is almost entirely powered by solar energy. Keeping with the theme is an on-site, farm-to-table restaurant featuring locally sourced ingredients. What's more, with Kissamos being the closest big resort to Balos Beach (one of Crete's best), guests can dash here to enjoy it before busloads of day-trippers arrive. 5. Milia Mountain Retreat hotel, Vlatos Holidays in Crete don't have to be all about the beach. In Western Crete's White Mountains, this small-scale, off-grid retreat is as far removed as you'll get from a gargantuan all-inclusive. Surrounded by forest and birdsong, the character-filled hideaway was crafted from the ruins of a medieval village that were carefully rebuilt, restored and brought back to life. Original elements such as spring-fed water supplies and vegetable gardens have been reinstated and enhanced with solar power and modern conveniences. The stone-built cottages are dressed traditionally but comfortably with period furniture; and the views across the peaks are out of this world. 6. Elia Hotel & Spa, Ano Vouves Another inland option is this super-cute hotel near the sleepy hillside village of Ano Vouves. Named after the ancient olive tree that is this village's claim to fame, Elia Hotel & Spa offers ten spacious, individually decorated rooms in a character-packed, 200-year-old building. The vibe here is one of relaxation coupled with strong eco-credentials thanks to the use of solar power and thoughtful procurement of every element, from local, organic ingredients in the kitchen to eco-friendly mattresses made from coconut fibres. For such a small property, the spa provides an impressive array of treatments that include masks, wraps, aromatherapy and sauna. 7. Grecotel LUXME White hotel, Kampos Back on the north coast, not far beyond Rethymnon, lies this classier-than-average all-inclusive with white-on-white décor. Situated on a prime beachfront plot, it has all you need for a fly-and-flop break: stacks of facilities, a seawater pool and a good-sized stretch of sandy shore. Seven restaurants offer a different option for each day of a week-long stay, and there's heaps to do too, from spa treatments and al fresco yoga to kids' club activities. Still not enough? Head off-site to Grecotel Marine Palace, a 15-minute drive away, for access to slides and all-day splashing at its Kingdom of Poseidon Aqua Park. 8. InterContinental Crete hotel, Agios Nikolaos International chain hotels aren't everybody's cup of ouzo, but this seaside property in east-coast Agios Nikolaos is a scene-stealer. Overlooking Mirabello Bay, it has ultra-modern architecture that gives it a sense of grandeur, plus state-of-the-art amenities for a truly indulgent stay. A standout here is Aegeo spa, whose treatments use natural ingredients such as olive oil and saffron. Local products also feature prominently in the restaurants, all three of which are in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef, Nikos Roussos. The 199 rooms and suites are suitably high-end, all with minimalist design, quality furnishings and private balconies for the (mostly) sea views. 9. Naiades Boutique Hotel, Elounda Elounda is perhaps Crete's most desirable summer address. There are some genuinely fancy hotels hereabouts (many with hefty price tags); but skip the big brands and aim instead for this chic gem by the beach. As an adults-only, design-friendly hideaway, it offers relaxed, upmarket stays made all the more enjoyable by the reasonable rates. Most rooms have at least a partial sea view, service is highly rated and, although the restaurant only serves breakfast, there are plenty of places to eat nearby. It's perfectly placed for day-trips to uninhabited Spinalonga islet, immortalised in Victoria Hislop's best-selling novel, The Island. 10. Hotel Neos Ikaros, Agia Galini Crete's south coast, being furthest from the airports, is generally bypassed by tourist hordes - so head here if you're looking for a simple, fuss-free break. A good bet is the village of Agia Galini, which tucks itself around a pretty harbour beneath a mountainous backdrop; it lives up to its name too, which translates as 'sacred calm'. At the top of town, furthest from the sea, you'll find Neos Ikaros, which has 31 basic-but-comfortable guestrooms (some of which can accommodate families). It's an ideal launch pad from which to explore the south coast's attractions, which include some truly dramatic limestone gorges.
