An island-style spring break
Escape to warmer climates for the Easter Holidays and Spring Break and step foot on the emerald paradise of Crete. Spring is the time to tour the island and explore its diverse landscapes without the crowds.
A Guide to Crete’s Gems
The villages of Kritsa and Kroustas
Cobblestone alleys, whitewashed houses with well-preserved gardens and blossoming flowers, and a main square full of cafes and little shops with local products. Life here slows down, and we highly recommend taking your time to stroll around and observe the traditional architecture. Known for its traditional cuisine, trying myzithropites (special cheese pies) and « eftazymo » bread should be on your list.
How to get there: 25-minute car ride from the hotel
Don’t Miss:
Visit the Women of Kritsa Association, a cooperative aiming to maintain the traditions of the village. Contact our team to schedule a culinary workshop with them and learn old weaving techniques that have stood the test of time.
An authentic Greek Orthodox Easter Celebration | April 29 – May 5, 2024
The Feast of Easter in Orthodoxy is referred to as « Pascha » and is the perfect chance to savor genuine Cretan hospitality. Treat yourself to the most memorable cultural experience at Minos Beach art hotel and follow all the rituals of Greek Easter. Bond with the locals, enjoy sumptuous feasts, taste irresistible desserts, and join the Easter preparations and traditions. Read More here.
Don’t Miss:
The Resurrection’s ceremony around the Lake of Ag. Nikolaos that is followed by a vibrant firework show. On May 5, join the Easter feast early in the day, which takes place at Bacchus Restaurant until late in the afternoon. A sumptuous buffet with all kinds of Cretan delicacies, an outdoor rotisserie station, and crisp wine and raki connect everyone around the table, and a live band of five is bringing the palm of Crete to the dance floor.
The Vai Palm Forest
Don’t miss the chance to visit Vai, the largest palm forest in Europe protected by UNESCO, where you can enjoy the expansive beach without the crowds during springtime. Consisting of more than 5,000 trees, and in combination with the expansive golden beach, Vai forms an impressive landscape. Read more about Vai Palm Forest.
On your way to the Palm Forest, don’t miss the chance to visit Monastery Toplou. This stunning monastery resembles a small fortress, with its 10-meter-high walls standing prominently in the almost deserted landscape. Besides its architectural beauty, Monastery Toplou is also home to a winery, where you can indulge in a wine tasting experience amidst this breathtaking backdrop.
How to get there: 90-minute car ride from the hotel
The Diktanean Cave
In the rocky northern sides of Mount Dikti at an altitude of 1025m, you will find the Dictaean Cave, one of the most known archeological places of Crete. Based on the myth, this is the birthplace of Zeus. Getting there is just an experience on its own. Wild aromatic herbs perfume the mountain air, and the panoramic view will take your breath away. Follow the stony path lined with oak trees that will lead you to the cave entrance. In the area, there are several other caves you can explore.
How to get there: 70-minute car ride from the hotel
Spinalonga Island
A visit to Spinalonga Island, a historical landmark fortified by the Venetians in the 17th century and later used as a leper colony. Today, the ruins exude a powerful story and a special atmosphere of abandonment. A guided tour can be arranged from our team in order to deep dive into the history of the place. To further enhance your visit, the village of Plaka offers an unrivaled view of Spinalonga, especially during sunset time. From every angle, you can see the mysterious island’s silhouette in the distance, framed by the sea and tiny fishing boats in the bay. Plaka itself is a charming village with traditional houses and shops, providing an ideal setting for memorable photographs.
On your return journey from Spinalonga, if you’re up for extending your trip, we recommend visiting the villages of Vrouchas and Fourni. Vrouchas is famous for its charming windmills lining the village entrance, while Fourni boasts a picturesque main square and the acclaimed Platanos kafenio.
How to get there: Plaka is a 20-minute car ride from the hotel, and you can take a ferry from the port to the Spinalonga island that crosses every 30 minutes. Ask our team to arrange a guided tour for Spinalonga Island.
From wandering through historic villages to experiencing the timeless traditions of Greek Easter, Crete offers an unforgettable springtime experience for every traveler. With Minos Beach art hotel as your base, you can explore the island’s diverse landscapes while enjoying exquisite serenity and experiencing Cretan philoxenia during your stay.