CRETE

An enchanting experience awaits you on Greece’s largest island, rocky coves and sandy beaches carve into a mountainous landscape cushioned with lush greenery hiding timeless villages. Thousands of years of history lies etched along busy town streets and traditional working ports, revealing tales of the islands ancient Minoan past whilst setting a unique backdrop to the cosmopolitan bustle of contemporary life.

BEACHES

The broad sandy beaches of Chania and Rethymnon stretch along Crete’s coast for miles so you can always find a quiet spot to while away hours in the sun. For attractive coves and shingle bays head for Agios Nikolaos or quieter Panormo, whilst the golden sands of Gouves are a beach lover’s paradise with excellent facilities and watersports.

FOOD AND DRINK

Hearty, wholesome cooking is Cretan food at its best. A wide choice of international food can be found but if you want to dine Cretan style, follow the old rule and go where the locals go. Simple looking tavernas tucked down back streets are the norm, try old favourites such as Tzadziki (a dip of yogurt, cucumber and garlic) and Souvlaki (Lamb or veal kababs). Crete has some excellent wines and the locally produced Retsina is certainly an acquired taste.

SIGHTSEEING

The Minoan palace of Knossos is Crete’s historical headliner and is a must for a glimpse of the islands fascinating ancient past. The White mountains in the west offer many marvellous walking routes passing through gorges - the most famous Samaria Gorge is breathtaking if you can manage the 16 km trek! The bottomless lake of Agios Nikolaos and Chania’s harbour are also worth a look.

NIGHTLIFE

Crete’s reputation for lively nightlife is well founded. Hersonissos, Rethymnon, Agios Nikolaos, Platanias and Elunda all have a mixed medley of lively bars and clubs playing all kinds of music. Elsewhere you’ll find the scene is generally low key, with a handful of bars and one or two clubs.

SHOPPING

Handmade leather and textiles can be excellent quality with good value shops in Rethymnon and Chania’s ’leather street’. Be sure to take home a jar of Cretan honey (infused with thyme) or a bottle of island wine, Crete’s olive oil is arguably the best in Greece. Pottery and jewellery also make good buys and are often inspired by ancient designs.