Crete holidays

Who is Crete best for ?

With its monasteries and old pirates' haunts Crete is an island that’s won our hearts. Visions of vivid blue sea dotted with a multitude of smaller islands makes this a seaside destination par excellence. Meanwhile, amateur archaeologists and historians are well catered for. Away from the majestic ruins, you will discover a land of spectacular mountains, populated by a warm and hospitable people with a very strong sense of their own identity. Crete is also an ideal adventure playground for hikers and beach babies, with some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. In fact, there are 112 'Blue Flag' beaches on the island, as well as plenty of secluded coves and tiny islands. Looking for authenticity? From your terrace table in a taverna overlooking the harbour, watch as grizzled old Greek fishermen sail back into port, or enjoy a glass of ouzo under an olive tree to a soundtrack of cicadas, or watch a priest play tavli (an ancient Cretan variant of backgammon) with village elders. If travelling with friends or family, we can also recommend authentic rental houses in Crete. Finally, Crete holidays are ideal for anyone wanted a last gasp of sun before winter sets in. The autumn climate in Crete means it's still sunny and warm when the rest of Europe has dug out it's woolly jumpers and downloaded the best new box-sets for winter.

What can you find in Crete that you won’t find elsewhere?

With Genoese, Ottoman, Venetian and Crusader influences, in addition to those from Minoan times, Crete and its proud people combine East, West and Africa in a genuine melting pot culture. History and mythology are omnipresent on any holiday in Crete, including the cave where Zeus is supposed to have been born is high up in the mountains, and the capital Heraklion is home to a plethora of archaeological sites including Knossos - considered Europe's oldest city and home to King Minos' labyrinth where he kept the terrifying minotaur. Meanwhile, the island's small villages, blue-roofed churches with whitewashed walls and bougainvillea-filled streets might sound typically Mediterranean, but there are undeniable oriental influences here too, found in the island’s music, traditions, cuisine and characteristics, such as a strong sense of hospitality. In the hinterland, explore a world of olive trees as far as the eye can see; traditional villages home to old ladies dressed in black; donkeys in the middle of roads, deep foreboding canyons and wild mountains. Much of the south of the island is undeveloped, so the caves, gorges and beaches feel blissfully untouched - it's easy to see why so many hermit saints were said to have lived here. Mountain village and beach-side tavernas all serve rustic, hearty fare with a heavy Venetian influence - a legacy of their 400 years ruling over the island. Whether you've got children in tow or not, Cretan fare is best eaten family-style, with numerous sharing plates brought out as they are ready. For adults this should be accompanied by a bottle of the local wine - for research purposes only, you understand, because Crete is home to the oldest recorded vineyards in Europe.

Special things to do in Crete

- A walk in Arkoudiotisa Cave and its rock church
- A romantic dinner at the Mathias taverna in Chania
- A hike to the peninsula of Gramvoussa
- A wine tasting in the cellars of Peza
- Haggling for delicacies in Chania market
- A caving trip in Dikti Cave
- A meditation break at Toplou Monastery
- Hiking in Samaria Gorge. The gorge is one of Europe's longest, and for the hardiest of hikers it is an excellent 11-mile adventure in the company of pilgrims, but the 50 or so other canyons are blissfully uncrowded - except for the odd wild goat - and often (whisper it) far easier to hike
- Take a short paddle through very shallow water to the Instagram-idyllic pink-sanded Elafonisi island on the southwestern tip of the island, laden down with picnic goodies picked up from the villages en route to the beach, including honey, olive oil and (for couples) local liqueurs