The largest and the most southerly of all the Greek islands, Crete is the place to soak up the sun and spend lazy days cooling in the sea. There are plenty of tempting beaches to aid and abet plans to relax from the cosmopolitan resorts of Hersonissos and Malia to the progressively quieter resorts of Gouves, Stalis and Kokkini Hani. All of these lie just to the east of the capital, Iraklion.
Making choices on holiday, where to go and what to see, is never easy, especially when the mind has entered the holiday mode too. Crete offers plenty of options which makes choices even harder. A hire car will open up endless opportunities but remember, the island is very long, around 125 miles from end to end. Exploring around Agios Nikolaos toward the eastern end of the island can easily absorb a day. The social hub of this pretty town lies around the ‘bottomless’ Voulismeni Lake where cafés and restaurants spill over to the outer harbour. Not far away is Elounda offering perhaps the most evocative trip on the island, a ferry ride to the former leper colony on Spinalonga.
Townies will love the bustling capital of Iraklion with its lively street markets, Venetian fort and archaeological museum which houses the most important collection of Minoan artefacts to be seen anywhere in the world. This museum is a must for anyone planning to visit ancient sites on the island.
Iraklion scenes
Still on the north coast and moving west, is the vibrant modern resort of Rethymnon. At the heart of this resort lies the old Venetian town with its atmospheric harbour and huge Venetian fortress. Further west still is Chania, another elegant Venetian harbour town with fascinating shopping. Enjoy the swirl of colour in the covered market and let yourself be tempted by the locally produced honey or the nuts and herbs. Save time too for finding the famous Leather Alley.
Country lovers will be keen to head inland to explore the breathtaking scenery of the White Mountains (Levká Ori) in the west, the central Mount Ida Massif or the Lasithi Mountains towards the east. It is the white windmills of the Lasithi Plateau tucked away in the mountains which provide one of the most enduring images of Crete and a tour not to be missed. There are not so many windmills these days but the donkey driven rural lifestyle rumbles on supplemented by outlets for traditional handicrafts.
Lasithi windmills Lasithi Plateau Old way of life remains there
Crete is home too to one of the great natural wonders of Europe, the Samaria Gorge. The 11 mile (18km) walk down the gorge is not achieved without sweat or toil but it is a great experience.
From the left:
Samaria Gorge
Knossos
Kokkini Hani
Lychnostatis
For a backward glance spanning 4,000 years, visit ancient Knossos. This is the home of the Minoans, the earliest known Mediterranean civilisation and is one of the world’s most important archaeological sites. Other historical sites to visit include Górtys, the once Roman capital of Crete, Faistós with its Minoan Palace and Agia Triáda for a Minoan villa and small town.
One theory is that a huge volcanic eruption on Santorini brought an end to the Minoan civilisation of Crete. If you want to check out this theory, then a day cruise to the volcanic island of Santorini from Crete awaits your pleasure.