Crete is the biggest, the most southerly, most mountainous and rugged of all the Greek islands, and home to proud, independent and truly hospitable people.
The Cretans have always been able to take refuge in their wild and beautiful mountain regions from invasion by Venetians, marauding Turks, German paratroopers, and today, foreign tourists! In Spring, the peaks are still snow-capped even when the lowlands are carpeted with tiny multi-coloured wildflowers, whilst in high summer, birds of prey hover on thermal updrafts above the baked brown rocks.
Tourism is centred around numerous beach resorts, mostly along the north coastline, linked by a fast highway. Here you'll find all the essentials for a great holiday, with a choice of lively resorts in the east, and a more originally Greek flavour in the west around Chania.
For top class hotels with all the trimmings, take a look at picturesque Aghios Nikolaos, and historic Rethymnon. The south coast offers less developed resorts, like wildly beautiful Paleochora and Plakias with their vast sandy beaches and dramatic mountainous backdrop, and friendly, easy-going Makriyalos, the picture-postcard fishing village resort of Aghia Galini, and friendly, easy-going Makriyalos, again with a superb beach. Wherever you choose to stay, Crete has plenty to see and do, whether you prefer to hire a car, or enjoy some of the many excellent organised excursions. Whatever you're looking for in a summer holiday, you can't beat Crete!
