Holidays in Crete

Crete is a large island in the eastern Mediterranean just to the south of the Greek mainland. It has plenty to offer from beautiful sandy beaches, blue seas and dramatic cliffs to quaint villages, a fascinating culture and plenty of history. The long sunny summers make Crete a great place for those looking for watersports, ancient fishing ports, fresh seafood and delicious local cuisine. Days can be spent basking in the sunshine, and nights can be enjoyed in local tavernas enjoying cheap local booze, fine cuisine and live entertainment. The pretty island has plenty of clifftop walks to hill villages, Roman ruins, beautiful Byzantine churches and bargains in pottery and leather goods. It is no wonder that Crete continues to be a popular holiday destination with families, singles, honeymooners and retirees.

Getting to Crete and Travelling Around

The main international airport in Crete is in the capital city of Heraklion and is served by many budget airlines. Ferry services link Crete with other islands and with the Greek mainland. The only way to travel between towns on the southwest coast is by boat, as there are no roads in the area. The island measures just 60km from north to south and is 260km wide. Hiring a car or motor scooter makes it easy to get around and explore some of the interesting sights. In contrast to its big busy towns, Crete also has picturesque hill villages which can be reached along donkey tracks, dry desert areas and quiet secluded coves. The interior is very mountainous with fertile plateaux and many rivers, gorges and caves.

Places to Visit on Crete

Historically, Crete was the centre of the Minoan civilization and some of the island’s most historic sights go back thousands of years. The restored Palace at Knossos is the largest Bronze Age site on Crete and the images which can still be seen on the walls depict early Cretan life. The Roman city of Gortyn includes the grand Praetorium, home of the Roman Governor, the Temple of Apollo, Roman baths, a triumphal arch, a theatre and unique inscriptions known as the Gortyn Code, written on slabs of stone, which were the laws of the city. Other interesting sights are the stunning natural Gorge of Samaria, the monastery of Prevelli, the Zakros Gorge with its Neolithic tombs and the old leper colony on Spinalonga Island.

Cretian Culture

Crete is proud to retain its own cultural identity. Many of the locals speak a dialect of Cretan Greek although English is spoken at all the main resorts and even in smaller villages. Local wine is the traditional drink and there are many indigenous dances performed to local folk music on the lyra, lute and mandolin.

Climate

The island of Crete enjoys a Mediterranean climate giving it warm, dry summers and chilly winters, when snow may be seen on the mountain peaks. The south coast is certainly warmer throughout the year as the presence of tender date palms can verify. Olive oil is widely produced here and not only influences the local cuisine but also makes a great souvenir to take home.