Visit Crete...

The largest of all the Greek Islands, Crete is packed with ancient delights and known for its cultural heritage. According to Greek Mythology Crete was the birthplace of Zeus making it a popular island for those passionate about history and philosophy. Located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea, Crete is defined by its dramatic mountain range, lush valleys, fertile plateaus and mysterious caves and gorges. In the capital city of Crete, Heraklion, tourists can expect to enjoy admiring the Venetian buildings and its colourful history, including the largest archaeological museums on the island, along with a vibrant nightlife in the Koraii district of the city. Across the island, foodie visitors will enjoy browsing the Greek markets, most notably, Chania in western Crete where a market is held four days a week offering a wonderful array of produce, including: fruit & vegetables, cheese, fish, spices and herbs.

For a seaside break on the island of Crete it’s a no-brainer, the Sea Side Resort & Spa is the ultimate choice. With far reaching views out to sea, glorious facilities, a beautiful outdoor pool and a relaxing spa, you will never want to leave. If you would prefer to stay somewhere that’s off the beaten track, why not try White River Cottages? Located in the hillside hamlet of Péfki, a collection of stone-built cottages make for unique self-catering accommodation with a rustic charm. With a great selection of city hotel and apartments on the island of Crete, tourists have plenty to choose from, including the Olive Green Hotel, the Castello City Hotel and the Sofia Hotel, all conveniently located in the centre of Heraklion.

The recent revival of Greek cuisine has meant the popularity of traditional restaurants on the island of Crete has soared. When trying Cretan cuisine for the first time, you need to think fresh seafood, cheese, olives and a fragrant blend of herbs and spices. Just a couple of the best traditional restaurants on the island include To Pigadi and Methexis. For a taste of some Turkish cuisine you must book a table at Well of the Turk, serving favourites such as baba ghanouj, hummus, moussaka and some pretty sumptuous desserts. If you are looking for a romantic setting to take your loved one during your break on Crete, Herb’s Garden in Iraklio is one of the best restaurants to choose from on the island. Serving excellent food and some of the most stunning views over the port, your special someone will not be disappointed.

There are dozens of beaches you could visit on the island but if you are looking for somewhere a little out of the ordinary, a visit at Limania Beach will make for a memorable day with its picturesque cove and turquoise sea. If it’s the beach where you are planning to spend most of your time during your stay on Crete, you should definitely go snorkelling! With crystal clear waters and vibrant corals found along the islands coastline, you are guaranteed to see some pretty cool sea life. The natural wonders of Crete are mesmerising and it is worth a visit to at least one or two… or maybe a few more if you have the time during your visit to the island. Dikteon Cave, The White Mountains, Rouvas Forest and Kournas Lake are among just some of these breath-taking sights. Majority of the famous archaeological sites found on the island of Crete are Minoan and for the best place to see these historical landmarks, head the once Minoan capital, Konosso, where your can explore the remains of a grand palace complex and much more.

The climate of Crete remains mild throughout the year, meaning tourists can visit all year round. As you can imagine the hottest months on the island is during the summer, between June & August with highs reaching 30 – 40 degrees. If you would prefer to enjoy slightly cooler temperatures and avoid the crowds, the spring from March – May and the autumn from September – October are some of the best times to explore the island and make the most of the vibrant and changing colours of the Cretan landscape.