Archaeology and mythology go up against sparking blue seas and soft sandy beaches when it comes to the best of Crete. Knossos and Phaistos calls people from across the seas but then so do photos of the coastline and those quintessential Greek island villages. But being the centre of the ancient Minoan civilization wins out for me. This is the stuff of the Minotaur, Icarus, Theseus and King Minos as recounted by Homer. The remains of this civilization, the ruins and mosaics unearthed are quite grand and what people resounding think of as civilized.

In addition to the history and coastline Crete also has a picturesque interior of rocky mountains and gorges and fertile plains. And temperate weather. It is the second largest island in the Mediterranean.

The best things to do in Crete

The top 5 experiences in Crete. There are 31 more experiences in Crete. See all »
  • Knossos

    The story of the Minotaur, his imprisonment in the Labyrinth and his death is one of the best known stories in Greek mythology …

  • Gortyna

    Gortyna (also known as Gortyn or Gortys) in southern central Crete was a major Roman city and later became the seat of the firs…

  • Cretan olive harvest

    Olives in Crete have been cultivated since about 3500 B.C., and as an island with around seven million olive trees, it's no won…

  • Crete

    Archaeology and mythology go up against sparking blue seas and soft sandy beaches when it comes to the best of Crete. Knossos …

  • Battlefields of Crete

    Crete is not just another sun kissed Greek holiday island. It is also the location of one of the Second World War's most remark…

Comments, reviews and questions

Photo of Amoraitis

Eastern Crete is the undiscovered yet part of Crete. Of course Rethymnon, Heraklion and Chania are the most advertised places but what about the modern cretan life. This can be found in places like Sitia while visiting virgin beaches like the one in papadiokampos or the palm forest of Vai. In eastern Crete you can find the best prices for villas in Crete.

 
Comment posted 30th September 2009 by Amoraitis.

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