The Greek island of Crete pretty much evokes your standard turquoise-water and cocktail drenched holiday tapestry. The largest of Greek’s numerous islands (there are 6,000 of them), Crete has long drawn tourists attracted to its many beaches, ancient history, fantastic food and buzzing nightlife. But did you know Crete is also a fantastic destination for adventure enthusiasts, with a huge array of choice and variety whatever your endorphin-fuelled passion is? I packed up my backpack in search of the unknown, heading to the North West of Crete (Chania).

The town of Chania is built on the site of the ancient Kidonia, one of the most important cities of Crete according to Homer. The surviving architectural remains of the city belong to large size buildings from the Mycenaean times, and the bewitching magic of the remaining buildings will capture your imagination from the get-go.

WHAT TO DO

SURFING

Unaware that you can hit the surf in Crete? So was I. A few days before departure a fellow surfer informed me Chania is actually home to Crete’s best surf spots. Straight away on our first day, the surf gods delivered. Granted it wasn’t overhead clean and pumping, but surfing warm, clean water, and discovering the magic of the Greek surf community was a revelation for me having grown up in Greece and never surfed there before. I was stoked out by the welcoming Greek surf community (shout-out Eleni, Thomas and Daphnee) who were so stoked to share waves and meet a fellow frother.

PERFECT FOR:

Beginners. Winter-time apparently brings better swells

SURF WITH:

Surf Island Crete, where you can rent boards and book lessons (ask for coach Thomas)

KIT:

Bikinis, boardshorts and shorties all round

MOTORBIKE TOURING

Driving around Crete (once you leave the busy town centres) is a dream, with beautiful mountain routes and tucked away sun-dappled towns to discover. Get off the beaten track (avoiding mid-day hours: it’s SCORCHING) and head for the hills at sunset to discover magic.

The AGIA LAKE and park was a stunning discovery of ours one dusty ride-out. A small lake that hosts the largest variety of aquatic plants in Crete, and and species of ferns, frogs and birds, listen to the sounds of cicadas singing as you take a stroll around the beautiful island lake.

Remember, the roads in Greece can be pretty wild and are renowned for it. Drive safe, be aware, pay attention, and you’ll be good!

RENT WITH: Hot Wheels Greece (Scooters and Enduro)

freediving

Our main pull to Crete was to complete a free-diving course. Crete boasts a number of dive schools and we lucked out with an awesome coach (Panos) whilst we spent the days practising free-diving techniques at the pool before heading into the Big Blue.

One of the most popular diving areas in Crete is Chania. You can find stone arches, fantastic volcanic rocky reefs, and an abundance of marine life in the water surrounding Chania town. See unique black corals and marine life unique to this magical Aegean island.

There are dive shops dotting the entire shoreline of Crete, so you won’t have a hard time finding a suitable place to drop anchor. The surprisingly clear blue waters of the Mediterranean beckon divers from around the world. There are dives on Crete that run the gamut of experience levels, from newbies to masters. A particular favourite activity is night diving, taking the already surreal environment to new heights.

Dive With: Omega Divers

BEACHES

ELAFONISSI

We drove out to Elafonissi beach, a beautiful sandy beach fringed with pink coral sand and the crystal clear waters of the sea and the lagoon (one of Crete’s most famous beaches. So expect people!).

As it is located at a remote corner of Crete you also get a sense of wilderness, though expect crowds if you don’t stray far from the main beach.

The water is mind-bogglingly clear. I practised some breath-hold rock running whilst in the water, enamoured with the wildly beautiful clear waters.

BALOS

Balos Beach, another popular pink-sand lagoon near Chania, is a favourite for tourists If you don’t like crowds, you’d better avoid to visit the beach in July and August. Also, a good idea is to arrive at Balos in the morning, before the boats arrive from Kissamos.

CANYONING

Western Crete has a number of killer canyoning spots. Choose from a variety of canyons that vary in length and difficulty, heading high into Crete’s beautiful mountains, with spectacular views of the island and the Mediterranean Sea.

Climb With: Adrenaline Hunter

EXPLORING

The Old Town of Rethymno

Romantic small alleys and beautiful architecture – the beauty of the Old Town of Chania, which is a mosaic of monuments that still remain alive throughout centuries, is captivating and mystical. With Venetian fortifications, Orthodox and Catholic churches, mosques, houses with Renaissance elements, arched passageways and narrow alleys creating a unique atmosphere.

Clustered around the 1821 Square, Chania’s Splantzia district is a concentrated slice of the city’s Turkish occupied past. Visit the 14th-century church of Agios Nikolaos, with its bell tower and lofty minaret; tuck into meze dishes; and browse the book stores and knife-making workshops along the flower-strewn Maxaradika street.

The venetian harbour in Chania with its bustling markets, and the Adora local food market hall are must visits. The Agora has been the main source point of herbs and spices, fruit and vegetables, even fresh fish since 1913 for both locals and visitors.

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WHERE TO EAT

Taverna Elià,

Leading to the stunning countryside surrounding Chania, was a must-eat for us. Get a table under the beautiful olive tree in the outdoor terrace and wear soft-waisted trousers: the generously stacked portions of rich lamb stews, Cretan salads and fresh flavours of the island are incredible. Low-key with a star-lit sky above and very friendly staff meant we ate here twice.

Leventis Taverna Nestled betwixt the lush hills and valleys of North-West Crete, Levantis boasts unparalleled views, incredibly local specialities and a family-run ambience

Tabakaria Found in the atmospheric leather tanning district of Chania old town, come here for amazing sunsets and a romantic sea-side taverna specialising in fresh fish.