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.

Ta Leontaria, Irakleio

Beneath the city walls, this old-fashioned patisserie serves Greek coffee, frappé, espresso and cappuccino, ices and creamfilled pastries.
Talos the Bronze Giant

According to myth, Zeus created the bronze giant to defend Crete. It patrolled the coasts, hurling huge boulders to sink vessels that came too close. Talos was finally slain by Jason, with the aid of the sorceress Medea, who pointed out the giant’s only weak spot, a vein near its ankle.
Tamam, Chania

Popular with Chania’s locals as well as holidaymakers, Tamam has a menu that takes in cuisine from right around the shores of the Eastern Mediterranean. Good choice for vegetarians too (see Tamam, Chania).
Tamam, Chania

A wide range of Greek, Levantine and Cretan dishes, with a better choice of non-meat dishes than most of its rivals.
Taverna Auoas, Agios Nikolaos

Handily located close to the Archaeological Museum, this taverna serves a wide variety of well-prepared traditional Cretan dishes.
Taverna Pelagos, Agios Nikolaos

A fine old taverna close to the fishing harbour, noted locally for its seafood. Its courtyard suits summer dining.
Taverna tou Zissi, Rethymno

Zissi looks rather unprepossessing at first, housed in a drab concrete building. But inside, it serves some of the best food around. The charcoal-grilled lamb alone is worth a trip from Rethymno (see Taverna tou Zissi, Rethymno).
Taverna tou Zissi, Rethymno

On the old Irakleio highway, 4km (2 miles) east of Rethymno, Zissi’s charcoal-grilled lamb and chicken are worth the short trip from town.
The Amari Valley & Mt Idi

Old-fashioned villages, empty mountain panoramas and legendladen caves seem like part of a different world, and can easily be explored with a rented car or escorted coach tour (see The Amari Valley and Mt Idi).
The Birth of Zeus

Zeus was the sixth child of the Titan Kronos, who had devoured his other children to prevent them from overthrowing him as he had overthrown his own father, Uranus, ruler of the old gods. Born in the Diktian Cave in Crete, Zeus was hidden by his mother Rhea and raised in the Idaian Cave on Mount Idi. Zeus eventually poisoned Kronos, making him regurgitate his siblings, who overthrew the Titans to become the new gods and goddesses.

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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.
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