Hello,
Dreaming a future travels to the Greek isles. None in particular but would love to show the family the beauty of it all. I haven’t been to Greece since college. I’m looking for suggestions of specific hotels or house rentals that have lap swimming or are close to a public pool. I have found a few options near Chania in Crete but wondered if you have any other experiences or recommendations for a high schooler that needs to train while on vacation? Thanks!!!
A year and a half ago, we were on Crete for 2 weeks, late September/early October. In the southeastern end, we stayed at the Terra Minoika Villas, owned by a former Mr. Greece bodybuilder. His on-site gym is open to guests, along with a beautiful location, but no pool, although the ocean is just down the hill. https://www.terraminoika.com/
A quick Internet search, though, says there’s a hotel with a pool in Kato Zakros. I’m not certain of its length, or suitability for laps, but you might check there.
Also on Crete, Sitia on the northeastern tip seems to have pools at hotels, and at homes that sleep 4. We stopped at the surprisingly good museum in Sitia, and saw lots of tourists toting pool toys and flotation devices as they walked to the beach while we drove thru town, but didn’t stay in Sitia, and didn’t check out lodging options. The Internet seems to show several with pools.
Crete was wonderful and varied, being a big, big island. Can’t give you any info on other Greek islands that might have pools for laps.
While I have not specifically looked for a pool appropriate for laps, all of the pools in private apartments are much smaller, and even Hotel pools are for lounging or partying rather than serious swimming. A proper pool would only be found in a larger city...so Athens and a couple cities on Crete, maybe, I doubt any smaller island would have a public pool, just too much beach if people want a swim.
You might check these hotels in Athens.
https://greekcitytimes.com/2019/09/16/10-hotel-pools-athens/
It seems most 50m pools are for residents only or club training. Seems to access one of these you are required a bunch of medical tests. And pay a fee if you qualify.
One thing to be aware of, (which you may have forgotten since your long-ago college trip), is that with planning, your high-schooler could actually do lap training In the Aegean! Why? because this marvelous sea (and most of the Med) has NO tide ... thus in most places, no surf to interfere with straight-ahead swims. In the right beaches, the deep drop-off occurs close to shore and about 50 feet out, one can do self-determined laps parallel to the sand... you'll have it all to yourself. Ive seen it done, in a number of smaller coves. Some beaches have small buoy markers as a guide. Otherwise, Just pace off the length & choose landmarks to judge distance visually. One thing to be aware of -- it would be harder in the Height of high season, Mid-July - Mid August (altho 2021 will be less crowded than normal years). If you want the best experience, try to plan your trip for the last 2 weeks of June -- MUCH the best in terms of crowds, prices and weather (july is super-hot). Believe me when I urge this, from experience of 13 trips.
For doing this kind of swim on N. Shore of Crete, west of Chania, Chrissi Akti Beach -- there's a Family-type place to stay there, Golden Sand/Golden Sun; it has apts just yards from the beach, and ALSO a swimming pool (tho not olympic - and your swimmer wold have to get up Early to do any lap work). If you have other islands in mind, I can recommend good beaches on each for this pleasant task -- Naxos, Antiparos (perfect), Sifnos, Serifos, Milos... all in the Cyclades, linked by ferries.
These are wonderful replies. Many things I’ve learned and hadn’t thought about. This is great. Thanks for all the tips!!
Cara
In my younger days I would swim laps around the tiny island below Oia named Agios Nikolaos. Look here: https://live.staticflickr.com/4031/4532496447_c533af7d7f_b.jpg The water is calm and you'd be swimming inside the caldera, which is special. Also, take a look at the cafe/pool in Oia, https://tinyurl.com/357vcf9n . It's free if you buy food and/or drinks.
If you are looking for a place with a ''natural pool'' Rhodes island is the ideal for you. More than 300 sunny days per year and when it s windy on the west coast you can drive several minutes and you are on the east one. It can also work vice versa. If you end on this options I can recommend you places to stay or things to do. Check this https://www.gretour.com/best-things-to-do-in-rhodes-island/ for more info. Take care!
https://www.swimmersguide.com/ look for pools when traveling
https://www.swimvacation.com/trips-2
https://www.swimtrek.com/packages/destination/swimming-holidays-europe-greece I've never done a swim vacation but would love to...!
