The Greek islands are a popular choice when it comes to picking a great holiday destination. People from all over the world flock to them every year. One of the most popular is the island of Crete. It is known for its hot summers and mild winters and is the largest of the islands. Because it is the largest, it has a number of things to offer, therefore Crete is a great holiday choice.
The best way to get around the island is to hire a car which allows you to visit off the beaten track locations and places that you really want to visit and not just because they are a stop on an organised tour. Rental Center Crete offers some great deals and a range of vehicles if road tripping around Crete sounds like your kind of thing.
Here are our top 5 reasons why Crete is a great holiday choice which will help you create an itinerary to suit your own interests and tastes.
Great Greek Food
If like us you love Greek food, there is nothing better than actually eating it in Greece. Did someone say Feta cheese and olives? Crete is not short on amazing restaurants that serve traditional, homemade dishes. As with any destination, always look for the restaurants that the locals eat at, this is an almost sure-fire way of finding the best local, in this case, Cretan food. Therefore do not be put off by small rustic tavernas, quite often these are the best.
As Crete is an island with many beach resorts, there are a number of seafood restaurants serving the catch of the day. Seafood is harder to find inland, which is to be expected. Instead, here you will find more mainland inspired meat-based dishes, especially lamb.
Old Towns & Villages
If you enjoy learning more about the place you are visiting, the first thing you need to do is learn about its past. Therefore, travelling around or day-tripping to, some of Crete’s oldest towns and cities is a must. Three of the largest towns Chania, Rethymno, and Heraklion can be found on the northern coast of the island. All of which were developed in Venetian times, meaning Venetian influence can be seen everywhere.
If you are looking for postcard-perfect scenery, Crete is a great holiday choice. We recommend that you head to Sfakia village. It is located on the southern coast of Crete. This picturesque seaside village has a fishing port and pebble beaches, ideal if you want to visit a traditional style Cretan village.
History & Culture
Greece’s history is rich and if you are a history buff, Crete is a great holiday choice for you. Crete is known for being the home of one of the earliest civilisations of the world called ‘Minoan’. In Greek Mythology it is also said to be the birthplace of the King of the Gods, Zeus. Therefore a visit to Crete is a must for any history enthusiast. And as mentioned above, the Venetian influence can be seen throughout the island.
However, the Bronze Age archaeological sites at Knossos and Phaistos, the numerous Byzantine churches and monasteries, some of which date back to the 6th Century and also the mosques (including the Kucjk Hassan Mosque and the Neratze Mosque) that can be found on the island, are all worth visiting too, in order to get a better understanding of Crete’s history and culture.
Beautiful Beaches
Crete has a number of beautiful beaches, which are just perfect for spending your time relaxing and enjoying the soft white sand and the blue waters of the Cretan Sea, which is part of the Aegean Sea. So if you are looking for a sun-soaked holiday, Crete is a great option. One of the most popular beaches on the island is Potamos Beach, Malia. Yes, it is popular and yes it is in Malia the liveliest town on the island, however, this beach is a lot less crowded and a lot quieter than you would expect.
Other beaches worth a visit include Balos Beach in Kissamos with turquoise waters and amazing views, Elafonissi Beach in Elafonissi which is extremely child-friendly and great if you love wildlife especially sea life including turtles and not forgetting Red Beach in Matala with its red sand and stunning red cliff backdrop.
Activities
If lounging around soaking up the sun isn’t your thing and instead you like to get your adrenalin flowing if you visit Crete you are in luck. There are plenty of activities to keep you occupied across the island. From hiking and horse riding in the White Mountains, takings a quad safari across the bumpy terrain and not forgetting all the fun water-based sports you can take part in, in Crete. These include scuba diving, kayaking and even surfing.
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