Crete is rich in history
The Greek island of Crete dazzles with its crystal-clear water, stunning array of beautiful beaches and charming villages, nestled along the seashore and hidden in the craggy mountains. With exquisite Minoan palaces and towering medieval castles, Crete is steeped in history. The ancient treasures of Crete can be viewed in excellent museums that showcase fabulous Neolithic cave discoveries, intricate mosaic floors from Roman times and other cultural artifacts from the past 5,000 years. Crete vacation rentals are close to elegant places of worship, from Byzantine monasteries to Ottoman mosques, as well as the glorious natural wonders of this beautiful island.
Gorgeous beaches and hiking trails in Crete
The island of Spinalonga, a former leper colony, is a fascinating day trip from Crete. Samaria Gorge is a spectacular area for hiking, winding from alpine forest to sheer cliffs that soar up nearly 1,000 feet. Some Crete vacation rentals are near ancient sites, where the breathtaking remains of Minoan societies can be viewed up close. Of Crete's many gorgeous beaches, Vai Beach is especially impressive, with the largest palm grove in Europe. Elafonisi dazzles with its pink sand and shallow lagoon, and you can wade across to a tiny, uninhabited island with a lighthouse and chapel.
Fairytale sites in Crete
With huge palm groves and glittering pink sand, Crete is home to an abundance of sites that feel like something out of a fairytale. Soaring mountains are divided by sheer cliffs and deep gorges that offer spectacular vistas for hiking. Crete vacation rentals provide a comfortable base from which to explore exquisite palaces, haunting ruins and Venetian fortresses. The coastline is dotted with picturesque villages and fishing harbors that are delightful spots for strolling and people-watching. Kids looking for fun will find it in 3 waterparks, where they can scream down waterslides and keep cool in the summer heat.
Mild winters and sunny summers in Crete
Crete, the largest island in Greece, enjoys a beautiful Mediterranean climate. Summers are characterized by blue skies, abundant sunshine and temperatures ranging from the low 70s to the mid-80s. Summer in Crete is dry and clear, an ideal time for exploring this beautiful island, with its silky beaches and rugged mountains. Winter temperatures run from the high 40s to low 60s. Winter is the rainy season, with most of the rainfall happening between October and March. Although winters on Crete are mild, brisk winds can intensify the cold, so be sure to bundle up if you're visiting in winter.
Playful dolphins and wild goats in Crete
With majestic mountain ranges and sand beaches, Crete is a jewel of an island in the Aegean Sea. Situated north of Tobruk, Libya, and south of Athens, Greece, it is just west of Turkey. Separated from its nearest neighbors, Crete retains a unique environment. Among its soaring peaks and spectacular gorges are wild goats with huge curved horns, badgers, hedgehogs and long-haired sheep. In the surrounding sea, playful dolphins leap through the waves while whales swim in the distance. Mediterranean monk seals are occasionally seen lounging on the shore. Although sharks are plentiful, no attacks have been recorded.
How to get to and around Crete
The nearest airport is in Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (HER), located 2.3 mi (3.6 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you could also fly into Sitia (JSH), which is 55 mi (88.5 km) away.