Crete, the richest Greek island

Crete is the fifth largest island of the Mediterranean Sea and an ideal holiday destination with everything you can imagine. This part of Greece is a special place where ancient cultures and myths live together. The island's coastline is mostly sandy beaches around hotels and smaller cliffs sometimes interrupting them. The island’s inland is of special interest with its lush green fields and forests on such a hot island. Summer is so hot that it can only be tolerated on the shore or in the shade. Most hotels have air conditioning but pay attention to the time you spend on sunlight! Holiday resorts are situated around cities and the coast near Iraklion is a separate hotel town. If you want to experience a moment of silence and solitude head for the mountains of the inland.

It is very easy to get to Crete since there are a lot of direct flights during the summer to Iraklion (Heraklion). If there isn’t a direct flight then take a plane to Athens and then continue with a ferry to Crete. Mass transport is not the best on the island so it is recommended to rent a car. Probably this is the most exciting way to discover the island. Guided tours are also available.

The wonders of Crete

The island’s coast is inhabited mostly on the northern part. The capital and largest city is Iraklion with many hotels surrounding the city. The island has great beaches and rich culture too. Crete has been inhabited since the 15th century BC and the Minoans created a magnificent culture. The best example to this is the Knossos Palace near Iraklion. You can walk around the ancient ruins listening to the cicadae. The throne room is truly amazing and remarkably preserved with its restored interior and murals. If you want to see all the archaeological finds go and visit the Archaeological Museum in Iraklion. See the Lily Prince, symbol of the island. The Minotaur and its labyrinth with the bullhorns have become famous with the myth of Crete. These are the best things to see around Iraklion. The city itself is well known for the Venetian fortress in the harbor. See the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum, which commemorates the writer of the Zorba.

One of Crete's famous cities is Chania. Here you can see the Nautical Museum and another Archaeological Museum that collects local finds. Visit Chania’s magical orthodox cathedral and spend some time wandering in the old town. You can buy sea sponges at the market. Locals use sea sponges every day for bathing. There is a museum that has exhibitions of World War II battles on the island. There are many monuments for soldiers fallen in battle around Crete.

Rethymno is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis according to myth. Nowadays it's much more famous for its sandy beaches. Aside from relaxing you can discover the city’s rich Byzantine, Venetian, Turkish and Greek heritage. The fortress and the gatehouse are of Venetian origin but the Neratze Mosque is a reminder of the Turkish occupation. Gastronomy is important to the region and a wine festival is organized every year. Taste the fine local seafood and enjoy the sweet Greek wines. Take a trip to inland Crete and the Lesithi Plateau, which boasts of Europe’s largest cypress forest.

Not far from Crete lies the island of Santorini (or Thira), which is believed to be Atlantis. The island's inner volcano exploded about 3000 years ago leaving a high cliff behind. Ships from Crete arrive in this harbor and you have to take a donkey or a cable car up to the city of Fira. The white and blue houses offer a wonderful view. Relax on the beaches and enjoy the Greek way of life!