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.

Mt Kofinas

A mere hillock by Cretan standards, but still a challenging climb (starting from Kapetaniana village) with great views of Mt Idi (see Climbing Mt Idi) and the south coast.
Museum of Cretan Ethnology, Vori

Excellent collection which gives real insight into the hard life of Cretan villagers in years gone by. For example, there are displays on how wild foods – from dandelions to snails – featured in their diet!
Museum of Cretan Ethnology,Vori

One of the first museums to celebrate the lives of ordinary Cretans (see Museum of Cretan Ethnology, Vori).
Museum of Religious Art, Irakleio

This 15th-century Venetian church – where both El Greco and the great icon painter Michailis Damaskinos are said to have learned their skills – contains the world’s best array of Cretan icons. The collection includes three superb works by Damaskinos.
Museum of Rural Life, Piskopiana

Wooden farming tools, an old olive press and a copper raki still are among the exhibits.
Museum Shops

For quality replicas of finds from the archaeological sites of Crete, visit the Museum Shops, in the former Venetian Loggia on Odos Paleologou in Rethymno and in the Byzantine Museum in Chania.
Mycenaeans

Myceanean Greeks from the mainland settled in Crete after 1450 BC.
Mythos Suites, Rethymno

Situated in the old part of Rethymno, this smart hotel is housed in two 16th-century Venetian buildings that have been knocked into one. They surround a courtyard with a pretty pool; ground-floor rooms have verandahs adjoining the courtyard, while upper-floor rooms have wooden balconies.
Neos Alianthos Garden Hotel, Plakias

Across the road from one of Crete’s best beaches, this family-run hotel is the best in Plakias. It has a children’s pool, freshwater pool and pool-bar, a supermarket and restaurant.
Nerantzes Mosque

At the north end of Ethnikis Antistasis is the Nerantzes Mosque, the town’s best preserved Ottoman relic. It is now a music school and concert hall, and its slender, pointed minaret, which has been closed for restoration, is due to reopen in 2003. If it is open, clamber up the winding stairs to the parapet for the best view of the old town, harbour, fortress and mountains to the south of Rethymno.

Jump to top

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