Home to beaches and ancient ruins
As one of Greece’s southernmost islands, Crete is equipped with the ideal beach holiday climate. But that is only one of many Cretan attributes. The island capital of Heraklion and, indeed, the island per se are a treasure trove for history buffs. Crete features beaches to suit every taste. Be it sand or pebbles, calm or lively, for families or good swimmers: this picturesque Greek island has something for everyone.
Besides beautiful beaches, Crete also boasts a wealth of excavation sites, including the famous ruins of Knossos near Heraklion. For those longing for an adventure in their holidays, the Samaría Gorge in the eponymous national park provides a special highlight especially for hiking fans. Spanning a length of nearly 11 miles, the gorge is one of the longest in Europe and can be hiked from one end to the other.