CRETE, A NEVER-ENDING FEAST FOR THE SENSES
Crete, the largest island in Greece by both area and population, is a tapestry of splendid beaches, ancient treasures and landscapes, weaving in vibrant cities and dreamy villages, where locals share their traditions, wonderful cuisine and generous spirit.
Crete is an island with an exquisite 1,000-kilometer-long coastline dotted with numerous coves, bays and peninsulas, which afford a multitude of soft, sandy beaches along the beautifully blue Mediterranean Sea. And while all the major cities are on the North Coast: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos, in its south the tourists can find beautiful coastal cliffs and countless idyllic bays. That’s why Crete is among the finest islands in the world, one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations.
Historical sights
Crete’s natural beauty is equalled only by the richness of its history. The birthplace of Zeus, the ruler of the gods, people and hospitality due to its strategic location at the crossroads of the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean had during its history many occupants. The first European civilization, the Minoans, emerged here between 2800 BC and 1400 BC.
Cretan cuisine is renowned both in Greece and internationally for its unique ingredients and flavors. Based on simple techniques, it’s the variety of local produce that distinguishes the dishes: mountain herbs and greens, bulbs, unique cheeses, fresh fish, the famous Cretan oil, and raki a bracing grape brandy. The truth is that you should not leave Crete without trying gamopilafo, the rice dish usually offered at traditional Cretan weddings, lamb with stamnagathi and fried snails (chochlioi boubouristi).
Mountain scenery
Last but not least, Crete has a lion’s share of unspoilt scenery. You’ll get the best feel for what the island has to offer at Samaria Gorge, an hour’s drive from Chania, the longest in Europe (total length 16km), and one of the most impressive gorges in Greece. The mountainous interior of the island may be its least known region, but it is just the place to look for small, traditional villages and meet the natives of Crete.