All of Greece is wonderful, but Crete holds a special place in my heart because of its unmatched hospitality. The people there make you feel like a guest in their home. Santorini is more touristy, but it’s stunningly beautiful. The history of Athens is unmatched. Below are my recommendations for places to visit in Crete, Santorini and Athens
About this stop: A mountain day from Melidoni to Spili, ending with an adventurous swim to a waterfall that feels like a hidden tropical paradise.
Suggested itinerary
- Start the day in Melidoni. It is small, charming, and a great place to ease into the morning. We grabbed breakfast at Cafeteria Melidoni.
- Optional: the Melidoni Cave nearby - history and dramatic cave spaces. (we didn't do this, but heard it is a good option)
- Then head into the central mountains. The views keep getting better, and it is one of those stretches where you will want to pull over a couple times just to look around.
- Grab lunch in Spili. It is a classic mountain town stop, with a relaxed feel and a good place to sit for a bit before the next part.
- After lunch, make your way toward the Kourtaliotiko Gorge area and the Kourtaliotiko Waterfall. Finding the spot can feel a little vague because signage is limited, but look for the small roadside church and park near there.
- This next part is not for everyone. The hike is not long, but it is strenuous. Near the bottom you will be climbing over rocks and boulders, and you need to be comfortable getting wet.
- If you are up for it, the payoff is unreal. You end up in frigid water fed by mountain streams. Swim out about 50 yards or so, and then suddenly it opens up into something that looks like a tropical pocket of paradise. Honestly, it feels like you got dropped into Hawaii for a minute.
- Give yourself time to just sit there and take it in. It is one of those places that does not feel real until you are actually in it.
- If you still have time and energy, finish at Preveli Beach. It is famous for the palm forest and the river lagoon meeting the sea, and it is a beautiful way to end the day.
