Crete - The perfect holiday island
Crete is not only the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean but also the largest in Greece. Located in the very south of the Aegean, with a coastline of 1,060 km, Crete is also known as little Greece with fertile plateaus, historic cities, small, sleepy mountain villages and beautiful beaches. There are also numerous archaeological sites to visit for history fans.
Crete is suitable for almost every type of holiday. Active holidaymaker and individual explorers are in good hands here, as are families with children.
There are great sandy beaches and club facilities, mountain landscapes and wild gorges for hikers. Immerse yourself in the unique culture and way of life of the Cretans. The best way to get to know the island is to rent a car and go on small road trips.
Getting there is quite easy during the holiday season. Almost all large and small airlines fly non-stop to Crete from almost all European cities. Out of season a stopover in Athens or Thessaloniki must be planned. Crete has two airports, one in Heraklion and one in Chania.
With over 300 hours of sunshine a year, Crete is one of the sunniest regions in Europe. The Mediterranean climate prevails, the summers are hot and dry, while the winters are quite mild with lots of precipitation. With an average of 25 degrees, spring on Crete is wonderful for hikers. During this time, the island shows itself from its most beautiful side with the lush green and the flowers blooming in all colors.
The island is divided into four regions: Chania to the west, Rethymno and Heraklion to the north, and Lasithi to the east. The Ida Mountains lie in the heart of the island and stretch from Heraklion to Rethymno. The highest mountain in Crete at 2,456 meters is Psiloritis. Crete is the perfect holiday island as it truly has something to offer for almost everyone.
Our conclusion: It doesn't matter whether you would like to spend your vacation in a hotel complex on the beach, as an individual vacationer with a backpack travelling from place to place or as a nature lover who likes to hike through gorges and mountains.