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Crete Island

The most famous Greek island in the world

Crete is the largest and most famous island in the world, and we’re not exaggerating by saying so! It is located in the southernmost part of Europe, very close to the African coast, so much so that on particularly clear days, you can see the shores of Libya and Egypt. Crete enjoys sunshine for many months of the year, making it perfect for a family holiday or a couple’s getaway, even well into the autumn.

Getting there is easy. For more information, check out our guide on how to get to Crete, where you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip.

Describing Crete island in just a few lines is difficult. It’s vast, with so much to see and do that time will never feel like enough. First of all, while it’s part of Greece, Crete differs from other islands in many ways. It’s a world of its own, with unique traditions, customs, and practices that can only be found here and that’s part of its charm. Spanning 300 square kilometers, Crete offers constantly changing landscapes. There are beaches that rival the most famous tropical destinations, ancient villages with a deep and universal historical significance, unique archaeological sites, deep gorges, canyons, fertile plains, hidden coves, vast olive groves, modern towns, and customs that have remained unchanged for centuries.

History of Crete

The history of Crete is one of the richest and best known, having had a significant cultural influence on the entire island. It begins with the Minoan civilization, founded in 2700 BC, best remembered for its legendary King Minos. This was Crete’s golden age, with magnificent palaces and sculptures, such as the legendary Knossos Palace, where the monstrous Minotaur was hidden, along with the palaces of Phaistos and Zakros. The Dorian and Hellenistic periods followed, during which the Cretans resisted invasions but ultimately fell to King Argo and the King of Sparta, who divided the island. During the Hellenistic era, they were subjects of Alexander the Great, but after his death, internal conflicts arose, leading to the division of Crete into city leagues: Knossos, Gortyna, Phaistos, and the Mountain League.

Then came the Romans, who, after a failed attempt by Mark Antony against Philip V of Macedonia, took control of Crete in 80 BC, making it a Roman province under Diocletian, with Gortyna as the capital instead of Cyrene in Libya. The Byzantine era followed, during which the Romans evangelized the island. According to legend, Saint Paul brought Christianity to Crete after surviving a shipwreck. This era left stunning monasteries, such as Arkadi and Toplou, along with art and architecture still present today.

Could the Venetians be missing from Crete’s story? Of course not! In the 10th century, attracted by its strategic position, they bought Crete for 1000 silver marks, forever changing its history. Heraklion became the economic capital, while Rethymno and Chania were transformed into fortresses. Despite the economic and social improvements, there were numerous rebellions. In the 14th century, the Orthodox Church regained its powers, fostering artistic and scientific growth.

Then came one of the darkest and bloodiest chapters of Crete’s history: the Ottoman rule. In 1645, Yussuf Pasha, with an army of 60,000 men, occupied Chania. The Turkish siege lasted 21 years and is recognized as one of the most significant Venetian resistances, comparable to that of Famagusta in Cyprus. These were unhappy years for the Cretans, as Christians were persecuted, and many churches were turned into mosques. Despite this, the Cretans resisted conversion and, in 1840, declared independence, paying a high price in human lives. Finally, in 1898, after years of hardship and many losses, Crete became an independent state, although still under the Sultan and the great European powers. The Cretans were not happy with this arrangement, and they revolted with the Ieriso Revolution in 1905. The situation was resolved in 1913 with the intervention of Eleftherios Venizelos, the father of the Greek constitution, and Greece regained its freedom. Crete’s modern history concludes with World War II, during which the Germans occupied the island. But once again, the free spirit of the Cretans resisted, and after four years of German rule, Crete achieved its independence under the Greek flag while maintaining a certain level of autonomy and respect for its traditions.

Discover Crete

When exploring the island, be sure to visit the beautiful and well kept Chania, often called the “Cretan Venice” for its pastel colored houses along the waterfront. It’s a lively town, perfect for enjoying a coffee while time slips by peacefully, or for strolling through its center to visit the Municipal Market, the Mosque, and the lovely neighborhoods of Tobakaria, Topanas, and Spantzia. In the northwest of Crete, you’ll find some of the island’s most beautiful beaches, which should be seen at least once in a lifetime. Elafonissi Beach, Falassarna Beach, and the stunning Balos Lagoon are just a few examples, with soft, white sands lapped by breathtakingly clear waters.

Central Crete is characterized by mountains. If you love trekking, the Samaria Gorge is a spectacular natural wonder, stretching 16 kilometers and dotted with caves. According to mythology, one of these caves is where Zeus was raised by nymphs. For more hiking enthusiasts, the White Mountains offer Europe’s second longest canyon.

The southwest offers a completely different atmosphere, where you’ll find authentic Crete, untouched and rugged. This area attracts nature lovers and those interested in archaeological sites, far from the nightlife scene. Don’t miss the beautiful Preveli Beach and its monastery, or spend a couple of days in the iconic town of Matala, and continue to Loutro, from where you can hike to many hidden spots in this incredible landscape.

In the northeast, you’ll encounter Heraklion, the capital, a vibrant and typically touristy city that gets packed during the summer. Further along the coast are Hersonissos and Malia, perfect for nightlife lovers who don’t want to sacrifice beach time. Continuing to Agios Nikolaos, reminiscent of Venice with its stone alleyways and traditional houses surrounding Lake Voulismeni, which flows into the sea.

In the southeastern part, you’ll find more treasures to fill your days, such as the town of Ierapetra, the stunning Vai Beach with its forest, the small island of Chrissi with its cedar and juniper trees shaped by the wind, as well as the archaeological site of Gortyna and  Zakros Palace. You’ll be spoiled for choice.

Why Visit Crete

People come to Crete because it offers everything in one island: dreamlike beaches, mountain villages frozen in time, lush nature, unique archaeological sites, a cuisine that will win over even the most demanding food lovers, and above all, a sense of peace that will rejuvenate you for the year ahead. One vacation is never enough to fully appreciate this beautiful island  you’ll need to come back, again and again, and even then, it may not be enough.

Where to Stay in Crete

Choosing where to stay in Crete is truly tough, as the island is so vast and beautiful that recommending one place over another would be unfair. However, the western coast is the most popular with travelers, particularly Chania, a stunning town with Venetian flair and a wide range of accommodations. If you prefer a seaside stay, Agia Marina or Kissamos are perfect, with many beaches, tavernas, and entertainment options. For a family vacation, we recommend Dimitra & Evdokia, a family run establishment, or Elotis Suites for couples. For an all inclusive package, Porto Platanias Village offers all the comforts right on the beach. In the east, Agios Nikolaos is beautiful, as is Malia if you want lively nightlife. In the southeast, Makry Gialos and Matala are great options for those nostalgic for simpler times. To plan your vacation, contact us fill out the format with our local knowledge and contacts, organizing your trip will be much easier!

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