Some can be pretty obvious, but there are also those gems that not many people think or know about and are just waiting for you to discover. The likes of Spain and France can offer busy, vibrant locations, but others such as Corsica and the Greek Islands can allow for a slightly more laid back approach to holidaying. Just remember to look for great currency exchange rates when you buy currency, as it will make the trip much more enjoyable knowing that you’ve got the best rates of foreign exchange.

On the Island of Crete, Greece by Wolfgang Staudt

Spain

Mainland Spain is possibly the most popular tourist destination in Europe and the main reason is very likely because the country offers so much versatility in terms what you can do as a family, a couple or as a group of friends.

Thanks to the country being so vast, there are numerous options of where to go, whether it be out in the countryside or a city break in Madrid or Barcelona and there’s always the endless amount of beach resorts. As if that wasn’t enough, Spain’s Balearic Islands consisting of Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza, as well as the Canary Islands, offer so much more and can offer great coastline environments, but that little bit quieter than the mainland.

The coast of Mallorca, Spain by Andrés Nieto Porras

The UK

Although it may not be known for its stunning summers, the UK still offers some superb locations to visit. The British Isles has a wonderful array of destinations on its coastlines that include Cornwall, Devon and North Yorkshire towns such as Whitby and Scarborough.

The Scilly Isles and the Isle of Wight also make a visit worthwhile, whilst the likes of Wales and Scotland can offer a completely different feel to mainland England. Other notable locations include the Lake District, The Cotswolds and Norfolk.

Scilly Isles, UK by Tom Corser www.tomcorser.com

Corsica

Some may think that it is impossible to both avoid mass tourism and have a wonderfully beautiful location to holiday in Europe, but the tranquil island of Corsica can offer just that.

All 600 square miles of the island are unspoilt and delightful to behold and doesn’t suffer from being overcrowded like other Mediterranean islands. As well as beautiful coastlines, Corsica is also adorned with massive mountain ranges that can often take your breath away, as well as numerous lush forests and glacial mountain lakes.

Beach in Corsica, France by Luciano

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The Minoan Palace at Knossos, Crete, Greece by Sonja Pieper

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and it is set within the Mediterranean Sea, just south of the Peloponnese. It is arguably one of the most beautiful Greek islands and it is well known for its beautiful beaches and seascapes. The geography here offers everything from coastal plains to busy cities to rugged mountains. The island is bathed in sunshine all year round and you are sure to enjoy great weather during your visit.

Whether you are visit on your honeymoon, anniversary, or just for fun, there are plenty of romantic things for you and your partner to enjoy on the island of Crete. Here are some ideas of fun activities to get you started:

The Minoan Palace at Knossos

This beautiful ancient palace is one of the most popular attractions on the island of Crete and you and your sweetheart will want to spend at least a full day exploring it. The palace was originally built in 2000BC but was destroyed in an earthquake 300 years later. It was built even larger, then destroyed again in 1450BC, likely by an eruption of a volcano on Santorini which caused a huge tidal wave. The palace once had over 1,200 rooms and many of them have been recreated to depict how grand and beautiful they would have looked. It is a truly stunning place to walk around with your special someone.

Samaria Gorge, Crete, Greece by Ben Ellis

Samaria Gorge

Taking a long walk with your partner can be a great opportunity to enjoy some time together and engage in deep conversation to get to know each other even better. It’s even nicer when you are surrounded by gorgeous scenery!

Walking along the Samaria Gorge is one of the best hiking routes in Crete, as it is the longest gorge in all of Europe. The scenery is spectacular along the 11 mile path and it can be managed by any reasonably fit hiker. You will have a great sense of achievement at the end when you reach the Libyan Sea after hiking all the way from the White Mountains.

The Beaches

Lying in the sun, feeling your toes sink into the soft sand and gazing into your partner’s eyes… what could be more relaxing? There are miles and miles of gorgeous sandy beaches on the island of Crete and the weather is sure to be warm and sunny.

At the beach, Rethymnon Beach, Crete, Greece by jechstra

If you are looking for a quiet and peaceful beach, head to Rethymnon Beach, Aghios, or Nikolaos Beach. These spots offer a laid back atmosphere with a few cute shops and restaurants along the pretty harbour. In the harbour at Rethymnon, you will be able to enjoy live music while you relax in the warm sea breezes. If you are looking for more of a party beach, head to Malia Beach which is a popular hotspot for young tourists and has plenty of exciting bars.

These are just a few of the romantic activities that you can enjoy on the island of Crete. Of course, simply being on this island is romantic, as you soak up the warm sunshine and the laid back pace of Greek life. Taking the time to spend a holiday together can be a great way to rekindle your romance and put the spark back into your relationship.

An all inclusive holiday in Crete can be a great way to spend quality time with your special someone in a beautiful sunny setting.

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Chania, Crete, Greece / Fiona Bradley

Manousakis Winery

Situated on the outskirts of the town – about twenty minutes away – is Manousakis Winery, which is known as the best winery in the area. Here, a series of six unique wines are produced and can be sampled any time of the year. Tours are offered year-round and are done via appointment Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM. You will find lots of other fellow wine-lovers on the premises and lunch is provided while on-site.

Conor Pass Irish Bar

You will find this pub in the middle of the Old Harbor area of Chania and it is a rather new addition to the area. The bar has a cozy environment to it and gives you that authentic Irish experience from the time you first walk inside. Kept on tap here is fresh Guinness (imported from Dublin) along with good domestic beer such as Mythos and of course various other selections from around the globe. Live music can also be enjoyed on certain nights; check with the pub for the schedule.

Botanical Park of Crete

While not the same as a booming bar or winery, the Botanical Park of Crete is located in Chania and is a great way to get out in nature and still have a good time. With over 20 acres of pristine biological diversity to explore, you are guaranteed to see something worthwhile. Some of the interesting flora you will witness here includes dozens of fruit trees from all over the world, plants that serve both aesthetic and medical uses as well as various types of herbs. Due to the isolated microclimate, the Botanical Park of Crete is an ideal location for biological diversity.

Pista Park

For a little bit of motorist fun, head down to Pista Park and enjoy the thrill of racing go-karts with your friends, family and other locals. The track is a winding challenge and for just 10 euros, you can race on the track for approximately 10 minutes. Also on sight are food and drink areas, giving you time out to catch a bite to eat between races.

Limnoupolis Water Park

Located literally next door to Pista Park is the Limnoupolis Water Park, which can give you and your family a way to escape the heat after a fun time out on the asphalt. Perfect for those who are in the area for extended stays (your second visit is 50% off), the park has something to offer everyone. Little children can find fun in the non-water play areas in between meals, while adults may find the gigantic water slides appealing. A family of four can gain access to the park for approximately 100 euros for the entire day.

Crete is an amazing tourist destination and you are sure to have an amazing time no matter which time of year you choose to visit.  If you want to make the experience even more special, look into staying in one of the Chania villas – there are lots to choose from and they are so much more luxurious than a run of the mill hotel.

View The Top Five Tourist Hotspots in Chania, Crete Greece in a larger map

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