Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands, and one of the most famous holiday destinations.  It is the most southerly Greek Isle, which essentially, caters for every taste.  Whilst it is a sun, sea and sand destination with its better known resorts equipped for tourism and nightlife, vast areas of Crete still remain untouched. Among the many reasons to visit Crete, are its lively cities, shopping havens, and historical sites.  Not forgetting, the endless beaches with fine beautiful sand scattered throughout the island.

Crete is also home to many architectural and historical jewels.  From ancient labyrinthine ruins to the Roman, Venetian and Turkish rule having also left their mark with cobbled alleys, monasteries, old fortresses, mosques and harbours.

You will also find countless things to do and see in Crete.  Walks, climbs, drives and rides take you across striking plateaux, dramatic mountains and stunning seascapes.  ...., And finally, shopping on Crete is an experience not to be missed.  A range of small village shops and markets sell local produce and beautifully crafted leather, copper, bronze, terracotta and wooden items.  In the larger towns, you will find the streets are lined with chic boutiques, offering the latest in clothing, shoes and beauty items.

Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos is the capital of the Lasithi province of Crete.  Built around the picturesque Lake Voulismeni (meaning bottomless) and situated on the northwestern side of the Mirabello Bay, the largest bay in Crete.  There are many shops to choose from, selling traditional Cretan art, Minoan copies from the Popular Art Museum, as well as woven handicrafts, jewellery shops and fashion boutiques.


Rethymnon
Rethymnon is approximately 1 hours drive from Heraklion and well worth the trip. Rethymnon is Crete's third largest town, but growing fast.  However, its old town and narrow alleys along the waterfront compete with Chania for the tile of "Most beautiful city in Crete". There are more Turkish houses and minarets remaining here than in Chania, although most houses are of Venetian origin. Rethymnon also has a long, sandy beach which starts in the centre of the town and stretches eastward. This beach is lined with tavernas, restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops.


Chania
Chania is said to be the oldest, still inhabited city in the world.  This may or may not be right but the fact is, Chania has been an important settlement for over 5,000 years.  The importance of Crete, both in ancient and modern times is due to its geographical location.  It sits at the crossroads of three known continents of the ancient worlds, Europe, Asia Minor and Africa.  Strategically, it controls all the shipping routes at this end of the Mediterranean and has been coveted by every foreign invader from the Romans in 67BC to the Germans in 1941.  Chania was the capital of Crete until 1971 and immediately you enter the old town and walk its narrow streets and alleys, the atmosphere becomes charged with history.  There are many Venetian and Turkish buildings around the harbour area, many of which have been recently restored. Chania has a small Archealogical Museum housed in a Venetian monastery, a small Byzantine Museum and a Maritime Museum, which are all worth a visit.

Places of Interest

Palace of Knossos
This is Crete's must see.  Built over 3500 years ago, Knossos was the largest of the Minoan palaces which has gathered a few myths along the way.  Whispering voices say this was where the mythical labyrinth and its monstrous lodger, the Minotaur, could be found.  The restored parts of the palace may not be 100% accurate, but the colourful fescos and towering pillars definitely give you a flavour of Crete's Minoan past.


Lake Voulismeni
You will find the Cretan equivalent of Loch Ness in the centre of Agios Nikolaos.  Lake Voulismeni, lke its Scottish counterpart, has generated some odd legends over the years. Some say the goddess Athena once bathed in its waters, some say the German army abandones weapons into its depths during World War Two and others, claim the lake's actually bottomless and connected to Santorini.  Every year, at the turn of midnight on Orchodox Christian Easter Day, locals gather around it and set off fireworks over the murky waters.


Aptera
Situated 15km souteast of Chania, near the village of Megala Horafia,  Aptera was one of the most important cities of ancient western Crete and flourished during the 8th and 7th centuries BC.  The 4km long cyclopean city walls are still standing in places and are awe-inspiring.  The city was developed again during the first C Roman Period and you can see the temple, a bath complex, Roman theatre and well preserved enormous vaulted cisters, which were apparently used for storing grain.  At the time of writing, archaeological exploration of the site is still underway around the cyclopean wall.  There is a castle near the archaeological site, which dates to the period of Venetian rule - the views from here are stunning, taking in the Aktotiri Peninsular, Cape Drapanos, the White Mountains and the whole of the Apokoronas.  The best known is the plateau of Omalos, which is a round plain surrounded by mountains, at an altitude of 1100m.


Samaria Gorge
At 16 kilometres long, the Samaria Gorge is breathtaking.  You don't have to be ultra fit to tackle this stunning walk - it wouldn't be so popular otherwise - but you do need a good pair of shoes and plenty of stamina, but well worth the effort.  Carved out of the rock over thousands of years, the gorge is as awe-inspiring as it is brimming with flora and fauna. Whether you take a tour or tackle it on your own, you are in safe hands with National Park guards dotted along the route.


Archanes
This is a lovely town just outside of Heraklion and has recently had a makeover, the results being very impressive.  Crumbling buildings and streets have been restored to their former glory, but the area still manages to hold its Cretan charm.  And, wherever you go, remains of the past are on full display, such as Byzantine churches, ancient palacies and narrow paved roads.  Plus, no visit to the town would be complete without a taste of the famous Archanes wines and, if you are in Crete in July, the wine festival is a must.


Dikteon Cave
Crete is home to some 3500 caves in total, and Dikteon Cave is definitely one of the most impressive. Set deep in underground on the outskirts of Psichro Village, it is so hidden away, that it can only be reached on foot or by donkey.   Inside, you will find yourself in a mysterious world of stalagmites and stalactites.  It is thought that this place was once a place of cult worship and legend also has it, that Greek goddess Rhea, hid baby Zeus here to stop his father from eating him.

Villa Select Club
A bonus of booking with Villa Select is membership of our in-resort 'Villa Select Club'. We have a range of benefits, which have been sourced by our representative and include savings at local restaurants, shops and supermarkets - all to enhance your holiday experience with Villa Select.