Crete is a great place for outdoor pursuits such as climbing, walking, cycling and water sports. However, the most strenuous activities are best undertaken outside of the scorching summer months!
One of the best places for a hike is the famous Samaria Gorge, Europe's deepest. A trek through the gorge can be strenuous but very rewarding. An early start is recommended as the walk is 18km long and will take you all day. There are many operators who can organise transport to drop you off and pick you up at the other end. Samaria is very popular and can get quite crowded, though there are other quieter gorges around the island such as Imbros Gorge.
Besides all the historical sights, Crete is also famous for its beaches. There are all different types of beach across the island; sandy, rocky coves, deserted, crowded.
The north coast holds some of the most developed beaches on the island. The resorts of Hersonissos and Malia are packed with hotels and restaurants and have a vibrant nightlife. While these resorts attract hordes each summer, some may not like the explosion of concrete here, the invasion of restaurants selling a 'Full English' and the young and rowdy crowds .
The west coast has some beautiful and remote beaches such as Gramvousa and Falasarna. They are relatively undeveloped, with few facilities but are now seeing more visitors with numerous day trips by coach or boat
.Beaches on the south coast enjoy some of the best weather on the island as they are sheltered by the mountains inland. There are dramatic cliffs along the coast and some great beaches such as Sougia and Preveli. Matala is perhaps the best known beach in the south with its sandstone cliffs, and was a popular hippy hangout in the 1960s, attracting the likes of Joni Mitchell. Elafonisi is a spectacular beach in the south west of the island and is rightly a popular day trip destination.
There are some nudist beaches on the island, with a couple of popular ones located near Plakias in the south Damnoni Beach and Amoudi Beach.
The favourable climate of Crete makes swimming possible in the sea from April right through to November.
Besides the history and great beaches, there are a whole host of other activities to keep tourists entertained on the island. All manner of water sports are possible on the island. There are a number of Scuba Diving companies. Windsurfs are available for rent, as well as sea kayaks.
There are also two large water parks on the island. Aqua Plus Water Park at Hersonissos features loads of pools and slides and is set on a hill in beautiful garden surroundings. Alternatively, Water City can be found in Anopolis, between Heraklion and Hersonissos, and is the islands biggest water park. Another new development on the island is the 18 hole Crete Golf Club.
There are loads of day trips and excursions to be had on and around Crete. Popular with families are the daily pirate ship cruises to both Marathi and Bali. There are also many dolphin cruises available and all can be organised in all the main tourist spots. As well as boats trips to many of the more secluded beaches and coves on the island, there are also trips to neighbouring islands. The full day cruise to Santorini is popular. This is a long day, but visitors are rewarded by the spectacular sights of this lovely volcanic island and its neighbours.