Crete

Aaahh Crete!
A place that deserves all the love and attention you could give.
When you hear Greece or Greek Islands what do you imagine? Amazing blue waters, sweet little white buildings, extremely hospitable people and sand as soft as silk? Well, Greece and her lands is all that. But Crete...well, Crete is something more. The history, the pink-sand beaches, the breathtaking views, the possibilities for nature lovers are endless from pink-sand beaches through scary deep gorges to high peaks and  hidden gems all over the island.
Our amazing adventure began on a Saturday evening, travelling to the airport for several hours to catch the 6a.m. flight. By approaching our destination the view from the airplane was jaw-dropping. Never before have I seen such nuances of blue and green mixed in a perfect symbiosis.

Upon landing we hopped straight into a rent car and drove to the Palace of Knossos, also known as The Home of the Minotaur. The information signs at the site are really helpful and even if you have no clue who the Minotaur and Queen Ariadne were, you will be able to catch up really fast. Stop and enjoy many of the restored frescoes, notice the huge earthen jars and just sink into the atmosphere of prehistoric life.
After taking a night walk around Heraklion and getting a good night sleep, we were ready for the real vacation. We drove to the other side of the island, making a sweet B&B our Cretan HQ, as we had planed 2 hikes and 3 beaches for our 5-day stay.
Must DOs:
1. Samaria Gorge. That was my first big hike ever. And since then I never stopped. Doing this hike was an amazing adventure. And here's how to do it right. Get to the start either by car or by public transportation. Consider going very early in the morning if you want to miss the crowds of tourists. Best way is to start it from the top and going down. But if you are an experienced hiker other way round is also doable. Take your time and enjoy the views despite the 17km waiting for you ahead. It might look a lot but it is possible to be done in about 5 to 6 hours.

Samaria Gorge: So it begins

Be sure to take snacks and water with you, but not too much! There are places along the way where you can refill.  At the end there will be a restaurant waiting for you with fresh drinks and delicious food. Take a break and enjoy the silence and peacefulness of the place. Then head down to the small village of Agia Roumeli and take a well deserved sunbath and swim at the crystal blue seas. Be sure to check the ferry schedule, as you do not have any other option to go back (unless you want to hike the gorge back).
As I said, at this point I wasn't much of a hiker and on the next day my legs hurt like never before. This is why we decided to explore the beaches on the island for the rest of our stay. Be sure not to miss them, you won't be disappointing one bit.

Balos Beach: View from the hiking path to the beach

2. Balos Beach: it can be reached in two ways: from Kissamos by boat or by car on a very dirty, difficult road. If you love your car, or you have an expensive rental, better take the boat. If you want
to test your driving skills though, have in mind that you have a some walking to and from the beach. The parking is very limited and many people park on the road, which makes it even more narrow and difficult. But the view is totally worth it!

Elafonisi: Paradise on earth

3. Elafonisi Beach: it takes a long ride down to this beach, but the coastal scenery will leave you breathless. Once there, you will never want to leave. There are actually two beaches, connected by a thin strip. There are plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas. The pink sand, the turquoise water and the surrounding hills will make you fill comfy and happy.
4. Falasarna Beach: Meets the standards for a perfect Cretan beach. Shades of blue never seen before, fine, golden sand and plenty of space for everybody!
At the end of this paradise trip we hop on a ship, had a good night sleep and arrived at Athena. But that is a story for another time.

Just a few more tips:
1.Be sure to wear a hat, as in summer the sun could be really strong and merciless.
2. The most convenient way to travel is by car. At best book a rent-a-car in advance, They will be waiting for you at the airport.
3. If you are staying at a hotel go out for dinner. Try everything, talk to the locals, take a refreshing walk along the sea side