Greece’s biggest island (260km long with over 1000km of coastline), Crete, combines wild rugged mountains, dramatic gorges, and long golden beaches disappearing into a warm turquoise sea. With its sunny climate and fertile valleys, its rich soils produce harvests of olives, grapes, avocados and bananas. The Minoans, Europe’s earliest-known advanced civilisation, were the first to recognise Heraklion’s wealth and beauty, when they built the magnificent Knossos Palace here some 4000 years ago. The locals are fiercely proud of their identity and renowned for their hospitality, and the island appeals to lovers of wild unspoilt nature, archaeology, art and architecture.
DISCOVER THE CHARM OF Crete WITH VOLOTEA
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Eleonas Restaurant
If you’re exploring southern Crete, don’t miss the chance to eat out at Eleonas. Set amid olive groves on the […]
Boutari Winery
Crete produces some excellent wines, so if you’re shopping for presents, go to Boutari for a bottle with funky Greek […]
El Greco Museum
El Greco tiny museum occupies a centuries-old stone cottage, reputedly the birthplace of Domenikos Theotokopoulos (1541 – 1614). Better known […]
Bar Figaro
Rethymno has a buzzing nightlife, thanks to the town’s thriving student population. One of their favourite haunts is Figaro, a […]
Finikodassos Beach
Drive out to Crete’s remote east coast to see Finikodassos, a blissful golden sandy beach, with a crystal-clear turquoise sea. […]