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.

Chania

Once the island’s capital, this pretty little harbour town, with good beaches nearby and lots of open-air restaurants and shops, makes a great base for exploring Crete’s wild west (see Chania).
Chania Archaeological Museum

Housed in a historic building which was first a Venetian church then a Turkish mosque, the museum is packed with Minoan finds, Hellenistic and Roman marble sculpture, pottery and jewellery found at archaeological sites in western Crete.
Chania Market, Plateia Venizelou, Chania

The market building is a Chania landmark and bustles with vendors and shoppers. A visual feast and also the place to buy herbs, olive oil, dried fruit, honey and typical Cretan souvenirs, such as the tiny metal pots used to brew Greek coffee.
Chardonnay Boutari

Dry, white varietal wine – great with seafood and cheese.
Chatzimichalis Dalianis

Dalianis garrisoned the fort at Frangokastello with only 385 men during the nationwide uprising in 1821. On the mainland, the rebellion succeeded, giving birth to the modern Greek state, but in Crete it failed. Dalianis and his men, overwhelmingly outnumbered by the Turks, were massacred in a valiant final stand.
Cheeses (Staka and Mizithra)

Far more delicious than the ubiquitous feta are Crete’s own cheeses, such as mizithra , made from fresh sheep’s milk, and staka , made from whey.
Chersonisos

A big, brash resort that may soon grow to merge with neighbouring Stalida and Malia. The beach is unarguably superb, and has an array of multinational bars and restaurants.
Chersonisos

If you’re a summer party animal, Chersonisos is the place for you. Not far from the airport, this former fishing village has become a continuous strip of bars, clubs, restaurants and guesthouses stretching along one of Crete’s best beaches. A multinational (but mainly British) clientele (see Chersonisos).
Chestnut Festival, mid-Oct

This festival of the chestnut harvest is most fervently celebrated in the village of Elos in southwest Crete. Music, dancing, eating and drinking all play their part.
Chionia

Rates a European Blue Flag for clean sand and water. There are even better, more secluded beaches to the south.