Out in the dark blue sea there lies a land called Crete, a rich and lovely land, washed by the waves on every side…
The Odyssey
Crete today
Crete is the largest island in Greece and the second biggest (after Cyprus) in the East Mediterranean. It lies in the Southern Aegean Sea and at the crossroads of three continents: Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Crete is Greece’s most famous travel destination, especially among those seeking to experience Greek culture’s traditional side. Offering a unique and diverse landscape, a chance to come close to the local customs, native people with authentic hospitality, and the famous for its taste and health benefits Cretan cuisine, Crete is a “must explore” for the conscious travelers of today.
Crete is an island of contrasts from fertile coastal plains to rugged barren mountains, from mellow stone houses to stark concrete modernity, from bustling capital to sleepy hill villages. Home to around 750,000 people and several million olive trees, the island remains popular with visitors from all over the world.
Extra virgin olive oil, legumes, and vegetables still constitute the base of the local cuisine, as they have for thousands of years, making Cretan cuisine renowned worldwide for its benefits for longevity and good health.
Weather information
The climate in Crete is temperate. The atmosphere can be quite humid, depending on the proximity to the sea. The winter is relatively mild and tolerable. Snowfall is practically unknown to the plains but quite frequent in the mountains. During summer, though, average temperatures are high. The best times for a traveler to visit Crete are spring and autumn.
History and Culture
The island has a long history; however, it is best known for the Minoan civilization, the first great civilization of Europe that flourished from 2600 to 1100 B.C. The island contains many relics of the Minoan era, the most famous being the palaces at Knossos and Phestos.
Although globalization, tourism, and economic growth have inevitably changed the way of life in Crete, especially in the large urban centers, to a modern and cosmopolitan style, the Cretans still preserve the bonds with their rich folk traditions and cultural heritage.
Traditional Cretan songs and dances are still performed at every celebration opportunity. In the countryside, many old Cretan men and women wear traditional costumes, and the Cretan idiom is widely spoken even in large cities.
There is an exceptional artistic production in traditional sectors such as pottery, embroidery, jewelry, etc., and Cretan Music. Arts and literature have always played a significant role in the life of the Cretan people. Famous painters like El Greco and Michael Damaskinos, writers like Nikos Kazantzakis, poets like Vincenzo Kornaros and Odysseas Elytis, composers like Mikis Theodorakis, Manos Hatzidakis and Giannis Markopoulos are Cretans or of Cretan origin.
How to come
Please book your flight to arrive at Chania International Airport (CHQ). You will depart from Chania Airport (CHQ) or Heraklion Airport (HER), please carefully check your itinerary.
Airport pickup from and drop-off at the appointed airport(s) is included in your price.
Semi-Custom Private Experiences
10-Day Private Family Adventure in Crete Greece
10-Day Culture and Gastronomy Experience in Crete Greece
