Crete

Spectacular scenery with warm hospitality

Fiercely proud of their island and their heritage - Crete was the birthplace of Europe's earliest civilisation, the Minoans - Cretans are by nature also a very generous and hospitable people. This extraordinary island, with its enticing combination of mountains, glittering seas and ancient history, makes for a wonderfully varied holiday. Panoramic mountain trails, splendid Minoan palaces, old towns with Venetian mansions and forts, sandy beaches, remote hill villages, dramatic gorges, winding coastal paths, frescoed monasteries and delightful fishing ports all vie for your attention, promising a holiday on which no two days need to be the same.

Many of this diverse island's best-kept secrets are hidden away in the east. Even as little as 15 minutes' drive from Heraklion, the capital, you find villages bustling with local life, with Byzantine churches seemingly on every corner. This region takes great pride in its delicious food and wine, and is also home to Minoan archaeological sites, from acclaimed Knossos to the mysterious Palace of Zakros in the rugged easternmost part of the island. The beaches here are renowned too, especially those of Makriyialos and Sitia for some quieter days by the sea.

In the splendid west of the island, dominated by the magnificant White Mountains soaring up to 2,500 metres, the lush hillsides are watered by springs, rivers and lakes and are dotted with picturesque villages, all just a few minutes' drive from long, white-sand beaches. The fascinating Venetian towns of Rethimnon and Chania are a constant reminder of the historic struggles of the islanders. Behind both harbours, you can wander through a maze of cobbled lanes filled with tempting shops and restaurants. The region is ideal for walkers, with fine trails through dramatic gorges and along the beautiful coastline.

Our holidays on Crete

Crete's Coast & Mountains - grade 3 walking holiday
Traditions & History of Crete - grade 1-2 walking holiday

Highlights of Crete - fly-drive

Istron Villas, East - sleep up to 6
Villa Dafnes, Centre - sleeps 2-5
Vamos Traditional Houses, West - sleep up to 4

Istron Bay Hotel, East
Villa Kynthia Hotel, North
Mythos Suites, North
Spilia Village Hotel, West

< Back to Greece Index

< To the top of this page