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.

Giant Reed

The giant calamus reed grows as high as 4 m (13 ft) on the banks of Cretan streams.
Gigantes

A more substantial dish: large white beans simmered in oil, herbs and tomatoes. Served cold in summer.
Giovanni, Irakleio

Cretan and Greek dishes as well as Italian and international cuisine in elegant surroundings. The lobster with filet mignon àla Café de Paris is a house speciality.
Giovanni, Irakleio

The most sophisticated restaurant in Crete’s capital city. As its name implies, Giovanni serves Italian dishes, plus an array of Cretan treats and reinvented traditional Greek dishes (see Giovanni, Irakleio).
Glika Nera (Sweetwater Beach)

A tiny patch of pebble and sand reachable only by scrambling along a rocky cliff path, or by boat from Loutro or Chora Sfakion.
Gopes

Nondescript-looking, bony little fish that’s the cheapest on the menu, but delicious once the bones are removed.
Gortys

The ruined city of Gortys, with basilica and remnants of a Roman provincial governor’s palace, dates from the early Christian era. The site extends over a wide area, and is usually uncrowded, so it can be explored at leisure (see Gortys).
Gortys

Toppled Roman columns, a ruined Byzantine basilica, post-Minoan fortifications, and an agora, acropolis and remains of temples to Athena and Apollo all hint at the past glories of this large and little-visited archaeological site close to Crete’s south coast. First settled in Minoan times, it became one of the most important cities of Doric Crete. It later allied itself with the Romans to become an important provincial capital, and was one of Crete’s most prosperous cities until it was sacked by Arab invaders during the anarchic years of the 8th century AD (see Gortys).
Gortys

The bases of toppled Roman columns, the ruins of a Byzantine basilica, post-Minoan fortifications, an agora, acropolis and remains of temples to Athena and Apollo all hint at the chequered past of Gortys (see Gortys).
Gournia

The best preserved Minoan town on Crete, has a honeycomb-like labyrinth of tiny houses and narrow lanes surrounding a small palace overlooking the Gulf of Mirabello (see Gournia).

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €12
- €12–€18
- €18–€24
- €24–€32
- over €32