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Crete: an island like a country
The back story
About Crete: an island like a country
Crete is not an island you see in a few days: it is about 260 km long, with its own culture, food, music and history going back to Europe’s first great civilisation.
The Minoans
Some 4,000 years ago the Minoans built palaces at Knossos, Phaistos, Malia and Zakros, painted frescoes of dolphins and bull-leapers, and traded across the Mediterranean. Their world is brought to life at Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Venetians and Ottomans
Venice ruled Crete for over four centuries, leaving fortresses, harbours and old towns at Chania, Rethymno and Heraklion; the Ottomans followed, adding mosques and fountains.
Crete is less an island than a small country with a sea all around it.
Mountains and food
The White Mountains, the Samaria Gorge and the south-coast villages show a wild side of Crete. Cretan cooking, with olive oil, wild greens, cheeses, raki and dakos, is famous across Greece.
Our advice: choose a region rather than trying to see all of Crete: Chania for the west, Heraklion for the Minoans, Elounda for luxury. Hire a car, allow at least a week, and fly into the airport nearest your base.
Why it's on our list
- Read before you go
- Who the island suits
- Our honest advice
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Crete: an island like a country before you go.