Sport on Crete

Diving on Crete: There are many diving schools across Crete, though due to overfishing in the surrounding sea, fish are less prevalent than they were, and diving is less interesting than in previous years. The most popular diving spots in Crete are in the high-market destination of Elounda. In our village Plakias you can find at least thre diving schools, dozens around the island.

Cycling on Crete: Crete’s rugged, mountainous terrain offers plenty of roads and little traffic. For that reason, many choose to bring their bikes with them to Crete. It has been known for Tour de France cyclists to come in spring to train!

Most of the roads are steep and difficult. Flat and easy tours are hard to find. On the main road along the North Coast cycling is prohibited. A real challenge for fit people is for example the roard from Chania up to Omalos (about 1400 meters altitude differenc).

Hiking on Crete: Probably the number one exercise on Crete, especially amongst German tourists. You’ll notice plenty of badly signposted hiking trails across the island. Many people walk along the southcoast of Crete in the White Mountains. The highest mountains on Crete are about 2500 high and have a real alpine character to them. The best time for hiking is April to June, when it’s not too hot and the wild flowers are in bloom. The E4 walk (a European long-distance walk) crosses the breadth of Crete from west to east, and is marked with yellow signs, unfortuanatly not everywhere.

Water sports on Crete: You’ll find many opportunities to participate in water sports in the more touristy destinations. Swimming, snorkelling, surfing and sailing are a typical activities offered. These activities are in Greece often cheaper than for example in Spain or Italy. Read more about beaches on Crete

Golf on Crete: Golf is also quite popular on Crete, although building the courses themselves have sparked plenty of debates between environmentalists and developers. Gold courses require plenty of fresh water which is hard to find on Crete. Still, you’ll find a course near the luxury resort of Elounda, and a nice new course near the island’s capital, Iraklio (close to the tourist resort Hersonissos, guests are welcome). This is as far as we know the only golf course in Crete of 18 holes, the one in Elounda has only 9 holes.

Bus Venice Marco Polo

Fishing on Crete: There are very few big rivers and lakes on Crete, so freshwater fishing is virtually unheard of. Fishing in the sea is allowed, with plenty of limits. The Cretan seas are home to many Mediterranean species; porgies, red mullets, barbell mullets and Samson fishes are in abundance here. If you are really lucky, you may even catch a pike. Some tavernas will prepare your fish for you if you pay them a little money. For more information, there are shops in bigger towns selling fishing equipment – their owners will be happy to help. You can buy simple fishing equipment in many supermarkets. I big shop with the great name "Captain Hook" you can find near the bus station in Iraklio. Flyfishing is also quite popular here.