Enjoy a sun-soaked holiday in beautiful Crete

Greece as a whole is a beautifully scenic and welcoming destination. However, Crete stands out, with its gorgeous beaches, striking landscapes, quaint villages and vibrant cities, delicious cuisine and friendly and welcoming locals.

The Cretan landscape has so much to offer, from its rugged canyons and cliff-lined beaches and coves in the south. The northern part of the island offers endless, sundrenched beaches. In between, the island offers quaint villages nestled in pretty valleys surrounded by hills and mountains.

Here, visitors can take in the scenery on a driving tour, or explore on foot. Trekking through Europe’s longest gorge has many rewards, as does hiking to the cave where Zeus was born. For those who love cycling, heading through the orchards on the Lasithi Plateau is equally scenic and fun. The beaches offer the chance of lying on the sand, catching the best tan, snorkeling the crystal-clear waters and heading out on a boat or kayak.

Crete is accommodating

While there is so much to see and do in Crete, this lovely destination also offers many ways to stay. Travelers can choose a beach resort, beachfront hotel, quaint bed & breakfast or inland rural lodging accommodations. For those who prefer to live like a local, there is a huge choice of apartments and upscale Crete villa rentals available.

Breathe in the history and culture

Crete’s is a truly beautiful destination, but the area’s history is equally fascinating. This island was the birthplace of the Minoans, the first advanced society in Europe, who ruled here around 4,000 years ago. Among the must-visit historic attractions is the Palace of Knossos (pictured below), the grand capital of Minoan Crete, which is located a short drive from Iraklio. The ruins are spectacular and impressive, and include a huge palace, private apartments, courtyards, baths and beautiful frescoes.

While in Iraklio, take in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. This state-of-the-art museum is one of the most important in Greece and is located in a restored 1930s Bauhaus building. As well as a spectacular Minoan collection, the museum houses artifacts spanning 5,500 years right through from Neolithic to Roman times.

Hania and Rethymno feature labyrinthine lanes lined by striking fortresses and beautifully restored Renaissance mansions, standing side by side with Turkish bathhouses and mosques.

The delicious cuisine of Crete

Crete is known as a foodie heaven and eco-friendly experience. Often the rural tavernas produce all their own cheese, meat, raki, wine and olive oil and catch their own seafood. Wherever you dine dishes are made with fresh herbs, with each village offering its own unique cheeses and special recipes. This healthy cuisine is beautifully paired with the best local wines.

The culture of Crete

The rural villages in Crete are mostly untouched by mass tourism and retain their Cretan culture and identity. As you visit, often musicians appear and strike up a free-form jam with local instruments, including the stringed lyra.

Alternatively, if you are really lucky, you will spot wedding celebrants enjoying their traditional dances. In the kafeneia (coffee houses) meet the locals as they gossip together or celebrate one of the many festivals that make Crete such a special destination.

Make a point of visiting Crete on your next holiday in Greece - take in the sights, breathe in the history and tuck into the local tasty cuisine.