With only sixty days of rain per year, the chances are that your visit to Crete will be dominated by the warm Mediterranean sun – which is perfect, since the sun-soaked beaches are the top reason for visiting Crete.
Like other island holiday destinations, the main draws in Crete are the sand, the sun, and the water, but this is not the only thing to see in Crete. An island inhabited by culturally Greek peoples since 2600 BC, Crete was the site of the oldest Greek civilization. As such, the island is loaded with historical sites of interest that date back to the ancient Minoans, and span all the way through the Middle Ages, to World War II.
After you've rested on the beach and had a chance to check out Crete's rich history, you might also enjoy a little bit of partying in Chersonissos, a city especially popular with young, hip Brits. Here's a look at Crete's highlights, from its ancient ruins to its modern dance floors.
Popular Holiday Destinations in Crete
Until the 1970s, Crete was a largely agricultural island, with an emphasis on farming and fishing. Today, although olives and citrus still form a significant part of the economy, the main industry in Crete is tourism. In 2008, more than two million tourists visited Crete. With such a large number of visitors, it's no wonder that Crete caters to a variety of tastes: some holidaymakers visit Crete for a family holiday, while others are looking for adventure and a party.
- Malia: The city of Malia is 33 kilometres east of Heraklion, the biggest city on the island. Malia is the most popular spot for young British travellers visiting Crete, thanks to the newer buildings, the cleaner sea, and the hip nightlife.
- Chersonissos: Besides Malia, Chersonissos is the other big party destination in Crete. Like Malia, Chersonissos caters to a younger crowd looking to have a fun time.
- Heraklion: The largest city in Crete and home to the largest airport, Heraklion is also the fourth largest city in Greece. You won't run out of things to do here, and there's far more to see and do than in the smaller cities that cater only to foreign tourists. Outside of Heraklion is the Palace of Knossos, an ancient Minoan site that is the best known archaeological site in Crete. It is from the Palace of Knossos that we have the myth of the Labyrinth, with its fierce Minotaur escaped by Icarus, the boy who flew too close to the sun. Also nearby is the Venetian castle of Koules, along with several beautiful cathedrals and old churches. If Greek history is something that interests you, be sure to check out the Archaeological Museum, which is home to the most important collection of Minoan artifacts in the world. Besides history, there are also beaches, watersports, horseback riding, and rock climbing to be found in this part of Crete.
- Paleochora: Paleochora is a tiny town of 2,000 inhabitants, nestled beneath the great White Mountains. In the summer time, this small town fills up with European tourists seeking luxurious resorts beside beautiful beaches. Thanks to its location near the mountains, visitors also enjoy hiking through the White Mountains and visiting the stunning gorges.
These Cretan cities offer just a small snapshot of an island that has a lot to offer its visitors. From family vacations that all ages will enjoy to fast-paced adventure best suited to the young and young-at-heart, Crete has a little something to offer everyone.
