Crowd Free Crete: Coastal Tranquillity and Countryside Oases

Today you’ll be taking advantage of your location near Heraklion to enjoy the cultural offerings of the island’s capital. The city’s name pays homage to Heracles (a.k.a. Hercules), a divine hero in ancient Greek mythology famous for his strength and adventurous spirit. In the company of a knowledgeable English-speaking guide you’ll first visit the Palace of Knossos, the largest and finest of the Cretan palaces. At its peak, more than 300 people lived in this opulent complex, including the royal family. According to Greek mythology, the labyrinth of underground passages housed a minotaur - a half-man, half-bull believed to be the king’s son. Continue on to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, the second largest museum in Greece and one of the most recognised in the world for Greek antiquities. This is a great opportunity to delve into the magical world of ancient Greece, from the beginning of Greek civilisation right up until the Roman period. The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to spend discovering Heraklion and its surroundings at your own leisure. If you want to continue with the day’s cultural theme, you could head out to the abandoned monastery of Valsamonerou or Phaistos, the main archaeological site on the Messara plain. If you’re ready for a dose of nature, we recommend visiting the blue-green Zaros lake and the holly forest of Rouvas, or perhaps renting mountain bikes and riding through the fragrant Mediterranean flora of the countryside.

Your adventure across Crete continues today. After a delicious breakfast this morning, hop back into your hire car and travel to Axos, a beautiful village on the slopes of Mount Psiloritis. The journey takes just one hour, however we recommend making a few stops along the way. The small archaeological site of Tylissos houses the ruins of an ancient city that flourished during the Minoan and Greco-Roman periods. There are also plenty of tiny villages on the route to Axos where local producers are based and where Cretans tend to do their shopping. On arrival in Axos, check in for three nights in a beautiful estate surrounded by classic Mediterranean countryside. The rest of today is yours to spend settling into your new home. We recommend simply enjoying the area in and around your hotel. There is a beautiful swimming pool on site, as well as plenty of hiking trails in the surrounding hills. This evening, tuck into a hearty meal based on local produce.

The next two days are all about slowing down and connecting with nature. Axos’s greatest asset is its tranquil natural setting: everywhere you look you’ll find beautiful flora, such as olive trees and holm oaks. The village is set high on the slopes of Mount Psiloritis, far from crowds, distractions and noise. This is the time to relax and unwind: read your book under the shade of fragrant orange trees, take a dip in the refreshing pool and enjoy leisurely strolls through the countryside. When you’re ready for a dose of culture, take a walk through town, admiring the many relics of its ancient beginnings, as well as its splendid Byzantine churches. There are also plenty of agricultural villages in the area, including Veni, Zoniana, Garazo and Anogia, all of which harbour local customs and traditions.

Today you’ll be continuing your journey west across the island. After a hearty breakfast this morning, jump back into your hire car and travel through splendid Mediterranean countryside to Vamos, a beautiful village in the foothills of the White Mountains. The drive takes around an hour and a half, however you’ll be making a stop about half way through to soak in the cultural delights of Rethymno. On arrival in this charming coastal city you’ll be met by a friendly local who’ll be guiding you through Rethymno’s history and culture. The old part of town is a treasure trove of beautiful sites, including an Ottoman quarter, a collection of beautiful residences and grand Venetian buildings. Round off your tour of the city with a visit to a local music workshop followed by a delicious aperitif of local nibbles and a glass of wine. Continue on to your next accommodation: a charming villa surrounded by nature, where you’ll be spending the next four nights.

For the last three days of your Greek getaway you’ll be mixing the delights of your countryside villa with the endless scenic gems of Crete’s northwestern coast. By now you’ll feel at one with the Mediterranean nature that surrounds you and, just like in your other accommodations, there are plenty of walking trails nearby, perfect for leisurely strolls. You are also in striking distance of the coast and its many picturesque coves, some alive with a hum of activity and others quiet and remote. On one of the next three days you’ll have the opportunity to embark on a morning or afternoon boat trip along the Cretan coast. This is a great way to discover the more isolated coves and beaches, as well as to try a spot of snorkelling to admire the rich seabed. We could also arrange for you to spend a day visiting Imbros Gorge and South Chania in the company of a private guide. The gorges are a whopping 2,000ft deep and full of beautiful trails lined with orchids, almond trees and oleanders.