Stephrey's Top 10: Crete Edition

1. Rent a Car - I would highly recommend renting a car on Crete because it allows you to explore the island's diverse and stunning landscapes, visit hidden beaches, and discover charming villages and historic sites at your own pace.
2. Stay in Chania – it was a fantastic choice due to its charming atmosphere, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. The city's picturesque old town, with its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and stunning harbor, offers a delightful ambiance that's perfect for leisurely exploration. You'll find a range of restaurants, cafes, and shops, all contributing to a lively yet relaxed vibe. The blend of Venetian, Turkish, and Greek influences adds unique character to the area, making it a memorable base for discovering Crete.
3.  Elafonissi Beach - aka the pink beach - the drive to this spot was long, winding and on the cliff side. Beautiful views the whole way, but not for the faint of heart. Reminded us of the drive to Hana. Would definitely recommend if you are a confident/ aggressive manual driver. This beach is also a bit of a hoof from the parking lot. There are shops along the way to stock up on drinks/ beach items. Do not turn into the first parking lot even though it seems like you should. It is 10 minutes downhill, and if you didn’t buy an umbrella for shade, you may be hooped as there places to buy chairs and seats, but they are limited and first come first serve. That being said, despite the logistics, the water very clear warm, sand is so fine with a light hue of pink and it’s great for people watching! Also, aim to get there early - we went in the afternoon around 3:00pm and it was a full house. 
4. Drapanias Beach - this is a peaceful spot about 30 minutes from Chania –  it has quiet beachfront with little tavernas along the way for a quick drink or bite. There is also a changing cubicle for easy access to beachwear. This area lacks the hustle and bustle of more crowded spots, providing a serene atmosphere with easy access to the water. It's an ideal place for those seeking a quiet and relaxing beach experience.
5. Olive Oil Tour - I highly recommend visiting Kleanthi for a delightful half-hour tour of their factory and grounds, followed by a tasting that includes olive oil, yogurt, bread, fruit, cheese, and raki—the local anise-flavored alcoholic beverage. The staff are incredibly friendly, and the merchandise is adorable, though I couldn't buy any due to my (extremely) full carry-on.
6. Maybe Wine Tour - Even though we didn't get a chance to do a wine tour on Crete, we did make up for it by drinking a number of their wines (favourites being - Domaine Karanika Extra Brut Cuvée Speciale 2022 and Douloufakis 'Dafnios' Vidiano 2022) I highly recommend it. The island is home to numerous local wineries, offering a rich variety of wines and stunning views of the beautiful Cretan landscape. 
7. Samarian Gorge - Unfortunately, we did not do this hike due to the intense heat, with temperatures reaching between 35 and 37 degrees. However, it comes highly recommended for its breathtaking views, diverse landscapes, and access to secluded beaches. The trail offers a mix of scenic vistas and natural beauty that make it a memorable adventure.
8. Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete - I highly recommend visiting the botanical garden in Crete. It offers a shaded, leisurely walk through a variety of tree species, with delightful peek-a-boo views of the surrounding landscape. Plus, the gift shop is fantastic, featuring unique and memorable souvenirs.
9. Dessert + Digestif - In Crete, it’s a local custom to offer a dessert and/or digestif at the end of every meal. From port-like dessert wines and Mastika—a bubblegum-flavored liqueur—to Greek yogurt-flavored ice cream and halva with pistachios, there’s always something delightful to conclude your meal. Be sure not to fill up on appetizers and dinner, as you'll want to save room for these delicious treats!
10. Old Port - The Old Port in Chania is a fantastic place to stroll and explore, with its vibrant mix of shops, people-watching opportunities, and family-friendly atmosphere. The waterfront is lined with restaurants offering beautiful water views. Although some advise against dining at these spots, we had an exquisite experience at Pallas Chania, where the Dakos Salata (Cretan salad) was incredible and everything else looked amazing. For a different experience, we also visited Mitsis, a cozy wine bar tucked away off the main drag, where we enjoyed a delicious and intimate dinner.
11. Bonus: Visiting Rethymno - this is a quick drive with a scenic waterfront where you can explore it's historic fort and enjoy the charming old town.