The largest island in Greece, Crete is renowned for its pin-up beaches, wild natural beauty, exquisite cuisine and thousands of years of culture and history. As Crete’s most celebrated author, Nikos Kazantzakis (Zorba the Greek), once wrote: “The mystery of Crete runs deep. Whoever sets foot on this island senses a mysterious force coursing warmly and beneficently through their veins, sensing their soul beginning to grow.”
Unsurprisingly, this mystical, pure and generous island to the south of the Aegean Sea captures the spirit of Greece and enchants everyone who visits. Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Ierapetra, Malia, Hersonissos, Sitia, Sfakia, just to mention a few of the breathtaking destinations in Crete. Wherever you visit, it’s an island of thousands of vibrant images, filled with an open-hearted and vivacious spirit, rich history, world-famous cuisine and hospitable people.
Best beaches of Crete
Balos Lagoon in Chania , Falarsana, Elounda, Chrysi, Elafonisi, further on the southwestern tip of Chania, Episkopi, Petres as well as Preveli, Plakias, Ligres, Triopetra and Agios Pavlosin in the south of Crete.
Kilometres of golden coastline surround Ierapetra, in the Lassithi prefecture to the east. And the celebrated palm forest in Vai is one of the most spectacular sights in Crete.
Culture and history of Crete
On Crete, you’ll find some of the most significant attractions in Greece: famous archaeological sites such as the Minoan palaces of Knossos, Phaistos, Malia and Kato Zakros. You’ll also visit important monasteries, such as the Preveli Monastery in southern Rethymno, the monasteries in southern Heraklion and the historic Arkadi and Toplous monasteries.
Also castles erected by Venetians and Byzantines are absolutely noteworthy: Kastelli in Chania, the Fortezza in Rethymno, the castle of Heraklion, Frangokastello in southern Chania, the Kazarma Castle in Sitia, and the Monte Forte in Lassithi.
As for museums, particularly fascinating are the Museum of Natural History and the Historical Museum of Crete. In Myrtia, there is also the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum and in Fodele you’ll find the El Greco Museum.
Gastronomy and customs in Crete
Crete is the home of the Mediterranean diet and the Cretan hospitality is grand, generous and infinitely welcoming. Families are only too happy to share the island’s many specialities – a Dakos salad, free-flowing Raki or the experience of the Mantinades, poems often accompanied by a Cretan lyre or lute. Wise old men recount memories of Crete’s rich, and often troubled, past or tales of the vendettas between feuding families.
You’ll eat to your heart’s content in Crete, from simple homemade food such as rusk salad with sea salt, extra-virgin olive oil, artichokes and cheese to fine gourmet gastronomy. Some of the many famous products are the local Graviera (a piquant cheese), herbs and salad greens such as Stamnagathi (a wild chicory), as well as Staka (think clotted cream made from sheep’s milk) and assorted savoury pies and sweets.
In Crete, you’re bound to be offered a glass of Tsikoudia (firewater-like distillate), as locals often make their own. At tavernas, cafes, festivals and fairs, they start drinking it early in the afternoon and it flows until late at night.
MUST SEES: Chania, Balos, Heraklion, Rethymno, Fortezza, Agios Nokolaos, Ierapetra, Sitia, Sfakia, Knossos, Lassithi, Preveli, Samaria Gourge, Frangokastello, Elafonisis,, Elounda.
OPTIONAL VISITS: Day cruises on the northern coast of Crete, cruise to Santorini, Honey farm, cooking classes, olive oil, distilleries, Crete safari, water sports.
