Crete: Introduction

Crete is largest of the Greek islands and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea. Crete is a particularly mountainous region with stunning scenery and spectacular views as well as providing a number of leisure activities such as walking, abseiling or mountain biking to enjoy. The clement weather make Crete a perfect get away any time of the year and with a beautiful coastline lined with golden beaches and clear blue seas, it’s the perfect way to relax and soak up the sun, or discover the aquatic life fishing and snorkelling. Crete is also rich in history, culture and has many fascinating legends of Greek mythology, not least the birthplace of Zeus in a cave on Mount Ida. The cultural influences, particularly Greek, Byzantine and Venetian is evident on the island and there are many places of interest to discover and history to learn. Crete also has a tradition of wine making which dates back 2000 years to the Minoan age and there are a number of wineries and wine tasting festivals to enjoy and sample the local brew. The locals are particularly friendly and helpful and the cuisine is of high quality, cheap and plentiful with recipes from all over the world to choose from. The island is clean and geared towards tourism, the water is safe to drink and accommodation provides good service and comfortable surroundings. The resorts of Malia and Chania are most popular with the younger generation for its vibrant nightlife, though all over the island there are plenty of bars and taverna's providing entertainment in particularly traditional Cretan music and dancing which is lively and a pleasure to watch. This beautiful island has everything to offer for all ages and interests making Crete a versatile and enjoyable destination for all comers.