Your Guide to Crete

About Crete

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.

Places of Interest

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.

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.

Things To Do

Waterparks
Wherever you are in Crete, you'll be in reach of wild slides and waterlogged rides. Watercity can be found up in the Anopolis Mountains and is the biggest park in Crete, boasting more than 25 white-knuckle rides.  Those in the know, will head straight to the Kamikaze - thse twin flumes will send you shooting towards the ground at thrilling speed. For something a little tamer, try the lazy rivers and sun-blushed gardens in Acquaplus close to Hersonissos. This small park is also home to childrens' bungee jumping and go-karting, as well as regular live music shows.


Hiking
Go hiking and take in the breathtaking scenery at Samaria Gorge - the longest in Europe. You don't have to be ultra fit to tackle this stunning walk but you need a good pair of shoes and plenty of stamina.  Don't be put off though, it is 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.


Outdoor Pursuits
There are many things to do and see in Crete.  Walks, climbs, drives and rides, which take you across striking plateaux, dramatic mountains and stunning seascapes.  Also in abundance around Crete's coastline, is swimming, watersports, fishing, diving and snorkelling.  Climbing and caving are also a popular way to explore the islands world famous local gorges.


Shopping
If you think Greek islands, and shopping, leather, ceramics and miniature donkeys probably spring to mind.  That may be right, but you will find so much more than just seaside stalls on the largest island in Greece.  In Chania's Leather Lane you will find bargain bags and arty shops for some studio ceramics.  In Krista - a hillside village outside of Agios Nikolaos, you will find many handicrafts and chic boutiques and not forgetting the real Cretan buys are culinary.  Pots of honey, sachets of red saffron and of course, cheeses.  So whatever you decide to treat yourself to, remember, that Heraklion's brilliant Central Market will more than likely have it, food, clothes, gold and souvenirs.  It is open daily, and said to be the best market in the Medittaranean.

Helpful Info

Greece is 2 hours ahead of GMT. The clocks advance one hour for summertime starting the last Sunday in March and ending the last Sunday in October.

Passports & visas

There are no visa requirements for EU citizens. If required, visa information can be obtained by calling the Consulate General of Greece on 020 7221 6467 or www.greekembassy.org.uk

The Greek Tourist Board can be found at:
4 Conduit Street
LONDON
W1S 2DJ
Their telephone enquiry line is 020 7495 9300 and website address is www.mintour.gr

Currency

The currency used in Greece is the Euro. The approximate exchange rate is 1.05 Euros (€) to the English Pound. (£)
Travellers cheques, in sterling or euros, are accepted at banks, Post Offices and exchange bureaux. Credit and charge cards are also widely accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants in the main resorts, Visa and most bank cards can be used in ATMs. Always take your passport when changing money. Do always check commission charges before the transaction commences.

Driving

Driving on Crete is on the right hand side of the road. By law, seat belts must be worn. Unleaded petrol, amolivthi venzini, is readily available on the island. Please observe parking restrictions as illegal parking can result in a ticket and a hefty fine. Take care when driving, many roads have potholes or uneven surfaces.

Electricity

Mains electricity is 220 volts. Electrical equipment should be fitted with a continental two-pin plug or used with an appropriate adaptor.

Weather

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