Crete: sandy beaches and Greek tradition
Crete presents itself in its variety as Greece in miniature format: The largest Greek island fascinates with its paradisiacal beaches and hidden bathing bays - among them the palm beach of Preveli and the Caribbean-looking Balos Beach. The crystal clear water makes the hearts of water sports enthusiasts and snorkelers beat faster.
TUI MAGIC LIFE CANDIA MARIS at a glance
- Popular for couples and party holiday makers
- Undisturbed bathing places
- Numerous wonderful beaches
If you book an All Inclusive holiday on Crete as a couple, you can look forward to a time for two, many joint activities and pleasant relaxation. Even in the main season you will find undisturbed bathing places at the numerous wonderful beaches of the island.
TUI MAGIC LIFE Candia Maris also offers atmospheric chill-out evenings, dance classes and sunsets over the sea. An extensive sports and entertainment programme guarantees that even friends and single travellers will not be bored.
Those who love to dance will be happy about the disco nights. In addition, live music, theme- and pool parties in a relaxed atmosphere invite you to dance and have fun.
Crete in pictures
CRETE´S MOST FAMOUS SIGHTS
Elafonissi Beach
Elafonissi beach is one of the most beautiful beaches of Greece. Situated in the southwest of the island, it shimmers slightly reddish in the sunlight. If you are travelling with a rental car, you should extend your beach day into the late afternoon hours: Then most bathers return to their hotels with the excursion buses - you enjoy the idyll completely undisturbed.
Heraklion
The cultural heart of Crete beats in the lively island capital Heraklion, where a stroll takes you through the historic centre with the "Lion Square" and to the harbour with Koules Venetian Fortress. For those interested in history, a visit to the Archaeological Museum completes the excursion to Heraklion.
Knossos
Near Heraklion, the ruins of Knossos are among the most important historical sights on Crete: the Minoan palace once had 1,300 rooms and was impressive five storeys high. Particularly noteworthy: it already had running water and central heating 4,000 years ago.
Things to do:
- On lonely paths, you can hike high up in the original mountain landscape on Crete or to paradisiacal bays. A touch of adventure accompanies the five-hour tour through the Samaria Gorge with its up to 500-metre-high vertically sloping rock faces. Hikers like to combine trekking through the Lassithi plateau with a break in a traditional tavern.
- The rough mountain landscape of Crete is crossed by numerous lonely mountain bike trails. On the coast, these often end at hidden bays that invite you to cool off in the Aegean Sea. A highlight for active holidaymakers at TUI MAGIC LIFE Candia Maris are the guided mountain bike tours.
- Crete is the perfect environment to bring body and mind into harmony. The best way to do this is with yoga, which you can practice at TUI MAGIC LIFE Candia Maris.
- The island of Crete with its sandy beaches and rocky bays is surrounded by a colourful underwater world. The crystal clear water provides a fantastic view and makes snorkeling a memorable experience. Hotspots include the lively beaches of Chersonissos and the quieter beach of Maha.
CULINARY
In the traditional Cretan cuisine, the vegetables are freshly prepared immediately after the harvest. Sun-ripened tomatoes, peppers and okra peppers characterise the healthy Mediterranean diet, as do freshly caught fish and seafood, spicy cheese and delicious olives. Gyros and many other meat dishes with lamb get their inimitable aroma from fresh herbs.
The famous Cretan honey owes its aroma to the species-rich flora. The best way to discover the original island specialities with wine and ouzo is in a family tavern in a small fishing village or very comfortably in the speciality restaurant Taverna at TUI MAGIC LIFE Candia Maris.
CLIMATE
From the end of April to the beginning of October Crete is the ideal destination for a relaxing beach holiday: during the summer months the island offers perfect conditions for sun lovers: up to 35 degrees air temperature and pleasant 25 degrees water temperature. The remaining time of the year is considered the best travel time for active holidaymakers: the thermometer shows springtime temperatures and the mild climate offers ideal conditions for a variety of outdoor activities.
