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.

Loukoulos, Irakleio

Probably the best restaurant in Irakleio, serving Italian cuisine in up-market surroundings (white linen tablecloths and candles in the evening) in a room decorated with antique prints and paintings.
Loutro

A tiny village, accessible only by boat, with plenty of inexpensive but comfortable accomodation along the waterfront and just as many pretty restaurants overlooking the sea. Don't go there for the nightlife - everyone is in bed by 10pm - but for a beautiful location and a relaxing, stress-free few days you can't beat it.
Loutro

Sheltered by a stretch of headland and dwarfed by the near-vertical slopes of the Lefka Ori (White Mountains) above it, Loutro is one of the most charming spots on Crete. Less than 30 years ago Loutro had only a few elderly inhabitants and one taverna. Tourism has changed all that, and now dazzling white pensions and apartments sit above the tiny crescent-shaped beach. Accessible only on foot (by a precarious cliff path) or by boat from Chora Sfakion, Loutro seems unlikely to be over-run by tourism, and is ideal for a laidback holiday.
Loutro, southwest Crete

Don't be put off by the stomach-churning 2-hour early morning taxi ride from Chania airport to the port of Chora Sfakion in SouthWest Crete.... Once you leave the hairpin bends behind and board the ferry to Loutro you enter an altogether more tranquil world. Loutro is a small fishing village only accessible by boat or on foot, so if your idea of paradise is a week without cars or busy nightlife then this is the place for you. A holiday in Loutro is all about relaxation... take a clean but basic room at one of the many small family run B&B's and enjoy fabulous views over the crystal clear Libyan Sea. There's plenty of hiking for the adventurous, with a lung-busting 2-hour hike up the towering 2000-foot mountain behind (set off before 7am before the heat of the day kicks in) rewarded by the most fabulous views and a well-earned coffee and pastry at the small bakery in Anopolis. Serious walkers can go on to complete the Aredena Gorge walk or take the ferry to Agia Roumelli to walk the Samaria Gordge. Water lovers can swim and kayak in the sea or take more gentle walks around several of the coves to discover hidden and often almost empty beaches where the only company might be a (usually) friendly goat or two. Loutro is also perfect for those who just wish to sunbathe, swim a little and eat wonderful fresh seafood, meze and try a little local wine or ouzo... Nightlife is low-key, centred on restaurants and cafes rather than bars or discos. Loutro is a gem of a place and is a truly relaxing holiday destination that won't blow your holiday budget out of the water.
Lychnostasis Cretan open air Museum

Located at Hersonisos by the sea. Open Mon - Fri and Sun 9.30-14.00. A real insight into Crete. Traditional architecture - stone made Cretan house, white washed chapel, restored windmill, bee and wax house, shepherds shelter, threshing floor, weaving and ceramics. Garden of native fruit trees and vines. Herb garden. Art and craft gallery. Sometimes special performances. Beautiful location, very authentic and access to a stunning piece of coastline.
Lychnostatis Open Air Museum of Folk Culture

Traditional Cretan ways of life that lasted for centuries only began to die out in recent decades. This lively open-air museum gives some insight into life on the island before tourism, television and the mobile phone. Fascinating exhibits include a windmill and an old stone cottage.
Lyra

The three-stringed lyra is typical of Crete, although the instrument is also found in mainland Greece. It is similar in shape to a violin, but has a far more rounded, pear-shaped body and the neck is stouter. The lyra player props the instrument on one knee and plays it with a small bow, producing melodies and harmonies that may be merry, martial or melancholy.
Makrigialos

Makrigialos has the best and longest beach in eastern Crete, a swathe of grey sand and shingle beneath pine-covered slopes. The village and its neighbour Analipsi have melded into a single chain of tavernas and guesthouses.
Makrygialos

Makrygialos is the most popular holiday resort on the southeast coast, with a long, straggling array of small pensions, hotels and tavernas stretching along a crescent of rather windswept, gently shelving sand and pebble beach, which is the best in this part of the island.
Makrygialos

The best beach on the southeast coast. A long strip of sand interspersed with pebbles shelves gently into deeper water.

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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