The largest of Greece’s 227 inhabited islands (and further 5,800 uninhabited ones), Crete is able to offer something for every kind of traveler, whether a museum aficionado or ardent beach lover. With an area greater than that of the US state of Delaware, Crete is an island that’s able to boast an incredibly rich history, seemingly unchanged village life, exceptional stretches of sand, and no shortage of activities on land and on water.
The island’s most famous site is probably the Bronze Age city of Knossos, linked to the legend of Theseus and the Minotaur and conveniently located on the outskirts of Crete’s biggest city, Heraklion. There’s nothing quite like exploring the 3,500 year old ruins for yourself, before checking out the site’s most prized possessions in Heraklion Archeological Museum, including faience ceramicware, intricately carved statuary, and gold jewelry.
Elsewhere, the old town of Chania, the island capital, and Rethymno, midway between Chania and Heraklion on the north coast, carry an ageless air thanks to their mix of Venetian and Ottoman structures, wistful alleyways, and traditional coffee shops that simply urge you to take the weight of your feet for a few minutes more.
Thankfully, never far away are an almost endless list of exceptional sand beaches, of which those around Lasithi, not least Elounta Beach north of ever-popular Agios Nikolaos, are the most recommended by locals. Sailing, kayaking, diving, and windsurfing are all possible for the more adventurous at heart from these beaches, with hiking any of the island’s 36 stunning gorges one not to be missed for walkers.
And then there’s the food, which even from the smallest café in the smallest town plumbs depths of taste other destinations find it hard to match. Keep an eye out for ingredients including graviera (a local hard cheese) and dishes such as kleftiko (baked lamb) to ensure your Crete vacation comes to the most satisfying of ends.
Top Greece Travel Destinations
Athens / Delphi / The Peloponnese / The Cyclades / Mykonos / Paros / Santorini
