Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Greece / Crete
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| | | Island of rich heritage |  | Why go on holiday to Crete?
For the sun - it shines 300 days a year. Crete is the largest and most southerly of Greece's islands and arguably the most beautiful - with three mountain ranges, dramatic gorges, long sandy beaches and Europe's only palm tree forest.
Rich archaeological remains hark back to its ancient Minoan past. Parts of the island, particularly along the north coast, have been overrun by tourism, but there is still plenty to attract visitors.
How much does it cost?
Prices vary considerably but one week self-catering packages start from around £240, rising to around £400 at peak times. Return flights cost from £200 - or look for cheaper deals with charter airlines. A moderate hotel room costs about £45 a night.
When should I go?
The weather is pleasant from Easter to mid-June, and really hot from June to August - for those who enjoy the heat. Many of the island's tourist attractions close down for the winter, when it's cooler and rains more.
There are local festivals, many religious, all through the year - with Easter's festivities especially worth seeing.
What should I do when I'm there?
Check out the archaeological sites, especially Knossos, Crete's top tourist attraction, which was reconstructed by British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans. Other Minoan sites are Phaestos, Malia, Gournia and Agia Triada.
Matala has Roman caves and a wonderful beach, but otherwise it's a tacky resort. The town of Rethymnon, cobbled Spili in the mountains, Chania's Venetian quarter and the Samaria Gorge are also worth a visit.
* Feeling inspired? Book a break to Greece.
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| | | Capital highlights |  | What can I find in the capital?
Iraklio (or Heraklion), Greece's fifth-largest city, is on the north coast in the centre of the island. Its most famous landmark is the Lion Fountain in the Plateia Venizelou square.
The Archaeological Museum is world class and features a mind-boggling exhibition of ancient Minoan arts and artefacts. Other city highlights include the huge city walls, the Rocca al Mare fortress, the Bembo Fountain and The Historical Museum of Crete.
What's off the beaten track?
To the west, north of Falassarna and its great beach, is the wild and remote Gramvousa peninsula. If you're feeling intrepid and energetic there's some good walking. Ennia Horia is the scenic mountainous area south of Kastelli-Kissamos.
You'll need a car to get there but the chestnut-growing area is truly striking. A relaxing destination to stay in is Paleohora. Discovered by hippies in the 1960s, it is showing signs of tourism but remains a laid-back alternative to package tour life.
What about the popular resorts?
Agios Nikolaos, though crowded in summer and largely overrun by tourism, is in a pretty setting - especially around picturesque Voulismeni Lake. Just along the coast at scenic Elounda are a number of attractive hotels.
The north coast beach resorts of Hersonissos and Malia are very busy - for a somewhat quieter, though still popular, resort, head for Ierapetra on the south coast with its grey sand beaches.
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| | | Eating out and about | | Where's good for nightlife?
Iraklio has a lively nightlife and cafe scene. Head for the hyped-up Plateia Venizelou, and the pedestrian area of Korai and Perdikari for stylish kafeneia.
You will find discos in the larger resorts and cities, and elsewhere music bars play everything from '60s rock to Greek to techno.
What's the food like?
The Greeks love to eat out, and the evening meal is the mainstay of Greek family and social life. Everywhere you will find reasonably-priced tavernas offering healthy and delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
Specialities include lamb pilaf, stewed rabbit and sweet ricotta pies. Aniseed-flavoured ouzo is the main spirit, and retsina, a harsh but refreshing Greek wine. Local wines are quite quaffable.
What should I buy?
Blue ceramics, clay pottery, handmade leather goods, woven rugs, icons, embroidered linen and gold jewellery are all crafted products born from a long tradition of artisanship in Crete. The best selection is in the town of Chania.
What is there for children to do?
Play on the beach to their hearts' content. Imaginations can go into overdrive exploring the labyrinth at Knossos and visiting other ancient sites on the island. Larger hotels will have organised activities for youngsters.
Tourist office
Hellenic Tourism Organisation, 4 Conduit Street, London W1S 2DJ. Tel. 020 7495 9300.
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| | Available rental properties in Crete |
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| |  | | Villa Challis, Kokkino Chorio, Crete
Three bedroom detached house with air conditioning, private pool, half an acre of land and beautiful views of the Mediterranean and mountains. 10 minutes from the blue flag sandy beaches of Almyrida
|  | | The Stonehouse
The stonehouse is a villa with private pool overlooking the bay of Keratokampos on the quiet south coast where life is laid back and relaxing with plenty to do around this beautiful island
|  | | Cretasun apartments No1
Apartments of 2 rooms with view to the sea and the mountain.Very close to the beach and the restaurants.
|  | | Cretasun apartments No2
Apartments of 2 rooms with view to the sea and the mountain.Very close to the beach and the restaurants.
|  | | Villa Jenna
Luxury 4 Bedroomed Villa with Private Pool. Breathtaking views, air-con and maid service 3 times per week included in price!!....No price increase for 2008.
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