Icelandic Magic

 Iceland is more than reykjavik.

When I think of Iceland, I think of contradictions, or opposites. Towns and the business of normal every day living, and vast areas of uninhabitable land. Volcanoes and Glaciers, Geysers and waterfalls. Hard, rocky landscapes and picture postcard verdant hills, and black sandy beaches, all enveloped in a perfectly acceptable average temperature range of 0ºC in winter to 15ºC in summer. While summer temperatures can peak between 20ºC and 25ºC, the winter temperature usually stays around 0ºC, making it one of the mildest winters for a northern country. I read in an online snippet on Google, that the lowest recorded temperature for Iceland was -39.7ºC.

I think the crowning glory of Iceland, if I had to choose just one, it might be the splendour of the Northern Lights.

Image by kien virak from Pixabay

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some facts about Iceland

Their democracy is one of the oldest in existence. Their language is closely related to old Norse. It is so closely related, that Icelanders would be able to read texts written in old Norse. Even as a member of NATO, it has no standing army, and is one of the safest country's to visit. As of 2023 Iceland has a total population of 380,000 and with a population of 140,000, Reykjavík accounts for almost a third of it. Including the Blue Lagoon, which you have to see, if you visit Iceland, there are 23 locations around Iceland where the pools are geothermally heated. This means that you can take a dip and the water will be just perfect, at any time of year, be it summer or winter.

Image by Riley from Pixabay

   Arriving in Iceland, getting around & things to do.

Did you know that there are 33 airports on Iceland? Only 3 of them are international airports. They are Keflavik in the South West, Egilsstadir in the East and Akureyri International in the North which serves as the gateway to the Arctic North. With the longest runway, most international flights to Iceland land at Keflavik airport. Iceland has no railway. If you are arriving at Reykjavik, domestic flights will probably be the most convenient way to travel. From Reykjavik it can take 9 hours to drive to some of the other points of interest. In contrast, a flight will take an hour. Stay on your toes when booking airport transfers though. Reykjavik airport, is for domestic flights only, and is 48km away from Keflavik. The drive takes 41 minutes approximately, so if you have booked to be picked up from or taken to the wrong airport, it really is not that easy to solve the problem.  There are hotels all over Iceland, but the highest density is definitely around the capital region. With almost 400 tickets, tours, and activities starting from the Reykjavik region, it is the best place to be staying. With the excursions, you are spoilt for choice; Go Whale Watching, Puffin Watching, visit waterfalls and geysers, see the Blue Lagoon, or visit the Golden Circle. Take some of the cultural tours and visit untouched areas of the island, and marvel in its untouched areas, bask in the glory of its fascinating scenery and be awed at the sheer power of the natural features of the island. Cruising is really popular and Iceland has no shortage of ports. Reykjavik has two of them, with Skarfabakki being the one that most Cruise ships dock at. The other port (Miobakki) is closer to the city centre, and used mainly for smaller boats. With lots of other ports around the island, Iceland is growing in popularity as a stop for lovers of cruises. A coastal cruise around Iceland gives the visitors a unique way to see this fascinating country.

Reykjavik Port. Image by falco from Pixabay

 

Bardabunga Volcano Image by jmarti20 from Pixabay

 

 

Erupting on average every 14 years Grímsvötn is Iceland's most active volcano

Strokkur geyserImage by Hans from Pixabay

Occasionally reaching heights of 40 metres, but usually a more modest but still impressive 15–20 metres, Strokkur Geysir (or Geyser), is the most active in Iceland.

Whale watching image by-silvana-palacios

The best time for whale watching on Iceland is between the months of April and early October
 

Iceland Puffins Image by jo vanel from Pixabay

Látrabjarg cliffs in the Westfjords are the best place to see the puffins in Iceland, and the best time, is when they're most active, which is May to August.

blue-lagoon-iceland Image by Sandra Ferentschik from Pixabay

The Blue Lagoon. A must-visit when you go to Iceland. Treat yourself to 2–3 hours in the blue lagoon. Grab yourself a blue mud pack as you leave. This site is technically a man made lagoon, and on the pricey side, if you are travelling on a budget. The Blue Lagoon is popular all year, and it is advisable to book in advance, so that you don't get disappointed.

Airport transfers to a few of the popular hotels in Reykjavik.
Transfers to Grandi by Center Hotels

Transfer to Downtown Hostel

Transfers to Exeter Hotel

Transfers to City Center Hotel

Transfers to Fosshotel Lind 

Transfers to Welcome Apartments

Transfers to Hilton Reykjavik Nordica 

Transfers to The Old Bicycle Shop

Transfers to Grand Hotel Reykjavik 

Transfers to City Park Hotel

Beautiful Crete. A Stunning and Popular Greek Island.

 Crete - A Greek Treasure In The Mediterranean Sea.

Photo from Pixabay - taken by ALEXANDER MYRONOV

On this magical island, you can holiday in the midst of myth, history, modern life, and unique Greek culture. There are 3 main holiday resorts; Chania, where the airport is located, Heraklion, and the third largest Rethymno. Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and offers its residents and visitors, long golden sand beaches, mild weather, unique food traditions (great for culinary tourists), fantastic wines, a thriving nightlife, breathtaking landscapes, hiking paths, ancient sites (including the Palace of Knossos). There is so much to do and discover on the island of Crete, that one visit is not enough. 

The Minotaur
Did you know that Crete is the birthplace of the Minotaur? According to myth or legend, the Minotaur was born of a union between a bull and the wife of King Minos. The Minotaur lived in the labyrinth under the palace.

As with all legend and myth, various accounts of the Minotaur exist; all have the Minotaur feasting on sacrifices and finally being vanquished by Theseus with the help of King Minos's daughter Ariadne.

 

Beaches

Crete Beach

Crete is known for glorious long sand beaches and basks in 300 days of sunshine a year. You are going to love the pinkish beaches of Falasarna, Balos and Elafonisi. As you tour and discover Crete you are going to stumble across beaches, and bays that will enchant you and capture your imaginations and hearts.

Why Does Crete Feel Different to Greece?

The island has only been part of Greece for a relatively short space of time, and has maintained its own folklore, dances and local instruments etc. Listen out for the sounds of Cretan lyra and laouto. It is the uniqueness of Crete and the heralded Cretan welcome that keeps its visitors coming back.

 

Up in the mountains

Cretan Mountains Image by Elke

 

 

 

 

 

In the distance you can see a road twisting it's way up or down a mountain, and it is begging to be explored, but on your way to the mountain town at the end you could be held up in traffic. Be warned, the sheep and goats will not be hurried. Such is the slower pace of life in the mountains. The wait is worth it, and once you have arrived, a tavern or traditional café wait to serve you with the famous Cretan welcome.

History

Crete has had a chequered history and as a result has many different archaeological sites for you to discover, some dating back to 3000 to 1100 BCE. Crete was the centre of the Minoans during the Bronze Age, and since then many empires have ruled and disappeared. Wikipedia lists them as; The Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Emirate of Crete, the Republic of Venice and the Ottoman Empire. Each has left its own mark on the historical island landscape, and treasures are everywhere to be discovered. All over the island are signposts guiding you to archaeological discovers and historical features. Follow and discover Crete your own way.

If you want guided assistance, or you want to take part in group organised tours and activities then click here to see a large selection of Tickets, tours and activities on Crete

 

Glorious Crete

 

Crete has 1000's of hotels, in all styles, and for all budgets. Far too many to list here, so below you will find a link to some Crete destination pages on our transfers website which lists them all, and a selection of some really popular Crete hotels:

Transfers to Rethymno

 Transfers to Evli Apartments

 Transfers to Rethymno Palace

Transfers to Chania 

Transfers to Golden Sand

Transfers to Mythos Beach Hotel

Transfers to Chania Old Town

 Transfers to Palazzo di Pietro

 Transfers to Ionas Boutique Hotel

 Transfers to Heraklion

 Transfers to Apollonia Resort & Spa

 Transfers to Neptuno Beach Hotel

Transfers to Kavros 

 Transfers to Delfina Beach

 Transfer to Georgioupolis Resort And Aqua Park

There are more areas of Crete, that have hotels. Too many for us to list here, and we invite you to visit JustBookTransfers to continue your search. If you can't find what you are looking for, contact us, we will do all we can to help you.