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.

Sage

Sage from the Cretan mountains is a favourite medicinal tisane , and is said to cure fever, chills, sore throats and rheumatism.
Samaria Gorge

Passing through the ruggedly beautiful scenery of the Samaria National Park, the Samaria Gorge is Crete’s most popular walk. The track descends steeply at first from the Omalos plateau, then passes through pine woods, wild flower meadows and ruined, deserted villages to emerge on the Libyan Sea at the small village of Agia Roumeli (see Samaria Gorge).
Samaria Gorge

Taking its name from the tiny Venetian church of Santa Maria (close to the now abandoned Samaria village), this is probably the most dramatic stretch of scenery in Crete. The gorge is one of the deepest and longest in Europe, cutting its way through the Lefka Ori from the Omalos Plateau to the Libyan Sea, and narrowing to a width of only a few arm widths at its narrowest point. The gorge is within the Samaria National Park, a refuge for many rare birds, plants and mammals (see Samaria Gorge).
Samaria Gorge

The “White Mountains” of the Sfakia region dominate southwest Crete. This rugged massif, most of which can only be explored on foot, as there are few roads, is cloaked in pine trees and traversed by the lovely Samaria Gorge (see Samaria Gorge).
San Marco and the Loggia

On the southeast side of the square, the former Venetian Cathedral of San Marco, dedicated to Venice’s patron saint, became a mosque and is now an exhibition centre and conference hall. Leave the square by 25 Augoustou and walk past the Loggia. If this Venetian town hall looks suspiciously modern, blame restoration after earthquake and bomb damage.
Santouri

The hammer dulcimer or santouri is another import from Asia Minor into Greece, where it was not widely played until the 1920s, though Alexis Zorbas, hero of Zorba the Greek , claimed playing the santouri among his many talents.
Sant’Antonio

Produced from Kotsifali and Mantilaria grapes in the Peza region of central Crete by Miliarakis Brothers, this deep red wine is barrel-aged for five to six years.
Sardelles

Sardines are often wrapped in vine leaves to seal in flavour and moisture, then grilled. Salted and pickled sardines are often served as meze.
Sauvignon Blanc Boutari

Dry white, ideal with vegetable dishes, cheeses and cold cuts.
Scarce Swallowtail

Europe’s largest butterfly is the dramatically patterned scarce swallowtail, its pale yellow wings marked with dark zebra stripes, and red and blue eye-spots. It’s a strong flyer and may be seen all over Crete in summer.