'Once home to ancient kings and mythical monsters, but since replaced with knockout beaches and breathtaking beauty, Crete has got plenty to shout about.'
Crete is the king of Greek Islands. It's the biggest. The oldest. And arguably the best. Which is hardly surprising - it's had a pretty good head start. Folk have prospered on this island for over 4000 years. In fact, it's fair to say it's the home of life as we know it. All across Crete you'll find reminders of a bygone era, when the ancient Minoans stood tall and sowed the seeds of the Western civilization. Cue places like the Palace of Knossos, where the fearsome Minotaur is said to have lurked. But there's more to this island than just a flashy past. There are the beaches to think about, too. Turquoise seas whisper sweet nothings to long ribbons of sand that stretch from here to next Christmas. And keeping watch over this stellar shoreline you'll find a grab-bag of places to stay. Everything from action-packed resorts that keep things frisky and full-on to old towns that flaunt their Venetian credentials. And then there are the little villages that lie just off the beaten track. Venture inland and you'll find whitewashed farmsteads and sleepy stone hamlets. Here, donkeys still do all the work. Locals still live off the land. And herds of goats still rule the roads. And that brings us nicely to Crete's other trump card - its unspoilt beauty. Rugged mountains cut through the island. Pines cling to plunging gorges. And flower-filled meadows add a splash of summertime colour. You've probably got the picture by now – Crete's like a great big jigsaw with a piece of the puzzle to suit everyone.
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Resorts in Crete include Aghia Marina, Crete, Agios Nikolaos, Akrotiri, Almeritha, Apokaronas, Chania, Elounda, Gerani, Gouves, Gulf Of Mirabello, Hersonissos, Horafakia, Istron And Kalo Chorio, Kalives, Kamilari, Kamisiana, Kolymbari, Koutouloufari, Livadia, Lyttos Beach, Maheri, Maleme, Malia, Nea Kydonia, Palekastro, Panos Stalos, Platanias, Prina, Rethymnon, Stalis, Veni and Vrouchas.
Looking for holidays in Greece? Our Greece holiday destinations include Corfu, Crete, Halkidiki, Kefalonia, Kos, Lefkas, Meganissi, Messinia, Nauplion, Paralio Astros, Parga, Paxos, Pelion, Rhodes, Samos, Santorini, Skiathos, Skopelos, Thassos, The Mani and Zakynthos.
When it comes to beaches, Crete has the cream of the crop. Huge swathes of divinely soft sand. Small coves lined with smooth warm pebbles. All lapped by super warm seas throughout the summer. And you can pick a beach to match your mood. Want it busy, booming and covered with eye candy? Malia Beach is the place to go. Not only is there fine golden sand that stretches for miles, but it's packed with funky bars and bronzed twenty-somethings. If you're after something a bit more family-focused, you're really spoiled for choice. Try the three pebbly shores at Agios Nikolaos, which are equipped with bathing platforms and watersports. Or the family-friendly Rethymnon Beach and Sun Beach, where they've thought of everything you could possibly need as you relax on their gorgeous sandy shores. For the sunbathing connoisseur, the fairy tale beach at Elafonioi is a must – pink sand, emerald seas and a coral reef lagoon. The ever popular Vai Beach near Agios Nikolaos is a winner with everyone – palm groves, sandy shore and warm waters. No wonder it's consistently in Greece's top ten sun spots. If you feel the need to escape the hoards for a day, hop in your hire car and head along the coast. While the beaches on the northeast coast have become fully fledged holiday havens, the rest of Crete still has little gems of coastline tucked away. Pack your parasol, a picnic and your iPod and go find your slice of paradise.
Think Greek Islands. Think shopping. What comes to mind? Leather, ceramics and miniature donkeys, right? Well, here's a tip – don't judge Crete by any other island's standards. We are, after all, talking about the largest island in Greece. It doesn't need tourism to keep it ticking over, so you'll find more than just seaside stalls here. Ok, there is an abundance of leather and ceramics, but it's all top notch. Try Chania's Leather Lane to grab a bargain bag, or its mix of arty shops for some studio ceramics. Then there's Krista - a hillside village outside of Agios Nikolaos, famed purely for its handicrafts. Agios Nikolaos gives you ample opportunities to stretch those purse strings in its chic boutiques, and Rethymnon has all the shops you'd expect in a big town. But the real Cretan buys are culinary. Pots of honey. Sachets of red saffron. And of course, the cheeses. Or perhaps you've been inspired by the fabulous Minoan jewellery? Whatever you decide to treat yourself to, Heraklion's brilliant Central Market will probably have it. Food, clothes, gold and souvenirs, it's open daily and said to be the best market in the Med.
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