Carlie & Kaeman
About Crete
Chania
Chania is a lively port city with multicultural architecture, a bustling old town, and a romantic Venetian harbor lined with cafés and shops. With one of Crete’s international airports nearby, it’s a convenient and beautiful place to start or end your trip.
Rethymno
Rethymno is a short drive from Chania and offers a more intimate, romantic feel. Cobblestone lanes wind through pastel-hued houses, while golden beaches stretch beneath mountain backdrops. Blending history and natural beauty, Rethymno will be our home base in the days leading up to the wedding.
Balos Lagoon
Balos Beach is a stunning lagoon with white sand, turquoise water, and dramatic cliffs. The easiest way there is by boat from Kissamos, but if you’re up for the challenging hike, the views along the way make it unforgettable.
Elafonissi Beach
Ranked the #1 beach in the world by Tripadvisor in 2025, Elafonissi Beach is famous for its soft pink-tinged sand, shallow turquoise waters, and dreamy lagoon-like setting on the southwest coast of Crete. It’s no secret, so arrive early or stay late to enjoy its beauty without the crowds.
Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos is a charming lakeside town in eastern Crete, known for its relaxed vibe, boutique-lined streets, and the picturesque Voulismeni Lake at its heart.
Kritsa
Kritsa is one of the oldest and most picturesque villages in Crete, nestled in the hills just outside Agios Nikolaos. With its maze of narrow lanes, vibrant pink bougainvillaea flowers, and abundance of local craft shops, it offers a perfect mix of tradition and charm.
Kourtaliotiko Gorge
Kourtaliotiko Gorge is a striking canyon with towering cliffs, waterfalls, and a unique clapping echo from the wind. It’s a scenic route to the beautiful Preveli Beach.
Preveli Beach
Preveli Beach is a stunning paradise where a river flows through a lush palm forest and meets the Libyan Sea, creating a rare blend of tropical greenery and turquoise coastline.
Kalypso Beach
Kalypso Beach is a hidden cove on Crete’s southern coast with clear waters and rocky platforms. While not sandy, it’s one of the best spots for snorkeling thanks to its calm sea and vibrant marine life.
Falasarna Beach
On the west end of Crete, Falasarna stands out with its vast golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic sunsets. It’s easily accessible by car, so no hikes needed. For those seeking ultimate relaxation and epic scenery.
Matala
Matala is a bohemian seaside village famous for its cliffside caves, golden beach, and 1960s hippie history that still adds a free-spirited charm today.
Spinalonga
Spinalonga is a small island off the coast of Crete, steeped in history as a former Venetian fortress, now a hauntingly beautiful site to explore.
Knossos
Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete, renowned as the legendary palace of King Minos and the heart of the ancient Minoan civilization.
Loutro Village
Loutro Village is a hidden gem on Crete’s southern coast, only reachable by boat or on foot - perfect to pair with a boat day. With whitewashed buildings, turquoise waters, and a laid-back vibe, it’s far from touristy and full of authentic charm.