Greece has many beautiful islands, each with its own special appeal. Santorini is famous for its white buildings overlooking the sea, while Corfu offers green hills and scenic views. Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure, or culture, there’s a Greek island to suit every type of traveller.
One of the largest islands in Greece is Crete that offers a rich mix of ancient history and lively local traditions. It’s home to the ruins of the Minoan civilization, including the famous Palace of Knossos, which dates back thousands of years. Alongside these historic sites, the island is among the top choices for the pensioners. Crete is a great place for older adults, thanks to its warm weather all year round, which is perfect for escaping cold and damp climates.
Even in October, the island boasts 26C, making it a perfect place for the holidaymakers looking to escape the cold weather in the UK.
Life on the island is calm and friendly, with welcoming locals and a strong sense of community that makes it easy for retirees to settle in.
According to the reports, healthcare is good and affordable, with modern hospitals and clinics in towns like Heraklion and Chania.
Living costs are lower than in much of the UK, helping pensioners make the most of their money. Many retirees also appreciate the availability of direct flights from the UK, making visits from family or trips back home relatively simple.
Crete offers a wide range of experiences, from exploring the ancient ruins of Knossos—tied to the myth of the Minotaur—to hiking through the dramatic Samaria Gorge, a favourite spot for nature lovers.
Its coastline is lined with stunning beaches like Elafonissi, Balos, and Vai, each with its own special beauty. The island is also known for its delicious food, including traditional dishes like dakos, lamb with wild greens, and fresh seafood served in cozy seaside tavernas.
Cities such as Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, and Agios Nikolaos showcase a mix of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek styles, adding to Crete’s rich cultural feel.
One of the travellers wrote on TripAdvisor forum: “I just returned from a fabulous one week adventure in Crete. I could never have imagined what a variety of scenery and experiences one island could provide! There were dramatic mountain peaks, rugged cliffs, beautifully cultivated vineyards and olive groves, pristine lakes, amazing caves, fascinating Minoan and Roman ruins, gorgeous beaches, and quaint old villages.
“We stayed in the very small village of Pendamodi about 30 minutes south of Iraklion. It was an excellent base for exploration and we felt as if we were “locals” rather than tourists. After a day in the car, it was wonderful to walk to the delightful nearby taverna for a delicious and inexpensive meal. Our house was charming.
“Although it has a timeless, traditional look, it was built very recently so everything feels very new, clean and modern inside. There are beautiful gardens, a lovely swimming pool, and spectacular views. All of our travel arrangements were made through Cachet Travel in London (020 8847 8700). One price per person included a charter flight from London, the house and a car. I highly recommend this vacation.”
Another traveller chimed in: “This may be the largest island & seem busy,but there are some Quiet & relaxing places to find ,especially west of Chania, Maleme is where I have stayed on several occasions, Alexis Apts are a good base they are very clean & tidy, Alex & George are your host’s they make you feel very welcome & can’t do enough to help you, Kolymbari, Aghia Marina,Paleohora are lovely places to go also Chania is good for food & shopping to get you back to a bit of hussle&bussle, the war graves at Souda bay & Maleme are also worth a visit.”
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