Rock climbing is a sport for brave and adventurous types and is normally associated with dramatic mountainous landscapes such as the Alps, the Pyrenees or the highlands of Scotland. You don't tend to associate tourists areas such as the Mediterranean hotspots or the Greek islands with this sport, but the island of Crete is full of surprises and its claim to many great rock climbing locations is one of them.

The wilder parts of Crete are already well known for Gorge trekking and even some skiing high in the mountains, but places like the beach at Plakias are home to some challenging climbing locations. At Plakais, a sheer limestone wall rises directly off the beach, making it a great spot for some recreational climbing. The location is becoming more popular and additional routes are being documented.

The village of Kapetaniana in the south central part of the island is a good base for many of the best climbs on the island. The village is quite isolated and away from most of the main tourist areas and offers climbs with interesting names such The Garden, Indian Cliff and Sheep Fold. The houses in the village almost seem as if time has left them behind and accommodation may be basic for anyone seeking to rent a room. An alternative is the more luxurious Thalori resort, a group of 15 traditionally restored village houses, with magnificent views up to the mountains and down to the sea, 815 meters below.

South West of Chania lies the Therissos Gorge, another favourite area for climbers and in the past popular with the Greek Special Forces who used the climbs here for training exercises. Climbers appreciate the excellent rock quality here as well as the spectacular views in the gorge.

If climbing is a little too challenging, then trekking is also popular in Crete especially in areas like the Polyrinnia Gorge and Imbros Gorge, both close to the capital city of Chania. Cycling, especially on off-road routes on mountain bikes, is available in addition to caving, canyoning and horse riding.