Crete

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  • Overview

Crete, the largest and most southerly Greek island, is a treasure trove of natural wonders, ancient history and striking scenic beauty. Described as the cradle of Europe, it lies between Europe, Asia and Africa. At 257km long (159 miles) the island offers holidaymakers a variety of scenery and things to do. There are clean seas for water sports enthusiasts, traditional villages to explore and some awe-inspiring natural wonders like fascinating grottoes and steep gorges.

It's an extremely independent island and the Cretans are proud of their home and the hospitality they offer to visitors. Crete boasts a marvellous climate, excellent thriving resorts, unspoilt beaches, areas of stunning natural beauty and a history steeped in mythology and great feats of ancient civilisations.

For those who want to enjoy a beach holiday Crete is bathed in sunshine for 300 days of the year and offers the dedicated sun worshipper hidden coves and beautiful sandy beaches. The island is broken up by four mountain ranges with the highest remaining snow-capped until June. In the south the mountains plunge dramatically into the sea while in the north they slope gently through the coastal plains into the water.

The undisputed natural wonder of the island is the Samaria Gorge, which is Europe's longest at 18 kilometres, with rugged slopes plunging 600 metres to the valley floor. As well as offering hikers views to die for it is also the last natural habitat of the threatened Cretan wild goat (also known as the kri kri) and home to a variety of orchid.

Crete is a Greek island offering a wonderful variety of resorts and landscapes. You'll find rocky coves and sandy beaches dotted around the coast, and verdant mountains and flower-filled valleys inland, with a fine selection of breathtaking historical sites to explore by day, and an excellent choice of restaurants and bars to relax in by night.

Choose from the following resorts in Crete:

Rethymnon

Being Crete's third largest city might suggest a large, anonymous place but Rethymnon is a town full of history, entertainment and a vibrant, friendly atmosphere. The narrow streets of the Venetian old town offer a surprise on almost every corner. The massive fortress, which dominates the resort, only serves to give the intimate streets, lively tavernas and bars an even greater attraction.

Aghios Nikolaos

Aghios Nikolaos, sparkling on Mirabello Bay, has at different times been described as 'a romantic setting', the 'heartbeat of Crete', and the 'most chic town on the island'. Whichever, it has become one of the most popular destinations on Crete. It's a resort which is less frenetic than non-stop Malia and less historic than Knossos with its world famous ruins. Yet Aghios Nikolaos contains all the charm of real Greece wrapped in a warm, welcoming cloak of sunshine. Its bars are an eclectic mix of lakeside and roadside tavernas, modern Cretan nightspots and the odd 'Brit Bar' thrown in for good measure.

Gouves

The expanding resort of Gouves is a town with two Cretan hearts - both with their own distinctive beat. Kato (Old) Gouves is a few kilometres inland from what is becoming one of the island's most popular beach resorts but separated by the main highway and a different philosophy they could just as well be a thousand years apart.

Elounda

Once a small fishing village, the hills that overlook the Mediterranean by Elounda have been developed over the last two decades with a series of luxury hotel complexes that have attracted the rich and famous ever since. Nowadays, holiday budgets of all kinds are catered for, and wherever you stay you can't fail to be charmed by Elounda's sandy beaches, clear-blue waters, and its traditional tavernas and restaurants that help create a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere.

Koutouloufari

Situated a short stroll inland from the major tourist resort of Hersonissos, Koutouloufari is a beautiful Cretan village nestled in at the foot of Crete's impressive mountain range. You'll find a surprisingly good selection of charming tavernas and boutiques tucked away among the narrow streets, and the sea views are quite superb. A delightful village resort, that is close enough to Hersonissos if you fancy the occasional night out in livelier surroundings.

Anissaras

Get away from the pressure of modern day life in this small village on the north coast of the island. Pass your days lazing on the sandy beach, then enjoy a quiet meal and a drink or two in a traditional local taverna. Alternatively, head for something a little more lively in the resort of Hersonissos just 3 km away.

Fast Facts

Flight Time : 4hrs 10mins
Time Difference : +2 hours

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