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.
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.
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Sights in Crete
Activities in Crete
Hania
Hania (hahn-yah; also spelt Chania) is Crete’s most evocative city, with its pretty Venetian quarter, criss-crossed by narrow lanes, culminating at a magnificent harbour.
Tours in Crete
Iraklio
Crete’s capital city, Iraklio (ee-rah-klee-oh, also called Heraklion), is Greece’s fifth-largest city and the island’s economic and administrative hub.
Crete destination guides
Rethymno
Basking between the commanding bastions of its 15th-century fortress and the glittering azure waters of the Med, Rethymno (reth-im-no) is one of Crete’s most delightful towns.
Hotels in Crete
Budget Hotels & Hostels in Crete
Guesthouses and B&Bs in Crete
Apartments in Crete
Agios Nikolaos
Lasithi’s capital, Agios Nikolaos (ah-yee-os nih-ko-laos) stands on the shores of the beautiful Mirabello Bay.
Need to know
Entertainment in Crete
Plakias
Some things in Crete never change and Plakias is one of them.
Shopping in Crete