Crete / Heraklion area
Crete is the largest and most popular among Greek summer destinations, and justly so; it has so much to offer that it caters for any taste: an incredible coastline that alternates between mile-long sandy beaches, rocky cliffs and secluded bays, a history that stretches back to the Minoan civilisation, but with vivid manifestations of its more recent Venetian and Ottoman past, mountains that remain snow-covered during the better part of the winter months, with villages where time seems to have frozen, a world-renown cuisine, but most of all, its proud peoples that give hospitality an altogether new meaning.
The tourist resorts can get crowded during the summer months, but just a few miles from all the buzz a very different world unfolds, where life slows down, nature blossoms and the senses surrender to tranquillity. This is where Crete is at its best: unpretentious luxury and comfort with a human touch, and genuine smiles stemming from the heart that create a feeling of immediate intimacy, are only few of the reasons that make Crete so special.
The Eastern part of the island is best served through Heraklion, the largest city on Crete. Heraklion is connected by air year-round with most major European airports and beyond, with traffic peaking during the summer months. Heraklion is however also connected to Piraeus, the port of Athens and other islands through frequent ferry services. Once on Crete, hiring a car is the best option if one wishes to explore the varied nature, the towns, villages, and diverse sites.
Useful links: Heraklion Airport, Port Authority of Heraklion
Our tips: visit Spinalonga, the leppers’ island; the Arkadi Monastery; the Archeological Museum of Heraclion with the Festus disc and its early hieroglyphic scripts.