Crete

Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea, 160km from the Greek mainland, separating the Aegean from the Libyan Sea. Crete is popular for its stunning beaches, wild natural beauty, mouthwatering cuisine and rich history.

Crete has a varied landscape consisting of mountains, beautiful gorges, rivers, and lakes. It is home to some of the finest beaches in the Mediterranean, with endless kilometres of golden coastline. The island also has some of the famous archaeological sites of Greece, 15th-century monasteries, regal palaces and fascinating museums. In addition, it is the ideal destination for sports and adventure activities like canyoning, hiking and scuba diving.

Crete was once the centre of Minoan civilization, regarded as the earliest civilization in Europe. It is divided into four main areas – Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Lasithi. Chania is the second largest city on the island and lies on the northern coast of Crete. It has the island’s main airport and is a good base for exploring the region’s attractions. The north part of the island, like Chania and Heraklion, is great for exploring the bars, clubs and nightlife. In contrast, the southern part, including Rethymnon or Agios Nikolaos, is great for the outdoors. These islands are connected by ferries.