Discover Piskopiano on Crete

The rise of Crete as a holiday destination for tourists from Europe and further afield has been well documented. From a relatively unknown resort off the coast of Greece, this island has become a pleasantly understated, yet undeniably attractive option for a Mediterranean holiday. Nowadays, Heraklion airport transfers are among the busiest in Greece, and its main towns, Chania and Heraklion itself, are visited each season by a considerable number of foreign tourists, keen on discovering their delights.

There is more to Crete, however, than meets the eye; beyond the two main towns and the more famous beach resorts, a number of smaller towns lie in wait to charm visiting tourists with their authentically Cretan atmosphere and variety of activities on offer. One such example is Piskopiano, which somehow manages to blend the ‘true’ Cretan lifestyle, a seaside location and mountainside vistas, offering the best of several worlds in one can’t-miss package.

Piskopiano

Piskopiano is one of three traditional fishing villages south of Hersonissos, on the coast of Crete. Tucked in between Ano Hersonissos and Koutouloufari, it nestles in the slopes of Mt. Harnakas, about 25km east of the airport. Its location is therefore perfect for tourists wishing to explore the country via Heraklion airport transfers, as it is close enough to be manageable without breaking the bank.

With only 450 inhabitants, most of them fishermen, Piskopiano is the perfect environment in which to discover the true Cretan lifestyle. While smaller than either of its neighbours, this village bursts with unique charm, and will undoubtedly win over anyone who bothers to stop by. In spite of its small dimensions, it offers enough outdoor cafes and traditional eateries to please tourists looking to people-watch while enjoying good food and drink, and its proximity to the sea is a near-guarantee of fresh, tasty fish and seafood. Should these not prove enough for more demanding visitors, either of the nearby villages can be accessed in a matter of minutes on foot, doing away with the need for private car hire or Heraklion airport transfers. Cosmopolitan Hersonissos itself is only a twenty-minute drive away, and offers enough shopping and nightlife to satisfy.

In short, while somewhat lacking in sights (the museum has closed down indefinitely), Piskopiano, like its immediate neighbours, is an excellent location in which to experience the ‘real’ Crete. Its quaint atmosphere and diminutive size may put off more ‘gung-ho’ tourists, but they are sure to appeal to those wanting something a little more offbeat and authentic from their Cretan holiday.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct. If you’re looking for Heraklion airport transfers, Shuttle Direct provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.