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.
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