The Idyllic Island of Crete

Languidly perched at the southernmost point in Europe, the island of Crete is an extraordinary destination. Magnificent mountain ranges, serene, white sanded beaches, warm seas and an ever present and lively nightlife make it a spellbinding location for holidaymakers from around the globe.

Distinguishing itself as something exceptional, Crete is a great deal more than just another Greek island. Known as ‘Megalónisos’ or the ‘Great Island’, Crete doesn’t feel water-locked at all, instead it has its own national identity, especially in the bigger towns along the more developed north coast.

From the moment you arrive you begin to feel its magic.  Cretans are welcoming and hospitable with a rich tradition and culture steeped music, art, food and crafts, working together to create an amazing and vibrant atmosphere set against some of the most beautiful architecture in Europe.

For those of a non-beachy disposition, there’s plenty to be found inland: exquisite remote chapels of the 14th and 15th centuries, ruined Minoan palaces and towns, plus fantastic hiking and botanising opportunities. Indeed, the island’s rich history stretches back thousands of years and is noted as the cradle of Minoan civilisation during the second millennium BC. Old settlements are dotted all over the island and are all free to be explored – an historian or archaeologist’s paradise.

And as Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, it’s offerings are irresistible and widely varied –from glamourous and developed resort areas to tranquil, quiet coves, hidden beaches and charming mountain villages.

When To Go:

Bathed in glorious sunshine for much of the year, Crete’s climate is one of the best in Europe – whilst the high summer months are too warm for some tastes, the rest of the year offers reliable warmth for those looking to avoid the crowds. Nearly every day is a sunny day on Crete.

Tourists traditionally start arriving in April and continue enjoying Crete’s joyous and sun-drenched climate until mid-October. For those keen to avoid soaring Mediterranean mid-summer temperatures or are looking to trek through the countryside are best advised to late spring or early summer and in the autumn when the weather is less extreme and the island is quieter.

What To Do:

In addition to relaxation and topping up one’s tan, Crete as a destination provides a multitude of things to do and places to visit.

Heraklion or ‘Iraklion’ is the fifth largest city in Greece and the administrative capital of Crete. The city sports a wealth of heritage and culture. This includes the ‘Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο’ or Archaeological Museum which contains the world’s finest collection of Minoan artefacts and is situated in an old power station. The Venetian Loggia, now the town hall and the Palace of Knossos (pictured) are other highlights in Heraklion. The palace, originally Byzantine era but rebuilt in the 16^th century, is the closest one can get to walking in the footsteps of the Minoans.

Chania (pictured in header) is a beautiful town surrounded by ancient monasteries and small villages where one can be immersed completely into a quaint and honest culture and learn the ways of this rustic island either as part of a guided tour or as a solo expedition. The landscape around Chania is particularly breathtaking, with glorious creations of nature from endless gorges, (of which the Samarian and Therissos gorges being noteworthy examples), to beautiful sandy beaches.

The third, final and smallest of the major three towns is the medieval settlement of Rethymnon (pictured). Rethymnon is a lovely place to wander around and explore due to its Venetian and Turkish quarters which are punctuated by narrow lanes leading to palazzos and shady squares. When those have been exhausted, the surrounding area boasts exceptional archaeological treasures, coastal settlements, picturesque villages and vast valleys lined with olive groves and vineyards, perfect for a rustic, rural European getaway.

Where To Stay:

When choosing the right pied-a-terre for your holiday, one has to consider the preferred mode of escape. For luxury, unparalleled service and privacy the Domes of Elounda Autograph Collection is unmatched, set as it is on the jaw-dropping Cretan coastline with a fusion of spectacular dining, impeccable service and an excellent spa. Based in Elounda, Crete, a stunning area famed for its celebrity fans including Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolike. Domes of Elounda’s private villas and views are unparalleled –   it is Crete’s finest destination.

For the intrepid hiker and for those in need of a technology detox, Milia Village mountain retreat (pictured) in the Chania region is delightful, nestled amidst countless trails and stunning landscape. Additionally, the The Aquila Atlantis Hotel in Heraklion offers a lovely escape and sits conveniently within walking distance from the picturesque Byzantine monuments of the old town and the sparkling nightlife and beaches or the modern quarters.

Before You Go:

The implementation of ‘Mikró ýpno’ (or siesta, 3–5pm) is legally mandated quiet time for everyone on the island.

Drive carefully! Local driving talent is very mixed and fines are draconian – €350 for not wearing a seat belt and €700 for jumping a red light.

When eating out, select a wide assortment of local mezédes (appetizers) to share, rather than a main for each diner.

The true local tipple is Cretan rakí or mainland tsípouro in a carafe – which is more commonly seen on tables than bottled water. When on Crete, especially in or near Réthymno province where the brewery is, be sure to sample the excellent, delicious Brinks organic beer (4.8%), in both blonde and (even better) dark varieties.

Chania Harbor header photo courtesy of John Kotsopoulos. Vai Palm Forest Beach photo and photo of Rethymnon Old Port courtesy of VisitCrete.com. Milia Village photo courtesy of Milia Mountain Retreat.