Great beaches, picturesque mountains and Venetian towns make Crete the perfect holiday destination. Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is 160 miles long and 35 miles across at its widest point. Candia (the Italian name for Crete) is divided into four main sections: Chania, Heraklion, Lasithi and Rethymno. Each of these providences have something unique to offer hoildaymakers.
The Four Providences of Crete
Chania is a modern city with a variety of old venetian homes. Located on the western end of the island, it has waterfront restaurants, museums, churches, craft shops and a host of cafes to choose from.
Heraklion is the capital of Crete and the biggest city on the island. This city houses the International airport and is the economic center of the island with museums, architectural sites, gorges, landscapes, beaches and small villages. There are unique shops and a Saturday market
Lasithi is the city on the eastern corner of the island, just east of Heraklion. Lasithi is home to a port, resorts, a plateau, windmills, the Cave of Psychro and sandy beaches. It boasts vineyards, olive trees and citrus trees due to its relatively warm year-round climate – the weather in Crete is terrific year round.
Rethymno is a city that is divided by the old and new towns. The Venetian fortress overlooks the town. It also features a harbor and waterfront, cafes, archaeological museums and a historic area.
Getting around Crete
Though taxis are available in Crete, walking and hiking are probably the best way to tour the island. A walking tour allows holidaymakers a wonderful sightseeing experience. Aside from the sprawling beaches, tourists will see snow-capped mountains, vast seas, small villages, gorges, caves, flora and fauna.
Greek Cuisine
It’s all about the food in Greece. Holidaymakers can look forward to some of the best Greek food in Crete. Restaurants serve authentic Greek food, which is simple, but full of fresh, robust ingredients that are mainly found on the island. The dining experience in Crete is relaxed. A meal can last for hours and is centered around the idea of family and friends socialising. Wine is usually part of dinner, and cafes are popular for coffee after dinner.
Tourist Attractions in Crete
Holidaymakers can do more in Crete than relax on its miles of beaches. Water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, paddle boats, glass-bottom boat tours, yachts, canoes, kayaks, surfing and jet skiing abound. There is also plenty to do on land during holidays in Crete. Consider checking out the Matala Caves, Samaria Gorge, Limnoupolis Water Park, Creteaquarium, walking trails through the mountains, small villages and Greek night life.
The Best Places to Stay in Crete
Crete has unique situations to meet a wide variety of holidaymakers and their budgets. Visitors can opt take a Crete villa holiday or book a hotel, stay at a countryside inn, rent a suite in an old Venetian building, stay in a modern room on the beach or book a room at a luxury resort.
The first step is to decide which area of Crete by research and looking at a map of Crete and then look for the type of lodging that suits you best.
The Crete Experience
Holidays in Crete are often filled with breathtaking views, special moments, historic lessons, culture, relaxation and fun. Because Crete is also dependent on tourism, the people are very accepting of tourists. They are very welcoming and go out of their way to make visitors feel at home. The best way a holidaymaker can get the full experience of Crete is to travel from one coast to the other, taking in all of the sites and beauty the island offers tourists all year round.
