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.

The Blue House, Loutro

Amiable guest house, with balconies overlooking the bay and the slopes of the White Mountains. Particularly handy as an overnight stop on the way to or from Agia Roumeli and the Samaria Gorge.
The Bull from the Sea by Mary Renault

A fictional retelling of the ancient legend of Theseus, Minos and the Minotaur.
The Cretan Journal of Edward Lear

Lear’s illustrated diary of a journey to Crete in 1864.
The Dorians

Dorian Greeks from northern Greece arrived in the 12th century BC, driving the descendants of the Minoans into remote areas.
The Drossoulites of Frangokastello

Phantoms are said to emerge on 17 May every year from the sea mists and ride into the deserted little fortress at Frangokastello (see Frangokastello). They are the ghosts of Chatzimichalis Dalianis (see Chatzimichalis Dalianis) and his men, massacred by the Turks here in 1821.
The Fortetza

From the museum, cross Katehaki to the Fortetza, built in 1573 by the Venetians (see Venetian Fortress (Fortetza) & Venetian and Turkish Castles). This massive for-tress was built in response to the threat of Turkish invasion, but in the end it proved no match for the might of the Ottoman Empire.
The Four Lions, Irakleio

A rooftop café open from early morning until late at night. It offers a panoramic view of the older part of Irakleio as well as cold drinks, snacks, wines, spirits and cocktails.
The Immortal Plane Tree at Gortys

Zeus ravished Europa beneath this huge plane tree near the Roman ruins of Gortys. As a result, the tree is said never to shed its leaves, even in winter.
The Market

Passing through the gate, walk north on Ethnikis Antistasis, which bustles with produce stalls, small open-fronted shops and cafés serving tiny glasses of raki and cups of coffee. This is a great place to buy Cretan herbs, honey or olive oil to take home.

Market flower stall
The Minotaur and the Labyrinth

In the myth of King Minos (one of the sons of Zeus and Europa), his queen Pasiphae bore a child, half bull and half man, after coupling with the sacred bull of Zeus. Minos imprisoned this monster, the Minotaur, in a tortuous maze, the subterranean labyrinth.

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