Crete Eyes Mountain Tourism to Diversify Beyond Beaches

Sunday, 31 May 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

Greek politician and former Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni made a public statement in Heraklion highlighting Crete's mountain destinations as a major draw for visitors. Speaking from the island's capital, she emphasized that Crete offers far more than its well-known beaches, pointing to its inland mountain villages, gorges, and highland plateaus as underexplored attractions worth promoting. For tourists, this reflects a growing push to develop year-round tourism beyond the coastal resorts. Crete's mountain areas, including the White Mountains (Lefka Ori), the Dikti range, and the Lassithi Plateau, are accessible by car and offer hiking, traditional villages, and authentic Cretan cuisine. These destinations are generally less crowded than coastal spots and remain appealing outside peak summer months. Visitors looking to explore inland Crete will find well-marked trails and local tavernas throughout these areas.