Crete overview
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and is widely regarded as a country within a country, not least by the Cretans who are welcoming and hospitable, and fiercely proud of their history, golden sandy beaches, azure Aegean waters and the fact that they enjoy the longest summer in Europe.
Crete, the birthplace of the legendary Zeus, occupies the most southerly point in Europe offering everything for a perfect Mediterranean holiday: golden beaches,
sparkling waters, stunning scenery, and a richly diverse culture shaped by centuries of history including the Minoans, the first civilisation in Europe, followed by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and Turks. Four lofty mountain ranges, high enough to be snow-clad in winter, dominate the rolling foothills and broad coastal plains, and secluded villages nestle amongst vineyards, olive and citrus groves and green, fertile meadows. To the south, small fishing communities seek shelter beneath precipitous windswept cliffs, and the north boasts beaches, coves and a series of great bays decorated with ribbons of fine golden sand.
Agios Nikolaos
One of the longest established resort areas in Crete, Agios Nikolaos enjoys an enviable setting within the breathtaking Bay of Mirabello. Just behind the town’s picturesque fishing harbour are the deep aquamarine waters of Lake Voulismeni, whose depths are, according to legend, bottomless. Surrounded by steep cliffs and greenery, the lake is the focal point of the town. A number of bars, restaurants and tavernas have also sprung up around the lake-shore, harbour and coastline.
Elounda
Five miles beyond Agios Nikolaos at the northern end of the Bay of Mirabello lies the resort of Elounda. Home to some of Greece’s very best hotels, it boasts a large fishing harbour bordered by shops and taverna, and the bay of sand and shingle beaches is well protected by the Spinalonga Peninsula and is popular with watersports enthusiasts.
Sissi
In the quiet coastal resort of Sissi, visitors can enjoy tranquil beaches and
beautiful landscapes combined with a very hospitable traditional Cretan way of life.
Hersonissos
Hersonissos is one of the major resorts on the north coast. Just 27km to the east of Heraklion, it boasts a long coarse-sandy beach backed by a plethora of hotels,
restaurants, tavernas, boutiques and jewellery shops, plus a lively nightlife in the
height of summer.
Map
Climate
Lying further south than the northern-most parts of Africa, it’s no surprise that the summer lasts longer in Crete than in most corners of the Mediterranean.
Did you know?
The Kri-kri, sometimes called the Cretan Ibex has a light brownish coat with a darker band around its neck and two horns swept back from its head. This endangered feral goat is not thought to be indigenous to Crete, but was imported during the time of the Minoan civilization. Nevertheless, it is found nowhere else and the form is therefore endemic to Crete. Their last stronghold is among the peaks of the 8,000 ft (2,400 m) White Mountains of Western Crete, at the head of the Samaria Gorge.