72 hours in Crete
Welcome to Crete, the largest island in Greece, where ancient history meets stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture. Known for its diverse landscapes and charming villages, Crete offers an unforgettable escape for a long weekend getaway.
Natural Wonders and Scenic Beauty Crete's varied terrain includes dramatic mountains, rolling hills, and pristine beaches. Hike through the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe's longest canyons, or relax on the pink sands of Elafonissi Beach with its crystal-clear waters. For breathtaking views, trek up to the summit of Mount Ida, the legendary birthplace of Zeus.
Culinary Delights Indulge in Crete's culinary scene, renowned for fresh, local ingredients and traditional flavors. Savor island specialties like dakos (barley rusk with tomatoes and feta), lamb with stamnagathi (wild greens), and the sweet treat kalitsounia (cheese or herb-filled pastries). Complement your meal with local wines and the distinctive raki, a traditional Cretan spirit.
From its picturesque landscapes to its rich culinary heritage, Crete offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for a memorable getaway.
Things to Do
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Morning - Victoria and Albert Waterfront
Step into the vibrant atmosphere of the Watershed, an indoor market that serves as a hub for creativity and local talent, boasting over 300 distinctive brands. Here, visitors are invited to explore a kaleidoscope of colorful stalls brimming with an eclectic array of offerings. Admire the intricate details of local artistry, from captivating paintings to handcrafted sculptures, each telling a unique story of the region's culture and heritage. Lose yourself amidst racks of stylish fashion pieces, showcasing the latest trends alongside timeless classics. Indulge in the luxurious textures and soothing scents of natural skincare products, carefully crafted from locally sourced ingredients.
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Afternoon - Sunset at Clifton Beach
Afterward, it is time to head to the beach. We decided to visit Clifton Beach, a lineup of four pristine beaches known for their crystal-clear waters and white sandy shores. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon soaking up the sun or taking a (very) refreshing dip in the Atlantic Ocean. We stopped by Clifton 2 and the sunset view from there was absolutely stunning.
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Evening - Dinner in Camps Bay
As the day winds down, make your way to Camps Bay, a trendy coastal neighborhood known for its palm-fringed beach and lively restaurant scene. We had dinner at Chinchilla Rooftop Cafe and Bar, a cool bar facing the beach, and serving sushis, classic bar bites, and cocktails. The perfect end to our day 1 in Cape Town.
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Morning - Road Trip to Cape Point
Muizenberg & Kalk Bay
Muizenberg and Kalk Bay are two charming coastal suburbs located along the False Bay coastline in Cape Town, South Africa. Each of these areas offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance, making them popular destinations for locals and tourists alike.
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Afternoon - Kalk Bay
Alternatively, head straight to the lovely village of Kalk Bay, where you can browse through eclectic shops, bookstores, and antic galleries. Walk around the harbor and pay a visit to the local seals before having lunch in one of the local eateries on the seafront. If you want something a bit fancy with a beautiful sea view, try Harbour House. If you prefer more authentic local fish and chips, try the iconic Kalky’s! The servings are massive and messy and the fries are delicious! I loved it <3.
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Evening - Boulders Beach and the penguin colony
Continue your journey to the iconic, and oh-so Instagrammable Boulders Beach, home to a colony of African penguins. Get up close and personal with these adorable creatures as they waddle along the beach and enjoy the turquoise waters. There are actually 2 separate areas in Boulders Beach. One with a viewing platform from where you can see most of the penguins (here) and one where you can actually go on the beach, swim, and be close to some penguins (here). If you do not want to pay anything and still see a few penguins, I recommend parking here and walking along the Burgers Walk, all the way to Windmill Beach. The sea there is absolutely spectacular and you should encounter a few penguins on your way!!
Best Beaches
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Balos beach
Nestled on the Gramvousa peninsula in western Crete, Balos Beach is renowned for its crystalline waters, fine sands, and pristine natural landscapes.
For an adventure, explore the lagoon to fully appreciate the breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding mountains. Given its relative seclusion, bringing a picnic is a good idea to ensure you stay refreshed during your day of utter relaxation.
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Elafonissi beach
Located on the southwestern coast of Crete, Elafonissi Beach is celebrated for its pink-tinted sands, clear turquoise waters, and stunning natural beauty.
To enhance your experience, wander through the shallow waters and discover the small islet of Elafonissi, just a short distance from the shore. Due to its remote location, it's wise to pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the serene surroundings during your day of tranquil relaxation
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Preveli Beach
Preveli Beach is one of Crete's most famous coastal gems. Located on the island's south coast, it resembles a tropical paradise with golden sands, turquoise waters, and exotic palm trees. Snorkeling enthusiasts can explore vibrant coral reefs and watch colorful fish through the clear waters.
Accessible by foot from the Kourtaliotiko Gorges, the journey offers spectacular views of limestone cliffs and verdant valleys, making the adventure to Preveli Beach as stunning as the destination itself.
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Matala Beach
Close to Heraklion, Matala Beach is nestled at the foot of impressive cliffs, renowned for their man-made caves carved into the rock.
Plunge into the clear, calm waters, perfect for swimming and free diving. Enjoy the bohemian and relaxed atmosphere in one of the many bars, restaurants, and cafés along the shore. For the more adventurous, kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent to explore the captivating coastline.
Where to Eat and Drink
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Noah House
The clue’s in the name at Noah House in Cape Town: this private hideaway will indeed be your home, sweet home (though we’re not sure who Noah is). From your Tamboerskloof digs, you’ll be able to walk all over the city, including around the corner to Kloof Street and the best bars, boutiques and restaurants in town. Plus, it’s not your average landlord who bakes for you every day: afternoon-tea treats made by the Dutch proprietors have been known to include brownies, scones and butter cookies.
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Future Found Sanctuary
The future’s bright at Future Found Sanctuary, a hi-tech hideaway in Cape Town’s Hout Bay. Admirers of handsome, slightly squat hills will enjoy the proximity to Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles that form its curvy behind. The two-villa retreat has a forest in the middle, with views of the valley served straight to your balcony in many of the supersize suites, each of which has high ceilings, hand-painted wallpaper and generally winning design.
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Labotessa
Cape Town's Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel combines national history, indulgent design and continental culture – a medley that perfectly captures the city’s cosmopolitan soul. Built in the 17th century, the building is the second oldest in South Africa, overlooking historic Church Square in the heart of the CBD. Don’t be fooled, however: you won’t detect the slightest hint of stuffiness as you step through the stone entrance and into the perfumed lobby, which doubles as a Diptyque boutique.
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One and Only
Forget ‘all or nothing’; if One&Only Cape Town had a maxim, it may well be ‘all, and then some’. True to form, the brand’s Mother City outpost has dived headlong into the well of abundance. The result? A scaled-up urban stay that does nothing by halves. Spread across two private islands, the sprawling resort weaves through private waterways with a large, free form pool – the largest in the Southern hemisphere
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Ellerman Hotel
The bastion of culture and elegance in Bantry Bay, Ellerman House is an art-filled escape in an Edwardian mansion. Each of the 13 rooms is spacious and bright, but the hotel offers plenty to explore outside the room. The estate pays tribute to South African culture, with two centuries of local art spread throughout the house, including in a dedicated gallery. goes here
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The Silo Hotel
Description An old grain store never looked so good as the Silo Hotel on Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, where kernels of corn and bales of hay are out, and all-African artworks and rooftop pools are in. It’s so cultured that there’s a museum directly beneath it, specifically the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa.goes here
Where to stay
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Noah House
The clue’s in the name at Noah House in Cape Town: this private hideaway will indeed be your home, sweet home (though we’re not sure who Noah is). From your Tamboerskloof digs, you’ll be able to walk all over the city, including around the corner to Kloof Street and the best bars, boutiques and restaurants in town. Plus, it’s not your average landlord who bakes for you every day: afternoon-tea treats made by the Dutch proprietors have been known to include brownies, scones and butter cookies.
-

Future Found Sanctuary
The future’s bright at Future Found Sanctuary, a hi-tech hideaway in Cape Town’s Hout Bay. Admirers of handsome, slightly squat hills will enjoy the proximity to Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles that form its curvy behind. The two-villa retreat has a forest in the middle, with views of the valley served straight to your balcony in many of the supersize suites, each of which has high ceilings, hand-painted wallpaper and generally winning design.
-

Labotessa
Cape Town's Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel combines national history, indulgent design and continental culture – a medley that perfectly captures the city’s cosmopolitan soul. Built in the 17th century, the building is the second oldest in South Africa, overlooking historic Church Square in the heart of the CBD. Don’t be fooled, however: you won’t detect the slightest hint of stuffiness as you step through the stone entrance and into the perfumed lobby, which doubles as a Diptyque boutique.
-

One and Only
Forget ‘all or nothing’; if One&Only Cape Town had a maxim, it may well be ‘all, and then some’. True to form, the brand’s Mother City outpost has dived headlong into the well of abundance. The result? A scaled-up urban stay that does nothing by halves. Spread across two private islands, the sprawling resort weaves through private waterways with a large, free form pool – the largest in the Southern hemisphere
-

Ellerman Hotel
The bastion of culture and elegance in Bantry Bay, Ellerman House is an art-filled escape in an Edwardian mansion. Each of the 13 rooms is spacious and bright, but the hotel offers plenty to explore outside the room. The estate pays tribute to South African culture, with two centuries of local art spread throughout the house, including in a dedicated gallery. goes here
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The Silo Hotel
Description An old grain store never looked so good as the Silo Hotel on Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, where kernels of corn and bales of hay are out, and all-African artworks and rooftop pools are in. It’s so cultured that there’s a museum directly beneath it, specifically the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa.goes here
Exclusive Experiences
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Morning - Hike Lion Head
Experience the breathtaking sunrise views from Lion's Head, a renowned hike in Cape Town. Start your hike around 60 to 75 minutes before sunrise for optimal timing. Remember to bring a flashlight for the unlit sections and wear sturdy shoes. Choose between two paths at the trail's end, one involving a vertical climb with metal ladders and chains. Don't forget water and snacks, and be prepared for a short, demanding climb through boulders near the summit. Arrive early to secure a prime spot for sunrise viewing.
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Afternoon - Bo Kaap neighborhood
Next on the itinerary of the day, it is time for some cultural visits. First, immerse yourself in the vibrant Bo Kaap neighborhood. Known for its colorful houses and rich Cape Malay heritage, this area is a photographer’s paradise. Take a leisurely stroll through its quaint streets and learn about the history and culture of the Cape Malay community.
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Evening - Sunset Table Mountain
In the afternoon, head to Table Mountain, Cape Town's iconic landmark. Take the cable car to the summit for stunning views of the city, coastline, and mountains. The expansive mountaintop offers hours of exploration amidst diverse flora and fauna. Arrive 60-90 minutes before sunset to ensure ample time to explore and enjoy a peaceful sunset. Book cable car tickets in advance and arrive early due to crowds. Check weather conditions beforehand, as high winds may affect cable car operations.
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Crete, Greece