Discover The Mythical Magic Of Crete

The largest and furthest south of the Greek islands

, Crete has an amazing coastline that stretches over 1,000 km, and is perhaps part of the reason why over 2 million tourists came here last year. Europe, Africa and Asia all meet just around this island and influences from each culture blend easily with the classical Greek history that the island has to offer.

The warmth and hospitality of the people in Crete has been bestowed on them by Zeus, the ancient God of hospitality who was born on the island. Many people visit the cave where Zeus was born on their Crete holidays along with the Venetian Fortress in Rethymnon and the wonderful Minoan Palace at Knossos. Byzantine monasteries proudly litter the island and old mosques make it look like time has stood still for many years here.

In Chania many of the hotels are old Venetian houses that have been converted, set in wonderful traditional streets amongst quaint restaurants and terraces. For some serious people watching just chill out in the old town at the Venetian style harbour and soak up the traditional atmosphere.

The ruins at Knossos are probably one of the finest and most popular attractions on all Crete holidays. The mythical half man half bull creature known as the Minotaur was kept in a labyrinth here by King Minos. The ruins have been wonderfully restored following their discovery in the early 1900's by the British Archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans.

The Venetian town or Rethymnon is one of the best preserved in the whole of Greece, and its fortress the Fortezza one of the best preserved buildings. Colourful fishing boats bob in the nearby harbour that would once have been filled with Turkish warships and Venetian Galleys, rest a while at a local fish restaurant or traditional taverna as you watch the nautical life slowly go by.

Crete holidays also have a beautifully natural side and this is shown to exception in the Samaria Gorge to the west of the island in the White Mountains. This delightful terrain follows a dry river bed to the sea through some fascinating and picturesque scenery, the best of which is the famous 'Iron Gates' where the rocks tower 500m above you , yet the path is only 4m wide. The terrain can be quite rocky underfoot but there are rangers stationed along the route, toilet stops and plenty of fresh water. Visitors are closely monitored to ensure everyone leaves by nightfall and it is closed to the public during winter months when heavy rains can make the trail dangerous.

Crete holidays may seem synonymous with sun, sea and partying to some, but this island has so very much more to offer than this. Holidays to the Greek islands are extremely popular and its often hard to find a bargain, however travelling during the early or late season, say in May or September when the weather may be slightly less predictable could be the best time to find yourself

cheap Crete holidays. This would also be the best time to enjoy everything the island has to offer when the heat is perhaps not so intense.

by: Yvonne Dawson

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