Introducing Crete
Crete is more like a small country than another Greek island. It’s not just Greece’s largest island, but arguably its most fascinating and diverse. Its remarkable history is evident across the island, from the ruins of the Minoan palace of Knossos to the Venetian fortresses of Rethymo; from old mosques and Byzantine monasteries to the cave that is the legendary birthplace of Zeus. The Venetian port of Hania in Western Crete is one of Greece’s most evocative cities and the capital, Iraklio, is a dynamic city, the fifth largest in Greece.
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Crete is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse landscape. Spectacular mountain ranges dotted with caves are sliced by dramatic gorges that spill out to sea. The rugged interior is interspersed with vast plateaus and fertile plains. The east boasts Europe’s only palm-tree forest beach and the south coast has some of the most stunning beaches and isolated coves.
Cretans are proud and hospitable people who maintain their culture and customs, particularly their strong musical tradition. Throughout the island you will come across traditional mountain villages and agricultural settlements unaffected by tourism. The young might drive four-wheel-drives but you will still pass shepherds tending their flocks and come across men in traditional dress.
An abundance of fresh produce and the distinct Cretan cuisine – renowned for its life-prolonging qualities – adds an interesting culinary dimension.
Crete has the dubious honour of hosting nearly a quarter of Greece’s tourists. Much of the north coast has been commandeered and spoilt by hotels and cheap package tourism, but the island is big enough for independent travellers to venture off and find quiet beach settlements and mountain villages to explore.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Beaches near Heraklion (Crete)
by neckervd 13 September 2011
Nice places, indeed. But for this kind of beaches you really don't need to travel up to Crete.
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RE: Beaches near Heraklion (Crete)
by INGELALEX 12 September 2011
Hi Why don´t you write to LP about it? Click below on "Contact" and then "Guidebook feedback" Ingela
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Beaches near Heraklion (Crete)
by AuntyKaren 12 September 2011
I recently had the good fortune to do some Island hopping in Greece and found the Lonely Planet guide to Greek Islands very helpful mostly!…
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Our Top Picks For Crete
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1 Amari Valley
Traditional culture in Rethymno's mountain villages
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2 Rethymno
A charming Venetian port and architectural potpourri
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3 Frangokastello
A haunted castle by the sea
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4 Elafonisi
Lagoon-like turquoise waters surround this stunning islet reached by a sandy peninsula
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5 Hania
Hania's evocative old town is a delightful blend of Venetian and Turkish architecture
Our favourite Crete Blogs (beta)
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Travel Greece
Blog: My Little Nomads - 31 January 2012
The best articles and info for traveling in Greece. Continue reading → Related Articles: Washington DC With Kids – The Best Things To Do Cheap Hotels In New York City
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What Are The Best Beaches In Greece?
Blog: My Little Nomads - 28 September 2011
This is probably the most common question I recieve at My Little Nomads. It’s difficult to answer because it usually takes a couple different forms. What’s the best beach for kids? What’s the best beach for wind surfing? What’s the … Continue reading →Read the entire article here: What Are The Best Beaches In Greece?
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Eleonas: a stunning mountain retreat with glorious home-cooked Cretan cuisine
Blog: theboywhoatetheworld - 12 September 2011
In the mountains of southern Crete, just off the sleepy village of Zaros…amidst olive groves, grape vines and wild mountain herbs lies Eleonas - a stunning agro-tourism settlement of traditional mountain cottages. Before this trip, I had never been to one of these eco-tourism retreats before, hence I was a little curious if the remote isolation of such [...]
