Crete

Crete (Κρήτη) is the largest Greek island and one of the largest in the Mediterranean. Mountain ranges run along its length. The Lefka Ori in the west and Psiloritis (Mount Ida) in the centre both rise above 2,400 metres. Crete was the heart of the Minoan civilisation. Its palatial centres, including Knossos, Phaistos, Malia, Zakros, Zominthos and Kydonia, are listed together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the west, Chania and Rethymno keep Venetian harbours and old towns. Nearby lie Balos Lagoon, Elafonisi and Falassarna, where boat and road access to Balos and Elafonisi depends on the weather. The Samaria Gorge opens in the warmer months only, and Imbros and Aradena are further gorges. On the south coast, car-free Loutro and Frangokastello face the Libyan Sea. In the centre, Heraklion has its Archaeological Museum and the Koules fortress, close to Knossos. Further south lie Phaistos, Gortyna and the beach caves of Matala, while the Ideon Cave sits high on Psiloritis. The east offers the Lasithi Plateau with the Dikteon Cave and Agios Nikolaos on Mirabello Bay. Further on lie the fortress island of Spinalonga and the palm beach of Vai. Show more

Village life is strong in places like Anogia and the Amari Valley. Cretan cuisine is built on olive oil, cheese, wild greens and raki. Airports in Heraklion and Chania and ferries from Piraeus link the island with the mainland.