Known for its rugged, rocky terrain and abundant wildlife, this island is particularly celebrated for its large colony of gentoo penguins.
Nestled in the Errera Channel, Cuverville Island offers a unique blend of dramatic landscapes and rich ecological diversity. Visitors to Antarctica are lucky if they get to witness this magical place!
Cuverville Island is surrounded by steep mountains and glaciers that have been shaped by nature over millennia. It stands at 252 meters (826 feet) high, and the island is primarily a rock formation.
There is also a long shingle beach at its base, which is home to a significant colony of gentoo penguins!
This small island is characterized by its rocky shores, steep hillsides, and imposing glaciers that cascade down to the sea. The landscape also features a series of gravel bars known as tombolos, connecting the volcanic bedrock islands.
Visitors can get to Cuverville Island on an Antarctic cruise. Itineraries will differ depending on the tour company you choose, but several Antarctic voyages include this section of the Errera Channel in their trip.
Map of where Cuverville is located.
Cuverville Island Antarctica History
The discovery of Cuverville Island dates back to when the Belgian Antarctic Expedition took place between 1897 and 1899. This was led by the Belgian Antarctic Explorer, Adrien de Gerlache.
The island was named in honor of Jules de Cuverville, a vice admiral of the French Navy. Sometimes the island is referred to as Île de Cavelier de Cuverville.
This historical connection underscores the era of Antarctic exploration and the significant European influence during that period.
The island was named in honor of Jules de Cuverville
Fauna on Cuverville Island
Cuverville Island is a haven for wildlife, most notably birds.
It has been designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International due to its role in supporting a breeding colony of about 6,500 pairs of gentoo penguins. These penguins are a major attraction for their distinctive behaviors and breeding activities. This is the largest colony of this species on the Antarctic Peninsula.
Cuverville Island also provides nesting grounds for several species of other birds like the Kelp Gull, Snowy Sheathbill, Antarctic Tern, and Antarctic shags. Southern Giant Petrels are also found nesting on the island.
While specific types of seals are not mentioned as inhabitants of Cuverville Island, the Antarctic region typically hosts various seal species like Weddell seals, leopard seals, and fur seals.
These marine mammals are likely to be seen in the surrounding waters, contributing to the area’s marine biodiversity.
Leopard Seals are seen relaxing around the area.
Read more about our favorite destinations with our guide to Brown Bluff on the Antarctic Peninsula.
Flora on Cuverville Island
Cuverville Island in Antarctica, despite its cold and tough environment, is home to some hardy plants.
The main ones are Antarctic hairgrass (Deschampsia antarctica) and Antarctic pearlwort (Colobanthus quitensis), two of the few flowering plants that can handle extreme cold and wind.
There are also mosses and lichen species, which are simpler types of plants important for the island’s nature.
These plants are special because they can survive in very low temperatures and don’t need much soil or water to grow.
Their ability to live in such a harsh place makes them important for scientists studying the environment and climate of Antarctica.
Zodiac Exploring around Cuverville Island through the ice.
Cuverville Island is an amazing biodiversity area in the Antarctic Region. From its dramatic landscape, hardy plants, and rugged beauty, it’s a fascinating place to witness with your own eyes.
And for anyone hoping to catch a glimpse of a Gentoo Penguin near the Antarctic Peninsula, this is the place to do it! Cuverville Island is lucky to have the largest colony of gentoo penguins on the Peninsula, alongside other bird species.
Its discovery during the Belgian Antarctic Expedition and subsequent naming after a French naval vice admiral highlights its historical value.
Cuverville Island is a beautiful place that makes a unique and ecologically significant part of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Guests enjoying Cuverville Island.Exploring through the ice around Cuverville Island.Zodiac Exploring around Cuverville Island through the ice.A big Iceberg in Cuverville Island.
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If this is your first time in Mykonos and you are not sure whether it’s worth visiting, keep reading. You may have heard a lot about this island and maybe not all of it was good. Yes, Mykonos is one of Greece’s most popular islands, yet people have very mixed feelings about it. Some say it’s crowded, touristy and overhyped. Others say it’s their favorite Greek island for its beauty, activities and nightlife. So who is right?
Mykonos
Like with everything in life, attractiveness depends on the perspective of the beholder; meaning that beauty is subjective and influenced by individual experiences and cultural norms. What one person finds attractive, another might not. That being said, there are both good and bad things to be said about Mykonos and once you are aware of them you can decide whether the island it’s worth visiting or not.
How did Mykonos gain its fame?
Mykonos is a very small, barren island with a total area of around 85.5 square kilometers (33 square miles) and a population of only 10 thousand permanent residents. Landscape wise, it doesn’t even compare to other lush Greek islands like Crete, Kefalonia, or Corfu. Then why is it so popular?
Back in the 1950’s Mykonos was a simple fishing island where the most common sights were fishing boats in the harbor and handcrafts.
However that changed in the 1960s, when celebrities like Jackie Kennedy and Aristotle Onassis began frequenting the island. That helped Mykonos establish itself as a luxurious destination with a cosmopolitan vibe, a vibrant nightlife and a gay-friendly scene.
St. John Hotel & Resort
Mykonos was successful at attracting wealthy entrepreneurs because the island felt like it had no rules. More and more tourists who wanted to escape their work-dominated routines and enjoy a bohemian lifestyle started flocking here, so Mykonos became their paradise.
What is worth visiting on Mykonos Island
Although it’s not one of my favorite Greek islands, Mykonos has quite a few nice places to visit.
Mykonos Town
The biggest attraction on the island is Mykonos Town (a.k.a Chora), a charming maze of narrow alleys with blue-white houses, colorful bougainvilleas, and a great array of small luxury boutiques and fancy restaurants. When visiting Mykonos Town, you shouldn’t miss:
The Iconic Windmills
These are especially beautiful at sunset. The whitewashed, rounded windmills with pointed roofs and small windows were once an important source of income for the island’s inhabitants.
The windmills in Mykonos town
The Church of Panagia Paraportiani
This unique church located in the Kastro neighborhood is one of the most photographed churches in Greece. The special thing about the church is that it consists of five small churches, built one on top or next to the other. The five churches were not constructed at once, but gradually over the centuries.
Panagia Paraportiani
Little Venice Neighborhood
Little Venice is one of the places truly worth visiting on Mykonos island. It is not only pretty and romantic, but also very authentic. The neighborhood is packed with colorful old houses hanging precariously on the edge of the land.
Little Venice neighborhood
Many of these historic homes have been transformed into a variety of cozy restaurants, trendy bars, shops and nightclubs, overlooking the sea.
Matoyianni Street
Matogianni (Matoyianni) is the most popular street in Mykonos for a good reason. What makes it truly unique is its cobblestone ground and white houses. There are beautiful flowers that embellish every corner as you walk by.
Matoyianni Street
But perhaps the biggest attractions on this street are the numerous boutiques and souvenir shops. If you want to go shopping in Mykonos, this is where you’d come.
Old Port of Mykonos
Mykonos has two ports, located about two kilometers apart: The Old Port which serves local boats and the New Port/Tourlos whichserves ferries and all cruise ships that dock in Mykonos. While there is nothing special about the New Port, the Old Port has a lot going for it.
Old Port in Mykonos
Located right in the heart of Mykonos Town, just behind Little Venice, the Old Port is full of life 24 hours a day. This is where you’ll find the traditional fish market as well as numerous shops, bars and restaurants. Around its rocky dock you can still see the traditional wooden vessels used for fishing. The northern part of the Old Port is the spot from where many organized tours and small cruises depart.
Also, don’t miss the seaside promenade lining the historic harbor in Mykonos Town. The walkway starts at the northern edge of the Old Port and continues all the way to the windmills. Walking alongside this promenade is an experience in itself.
Delos Island
If you are a fan of Greek mythology, a visit to the adjacent Delos island is a must and an adventure that you shouldn’t miss if you are in Mykonos. This is a historically significant ancient Greek site where you can explore well-preserved ruins including the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Terrace of the Lions, and other important monuments.
Delos Archeological site
Delos is an uninhabited island, so there are no lodging options, no airports and no direct ferries from mainland Greece. The only way to visit it is by booking a ferry from the closest island, which is Mykonos. During the summer months, ferry routes from other nearby islands (Naxos, Paros, Tinos, Syros) are also available.
The Beaches
Mykonos has many beautiful beaches, most of which have easy access, slowly descending water depths and crystal-clear waters. However, none of them compares to the beaches in Ithaca, Zakinthosh, or Crete.
Remote beach in Mykonos
Most of the beaches in Mykonos are very crowded, especially during the high season. But if you hire a boat you can get to some that are absolutely pristine.
Pristine beach in Mykonos
Some of the beaches worth visiting are:
Kalafatis Beach: A family-friendly beach on the southeastern coast of Mykonos
Psarou Beach: A romantic area with a waterfront and lively bars
Platis Gialos: A lively beach with loungers, umbrellas, bars, and restaurants
Super Paradise Beach: A beach known for its parties and crystal-clear blue waters
Restaurant next to the main beach in Mykonos
The Downside of Visiting Mykonos
There are quite a few drawbacks that make Mykonos less desirable than other Greek islands.
The High Costs
On the less positive side, the costs associated with visiting Mykonos are very high. Starting with accommodations and continuing with boat rentals and restaurants, everything is insanely expensive on this island.
Jewelry stores in Mykonos Town
To say nothing about the stores, most of which sell designer clothes, handbags and jewelry at prices that are even higher than the ones you’ll find in the department stores in Paris!
The Barren Landscape
Another disappointment is the island’s landscape, which is relatively flat with few hilly areas and completely barren. It’s mostly rocky, arid terrain with very little vegetation and a lack of rivers. This is a typical feature of the Cycladic islands in Greece. And for this reason, Mykonos is not a hiking friendly destination.
Barren landscape on Mykonos island
The Roads
Roads in Mykonos are narrow and overcrowded with cars, busses, trucks, mopeds and quads. The pavements are either shattered (and often lined with trash) or non-existent. You can also throw potholes into the mix.
The Crowds
Perhaps the most annoying thing in Mykonos are the huge crowds. The island is jam packed with tourists not only during the peak season, but almost throughout the year. We visited late October, which is the end of the shoulder season, and every single day there were 4-5 big cruise ships anchored in the port.
If you consider that each of these cruise ships carries a minimum of 5000 passengers, that means that at least 25,000-30,000 people roam around the small streets of Mykonos town at the same time.
This is in addition to the thousands of tourists that are already on the island and those that arrived daily from the main land in big busses via ferry boats. Overtourism makes it difficult to find a quiet, peaceful spot to relax on the island and will eventually lead to environmental degradation, affecting local ecosystems and local communities.
When should you visit Mykonos?
High season in Mykonos is June to September, so hotel prices are at their highest and the beaches, restaurants and nightclubs are packed. Summer is also party time, so expect concerts and loud music everywhere. Not to mention XLSIOR in August, a five-day clubbing festival that attracts some 30,000 gay revelers!
Shoulder season (April to early June, late September and October) is arguably a more pleasant time to visit. The temperatures are lower while the water is still perfect for swimming. However, don’t expect empty beaches or low accommodation prices.
Visiting Mykonos in October
In winter is too cold for sunbathing and swimming, but that’s the only time of the year when you’ll see empty beaches and plenty of bargain accommodations. The good thing is that many of the restaurants in Mykonos stay open year-round, unlike on other Greek islands. On the less positive side, winter can bring fierce storms and ferries are limited.
How much time should you spend on Mykonos?
We spent 3 full days in Mykonos and felt this was just about the right amount of time for this island. We spent the mornings exploring the beaches and the afternoons visiting the shops, restaurants and bars of Mykonos Town. One afternoon we caught a boat to the sacred island of Delos.
How to get to Mykonos?
There are frequent ferries that connect Mykonos Island with Athens’ ports of Rafina and Piraeus. During the high season the high-speed catamarans link Mykonos with numerous other Cycladic islands, including Santorini and Paros.
Mykonos Airport also has year-round flights between Athens and many European destinations. Even though Mykonos is a small island, I would advise renting a car, moped or ATV to properly explore it.
In Conclusion
Whether Mykonos is worth visiting or not depends entirely on what you’re looking for in a vacation: if you want a vibrant nightlife scene, beautiful resorts, stunning whitewashed houses, and are okay with crowds and high prices, then Mykonos could be a great choice.
Shops in Mykonos
On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed, budget-friendly experience, you might want to consider other Greek islands. Although is part of many Greek islands itineraries, Mykonos is considered a very touristy and expensive island. We liked it, but would not consider returning there. There are so many more beautiful islands to visit in Greece.
Crete is the largest and most diverse of the Greek islands. It has something of interest for everyone: history and culture galore, beaches aplenty, soaring mountains, canyons, historic towns and interesting archeological sites. With so much to see and do in Crete, you’ll need a well planned itinerary if you want to explore the island properly.
Chania, one of the places on your Crete Itinerary
After visiting the Ionian islands, I thought the battle for my favorite Greek island was between Corfu and Ithaca, but I was wrong. Crete is now my favorite one for very many good reasons. It’s simply impossible to get bored there. I expected Crete would be lovely, but not THIS lovely!
How to Explore Crete Properly
One thing I need to mention from the beginning is that we visited Crete independently, as part of a 3-week Greek Islands Itinerary. If you are interested in visiting Crete on an organized trip, there are many tour operators who offer guided trips. However, with an organized trip you won’t be able to see as much as we did.
POPULAR TOUR
We arrived in Athens by plane, then rented a car and moved from island to island by ferry. But if you don’t plan to visit other islands, you can fly to Crete directly from many cities in Europe. The island has two airports: one in Heraklion and one in Chania.
If you plan to visit the entire island you’ll need to rent a car. There are car rental agencies at both Crete airports, as well as in the cities. While visiting Crete by public transportation is technically possible, it is very time-consuming and not at all convenient. However, many people choose to limit their explorations to one portion of the island, in which case using the bus system may work.
How Much Time to Spend in Crete
Crete is really huge! It measures about 3,260 square miles (8,450 square kilometers. Just to give you an idea, it’s nearly 100 times the size of Mykonos. Because it’s so big and diverse you’ll need a minimum 7 days in order to see some of its marvels. But if you truly want to enjoy Crete I would recommend planning a 10 to 14 days itinerary. We’ve spent 10 days on this island and felt it was not enough.
Where to Stay When Visiting Crete
I recommend staying in at least two places when visiting Crete. Distances are big here, so the idea is to spend less time driving and more time having fun.
We spent the first five days of our itinerary on the eastern side of Crete, in Agios Nikolaos, and the next five on the western side, in Chania. This proved to be a good option because our driving time between the different points of interests didn’t exceed 2 hours (one way).
Hotel in Chania, Crete
Crete Itinerary – 10 Days
We arrived by ferry from Santorini and started our itinerary on the eastern part of the island.
Day 1: Agios Nikolaos
Built atop the remains of an ancient city, Agios Nikolaos is an interesting mix of an artsy-sleepy and yet also bustling town.
The town’s landmark is Lake Voulismeni, known for its many legends. According to Greek Mythology, it the goddesses Athena and Artemis used to bathe in this lake. The sweet-water lake becomes one with the sea through a narrow canal that has red rock formations and lush vegetation all around.
Perhaps the most common thing to do in Agios Nikolaos is to enjoy some shopping in the downtown area. You can also walk around the marina, which is a very colorful and lively place, or sit in one of the seaside cafés.
Aerial view of Agios Nikolaos
In the afternoon you can delve into the history of the Minoan civilization at the Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos. The museum features a collection of exhibits showcasing their culture and life. Or you may choose to spend the rest of the day at the beach.
Main beach in Agios Nikolaos
Day 2: Elounda & Spinalonga Island
In the morning you can visit Elounda, a charming seaside town located within the municipality of Agios Nikolaos. Elounda has several nice beaches, including the main beach of Plaka, which is a pebble beach. Or you can go to Driros, a sandy beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Walking along the harbor in Elounda
Another interesting thing you can do in Elounda is explore the ancient sunken city of Olous, a significant archeological site. Or you can stop by the church of Agios Konstandinou Kai Elenis to admire some stunning frescoes.
In the afternoon take a boat trip to Spinalonga Island, a former leper colony. This is a very enjoyable trip that you shouldn’t miss when visiting this side of Crete. On Spinalonga you can explore the Venetian Fortress as well the ruins of an abandoned village.
Spinalonga Island
Practical Information for Visiting Spinalonga Island
Boats for Spinalonga Island depart daily around 12:30 pm from the main port in Agios Nikolaos and drop you off on the island and will pick you up around 5 pm. Boats to Spinalonga from Elounda run every 30 minutes during the tourist season. The cost is €20/person.
The Venetian fortress on Spinalonga island
Most people explore the island on their own, because it’s really very small, but there are also group tours if that’s what you are after. Admission fee for Spinalonga Island is €8 for adults and free for students and under 18. There’s a cafe, toilets and a souvenir shop on the island, near the port.
Day 3: Vai Palm Beach & Lassithi
Today’s itinerary will take you to the easternmost part of Crete, at one of the most spectacular beaches on the island: Vai Palm Beach. To reach it you’ll have to cross the Dikti Mountain range, also known as the Lassithi Plateau. This is a major mountain range that runs through the Lassithi region, one of the most remote and authentic parts of Crete! The drive takes about 1.5 hours from Agios Nikolaos.
Driving through the Lassithi Plateau
The road across the mountains is absolutely spectacular, winding around the shore and unveiling unbelievably beautiful views. Along the way you’ll pass through lush forests, fertile green fields dotted with orchards, almond trees and the remains of ancient windmills, cradled by the rugged mountains of the Dikti range.
Vai Palm Beach
Vai is a very beautiful beach surrounded by a patch of palm trees, which are rather unusual for Greece. The beach has chairs and umbrellas but is a little too crowded for my taste.
However, if you don’t mind a short hike, to the right of Vai Beach there is a small golf that hides a nude beach. If you don’t mind the nakedness, this one is truly beautiful and just perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Nude beach next to Vii Palm Beach in Crete
Day 4: Heraklion (Knossos Palace), Heronissos, Zeus’ Cave
On the 4th day of your itinerary you will be heading towards Heraklion, a port city and the capital of Crete. Here you’ll be visiting the ancient Knossos Palace, a major center of the Minoan civilization dating back to approximately 2000-1350 BCE.
Knossos Palace
This is one of Europe’s oldest cities and a very interesting archeological site. However, if you want to visit buy your ticket at the archeological museum because the queue is horrendously long. There were literally hundreds of people waiting in the boiling sun when we were there!
In the afternoon go to one of the beautiful beaches in Heronissos. This bustling resort town is located on the northern coast of Crete, about 26 km east of Heraklion.The beaches in this area are relatively narrow with very limited space for sunbathing. Nonetheless they are very, very scenic and truly worth a stop.
Beautiful beach in Heronissos
Another option for the afternoon is a visit to the Cave of Zeus, also known as the Idaean Cave of Antiquity. The cave is about 60 km away from Heraklion, on your way back to Agios Nikolaos. Zeus’ Cave is in a rather remote place, on the slopes of Mount Ida. Along the way you’ll come across many goats and sheep herds.
Zeus’ Cave
Even if you’re not a fan of Greek mythology you’ll stillenjoy exploring this stalagmite and stalactite-filled cavern. Also, the views of the surrounding valley at the top are stunning!
Day 5: Rethymno & Drive to Chania
On the 5th day of our itinerary we left Agios Nikolaos and the eastern part of Crete and started towards the west side. The driving distance is 200 km, which takes roughly 3 hours. Along the way we stopped in Rethymno, one of the best-preserved Venetian old towns on the island of Crete.
Old Town Rethymno
Its 16th-century buildings are beautiful examples of ancient architecture. In the old town, the Venetian Harbor is filled with fishing boats and lined with tavernas. Here you can roam around for hours, checking out the quirky boutiques filled with hand crafted souvenirs.
Images from Rethymno Old Town
Atop the acropolis of Rethymno the Venetians erected a beautiful star-shaped fortress known as Fortezza, built in the late 16th century, which showcases both European and Moorish influences.
The Venetian Fortress in Rethymno
There are quite a few parts of the fortress still standing today, among which: the eastern gate complex where the Venetian emblem of St. Mark’s Lion was placed, the gunpowder warehouse, the artillery warehouse, a few bastions, the Holy Spirit’s Ledge, the Counselor’s residence, Catherine’s Church and Sultan Ibrahim Khan’s Mosque.
Day 6: Chania & Zorba’s Beach
Located on the northwest coast if Crete, Chania is the island’s oldest and most beautiful city dating back over 5000 years. The city was built around a Venetian port and is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe. Its historic center is a lovely labyrinth of narrow streets full of small shops, restaurants, and buildings with historical and architectural interest.
Chania
There are plenty of attractions in Chania, from ancient sites, museums, churches and castles. But perhaps the most appealing part of the town is its old Venetian harbor which was built in the 14th century for commercial purposes and for protection against pirate raids.
The Old Lighthouse in Chania
You can spend hours here, strolling the the long promenade lined with cafes and restaurants. This is a a much-photographed place with a touch of magic!
The seaside promenade in Chania
In the afternoon I recommend going to Zorba’s Beach, a calm and less touristy beach located just a short drive away from Chania, in the Akrotiri peninsula.
Zorba’s Beach
The actual name of the beach is Stavros Beach, but since 1964 when the iconic movie “Zorba the Greek” was filmed here, the beach has become famous and is now known as Zorba’s Beach.
The little beach in front of Zorba’s Beach Hotel
The beach offers a very subdued and authentic experience, which is far from the embellishments of Hollywood. To the left of the beach there is a small resort called Zorbas Beach Village Hotel where you can go for some refreshments.
Day 7: Elafonissi Beach
They say that no Crete itinerary would be complete without a trip to Elafonissi and I agree. Elafonissi is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, so make sure you don’t miss it. Situated in the southwest corner of Crete, near the town of Elafonissi, the beach is famous for its pink-tinted sand created by the presence of crushed seashells and red coral fragments.
Elafonissi Beach
However, temper your expectations as the amount of pink on display may vary with conditions and the season. Regardless, the crystal clear waters and huge stretch of sand make this the most popular beach in Crete.
Although most of the time it is very crowded, if you keep walking you’ll surely find a spot where you can enjoy a little privacy. The drive from Chania is about 1 hour and 20 minutes, but the road is packed, especially during the summer.
Elafonissi Beach
To reach Elafonissi, you’ll have to cross the White Mountains, which are absolutely spectacular, but the road may be a little scary at times. In some areas there are no guard rails and you can also come across narrow parts with blind turns.
Difficult road to Elafonissi Beach
To avoid the crowds both on the road and at the beach, visit early in the morning or in the evening, when most people have left.
Also, hike up to the neighboring cedar tree reserves for a change of scenery.
Day 8: Chora Sfakia & Vrisi Beach
On our 8th day we intended to see some of Crete’s most beautiful beaches that can only be accessed by boat, located between the fishing villages of Sfakia and Loutro. Unfortunately it was a windy day on the see and the boats didn’t want to depart, so we decided to stop in Sfakia which is a very beautiful destination.
The Road to Sfakia
The road to Sfakia is an adventure in itself, crossing the beautiful White Mountains and passing through beautiful gorges and scenic landscapes.
Driving through the White Mountains in Crete
In Sfakia you can walk around the village and enjoy an authentic lunch at one of the many restaurants in the harbor where you can enjoy Cretan salads, Sfakian pies and fresh local seafood.
Vrisi Beach in Sfakia
In the afternoon I suggest visiting the quiet little pebble beach of Vrisi to enjoy some sun and blue water. The beach, which lies to the west of the town, hosts a beach club where you can rent two sun beds and an umbrella for €10.
Day 9: Paleochora & Sailboat Trip to Theodorou Island
Today you can drive to Paleochora, a charming village located on the south-west side of Crete. After strolling around the harbor, head to Pachia Amos Beach, which is the main beach in Paleochora. This is a huge stretch of golden sand with plenty of space to spread out, beach bars, sunbeds and umbrellas.
Pachia Amos Beach in Paleochora
But if you are looking for a more natural and secluded beach, carry on to the far west end of the beach. Here you’ll come across some odd nudist beaches and of course plenty of gorgeous water to dive into.
One I can recommend is Chalikia, which in contrast to Pachia Ammos is a rocky beach but less busy than its sandy neighbor. The beach has umbrellas and sunbeds for hire.
Chalikia Beach
In the afternoon we took a sailboat trip to Theodorou Island, which I can highly recommend. However, don’t do the sunset tour as late in the evening it gets very windy on this part of Crete.
Theodorou Island is a barren, small, uninhabited islet situated close to the shore village of Platanias, northwest of Chania. The island was once home to a Venetian fortress that was constructed in the 16th century for defense purposes.
Sailboat trip to Theodorou Island
You can still see ruins of the fortification on the island today. Unfortunately tourists are not allowed to disembark because the island is also home to a number of endangered Cretan goats (Kri- Kri) which are protected. Those animals were close to extinction and only live in a few places in Crete, most certainly on theThodorou islandand in the Samaria Gorgeas well.
Day 10: Kedrodasos Beach
Kedrodasos is MY FAVORITE BEACH in Crete! A tranquil paradise of sand and water, a secret hidden treasure which I’m almost reluctant to write about for fear of making it too popular.
Kedrodasos Beach
What makes Kedrodasos beach so special is the fact that it’s very secluded. It lies behind an ancient and very unique juniper forest with a mix of white sand, black rock and crystal-clear blue water.
The beach is located a short 20-minute hike from Elafonissi beach, but you can also reach it via a dirt road. The drive is only 10 minutes long, but from the top of the hill where you leave your car there is another 15 minutes walk to the beach.
The beginning of the path towards Kedrodasos Beach
Because it is relatively hard to reach, Kedrodasoss enjoys a tranquil and secluded atmosphere, which makes it a favorite beach for nudists. This pristine, unspoiled environment comes in such a stark contrast with the more developed and commercialized beaches you’ll find anywhere else on Crete.
Kedrodasos Beach
Reaching the beach from Chania means driving through the narrow steep road across the White Mountains, which is spectacular but difficult and time consuming. The drive itself is not very long, but you can’t go fast and the road is almost always crowded.
Tunnel on the road to Kedrodasos Beach
One thing to keep in mind if coming to this beach is that there are no restroom facilities, no potable water and no sunbeds or umbrellas. If you need shade during the day, you can go under one of the juniper trees behind the beach.
