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.

Gournia

Early in the morning, on any day except a Monday, head east out of Agios Nikolaos on the main coast highway. Gournia is south of the road, 24 km (15 miles) east of Agios Nikolaos. Try to arrive when it opens at 8:30am and allow a couple of hours to explore this well preserved Minoan site (see Gournia).
Gournia

The well-preserved Minoan town of Gournia, a maze of roofless stone walls, makes an interesting contrast with the better-known Minoan palaces. This was a working community, and archaeologists discovered workshops used by potters, smiths and carpenters alongside tiny houses surrounding a small palace (see Gournia).
Gramvoussa Peninsula

The remote and barely populated Gramvoussa Peninsula has one of Crete’s best beaches at Falasarna, where there are also the scattered remains of a Hellenistic city.
Great Powers Intervene

Several risings in the last decades of the 19th century culminate in the landing of Greek troops in 1897 and international intervention.
Grecotel Creta Palace, Rethymno

Smaller than its sister hotel the Rithymna Beach, the Creta Palace is only 4 km (2 miles) from central Rethymno, with 162 rooms in its main block and 200 bungalows and villas. It has several pools and a wide range of activities for children, as well as tennis and water sports.
Greek Coffee (Kafe Elliniko)

Finely ground coffee and sugar are boiled together in small metal pots to make a thick, black drink, which is served in a tiny cup along with a tall glass of water. To order a sweet coffee, ask for glykou ; for mediumsweet, ask for metriou ; and for coffee without sugar order skieto .
Hamam House, Vamos

This dinky villa, once part of a Turkish pasha’s villa, has a small pool and garden. It is in a delightful old village, but the bright lights of Chania are only half an hour away. Ideal for a couple.
Hamezi

Set above the Bay of Siteia, Hamezi has been inhabited since the Minoan era. Indeed, remnants of Minoan buildings can be seen on a hilltop from the present village, which is a peaceful clutter of whitewashed stone cottages, offset by colourful displays of flowers.
Haniotis

The haniotis is a dignified line dance for men and women that comes from Chania.
Hard Rock Cafe, Chersonisos

The international Hard Rock brand offers a familiar blend of cold beer, burgers and cocktails, attracting locals and visitors.

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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