Overview to Crete Island: Travel Guide and Tourist Information

  Picturesque Crete

The Greek Island of Crete has everything that a backpacker could possibly be looking for: beaches, bars and more than a smattering of culture and history. Its four prefectures - Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Lasithi - overflow with an enticing combination of all three.

Like its cousin Corfu, much of the Cretan coastline seems to be one dazzling beach or hidden cove after another. Charming little beach towns like Paleohora and Plakias leave you little choice but to indulge in long periods of lounging around on the sands admiring the views.

In addition to its marvelous beaches, the island also has a number of outstanding natural attractions. One such - the stunning Samaria Gorge - cuts a swathe through the White Mountains National Park and makes for an excellent day’s hiking.

The west of the island (where some of the larger hotels are located) has a more package-tour feel to it and some of the resort towns of the Lasithi Prefecture are none too attractive. Move inland, however, and the high Lasithi Plateau is one of the most beautiful parts of the island.

Outside the main city of Iraklion lie the remarkable Minoan ruins of Knossos whose infamous ruler King Minos was, according to legend, behind the Labyrinth of the Minotaur. Other important Minoan sites around the island include Malia and the impressive Phaistos.

For nightlife on the island, Chersonissos and Hania are both pretty serious Mediterranean party destinations. But many of the smaller towns, particularly on the coast, have a great scene focusing around beach bars and nice local haunts.

While it’s the largest of the Greek Islands, Crete is also among the most charmingly picturesque. It’s been a center of tourism for many years, yet much of it is amazingly unspoilt; making it the perfect place to discover everything the Greek Islands have to offer.

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