Crete, or Kriti as it's called by locals, is the largest Greek island and with a lush, mountainous interior, shimmering olive groves and plenty of gorgeous sandy beaches, is one of its most picturesque.
Resorts like Chania and Rethymno are packed with archaeological treasures, while beach resorts like Malia and Hersonissos are heaving with loud bars and clubs attracting a young, energetic crowd.
There are plenty of resorts for families and activity holidays focus on walking, water sports and some sailing. Literary fans can visit Spinalonga, the tiny island off Plaka, which was the setting for Victoria Hislop's bestselling novel The Island.
Resorts like Chania and Rethymno are packed with archaeological treasures, while beach resorts like Malia and Hersonissos are heaving with loud bars and clubs attracting a young, energetic crowd.
There are plenty of resorts for families and activity holidays focus on walking, water sports and some sailing. Literary fans can visit Spinalonga, the tiny island off Plaka, which was the setting for Victoria Hislop's bestselling novel The Island.
Beaches in Crete
There are numerous beaches in Crete and although most are packed in peak summer months, there is the odd gem to discover. In general, the harder they are to get to, the fewer tourists you'll find.
Package favourites include Rethymno, which has a glorious, sandy beach where you might even spot a turtle if you're lucky; Malia, which has a busy main beach and another quieter, more family-oriented one on the eastern end near the Palace of Malia and Hersonissos, which has a lively side but also some more upmarket hotels for families.
Off the beaten track beaches where tourists are more likely to be Greek or Spanish include Ierapetra, Kissamos and Sitia. Elounda has retained its charm despite its many tourists.
There are numerous beaches in Crete and although most are packed in peak summer months, there is the odd gem to discover. In general, the harder they are to get to, the fewer tourists you'll find.
Package favourites include Rethymno, which has a glorious, sandy beach where you might even spot a turtle if you're lucky; Malia, which has a busy main beach and another quieter, more family-oriented one on the eastern end near the Palace of Malia and Hersonissos, which has a lively side but also some more upmarket hotels for families.
Off the beaten track beaches where tourists are more likely to be Greek or Spanish include Ierapetra, Kissamos and Sitia. Elounda has retained its charm despite its many tourists.
Sightseeing in Crete
Archaeology fans can metaphorically gorge themselves on the wealth of history in Crete. The ancient Minoan palace at Knossos was painstakingly uncovered and reconstructed over many years by archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans and there are plenty of colourful frescos, pillars and sophisticated plumbing to explore. Other Minoan sites include Phaistos and Gortys.
Chania and Rethymno were both occupied by the Venetians and they shares some similar characteristics. Rethymno's main attraction is the maze of cobbled streets dotted with ornate Venetian monuments in the Venetian-Ottoman part of the old town. There's a 16th century fort and historic lighthouse. Chania's Venetian Harbour and surrounds has been beautifully restored and although it gets quite crowded in the summer, is worth exploring.
Natural sights include the spectacular Samaria Gorge in the scenic White Mountains. The best time of year to visit is spring as summer can see as many as 3,000 visitors a day which might detract from your enjoyment somewhat.
Archaeology fans can metaphorically gorge themselves on the wealth of history in Crete. The ancient Minoan palace at Knossos was painstakingly uncovered and reconstructed over many years by archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans and there are plenty of colourful frescos, pillars and sophisticated plumbing to explore. Other Minoan sites include Phaistos and Gortys.
Chania and Rethymno were both occupied by the Venetians and they shares some similar characteristics. Rethymno's main attraction is the maze of cobbled streets dotted with ornate Venetian monuments in the Venetian-Ottoman part of the old town. There's a 16th century fort and historic lighthouse. Chania's Venetian Harbour and surrounds has been beautifully restored and although it gets quite crowded in the summer, is worth exploring.
Natural sights include the spectacular Samaria Gorge in the scenic White Mountains. The best time of year to visit is spring as summer can see as many as 3,000 visitors a day which might detract from your enjoyment somewhat.
Family activities in Crete
There are two water parks in Crete where you can let the kids lose on a variety of rides, slides and fake waves. The first, Aquaplus, is just outside Hersonissos and spreads over 57 acres and includes giant slides, a lazy river, space bowl, a giant adventure pool and special area for smaller children. The other, Limnoupolis, is eight kilometres from Chania and also has a lazy river, slides and relaxing, shady areas.
Kids might enjoy the Diktean Cave, near Psychro, which has a collection of different-sized caves some with stalactites and stalagmites decorating the floor and ceiling.
There are two water parks in Crete where you can let the kids lose on a variety of rides, slides and fake waves. The first, Aquaplus, is just outside Hersonissos and spreads over 57 acres and includes giant slides, a lazy river, space bowl, a giant adventure pool and special area for smaller children. The other, Limnoupolis, is eight kilometres from Chania and also has a lazy river, slides and relaxing, shady areas.
Kids might enjoy the Diktean Cave, near Psychro, which has a collection of different-sized caves some with stalactites and stalagmites decorating the floor and ceiling.
Day trips in Crete
Outdoor lovers can enjoy hiking around the lush Lasithi Plateau on the eastern side of the island. It's a network of fertile farmland growing anything from apples and pears to olives and lettuce. It's also part of the Mount Dikti mountain range which includes Mount Spathi (2,148m), Mount Afentis (2,141m) and Mount Lazaros (2,085m) so serious climbers can enjoy some great ascents.
For a complete get-away-from-it-all experience, get up early and take the four-hour boat trip from Paleohora to Gavdos Island, Europe's most southerly spot. There are numerous deserted beaches and a few tavernas in which to grab a bite of fresh seafood. If that sounds like too much effort, head to the tiny, deserted island of Spinalonga off Plaka in eastern Crete.
Outdoor lovers can enjoy hiking around the lush Lasithi Plateau on the eastern side of the island. It's a network of fertile farmland growing anything from apples and pears to olives and lettuce. It's also part of the Mount Dikti mountain range which includes Mount Spathi (2,148m), Mount Afentis (2,141m) and Mount Lazaros (2,085m) so serious climbers can enjoy some great ascents.
For a complete get-away-from-it-all experience, get up early and take the four-hour boat trip from Paleohora to Gavdos Island, Europe's most southerly spot. There are numerous deserted beaches and a few tavernas in which to grab a bite of fresh seafood. If that sounds like too much effort, head to the tiny, deserted island of Spinalonga off Plaka in eastern Crete.
Eating out in Crete
Crete has rich fertile soils producing delicious fruit and vegetables, which together with a range of tasty cheeses and honey make up the staple traditional diet. There are some excellent local wines to wash down mezedes (like tapas) such as dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), feta, tzatziki (yogurt with cucumber and garlic), fresh grilled fish and olives.
Choose from different styles of restaurants including the popular traditional taverna (simple, local cuisine), psistarias (spit roasts with lots of meat) and estiatorio (proper restaurants). Of course you're never far from a traditional British dinner if that's what you prefer, especially in popular tourist resorts.
Crete has rich fertile soils producing delicious fruit and vegetables, which together with a range of tasty cheeses and honey make up the staple traditional diet. There are some excellent local wines to wash down mezedes (like tapas) such as dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), feta, tzatziki (yogurt with cucumber and garlic), fresh grilled fish and olives.
Choose from different styles of restaurants including the popular traditional taverna (simple, local cuisine), psistarias (spit roasts with lots of meat) and estiatorio (proper restaurants). Of course you're never far from a traditional British dinner if that's what you prefer, especially in popular tourist resorts.
Nightlife in Crete
The liveliest resorts are Malia and Hersonissos where you'll find wall-to-wall bars lining the seafront promenades and main streets. These bars blast loud music out till the early hours while young British visitors neck as much booze as possible and party the night away.
For a more authentic Cretan experience, visit the island during one of its many festivals and party with the locals. You'll still sink plenty of booze and dance a lot but it's more likely to be ouzo and local wine that you're drinking instead of beer and alcopops. Festivals include Apokries (around Easter), Flower Day (May 1) and Assumption Day (August 15).
The liveliest resorts are Malia and Hersonissos where you'll find wall-to-wall bars lining the seafront promenades and main streets. These bars blast loud music out till the early hours while young British visitors neck as much booze as possible and party the night away.
For a more authentic Cretan experience, visit the island during one of its many festivals and party with the locals. You'll still sink plenty of booze and dance a lot but it's more likely to be ouzo and local wine that you're drinking instead of beer and alcopops. Festivals include Apokries (around Easter), Flower Day (May 1) and Assumption Day (August 15).
Shopping in Crete
Chania has a great selection of shops overflowing with souvenirs and must-buy jewellery. There are numerous chic harbourfront boutiques in Aghios Nikolaos, while in the roads further back you'll find jewellery stores and traditional handicrafts. The same goes for Elounda which can be a better option, as it's not as crowded as Ag Nik. The main road of Hersonissos has plenty of shops selling tourist tat. Traditional souvenirs include ceramics, pottery, leather goods, rugs, linens and jewellery.
Chania has a great selection of shops overflowing with souvenirs and must-buy jewellery. There are numerous chic harbourfront boutiques in Aghios Nikolaos, while in the roads further back you'll find jewellery stores and traditional handicrafts. The same goes for Elounda which can be a better option, as it's not as crowded as Ag Nik. The main road of Hersonissos has plenty of shops selling tourist tat. Traditional souvenirs include ceramics, pottery, leather goods, rugs, linens and jewellery.
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