No exaggeration about the people. I have been all over Greece and the people of Crete are incomparably hospitable, and in a genuine way, not just because you are a tourist.
@@jakegreek1 yea I have found the same. There is something extra special about the hospital there. The level of service has been amazing. Also, I think the quality of wine, cheese, and oil among other products to be some the best on the planet! The Cretans are proud of the quality of their products.
I'm an archaeologist who spent a summer working at Knossos and this brought back so many happy memories! I've backpacked all around the world and yet Crete remains one of my very favourite islands 😍
the hospitality of this place is totally unmatched. i don’t think they put on an act towards tourists, i just think they genuinely love people in general
My father comes from crete. For holidays it's ok, but if you have to deal with different offices you need a lot of patience (paying your water bill by invoice impossible, you have to pay cash). They work extremly slow. To get a greek ID where I live it's around 100$, in greece it's 50 cents. But It means that you make an appointment, but then you wait for 2 hours (it's just a laminated piece of paper with a stamp).I can't appreciate my stay that much, because every time I visit I have to deal with some kind of bureaucracy. Do you know what I mean by Permit A38 from The Twelve Tasks of Asterix? Most of the time it feels like that. It's difficult to see the good things most of the time. I only see poverty, too many cars (with no parking spots), too many strays and too many animal abusers (dogs locked in tiny spaces all their lives)
Haha well me too , best tomatoes i've ever had . Ordered a caprese salad ( thinking i'd get lettuce and everything) was quite surprised i got tomatoes and mozarella only . Then i started eating it and it was one of the best things i ate in my life :D
I lived on Crete 1982-84 (USAF) and the saying for Greek time was "Tomorrow, tomorrow" not that they were lazy, just not in a rush to do anything. LOVED the food, people, sites, and culture.
And to be fair, a lot of things still happen on time. So they just have figured out a way to live more peacefully and without needless stress. Good for them.
Went to Crete this summer with my partner.I can honestly say it was one of the best holidays we've ever had.The food the weather the beer🤩I would recommend it to anyone!
@@iamanto1 I've decided on agia marina. good price and not far from chania town. Thanks for your replies, i'm buzzing now,can't wait. It's my longest flight to date. not a good flyer,lol.
Absolutely adore Chania, and Crete in general. Spent 7 months working on Chania harbour back in 2017. The people are genuinely lovely, the food incredible (if you choose wisely) and the climate is second to none. My favourite place I’ve ever visited. ❤
@@woltersworld Parakalo :) , next time if you ever come to Chania , i can saw you many unseen treasures, as well as host you in my home ;) Just get in touch with me.. lots and loads of love :)
Love the passion in the way Mark describes this place. He really speaks from the heart and you can sense his genuineness. I would absolutely love to go to Crete.
lived lived in crete when i was younger, about the weather he mentioned the breeze, the meltemi winds dont start in crete till mid june before that it is baking hot and sticky, so go after mid june.
Wow Mark. I am following you already a couple of years but this review makes me really proud. Thank you for loving our island so much. Greetings from Crete. I wish you and your subscribers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
The Best is Being There and the Worst is Having to Leave!! I lived above the Royal Cafe in Kounoupidiana from Jan 1996 to January 1997and I swear, Crete is a Wonderful Island.
I can support, first hand, the sentiments about hospitality. They wrote the book on hospitality! Super genuine. Loved, loved, loved Crete. The food will, by far, make up for the driving!
I love Crete. I was stationed in Greece years ago. Gotta make it back there. I learned to drive a stick shift there and bought my lil car for only $250 dollars at the time. Hersonissos was lit too. Love Greece.
The need for an Int'l license was changed a few years ago. As long as you are a tourist staying less than 6 months, a US license should be accepted. We reserved a car during our 2022 visit, but the company claimed that we needed the International license and wouldn't give us the car. I called another company who did bring us a car - delivering it to our rental. It's certainly worth checking to make sure that everything is clear when you make the reservation.
@@ATrainTravels I like it better than Crete because it has a lot of variety of landscape from white sand beaches, ancient cities perched on breathtaking cliffs, vineyards that meet the sea, red rock formations with deep blue sea backdrops. Sicily is also amazing.
Kerri Jamison I love Sicily. It’s my favourite place in the world. It’s the prettiest island of the Mediterranean in my opinion. It has more unique ancient sites than any other island. Agrigento, Selinunte and Segesta have some extremely well preserved and unique Doric temples that can only be compared to the ones in Athens. Also their cities are very pretty. Syracusa, Palermo, Catania are the most beautiful ones, with rich baroque architecture. It’s also worth noting that mount etna is in Sicily.
This is the only video on Crete I watched all the way thru and didn’t skip any part. I loved how direct and authentic you were. No need for fancy drone footage of all the same beaches or vibey euro beach music in the background- just a simple ‘how it is’ video. I’m going with my 2 boys this summer and really liked the snorkeling suggestion (but will watch out for octopuses!!!). Thanks man! Great job
People should visit the south of the Island. Irapetra, Matala, and Agia Galini are amazing places. There's a different pace to life on the south of the Island much more laid back and way way cheaper than the northern coast..
So great seeing you on Crete and Chania. Brings back a lot of memories. I have been there almost every year the last 5-6 year at least, last time in end of may when celebrating my birthday there. I recognize many of the places on the video, even saw on table at a restaurant we sat on last time. I really like it there, obviously and agree with you on many things. For me it is holiday to just walk “downtown” in around the harbour in Chania and enjoying a Mythos or the local drought. Or just laying on the beach and enjoy a good lunch. You are right about the prizes, even the tourist prices at the harbor in Chania are low compared to other places. I recommend to stay in Nea Chora. It is just 15-20 minutes walk from the center of Chania, but it is still a come area. I especially recommend hotel Klinakis. It is run by two lovely sisters. Tell them I said hello :) I have been there often in the end of may/beginning of June, or late August. Then the prices are lower, but still warm temperatures.
I'm from Crete, living in Heraklion. the things that Wolters World saying are all accurate! Great video! I want to support you and i am willing to meet any visitor here and guide them arround or provide any info they need. Cheers!
My wife and I have been to Crete twice, and we plan to go back again. We just love it. Like you said, once you get used to it, the driving is fine. You just need to be very aware all of the time. Also, you don’t need an international license any more(but I get one anyway). Everything you said is true; the beaches, the sun, the sites and the people make it a wonderful place to visit.
Nice video! As a Buckeye ExPat living here for a bit over 13 years, the driving took a bit getting used to. Crete has the highest insurance rates after Athens. Way too many drunk drivers here and motorcyclists trying to become your hood ornament. If you go grocery shopping here in Greece in general, the prices listed include the VAT tax and yes they tax food items at the grocery stores here( something we did not have in Ohio ). You can't beat the weather here, over 300 sun days a year and yes it's great all year long and we do have a limited winter tourist season, the snow birds of Germany and France as well as the UK. We are situated just outside Rethymno which lies about halfway between Chania and Herakion. There are local beers here that are fantastic if one enjoys a great beer. Brinks which offeres a dark and blond beer which are unfiltered and not filled with preservatives. There is also a new kid on the block called Cretan Kings, another fine beer. There is also a third airport which is the smallest situated on the eastern side of the island just outside of Sitia which is the newest airport on the island. The airport in Herakion is the oldest and shows its age while the Airport in Chania was purchased by Frapport of Germany several years back during a mandatory EU legislation requiring the privatization of many of Greek owned airports. They have done a fabulous job of modernizing and bringing this airport into the 21st century. Earlier this year RyanAir pulled out of Chania complaining of high landing and service fees however Aegean Air and Olympic still fly out of there. As for getting reasonable prices for food, yes hit the villages! Great food and plenty of it! Sunblock, a wide brimmed hat, and sunglasses are required from April until October and even in the "off" months you will need the hat and sunglasses. As for security in the hotels, many will have in room safes, personally I don't trust the electronic models since they tend to have weaknesses in their locking systems. Do yourself a favor, leave most of your jewelry at home. Don't invite trouble by advertising with bling. This really applies to any travel in the EU. Be ready to eat well, drink well and have a great time here on the island!
I am from Germany..I have been around the world, but don't know what it is ? Creta It does make me feel like I'm in heaven.!!.. the best place in the world!!! And I keep coming back...I love tha Land..👌
Crete is my favourite island. I wanted to say that, for all of you who don't drive, or want to relax on holiday, the buses are very good. Years ago when I lived there for a while and based in Chania, I went all over the island by bus. Start off at Chania bus station and go wherever you want, although, after saying that, the far west needs a car. Best day of my life was Samaria Gorge. Start off at the bus station, get a bus to the Omalos Plateau, walk down 1000 steps into the gorge, spend 5 hours of delight walking the gorge, have a swim and dinner at the other end at Romalos then get the boat to Sfakia where you can then catch a bus back to Chania. Paradise.
Great video Wolter! You mentioned at 07:58 that you can arrive by air in Crete through 2 airports but the island has 3 airports! Heraklion, Chania & Sitia
Such a great video! I visited Crete last December and it was magical. Unfortunately the weather wasn't too kind to us and it was raining with low Temps but the locals, the views, the food and the rakomelo made it all worth it!
Going to Greece in Summer and not bringing a sunblock/sunscreen is not Crete's fault... it just shows those tourist have no idea about their destination's climate
Born and raised in the US but my great grandpa was born in the town of Agia Roumeli and immigrated to New York, now I’m living in seattle. Miserable, wasnt born there but I miss it the history, weather, and beaches. Love 🇬🇷
Loved Crete, nice people. nice food. Roads are good and quite empty in September. Driving was a pleasure after finding my bearings going into Heraklion by bus at first.
Absolutely loved Crete! Seeing your b roll footage brought back so many memories!!! I went just before tourist season and it was gorgeous, not busy at all but most of the shops were open! There is some really good hiking as well as beaches. The buses were very easy to use, I just picked up a pass from the convenience store.
We had great weather for two weeks in May. Had a fantastic time, historical site, great food, best hospitality and super value for money. I was surprised by the lack of flights. We had booked direct flights well in advance and had two flights cancelled.
Been all over the world, Crete is my favourite place. Massive memories of 2004 when Greece won the euros the amount of free shots that night 😂 Going back in a couple of weeks, missed this wonderful Island!
Wolter the Greek Tourist Board should hire you buddy. I love your videos, you have a great disposition. You are a shining star and should be an example to other bloggers Cheers!
Taking the overnight ferry (especially with a cabin) is the best way of getting to Crete. I've done it many times from Athens and it's still my favourite way to travel
Planing to go to Crete in mid May with my family. We’ll be spending a lot of time swimming but I’m worried that pools and seas might still be cold for swimming in May. Anyone with experience about this? will the sea and unheated pools be warm for swimming in May?
I went to Crête in May many years ago. Not only was the water warm for bathing l got a bad sunburn just by walking around. The sun is no joke here just like Marc says.
I've heard thru various websites that Crete is quite good for hiking. Would you say that this is true? (These websites also give high marks to Corsica among the many Mediterranean islands.)
I'm from Crete, yes we have good hikes, samaria is very nice, and parts of the E4 trail are very nice as well. Bring lots of water and a hat though, the sun is unforgiving in the summer
West Crete, Chania Region is very popular for hiking. You can find there the White Mountains with a lot of choices for hiking, like the Samaria Gorge. Look for more to the site of the Greek Mountaineering Club. www.eoshanion.gr/en/
I had a gf from Crete and I broke up with her at Christmas Eve and I left her house before midnight and hit the streets of Chania I slept at a bench that night. And the mountain far away I could see it white from snow and I was cold So three stray dogs that were also cold came and slept by my side and we warmed one another I was dirty the next day but the dogs slept warm I slept warm so it was a good experience and the dogs were happy and I was ready to continue finding a way back to Athens where I live Maybe the dogs saved me this way because I was really drunk and could not feel all the cold and some people die this way Thank you dogs of Chania be well
Im glad you mentioned the people, they are so kind, hospitable and friendly, they dont hassle you either. We love crete for the food and the people. Prices are good, you dont feel you are being rinsed of your money. The weather, yeah I agree, you can get burned really easy, and it can spoil your holiday. We stay in a small fishing village called Panormos, ideal for couples. You feel safe and welcomed. Great review fella thank you, subbed.
I agree with Walter regarding the love and hate about Crete but I went to Crete around early May and had no issues - probably the best time to go there
Loving your enthusiastic commentaries. I usually get annoyed listening to someone over yt for more than few minutes, but liked your continuous talk. Keep it up!
Agree with the strong sun. Been to Crete a week ago from Germany and I really needed the sunblock. I got only a few minor sun burns, but I was being very careful. I guess getting second degree burns in Gran Canaria a few years back taught me for live. :D
Thank you Mark! Excellent video! I'm returning "home" to Greece in the near future! It will be my first time in Crete! Your insight is so valuable as always! The Wolters are the best!
Things you might hate is literally all the reasons I go on holiday 1. Driving is scary nope Driving is fun 2. Sun is hot 🤷🏻♂️ sun is hot 3. Crete time = Relaxed attitude Haha
Thera, Modern Greek Thíra, also called Santorin, or Santoríni, island, southernmost island of the Cyclades (Modern Greek: Kykládes) group, southeastern Greece, in the Aegean Sea, sometimes included in the Southern Sporades group. It constitutes a dímos (municipality) within the South Aegean (Nótio Aigaío) periféreia (region). Thera Geologically, Thera is the remaining eastern half of an exploded volcano. Its bow-shaped rim and the remnant isles of Thirasía and Aspronísi form an open lagoon that measures 37 miles (60 km) in circumference. In the centre of the lagoon are two active volcanic islets, Néa Kaméni (“New Burnt Island”) and Palaía Kaméni (“Old Burnt Island”). Thera proper consists largely of lava and pumice, the latter of which is the island’s main export. Red-wine grapes are also grown. The lagoon is rimmed by red-, white-, and black-striped volcanic cliffs rising to almost 1,000 feet (300 metres). The summit of Thera is the 1,857-foot (566-metre) limestone Mount Profítis Ilías in the southeast. The chief town, Thíra (locally called Firá), was badly damaged by an earthquake in 1956. Other settlements include Emboríon and Pírgos to the south and the port of Oía at the north entrance to the lagoon, which was destroyed by the 1956 earthquake. Islands and Archipelagos What are the islands of the Maldives made of? What is the world’s largest archipelago? Sort out the facts about islands across the globe. Known as Calliste (“Most Beautiful”) in antiquity, Thera was occupied before 2000 BCE. One of the largest volcanic eruptions known occurred on the island. This is thought to have occurred about 1500 BCE, although, based on evidence obtained during the 1980s from a Greenland ice-core and tree-ring and radiocarbon dating, some scholars believe that it occurred earlier, during the 1620s BCE. Ash and pumice from the eruption have been found as far away as Egypt and Israel, and there has been speculation that the eruption was the source of the legend of Atlantis and stories in the Old Testament book of Exodus. During the Bronze Age the island of Crete, some 70 miles (110 km) south of Thera, was the centre of Minoan civilization. About 1450 BCE most major settlements in central and southern Crete were destroyed by fire and abandoned. In 1939 the Greek archaeologist Spyridon Marinatos suggested that the eruption on Thera had led to the collapse of the Minoan civilization; his theory was widely accepted. During the 1980s, however, archaeologists found evidence that Minoan culture continued to flourish for some time after the eruption. Archaeological evidence also indicated that the amounts of ash from the eruption that fell on Crete were not enough to cause significant damage to crops or buildings. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. About the beginning of the 1st millennium BCE, Dorian settlers from the mainland landed on Thera. About 630 the important Theran colony of Cyrene was settled on the north coast of Africa, in accord with a command of the Delphic oracle. From that period date many of the ruins of the ancient city of Thera, unearthed (1895-1903) by a German archaeologist on the east coast. The earliest excavations by the French School at Athens (1869) uncovered a Middle Minoan, or Cycladic (c. 2000-c. 1570 BCE), the city beneath the pumice at the northern tip of Thirasía. Of even greater significance was the excavation begun by Marinatos during the 1960s south of Akrotíri village, which revealed a rich Minoan city buried under the volcanic debris just as it stood at the time of the eruption. The city (still being excavated) consisted of large, well-built, multi-story houses that contain some of the finest Minoan frescoes found in the Mediterranean. The discoveries show that strong links existed during the Bronze Age between Crete and Thera. Pop. (2001) 13,725; (2011) 15,550.
Creete one of the most beautiful islands of the world, if not the most beautiful! Im from Athens, but my grandpa from Creete, Chania! I am amazed, how much you love Creta and Greece!
The rolled pasta is called 'skioufikta' which are usually cooked in broth and then served with 'anthotiro' , a local cheese. Thanks for your video and geia sou from Crete.
Only just found your great video, spot on with your advice. People need to leave everything behind when you visit as Crete is' a whole different world. I lived in the White Mountains for many years, so it's great to hear your enthusiasm for a beautiful island, especially the culture and the genuinely welcoming people. Thanks again
funny story about having an international driving license in greece from the US- i have a cousin who lives and works in istanbul at the moment and i went to go visit her. we booked a weekend at the closest greek island and we decided we would just drive over from istanbul. she has a turkish drivers license and a car, but she rarely ever drives so the plan was for me to drive her car. i thought greece was like any other country which does not require a international permit so i didnt think anything of it until the night before we were going. i decided to double check and i learned i needed the permit!! oopsssss!!! we decided to go anyway and see what would happen, and the border agent said they would NOT let me drive the car into greece so we thought all hope was lost. luckily, on the turkish side, they have a service where someone with a turkish license can pay a fee and have their license turned into an international one. so she ended up having to drive in and it caused us a few hours of STRESS!! but now i know for next time. wish this video was around back in july hahahaha
hi you missed the most beautiful place on the island of crete paleohora, its south west part of the island right on the Libyan sea , its a stunning village which has a twoand a half hour transfer from the airport but my goodness when you arrive its stunning , the streets are closed at tea time to traffic and all the tables and chairs fill the streets children are alloed to play safely , music softly playing in the background with the sea lapping its truly beautiful, at dusk the mountains turn a soft red against the turquoise waters , boats arriving from the whale and dolphin watching sight seers , it comes alive , the old ferry docks from its days service , docking next to the dolphin boats , children swimming around the the ferry without fear , as everyone looks after everyones children its such a unique place that what brings us back , the people , they are so special so welcoming , this little place is unlike any other i have visited before . a truly beautiful spot of crete . my regards liz .
Great enthusiasm! Suggest if visiting Knossos independently that you turn up seriously early to avoid crowds and heat as far as possible. Check for other excavated Minoan sites, there are several and most have guidebooks. They’re often very much less crowded and on spectacular sites. There are also good, relevant museums, especially in Iraklio and Chania. Also other historic sites, Roman, Ottoman etc. Many unfrequented. Worth a good map and a bit of research.
Great Clip Mark, looks amazing, we're going to Agia Marina next month and cant wait! Would love to know that restaurant where you had that big plate of Gyro meat and bread???
1. Driving in Chania is nuts, true. 2. Everything outside the US is stick shift. 3. Get used to the sun. It changes you for the better. Siesta midday. Sunblock? Just watch it! 4. The breeze can whip at you in the mountains. 5. Don't put toa paper in the toilets. 6. Raki is often free. 7. Stress out. 8. Avoid peak season. 9. Take the ferry from Patras. Take a fast one. 10. Don't be a tourist. Go to ground. 11. The weather. It doesn't rain for 8 months. Let that sink in. 12. Go to ground. Don't hit tourist attractions FFS. 14. Watch your budget. The locals are too. 15. You can swim on the beaches but you can also dine there. Big one. 16. Get a house. Research before you travel. Rent a car on the island. 17. There is only the north side. South is a day trip (Samaria Gorge). 18. You don't need to *learn* a few words - but it's fun. 19. Xenofilia. 20. Mythos is the best beer. 21. Local wines beat fancy stuff from the continent and are very very cheap. 22. Yes dine in the local villages. 23. Basically vegetarian. 24. You don't want big dishes - you want lots of small ones.
No exaggeration about the people. I have been all over Greece and the people of Crete are incomparably hospitable, and in a genuine way, not just because you are a tourist.
AS they are on Kalymnos I might ad. No interest in tourist Euros, only pure hospitality
I'm from Κρήτη (Crete) and I can tell you for sure that every person from here loves people
@@jakegreek1 yea I have found the same. There is something extra special about the hospital there. The level of service has been amazing. Also, I think the quality of wine, cheese, and oil among other products to be some the best on the planet! The Cretans are proud of the quality of their products.
@@jakegreek1 discord.com/invite/xV7fMRT
@@itravelforfood5518 i agree...been here 25 years and there are definatly not all nice people in real life
I'm an archaeologist who spent a summer working at Knossos and this brought back so many happy memories! I've backpacked all around the world and yet Crete remains one of my very favourite islands 😍
Damn girl beautiful, well traveled and smart
We are happy to have you back!
the hospitality of this place is totally unmatched. i don’t think they put on an act towards tourists, i just think they genuinely love people in general
I love everything about Crete 🇬🇷❤️
It‘s my second home. I go twice a year. Can‘t live without Crete 😍❤️
feel you!
My father comes from crete. For holidays it's ok, but if you have to deal with different offices you need a lot of patience (paying your water bill by invoice impossible, you have to pay cash). They work extremly slow. To get a greek ID where I live it's around 100$, in greece it's 50 cents. But It means that you make an appointment, but then you wait for 2 hours (it's just a laminated piece of paper with a stamp).I can't appreciate my stay that much, because every time I visit I have to deal with some kind of bureaucracy. Do you know what I mean by Permit A38 from The Twelve Tasks of Asterix? Most of the time it feels like that.
It's difficult to see the good things most of the time. I only see poverty, too many cars (with no parking spots), too many strays and too many animal abusers (dogs locked in tiny spaces all their lives)
The best place to relax with so many beaches,tasty food and Cretan music
Recommended places?
I feel the same way. I’m going to Kos in august.
The best food I've ever had was on Crete. Just a simple Greek salad with the best tomatoes I've ever tasted was a enough to make my day.
Haha well me too , best tomatoes i've ever had . Ordered a caprese salad ( thinking i'd get lettuce and everything) was quite surprised i got tomatoes and mozarella only . Then i started eating it and it was one of the best things i ate in my life :D
Same here
Went in 06
That's hard to believe
Greek food is the best and healthiest for a long life
I lived on Crete 1982-84 (USAF) and the saying for Greek time was "Tomorrow, tomorrow" not that they were lazy, just not in a rush to do anything. LOVED the food, people, sites, and culture.
And to be fair, a lot of things still happen on time. So they just have figured out a way to live more peacefully and without needless stress. Good for them.
I am a Cretan, living in Heraklion, and I can say that this video is really useful and accurate!
Went to Crete this summer with my partner.I can honestly say it was one of the best holidays we've ever had.The food the weather the beer🤩I would recommend it to anyone!
hi i am looking for a holiday in crete, where would you recommend please?
We stayed in Rethymno.Beatuiful place.Nice and cheap to eat out.Plenty of shops to browse and good night life.
@@iamanto1 I've decided on agia marina. good price and not far from chania town. Thanks for your replies, i'm buzzing now,can't wait. It's my longest flight to date. not a good flyer,lol.
A tip, the south is better.
@@digenis5203 where in the south do you recommend? Thanks
Absolutely adore Chania, and Crete in general. Spent 7 months working on Chania harbour back in 2017. The people are genuinely lovely, the food incredible (if you choose wisely) and the climate is second to none. My favourite place I’ve ever visited. ❤
Me and my wife are from The Netherlands. We Saw over ten Different place in Greece. Greece is just awesome.
i am a tour guide from Crete, Chania , Mark is absolutely right on everything he said :) Keep up the great work sir :)
Efcharisto!!!
@@woltersworld Parakalo :) , next time if you ever come to Chania , i can saw you many unseen treasures, as well as host you in my home ;) Just get in touch with me.. lots and loads of love :)
@@loumidis15 what is the name of this dish @11:58?
@@ErinDavila76 its called "mousaka"
@@loumidis15 thank you for reply. It looks devine!
Getting ready for my Crete Trip, first stop Wolters World!
Thank you. Get the Crete pie if you find it. It's a meat pie that is insane good. Wish I was going back. Have fun!
Love the passion in the way Mark describes this place. He really speaks from the heart and you can sense his genuineness. I would absolutely love to go to Crete.
I am from Morocco and love Crete amazing people, food, beaches Best holidays I had with my kids 💕💕
Crete is safe. The shopping is beautiful and people don't hassle you. The food is incredible. Lots of history. And it's clean!
Thanks a lot about your love and the appreciation for my island! Im very happy to hear all those great words from you
I am from Athens,Greece and i have been to Crete twice.Everything Wolter said was on point,keep up the great work!
Efcharisto Moon Child!
Wolters World hahahahah parakalo
lived lived in crete when i was younger, about the weather he mentioned the breeze, the meltemi winds dont start in crete till mid june before that it is baking hot and sticky, so go after mid june.
Wow Mark. I am following you already a couple of years but this review makes me really proud. Thank you for loving our island so much. Greetings from Crete. I wish you and your subscribers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
The Best is Being There and the Worst is Having to Leave!!
I lived above the Royal Cafe in Kounoupidiana from Jan 1996 to January 1997and I swear, Crete is a Wonderful Island.
...that little suburb is beautiful. It has become way busier since the 90s due to the local University there. Best part of Chania !!
I can support, first hand, the sentiments about hospitality. They wrote the book on hospitality! Super genuine. Loved, loved, loved Crete. The food will, by far, make up for the driving!
I went to Crete about 20 times. And I will go again! Love the people! Karani!
I love Crete. I was stationed in Greece years ago. Gotta make it back there. I learned to drive a stick shift there and bought my lil car for only $250 dollars at the time. Hersonissos was lit too. Love Greece.
The need for an Int'l license was changed a few years ago. As long as you are a tourist staying less than 6 months, a US license should be accepted. We reserved a car during our 2022 visit, but the company claimed that we needed the International license and wouldn't give us the car. I called another company who did bring us a car - delivering it to our rental. It's certainly worth checking to make sure that everything is clear when you make the reservation.
I'm Cretan and I can confirm all! 😁
Most beautiful island in Mediterranean 👍
It's gorgeous!
Have you been to Corsica?
@@kerrijamison5961 Never. How is it?
@@ATrainTravels I like it better than Crete because it has a lot of variety of landscape from white sand beaches, ancient cities perched on breathtaking cliffs, vineyards that meet the sea, red rock formations with deep blue sea backdrops. Sicily is also amazing.
Kerri Jamison I love Sicily. It’s my favourite place in the world. It’s the prettiest island of the Mediterranean in my opinion. It has more unique ancient sites than any other island. Agrigento, Selinunte and Segesta have some extremely well preserved and unique Doric temples that can only be compared to the ones in Athens. Also their cities are very pretty. Syracusa, Palermo, Catania are the most beautiful ones, with rich baroque architecture. It’s also worth noting that mount etna is in Sicily.
The food is so delicious ! You are right! Greece is one of my favorite country!
beautiful place
This is the only video on Crete I watched all the way thru and didn’t skip any part. I loved how direct and authentic you were. No need for fancy drone footage of all the same beaches or vibey euro beach music in the background- just a simple ‘how it is’ video. I’m going with my 2 boys this summer and really liked the snorkeling suggestion (but will watch out for octopuses!!!). Thanks man! Great job
We’re going for at least 2 weeks - a family of 4 with kids your aged. Do you think 3 weeks would be too much in Crete? I value your advice!
People should visit the south of the Island. Irapetra, Matala, and Agia Galini are amazing places. There's a different pace to life on the south of the Island much more laid back and way way cheaper than the northern coast..
gotta have in lunch in krasi, under the canopy and shade of a tree that is older than the time of jesus.
Hah funny, a based youtuber...Greece is gorgeous. No wonder European Civilization originated from here eh?
So great seeing you on Crete and Chania. Brings back a lot of memories. I have been there almost every year the last 5-6 year at least, last time in end of may when celebrating my birthday there. I recognize many of the places on the video, even saw on table at a restaurant we sat on last time.
I really like it there, obviously and agree with you on many things. For me it is holiday to just walk “downtown” in around the harbour in Chania and enjoying a Mythos or the local drought. Or just laying on the beach and enjoy a good lunch.
You are right about the prizes, even the tourist prices at the harbor in Chania are low compared to other places.
I recommend to stay in Nea Chora. It is just 15-20 minutes walk from the center of Chania, but it is still a come area. I especially recommend hotel Klinakis. It is run by two lovely sisters. Tell them I said hello :)
I have been there often in the end of may/beginning of June, or late August. Then the prices are lower, but still warm temperatures.
I'm from Crete, living in Heraklion. the things that Wolters World saying are all accurate! Great video! I want to support you and i am willing to meet any visitor here and guide them arround or provide any info they need. Cheers!
Yammas 🥃
If you don't like driving there the busses will bring you everywhere :) I travelled around the whole islands for a month taking busses 😊
Good to know
I love Crete.
Greetings from Vienna
My wife and I have been to Crete twice, and we plan to go back again. We just love it. Like you said, once you get used to it, the driving is fine. You just need to be very aware all of the time. Also, you don’t need an international license any more(but I get one anyway).
Everything you said is true; the beaches, the sun, the sites and the people make it a wonderful place to visit.
Nice video! As a Buckeye ExPat living here for a bit over 13 years, the driving took a bit getting used to. Crete has the highest insurance rates after Athens. Way too many drunk drivers here and motorcyclists trying to become your hood ornament. If you go grocery shopping here in Greece in general, the prices listed include the VAT tax and yes they tax food items at the grocery stores here( something we did not have in Ohio ). You can't beat the weather here, over 300 sun days a year and yes it's great all year long and we do have a limited winter tourist season, the snow birds of Germany and France as well as the UK.
We are situated just outside Rethymno which lies about halfway between Chania and Herakion. There are local beers here that are fantastic if one enjoys a great beer. Brinks which offeres a dark and blond beer which are unfiltered and not filled with preservatives. There is also a new kid on the block called Cretan Kings, another fine beer.
There is also a third airport which is the smallest situated on the eastern side of the island just outside of Sitia which is the newest airport on the island. The airport in Herakion is the oldest and shows its age while the Airport in Chania was purchased by Frapport of Germany several years back during a mandatory EU legislation requiring the privatization of many of Greek owned airports. They have done a fabulous job of modernizing and bringing this airport into the 21st century. Earlier this year RyanAir pulled out of Chania complaining of high landing and service fees however Aegean Air and Olympic still fly out of there.
As for getting reasonable prices for food, yes hit the villages! Great food and plenty of it!
Sunblock, a wide brimmed hat, and sunglasses are required from April until October and even in the "off" months you will need the hat and sunglasses.
As for security in the hotels, many will have in room safes, personally I don't trust the electronic models since they tend to have weaknesses in their locking systems. Do yourself a favor, leave most of your jewelry at home. Don't invite trouble by advertising with bling. This really applies to any travel in the EU.
Be ready to eat well, drink well and have a great time here on the island!
I am from Germany..I have been around the world, but don't know what it is ? Creta It does make me feel like I'm in heaven.!!.. the best place in the world!!! And I keep coming back...I love tha Land..👌
Crete is my favourite island. I wanted to say that, for all of you who don't drive, or want to relax on holiday, the buses are very good. Years ago when I lived there for a while and based in Chania, I went all over the island by bus. Start off at Chania bus station and go wherever you want, although, after saying that, the far west needs a car. Best day of my life was Samaria Gorge. Start off at the bus station, get a bus to the Omalos Plateau, walk down 1000 steps into the gorge, spend 5 hours of delight walking the gorge, have a swim and dinner at the other end at Romalos then get the boat to Sfakia where you can then catch a bus back to Chania. Paradise.
Great video Wolter!
You mentioned at 07:58 that you can arrive by air in Crete through 2 airports but the island has 3 airports! Heraklion, Chania & Sitia
Such a great video! I visited Crete last December and it was magical. Unfortunately the weather wasn't too kind to us and it was raining with low Temps but the locals, the views, the food and the rakomelo made it all worth it!
I am glad you got to enjoy it anywwaay :)
Love Crete. Went for the nightlife in Malia, didn't go out much as did a lot of exploring as soooooo much. A lot of mythology comes from here.
When in Χανιά (Chania) you absolutely must try χάρμα (charma)! It is a locally brewed beer, and it is incredible
Cheers from Chania!
Very accurate, thank you. Been holidaying in Crete for years and finally moved here. Love the island and the people.
Wow. Must be great if you moved there! We are traveling for first time soon!
Going to Greece in Summer and not bringing a sunblock/sunscreen is not Crete's fault... it just shows those tourist have no idea about their destination's climate
one of the most extraordinary travel destinations just beautiful
Merry Christmas from Chania, Crete!!! Great video Mark 👍
Loved you review. I’ve been to Crete more than 10 times and you are spot on when describing Crete. 😊
Born and raised in the US but my great grandpa was born in the town of Agia Roumeli and immigrated to New York, now I’m living in seattle. Miserable, wasnt born there but I miss it the history, weather, and beaches. Love 🇬🇷
Paleochora in the end of September was wonderful, allways around 30 degrees and not overcrowded. The food was amazing.
The September at Chania we have the best weather to visit so many beautifull beaches to relax!!!
Loved Crete, nice people. nice food. Roads are good and quite empty in September. Driving was a pleasure after finding my bearings going into Heraklion by bus at first.
Absolutely loved Crete! Seeing your b roll footage brought back so many memories!!! I went just before tourist season and it was gorgeous, not busy at all but most of the shops were open! There is some really good hiking as well as beaches. The buses were very easy to use, I just picked up a pass from the convenience store.
That is such an awesome experience.
We had great weather for two weeks in May. Had a fantastic time, historical site, great food, best hospitality and super value for money. I was surprised by the lack of flights. We had booked direct flights well in advance and had two flights cancelled.
Been all over the world, Crete is my favourite place. Massive memories of 2004 when Greece won the euros the amount of free shots that night 😂 Going back in a couple of weeks, missed this wonderful Island!
I love Crete. I visit family there all the time. My favorite place in the world 🇬🇷
Wolter the Greek Tourist Board should hire you buddy. I love your videos, you have a great disposition. You are a shining star and should be an example to other bloggers Cheers!
Your enthusiasm is delightful! Enjoyed every bit of the video!
Taking the overnight ferry (especially with a cabin) is the best way of getting to Crete. I've done it many times from Athens and it's still my favourite way to travel
Good tip!
I'm from heraklion and I can confirm everything you said.
The absolute best thing about Crete .....the orange juice. Man is it good. (The rest of Crete is great).
Γεια σου παντερμη Κρητη!!!!
Orea
Crete is on my bucket list! Looks so beautiful! 🥰
2:37 "PURPLE TOURISTS!" needs to be a meme.
I was in Paliochora yesterday. You're right. Truly amazing place
Planing to go to Crete in mid May with my family. We’ll be spending a lot of time swimming but I’m worried that pools and seas might still be cold for swimming in May. Anyone with experience about this? will the sea and unheated pools be warm for swimming in May?
It's not that cold.
I went to Crête in May many years ago. Not only was the water warm for bathing l got a bad sunburn just by walking around. The sun is no joke here just like Marc says.
I've heard thru various websites that Crete is quite good for hiking. Would you say that this is true? (These websites also give high marks to Corsica among the many Mediterranean islands.)
I went to Samarias Gorge, a must if you like hiking and go to crete :) it's a 14-20 km hike down a gorge that goes 2000m deep.
I'm from Crete, yes we have good hikes, samaria is very nice, and parts of the E4 trail are very nice as well. Bring lots of water and a hat though, the sun is unforgiving in the summer
West Crete, Chania Region is very popular for hiking. You can find there the White Mountains with a lot of choices for hiking, like the Samaria Gorge. Look for more to the site of the Greek Mountaineering Club.
www.eoshanion.gr/en/
You can have from very easy hiking to very hardocore just be carefull
You really think that this dude has ever hiked...hahaha...
I had a gf from Crete and I broke up with her at Christmas Eve and I left her house before midnight and hit the streets of Chania
I slept at a bench that night. And the mountain far away I could see it white from snow and I was cold
So three stray dogs that were also cold came and slept by my side and we warmed one another
I was dirty the next day but the dogs slept warm I slept warm so it was a good experience and the dogs were happy and I was ready to continue finding a way back to Athens where I live
Maybe the dogs saved me this way because I was really drunk and could not feel all the cold and some people die this way
Thank you dogs of Chania
be well
It was Jesus who saved you from death by using the dogs. Thank Him
Im glad you mentioned the people, they are so kind, hospitable and friendly, they dont hassle you either. We love crete for the food and the people. Prices are good, you dont feel you are being rinsed of your money. The weather, yeah I agree, you can get burned really easy, and it can spoil your holiday. We stay in a small fishing village called Panormos, ideal for couples. You feel safe and welcomed. Great review fella thank you, subbed.
Wolter you make us miss Greece!The good and the bad..I hope I can come back in in the summer
Me too :)
I have visited Crete many many times and everything he says about hospitality on Crete is true. Fantastic local food too.
I love Crete. Everytime me and my family go, we always go to Stalis.
Thanks, This is 3 years ago. I wonder how much the prices have changed. I am going there 2024
Agreed on the advise to fly to the islands. Athens to Herklion was only $100 euros. 55min flight. 👌
I agree with Walter regarding the love and hate about Crete but I went to Crete around early May and had no issues - probably the best time to go there
Loving your enthusiastic commentaries. I usually get annoyed listening to someone over yt for more than few minutes, but liked your continuous talk. Keep it up!
Agree with the strong sun. Been to Crete a week ago from Germany and I really needed the sunblock. I got only a few minor sun burns, but I was being very careful. I guess getting second degree burns in Gran Canaria a few years back taught me for live. :D
It’s Cretan my dear friend. Thank you for all of the information here!!!
Your videos allow us to all to travel during the pandemic 😁 missing Greece so much, I was supposed to get married there in June!
Thank you Mark! Excellent video! I'm returning "home" to Greece in the near future! It will be my first time in Crete! Your insight is so valuable as always! The Wolters are the best!
I am really glad we could help Vicky!
Things you might hate is literally all the reasons I go on holiday
1. Driving is scary nope Driving is fun
2. Sun is hot 🤷🏻♂️ sun is hot
3. Crete time = Relaxed attitude
Haha
"Siga siga" hahaha!! Very nice and accurate video! Glad you had a great time there!
Thank you
NICE, JUST STUMBLED UPON THIS, THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION, I LIVE IN HERSONISSOS CRETE.
Great points about water safety and sun safety.
Thera, Modern Greek Thíra, also called Santorin, or Santoríni, island, southernmost island of the Cyclades (Modern Greek: Kykládes) group, southeastern Greece, in the Aegean Sea, sometimes included in the Southern Sporades group. It constitutes a dímos (municipality) within the South Aegean (Nótio Aigaío) periféreia (region).
Thera
Geologically, Thera is the remaining eastern half of an exploded volcano. Its bow-shaped rim and the remnant isles of Thirasía and Aspronísi form an open lagoon that measures 37 miles (60 km) in circumference. In the centre of the lagoon are two active volcanic islets, Néa Kaméni (“New Burnt Island”) and Palaía Kaméni (“Old Burnt Island”). Thera proper consists largely of lava and pumice, the latter of which is the island’s main export. Red-wine grapes are also grown. The lagoon is rimmed by red-, white-, and black-striped volcanic cliffs rising to almost 1,000 feet (300 metres). The summit of Thera is the 1,857-foot (566-metre) limestone Mount Profítis Ilías in the southeast. The chief town, Thíra (locally called Firá), was badly damaged by an earthquake in 1956. Other settlements include Emboríon and Pírgos to the south and the port of Oía at the north entrance to the lagoon, which was destroyed by the 1956 earthquake.
Islands and Archipelagos
What are the islands of the Maldives made of? What is the world’s largest archipelago? Sort out the facts about islands across the globe.
Known as Calliste (“Most Beautiful”) in antiquity, Thera was occupied before 2000 BCE. One of the largest volcanic eruptions known occurred on the island. This is thought to have occurred about 1500 BCE, although, based on evidence obtained during the 1980s from a Greenland ice-core and tree-ring and radiocarbon dating, some scholars believe that it occurred earlier, during the 1620s BCE. Ash and pumice from the eruption have been found as far away as Egypt and Israel, and there has been speculation that the eruption was the source of the legend of Atlantis and stories in the Old Testament book of Exodus.
During the Bronze Age the island of Crete, some 70 miles (110 km) south of Thera, was the centre of Minoan civilization. About 1450 BCE most major settlements in central and southern Crete were destroyed by fire and abandoned. In 1939 the Greek archaeologist Spyridon Marinatos suggested that the eruption on Thera had led to the collapse of the Minoan civilization; his theory was widely accepted. During the 1980s, however, archaeologists found evidence that Minoan culture continued to flourish for some time after the eruption. Archaeological evidence also indicated that the amounts of ash from the eruption that fell on Crete were not enough to cause significant damage to crops or buildings.
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About the beginning of the 1st millennium BCE, Dorian settlers from the mainland landed on Thera. About 630 the important Theran colony of Cyrene was settled on the north coast of Africa, in accord with a command of the Delphic oracle.
From that period date many of the ruins of the ancient city of Thera, unearthed (1895-1903) by a German archaeologist on the east coast. The earliest excavations by the French School at Athens (1869) uncovered a Middle Minoan, or Cycladic (c. 2000-c. 1570 BCE), the city beneath the pumice at the northern tip of Thirasía. Of even greater significance was the excavation begun by Marinatos during the 1960s south of Akrotíri village, which revealed a rich Minoan city buried under the volcanic debris just as it stood at the time of the eruption. The city (still being excavated) consisted of large, well-built, multi-story houses that contain some of the finest Minoan frescoes found in the Mediterranean. The discoveries show that strong links existed during the Bronze Age between Crete and Thera. Pop. (2001) 13,725; (2011) 15,550.
Greek food is so good
i was drooling making the video :)
Cretan Raki ,nice food and Cretan music is the must
Creete one of the most beautiful islands of the world, if not the most beautiful!
Im from Athens, but my grandpa from Creete, Chania!
I am amazed, how much you love Creta and Greece!
:)
The rolled pasta is called 'skioufikta' which are usually cooked in broth and then served with 'anthotiro' , a local cheese.
Thanks for your video and geia sou from Crete.
Thanks to you we are well-prepared for our trip to Greece and Crete! Keep up the great work. We love your channel!
Thank you for a VERY informative and useful video! 👍
Only just found your great video, spot on with your advice. People need to leave everything behind when you visit as Crete is' a whole different world. I lived in the White Mountains for many years, so it's great to hear your enthusiasm for a beautiful island, especially the culture and the genuinely welcoming people. Thanks again
My dad is straight from Xania, and i'm going in April. So excited to see his island!
funny story about having an international driving license in greece from the US- i have a cousin who lives and works in istanbul at the moment and i went to go visit her. we booked a weekend at the closest greek island and we decided we would just drive over from istanbul. she has a turkish drivers license and a car, but she rarely ever drives so the plan was for me to drive her car. i thought greece was like any other country which does not require a international permit so i didnt think anything of it until the night before we were going. i decided to double check and i learned i needed the permit!! oopsssss!!! we decided to go anyway and see what would happen, and the border agent said they would NOT let me drive the car into greece so we thought all hope was lost. luckily, on the turkish side, they have a service where someone with a turkish license can pay a fee and have their license turned into an international one. so she ended up having to drive in and it caused us a few hours of STRESS!! but now i know for next time. wish this video was around back in july hahahaha
So glad you said about the international drivers license before I go, thanks!
hi you missed the most beautiful place on the island of crete paleohora, its south west part of the island right on the Libyan sea , its a stunning village which has a twoand a half hour transfer from the airport but my goodness when you arrive its stunning , the streets are closed at tea time to traffic and all the tables and chairs fill the streets children are alloed to play safely , music softly playing in the background with the sea lapping its truly beautiful, at dusk the mountains turn a soft red against the turquoise waters , boats arriving from the whale and dolphin watching sight seers , it comes alive , the old ferry docks from its days service , docking next to the dolphin boats , children swimming around the the ferry without fear , as everyone looks after everyones children its such a unique place that what brings us back , the people , they are so special so welcoming , this little place is unlike any other i have visited before . a truly beautiful spot of crete . my regards liz .
Welcome to my country!
Crete's on our bucket list! Wish the Greek islands were easier to get to!
Great enthusiasm! Suggest if visiting Knossos independently that you turn up seriously early to avoid crowds and heat as far as possible. Check for other excavated Minoan sites, there are several and most have guidebooks. They’re often very much less crowded and on spectacular sites. There are also good, relevant museums, especially in Iraklio and Chania. Also other historic sites, Roman, Ottoman etc. Many unfrequented. Worth a good map and a bit of research.
Can you drink the local water, or should you ALWAYS do bottled?
Great Clip Mark, looks amazing, we're going to Agia Marina next month and cant wait! Would love to know that restaurant where you had that big plate of Gyro meat and bread???
Hi Mark am a student from Greece and a big fan from Thessaloniki..are u planning on coming ?
Hey Peter! We will be back in Greece next summer but in peloponnesian part where Jocelyn's family is from. So by Corinth and Sparti
@@woltersworld nice to hear..i hope u have a good time
1. Driving in Chania is nuts, true.
2. Everything outside the US is stick shift.
3. Get used to the sun. It changes you for the better. Siesta midday. Sunblock? Just watch it!
4. The breeze can whip at you in the mountains.
5. Don't put toa paper in the toilets.
6. Raki is often free.
7. Stress out.
8. Avoid peak season.
9. Take the ferry from Patras. Take a fast one.
10. Don't be a tourist. Go to ground.
11. The weather. It doesn't rain for 8 months. Let that sink in.
12. Go to ground. Don't hit tourist attractions FFS.
14. Watch your budget. The locals are too.
15. You can swim on the beaches but you can also dine there. Big one.
16. Get a house. Research before you travel. Rent a car on the island.
17. There is only the north side. South is a day trip (Samaria Gorge).
18. You don't need to *learn* a few words - but it's fun.
19. Xenofilia.
20. Mythos is the best beer.
21. Local wines beat fancy stuff from the continent and are very very cheap.
22. Yes dine in the local villages.
23. Basically vegetarian.
24. You don't want big dishes - you want lots of small ones.
Nice fair review. Hope you enjoyed the Kalamari & Octopus at Manos Tavern in Nea Hora.