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Cheap holidays in Crete

Greece Main Guide | Crete Main Guide

Why not search our database of Cheap holidays in Crete now by visiting the holidayco.co.uk homepage and using the search facility.

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, and one of the largest in the Mediterranean. The terrain is mountainous with low-lying plains and high plateaux. The island has been inhabited for at least 8,000 years but remains largely unspoiled. Some areas are completely undeveloped.

The climate is variable; not just between seasons but also in different areas. If you plan to go hiking in the mountains you will need cold weather clothing even if the temperature is over 30 ° C at the coast.

Crete can be cold and wet in the winter (January to March) and tends to remain cool and changeable through to April. The temperature rises through May and June to become very hot in July and August. This is also the high season when prices go up and attractions become crowded. Crete cools down again for the rest of the year. Tourism all but ends in November with the end of charter flights for the year.

Renting a car is a great way to see the island but you will need to take care. Crete has a good road network, but the roads are twisty and narrow. Public transport and taxis are both quite good, so driving need not be a necessity.

Heraklion is the capital of Crete and its main city as well as the site of Crete's international airport. The city is built on a steep hill overlooking the harbour.

Heraklion is a busy city with many bars, cafes and restaurants. Traditional Greek and Cretan cuisine is meant to be enjoyed as a social event, and there are plenty of good places to linger over a meal. For an authentic flavour of Crete, try a taverna or ouzeri (a bar specialising in Ouzo and serving food to complement it. International cuisine is readily available, including Mexican and Indian food.

There are many historical attractions in Heraklion, including a Venetian fortress and the Archeological Museum, which contains Minoan artefacts dating from 1500BC. Close by is the archeological sight at Knossos, which is also Minoan.

Heraklion is the main shopping centre on Crete, with a good selection of large modern stores, smaller, more traditional shops and a good market. Jewellery is popular, along with local art, leather and olive oil.

The nightlife in Heraklion is quite varied. Many clubs play rock & roll and traditional Greek music, but there are some up-to-date dance clubs. Some hotels offer entertainment including traditional Cretan performances.

Accommodation and Food

The main resorts in Crete offer a range of hotels and apartments to suit all budgets. Accommodation away from the resorts can be more of a problem, though it is usually possible to find somewhere to stay even in the remotest of areas. Cretans are well known for their generous hospitality and are very good to their guests.

Don't expect to find restaurants with an extensive menu off the beaten track. In many places there is no menu at all, but you will still be able to get simple but good traditional Cretan food wherever you are.

Cretan cuisine is heavily influenced by Turkey and the Middle East. Fresh fruit and vegetables are plentiful, and dishes tend to be simple but tasty. Lamb and goat are popular meats, generally without much in the way of spices. Although very few Cretans are vegetarians, there is no problem obtaining meat-free food. Cretans are not very keen on dessert, though fresh fruit is always an option. Lunch is usually eaten late, around 2-3 PM. Dinner is also late; 9-10PM.

Greeks are fond of their coffee, and there are a wide variety of coffees available. International beverages such as espresso and cappuccino are becoming more popular but the traditional Greek coffee house still serves the authentic local brew.

Beer is not a traditional Cretan drink but is becoming popular. Greek beers and international imports are widely available. Home-made wine is very common. Rather than red or white it tends to be golden-brown and strong (13-14%). Wine tends to be cheap but that doesn't mean it's not good.

Although Ouzo is not really a traditional Cretan drink, it is widely available. Raki is the local spirit of choice. It is made from the leftovers after grapes have been pressed and can be encountered anywhere. Raki is often served as the finish to a meal.

Activities

Crete has a wealth of historical attractions dating back thousands of years. Relics of the great early civilisations include the Minoan palace at Knossos. The palace is one of the world's great treasures and was originally built some 4000 years ago. It was rebuilt after being destroyed by an earthquake. This later and more complex palace has been partially restored to give an impression of the splendour of the ancient Minoan civilization.

More recent architecture (Venetian and Turkish) can be seen at Chania and Rethmnon. The Heraklion Archeological Museum contains a fine collection of Minoan art, while the Historical Museum of Crete contains exhibits of Cretan culture through the ages.

To the south of Heraklion lie the remains of Gortyna, another important archeological site. Gortyna has both Roman and much older Minoan ruins as well as an early Christian church. Also to the south is Phaistos, another important archeological site.

Walking in the mountains is a popular activity, though it pays to be prepared. It can be cold or foggy in the mountains, and it is easy to get lost on the less well-defined paths. There are several riding schools on Crete, offering an alternative way to see the countryside.

If you can handle the trek, the Samaria Gorge is well worth seeing. Lying in the White Mountains in western Crete, the gorge is part of a spectacular series of natural formations that are today a national park.

Crete has almost a thousand kilometres of coastline with a range of watersports available. Windsurfing is not well supported but you can find water-skiing and scuba diving in the larger resorts.

Nightlife and entertainment are more than a little sedate outside the main resorts. Some tour operators stage a version of the traditional Cretan feast, involving traditional music and dance.

Why not search our database of Cheap holidays in Crete now by visiting the holidayco.co.uk homepage and using the search facility.