Crete Introduction

A holiday to Crete does not just mean about beaches and sea. Crete is high on the list for sightseeing; it has history, archaeology, mythology, culture, natural beauty, stunning views, architecture and more.

Crete lies in a good position within the Mediterranean Sea, Libyan Sea, the Cretan Sea and the Aegean Sea. Its position means that it is between the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa.

It is the largest Greek Island, and the 5th largest in the Mediterranean Sea and is approximately 160 kilometres from the Greek mainland

Its history is fascinating. From the Minoan, Bronze Age, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Venetian and Ottoman Turk civilisations - all of which can be explained in fine displays at some of its Museums. Its mythology is more than just interesting, it is said to have been the birthplace of the God, Zeus.

It remains to this day very proud of its culture. The people of Crete celebrate many festivals relating to namedays and religious festivals. These events are held around the island and are very important to today's Cretan population.

Crete's natural beauty cannot be forgotten. It has the mountains of Lefki Ori at Sfakia, The Samaria Gorge and National Park at Chania, The natural freshwater lake at Lassithi and much more to provide you with simple pleasures such as the fauna and flora of Crete.

It does, of course, have some fantastic beaches with glistening sand and clear, warm seas gently lapping to the shore. If a sun and beach holiday is what you are looking for then you will, without a doubt find it at Crete.

Like most Mediterranean countries, Crete enjoys simple, but wholesome food that tastes delicious. You will be given the opportunity to enjoy some of its traditional cuisine, if you desire it.

Crete really does have something to offer everyone, young or old.

Crete Location

Crete lies in a good position within the Mediterranean Sea, Libyan Sea, the Cretan Sea and the Aegean Sea. Its position means that it is between the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa.

It is the largest Greek Island, and the 5th largest in the Mediterranean Sea and is approximately 160 kilometres from the Greek mainland.

Crete is a mountainous Island with comes under the province of prefectures, namely Chania, Heraklion, Rythmnon and lastly Lassithi.

The weather on Crete is particularly good and it experiences a longer summer than some European countries, usually from around May until October. It seems to experience some strong, but warm winds at times called the Meltemia which blow across from the Aegean Sea.

Weather in Crete

The weather on Crete is particularly good and it experiences a longer summer than some European countries, usually from around May temperatures start to rise, until October. However, sometimes it is even possible to wear a T shirt on a day in December, when the sun is shining.

Summer temperatures can reach a staggering high of +30°C, with sea temperatures reaching a high of 27°C during August so if you are not able to tolerate such high temperatures, July and August would best be avoided.

Spring temperatures start to rise in April, when the rainfall is low and as spring begins to erupt, so do the blossoms and flowers. However, evening temperatures can drop quite rapidly from daytime temperatures so it would be handy to take a lightweight jacket if you are going out for the evening.

Crete seems to experience some strong winds at times called the Meltemia which blow across from the Aegean Sea. This coupled with strong sun can lead to many people being sun burnt, so be prepared. The resorts around the Libyan Sea are usually slightly warmer than around the other resorts seas.

The mountainous areas can see some harsh weather in the winter and it is not uncommon to see snow. Sometimes the roads are impassable because of the snowfall and Analapsi is one of Crete's popular ski resorts.

Transfers from the airport in Crete

Arriving at a foreign airport can often be a strenuous affair and with most customers traveling independently these days having a pre-booked airport transfer is an essential part of your holiday package. Local taxis at the airport can sometimes be limited or with long queues, by booking a pre-booked you can not only make a fantastic saving on your transfer but also avoid all the stress of queues and haggling with taxi drivers. Book your airport transfer service here now >>

Airport Shuttle Bus service in Crete

In most of our gateway airports you can pre-book an Airport Shuttle Service. This is a pre-booked only service that operates between the relevant airport and holiday resort. In normal times you can expect to wait up to 30 minutes for your shuttle bus to arrive however as this is a pre-negotiated service and only available to participating travel companies then expect to pay far less to get from the airport to your destination accommodation than other traditional forms or transport such as local taxis. Book your airport shuttle service here now>>

Crete Car Hire

Although you will find that you have everything you need close to your resort, hiring a car can be a good way of exploring Crete and getting to places that are perhaps a little off the beaten track.

It is easy to hire a car from the local agencies. There are a good selection of cars and most car hire agencies usually offer child booster/car seats if you request it at the time of booking. Cars can be delivered/collected from your resort or a pick up point of your choosing.

With a car you will be able to go to some of the beaches a little out of the way and visit some of those shops away from the bigger towns. Supermarkets out of town are usually cheaper than those in the more well known resorts.

Shopping in Crete

Shops are normally open between 08.00 and 13.30 from Monday to Saturday. In the main tourist areas, shops seem to be open seven days a week from early morning until late at night.

Around the Island you will find little supermarkets which can supply you with your day to day commodities, generally they are a little bit more expensive than the bigger supermarkets at the main resorts. At least without a car you will still be able to buy things that you might need if you are self catering.

Crete, like many Mediterranean countries produces arts, crafts, ceramics, embroidery, lace, leather, shoes, silverware and jewellery.

There are weekly markets in many of the resorts selling a variety of vegetables, fruit, fresh meat and fish and typical Cretan produce like pottery, ceramics and leather and it is perfectly acceptable to barter the price, you never know you might just find a bargain.

Chania holds a market which is held in the old part of town, near where the harbour is located. Here you will find stalls which sell bread, cheese, vegetables, meat, fish, spices and herbs.

Heraklion has a market which sells bread, cheese, vegetables, meat, fish, spices and herbs. You will also be able to look at a good selection of linen, lace, embroidery and carvings.

There is a street market on Thursdays at Rethymno, soak up the atmosphere, smells and sun at the same time.

You will find a good selection of potteries from the village of Margarites in Rethymno and also wood carvings.

Around the island you will find an enormous selection of tourist shops selling beach items and souvenirs, postcards and typical mass produced tacky items.

There are some good jewellery shops, particularly in Agios Nikolaos, Rethymno and Heraklion where you will see copies of traditional Minoan and Byzantine jewels, some of which is displayed in the museums of the island.

Cretan wine is quite famous, along with Cretan honey and local Cretan cheeses made from sheep's or goats. There is a vineyard at Fantaxommetocho where you will be able to sample and taste different Cretan and Greek wines.

You will find designer boutiques in most of the larger towns; these will be located along the main stretch of shops. It can not be said that designer clothes are cheap, but they might provide you with an entertaining hour or two while you browse.

You will also find a good selection of Departments stores where you can buy a variety of items from ceramics to jewellery, at very reasonable prices.

Eating Out in Crete

Like most Mediterranean countries, Crete enjoys simple, but wholesome food that tastes delicious. A Cretan normal diet doesn't usually consist of fast food or convenience type food. They like their own locally produced fruit, salad and vegetables which are picked and cooked extremely fresh. They cook with olive oil, grown on Crete and make some tasty salad dressings which are low fat and high in nutrients, as is locally produced tomatoes either in puree, pulp or cooked whole. Stuffed tomatoes with vine leaves is a popular choice at some Cretan restaurants

Meat dishes usually contain mutton or goat, either braised or stewed to perfect tenderness and flavour. Locally grown herbs are usually added, particularly Thyme, Oregano and Marjoram. Perhaps you might smell the aromas of these herbs as you wander around the island, as they are grown widely. Crete grows a unique herb called diktamosand this is often added to many Cretan dishes.

Fish is popular, particularly as Cretans eat fish which has been freshly caught that day to maintain absolute freshness. Fish is usually grilled or baked.

Pulses such as chick peas and lentils are widely used as a main course, usually served with Mediterranean vegetables, lemon juice and olive oil.

Milk, cheese and butter are produced on Crete from sheep or goats' milk, feta cheese is widely used in many countries around the world.

Deserts are usually very sweet and probably contain honey which is produced on Crete. You might see a typical sweet dish of fried wholemeal bread coated in honey, delicious but full of calories.

In most of the resorts you can experience a range of typical Cretan meals at very reasonable prices and there are also a variety of fast food restaurants and take aways.

Crete Nightlife

The good thing about the island of Crete is that you can have as much or as little nightlife as you wish for, depending on your choice and what you are looking for.

There are intimate restaurants and tavernas, where you will find a friendly atmosphere and ambiance, or there is a wide selection of bars, clubs and discos if you are looking for a party atmosphere.