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Expat Exchange - Discover the Best of crete
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Discover the Best of crete

By Betsy Burlingame

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: Living it Up in crete: Your Insider's Guide to Top Attractions, Culinary Hotspots, Nightlife, and More. Discover the Best Recreational Activities, Connect with Friendly Locals, and Experience the Charm of the City.

Welcome to crete! If you're planning to move to crete, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that crete has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in crete.

Crete, the largest island in Greece, is a treasure trove of ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cities. One of the most famous sites is the Palace of Knossos, an archaeological site dating back to the Bronze Age. It's considered Europe's oldest city and is linked to thrilling legends of Greek mythology. Another must-visit is the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts from Crete's Minoan civilization. For nature lovers, the Samaria Gorge, a 16-kilometer-long canyon in the White Mountains, offers a challenging but rewarding hike with stunning views. The Elafonisi Beach, with its pink sand and crystal-clear waters, is a paradise for beach lovers. The old Venetian harbor in Chania, with its lighthouse and old town, offers a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll. The island is also home to several monasteries, such as the Arkadi Monastery and the Monastery of Preveli, both of which have significant historical importance.

Crete's restaurant and nightlife scene is as diverse as its landscape. In Heraklion, the island's capital, Peskesi is a popular restaurant serving traditional Cretan cuisine in a charming, rustic setting. Another favorite is Parasties, known for its organic, locally sourced dishes. In Chania, The Well of the Turk offers a fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, while Tamam serves up Greek and Turkish dishes in a renovated Venetian building. For a taste of Crete's nightlife, Heraklion's Splendid is a trendy cocktail bar with a lively atmosphere. In Chania, Kik Bar is a favorite for its eclectic music and relaxed vibe. For a more traditional experience, try a local "kafeneio" (coffee house), where you can enjoy local spirits like raki or ouzo along with meze (small dishes).

Crete offers a wide range of recreational activities. Hiking is popular, with the Samaria Gorge being the most famous trail. The E4 European long-distance path also crosses the island, offering a variety of routes through diverse landscapes. For water sports enthusiasts, Elafonisi and Falassarna beaches are ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing, while the southern coast offers excellent spots for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island's mountainous terrain is perfect for mountain biking, with Psiloritis Mountain being a popular location. For a more relaxed activity, wine tours are available in the Heraklion region, home to some of the island's best wineries. Golfers can enjoy the Crete Golf Club, an 18-hole golf course located in Hersonissos. Finally, horseback riding is another popular activity, with several stables offering rides through the island's beautiful countryside.

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SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.

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SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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Insider Tips from Expats in crete: Making the Most of Life and Connections

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SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

SJB GlobalSJB Global
Connect

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Award winning International Health Insurance for Individuals and families living abroad
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Cigna Global HealthCigna Global Health

Award winning International Health Insurance for Individuals and families living abroad
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William Russell
William Russell

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