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.

International Protectorate

France, Italy, Britain and Russia administered the island from 1897 to 1913.
Ioannis Daskalogiannis

Ioannis Daskalogiannis (died 1770) raised the clans of the mountainous and inaccessible Sfakia region in the first major rebellion against Turkey in 1770. The uprising failed, and when Daskalogiannis attempted to negotiate a surrender at Frangokastello he was seized, tortured and skinned alive – a not uncommon penalty for rebels against the sultan.
Irakleio

Not many holidaymakers stay in Crete’s capital (see Irakleio), so its nightlife scene is more staid than in the resorts. Young locals congregate in the cafés and music bars around Plateia Venizelou and Odos Chandakou, but the discos near the harbour are rather seedy.
Irakleio

The modern capital of Crete was badly damaged in World War II, and few of its old Venetian buildings survived the reconstruction of the city. However, its Venetian fortress, harbour, arsenal and city walls are still impressive. For a morning’s itinerary see pages 82–3. The city’s main attraction is the Irakleio Archaeological Museum (see Irakleio).

Café, Irakleio market
Irakleio

If you have time to kill while in the capital, head for the municipal beach at Amnisos, which is open from 9am to 7pm for a small fee.
Irakleio

A good place to see a slice of everyday Greek street life, Crete’s capital is an eclectic mix of medieval Venetian fortifications, bustling markets and modern streets (see Irakleio).
Irakleio Archaeological Museum

The largest museum in Crete, and well worth visiting. Its collection is currently being reorganized, modernized and expanded (see Irakleio Archaeological Museum).
Irakleio Archaeological Museum

Crete’s leading museum houses amazing finds from Knosos and other great archaeological sites (see Irakleio Archaeological Museum).
Istro

Looks spectacular from a distance, with a sandy beach hemmed in by cliffs. But it is often heavily littered with flotsam and jetsam.
Itanos

Just north of Vai, Itanos has three small pebble and shingle beaches that are never as crowded as Vai’s stretch of golden sand. The scant remains of an ancient city can be seen on the low hills beyond.