Summer in Autumn - Crete travel guide

Autumn autumn autumn, who doesn’t love autumn with the perfect temperature, the orangy leaves and the wish to bake Christmas cookies again. Yes, I also love the idea of autumn, but when I’m honest with you guys, it’s just too cold for me already (in Austria). So why not take the opportunity to spend the autumn holidays in beautiful, sunny Crete!

Where to stay

The first three nights we spent at the „Marcaris Spa and Suites hotel“ located in Rethymnon and I can definitely recommend it! They have an indoor swimming pool plus a whirlpool and a big outside pool. As the name is telling theres a whole spar area, too, where you can ask for a massage or relax in saunas. The stuff is super friendly and the rooms are beautiful and very tidy. But the best thing of all: it’s directly across the beach. If you’re lucky you even have a balcony with sea view. Our last night we spent in Chania, because it was nearer to the airport. There we booked -last minute, one day before- the sweetest room I’ve ever seen located in the centre of the old village. It’s called Fagotto Art Residence. The room was pretty small but we had a balcony with the most beautiful view into the streets of the old town.

What to do

Balos Lagoon Beach - this was definitely the highlight of my trip. After an one hour drive on a non asphalted and really bad road we had parked on a small park place from which we’ve hiked -more gone- for 30min to the most breathtaking beach I’ve ever seen in Europe. Definitely a must do!

Preveli Palm Beach - this is a beach located at the exit of Kourtaliotikos Gorge, where the river Megas Potamos flows. It’s so special because there is a whole palm forest along the river till the beach. I felt like being in a jungle in Asia. In order to get there you also have to hike about 20min but it’s a very easy hike.

Moni Piso Monastery - located in the middle of “nowhere“, near Preveli Beach this monastery is definitely one of the must does. The construction itself with all the flours and cacti is worth a drive but additionally you have a breathtaking view over the sea.

Knossos palace - if you are a lover of the ancient Greece this palace should be on your to do list. There you can see the old walls and archaeological excavations from the thousand of years old Greek palace. Impressive!

Chania - this was my favourite city in Crete. With its old town, the port, the restaurants and all the boutiques nobody can resist the city’s charm. All houses are painted in different colours, every alley looks different and unique and it’s even possible to go to the lighthouse.

Where to eat

Iraklion, Herb’s Garden - here you have the most beautiful view over the port and the city. The dishes were good, but not outstanding and a little bit pricy - you rather pay the view than the food - but in my opinion the view is worth it.

Chania, Tamam - this was definitely the best restaurant we’ve eaten in on our trip. The menu is full off Greek specialities and everything tasted amazing. Since I’m vegan we only had meat-free dishes, but I absolutely recommend the white beans and the aubergine to everyone!

Chania, Pulse - the heaven for all vegans and vegetarian. This restaurant only offers meat-free dishes. From smoothies to super bowls to Greek specialities you can find everything on the menu. Everything tasted delicious, especially the asparagus with the pistachio puree and the “meat“ bowls.

Rethymnon, Lemonokipos - not a vegetarian restaurant but they offer a lot of vegetarian/vegan options. They have a garden which is wonderful to sit in. I recommend the cocktail and the wine leaves.

Rethymnon, Raki Ba Raki - if you want to meet some locals, go there at 9 pm. This restaurants only serves Greek specialities and is crowded by locals if you go late enough. Sadly, they don’t have so much veggie options, more a place for meat eaters.