What really lurks beneath the crystal-clear waters of Crete? When you plan a trip to this iconic Mediterranean island, you are filled with expectations, especially if you are a lover of the sea and diving. But what happens when reality doesn't match what you imagined? Here we tell you about our latest diving experience in Crete, where we discovered a surprising ecosystem and faced a mix of emotions.
The Island of Crete: Where History and Nature Meet
Crete, Greece's largest island and home to the Minoan civilization, is a destination that seems to have it all: dream beaches, ancient history and breathtaking natural landscapes. This corner of the Mediterranean has witnessed the evolution of Western European culture and inspired myths such as the Minotaur and the legendary Atlantis .
When you arrive in Crete, you are immersed in a land where past and present coexist harmoniously. Vestiges of the Minoan civilization, such as the Palace of Knossos, contrast with the modern cities of Heraklion and Chania, while local traditions, especially in gastronomy, remain a vital part of daily life. The climate in Crete is pleasant, especially during the months of May, June and September, making it an ideal destination to combine culture, relaxation and, of course, diving.
We chose to stay at Agia Pelagia, a lovely resort near Heraklion, which provided the perfect base for our underwater adventures. Although the Samaria Canyon and the westernmost parts of the island were a bit out of the way, the proximity to the main dive sites allowed us to make the most of our time in the water.
Diving in Crete: A Closer Look at Reality
If there is one thing that characterises Crete, it is the clarity of its waters. With visibility exceeding 30 metres in many places, the Cretan sea is a true paradise for divers. However, what we found underwater was a mixture of astonishment and disappointment.
Our first dive was off the coast of Agia Pelagia, opposite the island of Dia, one of the most recommended diving spots in Crete. We had heard about the Posidonia meadows, a seaweed endemic to the Mediterranean that creates a perfect habitat for a wide variety of marine species. We expected to find colourful Mediterranean fish, moray eels hiding among the rocks and perhaps some seahorses moving with the current.
However, the reality was very different. What we saw were bare rock bottoms, devoid of the abundant marine life we had expected. The water, although incredibly clear, revealed an ecosystem in decline. But what worried us most was the massive presence of lionfish, an invasive species that has migrated from the Red Sea and is dangerously expanding throughout the Mediterranean.
The lionfish, with its striking venomous fins and voracious appetite, is upsetting the balance of Crete's marine ecosystem, devouring small fish species and competing with native predators. This invader, which at first might seem like an added attraction for divers due to its exotic appearance, is in fact a serious threat to the region's biodiversity.
Despite this concern, not everything was negative. The diving conditions in Crete are unbeatable: calm waters, accessibility from the shore and diving points that can be reached in just a few minutes of navigation. In addition, the kindness and professionalism of the Diver's Club Creta team made our experience as pleasant as possible, despite the difficulties encountered.
Exploring the Surface: Heraklion, Chania and Rethymnon
But Crete is not just a diving destination; it is also a place rich in history and culture. We took advantage of our stay to visit some of the most emblematic sites on the island, starting with Heraklion, the capital.
Heraklion: The Gateway to Minoan Civilization
Our first stop was the Palace of Knossos , the most important archaeological site of the Minoan civilization. Although the visit was impressive from a historical point of view, it also turned out to be somewhat chaotic. The lack of limited capacity and the huge groups of tourists made the experience less pleasant than we had anticipated. Nevertheless, it is a must-see for any history lover.
We complement our exploration of the Minoan civilization with a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion , where the most significant frescoes and objects from the Palace are housed. This museum is a real treasure and offers you a much deeper insight into life in Crete thousands of years ago.
After our immersion in history, we strolled through the old town of Heraklion, a place where the scars of earthquakes have left their mark. The shopping streets, although lively, do not offer much more than shops and cafes, so we decided to move away from the center and look for a local restaurant. This is how we found Vranas , a small restaurant in a side street at the end of the market street, where we enjoyed an authentic Greek meal. Our favorite dish was Tzatziki, a refreshing dish made of Greek yogurt, cucumber and olive oil, perfect to beat the summer heat.
Chania and Rethymnon: A Journey Through Time
Chania, with its Venetian harbour and lively alleys, was our next stop. This charming town, which mixes Italian, Greek and Turkish influences, offered us a more relaxed and authentic experience. Wandering around the old town aimlessly allowed us to discover hidden corners and feel the pulse of everyday life in Crete.
The Venetian harbour, although beautiful, did not quite meet our expectations, perhaps because we had heard so much about it that we expected something more. However, the general atmosphere of Chania left us enchanted, and it is certainly a place we would like to return to.
Rethymnon was a similar experience, although the overcrowding of restaurants in its narrow streets took away some of its charm. Still, the old town and its Venetian harbour are worth a visit, especially if you can explore them at a leisurely pace.
Both cities are small and easy to cover in a few hours, so we recommend not trying to visit Chania and Rethymnon in the same day, as we did. The journeys between the two cities can be long, and in the end, the time lost in transport means that you cannot fully enjoy either of them.
Discovering Wild Nature: Samaria Gorge
One of the most memorable moments of our trip was the visit to the Samaria Canyon, one of the longest gorges in Europe. This impressive geological formation, located in the southwest of Crete, offered us a unique experience on the island.
The Samaria Gorge trek is a hike of approximately 16 kilometers that takes you from the Omalos plateau to the coast at Agia Roumeli. Along the way, we were surrounded by high rock walls, pine and cypress forests, and a constantly changing landscape, from narrow paths to wide plains.
The most impressive point is known as "The Iron Gates", a narrow passage where the canyon walls come up to 3 meters away and rise more than 300 meters above you. This place, where the canyon seems to close around you, makes you feel small before the immensity of nature.
The hike, though challenging, is accessible to most people with a moderate level of fitness, and the spectacular views make every step worthwhile. At the end of the trail, you reach the small coastal village of Agia Roumeli, where you can cool off on the beach and enjoy a well-deserved meal at one of the local tavernas.
The Samaria Canyon is more than just a hike; it is a journey through the unspoiled nature of Crete, a reminder of the power of nature and the need to preserve it.
Reflecting on Marine Conservation
The situation of the seabed in Crete made us reflect deeply on the importance of marine conservation. We have dived in other Mediterranean islands facing similar problems and, years later, we have witnessed how the implementation of marine reserves has allowed a remarkable recovery of the ecosystem. Faced with the rise of fast fashion and low-cost fashion giants, it is more urgent than ever to support initiatives that protect our natural resources. It is our hope that Crete follows a similar path and that, on future visits, we can see a significant improvement in the health of its waters.
Our experience reinforces our commitment to sustainability, not only in our diving practices, but also in our daily lifestyle. That is why we continue to bet on sustainable fashion in our store, promoting products that use ecological materials and manufacturing processes that are respectful of the environment and ethical towards people.
And you? What do you plan to do?