The north coast has many busy holiday resorts and historic towns while the south is wilder with quieter beaches. Inland is mountainous and rugged, and there are many important archaeological sites to explore. Crete holidays offer something for everyone, a truly idyllic holiday spot.

Weather

During the summer Crete can get very hot, with temperatures over 40° Celsius during July and August, although these highs are tempered by the meltemi, the dry north wind the island experiences from June to September. Spring and autumn are pleasant times to visit Crete when the temperatures are lower and resorts quieter. The winter from months from November to February sees temperatures drop with the odd shower.

Attractions

There is a wealth of historical sites, mountainous views, unusual wildlife and beautiful beaches to explore while on holidays in Crete. The capital Irakleio has a great deal of architecture from its historic past. The Archaeological Museum holds the world's finest collection of Minoan art and the city provides easy access to the ruined Minoan Palace of Knosos, which date from 1900BC and are a must see for visitors with an interest in history.

There are numerous sites of historical importance in Crete including the Minoan ruins at Phaestos and Gortys' Roman remains. The historical city of Chania is a good base to explore the island's west. Rethymnon in the north is Crete's ancient intellectual centre. There are churches and monasteries all over the island, notably in Amari Valley where you can find ancient religious relics, mosaics and frescos.

The coast has major attractions including beach resorts, water sports, and a plethora of picture-perfect villages. Crete's interior has much to explore with mountains, unique flora and fauna, and the spectacular Samaria Gorge.

Nightlife

With so many towns, resorts and villages there are endless ways to spend an evening in Crete. Chania Old Town has a beautiful Venetian quarter with restaurants ideal for romantic meals. Cafe Kriti is a more rough and ready venue in the town, where you can listen to live Cretan music late into the night.

The capital Irakleio has many restaurants and bars including the interesting Pagopiion restaurant built in a former ice factory, which becomes a lively bar after 11pm. In the town of Rethymno tourists and young locals flock to the trendy Rock Club Cafe. For a more traditional evening most Cretan villages have tavernas where you can enjoy Greek food and floorshows in a friendly atmosphere.

Nightlife in Crete isn't all about pleasant strolls and stunning sunsets, Crete is also renowned for parties! Resorts like Hersonissos and Agios Nikolaos are packed with bars, cafes, restaurants and clubs that open late and party through the night!

Landscape

Glorious coastlines and a mountainous spine dominate Crete's 250km length. The island has a veritable feast of wonderful seaside spots to explore such . The north coast has many resorts and towns, while the south is quieter with delightful beaches to visit.

At Rethymnon you can visit the Paradise Dive Centre, and boats from the harbour run diving trips to underwater caves. East of the town is a stretch of resorts and beach developments, and also traditional villages such as Georgioupolis. Malia is another very popular northern resort, with discos, bars and also historical sites nearby.

Palaiochora was once a favourite hippy destination, but today all sorts of holidaymakers visit. There's a ruined fort, wide sandy beaches and a windsurfing school located here. Plaikias is further along the south coast, once a small fishing village but now a popular resort. Matala is another fishing village that has been transformed into a bustling resort with hotels and restaurants. There are several great sandy beaches, caves and also boat and bus trips to nearby islands and archaeological sites.

If you want some stunning pictures to remind you of your holiday to Crete, head to the breathtaking Samaria Gorge in the southwest. The ravine is a national park with a popular, but very demanding, trek along its course. Hikers are treated to sites such as the famous Iron Gates, the abandoned Samaria Village and if very lucky the rare Kri-Kri- Cretan Wild Goat. Other inland highlights are Mount Idi, Crete's highest peak, and neighbouring Amari Valley. There also thousands of caves in the island, including the mythical birthplace of Zeus, Diktian Cave.

History

Humans have inhabited Crete since prehistoric times. The arrival of the Minoans around 3000BC is thought by many to have heralded the birth of European culture. After the fall of the Minoan civilisation the Romans settled the island by 67BC. Byzantine rule followed the Romans, then Venetian, and then Ottoman Turk. These cultures all left their mark across the island.

In the early 20th Century Crete became a Greek province, but was occupied by Germany during WW2. Despite a long history of occupation the Cretans have always retained a strong sense of independence, resistance and a warm, friendly nature.

Culture

Crete has a distinctive and proud culture with cuisine that is quite different to the rest of Greece. Delicious varieties of Cretan cheese include Graviera, Myzitra, and Anthotiros. Cooked snails are a traditional food, as are smoked meats and souvlaki skewers. Seafood is an important part of Crete's cuisine; barbounia (red mullet) and kalamarakia (fried squid) are particularly fine. Deserts such as Amigdaloto, made from almonds, should follow these dishes.

Holy Week is a very important festival in Crete, almost all Cretan villages have processions and prayer services that are worth visiting. Agia Marina is celebrated across the countryside on 17th July. The town of Rethymnon holds a festival throughout July and August that includes a wine festival and Renaissance fair.

Book Now!

On the Beach has a range of brilliant deals on flights and great hotels to stay once you're there! Come and revel in the beautiful beaches, crystal clear seas, blue sky, friendly locals, fascinating history and stunning sites that this delightful island has to offer. With our unique online booking system you can easily customise your very own holiday in Crete within minutes!