Crete Holiday
Crete, the largest Greek island, is steeped in culture and history. The home to Zeus and the cradle of European civilization, visitors here are following in the footsteps of legends. The rugged coast and snow capped mountains that stand imperiously inland only add to Crete's mystic aura.
"The Strip in Malia is a real treasure trove for party animals, and there's a superb beach and sizzling summer temperatures too!"
Crete Holiday - Beaches
Crete has some fantastic coastal scenery ranging from rugged inlets sheltering beneath cliffs that jut out towards the sea to long sweeps of golden sand. The three bays at Hersonissos are pretty if a little too popular. The quiet life is never far away though if you are willing to do some exploring of your own. The large crescent of Chania Bay and the swathe of golden sand at Malia will tempt those who enjoy their beaches wide and long. You will also find various water sports from wind-surfing to scuba-diving here.
Shopping
Crete is not only famed for its cheeses, wines and olives, honey is also one of the island's finest products and a jar of it makes for a tasty souvenir. There are plenty of jewelry shops selling high quality silver and gold. Dolphins are considered lucky so they tend to feature in much of the jewelry.
Nightlife
As on most of the large Greek islands you can find a nightlife to suit your tastes. For raucous nights of beer and bright lights you should head to Malia. Aghios Nikolaos and Hersonissos have a more diverse range of entertainment from specialized restaurants to tavernas and the odd disco. Most towns have plenty of traditional bars to keep you refreshed, if you are lucky you'll get a spectacular sea view with your Ouzo.
The coastline here alternates between long stretches of golden sand and sheltered coves that cower beneath rugged cliffs. As you relax under the warm sun it's difficult to believe you are in the land of King Minos and the myth of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth. However should you visit the Palace of Knossos and the town of Chania you will soon be under this ancient island's spell. Chania is a photographers dream, swamped with Venetian and Turkish architecture it is one of the most evocative and picturesque towns on any of the Greek islands. Inland nature takes over, a walk down the Samaria Gorge will inspire thoughts of Argonauts and Minotaurs. Crete's beauty however is certainly no myth.
Holiday Tips
In most hotels and aparthotels gentlemen are required to wear long trousers to dinner. Most hotels or apartments ask customers to vacate their rooms between 10am and 12 midday. For late afternoon or evening flights, late check out rooms may be available. Local Specialities
The taverna's and bar of Crete serve up a mouth watering array of typical Greek dishes as well as a few Cretan specialities. For those willing to try the exotic, Saligaria stifado is a snail stew served with tomatoes, onions and herbs. Crete excels in cheese, Kaltsounia are small cheese pies coated with sesame seeds or cinnamon. You can also find plenty of small cheese makers around Rethymnon producing feta and Graviera, not unlike Gruyere. There's plenty to wash it down with too and it's not just Ouzo. Look out for Raki, a spirit distilled from grape skins, and Mournoraki, a brandy produced from mulberries.