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Crete is exceptional in many ways. From its diverse mix of landscapes, to its remarkable history and unmistakably unique culture and atmosphere, the island stands out for its distinctness from the rest of Greece. Being the largest Greek island, Crete boasts everything from magnificent waters and exotic beaches like Vai, to striking mountainous landscapes and the tall White Mountains, as well as incredible gems of nature like the Samaria gorge.
The history, architecture and culture of Crete is particularly distinctive, with the island being the home of Europe’s first advanced civilisation - the Minoans. Crete’s past is also followed by their long history of wars and occupations from the Venetian and Ottoman Empire, hence the diversity of the island and its architecture. The regions of Chania, Rethymno and Heraklion on the Northern Coast of the island attract the most tourists, while the Southern coast of the island, facing the Libyan sea, generally tends to be more quiet.
>>> Rent a luxury villa in Crete
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Crete is well known around the world for its beautiful and diverse beaches, and for good reason! From the exotic Balos beach to the unique pink sand beach of Elafonissi, palm forest beach of Vai and hidden Seitan Limani, there is a beach for everyone's preferences. With its crystal clear blue waters and lush varied landscape, the charming beaches in Crete have become a popular tourist destination. For this reason, make sure you get to the beaches as early as you can to truly enjoy the Greek waters and sun with serenity.
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An island full of rich and complex history, there are many historical sites that you must see in Crete. For those who love Greek mythology, a visit to Knossos Palace and Zeus Cave are musts. Knossos Palace, dating back to the Minoan period, is home to the famous labyrinth and half-man half-bull Minotaur, while Zeus Cave is the alleged birthplace of Zeus, the god of the sky in ancient Greece, and ruler of all gods and humans. These mythical sites will travel you back to completely different worlds!
For a better understanding of the island's tangled history, make sure to visit the famous Fortress Fortezza in Rethymno, built by the Venetians in the 16th century before being captured by the Ottomans, as well as Rocca a Mare Fortress, or ‘Koules’, in Heraklion.
>>> Our selection of the top family activities to do in the East of Crete
While you are in Crete, it is worth taking a trek through the unparalleled beauty of the Samaria gorge, the longest trekking gorgel in Europe. Situated amongst the White Mountains in the West of Crete, the trail is accessible from Xyloskalo or Agia Roumeli, and leads down to the Libyan sea.
Also tune in with your creative side by taking pottery classes, an art that Cretans take pride in and is a big part of their cultural history. You may also want to try an olive oil and wine tasting tour for an authentic experience walking through the lush vast vineyards and learning about the fascinating history of wine and oil production in Crete from a local.
If you are staying in the East of Crete, don’t miss out on discovering the dark and fascinating history of the small island of Spinalonga, one of the last active leper colonies in Europe. It is worth reading Victoria Hislop’s novel called ‘The Island’ before visiting, for a greater understanding of the livelihoods of the people during the outbreak of the illness.
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