Sports and leisure activities Greece

Mireille, Freddy and their son Yoann run this unmissable diving centre in Crete. These warm Bordeaux inhabitants will welcome you in a professional and secure environment to help you discover the underwater wonders of the bay of Agia Pelagia: a cave with amphoras, schools of juvenile barracudas, or a turtle. If you want to progress, the centre also offers courses to pass your different levels. It is also possible to rent equipment for adults and children interested in diving and the underwater world.

The center is family oriented, friendly and French speaking. In the heart of this mythical region of Greece, the whole team welcomes divers in a relaxed atmosphere. Exploration diving, wrecks, biology, caves... there is no shortage of spots and the instructors, who are very attentive to your safety, know them perfectly. They are attentive, educational and reassuring. The owners of the club do not hesitate to pick you up directly at your hotel. And if you have trouble finding accommodation, they can also help you in your search.

This diving school operates with professionalism and offers an impeccable, warm and responsible service since 1996. All the necessary diving equipment is provided for each sea trip, but it is also possible to dive with your own equipment. The instructors have all the official guarantees (PADI, CMAS, SSI): you can trust George and his team! In summer, departures are made every day at 9am on board the Armonia: the sites vary according to the weather and the customers' experience.

The sandy beach of Matala is organized and pleasant. It is medium sized, but still under the supervision of a lifeguard because the waves can be quite high and the current quite strong. So don't joke and follow the instructions. There are paying umbrellas and deckchairs, a paying parking lot, public toilets, showers and changing rooms (free). But it is not the most beautiful and it is overcrowded in high season.

The other beaches in the area are either, like Komos and Kalamaki in the north of Matala, large and wild, or smaller and quieter because they are less frequented and not easily accessible like Agio Faraggo in the south after the natural park of the same name. Martsalo is a small isolated beach in the south after the natural park and not far from Faraggo. Stena Beach in Agios Markos, and, close to Stena, those of Kali Limenes and five others to the east are also exceptional.

The Red Beach owes its name to the color of the sand. Less frequented, this beach, surmounted by cliffs, is magnificent, especially at sunset. The view of Matala Bay and Kokkinos Beach is superb when you reach the top of the hill that separates them. Nudism. Access possible only by boat from Matala beach or on foot. Turn left before the small parish church of the Assumption of St. Mary and walk for about 20 minutes (it climbs up and down). Bring closed shoes. On site: coffee and deckchairs.

Beginners and advanced divers alike can take advantage of the island's warm, clear waters, 30-metre visibility and variety of dive spots, thanks to Rhodes Diving Academy. This establishment, a branch of the Lepia dive center, is more focused on learning and developing diving skills. It is PADI-certified and the staff are trained to welcome disabled divers. The team is young, passionate and friendly.

Vangelis Stavrolakis is an experienced mountain guide. Based in Hania, he is available all year round for a mountain hike on the E4 road, a mountain bike tour on the heights of the White Mountains, or to accompany a group starting to discover the Agia Irini gorges. It provides the necessary equipment for these activities. The more experienced will be able to go on hikes of up to 2,452 m at the Pachnes Peak or admire the most beautiful view of Crete from the Timios Stavros Peak at 2,456 m over Psiloritis or the Ida Mountain.

Different programs and courses for beginners and advanced divers throughout the summer with experienced SSI and PADI instructors. A really fun experience in the world of scuba diving for the whole family. Two agencies to take you out to sea near Rethymnon. Quality equipment. Selection of several dive sites: the experienced diver can vary the programs. One of Despina & Dimitris' main concerns is the conservation of the marine environment. Visiting the Elephant Cave with them is an unforgettable experience.

EOS is the association of mountain people of the region, made up of enthusiasts, who organize many mountain outings: hiking, climbing, canyoning, visits to caves ... The association also plays a very active role in the promotion of this kind of activities, sometimes unknown by tourists and Greeks themselves. The members mark out and maintain the paths, manage the refuges, publish magazines... Get in touch with the volunteers and members of the association to organize your mountain outings and other outdoor activities.

Organization of half-day catamaran trips with a lunch break in a tavern in the port of Panormos. Departures from Bali take place every day in season, weather permitting and if there are enough people to board. The cruises are well organized and will take you to beautiful parts of Crete, accessible only by sea. Sailboats and small motorboats can be rented by the hour and for those who cannot navigate: pedal boats, canoes, jet-skis..

Excellent location for this club established since 1995 in the region of Agia Pelagia: Diver's Club Crete is a very experienced diving center in the field of scuba diving teaching and recreational diving. The dives are guided by "divemasters" and are never more than 20 minutes away. Also sea walks or snorkeling trips. The choice of sites is different according to the level of divers while night dives are planned for all levels.

In this diving center opened here in 2016 (the other being in Agia Pelagia), you will find a full range of snorkeling and PMT equipment, masks, snorkels, fins for all levels. There are also flashlights, knives and diving tools, accessories and gift ideas. In short, you will find all diving equipment with prestigious labels (Aqua Lung, Oceanic, Coltri Sub...) and you will be able to book your sea trips, PADI training and other courses to discover the surrounding seabed.

EOS is the official Greek association of mountain people. The branch in Rethymnon is very active, very well organized and reliable. Since 1961, it is composed of enthusiasts who organize many mountain outings: hiking, climbing, canyoning, visits to caves... The association plays a very active role in the promotion of this kind of activities which are sometimes little known. The members mark out and maintain the paths, manage the refuges...