By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Crete is a heaven for nature lovers and those combining adventure and fun on their vacation. The island offers a variety of activities and opportunities for exploring nature and promises a unique and unforgettable experience for those who decide to explore it.
With its magnificent nature and constant landscape alternation, Crete of four seasons never gets boring. A first visit to Crete is usually followed by a second, as visitors are enchanted by the beauty of the island.
Guests can choose among many activities, depending on their interests. Especially for nature lovers, this place is a real paradise!
Hiking, canyoning, climbing, scuba diving, horse riding, caving, trekking, skiing, mountain climbing, parasailing, windsurfing, and kite surf are some of the activities that Crete offers. All those are combined with a great variety of lodging options; from small family hotels or agritourism cottages to luxurious all inclusive hotels.
Crete – Faragi Samaria Video from Incredible Crete on Vimeo.
Breaking the waves
Windsurfing and kitesurfing are the two most popular wave sports in Crete. In recent years fans of a new form of sport, stand up paddle (SUP), have increased. During winter days, the most adventurous take up surfing.
Diving
Crete retains its rugged terrain below sea surface, forming imposing abysses, caves and reefs. Furthermore, numerous shipwrecks and airplane carcasses are scattered round Crete, a reminder of the island’s the history.
Conquering Deep Blue
The options for exploring the coasts of the island are endless. There are daily boat services to many of the most famous remote beaches, such as Balos, Preveli and Agia Roumeli. Visitors can also take trips to the islands of Chrissi, Gavdos, Dia and Koufonisi.
Trekking and Climbing
The best way to explore Crete is to walk off the bitten track, follow ancient paths, enjoy the wonderful scents of herbs in the canyons, climb on the tops of the highest mountains and gaze at the deep blue Cretan and Libyan Sea on the horizon.
Caves
The existence of numerous caves is inextricably linked to the rugged topography of Crete. Crete has more than 4.500 mapped caves and sinkholes, available to each experienced speleologist who wants to enjoy their rich decoration and fauna.
Canyoning and Climbing
In the rugged terrain of Crete, rivers meet large faults and steep descents during their course through the canyons, forming hundreds of small and high waterfalls.
Crossing gorges of Crete with high waterfalls is possible only by using technical equipment. Appropriate training in canyoneering techniques can be offered by specialist companies on the island.
Adrenaline at …heights
The island of Icarus and Daedalus is home to several companies and clubs that organize contests or offer lessons and equipment for air sports.
Snow Sports
Apart from Cretans, most visitors ignore that the snowy peaks of the Cretan mountains in winter are ideal for snow sports. All mountaineering clubs on the island organize courses and training sessions related to snow mountaineering, especially in the ranges of White Mountains and Psiloritis. Mountaineering is usually combined with a stay in one of the many mountain shelters.
Nature Activities
Crete offers a very wide range of options for experiences that will follow the visitor forever, most of which are related to nature.
Off-road exploration
The rugged terrain of Crete is a paradise for lovers of off-road exploration. Driving in dirt tracks, on the edge of steep slopes with breathtaking sea views, is a unique experience.
Sport Tourism
Visitors of Crete can practice some of their favorite sports or be introduced to new ones. Every year, navy clubs organize open-sea sailing races such as J24, Regatta and Laser. Moreover, modern basketball and soccer courts host international matches. Associations of martial arts host world class events. Athletics, marathon and trail running are also very common.
Apart from common sports, for which facilities are available all over the island, there are less known sports to practice. Paintball is very popular in major cities. Similarly, there are shooting, archery and fencing clubs. Towns and some hotels house bowling centers that organize national and international tournaments. There are also many tracks for kart and unmanned vehicles. A 9-hole golf course operates in Elounda, while the 18-hole course at Hersonissos is soon expected to re-operate.
Tip
Crete hosts 4 large water parks!