“If you’re unsure which Greek island is best for you – perhaps you’re a group with varying needs – Crete is your best bet. It’s year-round sun makes it an ideal destination no matter the time of year – mountaintops aside, the coolest weather in Crete still comes in at around 12-15ºC, even in the coldest months.” Katie Silcox
The largest of all of the Greek islands, masking greater than 3,000 sq. miles, you’ll discover loads of picture-perfect beaches but additionally historic websites, fairly previous cities, wild canyons, Venetian structure and loads of child-friendly points of interest. This can also be one of many best islands for meals, with fertile plains and year-round solar offering the perfect situations for native agri- and horticulture, just like the wild greens (horta) grown throughout mountainsides, oranges and lemons cultivated within the northwest’s lowlands, and olives and olive oil produced from tip to tip. Must-try Cretan speciality dishes embrace dakos, a rusk salad; kalitsounia, a candy or savoury pie; kleftiko, a slow-cooked lamb; and, like different Greek islands, contemporary seafood. Walk into any native taverna to attempt them or, for one thing extra high-end, go to Elounda the place world eating places are making their mark, together with sushi at Sumosan, Tuscan dishes at Il Borro, and Greek flavours with a contemporary spin at Makris by Domes – the creativity of patron chef Petros Dimas has been recognised at Makris’ Athenian sister the place he was just lately awarded a Michelin star. While right here, it’s value a ship journey out in direction of the close by Spinalonga island, a Venetian fortress-turned-leper-colony honoured in Victoria Hislop’s 2005 novel, The Island.
Crete can also be a improbable island to see by foot. Start in Chania, the place cobbled streets lead to a 700-year-old Venetian Harbour; browse the native markets earlier than taking the 15-or-so-minute stroll out in direction of the lighthouse. Another stroll out to sea awaits within the island’s capital, Heraklion, this time in direction of the two-floored Koules Fortress, one other Venetian masterpiece. Beware the Meltemi winds as you stroll, they’ll whip up the wind in seconds and it’s possible you’ll – like me – end up arriving soaked from head to toe from a rogue wave. From right here, it’s a 20-minute drive in direction of the Palace of Knossos, a remarkably well-preserved Minoan palace relationship again nearly 4,000 years. Once you’re finished with sightseeing and it’s time to flop, head south – a number of the best seashores in Crete are dotted alongside this shoreline, together with Sougia (southwest),Fotia (southeast) and Kommos (central-south).
Where to keep on Crete: