DK Travel : Crete

Although it could not be more Greek, Crete is really a country within a country, with its own history, folklore and traditions. It was the birthplace of Europe’s oldest civilization, the enigmatic Minoan culture which flourished over 4,000 years ago. Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Saracens, Venetians and Turks also left their mark. This rich human heritage is set against the backdrop of magnificent mountain scenery and beaches lapped by a deep blue sea.

1750 BC: Golden Age of Minoan Culture

Crete is the centre of the Minoan civilization, which is marked by the building of Knosos and other palaces. Mycenaeans take over Knosos in 1450 BC.
1866: Another Rebellion Against Turks

Undaunted by these heroic failures, Crete rises again in 1866, with a self-appointed Cretan Assembly declaring independence and union with Greece. The Turks bring in Egyptian troops to quell the rebels, but in Europe there is growing sympathy for the Cretan cause.
Across the Lefka Ori

A two-day traverse of the savage, treeless wilderness of the high White Mountains is spectacular, but only for very fit, experienced mountain walkers. The White Mountains rise to summits of almost 2,500 m (8,000 ft), and the climate is bitterly cold in winter and scorchingly hot in summer.
Adoration of the Magi by Damaskinos

A portrayal of the veneration of the infant Jesus (Museum of Religious Art, Irakleio).
Aegean Palace Hotel, Platanias

Fields separate this lowrise hotel from the nearby beach. Its rooms surround a large pool (with poolside bar) and some suites have their own small pools. Other facilities include a gym, sauna, tennis court and playground.
Ag. Ioannis Prodromos (St John the Baptist)

St John is often shown in Greek art wearing goat-skin breeches, like the pre-Christian god Pan.
Ag. Ioannis Theologos (St John the Divine)

St John wrote the Book of Revelations on Patmos, but he is also venerated on Crete.
Agia Ekaterini

At the foot of the square, and more interesting than the cathedral, is this church which in the 16th century was one of the great schools of Cretan icon painting. Today it houses the world’s best collection of Cretan icons.
Agia Galini

On a crescent bay where a reed-lined river meets the sea, this is a classic fishing village turned beach resort.
Agia Galini

This picturesque south-coast fishing village took to tourism in the 1980s. Its pebbly beach (crowded in high season) is on a crescent bay, where a small river flows through a thicket of reeds into the sea. Places to eat and drink abound.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under €30
- €30–€40
- €40–€80
- €80–€120
- over €120