Sports and leisure activities Crete

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.

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.

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...

EOS is the association of mountain enthusiasts of the region, who organize many mountain outings: hiking, climbing, canyoning, visits to caves ... The association also plays a very active role in the promotion of these kinds of activities, sometimes unknown by tourists and Greeks themselves. The members mark out and maintain the paths, manage the refuges, publish magazines... Do not hesitate to ask the volunteers and members of the association for advice for all your outdoor excursions in the mountains of the region.

An experienced and reliable scuba diving center for all levels, always in small groups and in complete safety. Founded in 1993, the center also offers its services at Panormo, located at the Club Marine Palace. Atlantis Diving Center offers a variety of programs and courses for beginners and advanced divers throughout the summer months with experienced SSI and PADI instructors. A sensational experience in the underwater world. The center provides free pick up and delivery to all hotels in Rethymno.

This Greco-German family opened its farm-inn in 1998 and welcomes you in the middle of its many animals in a very friendly atmosphere and a pleasant setting, a little away from the village. They organize horseback rides: count one hour for a ride on the beach and five hours for a hike to the Odigitrias monastery (picnic lunch included in the price). Saddlery equipment in perfect condition. Horse and donkey rides for children. Possibility to stay in the farmhouse in a nice apartment.

It doesn't matter if you've never driven a buggy before, the vehicles are user-friendly, and everyone will get detailed instructions and tips before starting the 80 km tour. Going to the island's most hidden spots to meet the locals makes this experience unique. Departure: 10 a.m. Return around 4pm. Driving license required. Passengers: minimum age 7. Half-price for children under 10. Offers on site.

It's the only riding school in Hersonissos. It offers day rides or 3-hour guided rides, with lunch and a shuttle from the hotel to save you the trip to the centre. The opportunity to discover a part of the region in a different way, taking your time, and in the middle of nature, to take part in the transition to a greener tourism. There is another equestrian centre of the same kind in the nearby town of Malia.

Created in 1993, this 5-star PADI center for beginners and experienced divers is located in the Nea Hora district and has offices in the old Venetian port. Instructors of different nationalities focus on safety. Excursions are made on board their recent 25m boat. It allows families and friends to accompany the divers. The brands Mares, Cress, Sherwood, Scubapro are sold in the shop at interesting prices. The centre is open in season, from April to October, depending on the year.

The Crete Golf Club, located near Hersonissos in the hinterland, offers a beautiful 18-hole course. Every year in October, a competition is organized and attracts many participants passing through Crete. Of course you will find instructors on site to take private lessons. The club also has a shop and a restaurant and offers reduced rates in low season and for the younger ones. You will need to bring suitable golf shoes, of course: they are compulsory.

Since 1995, the Kissamos Diving School, one of the first in Hania, very professional, offers PADI, Dan Europe... courses, in complete safety and for all levels. Beginners start in the small fishing port next door. Activities all year round on request. Also offers a shop for material and equipment. Diving points: 70 miles from the bays of Kissamos and Hania to Paleohora via Elafonissi, Livadia, etc.

If you are looking for a friendly outdoor activity that combines vacation, fun, learning and respect for the environment while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Lake Kournas and its surroundings, the Zoraïda club offers horseback riding vacations and nice rides for everyone! For intermediate riders, there are half-day or multi-day rides, on the beach or in the hills. A pleasant, well organized activity and a great way to discover the region.