Crete tourist guide

The first month since Greece has opened its borders to international tourism is behind us. As predicted earlier, July, especially in the first part, was characterized by very little interest from tourists. Many people canceled scheduled vacations, some made last-minute decisions, and there were few new bookings. Somewhat more hopes were placed on domestic tourism and on changes following the opening of the borders to key Greek customers. Unfortunately, however, these predictions were not reflected in the actual decisions made by tourists. According to the president of the Association of Greek Hoteliers, this year's revenues will reach a maximum of EUR 3 billion, which, compared to the 18 billion earned in 2019, seems to be a small drop in the ocean of such anticipated revenues.

Crete is a place where Caretta caretta turtles go ashore and make their nests on some beaches in late May and early June. About 80 days after their insertion, the hatching period begins, which is happening right now. The first young turtles have already completed the most important journey from the nest to the sea. In recent hours, however, an appeal from the Archelon organization appeared in the media: turn off the lights and save the turtles.

Recently, we wrote and showed you Malia, a popular tourist destination, which is located in the north of Crete. It is worth knowing that a kilometer from it there is a well-known and quite large archaeological site. The remains of buildings discovered here are considered the third largest Minoan palace in Crete. It was here that one of the most valuable and recognizable artifacts was discovered: a golden pendant with bees. If you visited the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, you might remember this distinctive ornament. We invite you to watch a movie shot at the excavation site in Malia. If you would like to learn more about the palace in Malia, we encourage you to read our article: Palace in Malia

A month has slowly passed since international flights were allowed to the airports in Crete. Although some local residents were concerned that opening up to foreign tourists could lead to a drastic increase in the number of coronavirus cases, the epidemiological situation on the island is quite stable so far. At present, there are 18 people in total in Crete with confirmed COVID-19 infection. The latest case of the coronavirus was found today in one of the passengers of the plane that landed at the airport in Chania.

Today we invite you to a cinematic overview of the beaches of Rethymno Prefecture located on the south coast. They are completely different in nature than the beaches located in the north of Crete. Here you will see places such as Souda, Calypso, Plakias, Damnoni, Preveli, Ligres, Agia Fotini, Triopetra, Agios Pavlos, Agia Gallini and some other less known places.

Last week we informed you that due to the increasing number of reported cases of coronavirus in Greece, the obligation to use masks in supermarkets has been restored. Starting tomorrow, from Wednesday, July 29, further restrictions will be introduced related to covering the mouth and nose in public places . According to the latest regulations, wearing masks will also be obligatory in all other retail stores (regardless of their size), offices and other public buildings, banks, grocery stores, bakeries, hairdressing and beauty salons, as well as in elevators. For now, these restrictions will not apply to churches.

The tradition of the Cretan summer was various kinds of festivals organized all over the island. It is not only about the film ones, but most of all about culinary events. Basically any reason was good for organizing a meeting with good food, dancing and live music. Our regular readers will surely remember our news announcing the bananas, onions, oranges, sfakian pie, graviery, cod, sardines and cheese festivals. Unfortunately, none of them will happen this season. The current ban on the organization of such events has just been extended until the end of August, as announced by Deputy Minister of Development Nikos Papathanasis.

Fabrics are one of the most common souvenirs bought in Crete. The travel suitcases are filled with tablecloths, cloths, rugs and bed covers covered with traditional Cretan motifs and patterns. Unfortunately, most of this assortment, especially in touristic places, is cheap factory products, not having much in common with handmade products. Handmade products cost accordingly more, because the manufacturing process is much longer. Unfortunately, the laws of the market are inexorable. For 5 € nobody will buy a traditional hand-made product, regardless of whether you buy a tablecloth or a "Cretan" traditional knife.