Crete
Crete is a land of legends and landscapes, sunshine and sand, mountains and myths, history and hospitality and so much more. Crete's sheer size and distinct history make it feel rather like a country in its own right than just another Greek island, and most visitors find that a single holiday is never long enough to do full justice to this unique land.
Tourism began here in a small way over three decades ago and during the intervening years the island has never lost its appeal and, more importantly, its very special identity. Just as the many invaders drawn to the island over the centuries have been unable to conquer the fiercely independent Cretan spirit, the tourist invasion has failed to submerge the island's timeless charm.
Inevitably, there are certain resorts which have become far too busy and boisterous for our liking, but these are largely confined to a few distinct pockets along the north coast. With hundreds of kilometres of coastline and thousands of acres of virgin countryside in the interior, it is easy to avoid the few black spots on the Cretan map, as long as you have a little guidance from someone who knows the island well, which is exactly what this brochure aims to provide.
Just because the first resorts to spring up on Crete were in the eastern half of the island, it is often assumed that the east is more spoilt than the west, but the true picture is rather less simplistic. Both sides of the island have gloriously unspoilt tracts, and each has its own band of dedicated supporters, so which particular corner you choose for your own holiday is largely down to what your main interests are.
The west boasts the island's most imposing mountain range, the majestic 'Lefka Ori' ('White Mountains'), which are at their most beautiful in springtime, when the snow-capped peaks provide a truly gorgeous backdrop to the carpet of wildflowers covering the foothills and the coastal plains. The west is also of particular interest to those who appreciate Venetian architecture, with the harbours of the former island capital Chania and of the port town of Rethymnon living showcases of the graceful proportions and aesthetic principles applied by the island's one-time rulers.
The east on the other hand contains the vast majority of the island's Minoan sites from the world-famous palace of Knossos to the lesser-known but very evocatively sited excavations at Gournia and Kato Zakros. Once you get past the stretch of development along the coastal plain east of Heraklion, the east also boasts some of the island's most beautiful coastlines, with the Gulf of Mirabello a particular favourite of ours. Those not deterred by the long drive from Heraklion will find that the far east actually remains Crete's wildest and least discovered region, as the distance from the airport has meant that this area is of little interest to the large mass-market tour operators. Similarly, much of the south coast has been shielded from any large-scale tourist invasion by the island's mountainous backbone, so that you can still find several scarcely visited hideaways here.
Wherever you choose to visit, you will encounter the famed Cretan hospitality, for Crete's inhabitants are proud of their island and consider xenophilia (the love of strangers) as a way of life. Whether you want to just relax and sun-worship in a peaceful setting, investigate the Minoan civilisation, study the indigenous flora, roam the mountain villages, contemplate the Venetian architecture or just enjoy the local hospitality we can help you find the ideal location. Our aim is to take you beyond the few well-known tourist resorts and introduce you to the many aspects of our Crete - the real Crete.
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The Heraklion Area
Crete's busy capital's prime attractions are the fascinating archaeological museum and the world-famous Minoan excavations at nearby Knossos. Just inland from the city lies glorious countryside reminiscent of Tuscany, with rolling hillsides covered in extensive vineyards and olive groves. We offer comfortable villas with private pools, an intimate rural hotel and some extremely opulent suites in the delightful rural villages of this region.
The Lassithi Region & Mirabello Gulf
An ideal base from which to explore the many Minoan sites of Eastern Crete, as well as the fabled Lassithi Plateau, this region boasts one of the most scenic stretches of the island's coastline. Offering a variety of beaches, some set against a rugged mountain backdrop, it also contains the sophisticated resorts of Hersonissos, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, as well as more laid-back seaside villages such as Kalo Chorio and Pacchia Amos on the scenic Gulf of Mirabello. Just a short drive inland, Neapolis is a charming example of a traditional Cretan town barely touched by tourism.
The Far East
Crete's East Coast remains one of the wildest, least commercialised parts of the island, with unspoilt beaches for relaxation-seekers and rugged hills for keen walkers. The main town of the area is Sitia, with its unhurried pace of life, pretty waterfront and famous wines. In the north, Palekastro is a traditional village with a real Cretan ambience, whilst in the south-east corner, the sleepy summer hamlet of Xerokampos is perfect for escapists.
The Eastern South Coast
The Eastern South Coast has a rugged beauty and a unique charm that gradually coax visitors to unwind and relax. With its long sandy beach and good choice of tavernas, the laid-back resort of Makriyialos is perfect for those not wishing to rely on a hire car, whilst being able to divide their time between relaxing on uncrowded beaches and exploring the rural hinterland. Further west, our villas in Kalamaki offer good access to the central south coast.
The Western South Coast
Situated on the south-west coast, Plakias is a very appealing little resort with an unhurried atmosphere and a superb sandy beach, all backed by majestic mountains and spectacular gorges. Further along the coast, Frangokastello is famed for the legend surrounding its Venetian beachside fortress, but remains wonderfully unspoilt and laid-back. An ideal area for walkers and botanists in springtime, this area also offers secluded beaches all along the coast, and delightful mountain villages just a short drive inland.
Loutro
Accessible only by boat or a very long hike, the small fishing village of Loutro is the Greece of picture-postcards, all white-washed, blue-shuttered houses clustered around the natural harbour. Perfect for relaxing and enjoying the simple pleasures of a traditional Greek seaside holiday.
The Rethymnon Area
Famed for its long beach and for its beautiful Venetian harbour, the bustling town of Rethymnon is surrounded by wonderfully sleepy hill villages, where in recent years some of the island's finest private villas have been created. Perfectly suited for relaxation seekers and families seeking peaceful, individual accommodation within easy striking distance of a cosmopolitan resort, these villas are also conveniently placed for exploring a substantial part of the island. We also offer a selection of charming hotels in the heart of the old town, and some convenient apartments right on the beach just east of Rethymnon.
Chania and the North-West
Formerly the island capital, Chania is a delightful historic town, with beautiful Venetian architecture lining the picturesque harbour and the quaint backstreets. For those wishing to be close to the city's cosmopolitan bustle but preferring to stay in more peaceful surroundings, the rugged Akrotiri Peninsula just to the north offers sheltered sandy beaches, unpretentious local villages and varied landscapes, making it ideal for families and walkers alike. The Apokoronas region between Chania and Rethymnon is one of the greenest areas on the island, making it a paradise for walkers and nature-lovers. To the west of Chania lie further good sandy beaches, and the small town of Kastelli in the island's north-west corner is perfect for those who want a decent range of facilities close to hand, whilst remaining well removed from any signs of mass tourism.
Special Interest Holidays & Activities:
Explore Crete by Car
Independent itineraries and guidance for visitors to explore the island's treasures and landscapes in comfort.