Near the sea, under the blazing sun—that’s exactly where Crete’s visitors want to be. Once the accommodation is sorted, the next thing they’re looking for is almost always a water-based adventure.

“What people truly crave is to feel and smell the sea and its salt, always under the open sun!”, says Natasa Kouklaki from Exploring Creta.

From the perspective of the sea, one truly grasps the island’s scale—especially around Chania, where the view of the rugged mountains is breathtaking. Visitors are often stunned by how close yet distant the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) appear. It leaves them in awe.

“Relaxation is inevitable on a boat, thanks to the space and the nature of the activity itself. But if you’re after a little action, sailing has its own unique rhythm. With the perfect breeze, everything changes. Hoisting the sails and trimming them into the wind—that’s where the thrill lies. Learning to harness the wind to move the boat is a thrill in itself,” Kouklaki explains.

Hidden coves, quiet beaches and untouched landscapes offer the peace and authenticity today’s traveler is after. They’re the kind of places where you can really disconnect and recharge.

And then there’s the food. Combine it with the Cretan countryside and you get a full cultural immersion. Through taste, visitors experience the legendary Cretan hospitality and a cuisine that’s famous worldwide. They return home with olive oil, herbs, and tsikoudia—not just souvenirs, but a way to share the island’s essence with loved ones.

So, what does one actually pack when they have to leave Crete?
“Aside from the beautiful photos, they carry the smells and colours in their minds and hearts,” says Kouklaki.
“People today travel for the experience—and Crete offers countless ones, from end to end. That’s why so many visitors come back again and again.”