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.

Scops Owl

The tiny Scops owl, with its grey plumage and bright yellow eyes, is common in Crete. It nests in holes in battered stone walls and roosts on roadside telephone poles or tree stumps. You are most likely to see Scops owls at dusk, but after dark they can often be heard calling to each other – a monotonous, one-note hoot.
Scuba Diving

Although archaeological sites and ancient shipwrecks are off-limits, there are good dives to several wrecks from World War II.
Sea Biscuit Rides

Similarly popular is the “sea biscuit”, a tough inflatable ring for a single rider.
Sfendoni

Crete’s most spectacular cave, crammed with strange rock formations deep beneath the Idi range.
Siganos

The dignified siganos for groups of men and woman is a dance for any festival.
Silva Maris, Limin Chersonisos

The Silva Maris has one of the finest marine spa centres in Greece, with a range of health and beauty treatments. It also has a fine private beach and verdant gardens.
Silversmithing

Silver jewellery and religious objects such as icon frames and crucifixes.
Siteia

Siteia looks surprisingly modern but was founded in the 4th century, when a flourishing Byzantine city stood here. Its fortunes waned after the 14th century, when it was damaged by earthquakes and sacked by corsairs. It was not until the late 19th century that Siteia became an important farming centre, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. It has a picturesque harbour overlooked by a Venetian fortress, a Folk Museum with a collection of traditional costumes (see Siteia Folklore Museum), and an Archaeological Museum (see Siteia Archaeological Museum).

Market, Siteia
Siteia

The nightlife is a good deal less frenzied here than at other resorts along the north coast, but many a pleasant evening can be spent wandering from bar to bar along the waterfront. There are half a dozen good dance clubs (see Siteia).
Siteia

Siteia, once a Byzantine city, was destroyed in the 14th century, then rebuilt by a far-sighted local pasha (Ottoman governor) in the late 19th century (see Siteia). It has a picturesque harbour overlooked by a Venetian fortress, a Folk Museum and an Archaeological Museum. Stop here for coffee, a cold drink or a snack at Zorbas, an old-fashioned café and taverna on the harbour.

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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