Continue reading for my best Crete recommendations, highs and lows of being a digital nomad in Crete and why I think Crete is Europe’s up-and-coming digital nomad destinations. Let’s break down some of the aspects that, in my opinion, make Crete the optimal destination for digital nomads. Crete, basking in 300 days of sunshine annually, stands out as one of the best destinations in Europe for consistently excellent weather throughout the year. I can highly recommend the coworking space WorkHub in Chania. Besides desks and meeting rooms they also manage a Facebook and a Whatsapp group that connects digital nomads in Chania with joint dinners and events. What surprised me the most about Crete was its legendary beaches. From the iconic pink sands of Elafonissi to remote coves in southern Crete that have barely been touched by tourists, there’s always a place to explore and unwind. The island’s natural beauty is breathtaking, with majestic gorges like the Samaria Gorge, towering mountain peaks, and picturesque villages to explore. As a digital nomad, you have the opportunity to experience the unique combination of mountains and sea, seclusion and community that this island has to offer. Greek food is a reason alone to visit this country, and the Cretan cuisine is even better with its unique local dishes. Cretan cuisine is renowned for its freshness and flavor. You can savor local delicacies, farm-fresh produce, and traditional dishes that reflect the island’s rich culinary heritage. My favorites dishes are the Dakos salad (rusk bread topped with tomatoes, creamy myzithra cheese and herbs), kolokythanthi (stuffed zucchini flowers), Cretan salad (Greek salad with rusk), skioufichta (handmade pasta) and boureki (potato and zucchini pie). For Cretans, food is a way of life, with an emphasis on simplicity, sustainability, fresh local produce, respect for tradition and (most importantly) generosity. When visiting a family-owned restaurant you will most likely be served generous portions, some extra bread, their own olive oil, and dessert on the house, accompanied by a small bottle of raki. However, rent can vary depending on the season. Expect much higher prices for Airbnbs and short-term rentals from May to August as this is when vacationers come to enjoy Crete’s sunshine and beauty. My warmest recommendations go to Chania, as this was my home base when working from Crete. I really fell in love with the town, its digital nomad community and WorkHub coworking space. ➳ If you’re looking for a short-term accommodation in Chania, I can highly recommend Kriti Hotel For a truly immersive experience on Crete, I highly recommend renting a car. Having your own vehicle allows you to set your own schedule and venture off the beaten path to discover hidden gems and picturesque villages that may be inaccessible by public transport. Crete’s road network is well-maintained and offers stunning scenic routes, making it a joy to drive around the island. I rented my car through Pan Car and it was a seamless experience. They were very helpful and flexible! I visited I.F. Petroulakis distillery and got to witness this fascinating process of transforming locally sourced grapes into liquid gold. I can highly recommend it! My favorite village was Gavalochori. Here you can experience the slow Cretan life, eat an incredible lunch at Monica’s Tavern or pay a visit to the small shop selling crafts from local artists. Samaria Gorge is a UNESCO-protected Biosphere Reserve with 450 species of plant and animal life. The entire hike is 16 km, and along the way you will pass 22 freshwater springs, an abandoned village and several resting areas – all at the same time as having impressive 100 meter tall mountains on each side of you. Even though it’s possible to do this hike on your own, I can highly recommend joining a tour or hiring a private guide from Trekking Hellas. Besides the obvious advantage of learning more about the area and all its do’s and don’ts, a guided tour includes transfer. This is great as the hike is one way: the starting point and ending point is at opposite sides of the gorge. There are several places along the coast only accessible by boat. For example the enchanting coastal village Loutro, or my favorite beach in Crete: Marmara beach. Renting a boat, or taking a private boat trip, with Notos Mare is therefore the ultimate way to discover the south coast! I can highly recommend staying at the south coast for a few days to explore its uniqueness to the fullest. I stayed a week in Hora Sfakion which was a great base to explore from. ➳ Hotel recommendation in Hora Sfakion: Authentic Village Boutique Hotel My personal favorites are:
Balos beachFalassarna beachElafonissi beachPreveli beachMarmara beach
While these beaches are must-see places in Crete, I just want to add that during the summer months they get too full. Not only is it not going to be the experience you were expecting, but you’ll be contributing to putting the ecosystems at risk. As a digital nomad, you have a great opportunity here to visit these beaches during shoulder season. Who wants to fight over sunbeds with tourists anyway?! Visit in May-June or September-October and get rewarded with better prices, fewer people and great weather! ➳ Read more: Your guide to sustainable travel in Chania During my time in Crete, I visited Biolea – a family-owned company, which combines traditional and modern techniques to produce amazing organic olive oil. This was one of the best experiences I had in Crete! Having the opportunity to learn from knowledgeable local farmers and olive oil experts, sharing their insights into the cultivation of olive trees and the art of producing high-quality olive oil, was something I will never forget. I highly recommend doing a wine tasting while visiting Crete. I did mine at the incredible Karavitakis Winery outside of Chania. During the wine tasting experience, I was guided by a passionate and knowledgeable sommelier who introduced me to a range of Cretan wines, from crisp whites to robust reds and fresh rosés. They shared the stories behind each wine, offering insights into the winemaking process and the cultural significance of wine in Crete. An experience I’ll cherish for a lifetime! Work From Greece’s website serves as a comprehensive guide for aspiring digital nomads, providing essential information on visa requirements, accommodation options, coworking spaces, local amenities, and cultural insights to help you navigate life and work in Greece with ease.
