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.

Bouzouki

The eight-stringed bouzouki is an eastern relative of the guitar and its origins are probably in Asia Minor. Bouzouki music gained popularity in mainland Greece after the exchange of Greek and Turkish populations in the 1920s, but the bouzouki has always been in use in Crete.
Byzantine Collection of Chania

The fine collection of beautiful Cretan icons is the best reason to visit this small museum next to Chania’s harbour fortress. The collection spans 1,000 years of Byzantine history and sheds light on an often ignored chapter in Crete’s complex history.
Byzantine Empire

In the 4th century AD Crete became part of the Byzantine realm.
Byzantine Reconquest

The Byzantine Empire loses Crete to Arab invaders in AD 824. The Emperor Nikiforas Fokas reconquers the island in 961.
Café Antico, Rethymno

A prettily decorated and newly opened café, opposite Rethymno’s Rimondi Fountain and close to some of the best shopping in town.
Café du Lac, Agios Nikolaos

Ices, cocktails, soft drinks, freshly squeezed orange juice and milk shakes. Also has an internet café area where you can pick up your e-mail.
Café Zygos, Agios Nikolaos

Bar with a lake view and garden terrace shaded by greenery – a romantic place to laze away an afternoon or enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail or after-dinner digestif.
Candia Maris, Amudara

This stunning modern hotel combines traditional style and materials (a preponderance of stone and marble, for example) with up-to-date facilities and a beautiful pool. It also has a thalassotherapy spa and a sports centre.
Capsis Beach Hotel, Irakleio

On a private headland, this five-star resort has its own private beaches, a huge pool, a choice of bars and restaurants and even its own zoo with monkeys, peacocks, ostriches and ponies. Ideal for families, with some exclusive villas.
Caravella restaurant

Very good restaurant, many cretan dishes, realy fresh fish and a lot of sea-food dishes.

Also is recomanded by the Rough guide as a top 10 restaurant in Crete.

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