The Samaria Canyon in Crete is a remarkable natural formation characterized by steep descents, unique rock formations, and diverse ecosystems, including endemic species like the Cretan ibex, known as kri-kri, and the Cretan cypress. Stretching from the Omalos Plateau to the village of Agios Rumeli, the canyon features various geological formations shaped by river erosion, resulting in both wide openings and narrow passages like the Iron Gate.

Mount Ida, the highest peak in Crete at 2,456 meters, holds significant mythological importance as the birthplace of Zeus, who was hidden in the Ida cave by his mother Rhea to escape his father Chron. The summit, crowned by the Timros Stavros chapel, offers breathtaking views of both the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, while the surrounding legends are enriched by tales like Zeus’ abduction of Europa, linking the island’s history to the origins of the European continent.

Mount Dikti, a lesser-visited mountain in eastern Crete, offers a unique hiking experience with its limestone composition and mountaineering routes on its northern side. The mountain is named after the ancient Cretan deity Diktina, who was revered by the locals and is said to have been born in a cave on the mountain. According to mythology, Zeus himself was born in this cave, where his mother Rhea fled to save him from being devoured by his father Chron.

Stavros town, located near Chania town, is famous for its Zorba the Greek beach, which gained popularity after the 1964 movie “Zorba the Greek” featuring Anthony Quinn and Alan Bates. Today, the once small and poor fishing village has transformed into a popular tourist resort with hotels and restaurants. The area is also home to several monasteries, including Agia Triada and Gouverneto, which showcase a unique blend of Byzantine and Renaissance architectural styles.

Spinalonga is a Venetian fortress built in the 16th century on a small island in the Gulf of Elounda, Crete. The fortress was built to defend against Turkish attacks and has a unique triangular shape with three semi-bastions and a demilune. It was used as a leper colony from 1904 to 1957, where patients were treated and lived, and later became uninhabited. Gulf of Elounda was also home to ancient city of Olous, which was submerged underwater after an earthquake in the 8th century AD.

Agios Rumeli is a picturesque seaside town on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in Crete. The town is a home to several hiking trails, including one that leads to the town of Sugia and another that connects to the towns of Loutro and Hora Sfakion. The only way to get to or from the village is by foot via a coastal hiking trail or by boat. The area is known for its beautiful beaches, sea caves, and unique flora and fauna, including goats that roam freely throughout the island.

Balos lagoon, located in far northwestern Crete, is a captivating must-visit destination known for its stunning natural beauty, featuring pristine white sands and vibrant turquoise waters, which can also appear pink due to ground shells from an ancient tsunami. Formed through the combination of a sandbar and a historical tsunami that shaped its unique landscape, the lagoon offers a serene escape and is easily accessible via a gravel road traversing the mountains.

Elafonissi Beach in southwest Crete is renowned for its striking scenery, featuring unusual black rocks amidst white sands, believed to have washed ashore after a tsunami. This unique ecosystem is home to rare plants like the sea narcissus and coastal junipers. The picturesque shoreline, reminiscent of the Caribbean with its clear turquoise waters and shallow areas, is complemented by yellow sea grasses and the presence of seagulls, creating a beautiful coastal landscape.

The hiking trail from Kaloi Limenes leads adventurers through the scenic “Canyon of the Saints” to the secluded Agiofarago Beach, characterized by its steep cliffs and crystal blue waters. This unique coastal area features a hidden lake accessible only to skilled divers via an underwater tunnel, while the beach itself is known for its pebbly shores and a natural stone bridge ideal for swimming underneath. The surrounding cliffs hold historical significance …..